Leading by example is imperative for teaching Kentuckians how to live more sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyles. Inspired by the White House’s commitment to homegrown produce and fueled by a desire to raise “green” awareness, First Lady Jane Beshear joined with leaders from Western Hills High School, Kentucky Proud and Access Food Pantry to develop and grow the first ever Governor's Garden.

The average meal in the United States travels 1,200 miles from the farm to the dinner table. By growing crops in backyards across Kentucky or buying locally grown produce, families can eliminate wasteful burning of fossil fuels and have access to fresher, healthier produce.

Located on the grounds of Berry Hill Mansion, the garden is comprised of three separate plots. Each of these 16-by-24 foot plots represents a model of what can be grown in backyards and public spaces across the Commonwealth. Two sections of the garden are identical summer garden plots prepared by the Western Hills High School agriculture students and FFA members. Playing host to a diverse variety of crops including tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, corn and watermelons, the garden has already produced a significant summer bounty, including ten-inch squash and cucumbers.

The third plot has been recently planted by Kentucky State University students and garden club members from the Frankfort area. These volunteers have pitched in to create a fall garden with plantings that reflect the opportunity to extend until first frost the continuing harvest of the types of produce that are present in the summer garden plots. 

The Governor’s Garden is a part of Mrs. Beshear's larger Green Team initiative, which strives to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental preservation.

The majority of the produce raised in the Governor’s Garden will be donated to Access Soup Kitchen, enabling many who often lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables to have healthy, nutritious meals.

For individuals who want to begin their own home gardens, assistance is available at http://greenteam.ky.gov/garden as part of the Governor’s Garden initiative at cooperative extension service offices, located in every county across the Commonwealth.

A Note from Nikki

Fellow state employees,

I hope you, your family and friends are enjoying the summer.

Since we last connected, the Personnel Cabinet has been continuing to launch new programs, expand our current initiatives, and find innovative ways to deliver quality services to employees. I want to take this opportunity to share some of the services that are or will soon be available for you.

As you know, the Personnel Cabinet and the KHRIS (Kentucky Human Resources Information System) project teams are working to complete activities required for the successful launch of KHRIS. Remaining items include finalizing the code development, continuing to build capability and subject matter expertise, and working toward agency and user readiness. The KHRIS launch date will be determined based on the completion of these and other portions of the overall project plan with the only ultimate goal being a successful implementation for all users.

The 23rd Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Conference was held July 9 in Louisville. This year’s theme was The State of Diversity and Equality, and 24 sessions were presented to attendees.  Congratulations to John J. Johnson, recipient of the Charles W. Anderson Award, and Yvette Smith, for earning the Innovation, Collaboration and Education (ICE) Award.

The first recipients of the Governor’s Ambassador Awards will be named during Kentucky Public Employee Recognition Week, the first full week of October. This award is intended to recognize state employees’ significant contributions to their workplace and community and will highlight stories of those who have had a positive impact on the lives and experiences of their co-workers, customers and community. Awards will be presented in the area of customer service, courage, leadership, professional achievement, teamwork or community service and volunteerism. Nominations are being accepted until August 31. You can nomination a state employee by filling out our online application here.   

Kentucky Public Employees’ Deferred Compensation Authority will provide three Investment/Education Expos again this year. I encourage all of our employees to attend the expo, become familiar with the services that are offered, and make an informed decision that is best for you and your family.

Congratulations to all those on the Journey to Wellness and those who participated in the Step Out Challenge! Watch for the new 12-week weight management program called Weight Wise, the next step on our journey!

One of the newest resources for employees is Money Works, a program designed to enhance understanding of basic money management principles and develop money-management skills. Instructor-led and online workshops are available and cover a vast array of topics including home ownership, investing, retirement, tax information and more.  Visit the Money Works site for more information.

We are proud of the many services available to state government employees. As we work toward our vision of becoming a trusted and valuable resource for you, we will continue to provide opportunities for learning, competitive benefits, a culture of diversity, and initiatives to support your health, wellness and personal and professional growth.

Yours in Service,

Secretary Nikki Jackson

Each recipient of the Governor’s Ambassador Award will receive special recognition during an annual awards ceremony and have an engraved, personalized brick placed outside the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.

To nominate a deserving employee, visit the Governor's Ambassador Award Page. To watch the video, click the image above.

The Kentucky State Police is featuring a 372-horsepower Dodge Challenger R/T in its 2009 Trooper Island raffle. The vehicle has a brilliant black metallic exterior and a dark slate gray cloth interior. It’s powered by a 5.7-liter V8 (Yes...It’s got a HEMI!) MDS VCT engine with a lifetime limited warranty. Other features include dual rear exhaust, a five speed automatic transmission, 20” chrome wheels, a rear spoiler, power sunroof, six disc CD changer and six Boston Acoustics speakers.

Tickets are $10 each and are available from any state police post or by sending a check for $10 per ticket and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Kentucky State Police, Media Relations Branch, 919 Versailles Rd., Frankfort, KY  40601. Checks should be made out to Trooper Island. The winning ticket will be drawn on August 30 at the Ky. State Fair. (Raffle winner is responsible for all tax and license fees.)

Trooper Island is a free summer camp for underprivileged boys and girls age 10-12 operated by the Kentucky State Police on Dale Hollow Lake in Clinton County. It is financed entirely by donations, no public funds are used. Each year, the camp hosts approximately 700 children, providing good food, fresh air, recreation, guidance and structured, esteem-building activities designed to build good citizenship and positive relationships with law enforcement officers.

University of Kentucky Head Football Coach Rich Brooks joined Tpr. Ron Turley, public affairs officer for Kentucky State Police Post 12 in Frankfort, to display a special license plate designed to help raise funds for Trooper Island, a free summer camp for disadvantaged boys and girls age 10-12 operated by the Kentucky State Police on Dale Hollow Lake in Clinton Co. In order for the Transportation Cabinet to make this an official tag for vehicle registration in Kentucky, 900 applications must be received by September 2009. The cost is $28 at the time of application with an additional $16 due at the time of pick up. Applications for the license may be obtained from any state police post or downloaded from the KSP W

Trooper Island is financed entirely by donations, no public funds are used. Each year, the camp hosts approximately 700 children, providing good food, fresh air, recreation, guidance and structured, esteem-building activities designed to build good citizenship and positive relationships with law enforcement officers.

For more information, visit the KSP Web site or call the KSP Media Relations Branch at 502-695-6344.