April 2025

(published April 8, 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.

Spring is here! With the warmer weather arriving, I hope you're all finding plenty of opportunities to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air!

As we dive into April, our Summer Camp Committee will be finalizing the camp theme and activities. Keep an eye on your email for more details—it's going to be an exciting summer!

Older youth—THANK YOU for taking the time to complete the survey in our last Harbinger. Your input is invaluable as we shape programs designed to support and engage you. Knowing you're ready and eager to step up as leaders in our 4-H community inspires me daily, and I can't wait to see the great things we'll accomplish together.

Wishing everyone a wonderful April filled with growth, learning, and fun!

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

Ozaukee County 4-H relies heavily on volunteers in the 4-H program. This year, 180 adult volunteers serve in a variety of roles, such as 4-H club leaders, project leaders, countywide group and project leaders, Leaders Association members, 4-H event coordinators, and many other volunteer roles.

As we approach Volunteer Appreciation Week later this month, we wish to THANK all the 4-H volunteers who make the Ozaukee County 4-H program what it is! We honor you, the devoted volunteers, who generously give their time and talent to support Ozaukee County 4-H youth.

Budget Requests: Due May 1

If you or your 4-H project, group or committee need to request funds from Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association for the 2025-2026 4-H fiscal year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025), a budget form is required to be submitted. 

Please submit budget forms via email to Kaitlin at the Extension office at kaitlin.felton@wisc.edu AND treasurer@oz4hleaders.org or mail/drop off at the Extension Office (121 W. Main Street, PO Box 994, Port Washington, WI 53074) by May 1st deadline

The budget request form can be found under the 'Leaders Association' section of the Forms page on the website. 

Any questions, please contact Jess Vento, Leaders Association Treasurer, at treasurer@oz4hleaders.org 

- Submitted by Jess Vento, Leaders Association Treasurer

The countywide Geocaching Project has made and placed 5 new geocaches in the Mequon area.  If your family is into geocaching, we invite you to try to find them!  All caches are available through the basic level geocaching membership.  We’d love your feedback on them so we can learn from this activity, so if you have any comments for us, please message us through the geocaching app, or email adult leader Jessica Heller at heller_jl@yahoo.com.

Cache names and GC codes are:

GCB43FK    4H Geocache Clover

GCB43G8   4H Geocache Old School House

GCB43GR   4H Geocache Fore

GCB43GG  4H Geocache Jonathan Clark House

GCB43FV   4H Geocache River

Thank you!

- Submitted by Jessica Heller and members of the Geocaching Project:  Marisa H, Nicholas P, Sydney V, Micah W, Jocelyn T, Celia T, Evan T, and Cole S.

At the March Leader’s Association meeting, President Deb Poull gave a presentation to share an update on the status of The Haunt. Planning the layout and theme has begun, and although we have a great planning committee, we still need YOU to make it happen. We will still need help with the build, staffing the event, and especially teardown. Watch for future articles in the Harbinger and more information from general leaders.

2025 Haunt dates are October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31.

If you would like to join the planning committee it’s not too late. Please contact one of the co-coordinators to be added to the text group, so you can keep informed.

More information to come!

- Submitted by Katie Noetzel, Rose Paulus, Sue Dowe, Haunt Co-Coordinators

Summer Academy is an educational experience on the UW-Madison Campus set to take place June 16-19, 2025. Learn all about this amazing program at link: 2025 Summer Academy

Youth will participate in a track that will give them the opportunity to learn about potential career and college opportunities within that content area.

Registration for Summer Academy 2025 is open in 4HOnline until April 27, 2025. Youth in grades 8-11 are invited to register!

4-H youth eager for the fun, friends, and memories of Ozaukee County 4-H Summer Camp? Mark your calendars for July 7-9, 2025 at Camp Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. 

Camp registration will open in 4HOnline on April 18th, 9:00 am. Space will be limited.

Ozaukee County 4-H Base Camp, offers youth currently in grades 3-6 a summer camp experience. 

Ozaukee County 4-H Adventure Camp, also known as Outpost, is designed for youth currently in grades 7-9 an immersive outdoor experience at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center. 

More Info/Questions?
Visit the Ozaukee County 4-H Summer Camp webpage or contact Abi Quinlan, 4-H Program Educator, at abi.quinlan@wisc.edu or 414-335-6008.

COPS & KIDS 2025 Sunday, May 4th 2025: Face Painting and Tattoos Help!

We are excited to partner with the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department again this year to offer Face Painting, Tattoos and Bubble Machines.  

