Adams County 4-H Newsletter
December, 2021 Issue
In this Issue
- Note from the Extension Office
- Leaders & Parents Corner
- 4-H Council
- Youth Information
- Project Information
- 4-H Calendar
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 12/14/21.
4-H Online has been updated and changed its format. Watch your email for updated enrollment instructions coming soon.
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
After lots of thought and discussion, we (Beth & Julie) decided it was time to set up our own Facebook Page that would allow 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.
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 families lives. Happy New Year! We are anticipating an outstanding 4-H year. January 1st officially starts the 2022 4-H calendar year.
Extension Office Closed
- Christmas - Dec 24
- New Years - Dec 31
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan 17
Enroll Today!
Youth can start enrolling for 2022 4-H by going to https://v2.4honline.com and sign in by using the email address that you used to create your account last year. If you can’t remember your password select the option “I forgot my password.” If brand new to 4-H, go to https://v2.4honline.com and select “I need to set up a profile.” There is an enrollment fee of $5 this can be paid online (credit or debit card) when enrolling or by cash or check to the Adams County Extension Office. The enrollment will not be complete until the Extension Office has received the online enrollment submission and enrollment fee. Step-by-step instructions and the 2021 Pick a Project (please use at this time) for enrolling can be found on our website. If you have any problems or questions, please call Gwen or Twila at 402-461-7209.
- Remember the Early Bird 4-H enrollment deadline date is February 14, 2022. If you take advantage of this enrollment time the 4-H Council is giving as an incentive a free 4-H manual of your choice. This is a great opportunity to have new resources for your projects. We hope that you take some extra time this year and sign up for a project you can do as a family or together with another person. Challenge yourself by switching to a new or more challenging project. Whatever you do, we hope you continue to be part of the Adams County 4-H Program.
Leaders & Parents Corner
Junior Leader News
Junior Leader News
“All Aboard the LeaderSHIP” The Adams County 4-H Junior Leaders next meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. on January 9, 2022. The meeting will be held at the Adams County Extension Office. Anyone is welcome to join the Junior Leader’s Club that is 12 by January 1, 2022, 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” achievement program. Some of the Jr. Leader activities are: pancake feed and food booth at the county fair, 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).
Leader & Volunteer Enrollment
We depend on and use leaders and volunteers throughout the Adams County 4-H program. Every year the Leaders and Volunteers are required to enroll/re-enroll in 4-H Online. Once enrolled for 2022, your status in 4-H Online will be “Pending” until we have verification that you have cleared the Volunteer Screening. Once you have submitted your enrollment, if you are a new volunteer, you will receive an email with instructions on what to expect next as we will submit your name to the State 4-H Office. We need every Leader/Volunteer to complete all the steps if you are planning to continue as a Leader/Volunteer in 2022.
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 proceedures 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 18th, this meeting will be covering enrolling in 4-H and selecting projects, please RSVP the Extension Office at 402-461-7209.
4-H Council
December Agenda:
- Council Nominations
- DIY Party
- Beef Weigh Day
- Fair Discussion
2022 4-H Council Officers
We would like to thank the 2021 4-H Council for their dedication and support to the Adams County 4-H Council. We are happy to announce the 2022 4-H Council Officers. They are
President: Neal Gerloff
Vice President: Heather Mohling
Treasurer: Brian Theesen
Secretary: Russ Hermann
Annual Soup Supper Fundraiser
Mark Your Calendars!
The 4-H Council will be holding their annual fundraiser on January 16, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Please mark your calendars now and plan on attending. 4-H families will be asked to bring desserts to help with this event. The CWF youth will be having their cake auction and basket raffle at this event.
Youth Information
Awards Application for National 4-H Congress
4-H members that are 15 and older may apply, using the state Achievement Application, to be selected to attend the 2022 National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. To view the application, visit the Nebraska 4-H website. Applications are due to the state by January 15. Please contact the office for submission details and questions.
Scholarships
BRAG - Big Red Ag Growers
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 2022, complete and submit the application by Tuesday, January 4, 2022 to the Extension Office.
https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/adams/big-red-ag-growers-brag/
Rural Youth Loans
As you begin looking for your project for next year, you may want to consider an opportunity that is available to you. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency makes operating loans of up to $5,000 to eligible individuals between the ages of 10-20 to finance income producing, agriculture-related projects. The individual must be participating in 4-H, FFA, or a similar organization. The program must be planned and supervised with the assistance of the organization’s supervisor and the individual’s parent or guardian. This assistance will help the individual to produce a sufficient income to repay the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience in agriculture-related skills. The loan funds may be used to purchase livestock, feed, seed, equipment, and supplies for the project. They may also be used to buy, rent, or repair needed tools or equipment. Rural Youth Loans have a maximum loan amount of $5,000 (total principal balance owed at any one time on the loan) and the term can range from one to seven years. After the loan is made the interest rate will not change for the entire term of the loan. A parental signature is required on the application for the loan, but not on the promissory note or the other documents used to secure the loan. You can contact your local County FSA for more information.
