Turkey thawing, bread crumbs for stuffing drying, pumpkin pie already baked and a last minute grocery list in hand, as I head out the door in preparation for Thanksgiving.  With the large task at hand of baking up a holiday feast it's easy to overlook what we are truely thankful for.  Obviously with all this talk about food, I am thankful to work in Agriculture.  I am thankful for Farmers who daily work hard to produce the food that sits on my table, and for every other person who has a hand in processing, inspecting, delivering and selling that same food.

I have some grant opportunities to share with you today, but before I do I wanted to share with you a song Bing Crosby sang in the musical "Holiday Inn."  This is a favorite musical of mine to watch around the holidays and listening to Bing sing "I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For" with his smooth voice gives me all the more reason to be grateful and extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Agriculture Industry.




Aquatic Education Programs
Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation: National Youth Fishing & Boating Initiative
The mission of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation is to implement an informed national outreach strategy that will increase participation in recreational angling and boating. The Foundation's National Youth Fishing & Boating Initiative is offering grants to youth-focused boating, fishing, and conservation organizations for pilot-to-national or national aquatic education programs that introduce children and their families to boating and fishing. Priority is given to programs that target minorities and underserved communities. The application deadline is December 27, 2010. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the grant guidelines and submit an online application.

The John Burkhart Indiana Award for College Success. The award will provide up to $1 million to a qualified Indiana nonprofit organization working to promote postsecondary student success in Indiana. More Details.


The National Science Teachers Association and Shell Oil Company have launched a new competition for middle and high school teachers that will bring laboratory resources to school districts across the United States. Through the NSTA Shell Science Lab Challenge, schools will compete for up to $93,000 in total prizes.  More Information