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Directors Corner
As we celebrate another holiday season and we finish 2021 I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the team at the Santa Cruz County Cooperative Extension. Their dedication to serving all of the communities in southeast Arizona has been inspirational. From working with Pecan and Cattle producers to improve production, to teaching families about parenting and early childhood development, to engaging with community leaders about transportation and logistics for fresh produce, to being a part of the school system through agriculture education and 4-H and ensuring that our community members have access to nutritional foods.
At Extension we help change lives and build families. Thank you for inviting us to be a proud part of the community.
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How 4-H Paves the Way to College
Samantha Thwaits, Senior at Nogales High School and President of the 4-H Rattlesnakes Club, has been a 4-H member since she was a little girl. In 2020, Samantha’s grandfather, Mr. Duane Thwaits, gave her a very special gift, a very cute steer. Samantha named it Mr. Motley and it was then that she decided to join the 4-H Steer Project in Santa Cruz County.
When asked to share her experiences in caring for her steer, Samantha said, “ I started while we were in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyday, I looked forward to going to my Grandparents’ house in Rio Rico to feed Mr. Motley. I would feed him grain and hay and walk him twice a day.” I started giving him 12 lbs of hay but later reduced the amount to 8 lb because he was getting too big. I really enjoyed those moments because my Grandpa would always help me and I got to spend a lot of time with him”.
In June, Samantha decided to show her steer at the fair and started practicing with a show stick and halter. When asked about what she learned, she replied: “Responsibility, [how to access] food sources, and that a lot goes into raising an animal; you can’t just get something off the menu to feed it. You are feeding a living being and many kids do not realize that''. She added, “I am very grateful to my 4-H project leaders Ms. Kristin Tomlinson and Mr. Dean Fish for teaching me everything about raising a steer. In September of 2021, with great skill, Samantha proudly showed her steer at the Santa Cruz County Fair and during the livestock auction, Mr. Motley was sold for $10,000. Although Samantha misses Mr. Motley every day, she is very proud to have earned $10,000 for her college education. She wants to pursue a career in science or mathematics and plans on continuing her education until earning a doctorate degree. Her top college choices are Duke University, the University of Arizona, and Arizona State University. When asked about her overall experience with 4-H, Samantha added: “I recommend young people to join 4-H. There are many fun projects to choose from and if you like raising animals, you will really learn to value what it entails and it will prepare you for life. You will also get to know a lot about yourself, I never thought I would be president of a youth club or show such a large animal”.
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4-H Youth Development in Santa Cruz County
By: Norma Elisa Ruiz Project Coordinator, Senior
The 4-H Youth Development Program of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Santa Cruz County serves the community by providing fun and engaging learning experiences for young people in the ages of 8-18. We offer a variety of opportunities primarily in the pathways of Agriculture, Civic Engagement, Community Service, Healthy Living, Leadership and STEM. We have three youth clubs: The Healthy Living Ambassadors Club, based in Nogales, the Mustangs Club, based in Sonoita and the Rattlesnakes Club, based in Rio Rico and Nogales. Following are a few highlights from the months of August - September 2021:
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Buyers Appreciation Dinner in Sonoita: On August 21st, Members of the Mustangs and Rattlesnakes Club hosted the Buyers Appreciation Dinner at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. It was a very nice event and youth members demonstrated their public speaking skills with their guests and supporters. Awesome job 4-Her’s!
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The 2021 Santa Cruz County FairOn the weekend of September 17- 19, 4-H youth, their families, and community members got together at the Sonoita FairGrounds to celebrate the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair. Youth worked incredibly hard and they showed their animals and showmanship skills. The fair was successful and lots of fun! A special thanks to Dusti Prentice, Mustang club leader; Jennifer Paz, Rattlesnakes club leader; the SCC Junior Livestock Council, Peter Hooper, County Agent and all the project leaders for their great commitment and dedication to our youth! We are immensely proud of all club members and to all our Project Leaders a huge thank you for all that you do! You are rock stars!
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Above left: Rori Prentice, Mustang Club; Ellissa Bird, Mustang Club
Above center: Ellissa Bird, Mustang Club
Above right: Ian Corona, Rattlesnakes
Below left: Calvin King, Mustang Club
Below Center: Mathew Navarro, Rattlesnakes; Brasher Hicks, Rattlesnakes
Below right: Everett Prentice, Mustang Club
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Visit with 4-H Youth at the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair
Mr. Ethan Orr, Associated Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Community & Economic Development of the Arizona Cooperative Extension and Director of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension of Santa Cruz County attended the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair and got a chance to visit with 4-H members and listen to their awesome stories and learning experiences.
Photoed: Ethan Orr, Director; Rori Prentice, Mustang Club
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The 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair Parade of Champions
After a weekend of hard work and lots of fun, the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair ended with the Parade of Champions in which 4-H Leaders and Volunteers presented award certificates to the 4-H winners in each of their respective categories. Mr. Ethan Orr gave words of appreciation to all 4-H members and leaders and congratulated them for their amazing work. He thanked the planning team: Mr. Richard McPherson, Mr. Dean Fish, Mr. Peter Hooper, Ms. Kristen Tomlinson and especially Dr. Dusti Prentice, Mustangs Club leader and Ms. Jennifer Paz, Rattlesnake Club leader for their exemplary work and dedication to the 4-H program and the young people of Santa Cruz County.
