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Jefferson County
4-H April 2021
Volume IV, Issue 4
4-H Family Newsletter
Inside this Issue:
General News……………………………..….2
Project News……………..…………………..3
Leader News…………………………………..7
Older Member News………………………8
Club News………………………………………8
Other Opportunities……………………….8
4-H Communication…………….….……..9
COVID Community Service……………..9
Directory………………………………………10
_________________________
Jefferson County Extension Office
Open Monday – Friday:
8:00am - 4:30pm (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
920-674-7295 _________________________
Kara Loyd
4-H Program Educator [email protected]
920-728-2612
Kim Buchholz Administrative Specialist
[email protected] 920-674-7297
Katelyn Broedlow Administrative Assistant
[email protected] 920-674-7440
EXTENSION OFFICE UPDATE The Extension office remains closed to the public. However, Kim or Katelyn are usually in the office during the week Monday-Thursday. If you need to drop something off or pick something up, please call (920) 674-7295.
The gray mailbox pictured below on the left is located at the back of our parking lot. It is available for dropping items off at the Extension Office 24/7.
The white drop box with the bright pink sign on it is put outside by our front door ONLY when Kim or Katelyn are in the office.
Items can be dropped in either place—mailboxes are checked regularly throughout the day when staff are in the office.
Countywide Activities
• April– Jefferson County Humane Society April is National Volunteer Month! Since it is a little tricky to volunteer in person, we’d love to shower the Jefferson County Humane Society with donations! You can find their wish list here. Note that the most needed items are in bold. Please drop the items off at the Extension Office (directions about how to do that above!) by April 30th so we can donate from Jefferson County 4-H in one big drop off!
• May– Where In Jefferson County is Chris Clover– Member Addition We had such an amazing response to the Where is Chris Clover challenge in December (winner announcement coming soon!) that we’d like to do it again in May– but with a twist! Chris needs 4-H member recommendations on where to go in Jefferson County. Here’s how the contest will work…
1. If you have a great location that needs to be featured in the contest, send an email through Kara at [email protected] and tell us about it! Why should it be featured? What does Chris Clover need to know about that location? 2. We’ll turn your suggestions into a Facebook post with a riddle and have everyone guess the location AND shout-out the family or 4-H’er who suggested the location. Send us your suggestions anytime before April 19th!
• 4-H GRADUATING SENIORS– We want to highlight your accomplishments on our
Facebook page in May! Please send a picture, and a short paragraph with your high school accomplishments, 4-H activities, and what’s next in your future! You can email this information to any Extension staff. We look forward to sharing more about our 4-H Seniors!
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 2
GENERAL NEWS
Speech and Poster Contest Jefferson County 4-H WILL be hosting an in-person speech and poster contest on April 27, 2021. You can find the guidelines for the contest here on the Extension website. Speech Contest– There is NO theme for the speech contest this year. 4-H’ers can write a speech around a 4-H project, a hobby outside of 4-H, their family tree, something they love, really anything! The possibilities are endless! Poster Contest– The poster contest does have a theme– 4-H Promotion! 4-H’ers have the opportunity to show off their artistic abilities and promote the 4-H program at the same time. Register here! Posters are due to the Extension Office by the evening of the Speech Contest (April 27th) or before. They will be judged after the speech contest and kept for a few months to promote our program around the county. There will be a GIFT for everyone who signs up to do a speech or turns in a poster!
Virtual Learning Community
The Virtual Learning Community is up and running and there are several statewide, virtual programs for 4-H’ers and volunteers to participate in! There’s more information, including how to register, what the Virtual Learning Community is all about, the full calendar listing and MORE at the website here. If you have questions, reach out to Kara ([email protected]). Happy learning! Below are the programs that are currently listed for registration (keep in mind that programs are being added all the time!): Wildlife & Woods Virtual Series Registration Ongoing These Wildlife & Woods Sessions and the corresponding planning meetings will provide a virtual opportunity for 4-H youth and adults to connect and exchange valuable wildlife and forestry knowledge as well as develop life skills, access new opportunities and career connections. Each monthly session will have a stand-alone theme such as Winter Wonderland: Non-hibernators and conifers, A Tropical Trip to Florida, Song Birds & Fruit Trees, or Big Game & Mountain Trees. Will be held the fourth Wednesday of each month, the next one is on 3-24-2021 at 7:00pm. Virtual Fitness Club Have fun learning about endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in our beginner-level fitness program. Free series open to 3-6th graders, Tuesdays at 6:30pm on April 6, April 20, May 4, and May 18 Learning to Breathe Virtual Series Feeling stressed and overwhelmed?! Juggling too much with school, community, and family pressures? We have just the thing for you…our first Virtual Learning Community Learning
