September 2025

(published September 9, 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.

September marks the start of a brand-new 4-H year, and with it comes fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and connect! Whether you’re returning for another year or joining us for the first time, now is the perfect time to set goals, explore new projects, and discover all that 4-H has to offer. From club meetings to countywide events, the year ahead is full of ways for youth to build skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.

I’m excited to see where this new year takes each of you—let’s make it one filled with growth, generosity, and belonging!

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

Enrollment AND re-enrollment for the 2025-26 4-H year is now OPEN!

Running into Problems? Please use the reference guide: 4-H Family Enrollment Guide for step-by-step instructions! Additional Resources: 4HOnline 2.0 for Families 

We are excited to start the new 4-H year and look forward to 4-H members, families, and volunteers coming together as a great 4-H community!

YOUTH MEMBERS:

ADULT VOLUNTEERS:

Picking projects is the exciting first step 4-H youth take in their annual 4-H membership journey. And it just got easier! We’re excited to share some brand-new resources to help 4-H members find their sparks — the interests that bring them joy, energy and purpose. 

The resources are:  

A fresh Project Guide that groups projects into seven streamlined categories. The new categories not only give youth ideas for exploring each project area, but also conveniently match up with most county fair exhibit categories.

Ozaukee County 4-H Project Listings at a Glance: Are you an Ozaukee 4-H’er and looking for an easy guide to show what Project Area houses your specific Ozaukee 4-H project? Check out the Ozaukee specific guide to assist with that! Know what projects are offered and which 'project area' they now fall under. It will help during enrollment!

As we wrap up the 4-H year, we ask all volunteers to please return any 4-H items such as keys to buildings, binders, or other resources you may have used. These items are shared across the program and ensure that future leaders, members, and volunteers have what they need to be successful.

Per Wisconsin 4-H policy, all 4-H property and resources—including supplies and materials—belong to the 4-H program and must remain with the club, group, or county when a volunteer’s role ends. Returning these items promptly helps us stay in compliance, maintain accurate records, and make resources available for the next set of youth and volunteers.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our 4-H program strong!

Questions? Want to return materials? Please contact the Extension office at 262-284-8288 in advance.

Attention 4-H Club and Group Leaders, it's annual Charter time!

The online Charter application is now live and due online by November 1st!

A printable charter worksheet is available at the website below and can be used as a resource for your club/group before completing the online application.

Any current chartered 4-H Club and Group need to charter each year. For more information and resources, please visit link: WI 4-H Charter Information & Resources 

The chartering process ensures the 4-H Club or Group is organized in accordance with the objectives of the Wisconsin 4-H program. Failure to submit a completed Wisconsin 4-H Clubs & Groups Charter Application by the due date could result in the 4-H Club or Group being dissolved.

Any questions or if you need assistance, please reach out to Abi, 4-H Educator, at 262-284-8288.

Now is the time to start thinking about 4-H meeting dates/times and room/building reservations for the new 4-H year! The Fairground buildings in Cedarburg and Administration Building in Port Washington are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Fairgrounds Reservations: 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. Primary contact for Fairgrounds reservations remains Melissa Alexander.

Administration Building Reservations: 4-H leaders should contact Kaitlin, support staff in the Extension Ozaukee County office for meeting requests. Please be sure to include date(s), time, number of attendees, and requests for seating layouts when emailing for reservations. 

You are invited to attend the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association meeting on September 18 from 7:30-9:00 pm at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Pavilion North in Cedarburg.

The Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association members encompass Ozaukee County 4-H members, volunteers, leaders, and families. We work together to expand and enrich the 4-H experience in the Ozaukee County 4-H Program. Together, we plan countywide 4-H activities, events, and fundraisers.

Leaders Association Board will submit a meeting agenda that will be posted on the Leaders & Volunteers page of the website once submitted.

We look forward to seeing you at the September meeting!

We STILL NEED HELP for the 4-H Lemonade Stand at the Cedarburg Harvest Festival on September 20-21.

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

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.

This is a very well attended event for Cedarburg every year so please plan in advance to secure street parking, or review the festival website for additional parking and shuttle options.

Thanks in advance for taking a moment to assist in our 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!

Sign-up Today: 2025 Cedarburg Harvest Festival Lemonade Stand

Reminder: 4-H youth members and adult volunteers must enroll in 4HOnline before volunteering at event!

-Submitted by Deanna Lee, 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinator

As part of our ongoing commitment to positive youth development and strong volunteer support, we’re inviting (and requiring) key adult volunteers to attend one of two upcoming Countywide 4-H Volunteer Training sessions this fall.

Who Should Attend:

Why This Matters: This training is designed to ensure all volunteers are equipped with the latest tools, resources, and updates to support youth effectively. As outlined in Wisconsin 4-H policy, county-based programs may implement additional training to meet local needs and enhance program quality.

Topics Include:

Choose Your Session:

Thank you for your continued dedication to youth and the 4-H mission. We look forward to seeing you there!

