Dear LIA alumni,
 
We have been busy corresponding with several LIA alumni in regard to the plans for the 2019 Washington, D.C., Experience to be held May 11-17. We have a confirmation date deadline for hotel rooms and we need to know if we have any other LIA alumni joining us.
 
We do have some financial assistance available if that helps to prompt anyone to pursue this opportunity. You will need to call before Friday of this week. Here is how the money breaks down:
 

1. You are responsible for your own plane ticket - Kendra can assist you in booking your flight if you desire.
2. You have a responsibility for $1500, which includes your hotel room, most meals, transportation in D.C., and admissions. (That is where we have some financial assistance.)
3. You may have $200 in out-of-pocket expenses (based upon what past participants have said - not including souvenirs).

 
Give me a call today if you want more information at 208-888-0988 or shoot me an email at rick@amgidaho.com.
 
This is the experience of a lifetime.
 
Rick Waitley
Executive Director

Congratulations to Avery Robertson, Class 39, and his wife, Melissa, on the birth of their son, Colter Ray, on Saturday, March 16. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20 ¼" long. Sympathy is also extended to Avery in the passing of his grandfather the Monday after Colter was born. It was a blessing that Grandpa Dennis was able to meet his first grandchild.
 
Jason Downs, Class 37, and his wife, Tara, welcomed twins, Gracie Rose and Wesley William, on March 26 at 2:02 and 2:06 PM. Both weighed the same amount - 5lbs. 13 oz. They will be joining their big brother, Hayden.
 
Sympathy is extended to Stephen Parrott, Class 39, on the passing of his grandfather, Gary Grindstaff. Gary was a former commissioner for Twin Falls County.
 
Sympathy is also extended to Joel Wasem, Class 38, whose grandfather, Harold Wasem of Grangeville, passed away after 95 years of engagement in agriculture and in his community.
 
Our sympathy goes out to Kali Sherrill, Class 27, on the loss of her mother, Grace Kay Van Leeuwen of Kimberly. Kali said her mom spent most of her life baking cookies, giving advice and loving on kids.
 
Kim Korn, Class 14, and her husband, Richard, who operate Korn's Dairy in Terreton, were recently named Dairy Farmers of America Members of Distinction. DFA recognizes dairy farmers who excel at their operations, in their communities and in their service to the dairy industry. Kim has been a member of the Idaho Dairy Products Commission for a number of years. The operation includes 90 head of Holstein and Brown Swiss animals.
 
Don Morishita, Class 11, will retire at the end of April after nearly 30 years of working with associates to provide the information that growers need on crop production. Don began his career as a weed scientist and, most recently, has been the superintendent of the University of Idaho R and E Center in Kimberly.
 
Ron Abramovich, Class 28, will retire later this spring from his position with the USDA-NRCS. Ron is frequently referred to as, "Mr. Snow", since he is a regular voice and face in public media reporting on snow and moisture conditions for Idaho.
 
David Mosman, Class 12, and Cathy Mosman, Class 4, were pretty proud parents as their son, Ray Mosman, was chosen by Senator Dan Johnson, Class 14, to sit in his seat at the Idaho Legislature while Senator Johnson had shoulder surgery. Ray is a graduate of the University of Idaho and operates the family's farm in Nezperce.
 
Sign up now for the 3rd Annual LIA Golf Scramble! The tournament will be held earlier this year than it was last year - on June 7 - with a shotgun start at 9:00 AM. We will be playing at Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls. Registration is open for teams and individuals (we will put you in a great group!) at www.leadershipidahoag.org/golf or by printing this form. Several levels of sponsorship opportunities are available by filling out the form or contacting Kendra Dustin, LIA Development Director, at kendra@amgidaho.com.
 
Idaho Ag in the Classroom workshops will be held in three locations: Pocatello (June 5-6); Nampa (June 10-11) and Lewiston (June 13-14). I hope you will help us to spread the word by encouraging the teachers of children in your family to attend. Workshops are open to teachers grades K-12 and are worth one graduate credit. If you need brochures to share with your teacher, please call Lisa at 208-888-0988.
 
Membership dues for 2018-2019 are approaching the deadline. Some alumni work to maintain a perfect membership record following their graduation. If you have not paid your dues for this year, you have until June 30 to do so. Annual dues are $50 and can be paid online or mailed directly to the office, or you can pay by credit card by calling Patty at 208-888-0988.
 
Congratulations to Scott Jensen, Class 21, who was recently presented with the University of Idaho Excellence in Extension award. Scott is an Owyhee County Extension educator. Sarah Baker, Class 34, also received a "Ten Years of Service" award at the State Extension Conference. Sarah serves as a Custer County Extension educator.
 
Important Upcoming Dates
 
May 12-17       Washington, D.C., Experience '19 (sign up now)
 
June 7             LIA Golf Scramble - Canyon Springs Golf Course, Twin Falls
 
June 30           Final day for 2018-2019 payment of LIA annual dues
 
Aug. 1              Deadline for applications for LIA Class 40
 
Sept. 6             Selection of Class 40 participants
 
Nov. 4-7           Moscow Session
 
Dec. 2-5           Pocatello Session
 
Jan. 6-9           Twin Falls Session
 
Feb. 23-28       Boise Session
 
Feb. 27            Gala Dinner and Auction