Norma is the new UW-Madison Division of Extension FoodWIse Bilingual Nutrition Educator for Brown County since June 6, 2025. This program focuses on teaching Wisconsin residents with evidence based nutrition programs. Norma will expand access to this program with culturally relevant services.

Before joining extension, Norma was the owner-operator of an in-home bilingual childcare for 8 Years. Norma earned a licensing certificate in Early Childhood from NWTC and completed student teaching in World Language Instruction, as part of her undergraduate studies at Universidad Autonoma Benito Juarez in Oaxaca, Mexico. 

Connect with Norma at merlinjimene@wisc.edu or 920-391-4614.

Brown County Rent Smart Collaboration presents two local Rent Smart classes this summer. Rent Smart is a six session program from UW-Madison, Division of Extension designed to help those individuals who have little to no rental experience and those who have had difficulty obtaining rental housing. Participants may be first time renters, as they graduate from school, or homeowners, transitioning to renting, individuals with poor rental or credit history, or individual who have other issues that may cause potential landlords to perceive them as high-risk tenants. 

Classes are offered Tuesdays in July, 6 - 7:30 PM, and Thursdays in July, 10 - 11:30 AM. Both sessions will be held at the Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine Street, Green Bay, WI.

Participants can expect to learn: 

Establishing a positive rental history is much like having a positive credit report and Rent Smart starts participants on the right path for success.

Brown County FoodWIse staff kicked off summer with a Summer Community Food Resources Event on Thursday, June 12th at the Salvation Army Kroc Center. FoodWIse helped to convene partners, including the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Brown County, WIC, Salvation Army, Rooted In, Wello, and Green Bay Area Public Schools to host a resource fair, distribute senior farmers market vouchers, and provide nutrition and food safety education. Participants learned how to keep fresh foods fresh as we head into farmers market season, and received recipes and information about summer foods and programs. 

Brown County 4-H kicked off summer with the Archery Amped Up! and Bake It 'Til You Make It summer camps. Both camps were three days long held either in the morning or afternoon. 

During the three-day morning archery summer camp, participants learned the fundamentals of archery, including proper shooting techniques and safety. In addition to honing their aim through fun and engaging target practice, participants had the unique opportunity to build their own bows and arrows, complete with custom fletching. The hands-on experience sparked creativity and excitement, making the camp both educational and enjoyable!

During the three-day afternoon baking summer camp, children explored the world of baking by creating cookies, cupcakes, and cheesecake from scratch. They sharpened their kitchen skills while comparing homemade treats to store-bought versions, learning the differences in taste, texture, and ingredients. Each participant received a personalized 4-H apron at the start, adding a special touch to their culinary adventure. The camp was a fun, hands-on experience that encouraged creativity and confidence in the kitchen.

On May 31, 2025, Brown County 4-H hosted a statewide Shooting Sports meet, bringing together enthusiastic young competitors from across Wisconsin. Participants showcased their skills in a fun and educational environment, including a unique 3-D archery course featuring dinosaur targets that added a prehistoric twist to their aim. In addition to archery, competitors tested their precision in air rifle shooting, focusing on accuracy and safety. The event celebrated sportsmanship, marksmanship, and the growing interest in outdoor education among youth.

Extension can provide custom education training for your organization, so you can bring in someone from the University of Wisconsin to help you bring what you learn to your board, committee, or membership.  Contact Community Development Educator/Professor Patrick Nehring, (920) 391-6160 or patrick.nehring@wisc.edu.

By completing five live online courses and a capstone project, you can obtain a Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership from UW-Green Bay. By completing six live online courses, you can obtain a Fundraising Management Certificate from UW-Green Bay.  

Are you a nonprofit, business, or government leader in Wisconsin in need of grant writing skills? Sign up for this informative and hands-on virtual training on grant writing. 

Extension has a Grant Writing Basics Workshop that will be held live online on September 22 from 6:00-8:00 and again on September 23 from Noon-2:00.  The workshops are the same, so you can attend either time. The workshop will cover characteristics of grants, where to look for grants, researching funders, and writing a grant proposal.

Experienced Extension Educators will co-lead the workshop to make it informative, fun, and interactive! 

Language interpretation is available upon request.

Ongoing Summer Programming

Don't forget to sign up for Adventures in 4-H! Brown County 4-H Youth Development presents three fun-filled adventures offered throughout the summer!

June 23, 2025 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM | Online via Zoom

Join Wisconsin Horticulture - Extension LIVE online for an opportunity to connect with plant health experts from the UW-Madison Division of Extension. Ask any questions you may have about trees and shrubs, homegrown fruits and vegetables, indoor plants, ornamental plants, lawns, and more. 

Ongoing | Online via Zoom

Join University  for interactive virtual workshops on important topics that will help your nonprofit succeed and grow. Low-cost, high-impact courses will be taught via Zoom in engaging 90-minute sessions.

Extension Brown County
2019 Technology Way
Green Bay, WI 54311
920-391-4610

extension@browncountywi.gov