Hello all,

The end of December is upon us as well as a convergence of three major religious holidays, specifically Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on Dec. 25th and the traditional greeting is Merry Christmas. Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated at different times each year (usually in November or December) and the traditional greeting is Happy Hanukkah. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture and is a week-long celebration from Dec. 26th - Jan. 1st. The traditional greeting is Happy Kwanzaa. 

When you know what holiday a person celebrates, it is customary to use their traditional greeting. It shows them appreciation and respect of their culture and belief systems. If you are unaware of what holiday a person celebrates, or if you are addressing a large group, it is customary to use the phrase "Happy Holidays" because it is a broader greeting that includes people who celebrate any of the various holidays during this season. 

In whatever manner you are celebrating this season, my sincerest wish for you is that you would end 2024 excited and hopeful for the opportunities that await in 2025.

This will be the last Friday Focus of 2024 and the office will be closed Dec 24-25 and Dec 31-Jan1.  If you need immediate 4-H support during the holidays, please contact the office at 920-386-3790.

Thanks to Becky Pfile, Columbia County 4-H Educator for sharing this great cover message.

Marie

Marie Witzel
4-H/ Youth Development Educator
marie.witzel@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!

Tri-County Twisters (Carly Ehrke) - The Tri-County Twisters brought some holiday cheer to residents at a local assisted living home. Santa and Mrs. Claus visited the residents and brought them a gift with some yummy treats. Then, our club members got to see Santa and his sled. This week, we also donated food to a local Mini Food pantry to help families in need in our community. 

BQA does more than help beef producers capture more value from their cattle: BQA provides a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they ensure the cattle they sell are the best they can be. Consumer research, conducted by the Beef Checkoff, shows that learning about BQA made consumers more confident in beef safety and animal welfare and improved positive consumer perceptions of how cattle are raised for food. There are trainings scheduled in Watertown and Lomira. Check out the link below.

If anyone is interested in being a presenter, please email treider@wisc.edu or click the button:

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation has kicked off a contest that challenges all 4-H members to explore their creativity!

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Celebrates the Arts Photography Contest is open to any current Wisconsin 4-H member, and the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation is awarding cash prizes. The contest will be held virtually, with photos of all entries submitted electronically. Entries are being accepted now through January 31, 2025.

Dairy bowl

Our final dairy-bowl practice is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, 1 p.m., at the Watertown Library. The final competition is during the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention, Dec. 27-29, 2024. Even if you're just interested in seeing what it's all about, join the group for a practice or two. Questions: Mandy Sell-Stanford is the lead contact; her number is 920.253.8773.

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

 Wisconsin Distance Learning

The Science of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
What’s your ultimate favorite chocolate chip cookie? Do you prefer your cookie to be soft or are you a crispy cookie person? Do you prefer thick or thin cookies? There are so many variables or science to making the perfect chocolate chip cookie. This distance learning program will allow youth to explore, experiment and create their perfect recipe! Registration is open December 20 – January 16 for youth grades 3-12. The program will begin February 6. There will be two zoom meetings during the program along with independent work in your own kitchen. We hope you join in the fun and explore how to create your perfect cookie.

Dinosaurs and Unicorns
Get ready for a learning adventure! This at-home lesson series encourages youth grade K-2 to use their imagination while introducing science and building life skills. Dinosaurs and Unicorns will be divided into four lessons with 1-2 short zoom meetings to explore the topics of sound, color, paleontology and creativity. Registration will be open December 20 – January 13. All participants will receive program supply kits from their county offices prior to the start of the program. This program will begin on February 17. 

I cannot believe we will celebrate our fifth holiday season with everyone! This year, due to Christmas being mid-week, there will only be one LIVE event for 4-H Homemade for the Holidays. Join in the festivities on Monday, December 23rd from 9 to noon (central time) or watch the event recording at your leisure. The supply list will be posted by Monday, December 16th. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and the link to the Homemade for the Holiday's Resource Page.

NEW LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY! - Would you or someone you know like to record a fun activity? This would be a great NATIONAL level leadership opportunity for 4-H members across the nation! We would love to post YOUR favorite holiday craft or treat on the resource page. 4-H member submissions are due Friday, December 13th - send a link to your YouTube video and a copy of the needed supplies to tdmcgaughy@ag.tamu.edu.

The Dairy Bowl is a “quiz bowl” competition where all questions deal with dairy topics. Competition in the 4-H Dairy Bowl encourages a 4-H member to develop a more complete knowledge of dairy animals and related subjects. This contest provides an educational dairy program for all dairy project members, including those who may not own a dairy project animal, and provides a way to develop alertness, self-confidence, teamwork skills, and mastery in the area of dairy science.

January 11, 2025 is a great day to spend the morning at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center!  Join us from 9am-1pm for a morning full of broomball, snowshoeing, learning outdoor survival skills, and making hot cocoa bombs.  There's something fun and engaging for everyone, so bring the whole family!  Open to 4-H members of all ages, their families, and friends!  Hosted by Columbia County 4-H Ambassadors and in partnership with Juneau County 4-H Ambassadors. 

Cost is $15 per person.  Click the button below for more information and to register. Registration must be completed on/before Dec. 27th.

The Dodge/Jefferson Co. Beekeepers Association are pleased to announce the 2025 Youth in Beekeeping Scholarship as a part of the club’s promotion and educational initiatives for youth interested in beekeeping.

A scholarship is available for up to 2 youth, from Dodge or Jefferson County, to apply for a complete hive with bees and engage in one full year of beekeeping. Recipients will be selected through an application process. Applicants must be age 12-17 years old and must be currently enrolled in public, private, or homeschool.

Other eligibility rules and requirements apply. For more information, call Ralph Wandersee at 920-285-8608 or visit dodge-jeffersonbeekeepers.com to download an application. Application deadline is January 31, 2025.

DECEMBER

20 - New Family Gathering 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.

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