to BREATHE Series. Learning to BREATHE is a mindfulness curriculum providing tools and resources for young leaders to focus on their present-moment experiences. This Virtual Learning Community series for youth 9-12 grades will help participants focus on the present with compassion and openness. The six-week series, Mondays from March 15-April 19, will focus on attention and emotion regulation, cultivate wholesome emotions like gratitude and compassion, expand stress management skills, and help integrate mindfulness into daily life. Fun with Forensic Science Zoom Series Youth 6 - grade 13 (not just 4-Hers) are invited to join us on Zoom for a 5-part series on Thursdays at 6pm beginning April 8 and running through May 6 as we learn about Forensics Science. Steph Diepenbrock, Controlled Substances Analyst at the Wisconsin State Crime Lab in Wausau and Lincoln County 4-H Volunteer, will be leading this Zoom. Each session will begin with general information about the topic, then proceed to some hands-on activities, and end with Question and Answers. Family Meals– Parent/Caregiver Education– Eat a Rainbow Do you want to add more colorful fruits or veggies to your family meals? A lesson designed to give parents simple tips for adding a delicious rainbow to meals. Learn creative and fun ways to involve your family! April 6 from 6:30-7:00pm, registration closes April 5, limited to 15 participants. Teen Eats Virtual Series *Through a series of six lessons, participants will experiment with dishes from across the globe including meals from breakfast to dessert. *This cooking class series is focused on developing a variety of culinary skills while teaching basic principles of food science and nutrition. *Students will also gain comfort with reading and preparing recipes. *This class is intended for high school students and young adults who will eventually be responsible for preparing their own meals. *Classes will be held via Zoom for 1 hour for 6 consecutive Thursdays (April 8-May 13). 1-1.5 hours of post-class recipe preparation time will be necessary (completed) prior to the next class. Registration Closes April 6. That’s Not What I Meant! Virtual Series Come learn from Emily and Megan how to have hard conversations. Everyone gets nervous sometimes, leaving a conversation wishing we would have said or done things differently. Let’s learn more about ourselves and boost our emotional intelligence so we feel more confident in our abilities. This is geared to youth in grades 6-9, but anyone older can join. In fact, we’ll have some opportunities for youth to invite their loved ones, too. Registration closes April 18, maximum 50 participants, minimum 20. “I Wish You All The Best” Book Group This is a Virtual Learning Community book group where we will be discussing I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver! This series is open to teens, families, and adults. Topics covered in this book include friendships, depression, acceptance, pronoun use, bullying, love, gender nonconformity, and family dynamics. The book group will have four sessions starting in June.
PROJECT NEWS
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 3
Information for specific projects is listed in this section. If you need help with a project not listed please call the EXT Office at 920-674-7295. Projects are listed in alphabetical order. If you want
to lead a countywide project please contact the Extension Office for more information. (Click here for online 4-H calendar)
Cat Project Through the cat project you will learn how to select a cat, identify cat breeds, name the parts of a cat, handle and groom a cat, care for its health, and create a budget.
Clothing Project Project members have the chance to learn how to sew different projects, how to select different patterns, and how to use different sewing tool and techniques. Please reach out to Kimberly Kreger, the clothing project leader with any questions at (920) 723-1191.
Cloverbud Project This project is for the members in grades 5K through second grade. It allows them to learn about the 4-H project, try new things, and work on developing different skills when working with others. The theme of the April Cloverbud box is on Plants and Natural Sciences. Thank you to all who are participating! Your boxes will be delivered during the first part of April. We will meet on April 28th at 6:30 p.m. to talk about all the activities! The theme of the next Cloverbud Box is Agriculture. Watch your emails for the sign up!
Dairy Project The dairy project is a fun way to learn about the management and care of dairy cattle. Project members will learn the various dairy breeds and anatomy of dairy cattle; as well as selecting desirable traits and how to fit and show a calf. 2021 Jefferson County Dairy Youth Grant The Jefferson County Dairy Youth Committee is offering two Dairy Youth Grants to individuals in 4-H/FFA for the amount of $250.00 to be used for the 2021 project year. This is open to all dairy youth in Jefferson County. One grant will be for dairy youths in grades 4-8 and the other in grades 9-13. These funds are to be used for investments in the youth’s dairy project (calf, supplies, housing, equipment, etc.). Applicants may fill out this application and forward it to the UWEX Office (hard copy or emailed). Due date is April 9, 2021. Recipients will receive half of the grant money by May 1st. To claim grant money in full, recipients will need to write a thank you to the dairy committee with a picture of youth with/using the purchased item along with a receipt of the expense. Find the 2021 Jefferson County Dairy Youth Grant Application Here!
If you have any questions about the Dairy Project, please contact Bill Uecker at (920)285-9125.
Dog Project Project members should make sure they are a member of the “Jefferson County 4H Dog Project” Facebook page for updates and training videos coming soon! For information and questions regarding the Dog Project, please contact Kate Anderson at (920) 723-3614.
Foods Project Learn how to eat and cook simple foods. Learn the basics of cooking as well as techniques to make you a better cook. Understand how to change recipes and find reduced fat content recipes. If you have any questions regarding the food project, reach out to Monica Gerner (920) 723-2663 or Robyn Ksicinski (920) 988-8916.