Service Opportunity - Register to Ring
The Hastings Salvation Army is in need of volunteers to ring at different locations within Hastings, but specifically are needing people/groups of volunteers for the Walmart North and South doors. If you are able to give an hour (or more), please visit registertoring.com to find a date and time that works.
Project Information
Shooting Sports
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 4th thru Thursday, January 6th during regular business hours. Extended hours will be offered on Wednesday, January 5th 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 2022.
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 24th.
Calendar for Adams County Shooting Sports Activities:
- Shot Gun parents meeting, January 22, Extension Office @ 2:00 PM Shooting Sports
- Starts (Archery, BB Gun, Air Rifle & Air Pistol) – Week of January 24th
- Shotgun Starts – January 29th
- Shooting Sports Celebration – March 27th, Fairgrounds East Activity Building @ 5:00 PM
Family & Consumer Science
Quilts of Valor Sewing Day
Join with Quilters across the nation in sewing for Quilts of Valor on February 19th at the Extension Office. The quilting workshop starts at 9:30 AM thru 11:30 AM, 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
Applications due Jan 10th
Nebraska 4-H is partnering with Omaha Fashion Week during the Spring Showcase held on Wednesday, Feb 23rd. This showcase of top designers will feature 10 to 12 4-H garments selected from across the state. To apply complete the application form at: https://go.unl.edu/ofw2022.
Plant Science
Special Garden Project
The Special Garden Project is a way to offer 4-H members the chance to grow unusual and fun projects in their gardens. The 2022 Special Garden Project is focused on the tasty Rubenza Cosmos. The flowers of the Rubenza are unique, the petals change color as they age. Pollinators and beneficial insects are attracted to the blooms all summer long. These cosmos make great cut flowers. Be sure to enjoy a bouquet of Rubenza indoors. Youth should enroll for the Special Garden Project through 4-H Online.
4-H members enrolled in the Special Garden Project will:
· Receive a “packet” of
· Receive a newsletter about:
o Planting/Growing
o problems & insects
o Harvesting & using
If interested in participating, youth need to be enrolled in 4-H and in the special garden project area, please contact the Extension Office by January 31 so seeds can be ordered for you. Seed packets will be $0.50 each.
Livestock
Livestock Judging Opportunity
PASE - Priemer Animal Science Event
The PASE dates are official, June 22nd & 23rd at UNL, East Campus. Please mark your calendars if you are interested in participating in PASE. Please let Beth (402)461-7209 know if you are interested. Practices will begin soon.
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 2022!
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 29, Extension Office – Making Food for Me; Learn how to correctly measure ingredients to create successful snacks.
February 26, Extension Office – Exploring Science; Details in the next newsletter.
March 26, Extension Office – Watching it Grow; Details in the next newsletter.
April 30, Extension Office – The Great Outdoors; Details in the next newsletter.
Calendar of 4-H Events
December
Dec 2 - Extension Board, Extension Office @ 6:00 PM
Dec 5 - Jr Leaders Meeting, Extension Office @ 5:00 PM
Dec 6 - 4-H Council, Extension Office @ 7:30 PM
Dec 13 - BInterested (FCE) Christmas Greens, Fairgrounds @ 7:00 PM
Dec 14 - Ag Society, Fairgrounds @ 7:30 PM
Dec 24 - Ext Office Closed
Dec 31 - Ext Office Closed
January
Jan 3 - 4-H Council, Extension Office @ 7:30 PM
Jan 4 - 6 - Shooting Sports Registration, Extension Office during reg. business hours, with extended hours on Jan 5th until 7:00PM
Jan 6 - Extension Board, Extension Office @ 6:00 PM
Jan 9 - Jr Leader Meeting, Extension Office @ 5:00 PM
Jan 10 - BInterested (FCE)
Jan 11 - Ag Society, Fairgrounds @ 7:30 PM
Jan 15 - 4-H Council Prep for Soup Supper, Fairgrounds @ TBA
Jan 16 - 4-H Council Soup Supper, Fairgrounds @ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Jan 17 - Ext Office Closed
Jan 18 - 4-H 101, Extension Office @ 6:30 PM
Jan 22 - Shot Gun Parent Meeting, Extension Office @ 2:00 PM
Jan 24-Jan 29 - Shooting Sports Starts
Jan 29 - Clover Kid Fun Saturday, Extension Office @ 9:30 AM
2022 Adams County 4-H Council
Neal Gerloff – Pres.
Heather Mohling – V.Pres.
Russ Hermann – Sec.
Brian Theesen – Tres.
Jamee Bockerman
Michele Burnham
John Copple
Jenny Hartman
Amy Hoagland
Kiley McCoy
Mathew Raney
Will Rathje
Jr. Leader Rep – Mikeyla Samuelson
Youth Reps – Jenna Cercle & 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