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4-H Educator Update Hello Dunn County 4-H'ers and Families!
I hope you are all healthy and well! We've had a couple of slow months in terms for County and State 4-H programming. I hope that you were able to take that time to focus on yourself, your family, and getting the school year off to a great start!
I've taken that time to plan some great events for all of you. As you will see in this newsletter, we have a wide variety of offerings at the county level. Some old favorites are back, and we have some new offerings that I am excited about.
We will once again be hosting a Project Discovery Day on November 8. This event is for members and non-members in grades k-5 to explore 5 new project areas. Youth in middle and high school are invited to help out with the event. We are also excited bring back the UW-Stout Robotics Day, Food Drive Competition, and Halloween Party!
We are trying something new this Winter with a 4-H Day at the Mabel. I've worked with the Menomonie Theater Guild and Dunn County 4-H Leaders Council to get reduced ticket prices for a showing of White Christmas!
At the bottom of this update, you will find a link to the 2025-26 calendar of events. I will pass out a copy for each family to the club leaders at the General Leaders Meeting this week. These events are only open to ENROLLED 4-H members. If you have not completed your enrollment please do it soon at www.4honline.com. Finally, a reminder that all returning volunteers must be enrolled by November 1.
Please reach out if you have a question about enrollment or any of the events listed in this newsletter.
Sincerely,
Zachary Rozmiarek
Dunn County 4-H Educator, 715-308-8616
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Americorp Member Wanted!Dunn County 4-H is seeking a passionate, community-minded individual to serve for 14 hours a week (Jan-Aug) as a Wisconsin 4-H AmeriCorps Member. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your resume, gain professional experience, and support positive youth development in your community.
As a 4-H AmeriCorps Member, you will:
- Seek out, contact, and build partnerships with youth serving organizations (schools, libraries, afterschool programs)
create new 4-H clubs to engage new and more youth in 4-H and other programs
recruit and engage youth from diverse backgrounds
Develop and deliver programs that address local community needs
Coordinate in-school and after-school youth activities
Promote 4-H through outreach and social media
Great for:
🎓 College students (flexible schedule!)
👩🏫 Aspiring educators or youth workers
🌟 Anyone looking to give back and grow professionally
Benefits
- Living Allowance: $5,000 (paid biweekly)
- Education Award: $1,956.35 (upon successful completion)
- Flexible schedule
- Resume-building experience with UW–Madison Extension
- Professional development and training
Follow the Link below, or email zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu for more information.
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CEDAR CREST 4-H FLAVOR CREATION CONTEST
Wisconsin 4-H clubs are invited to imagine a delicious new ice cream flavor, and come up with an interesting flavor name. Each club may submit up to five entries.
Five finalists will be selected from all entries received and will receive a Cedar Crest Ice Cream party for their 4-H club.
In addition to an ice cream party, the grand prize winner will receive a $500 prize for their 4-H club and the winning flavor will be produced as a Cedar Crest Ice Cream Feature Flavor for the month of July!
To participate in the Flavor Creation Content, 4-H Club Leaders may submit your entry (up to 5 entries per club) using the online form linked below, or by downloading the entry form with submission details. Entries are due by November 15.
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New 4-H Project Guide
As you go to re-enroll this fall, the projects might look a little different. Wisconsin 4-H has condensed the projects to 100 projects. All of the same projects that you love are still available, but they may be under a different title. Watch the short video below for more information and check out the project guide to see what has changed. If you cannot find a project, please reach out to the Extension Office.
Remember, projects can be added anytime before May 1st!
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Returning Volunteer Re-Enrollment Policy (New)
The state has created a new re-enrollment policy for returning volunteers. All returning volunteers must re-enroll between September 4-November 1st. They must get their training and background check done by December 1st.
IMPORTANT: A submitted enrollment does not mean that an individual is an approved volunteer. Adults who are not approved 4-H volunteers cannot be in custodial care of youth.
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Join Leaders Council!The Leaders Council of Dunn County is a group that works to improve, foster, promote and develop the educational 4-H programs of Dunn County. It provides an opportunity for the leaders, volunteers, and families of Dunn County 4-H to unite their educational activities and programs. Its responsibilities include generating and providing financial and other support for 4-H events, activities, and educational programs.
The Leaders Council is open to any adults or youth involved in Dunn County 4-H, but requires regular participation by all clubs in order to be functional. We meet 4 times a year as a full group, but also have additional opportunities to help with specific topics, like awards or fundraising. Meetings can be attended in person at the Government Center in Menomonie, or virtually (via Zoom).
You do NOT need to be a General Leader to participate. Ideally, there would be at least 2 people from each club, but please make sure that each club has at least one representative who can plan to attend meetings. Please add the names of your club's representatives to the Leaders Council Spreadsheet.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Zac Rozmiarek, Dunn County Educator, or Amy Zuber Seguin, current Leaders Council President.
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| Upcoming Events, Programs, and Activities
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Project Discovery Day
Project Discovery Day is back!