Goat Project Project members can enroll in either dairy goats or meat goats. Generally, through the goat project members will learn various breeds of goats, anatomy of goats, and general management practices. -Dairy Goats: Project members will learn how to select dairy goats and about the milking procedure in dairy goats. -Meat Goats: Project members will learn how to select meat goats and learn the carcass value of meat goats. If you have questions about the goat project, contact Stephanie Schadt at (920) 285-8489.
Horse & Pony Project The JCHP met virtually on March 16 for the Countywide Project meeting. There were many positive pieces of good news that were shared. We have eight key highlights to share with you this month: 1. During the March JCHP meeting, we introduced Hailey Besch as the JCHP Covid Champion Ambassador. The position has been modified slightly this year because of COVID restrictions, but we’re super excited to have Hailey represent and promote JCHP and support and encourage our members for the remainder of 2021! Congratulations Hailey! 2. Extension has new group guidance that begins April 1. This will allow JCHP opportunities to host Monday Night Lessons (MNL) and likely other meetings face-to-face. We’ll continue to follow the safety guidelines of wearing masks and maintaining distance for safety.
• We are targeting April 12th to start MNL (Watch your
emails for more info!)
• We will have opportunities for those who CAN bring horses to Fair Park and those who CAN’T, so please come even if you don’t have a horse to ride.
3. JCHP is beginning to plan for the biggest and best Tack Sale during January 2022! 4. Our Memorial Day Open Show will now be a JCHP-ONLY. Fun Show - details to follow! 5. Submit your creative ideas as part of the JCHP T-SHIRT contest for members. Please submit all design ideas and color suggestions to [email protected] BEFORE our April 20th Countywide meeting and we will vote on them! 6. A lot of things are still uncertain about County Fair, but JCHP is aiming to be able to show our horses. There are some things you do know about and need to start preparing
• Horses need to have Coggins and vaccines done by May 1st.
• Horses need to have Horse Health Form and Horse ID Form filled in and turned into Fair Park by third Friday in May.
• You can identify up to 5 horses for County Fair. You can only bring one of those 5 horses to Fair.
• To be eligible to show at County Fair with 4-H, you must be in 4-H Horse and Pony and have turned all your paperwork in. There is no eligibility card for County Fair.
• However, if you are in 6th grade or above and if you win a blue ribbon in a premium class at County Fair, you may go on to show at 4-H State Horse Expo (if there is one) or Gymkhana in September for either of these two events there IS an eligibility requirement. Eligibility Card. Print off this form and start filling it in as you go. We can confirm attendance and signatures later. Just start keeping track of things now.
• For Horse Expo, you must show the horse you won the blue ribbon in, but at Gymkhana you can show any of the up-to-5 horses you ID’d for County Fair.
7. The next Countywide JCHP Meeting will be hosted at 7pm on April 20th. More details about the format/location will be announced prior to the meeting.
8. Remember, if you have any questions or suggestions,
please drop us an email at: [email protected]
Lego Project The next LEGO Project Meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. Watch your email for updates! Please email Emilie at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Llama & Alpaca Project ONE BIG CHANGE! The Llovely Llamas and Alpacas 4-H Club is moving into a ‘Project’ and will no longer be a CLUB.
• This means that those of you (only a few) that were our CLUB members must contact and select another Club to
join so you can continue in the 4-H program.
• This year was just too much of a challenge to hold a club together, we just don’t have enough kids.
• Michele and I will try to offer the Llama and Alpaca’s as a Project in 2021 – time will tell if we are able to get together to make this a meaningful project for you.
Not much will change for many of you. For those who were members of the Llovely Llamas and Alpacas 4-H Club, please look into the Extension Jefferson County website to find a club that you are able to join. We will keep you posted as always and hopefully in 2021 we can all get back on the farm and practice with our Wooly friends. Contact Barb Parsons with questions or if interested in more information. [email protected]
Meat Animal Project Project Agreements
• Swine & Sheep Member Agreements - Due May 3rd!
• All project agreement forms will be submitted electronically through Seamless Docs. Please complete this form as soon as possible so that we can make sure you are receiving all project updates. MAP Member Agreement
Point Cards
• Do not wait to get your points this year! There are many virtual opportunities that have already occurred and are occurring in the next few months.
• Point cards are on website.
• Print off your point card from the website. • Keep track of your points by recording the date and name of
the meeting/event you attend. • Signatures will be provided by the Extension Office from
attendance records for virtual meetings that you attend when you turn in your point card. If questions, ask!
• If you would like a printed copy of the point card, contact the Extension Office to set up a time to pick one up.
• Carcass Point - every member will be required to obtain a carcass point (except 13
th grade).
• The committee does NOT anticipate lowering the required points.
