January 2025

(published January 14, 2025)

All 4-H Club and Countywide Project Leaders, 4-H Event/Activity Chairpersons or Organizers: Contribute to the articles posted monthly by completing a short form and uploading your article or photos using link: https://forms.gle/xwa8JP9c49qDMAHq5

NOTE: Articles for the current monthly newsletter, must be submitting by 2 pm. on the Monday before. Newsletter is published on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Any photos submitted with youth, must be identified for photo release.

As we kick off a new year, I’m excited to continue to meet more of you and share the amazing opportunities coming up in Ozaukee County 4-H in 2025!

One of the big exciting changes coming is to our summer camp! New this year, we will be camping at Upham Woods in July! Planning is already underway, and I will be collaborating with volunteers, leaders, and other counties to ensure this camp offers something special for everyone. From selecting engaging educational workshops to coordinating outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing, every detail is being carefully crafted to create an enriching experience for all of our campers.

Stay tuned for updates as we finalize our applications for youth camp counselors, registration details and program highlights. In the meantime, if you’re interested in being part of the planning process or volunteering at camp, please let me know—I’d love to have your input and support!

Here's to a year of growth, connection, and opportunities in Ozaukee County 4-H!

- Thanks, Abi, 4-H Educator - Ozaukee County 4-H 

All 4-H related meeting requests MUST BE submitted using the 4-H Fairgrounds Reservation form. Any email requests will immediately be denied. You are welcome to email Melissa and ask if space is available, but the meeting/event/project will not be placed on the Fairgrounds calendar without the completed form. All forms are due no less than 14 days prior to meeting/event/project.

Note: if it is a recurring meeting (ex. the second Sunday of each month) there is no need to list all of the dates, just when it takes place each month (second Sunday).

If you have questions, please contact Melissa at malexander@ozaukeecounty.gov

- Submitted by Melissa Alexander, Sales and Marketing Ozaukee County

The Extension office received a donation of Scrapbooking stamps and supplies. They have already been offered to those in the Scrapbooking project. Attached you will find pictures of the items that remain. If you are interested in any of the supplies, please send an email to kaitlin.felton@wisc.edu stating the item number and title of the item that you are interested in. (Example: #1 Greetings)

We will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. When we receive a communication of interest, we will notify you with confirmation of the availability of the specific item and schedule a pick-up date and time.

You are invited to attend the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association meeting on January 16, from 7:30pm-9:00pm in the Ozaukee Lodge 17 in Port Washington (504 Grand Ave).

The Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association members encompass Ozaukee County 4-H members, volunteers, leaders, and families. We work together to expand and enrich the 4-H Experience in the Ozaukee County 4-H Program. Together we plan countywide 4-H activities, events, and fundraisers.
Meeting agenda can be found on the Leaders page of the website once submitted.

We look forward to seeing you at the January meeting!

If you want THE HAUNT 2025 to happen there are multiple committee members needed to commit to work through the year!   As of today, Tuesday January 14th, only 2 people have said they can help more, but we need more to COMMIT or the Leader’s Association will need to make a challenging decision at the meeting Thursday evening to no longer Haunt.  If you want to be part of that conversation and learn more, please plan to attend the Leader’s Association meeting Thursday evening because this event is on the agenda.  Multiple current committee members are no longer able to serve on the committee and need to step away. 

Being on the committee involves:

Please seriously consider this role and the value this event provides in so many ways to your 4-H youth member, our Ozaukee County 4-H program and for the broader community.  

We need solid commitments before Wednesday, January 15th or Haunt 2025 will NOT happen. Please contact Deanna Lee at d_r_lee@yahoo.com or 262-352-2109 with your commitment.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE:

HAUNT 2024 was again successful!  We entertained 2,377 community members with the Haunt and new this year, youth Gabe N., with some adult mentoring, created and ran an escape room that entertained 262 individuals.

Shout out of thanks to ALL those who helped in any way!  SPECIAL shout out to the 26 adults putting in 1011.25 hours.  Of these it was a core 8 adults that put in 50-100+ hours.  17 Youth also participated in the build putting in 121.75 hours – of these 28.5 of these hours were by Gabe N. with the development of the escape room.

SO – The total income after expenses was approximately $42,000!  Of these funds, $5,000 will go towards scholarships for our youth pursuing higher education and $5,000 will be divided to the chartered clubs/groups within Ozaukee County 4-H based on the volunteers hours.

