Monday, March 23, 2026

Photo Credit:  Shalan Kolbasuk

We are excited to announce the hire of Stephanie Nault as the Area 8 Extension Director. 

She was born and raised in Peshtigo, WI where she resides with her husband and three children.  She grew up on her family farm, has a tight knit family, enjoys serving her church, coaching sports, and she loves outdoor activities with her family. 

She has 19 years of experience in state service, serving in progressive leadership and direct supervisory roles with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and University of Wisconsin Division of Extension in Marinette County.  She comes into this position with a strong background in building community and statewide collaborations across organizational structures, where she has worked to identify needs and expand impact.   

She cares deeply about our local communities, and is eager to leverage her skills to lead and support staff, while connecting with community partners to help drive change. 

Welcome, Stephanie!  

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month, highlighting the important role stress management plays in maintaining overall health. While everyone experiences stress differently, it is generally understood as the body’s physical, mental, or emotional response to situations that feel overwhelming or threatening.

Stress can affect more than just our mood—it may lead to difficulty concentrating, headaches, stomach problems, or feelings of sadness and frustration. When stress continues over long periods, it can also impact physical health, increasing the risk of issues such as heart disease, stroke, and depression.

Learning healthy ways to cope can make a significant difference. Strategies such as eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks when needed can help manage stress levels. It is also important to recognize what is outside of our control and focus on positive ways to respond.

Perhaps most importantly, talking with others about stress—whether with friends, family members, or professionals—can provide valuable support and help build resilience.

While April raises awareness, managing stress is an ongoing part of maintaining mental and physical well-being throughout the year.  See below for 9 Stress Management Tips, brought to you by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. 

Dates: February 4 – April 18

Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30–11:00 a.m.

Location: St. John's Lutheran Church in Morgan, WI at 3374 County Highway C, Oconto Falls, WI.

Register: https://go.wisc.edu/w9bt8w

Questions? Contact Sarah Schindel sarah.schindel@wisc.edu or 920-834-6898

Strong People, Strong Bodies – Morgan

Looking for a safe, effective way to stay active and feel stronger as you age?  It is not too late to join! 

Strong Bodies is a research-based strength training program designed for mid-life and older adults that supports lifelong health, independence, and confidence.

Participants can expect improvements in muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and overall mobility, which can help reduce the risk of falls, make everyday activities easier, and support bone and joint health.

Many participants also report increased energy, better posture, and a greater sense of well-being from staying active in a supportive group setting.

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, we’re looking forward to taking our steps outdoors for some fresh air, sunshine, and spring energy 🌱☀️

Until then, join us inside, keep moving, and get ready to step into spring with walking groups located at Oconto Falls School District and Lena School District. 

Through our partnership with Healthy Oconto County, you can find a place within our county to walk safely, indoors with other community members multiple days of the week. 

Thank you to our partnering schools for working with us to make our communities a healthier place to live!

How are you incorporating physical activity into your days and weeks?  Morning walks, lunch time movement breaks or evening sweat sessions ALL COUNT!

Staying safe online is more important than ever. University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension in Oconto County is offering a new Online Safety program designed to help community members build confidence and protect themselves in today’s digital world.

This session will cover how to recognize common scams and frauds, safeguard personal information, and identify trustworthy online sources. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your skills or learn something new, this program offers practical tips you can use right away.

Join us on April 20 for this informative and empowering session—because your safety online starts with YOU.

For more information, contact:

Katie Daul

920-834-6848  katie.daul@wisc.edu

Virtual Planning AHEAD Series 

Thursdays, April 2 - May 14, 2026

Virtual sessions: 11am - noon

Registration: $30 (includes materials)

Register here: https://go.wisc.edu/072hpy

Registration is now open for the spring virtual Planning AHEAD series!

Planning AHEAD is a comprehensive end-of-life planning program for all ages developed by UW–Madison Division of Extension faculty and staff.

The series includes 7 one-hour sessions that are grounded in research to lead participants in understanding how to prepare for the end-of-life for themselves or a loved one, and why it’s important to have a plan in place.

The program topic areas are: Getting Started, Handling Financial Changes, Advance Medical and Legal Directives, Estate Planning, Choices in End-of-Life Care, Final Wishes and Understanding Grief.

