Extension Connections

Jerry Braatz, who has spent the last 16 years leading the Extension office in Waukesha County, is retiring on July 24 after 30 years with Extension. 

Jerry began his career in Waukesha County as a Community Development Educator teaching and facilitating small business retention, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, neighborhood planning, needs assessment processes, comprehensive planning, and so much more.

In 2010, Jerry took on the role of Director for Extension in Waukesha County, and in 2017, he became the Area Extension Director. In those roles, Jerry has been a champion of Extension, sharing the mission and value of Extension and engaging the Extension team in securing additional funding sources to leverage county tax levy and expand program outreach to growing diverse audiences.

Join us in wishing Jerry all the best on his next adventure!

Extension Waukesha County welcomed Dan Terrio as the new Extension Area Director on July 1.

Dan comes to Extension with more than 28 years of experience in leadership development, educational outreach, youth development, program management, and training. Dan’s professional journey began at age 13 when he started sharing his story of perseverance and strength as a motivational speaker. Over the years, he has become an award winning TED certified, nationally recognized speaker and trainer, and previously served two terms as the National Co-President of United National Indian Tribal Youth Inc., the largest American Indian youth organization in the United States. 

Organizations looking to strengthen communication, teamwork, and workplace relationships are encouraged to explore the Real Colors® program. This interactive workshop helps participants better understand personality styles and how they influence communication and collaboration on the job.

At a recent Real Colors® workshop, 100% of participants rated the overall experience as good or excellent and identified the most valuable aspect as the opportunity to better understand colleagues, strengthen communication, and learn how to effectively interact with different personality styles in the workplace.

Extension is currently scheduling workshops for fall and winter, with sessions tailored to your team’s needs. To learn more about program benefits, visit https://waukesha.extension.wisc.edu/community-development/organizational-development/. To schedule a workshop for your organization, contact Steve at steven.chmielewski@wisc.edu.

During Eating Smart & Being Active programs, parents learn ways to plan and shop for healthy, budget-friendly meals and stay active as a family. At each session, participants prepare a healthy recipe and practice physical activities that are simple to do at home. At the end of the series, participants take home a recipe book and cooking tools. Parents sample the healthy recipes each time and often comment that they are now making the recipes at home!

This series is available in English or Spanish and is offered in group settings at eligible community sites. To learn more about bringing this nutrition education program to your organization, reach out to Jill Herz at jill.herz@wisc.edu.

Extension is once again teaming up with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to plan and host a series of urban forestry workshops around the state for green industry professionals in September. The Waukesha location date is September 22.

To be notified of the details and when registration opens, email  lboyer@waukeshacounty.gov.

Extension Waukesha County is collaborating with local organizations to offer interactive, hands-on activities for youth at the 4-H Kids Zone during the Waukesha County Fair on July 15-19, 2026.

Youth and families are invited to explore interactive, hands-on activities to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Best of all, there is no cost to participate. Activities will be offered daily from noon to 4 p.m. 4-H Bingo will be at 6 p.m. each evening (except Sunday). Last year, over 3,000 youth and adults participated in the indoor and outdoor Kids Zone activities.

For information about Waukesha County 4-H opportunities, contact James Boling, Extension 4-H Positive Youth Development Educator at james.boling@wisc.edu.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and
programming in compliance with state and federal law.

515 W Moreland Boulevard, AC G22 ⟡ Waukesha, WI 53188 ⟡ 262-548-7770

waukesha.extension.wisc.edu