• Point Cards - due May 28 by 4 p.m. to Extension Office Additional (Added) Point Card Opportunities
3-5 Minute Project Video (1 point): Submit a 3-5 minute video of you talking about your animal project. You can film this video with or without your animal. Send your video to the Extension Office. Here are some prompts to help you get started…
• Introduce yourself. Include your name, grade/age, 4-H Club or FFA Chapter Name and the project your video is about
• Explain your daily routine with your animal.
• How do you care for your animal?
• What goals do you have for this project year?
PROJECT NEWS
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 4
• Talk about where you got your animal from.
• What do you enjoy about being in the beef project?
• What have you learned about the beef project in the past?
WYLP– Animal Science Educational Programs (Virtual):
• December 3, 2020 – Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building Tour
• January 14, 2021 – Roaming the Rumen
• February 11, 2021 – Feeding & Caring for Swine without Ractopamine
• March 11, 2021 – Lamb Live & Carcass Evaluation
• April 8, 2021 – Artificial Intelligence in Animal Science
• May 13, 2021 – Meat Science Cookery To register for WYLP programs,
• Go to this link for further details.
• How do you record your participation?
• Complete a Virtual Educational Verification Form for each session you attend.
• Staple your form(s) to your point card.
• MAP Committee will review your forms and award points Project Workbook Lessons: Youth complete a level for 1 point; maximum of 2 points may be earned. Lessons should be completed according to grade. Level 1 is for grades 3-5. Level 2 is for grades 6-8. Level 3 is for grades 9-12. Youth may complete any specie (beef, sheep or swine). How do you complete?
• Go to this link and print off the specie workbook level of interest.
• Complete the workbook.
• Staple the workbook (papers) to your point card.
• MAP Committee will review your workbook(s) and award points.
Carcass Point– Required
• All youth in the MAP project (excluding 13th year members) are required to obtain (1) carcass educational point.
• The LAST opportunity is April 13 at 6 p.m. • The Committee does not anticipate offering additional
opportunities.
YQCA (Youth for Quality Care of Animals) • All members must complete this annual online training to
sell in the 2021 Youth Dairy and Livestock Auction. • Please go to the website for further instruction for
completing YQCA online. • YQCA certificates are due to the Extension Office by May 28
at 4 p.m. MAP Data Log
• The Extension Office maintains a project data log for items that are turned into our office.
• PLEASE make sure to review this regularly to make sure all your information is correct and up to date. Also, please provide us enough time to get this updated at a deadline!
• If you see a mistake or are questioning something, please reach out to the Extension Office at 920-674-7295.
• You may find the MAP Data Log through this link.
Buyer Cards – New for this year!
• Each youth will be required to turn in 2 buyer cards.
• Buyer cards are due by May 28 at 4 p.m.
• You can find a printable and electronic versions on the website.
Project Learning Day The MAP Committee is holding an in-person, Project Learning Day on Saturday, April 17th from 9-11am at the Jefferson County Fair Park sheep and beef barns. You must sign up to attend this event! Registration will be out soon. There are four sessions you can attend, sheep, swine, beef, and a special carcass presentation. You can choose up to two sessions. The first session will begin at 9 am and the second at 9:50 am. Social distancing and masks will be required. Please bring your own lawn chair or folding chair if you would like a place to sit during the presentations. Again, if you are not signed up ahead of time, you will not be permitted to attend. There will be more information about where exactly to park and go for each session. Upcoming Dates: • April 13 - Meats Judging Mtg (Carcass Point) – 6 pm
• April 13 - Committee Meeting - 7 pm
• April 17 - Project Learning Day • May 3 - Sheep & Swine MAP Project Agreements and
DNA Due to Extension Office by 4 p.m. • May 11 - Record Book Training - 6 p.m. • May 11– Committee Meeting - 7 p.m. • May 18—Jeopardy Game Night • May 28 - Point cards, YQCA certificates and Buyer cards
due to Extension by 4 p.m. Natural Sciences Project Natural Science Projects include Beekeeping, Birds, Insects, Fishing, Forestry, Wildflowers, Hunting & Wildlife, Adventures, and Environmental projects.
March Activities were about Spring Changes. What activities did you do about the weather, the season, animal life or plant life? Is it correct to say that March is a windy month? What is your answer? What is something about weather and the changes to spring that you will remember?
• Did you start planning for spring arrivals? Did you choose to build a bird house? Which bird or birds will your nest boxes be for?
Each nest box needs to be the correct size for the bird
Have the correct size entrance hole
Be able to be cleaned
Check How To Build Your Birdhouses
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 5
PROJECT NEWS
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 6
Audubon Society for good information and directions on several birdhouses.
• Are you planning to help pollinators? How will you do that?
By using native plants in planning and planting a garden or prairie
Create a nesting box/shelter for Bees
Find Nests for Native Bees at www.xerces.org go to home page, select publication library, search for – Nests for Native Bees (also includes care information)
G4001 Supporting native bees: Our essential pollinators is a good resource
• Enjoy Butterflies and Moths. Learn about the life cycles and what plants they need at different life stages. Do butterflies really rest in butterfly houses?