This program is open to anyone over the age of 18. You can never start planning too early! 

Informational video: https://youtu.be/ppcHqo62Rig

A recent On Wisconsin article, “Healing the World, Block by Block,” highlights how University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers are using data to better understand how neighborhoods impact health. Their work is helping communities make more informed decisions to improve health and well-being for all.

Register online or by phone:

Online: https://go.wisc.edu/s10v15

By Calling:

Katie Daul, UW-Madison Division of Extension, Oconto County: 920-834-6848

or

Lisa Spencer, Marinette County ADRC: 715-732-3850

We're excited to share that Oconto County UW Extension Lifespan Educator Katie Daul, is partnering with the Marinette County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to bring you Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a supportive and skill‑building class series just for you!

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six‑week, evidence‑based education program designed to help family and friend caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for others. The class helps you build confidence, reduce stress, improve communication, solve problems, and locate helpful community resources — all while connecting with others who understand what you’re going through.

This class is perfect for caregivers of adults with chronic conditions or caregivers of children with special health or behavioral needs.

Sessions are held once a week for six weeks and are led by experienced class leaders. Participants also receive a Powerful Tools for Caregivers workbook full of additional tips and resources.

What is Money Matters?

FREE virtual financial education workshops from UW–Madison Division of Extension are back!

Join us monthly for practical, easy-to-understand money topics that can help you feel more confident about your finances—no matter where you’re starting from.

Register here: go.wisc.edu/mmlive

What to expect:

• Online through Zoom

• Held monthly on the 1st Tuesday

• Up to 1 hour, with time for questions

• Same topic offered twice: 10–11 AM or 6:30–7:30 PM

These sessions are free and open to the public—perfect for adults, families, and anyone looking to build stronger financial skills.

2026 Topics Include:

• Tax-Filing Basics

• Budgeting & Spending Plans

• Credit Reports

• Getting Out of Debt

• Saving Basics

• Fraud & Scam Prevention

• Money Habits & Holiday Spending

…and more!

Landowners and farmers are invited to take advantage of a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and explore resources designed to support your land and livelihood. Join us on Friday, April 10, for the Farm and Landowner Resources Workshop in Antigo.

This free, come-and-go event offers a full morning of informative sessions led by experts covering topics such as invasive species management, farmland preservation programs, tax incentives, rental considerations, forestry, and nutrient management.

Whether you attend one session or stay for the entire workshop, you’ll leave with practical knowledge and resources to help you make informed decisions for your land.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.—we hope to see you there!

This year’s Winter Leadership Camp was all about “Leveling Up Your Leadership!” Over three action-packed days,  52 youth stepped into new challenges, strengthened life skills, and discovered new ways to grow as leaders in their schools, clubs, and communities.

Campers worked together to conquer a high-energy Leadership Escape Room, putting their communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills to the test. Other sessions youth participated in included:

🩹 First Aid & Safety Basics – Building confidence to respond in real-life situations
🍳 Cooking & Nutrition – Learning practical kitchen skills and healthy habits
💵 Financial Literacy – Understanding budgeting, needs vs. wants, and smart money decisions
🤝 Teamwork & Inclusion – Practicing how to lead with empathy and create welcoming spaces
🌲 Outdoor Play & Connection – Strengthening relationships through active games and shared challenges

📞 Phone Communication Etiquette – Practicing professional and respectful conversations

✍️ Writing Thank You Notes – Learning the power of gratitude and thoughtful follow-up

Throughout the weekend, youth discovered that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about listening, supporting others, taking initiative, and being willing to grow.

We are so proud of the way these young leaders showed up, encouraged one another, and truly leveled up their skills. The future is bright!

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension Oconto County  4-H Youth Development program offers a wide range of hands-on, research-based learning experiences designed to help young people grow into confident, capable leaders.

Youth can get involved in 4-H clubs, project learning, camps, school and after-school programs, and special interest classes focused on topics like STEM, arts, health, and more. Programs are designed to be flexible, engaging, and accessible for youth of all ages.

Our 4-H Positive Youth Development Educator can partner with schools, community groups, and organizations to deliver customized programming, support youth leadership, and provide enrichment opportunities in a variety of settings.