Please consider signing up for this well attended and FUN for the entire family event.  We will have pre-set painting designs that we offer for our youth & adult volunteers to face paint on attendees faces or arms, glitter tattoos & simple sponge applied tattoos.  

We have split the day into two shifts as you will notice on the sign-up below.  If you can spend the day with us, simply sign up in both time slots.  Our lines get long so we keep the designs simple and needs lots of help.  

We will provide all the supplies, we simply need 4-H youth, parents or leaders to sign up and have fun bringing joy to others day!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4AA9A623A31-56139185-4hface

Deanna Lee & Nicole Simon will be the adults overseeing these volunteers.  

Please contact Deanna at d_r_lee@yahoo.com or 262-352-2109 if you have any questions.

- Submitted by Deanna Lee, 4-H Volunteer, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association

Support youth development, community building, and great food by joining the Ozaukee County 4-H Café Committee! This café at the county fair is a long-standing 4-H tradition, raising essential funds for our 4-H youth programs.

Interested in learning more? Join us on May 16 at 6:00 pm in the kitchen of the South Pavilion at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds! 

- Submitted by Dorothy Parchim, 4-H Cafe Committee Chair

Need 4-H Swag?  This order will arrive before the Ozaukee County Fair?  Sport this year's winning design on the green gear. Congratulations again to Adelyn A. from Knellsville 4-H Club for the winning design!  Below, you will find information to order gear and get everyone in your family geared up.  This order will provide 4 item options to order: a short-sleeve t-shirt for $9.00, a long-sleeve t-shirt for $15.00, a crew neck sweatshirt for $22.00, or a hooded sweatshirt for $26.00.  Please add an additional $3.00 per item for any item ordered that is 2X-Large and up.

ORDER DEADLINE IS Friday, May 23rd but don't delay or you might forget.

Pick-up items at the June Leader's Association Meeting, or items will be given to your general leader at that time if you are not in attendance.

Write your check or provide your payment to your club general leader after you complete the below google form OR the paper form if you prefer.

Google Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjMu8Pl5n1683aBy-VOoZCZk8fvI9wdPIWz56oCQYAaq4-4g/viewform?usp=sharing

Hard Copy Google Document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o8GEIBRTriVT23DcUHF9Al0FRihlA_siuAYwaAlJeLk/edit?usp=sharing

If you have questions you can reach out directly via text to Deanna Lee at 262-352-2109 or email her at d_r_lee@yahoo.com.

- Submitted by Deanna Lee, 4-H Volunteer, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, 6:30-8 PM at Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion, Cedarburg

FAIR ENTRY INFORMATION: Learn how to enter your exhibits and receive help with online entries for this year’s fair.

TOUR THE FAIRGROUNDS: Guided tours of areas to pick up entry tags for projects, where judging is held and where your projects will be displayed.

PRACTICE JUDGING: Try our face-to-face judging just like at the fair. Bring a project you made this year to show and tell with the judge.

HAND ON ACTIVITIES: Make a simple hands-on project.

HELP WITH RECORD BOOKS: Get information on preparing your record book and see completed pages.

The whole family is welcome to participate in this FREE event.

Please register by May 27th by clicking here or scanning the QR code: 

- Submitted by Carol Boehlke, 4-H Volunteer, Committee Chair

Please SIGN-UP BELOW and join us for this EASY and Fun Community Event!  

4-H partners with the Cedarburg Festivals Committee to run one of the lemonade stands during the Strawberry Festival (June 28-29, 2025) and Wine & Harvest Festival (September 20-21, 2025). 

This is a fundraising event that provides the Ozaukee County 4-H Leader's Association funds to support 4-H youth programming and scholarships.  The best part is all we have to do is show up, be a welcoming and efficient sales team! Festivals provide the set-up and supplies.

This is fun for the whole family to do together!  We have created shorter shifts, so plan to sign-up for one or more shifts - whatever fits in your family schedule.  Please wear a 4-H t-shirt so we can also help promote our amazing organization at the same time!

Our booth is #120, located on Washington Avenue, South of Bridge Road, just North of the store front called Itty Bitty Piggies.  At least 1 adult is needed per shift to be the point person with the festivals staff.  

These are very well attended events for Cedarburg every year so please plan in advance to secure street parking, or to use the hay wagon ride from Fireman's Park in Cedarburg (the fairgrounds).

Thanks in advance for taking a moment to assist in the community while also fundraising for your future 4-H events!  If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Deanna Lee via email at d_r_lee@yahoo.com or call/text her at 262-352-2109 or Lisa Fellenz at cavilady@yahoo.com  or 262-352-7880.

