Dear 4-H Families:

Happy Valentine's Day! 💖

Today is all about celebrating love, laughter, and the special bonds we share with our loved ones. Whether you're enjoying a cozy family dinner, exchanging sweet treats, or just spending quality time together, we hope your day is filled with joy and warmth.

Now, on a slightly less cheerful note, we have some important news to share...

We’re really sorry to let you know that due to Horicon school district’s decision to close the campus for the weekend and the severe weather forecast we have to cancel tomorrow’s Family Learning Day. We know how much everyone looks forward to these events, and we share in your disappointment.

The good news is that any payments you've made will be transferred to the March Family Learning Day, so you won't miss out if you can join us then. We hope this will give you something to look forward to!

Thank you for your understanding. This is the first time we've ever had to cancel this event, but the school's decision was made with everyone's safety in mind. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you in March.

Terra

Terra Reider
4-H/ Youth Program Assistant
treider@wisc.edu
920-386-3790

If clubs or groups have items to share, send them by noon on Thursday to be included in that week’s issue.  Anything received after 12 p.m. Thursday will be considered for the following week. The articles should be sent to Marie at marie.witzel@wisc.edu.

If you have Secretary's Minutes to share, please send them to the 4-H / Youth Program Assistant, Terra at: treider@wisc.edu by noon on Wednesday to be included in that week's issue. You can also contact the office with any questions. Thanks!

Hat's off to Vicky Fink and Debbie Behl! Thanks for your help and for conversations with leaders in your club this past week. I have approved a number of leaders in both of your clubs in the past couple of days, and know that others are working on training that they need to complete. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Attention youth who are enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate college, university, or technical school for the 2025-2026 school year and working toward a degree: Now is a good time to start working on your scholarship applications for higher education!

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation will award more than $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding Wisconsin 4-H members and alumni pursuing higher education in 2025. Applications must be submitted via mail (not email) this year and postmarked by March 1st.

Scholarship
The Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Committee Scholarship is due March 1, 2025.

Dodge County Calf-Grant Application
The purpose of the Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Dairy Grant Program is to support active Dodge County Dairy Youth (4-H, FFA, junior breed associations) with a grant to expand their dairy project. Grant funds are used to purchase a dairy animal (any breed) to grow the youth’s dairy herd. $500 grants will be available for the 2025 program. The application is due June 1, 2025. 

Next DYAC Meeting
The next Dairy Youth Advisory Committee meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, 7:30 p.m., at the Dodge County Extension Office. All are welcome. Dairy youth can earn points on their dairy-activity cards for attending.

General questions? Contact DYAC via e-mail: dodgecountydyac@gmail.com.

YQCA is excited to announce the 2025 Scholarship Program available to high school seniors and students enrolled in a 2-4 year university or certification program. In order to be considered for this scholarship, you must be a high school senior up to 21 years of age. Applications close February 17, 2025. Please act soon.

The Zoom starts at 6:30 PM. 

Please have the Educational Verification Form printed before the session begins.  You can write down thoughts throughout the session. Complete the form and turn it into your county fair and/or livestock committee to verify your participation.  These activities can serve as “county educational credits/points.”

 Wisconsin Distance Learning

Did you know that Wisconsin Cheesemakers produce over 600 different types, styles and flavors of cheese? Join Dairy Ambassador Brenda Conley on Wednesday, February 26th at 7pm at the Dodge County Administration Building to have some fun and take a look at the process of how cheese is made, learn about the different types of cheese, and taste some of the amazing cheeses produced right here in Wisconsin. We will also be going over the 4-H Dairy Promotion funding and sharing dairy promotion ideas with each other. This session is required if your club is requesting Dairy Promotion funding for this year, with a minimum of one member from each club to attend. This session will also be repeated at the March Family Learning Day on Saturday, March 29th. This session also counts for 1 point on Dairy Project Member Activity Card for the Family Learning Day Session.

Please sign-up via Google Forms by Thursday, February 20th. If you have any questions, contact Brenda Conley 262-224-2559 dodgecountydairy@gmail.com

Registration is now open for this fun and educational virtual series designed just for Cloverbuds!  This 4-week series in April will take Cloverbuds on an adventure of igniting their sparks, becoming innovators in STEM, using their creative problem-solving minds, and hatching their inner Cloverbud hero selves. Hatch the excitement in your Cloverbud and register them today.  Register by March 3rd.  Families can begin picking up their kits on March 11th.  

Questions? Text Ryan Altreuter 262-443-9797

Is your club looking for a fun night out in Madison?  There are opportunities with the Madison Mallards and Night Mares Softball teams. The group outings offer thrilling baseball/softball action, team building, and plenty of fun. With the Night Mares joining the Mallards, there are even more unique options.  Check out the schedule and reach out to Jaden if your group is interested.

Jaden Johnson, Group Account and Events Manager

jaden@mallardsbaseball.com | 608-246-4277

Questions?  Please contact Eva 920-988-6113 or Jessie 920-988-0741

FEBRUARY

17 - Preparing Your Scholarship Applications Zoom Meeting, 6:30 PM

18 - 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 7 PM

25 - Dairy Youth Advisory Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

26 - World of Wisconsin Cheese & Dairy Promotion Funding Night, 7 PM

MARCH

18 - 4-H Leaders Executive Board Meeting

29 - Family Learning Day

31 - Speaking and Demonstration Contest, 6:30 PM

PYD Media Collection Project Resources Follow the link to learn more about the collection and request materials.

4-H Volunteer Trainings Follow the link to learn more and complete your required trainings.

4HOnline  Log in to your account at the Wisconsin 4-H Online Sign in page

Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Website

WI 4-H Policy Updates

An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension
Dodge County 4-H
Extension Dodge County  127 E. Oak Street  Juneau, WI 53039-1329
tel: 920.386.3790    fax: 920.386.3928