- Saturday, November 8 | 9:15 AM–12:00 PM
- Open to all youth grades K-5 (not just 4-H’ers!)
- County Government Building
- FREE!
Join us at the County Government Building for a hands-on adventure where youth in grades K-5 can explore 5 exciting projects of their choice. Each activity takes just 25 minutes, and the lineup changes every year—so there’s always something new to discover!
This year's projects include:
- Canning
- Cats
- Dogs
- Legos
- Art
- Photography
- Circuits
Learn more about the projects and register at the link below.
We are also looking for youth leaders to help out with the projects. Youth in grades 6 and up can sign up below to help lead!
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Small Animal Project Kicks Off!Calling all small animal enthusiasts! Our first Small Animal Project meeting of the year is coming up on October 14. We will be mapping out our schedule and goals for the year as we work toward a successful summer fair season. It’s a great time to get involved, bring your ideas, and help shape the year ahead.
We’re also excited to welcome new leadership to the project, come meet them and be part of the planning fun!
We will meet on October 14th at 6:30pm in the lower level of the Dunn County Government Building.
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Halloween PartyThe Youth Activities Council will be hosting a Halloween Party for 4-H'ers in grades k-5. There will be games, prizes, treats, and a spooky craft! It will be from 6:30-7:30pm in Rooms 54 and 60 (lower Level) of the County Government Building.
Older than 5th grade, but still want to join in the fun? Reach out to Zachary Rozmiarek (zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu) to sign up to help run an activity!
Let us know you are planning to attend by filling out the google form.
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4-H Day at The MabelJoin us for an unique partnership with the Menomonie Theater Guild, as they host Dunn County 4-H'ers and their families for a presentation of White Christmas!
- Sunday December 7, 2pm
- All Dunn County 4-H'ers and Families
- Cost:
- 4-H Member: $12
- Non 4-H youth/senior/military: $18
- Adult: $20
The Menomonie Theater Guild has graciously given us a 25% discount on ALL tickets and Leaders Council will cover another $6 per ticket for all Dunn County 4-H'ers.
Tickets must be reserved by November 4 and cash or check made out to Dunn County Leaders Council. We only have 50 TOTAL seats reserved, so sign up soon!
Use the form below to sign up.
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Robotics Day Students in grades 5–8 from Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire counties are invited to UW–Stout for a hands-on robotics adventure! Participants will tour the Fab Lab, build and program robots, and compete in exciting challenges—all while exploring mechanical engineering and computer science.
⏰When: December 6, 9:45am-2pm
📍 Location: UW–Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Building
🍕 Lunch Provided
💵 Cost: $5 (payable to Chippewa County Treasurer)
📵 Please Note: Personal phones and digital devices will not be permitted during the program. We ask that you discuss this expectation with your child and avoid texting them during the event.
🚀 Excited to begin? Use the form below to sign up. Register by November 28, 2025.
Spots are limited—don’t miss out!
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2025-26 Food DriveDunn County 4-H is once again sponsoring a food drive for all clubs that wish to participate.
If your club votes to participate, here is what you need to do:
- Collect non-parishable food items between now and your January meeting.
- E-mail a picture of the club members with the items AND the total amount of items collected to zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.
- Donate the items to the food pantry of your choice. You can also bring them to the extension office and we will donate them for you.
The club with the most non-parishable food items per member will receive an ice cream sundae and root beer float party at their next meeting! (non-dairy options will be available upon request)
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| County-Wide Meetings and Events
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County-Wide Project meetings are open to any 4-H member who meets the age criteria. If you are unsure about adding a project area, these meetings are an excellent way to explore and learn more. Reach out to the extension office or project leaders for more information.
Projects can be added any time before May 1st in 4honline.com.
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Trip FundingThe Dunn County Leaders Council is excited to help fund your 4-H trip or activity! The Leaders Council is committed to funding 25% of all state and national trips and activities. The Leaders Council may fund at greater amounts depending on the number of participants and budgetary allowances.
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Youth Support Fund
The Youth Support Fund is largely supported by donations from community members and businesses. Its purpose is to reduce the cost barrier associated with 4-H events and activities. If you are planning to participate in a 4-H event and feel like you could benefit from this fund, reach out to the extension office at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu for more information.
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Club and Leader Information
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Volunteer Training
All volunteers are required to take the "2025-2026 Required Volunteer Training." Please take a moment to check your 4H Online account to see if you are missing the training. A link to training information is below.
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Leaders Council
The next Leaders Council Meeting will be in November. A survey will be sent out to pick the exact day. Please consider being on the Leaders Council. Reach out to Zachary Rozmiarek if you have any questions.
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4-H On the Air Schedule4-H On the Air is a fun and unique opportunity for the youth, and a great way to promote your club and Dunn County 4-H. Interviews can be done at the station or by phone.
If you are listed here, please take a moment to connect with WAXX: farm@midwestfamilyec.com or call Jill at 715-852-2659.
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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.
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