Together Everyone Achieves More!

4-H Lemonade Stand sign-up link: 2025 Lemonade Stand Help Sign-up

- Submitted by Deanna Lee, 4-H Volunteer, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

Fairgrounds Reservations-Digital Form. Reminder that starting March 11th, 4-H leaders must submit this Google Form to reserve the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds space for upcoming events. Once you’ve submitted the form, county staff will review it and either approve your requested date(s) or, if unavailable, propose alternatives. Any previously approved events remain valid, but all new reservations must follow the updated process.

Charcuterie Boards: April 17th. Final WI 4-H Animal Science Virtual Education Opportunity. Topic: Charcuterie Boards. The guest speakers have a wealth of background in meat & food science and are excited to share charcuterie board ideas.  Register for event!  For questions related to the Zoom, contact Bernie O’Rourke, UW- Madison Animal & Dairy Science,  Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, at borourke2@wisc.edu 

Area Animal Science Days: June 13 in Pierce County; June 30 in Calumet County. More information and registration details will be posted on the Area Animal Science Days website when released!

4-H Leaders Association Board: Adult & Youth Leaders Needed! Are you passionate about positive youth development and eager to shape the future of Ozaukee County 4-H? The Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association is seeking adult and youth board members to help enhance the 4-H experience for local youth. Applications are due this fall. For more details, please reach out to Debbie Poull at president@oz4hleaders.org.  

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. 

This year’s Jelly Bean Jamboree was amazing.  It was attended by over 100 kids a long with parents, grandparents, family members, and friends.  One mom and dad shared that they drove 45 minutes from Waukesha so their daughters could attend our event - a testament to our incredible event! 

Families brought their children to play games, create crafts, enjoy refreshments and, of course, meet the Bunny.  We received many compliments and thank you's from attendees.  All of this was because of our fantastic 4-H youth and adult volunteers, Mr. and Miss 4-H and Ozaukee County’s Fairest of the Fair.  Please be proud of yourselves - you really shined for our community!

Thanks again to our committee members, 4-H youth, adult volunteers, and community for making this event a huge success!

Jelly Bean Jamboree Committee,
Lilly S, Alycia Kringle, Chris Loupee, Lydia Loupee, Sue Dowe
Nicole Simon - Co-Coordinator,  Sue Karolczek - Coordinator

Pinewood Derby 2025 was held on March 16th. Thank you to the volunteers and participants that attended Build Day, Physics Day, and Race Day, making this a great annual event again! Physics Day participants explored and applied science and engineering principles to test their cars and prepare for race day. 

The Pinewood Derby Race Day was a fun day as always! A special thank you to those that come back year after year to help with this event. We had several new volunteers this year to help the events run smoothly. Everyone that contributes in any way to these events, you are all truly appreciated! Anyone interested in helping to plan this event is welcome to join our committee. A total of 61 youth and adults raced this year and ages ranged from pre-school to adult!

Race Day Results: 

Pre-K/Kindergarten 

Speed – Danika F 1st ; Bryce M 2nd; Nate K 3rd; Maverick T 4th; Soren I slowest car 

Craft – Bryce M 1st; Caleb H 2nd; Byron M 3rd; Nate K 4th 

Early Elementary 

Speed – Courtney G 1st; Ryan G 2nd; Kennedy J 3rd; Samuel F 4th; Bryn D K slowest car 

Craft – Gracelyn M 1st; Ryon G 2nd; Amelia S 3rd; Roman S 4th 

Elementary 

Speed- Scott G 1st; Isaiah B 2nd; Levi R 3rd; Addison K 4th; Savannah P slowest car 

Craft – Adelyn A 1st; Lilliana H 2nd; Scott G 3rd; Grant Z 4th 

Middle School 

Speed – Logan K 1st; Austin H 2nd; Alayna H 3rd; Adalynn B 4th; Mia D slowest car 

Craft – Lilly S 1st; Mia D 2nd; Brady K 3rd; Jadyn A 4th 

High School 

Speed – Addison H 1st; Brett H 2nd; David C 3rd; Sarah H 4th,  Lindsay K slowest car 

Craft – Sara H – 1st; Rebecca G 2nd; Brett H 3rd; Lindsay K 4th  

Adult 

Speed – Jim B 1st; Jason H 2nd; Dennis H 3rd  

Craft – Jason H 1st; Jim B 2nd; Dennis H 3rd 

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

There are some significant changes in the 2025 4-H Youth Judging Schedule. All projects entered in Departments Y-10 Animal & Vet Science, Y-13 Cats, 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. 