Complete detail will be available at the January Leader’s Association meeting.  At that time, we will have General Leaders review their volunteer list for any corrections prior to check requests being made for volunteer hour fund distribution.

- Submitted by Deanna Lee, Ozaukee County 4-H Haunt Committee Member

The 2025 Haunt Scholarship applications are currently being accepted. Ozaukee 4-H youth who have volunteered at least two years for The Haunt are invited to apply. Applications can be found under the ‘Scholarship’ section on the Forms page of the 4-H website and are due to the Extension office by February 1, 2025.

Any questions, please contact Michelle Kringel at michdogginit@gmail.com. Late applications will NOT be accepted, no exceptions.

- Submitted by Michelle Kringel, Ozaukee County 4-H Haunt Committee Member

All 4-H Families and Friends are invited to the annual 4-H Dance on Saturday, February 15th! Kick up your heels from 6:00-10:00 pm at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion. This event is free and open to the public.

- Submitted by Dorothy Parchim, 4-H Dance Volunteer Coordinator

Did you miss out on November's Project Leader Training held in Ozaukee County? You're in luck... attend the upcoming Project Leader training in Fond du Lac County on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 12:30-2:30 pm.

We invite 4-H youth and adults interested in becoming project leaders to come learn more at this training. The training will include hands-on activities and resources available for project leaders.

Please register by February 19th using link: forms.gle/gGMzBFfVu5tX1S8cA

SAVE THE DATES FOR THE 2025 PINEWOOD DERBY

Build Day: Saturday, March 8th from 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon

Physics Day: Saturday, March 15th from 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon (Flyer link)

Race Day: Sunday, March 16th 12:00-3:00 pm

Car kits and registration forms are available at the Extension office with a cut-off sales date of March 7th. Car kits are $5 each. No car kits will be sold on Physics Day or Race Day. All registrations must be received by Physics Day. Please call the Extension Office at 262-284-8288 to make an appointment to pick up a car kit. Exact cash or check (made out to Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association) accepted.

Registration/Rules/Regulations form is available on the Forms page of the website.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the event! A Signup Genius link will be included in the February Harbinger. Please consider helping at any of the Pinewood Derby events!

Contact Sue Dowe at sadowe1966@gmail.com for questions or more information.

- Submitted by Sue Dowe, 4-H Pinewood Derby Volunteer Coordinator

You're invited to the Knellsville 4-H Club Roller-skating Party!

- Submitted by Becky Assmann, Knellsville 4-H Club General Leader

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

Spring Educational Travel Funding Support Applications - Due January 31, 2025. Applications for Leaders Association Educational Travel Funding Support are currently being accepted for youth interested in attending 2025 CWF, Space Camp, and Summer Academy. Applications materials can be mailed or dropped off at the Extension office or emailed to abi.quinlan@wisc.edu by the deadline. Applicants will then watch email for an interview date coming in February 2025. More info can be found at: Reference Guide

2025 WI 4-H Key Award Applications - Due January 31, 2025. Key Award recognizes 4-H members in grades 9 and higher who have shown consistent growth, developed leadership ability, and been helpful to other members in club and community. Applicants must have completed at least three years of 4-H club membership and one year of youth leadership. Application materials can be mailed or dropped off at the Extension office or emailed to abi.quinlan@wisc.edu by the deadline. Applicants will then watch email for an interview date coming in February 2025. More info can be found at: Reference Guide

4-H Shooting Sports- Leader Certification Workshop- Washington County: February 1, 2025.  Any adult leader, age 21 or over, interested in certifying in a shooting sports discipline. Sign-up by January 31st to attend the Washington County opportunity on February 1st. Certification offered for archery or air rifle/rifle, or air pistol/pistol certifications. For more information, requirements, and registration, please visit the Leaders Certification Training Workshops webpage.  

Adults must be approved volunteers to be actively leading projects or working with 4-H youth. If you are not a current approved volunteer this year, please complete your enrollment, screening or trainings NOW. Questions about your enrollment or status? Log into your 4HOnline account to check status OR call the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

Harbinger Newsletter Published Monthly. The 4-H Harbinger newsletter will be published monthly on the second Tuesday of each month. Please adjust your 4-H club, group, and project announcement schedules as needed. 

