K-State Research and Extension

Peter Rinn
Board Chair

Why did you get involved in extension services?  

I had recently returned to Lawrence after being away for 30 years and, when Marlin Bates asked me to become involved with Extension Services, I found it was a great opportunity to engage with the life of the community. However, Marlin had conveniently failed to tell me that I would quickly become seduced by the work of an incredible organization. And, as the old cliché says, the rest is history.

What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board? 

I was surprised by the scope of involvement that the Extension Service has with our community: A short and non-inclusive list - 4H, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, LiveWell, Youth Futures, Master Gardeners, CORE Collaborative, Farm Tour, Farmers Markets, Emergency Response Services, Incubator Farm, Food Policy Council. And so much more!

What other community activities are you passionate about? 

I am a founding member of CORE (Connections, Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs). CORE is a grassroots economic development collaboration focused on empowering entrepreneurs and energizing a vibrant and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Douglas County with an emphasis on inclusion and diversity.  

I am also passionate about the arts and am a supporter of Theatre Lawrence.

Autumn Bishop
Board Vice-Chair

Why did you get involved in extension services?

I didn't know much about extension before my former colleagues Heather Krase-Minnick and Linda Koester-Vogelsang shared my name with the nominating committee. It sounded like a great opportunity to get involved with the larger Douglas County community.

What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board?

Learning about the breadth and depth of ways Extension works in the community has been eye-opening. Before I joined, I thought Extension was only involved in things like 4-H and the Douglas County Fair. There's so much more than I ever knew.

What other community activities are you passionate about?

Living with the pandemic has been rough, especially with my role on the communications team at LMH Health. I love to take in a show at Theatre Lawrence and spend time walking & running on the Lawrence Loop.

Why did you get involved in extension services?  

 I got involved with Extension through my work with the Eudora Giving Garden. The Executive Director, multiple agents, and Master Gardeners made themselves available for strategic planning, advice, and volunteer work. I continue to be impressed with their efforts to help our small community garden.

What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board? 

What has surprised me the most is how much I’ve learned about the vast array of programs and services Extension offers. The staff and leadership are incredible and I am grateful to be a part of the team!

What other community activities are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about health & wellness, community organizing & resource navigation, and witnessing & supporting small acts of kindness that create a ripple effect throughout our community and beyond. Deeply grateful to live and work in our wonderful community!

Stephen Kalb
Board Member

Ginny Barnard
Board Member

Cindy Hornberger
Board Member

Why did you get involved in Extension services?  

I became a Master Gardener in 2017. Two years ago I was asked by the Horticulture Agent, Tom Buller, if I would consider joining Extension Council as a Agriculture/Natural Resources/Horticulture PDC member. 

What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board? 

I am amazed by the depth and breadth of high quality services offered by Extension to everyone in our community.

What other community activities are you passionate about? 

As I mentioned, I am very active in the Extension Master Gardener program. I have served on many health organization boards, am active in fiber art groups, and love our Farmers' Markets.

Charlie Bryan
Family & Consumer Sciences PDC Executive Board Member

Why did you get involved in Extension services?  

I saw service on the Douglas County Extension Council as a great opportunity to expand my understanding of Extension services, to do good for neighbors in need, and to make a positive impact in the community.

What has surprised you the most about being on the Extension Board? 

There have been a few notable surprises for me: that Kansas law stipulates that members of the Extension Council are elected officials; that Extension programming relies on large-scale involvement of community volunteers; and that the executive board has the responsibility of hiring County Extension Agents.

What other community activities are you passionate about? 

With two middle school aged daughters, I care deeply about community activities that promote healthy youth development. I serve as a co-leader for two Girl Scout troops, and I am on the board of directors for Dads of Douglas County, a nonprofit committed to encouraging fathers to be more engaged and actively involved in their children’s lives.