Interested in partnering? Communities, facilities, schools, and youth-serving organizations are encouraged to reach out to explore how 4-H can bring meaningful, engaging programming to local youth.

Would you like to learn how to register your youth for 4-H?  Click below!

For more information, contact Aimee Elkins:

Email: aimee.elkins@wisc.edu

Work Cell: 920-857-5019 

Registration is required and space is limited. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D2C3FKQ

Emplify Health by Bellin Fitness Center, 1201 Park Avenue, Oconto, WI 2nd Floor Conference Room

 Questions? Contact Wendy Beekman Wendy.Beekman@marinettecountywi.gov or Kasey Ermis Kasey.ermis@emplifyhealth.org 

Your mental and physical health are deeply connected. Learn how to care for both in NAMI Hearts + Minds! NAMI Hearts+Minds is a free, 5-week wellness class for adults living with mental health conditions or their family members. It focuses on how lifestyle, habits, and overall health can support your mental health journey.

This course meets every Wednesday from 6pm-7pm, beginning April 1 through April 29, 2026.

Class dates: April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22, April 29

In this class, you’ll learn about:

-The link between mental and physical health
Nutrition, exercise, and sleep

-Managing stress and chronic health conditions
-Navigating primary care and advocating for health needs
-Building daily habits that support long-term wellness

Small changes can make a big difference!

 Oconto Community Members:

We’re excited to share that a brand-new After School Club is launching in January 2026 at Oconto Middle School! As we begin this new adventure, we’re introducing Guest Educator Nights every Wednesday—a weekly opportunity for students to learn from the incredible talent and expertise within our community.

We are inviting community members to lead a session on topics such as:

Drug prevention and safety

Psychoeducation and mental wellness

Financial literacy

Practical life skills

Creative hobbies, arts, and crafts

Or any area of knowledge you’re excited to share!

If you would like to participate as a Guest Educator—or know someone in the community who might—please sign up using the link below:

https://forms.gle/tVoCt7t5C94MW8Tz8

Shared on behalf of Hilary Trepanier - Oconto Unified School District

Want to raise confident, healthy teens and build strong relationships with them?

This FREE virtual class is for you! Come fill your toolbox with ways to make parenting easier and more joyful!

Begins March 24 • 9 a.m. or 6 p.m.

Register here: 

This is a free, virtual talk hosted on May 14, 2026 at 3:30 PM CDT by ADRC of Green County. 

Please register through email or phone call to bbeam@gchsd.org / (608)-426-4295.

The presentation will look at family caregiver burnout, self-care, and strategies to minimize the risk of burnout when caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s dementia.

Jody Krainer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that practiced at a large medical and behavioral healthcare system in Waukesha for twenty years. She also has advanced education and experience in business and worked as an executive in a large community-based nonprofit in the inner city of Milwaukee for six years. Jody joined the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute at the School of Medicine and Public Health (UW-Madison) in 2016 as the Dementia Diagnostic Clinic Network Manager. In May of 2021, Jody also assumed leadership responsibilities for WAI’s Wisconsin Dementia Resource Network.

Join the Extension Horticulture Program throughout 2026 for an opportunity to connect with plant health experts from the UW-Madison Division of Extension. Each session, held monthly on Wednesdays, offers a chance to ask questions about trees and shrubs, homegrown fruits and vegetables, indoor plants, ornamental landscapes, lawns, and more.

Whether it’s about plant problems, diseases, pesky insects, or the selection and general care of plants in and around your home, our panel of seasoned experts will provide you with insightful answers.

The goal of these sessions is to connect how sustainable gardening practices positively impact landscapes and ecosystems, cultivate your knowledge of horticulture practices that improve biodiversity in landscapes, increase your understanding of climate change in horticulture, and promote adaptive strategies and the adoption of resilient gardening practices.

These online sessions are free but registration is required for each session that you would like to attend. Upon registration you will receive an email confirmation with the link for joining the session.

A Fun and Rewarding Summer Awaits

Badger Precollege is now enrolling grades 4–12! Our 1-3 week programs range from music to medicine, previewing the college experience.  Click the link below to explore opportunities! 

https://precollege.wisc.edu/?utm_source=inside_uw&utm_medium=featured_editorial&utm_campaign=precollege26&utm_content=inside_uw_january