Click here to view the 2025 Judging Schedules: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/judging-schedule 

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Board Secretary

The Lindenwood 4-H Club is part of the upcoming event to support their Lindenwood Community Center "clubhouse" on Friday, April 11th. This fun, family-friendly evening includes food and entertainment with Lindenwood 4-H Club facilitating the Silent Auction at the event.

What is it? The annual Freistadt Heritage Fundraiser is a fun, family event with silent auction items, tasty dessert treats and plenty of goodwill, raffles and entertainment.

What is the purpose/cause? All proceeds benefit Lindenwood Community Center.

Where is it? Circle B Recreation Center

When is it? Friday, April 11, 2025

What time is it? Entertainment admission only is at 6:30pm

Cost? Entertainment only (without dinner) tickets are $5 after 6:30pm. Homemade desserts for purchase.

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Lindenwood 4-H Club General Leadership Team 

Have Fun. Give Back. Play Bingo - Benefiting the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation this May!

Looking for a fun afternoon out that also makes a difference? Join the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation for BINGO and support local 4-H youth while you play!

When: Saturday, May 10th
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church (W61 N498 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012)
Time: Doors open at 12:00 PM | Games begin at 1:00 PM

What to Expect: 20 regular bingo games

Progressive “coverall” jackpot game ($100 consolation prize if not hit) Progressive jackpot grows each month until there’s a winner!

Pricing: $10 for 3 cards, $15 for 6 cards, $20 for 9 cards, Progressive card: $5 for a 6-card single sheet, Bingo dabbers in 10 colors: $2 each

Snacks & Sips: Sandwiches, chips, popcorn, baked goods, and beverages available (cash only)

10% of all card sales from May’s games will be donated to the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation—supporting leadership, learning, and service opportunities for 4-H youth in our community.

So come on down, bring your lucky charms, and help us make a difference—one BINGO at a time!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

Join the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation for a delicious way to support Ozaukee County 4-H! We're thrilled to have all three Ozaukee County Culver's locations—Grafton, Mequon, and Port Washington—participating in this special fundraising night.

Stop by on Tuesday, May 20th, from 5-8 PM, and enjoy your favorite Culver’s meal while making a difference! 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation.

Plus, check out the Flavor of the Day at each location:
🍦 Grafton – Turtle
🍦 Port Washington – TBD
🍦 Mequon – TBD

Don't miss this fun evening for a great cause—we can't wait to see you there!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

The Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation is excited to announce the winners of the pledges raffle, the club with the most participation, and to recognize the youth participants who raised $125 or more in pledges for the Bowl-A-Thon.

A special thank you to the 220 participants who attended the 2025 Bowl-A-Thon at Circle B and helped raise $15,513.05 for the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation to support 4-H youth programs in Ozaukee County. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

Pledge Raffle Winners: For every $25 raised, each participant’s name was entered into a drawing. The winners were drawn at the Knellsville Roller Skating Party. Additionally, at the Roller-Skating Party, the 4-H Foundation donated popcorn and soda coupons for the 96 youth who attended the event. We hope you enjoyed the treat!

Raffle Prize Winners:

Grand Prize: $200 Gift Card – Chase P, Holy Cross 4-H Club

2nd Prize: $100 Gift Card – Avry M, Jay Road 4-H Club

3rd Prize: $50 Gift Card – Hayden R, Cloverleaf 4-H Club

Most Participating Club: Congratulations to Holy Cross 4-H Club! You’ve earned a pizza party for having 52% of your club’s youth participate in the Bowl-A-Thon!  We’re excited to bring the pizza to your upcoming club meeting. Thank you for your outstanding participation!

Recognition for Youth Participants

Congratulations to the following youth who raised $125 or more in pledges! These participants will receive a Pin Pal sweatshirt designed by the 4-H Foundation, to be presented at their April meeting:

Correction to Total Raised: We would like to address an error in the total amount raised that was posted last month. After reviewing the records, we discovered that the total amount raised was slightly off. We also found additional youth participants who raised $125 or more. Please accept our apologies for the oversight, and thank you for your understanding!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

The Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation is excited to share that the Shipyard Bar’s Donation Wheel raised $600 for the Foundation during the month of March!

We’re incredibly grateful to the Shipyard for choosing us as their Non-Profit of the Month and for the opportunity to be part of such a fun and generous fundraiser.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, spun the wheel, and supported us—your contributions help us continue to grow opportunities for youth in Ozaukee County through 4-H.

Cheers to community, generosity, and making a difference—one spin at a time!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

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.