There will be some significant changes in the 2025 4-H Judging Schedule. All projects entered in Departments Y-10 Animal & Vet Science, Y-14 Plant & Soil Science, Y-15 Flowers & Houseplants and Y-16 Natural Sciences will be judged on Thursday, July 24, 2025. This is a change, as these projects are typically judged on the Friday before Fair. Please note this important change. This includes projects entered in Vet Science, Pet Project, Cavy Project, Self Determined Animal Sciences, Crops, Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs, Horticulture, Self Determined Plant & Soil Sciences, Houseplants, Flowers, Home Grounds, Astronomy, Fishing, Insects, Trees/Forestry, Wildflowers/Native Plants, Wildlife & Environmental Ecology, Recycling, Archery & All Shooting Sports, Adventures, Reptiles, Birds, Motor Adventures, Taxidermy, Weather, Science-Wisconsin Agriculture, Self Determined Environmental Education and Bees.

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Board Secretary

The Ozaukee County Fair is excited to share that we are accepting applications for our Scholarship Program!

The mission of the Ozaukee County Agricultural Society (OCAS) is to promote agriculture in our community while also emphasizing the importance of hard work, education, family, and community service.

Each year, through a group of volunteers, the OCAS hosts the Ozaukee County Fair in Cedarburg, WI. The County Fair is very special to the Ozaukee County Community. The Fair provides a wonderful place for young and old alike to come together, highlight accomplishments and celebrate community.

For 2025, up to five scholarships, up to $2,000 will again be awarded to graduating seniors from high schools in Ozaukee County or the surrounding area.

Please click the link for more information and this year's application: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/scholarship

Due Date: Feb. 1, 2025. Any applications postmarked after February 1st, 2025 will not be accepted.

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Board Secretary

The 2025 Pheasants Forever Chapter 680 John K. Baer Memorial Scholarship is available to Ozaukee County or Washington County High School graduating seniors who are going to pursue Natural Resources as a degree area of study at any accredited College or University.

Please click on links for more information: Scholarship info and Scholarship application.

Application deadline is February 8, 2025.

The Wisconsin Towns Association, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, and Scott Construction Inc. will be awarding $7,000 in scholarships to high school seniors graduating in 2025 from either a public or private high school in Wisconsin that plan to enroll in a Wisconsin public or private college or university in 2025. 

Please click here for more information regarding the scholarships and the application process.

Application deadline is May 23, 2025.

Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Scholarship Applications Now Open!

Attention all 4-H members: Scholarship applications for the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation are now available. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to support your educational journey! 

Find more information on the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation website: www.ozaukeecounty4hfoundation.com

Postmark deadline: March 1st

Start your application today and take the next step toward achieving your dreams: www.ozaukeecounty4hfoundation.com

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Foundation Coordinator

Join Us for the 4-H Bowl-a-Thon on February 2nd!

Mark your calendars for an exciting day of bowling and fun at the Ozaukee County 4-H Bowl-a-Thon on Sunday, February 2nd! This annual event is a perfect opportunity to support the 4-H Foundation while enjoying time with family and friends.

Don’t miss this fun-filled day of bowling, prizes, and community spirit! All proceeds from the event benefit the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation, helping to support local youth and their 4-H programs.

We can’t wait to see you at the lanes!

Youth & Family Bowling

Extras for Everyone!

Sign-Up: Use the link https://bit.ly/4-HBOWLATHON to reserve your lane. Each lane accommodates up to 6 bowlers, so bring your family or friends!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Foundation Coordinator

Adult-Only 9-Pin Tap Bowling: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/60B094DA9AB2AA4FC1-53132542-9pin

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Foundation Coordinator

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. To be considered for financial support, check out the website below for more information and application requirements. Applications must be received by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation via mail, post marked by March 1, 2025.

For more information, visit: https://wis4hfoundation.org/scholarships/

Reminder that the online 4-H calendar is the best way to stay on top of the many countywide activities going on throughout the 4-H year. Bookmark it here!

Abi Quinlan, 4-H Educator

abi.quinlan@wisc.edu

Extension Ozaukee County

121 W. Main St.

Port Washington, WI 53074

262-284-8288

To help us serve you, please call for an appointment when coming to the Extension office.

An EEO/AA employer, the 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.