Calling all curious minds! The Tri-County 4-H Science Expedition returns this fall with an exciting day of hands-on STEM exploration at UW–Madison. Youth in grades 6 and up from Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, and Washington counties will dive into interactive workshops, lab tours, and real-world science experiences—from biology to sustainability and engineering.

Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2025, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Pick Up/Drop Off Location: Washington County Fair Park, West Bend, WI
Capacity: Up to 20 youth participants
Chaperones Needed: 2 adult volunteers (you must be approved 4-H volunteers). Please contact Abi Quinlan, if interested!

This immersive field trip offers a unique opportunity to explore college life, meet scientists, and spark interest in future STEM careers. Space is limited—don’t miss out!

Registration opens soon! Watch for details in your inbox and on our county 4-H website.

Are you currently serving as a club officer—or thinking about stepping into a leadership role? Join us for the Youth Officer Training this November at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion!

This in-person workshop is designed to empower youth with the skills, confidence, and tools to lead effectively in their clubs and communities. Whether you're a president, secretary, historian, or just curious about leadership, this training is for YOU!

Date: November 13, 2025, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion

Who Should Attend?

What You'll Gain:

Let's build leadership together - because strong clubs start with strong youth voices.

RSVP by November 6th: 2025-26 Youth Officer Training

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

The Haunt build has begun! We have a great planning committee, but we still need YOU to make it happen. Consider helping us build, staff the event, and especially teardown.

Build dates will be updated on The Haunt Calendar, located at the bottom of the 4-H at the Haunt webpage. **Last minute updates will be communicated via Telegram or the text group. Please contact one of the co-coordinators at 4hhaunt@gmail.com to be added to either group.

Signup Genius Links:

Snacks & Meals: 2025 Haunt Snacks & Meals

Haunt Volunteer Sign-up: 2025 Haunt Volunteers

Mandatory Haunt Training: 2025 Haunt Training

PLEASE NOTE: Re-enrollment is now open for the 2025-2026 4-H year. You must be enrolled AND approved as a member or adult leader to work inside The Haunt. Do not wait until the last minute to re-enroll as it may take time to process. Reach out to any of the co-coordinators or your general leader if you have questions.

Thank you in advance for making this another great Haunt season!

- Submitted by Katie Noetzel, Rose Paulus, Sue Dowe - 4-H Volunteer Haunt Co-Coordinators

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

4-H Open Houses: September 9 & September 10. Do you know someone who wants to learn more about the Ozaukee County 4-H Program? Or perhaps they are ready to enroll in the 2025-2026 4-H Year? Invite them to an upcoming 4-H Open House!

Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association Seeking Board Members: Apply by September 12th. The Ozaukee County 4-H Leader's Association is seeking motivated individuals who would like to be behind the scenes and help with serving on the board for a term. This as a perfect opportunity to become more involved in the 4-H community and help with decision making! 2025 LA Board Adult Candidate Application ; 2025 LA Board Youth Candidate Application

Outstanding Leader and Friends of 4-H Nominations: Due October 1st. Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association is currently accepting nominations for these two awards. The 4-H Leadership Recognition Award is designed to honor an outstanding leader, group or organization within the Ozaukee County  4-H Program. Nominees for this award should be current 4-H leaders and their involvement and leadership in the Ozaukee County 4-H Program should demonstrate a willingness and drive to consistently excel at performing their regular 4-H Leadership responsibilities. Leader Recognition Application .  The Friend of 4-H Award is designed to honor adult individuals, groups or businesses who have made contributions to 4-H on a countywide basis. These contributions to 4-H may be in the form of personal services, leadership, special training, publicity, or financial support. The recipient should also have a meaningful involvement in 4-H, is committed to the philosophy of 4-H Youth Development and has demonstrated high personal standards. Friend of 4-H Application

2026 WI 4-H Hall of Fame Nominations: Due November 3, 2025. The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame is established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff, and pioneers who made major contributions to the 4-H movement at the local, state, and national levels. You will find the updated nomination process and form at https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/wisconsin-4-h-hall-of-fame/. 

Fairgrounds Reservations-Digital Form. Reminder that 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.

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, you can not serve in your 4-H volunteer role. Questions about your enrollment or status? Log into your 4HOnline account to check status OR call the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

Congratulations to Emlyn S. and Jacob C. for being named the 2026 Mr & Miss Ozaukee 4-H representatives. Emlyn and Jacob will be ambassadors for the 4-H program in community events across the county over the next year! Thank you to all youth contestants involved in the process as well.

- Submitted by Dorothy Parchim, 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinator

The recent County Board Exchange was a wonderful opportunity for building relationships between Ozaukee County youth and county supervisors. Youth members not only shared their 4-H projects but also gained valuable insight into how the County Board functions and makes decisions that impact our community. This exchange gave youth a chance to practice leadership and communication skills while helping board members see the positive impact 4-H has across the county. We are grateful to the County Board for their time and support, and to our 4-H youth for proudly representing Ozaukee County 4-H. 

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.

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