• There are a variety of insects that also serve as pollinators. Create a listing of them. How many can you name that you have seen in the pollen (center) of a flower?
• Make/create a water source – a bird bath, water tray, water fountain, or a pond. All wildlife needs water. Search for simple ways you can set out water
• Think of other small wildlife like toads, frogs, salamanders, and spiders that can also be helpful in gardens. Leave a stack/pile of branches, sticks or stems for them.
• Another wildlife friend are bats. Find out how many kinds of bats live in Wisconsin. Build a bat house and invite a family in to eat the mosquitoes that bite you. Here are two resources to help you.
• Building a Bat House
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Endangered Resources
Wisconsin Bat Monitoring Program
Find information about bats and Bat House Plans under the Resources
• Other Activities you can start planning and doing are fishing hiking, biking or camping. All of these are listed as adventures you can enjoy and share with others.
Let’s enjoy spring watching for all the wildlife arriving around us as the plants and trees begin to put out new growth. Questions and comments are always welcome about all Natural Science projects. Sharon Schweitzer, [email protected] or text/call 920-650-7110.
Photography Project
Project members will learn proper use of cameras, lighting techniques, and how to shoot photos that tell a story. You will also have the chance to life photos and portraits.
Plants & Soil Sciences Project Plant and Soils Projects include the project areas Crops, Vegetables, Flowers, House plants and Plant Crafts. Spring is Here! Yet some days, winter weather still challenges our garden planning and planting. In the March Newsletter was this list of steps to keep us focused on planning and preparing to plant. How many of these steps did you work on? Let’s take another look at them and adjust and refine plans.
• Review plant/seeds selections and plans – Are they Wisconsin hearty?
• Note the Guides below for planting our gardens in Wisconsin. Update plans and check list of accomplishment
• Keep reviewing/choosing what is possible to grow. List and Gather materials on hand or needed – Are your garden tools ready to use? Do you need help in working/preparing a planting space? Make your own starter pots by recycling or wash up (sterilize) saved pots.
• Washing/sterilizing saved pots helps prevent diseases.
• Find / Print /Review Guides and Resources
A1653 Planting Guide
A1989 The Vegetable Garden
A3383 Mulches for Home Gardens and Plantings
A3382 Containers These are Guides you can download and print (or save in you computer gardening documents file). They are available from the Learning Store (learningstore.uwex.edu).
• Start seeds --Did you check guide A1653 for good planting times to start certain seeds inside? Check out University of Wisconsin Garden Facts XHT1124 (Damping-Off). Damping-Off is a common disease that can prevent seed-starting success.
• Make 2021 Garden Map/plan –Look at the Guide A3384-Specialized Gardening Techniques: Wide -Row Planting, Square Foot Gardening and Raised Beds. It may give you help in developing this years garden plan. It is also at the Learning Store.
Remember the importance of plant rotation of our garden vegetables. The University of Wisconsin Garden Facts XHT1210 Using Crop Rotation in the Home Vegetable Garden has helpful information.
• Now that you have reviewed and/or made revisions to our ongoing planning list, Consider the soil in your planting spaces. What type of soil is it? Maybe it’s clay, sandy, or a loam. You can check it out by doing a simple test.
1. Fill a quart jar about two-thirds full with water. 2. Take a soil sample, after removing the top inch of
soil, dig out enough soil to fill about half the jar. 3. Add more water to fill jar and seal tightly. Shake
it vigorously. 4. Place the jar somewhere and leave it for 24hrs.
Checking it now and then to see changes. 5. After 24 hrs you should see different layers of
soil at the bottom of the jar. Gravity causes the different sized soil particles to separate. The bottom layer is sand, next up it is silt, and the top layer is clay with clay-loam.
The type of soil will make a difference in how plants grow. Each soil type retains water and nutrients differently.
• Will you be planting vegetables in the same space as last year? Did they all grow well? Do you add compost or fertilizers? What nutrients or minerals are needed by the plants you plan to grow?
• Search for more information on soil types. Or consider doing or having a soil test done. Talk to local nurseries or the UW Extension Office about soil tests.
• Another seed starting project you may find helpful is making seed tapes. They can make planting tiny seeds,
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 7
like carrots, easier. You can use black and white newspaper or paper towels with a flour-water paste.
1. Cut paper strips 1 inch or so wide and as long as you choose.
2. Make a medium paste with water and flour. 3. Use an art brush or a bottle to put the paste down
the middle of the paper strip. 4. Place/press seeds unto the paste spacing them
according to the seed package directions or planting guide.
5. Place in a warm, dry place for paste to dry. 6. When dry, plant according to seed directions or
store in an airtight plastic bag for latter planting. You could even give them as a gift tied with a ribbon and hand written planting directions.
