Adams County 4-H Newsletter
December, 2022 Issue
In this Issue
- Note from the Extension Office
- Leaders & Parents Corner
- 4-H Council
- Youth Information
- Project Information
- 4-H Calendar
A Note from the Extension Office
Just in case you missed it!
Premium Checks for 4-H members exhibiting at the Adams County Fair or participated in a county event were mailed out in September and need to be cashed by 12/14/22. If corrections need to be made please let us know ASAP. If you were expecting one and did not receive it, please contact the Extension Office.
Communication Tool: Remind App
Adams County 4-H would like to improve our communication and outreach with our 4-H families, volunteers, and partners. Therefore, we invite you to join Adams County 4-H in the Remind App! https://www.remind.com/join/adamsco4h Join today and be caught up on everything happening. Already have the Remind App? Look up for the Class Code: @adamsco4h
Checkout the Facebook Page
Follow our 4-H Facebook Page that allows us to focus on 4-H content focused for our 4-H families. You may review it at: https://www.facebook.com/AdamsCo4H
We still have the UNL Extension in Adams County Facebook page for all the Adams County Extension information.
Extension Office Closed
- December 23rd - 26th - Christmas Holiday, reopening on Dec 27th.
- January 2nd - New Year Observed
- January 16th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Thank-You!
A special thank you goes out to everyone for another great year. It is always great to see the amount of quality education that is promoted here in Adams County by the volunteer leaders and 4-H members. I know you don’t hear it enough, but we truly appreciate you greatly and you do make positive differences in the 4-H family's lives. Happy New Year! We are anticipating an outstanding 4-H year. January 1st officially starts the 2023 4-H calendar year.
Leaders & Parents Corner
Junior Leader News
As we start the upcoming year the current Jr. Leaders world like to ask you to consider joining us. The next meeting will be held at 5:00 pm on January 8th at the Adams County Extension Office. Anyone is welcome to join the Junior Leader’s Club that is 13 by January 1, 2023, or older. You must be an active member of the Adams County 4-H program by being a member of an organized 4-H club or an Independent member. Junior Leaders do a lot of fun, learning and leadership activities, this year the focus will be on the “new” pilot program for Wish of a Lifetime partnering with elderly adults. Some of the activities the club does are pancake feed and food booth at the county fair, helping with Kick off, along with helping members and younger 4-H’ers with 4-H projects and being positive role model for younger 4-H’ers. Bring a friend and make new friends. Also, you are eligible to earn a scholarship. If you have any questions, please contact Julie at the Adams County Extension Office (402-461-7209).
4-H Leader and Volunteer Enrollment
We depend on and use 4-H leaders and volunteers throughout the Adams County 4-H program.
Thank you for being an Active volunteer in 2022. We would love to have you continue to be a leader in 2023!
Nebraska State 4-H requires all the Volunteers and 4-H Leaders have an “Active” status in 4-H Online every year. They have requested that volunteers complete this process by March 15, 2023 for the current 4-H year. We would appreciate it if you could complete it sooner.
Complete instructions can be found at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/adams/Volunteer_Re-Enrollment_Instructions_4H_Online_2023.pdf
Club Resources
Needing some ideas for your 4-H Club? There are a ton of resources on our State 4-H page to assist you. Please check out the links below. Topics covered but not limited are:
· Club Leader Resources— https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders
· Meeting and Officer Resources—https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders#officer
· Club Activities and Projects—https://4h.unl.edu/resources/club-leaders#teaching
Clubs Need YOU!
We are looking for a few adults that are willing to start one or two new clubs to Adams County 4-H Program. Our program is growing with new members wanting a 4-H Club to call home. If you are willing to serve in this capacity, please reach out. Watch for new 4-H Club opportunities in 2023 to get the traditional 4-H Club experience.
4-H 101
Are you new to the 4-H program and need some extra guidance? This group will navigate you through your first or second year of 4-H, you will be instructed on deadlines, projects and exhibits, guided on proper 4-H procedures all while having a great time. This special interest group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Extension Office. Mark your calendar for the first meeting on January 17th, this meeting will be covering enrolling in 4-H and selecting projects, please RSVP the Extension Office at 402-461-7209 by January 13th.
