> Spirit of Alaska Women tells the history of Alaska through the adventures of members of the Alaska Association for Family and Community Education. This readable collection covers homesteading, the Good Friday earthquake, encounters with moose, bears and more. The association grew out of homemaker clubs organized by Extension in the 1930s — and is dedicated to strengthening individuals, families and communities. Read more about the association. Copies of its new book are available for $16 plus shipping. Buy the book from members or order by mail.  

> Extension will host a Rhodiola Growers School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 5 at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer. The school is free for members of the Alaska Rhodiola Growers Cooperative or is $35 for nonmembers. The school will cover the fundamentals of growing Rhodiola, a high-value medicinal herb. Participants will gain hands-on experience by planting a public demonstration plot. Register online. For more information, contact Steve Brown at 745-3639 or by e-mail.

> For the third time in four years, an Alaska 4-H leader has been named the 4-H National Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year — one of two national awards given to 4-H leaders. Becky Osimowicz of Fairbanks was chosen from four regional winners for the award, which 4-H presents to one volunteer with less than 10 years of service. Osimowicz is co-leader of the Amour de Cheval 4-H Club, which focuses on raising and showing horses. She will receive the award in Orlando, Fla., this fall. Previous winners of this prestigious award include two other Fairbanks leaders, Priscilla Rice and Nancy Graff.

> Read about how Alaska 4-H'ers gain global perspectives through exchange programs  to Mongolia, Japan and other destinations in Extension's 2011 Program Highlights. Find out more about our work around the state, our local foods outreach, classroom programs and GPS/GIS training in rural Alaska.

> For past announcements please visit our home page news archive.