7. You can also search for other ways to create seed tapes.
• Keep a watch on houseplants at this time of year. White flies and aphids can appear quickly. Don’t over water your plants and give them space. Review Houseplant Care. The University of Wisconsin Garden Facts sheet XHT1033. It has the information to help keep houseplants looking good and how to take care of some pest problems.
• Look Ahead --Check the Natural Science April Activities for inviting Pollinators, Bats, Birds and other creatures to enjoy your gardens while helping you.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions are always welcome. Sharon Schweitzer, 920-650-7110 text or email [email protected]
Poultry Project Youth can enroll in poultry, poultry market and poultry nonanimal. -Poultry is for youth exploring non-market birds such as ducks, bantams, geese, or turkeys. -Poultry Market is for youth exploring market birds such as chickens, ducks, geese, or turkeys. -Poultry Non-Animal is designed to learn about poultry science or egg production without owning the animal. For questions or information regarding the Poultry Project, please contact EXT Office 920-674-7295.
Rabbit Project Project members will learn about selecting and handling rabbits, identify rabbit breeds and body parts, as well as explore health issues and feed.
Rocketry Project The Rocketry Project will be meeting on Zoom for the next few months as we get ready for warmer weather (launch season). Now is the time to learn how to do rocketry safely and to build good rockets. When it is warmer, we will begin to have outdoor meetings, including launches. There is no fee to join, beyond joining 4H. With the COVID complications this year, intent to join, when possible, is good enough. New members welcome of all ages and skill levels. At this time, we supply most materials via door drop. Curious? Come join us Saturdays at 3pm on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93856967189?
pwd=ZGtNcXdNaU1MR3cva2crRzFXcVpOdz09 Meeting ID: 938 5696 7189 Passcode: 960598 On April 10th, from 1-5 pm, the Rocketry Project will be holding a rocket launch for all 4H members and families in the Jefferson County Fairgrounds North Parking Lot. Bring your rockets! Perfect for first-timers. Experienced project members will be happy to teach and talk rockets with your child, or your parents, at this event. Rocketry is fun for all ages. Refill motors, sizes A-E, will be available for sale to non-Project Members. We buy in bulk and charge little over replacement cost, but you are welcome to bring your own commercially made motors as well. Families will be expected to view in or near their vehicles during the launch in their designated viewing area per COVID guidelines. Only 4H Members and their immediate families may participate. There is no rain date at the present time. Please register if you are interested in attending. For further information or to register, contact: Rob Thomas at 608-772-0102 or [email protected]
Shooting Sports Outdoor Shooting Sports has been approved to begin on Sunday, April 11th! You should be receiving emails from leader, David Saxby with more information on the requirements, restrictions, and guidelines. If you aren’t receiving emails, please reach out to David at [email protected] Also if any one hasn't done so already join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1308499112843798/
Small Animal Sale Committee For questions or more information about the Small Animal Sale, please contact Ryan Degner, Committee Chair at [email protected].
LEADER NEWS
Leader’s Board Meeting The next Leader’s Board meeting will be held on Thursday, April 15th, 2021. The link and connection information will be sent with the agenda closer to the date.
Leader’s Association Meeting The next Leaders Association meeting will be held on Thursday, May 20th at 6:30 pm. We highly encourage at least ONE Certified Leader from each club to attend these meetings. All leaders (certified volunteers) are highly encouraged and welcome to attend! Parents and youth are also welcome!
Volunteer-In-Preparation Training If you are hoping to become a volunteer with the Jefferson County 4-H program, you are required to go through the Volunteers-In-Preparation (or VIP) training. There will be trainings offered on May 17th at 6:30-8:30 pm. Register here!
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 8
Countywide Project Leadership Needed There are many projects that are offered by the Jefferson County 4-H Program - 70 to be exact! Please refer to Page 12 to see which projects have Countywide Leaders. All other projects do not. If you are interested in becoming a Countywide Project Leader, there are many opportunities that exist. If you are interested, please contact the EXT Office for more details. Thank you in advance for your consideration!
OLDER MEMBERS
Junior Leaders All youth in grades 7-12 are welcome to join the Junior Leaders! Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 25th at 7 p.m. Bring your ideas from your assigned time period, as well as ideas for activities and services projects for the group to do! Questions? Contact Alyssa Jaquith at [email protected].
2021 Key Award The Wisconsin 4-H Key Award Program recognizes a select group of 4-H participants who’ve demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied leadership skills, and actively participated in the functions of their 4-H club and community. Selection of Key Award recipients is based on an evaluation of the candidate’s total 4-H record. To be eligible, candidates must be in 9th grade or above and must have completed at least three years of 4-H and one year of youth leadership. If you are interested in this award, please contact the Extension Office for further details.
CLUB NEWS
Farmington All Stars The Farmington All-Stars 4-H Club met March 2 on Zoom.
In old business, the club reviewed the ongoing drive to benefit the Fort Atkinson Homeless Coalition. The drive will continue through March 31, with donations to be dropped off inside the vestibule at the Johnson Creek Veterinary Clinic.