Save the dates for 2023 Adams County Fair July 19 - 23
4-H Council
November Happenings:
- Enrollment (Kick-Off) & Achievement Celebration
- Scholarships
- Livestock Committee Recommendations
- Static Committee Recommendations
December Happenings:
- Nominations
- Soup Supper
- 2023 Calendar
- Shooting Sports Update / Plan for 2023
- January 2023 Council Date – Moved to January 9th
2023 4-H Council Officers
We would like to thank the 2022 4-H Council for their dedication and support to the Adams County 4-H Council. We are happy to announce the 2023 4-H Council Officers. They are
President: Michelle Burnham
Vice President: Heather Mohling
Treasurer: Kiley McCoy
Secretary: Jamee Bockerman
Executive Board: Will Rathje & John Scheideler
Annual 4-H Soup Supper Fundraiser
Mark Your Calendars!
The 4-H Council will be holding their annual fundraiser on January 15, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars now and plan on attending.
Youth Information
4-H Enrollment is now open for 2023
Get a start on a great 4-H year and beat the last-minute scramble by re-enrolling for the 2023 4-H year at https://v2.4honline.com. If Adams County is your primary County, you have the options of paying the $5.00 enrollment online with a credit card or you can pay via check or cash in our office.
If Adams County is your 2nd County, you must pay Adams County 4-H enrollment fee directly (cash or check only) to our office. Remember that once your enrollment is complete and approved you can still go back in and add additional projects until June 15th. Your early enrollment makes you eligible for Adams County’s Early Bird incentives.
Brag
Attention all 12 to 15 year olds who are interested in learning more about Nebraska agriculture. This is for youth in Adams County to 1) learn more about modern agriculture production practices, 2) develop communication skills allowing them to confidently advocate for production agriculture, 3) recognize the diversity of Nebraska agriculture, and 4) given the opportunity to tour a wide variety of operations and gain knowledge from producers across the state. To apply to be part of the Adams/Webster BRAG Class in 2023, complete and submit the application by Wednesday, January 4, 2023 to the Extension Office. The application may be found below. Class size will be limited and open to any youth in Adams/Webster counties involved in 4-H, FFA, or interested in agriculture. Application available at: Big Red Ag Growers - "BRAG" | Nebraska Extension (unl.edu)
Citizenship Washington Focus Trip
The leadership for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is changing from Julie to Beth beginning with the 2025 CWF Experience. We are holding a Mandatory Commitment or Recommitment Meeting on Sunday, January 15th starting at 2:30 pm at the Adams County Fairgrounds for those interested in 2025 CWF and 2028 CWF. This meeting will provide an overview of what to expect for the experience, fundraising opportunities, and open Q/A time. Beth is asking for an RSVP of the parent/guardian attending the meeting by Friday, January 13th at noon to the Adams County Extension office by calling at 402.461.7209 or emailing Beth at ejanning2@unl.edu. The 4-H member may attend with the parent. The 4-H member must be between the ages of 14 and 18 at the time of their experience.
If ready to commit – the CWF Raffle Basket fundraiser during the Adams County 4-H Soup Supper happening between 5 pm to 7 pm on the same day. Youth may register one Basket to be raffled. Please sign-up by contacting Twila at the Adams County Extension Office.
Awards Application for National 4-H Congress
The Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application (https://4h.unl.edu/achievement-application) is a standard application form used for the selection of state award winners, including Nebraska delegates to National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference, as well as Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarship award recipients. Only Senior Achievement Applications are accepted for state-level awards and recognition. 4-H members ages 15-18 as of December 31 of the current year are eligible to participate in the state-level awards application process regardless of the delivery mode in which they participated. Please note, the deadline date is January 5, 2023.
Scholarships
Be sure to check out the scholarships focused on 4-H! For local scholarships, visit - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/adams/scholarships/ For Statewide 4-H Scholarships visit https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/scholarships/
Project Information
Shooting Sports
Adams County 4-H Shooting Sports Participants - you also received premiums, please cash your check by December 14, 2022.
Needing Instructors!
Adams County Shooting Sports Program is in need of Instructors for next year! If you are interested please contact Julie at the Adams County Extension Office.
Shooting Sports Kick-Off
Are you interested in Archery, Firearms (BB Gun, Air Rifle & Air Pistol) and Shotgun or 22 Rifle? The 2022 Shooting Sports Kick-Off will be held at the Extension Office Tuesday, January 3rd thru Thursday, January 5th during regular business hours. Extended hours will be offered on Wednesday, January 4th we will be open from 8:00 AM through 7:00 PM. All past and new 4-H participants that want to participate in the Adams County 4-H Shooting Sports program must currently be enrolled in 4-H Online and then need to stop by the Adams County Extension Office during this time frame and sign up & pay for your discipline and class time. Class numbers are limited. Each discipline will be charged a fee of $20 to participate in these 8 week classes. Again this year Archery fees - will be an additional $24.00 Facility fee in 2023. Shotgun fees will be the $20 as the other disciplines are charged and at each session you will be expected to pay a $5 fee per round shot. Shooting Sports classes will be starting the week of January 23rd.
Calendar for Adams County Shooting Sports Activities
- Shot Gun parents meeting (Manatory), January 22, Extension Office @ 3:00 PM
- Starts (Archery, BB Gun, Air Rifle & Air Pistol) – Week of January 23rd
- Shotgun Starts – January 28th
- Shooting Sports Celebration – March 26th, Fairgrounds East Activity Building @ 5:00 PM
Family & Consumer Science
Quilts of Valor
Join with Quilters across the nation in sewing for Quilts of Valor on February 11th at the Extension Office. The quilting workshop starts at 1:30 PM thru 3:30 PM, come and sew with Julie anytime during this time frame. There is no charge for this workshop the quilts made during this time will be a group effort and will be exhibited at the fair, then donated to the National QOV Foundation. Please RSVP at 402-461-7209 to sew with Julie.
Omaha Fashion Week 4-H Collection
Nebraska 4-H is seeking applications for the Omaha Fashion Week 4-H Collection. Selected applicants will model their garments during the Omaha Fashion Week Student Night on Wednesday, February 22. Applications are due by Tuesday, January 2. For more details and to apply, visit 4h.unl.edu/ofw.
Floriculture, Horticulture & Plant Science
Special Garden Project
The 2023 Special Garden Project will focus on Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil. This herb can be used multiple ways. Lemon basil has a unique lemon flavor can be added to any recipe or used as a cut flower in arrangements to add scent and interest.
Get Started:
- Enroll for the "PS: Horticulture (D) - Special Garden Project" through 4-H Online.
- Contact the Adams County Extension Office and let them know how many seed packets you need. If you do not contact your local Extension Office, seeds might not be available for you. Seed packets will be 50 cents per package.
- Pick seeds up from your local county Extension office when the county tells you the seeds are available which should be around March or April.
By enrolling through 4-H Online, youth will have access to the shared folder with the educational materials including the growing newsletter & evaluation.
Livestock
Letter to 4-H Horse Participants - NO DISTRICT HORSE SHOWS
Hello 4-H Horse Families,
We’ve learned over the past few years how important developing programming to meet your needs in an ever-changing environment is to our mission of providing 4-H Horse Program youth with learning opportunities. With the changing needs and desires for the program, we are updating our events to better meet the current interests of youth. One of the things we consistently hear is the need for more hands-on learning, especially through workshops and clinics.
To meet that need, we are excited to offer a series of clinics during the summer of 2023 that will be led by Carla Wennberg, Western Collegiate Equestrian Team Coach from St. Andrews University. Carla brings a wealth of experience leading clinics and is a certified horse show judge for several associations across the country. Details on sites and dates will be forthcoming!
Additionally, we have spent time reviewing the intent and outcomes of District 4-H Horse Shows. The intent of these shows was for youth to qualify for the State 4-H Horse Show. Throughout the years, the number of exhibitors who qualify has increased dramatically to a point where 80-90% of exhibitors qualify. These percentages, along with declining numbers indicate these District Shows are no longer serving the intent and instead causing an extra burden for families of exhibitors who want to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. Hence, beginning in 2023, participation in a District 4-H Horse Show will not be required to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. This is also similar to the process used by other state livestock events (i.e., State Fair, AKSARBEN, etc.) and will allow more youth the opportunity to experience the State 4-H Horse Show. As safety is always our most important concern, being able to provide more opportunities for learning through workshops and clinics will allow youth to increase their skills and further develop with their project horse(s) in preparation for the State 4-H Horse Show.