In new business, the club decided to set a roadside trash clean-up activity for next month, with the date to be set by the club leader after she gets permission from the county.
Club members decided to combine the roadside cleanup with the next meeting, if possible. If not, the regular April meeting will take place April 6 on Zoom.
After the official meeting ended, club President Laura Traver led a fun 4-H Kahoot activity involving 4-H history, trivia and other miscellaneous knowledge.
Michael Wilson, Reporter
Jefferson County Boosters The Jefferson Boosters 4-H club met March,14 virtually. Joey Ebel gave a demonstration on filleting a fish. In old business the club participated in a snowman competition. Also, the downtown planters green material was cleaned out.
In new business the club is working to get the planters and bulbs ready for spring/summer in downtown Jefferson. After the meeting we had a guest speaker, Craig Ficenec. He answered our Earth healthy questions on climate change, water, solar panels, and biodegradable items. At the end of the presentation, Ellie Ebel presented the craft. The club planted herbs in biodegradable pots and colored the pots with crayons.
Ellie Ebel, Reporter Rock River Clovers
The Rock River Clovers met via Zoom on Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. We started off with a roll call “What is something you’re looking forward to this spring?” Speeches were given by Mason Burke and Trace Hadler. In old business, we discussed the pizza/pie sale, Valentines cards and the food drive. In new business, we discussed our clover buds project, our photography contest, Earth Day activities, the county speech and poster contest, the Jefferson County Humane Society Donation Drive and we ended off our meeting with a jeopardy game!
Olivia Jennrich, Reporter
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Meat Science Programs The Wisconsin Youth Livestock Program (WYLP), in connection with the University of Wisconsin Madison Animal & Dairy Sciences Department, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Division of Extension, are excited to offer these LIVE Virtual Zoom educational programs for the winter/spring of 2020-2021. These current topics are for youth and adults alike and occur on the 2
nd Thursday of the month from
January through May. Each session begins at 7 p.m. CST with a presentation followed by Q&A. You must register in order to receive the connecting information through email. For more detailed information of each presentation and to register for any or all of the events, please go to: https://go.wisc.edu/r3x8lh. On this webpage you can also complete an educational verification form and turn it into your county fair and or livestock committee to verify your participation. These activities can serve as “county educational requirements”.
• April 8 - Artificial Intelligence in Animal Sciences using sensors and cameras
• May 13 - Meat Science Cookery For more information visit https://go.wisc.edu/r3x8lh or contact Bernie O’Rourke, UW- Madison Extension Youth Livestock Specialist at (608) 263-4304 or [email protected].
Alice in Dairyland Virtual Farm Tour While schools are closed and millions of kids learn virtually at home, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) share a unique opportunity for kids to visit a farm without leaving the house. The two groups joined forces to create and launch a virtual farm tour of Scientific Holsteins in
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, hosted by Julia Nunes, Wisconsin’s 73rd Alice in Dairyland. The virtual farm tour is geared toward grades 3-5 with an emphasis on fourth grade and is available for download at WisconsinDairy.org/Farm-Tour.
LGBTQ+ Book Discussion We want teens and adults to join us for the Virtual Learning Community book group where we will be discussing “I Wish You All the Best” by Mason Deaver! Books will be supplied to those who would like to read and own the hardback. Topics covered in this YA (Young Adult) novel include: the importance of friendships, the way key adults can support youth in times of crisis, gender non-conformity/fluidity, family relationships, bullying, anxiety/depression, the joy of art, and how having one true friend can make all the difference. Ben, the main character, is appealing and you really root for them as they face all the usual teen difficulties with the added layer of coming to terms with their gender. Our hope is that this book will help our community get an inside view of a teen’s life in a world that can be non-accepting, so that we can create a kinder world for all our youth. Registration opens April 1 and closes May 1. It is currently limited to the first 40 registrants. Use 4HOnline to register. A short follow up survey will help us know if a book is needed. Please note: non-4-H adults and teens can register for the event without joining 4-H, but they will need to create a profile in 4HOnline. We hope you will help your community do this if they wish to join the reading circle this summer! Remember, participants can have a free hardback book delivered right to their door at no cost! DATES: (Tuesdays) June 15th, 22nd, 29th, July 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Session 1: Welcome, group norms, safe space/brave space
• Session 2: First half of the book discussion
• Session 3: Second half of the book discussion
• Session 4: Reflections and takeaways
Physical Activity Resources for Youth BOKS currently offers 6 different at-home or in classroom resources to help kids, teens, young adults, and seniors stay active. Visit our DOWNLOADS page to download each resource for free! Or check out the complete list of resources and what’s included in each pdf on our blog here.