Please let us know if there are any questions and thanks to the 4-H Horse Advisory Committee for their input into the process. Be on the lookout for equine related clinics across the state with nationally known Carla Wennberg from St. Andrews University in June 2023!
Lena Luck, Equine Extension Specialist
Grace Kim, Extension Horse Assistant
Clover Kids
What is Clover Kids?
The 4-H Clover Kid program is designed to provide 5 to 7 year olds with a variety of educational and recreational experiences in a non-competitive environment. The program fosters the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional and physical maturation of young children. Clover Kids may participate in activities led by an adult that will help them:
· Explore different interests
· Build self-confidence
· Practice communication skills
· Get along and share with others
· Be a part of a group
· Explore science with simple experiments
· Strengthen motor skills through arts and crafts
· Make friends
Announcing Clover Kid Saturday Fun 2023!
Join Julie on Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. for some fun while learning! You must pre-register a week prior to each session by calling the Extension Office at 402-461-7209. Each workshop session is $8.00 to attend. Workshops are as follows and will feature:
January 7, Extension Office – Making Food for Me; Learn how to correctly measure ingredients to create successful snacks.
February 11, Extension Office – Watch for details
March 4, Extension Office – Watch for details
April 1, Extension Office – Watch for details
May 6, Extension Office - Watch for details
Calendar of 4-H Events
December
Dec 1 Extension Board, Extension Office @ 7:00 PM
Dec 4 Jr. Leaders, Extension Office @ 5:00 PM
Dec 5 4-H Council, Extension Office @ 7:30 PM
Dec 13 Ag Society, Fairgrounds @ 7:30 PM
Dec 23-26 Ext Closed – Christmas Holiday observed
January
Jan 2 Extension Office Closed – New Year’s observed
Jan 3 - 5 Shooting Sports Registration, Extension Office during reg. business hours, with extended hours on Jan 4th until 7:00 PM
Jan 5 Extension Board, Extension Office @ 6:00 PM
Jan 7 Clover Kid Fun Saturday, Extension Office @ 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Jan 8 Jr Leader Meeting, Extension Office @ 5:00 PM
Jan 9 4-H Council, Extension Office @ 7:00 PM
Jan 10 Ag Society, Fairgrounds @ 7:30 PM
Jan 14 4-H Council Prep for Soup Supper, Fairgrounds @ TBA
Jan 15 4-H Council Soup Supper, Fairgrounds @ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Jan 16 Extension Office Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day observed
Jan 16 BInterested (FCE) (Adults), Extension Office @ 7:00 PM
Jan 17 4-H 101, Extension Office @ 6:30 PM
Jan 22 Mandatory Shotgun Parent Meeting, Extension Office @ 3:00 PM
Jan 23 - 28 Shooting Sports Classes Start
2022 Adams County 4-H Council
Neal Gerloff – Pres.
Heather Mohling – V.Pres.
Russ Hermann – Sec.
Brian Theesen – Tres.
Jamee Bockerman
Michele Burnham
Tamara Cecrle
John Copple
Jenny Hartman
Amy Hoagland
Kiley McCoy
Mathew Raney
Will Rathje
John Scheideler
Jr. Leader Rep – Mikeyla Samuelson
Youth Reps – Jenna Cecrle & Wyatt Russell
Chamber of Commerce Rep – Bob Herbek & Bekah Martin
Ag Society Rep – Patrick Niles
Please take time to THANK these above individuals for their
hard work and dedication to the Adams County 4-H Program!!!
Adams County 4-H Staff
Elizabeth "Beth" Janning
Julie Ochsner
Nebraska Extension Adams County Staff
Ronald C. “Ron” Seymour, Ph.D. ron.seymour@unl.edu
Lynn DeVries – lynn.devries@unl.edu
Elizabeth “Beth” Janning – elizabeth.janning@unl.edu
Julie Ochsner – julie.ochsner@unl.edu
Gwen Rodocker – gwen.rodocker@unl.edu
Twila Bankson – twila.bankson@unl.edu
Alise Verhage – alise.verhage@unl.edu
Angie Katzberg – akatzberg8@unl.edu
Pat Evans – pat.evans@unl.edu
Nebraska Extension in Adams County
Email: adams-county@unl.edu
Website: adams.unl.edu
Location: 2975 South Baltimore Avenue, Hastings, NE, USA
Phone: 402-461-7209