4-H COMMUNICATIONS
4-H Family Newsletter The 4-H Family Newsletter is a source of information for families to learn about opportunities, activities, workshops, deadlines and other information about Jefferson County 4-H. Leaders and members may submit articles. The newsletter is assembled and distributed through the EXT Office. The newsletter also serves as the essential source of information for
Jefferson County Fair, Meat Animal Project Committee (MAP) and other important project and activities. If you are hosting a project meeting, activity or event that the entire county would benefit from, please be sure to submit your article to the EXT Office by the 15th of each month. This includes any project meeting dates, community service or fundraisers that might be relevant to members outside your club. This is an easy way to help grow your programs and events. Spread the word! Please note the EXT Office may edit submissions based on newsletter space.
Weekly Clover Connection The Clover Connection is sent via email through 4honline each week usually on Mondays. The Clover Connection includes important information for the upcoming week. Please watch your email each week for important news and changes.
Facebook Search ‘Jefferson County 4-H’ and look for the EXT logo to find our county Facebook page for additional communication about countywide activities. Clubs are welcome to post on this page to share or promote their club activities.
4-H Calendar For up to date information on what is happening in 4-H, check
out the 4-H Calendar. Dates are being added, changed, or cancelled all the time. Watch the calendar for updates!
COVID-19 COMMUNITY SERVICE If you find yourself itching to help or would like to give back to your community, below are a couple of opportunities to serve.
2nd Annual WI 4-H Statewide Service Learning Project
Plarn Mats Project
What is plarn? It’s “plastic yarn.” Youth cut plastic shopping bags into loops. They knot those loops together to make plastic yarn. One youth or volunteer crochets the plarn into a mat. Reusing plastic bags helps the environment. Donated mats support individuals who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Who can be part of the project? Everyone. From Kindergarten to adulthood, anyone can help. There are five project steps. Youth can help collect and sort bags, cut plastic loops, knot plarn together. They can even crochet the plarn into a mat. Youth leaders play an important role in identifying where to donate plarn or mats, leading discussions, and organizing the project. What will the youth learn? Youth learn about homelessness through the project, going beyond stereotypes we see on television. The Explore More section encourages youth to do research and get involved. Then, they can share what they learn with others. Information and resources are included to support youth participants who know someone or are experiencing homelessness themselves. How do I find out more? Visit the 4-H website
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 9
Jefferson County 4-H Family Newsletter : March 2021 Page 10
4-H PROGRAM DIRECTORY
Name Club Phone
Alyssa Jaquith, President Stone School 920-723-9039
Cindy Jaquith, Past President Stone School 920-723-9517
Jessica Pfeifer, President-Elect Stable Stompers 920-285-0513
Dustin Winkelman, Secretary Ixonia Victory 920-253-6836
Warren Stendel, Treasurer Sullivan Stars 262-949-6935
Tracy Brandel, Director South Side Eagles 920-285-0083
Kimberly Kreger, Director Ideal Clever Clovers 920-723-1191
Ashley Schlender, Director Hubbleton Hustlers 920-253-6329
Shannon Streich, Director South Side Eagles 608-219-2097
Susie Schuld, Director Twin Rivers 920-988-8166
Emilie Shoop, Director Jefferson Boosters 309-473-3083
Elizabeth Katzman, Youth Member Stone School
Leader’s Association Board
Project Name Phone
Cats
Clothing Kimberly Kreger 920-723-1191
Dairy Bill Uecker 920-285-9125
Dogs Kate Anderson 920-723-3614
Foods Monica Gerner 920-723-2663
Goats Stephanie Schadt 920-285-8079
Horse & Pony Kate Osborn [email protected]
Junior Leaders Alyssa Jaquith 920-723-9039
Lego Emilie Shoop 309-473-3083
Llama & Alpaca Barb Parsons 414-333-3720
Meat Animal Project Justin Thom 262-490-1313
Plant & Natural Sciences Sharon Schweitzer 920-650-7110
Photography Angela Mitchell 920-541-7696
Poultry
Rabbits Sue Wilpolt 608-669-3406
Rocketry Rob Thomas 920-563-2065
Shooting Sports David Saxby [email protected]
Small Animal Sale Ryan Degner 920-988-4586
Countywide Project Leaders
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
JEFFERSON, WI
PERMIT NO. 7
Extension Jefferson County
864 Collins Road
Jefferson, WI 53549-1976
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
“An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX an ADA requirements.
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed. Please make such requests
as early as possible by contacting the Jefferson County Office at 920-674-7295 so proper arrangements can be made.”
864 Collins Road
Jefferson, WI 53549
Phone: 920-674-7295
Fax: 920-674-7200
jefferson.uwex.edu
UW-Madison, Division of Extension
Jefferson County
Open Monday – Friday:
8:00am - 4:30pm (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
Kara Loyd, 4-H Program Educator
Katelyn Broedlow, Administrative Assistant
Kim Buchholz, Administrative Specialist
Steve Chmielewski, Community Educator
Lisa Krolow, FoodWIse Program Coordinator
Michelle Scarpace, Natural Resource Educator
Chrissy Wen, Area Extension Director
(Jefferson, Rock, Walworth)
Extension Jefferson County Staff