Mr. Peter Hooper, 4-H County Agent, addressed youth and commended them for their commitment and efforts to their projects and clubs. Mr. Hooper then awarded the ‘Volunteer of the Year Plaque’ to Dr. Dusti Prentice, Mustang Club Leader. Congratulations Dr. Prentice! Thank you for all that you do!
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The Healthy Living Ambassadors of Santa Cruz County On September 25th, the Healthy Living Ambassadors of Santa Cruz County participated in the Thrive Fest hosted by the Office of the SCC County Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Alfredo Velasquez.
The ambassadors provided information on the work being done within the club and on how they are serving the community. The Healthy Living Ambassadors program focuses on building leadership skills and living a healthy lifestyle and on encouraging members and the community to do the same.
In this picture (bottom): Mr. Alfredo Velasquez, Superintendent of Santa Cruz County Schools and members of the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors Club of Santa Cruz County.
For information on the 4-H Youth Development Program of Santa Cruz County, please contact
Program Coordinator, Senior
Norma Elisa Ruiz at normaelisaruiz@arizona.edu
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EFNEP Newsletter
The EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) program will partner with the 4H Healthy Living Ambassadors program this fall. EFNEP staff will train the 4H team members on nutrition and how to present that knowledge to their peers, the 4H team members will then provide nutrition education classes to the youth in the SCC communities. It is a great partnership that uses the knowledge of the EFNEP program and the youth development capabilities of the 4H program to provide youth of SCC with important information and skills.
The EFNEP program continues to provide Nutrition Education to families with young children, and their caregivers. Adults are the decision makers about what the family eats and can influence the physical activity levels of the household. Therefore, it is very important that they have a good understanding of attainable healthy food choices and physical activity resources. The EFNEP program is currently reviewing new curriculum to offer consistent messages across the Cooperative Extension Program. Presently team members, Diana Yanez, Margarita Jacobo and Aileen Cruz are recruiting for new classes for both adult and youth participants. Please feel free to reach out to our office if you have any questions or would like to sign up for a class.
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SNAP -Ed News
SNAP-Ed previously known as the Mix it Up Nutrition program is now referred to as AZ Health Zone, Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County (CE SCC). In addition to the new name change there also have been minor changes to programming. Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has now put more emphasis on policy, system and environment changes within schools and communities. Direct nutrition education classes then support those changes implemented at the school and community level. SCC team will be working to help create Wellness Committees at participating schools, providing technical assistance and guidance on how to use best practice when making systems and environmental changes.
AZ Health Zone CE SCC is also promoting the importance of physical activity. In Rio Rico they have placed mileage markers and trail signage on the walking trails throughout Rio Rico. Blue reflectors indicate 1/10 of a mile and red reflectors indicate 1 mile. Look for these signs along the trails to help you calculate the length of your walk/workout.
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AZ Health Zone CE SCC also has some new faces on our team, Aileen Cruz who was working primarily with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) has moved over to help the SNAP-Ed side and Jose Luis Herrera is also now part of the team. Please feel free to reach out to our office if you have any questions or would like to be part of the program.
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Diabetes Prevention Program
1 out of 3 American Adults have prediabetes. You can make changes now to improve your health and prevent Type II diabetes. Cooperative Extension Santa Cruz County provides classes from the National Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is 26 classes spread out over 52 weeks and helps participants make lifestyle changes that have shown to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition, the program helps you lose weight, become more physically active and lower your stress levels. In the past 3 years over 50 participants have completed the program and lowered their A1C blood glucose levels and adopted habits that are helping them lead a healthier lifestyle. You can find out more information about the program i.e., new classes, participation requirements, and activities you can try now at the following website www.preventdiabetesaz.org Diana Yanez and Margarita Jacobo are trained Lifestyle Coaches that will be there for you every step of the way on your new journey. Please feel free to reach out to our office for more information.
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Parents Flock Back to the Family Resource Centers Since reopening in June 2021, Santa Cruz County families have returned to the Family Resource Centers (FRCs) in increasing numbers to connect with other families in-person. The Family Resource Centers play a valuable role in the community helping families make social connections, gain knowledge of child development, and learn new parenting skills. Parents who attend the FRCs are more likely to read to their children, implement activities to promote their child’s brain development, and adapt parenting strategies to their child’s temperament which all lead to a greater probability their child will be successful in kindergarten. The best endorsement for the Centers is watching children drag their parents back to our doors excited to return to “Escuelita.” To support families, the Centers offer a continuum of classes. Parents are encouraged to begin their journey at the Centers with the Power of Parenting class, which opens their eyes to the impact they have on their child’s brain growth and development. Parents are then motivated to become their child’s first teacher and to become more engaged with their child’s school. The Family Resource Centers’ free classes are divided into two categories: Parent Education – Provides tools for parents to promote language, skill building, and critical thinking. Child Development – Puts children in the driver’s seat, in charge of their own learning and creativity. Childcare is provided to parents while taking classes and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and University of Arizona safety guidelines are followed at all the Centers. Options for upcoming classes are distributed monthly in our Centers’ Calendars.
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Pictures from Positive Discipline Classes at the Family Resource Center.
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Engaging with our Communities The University of Arizona Cooperative Extenstion, Santa Cruz County (UACE, SCC) participated in the Gear Up Thrive Fest event on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Pierson High School Field in Nogales, AZ. The C-CREO (College and Career Readiness & Educational Opportunities) Gear Up (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative is managed by the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office and “is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing the college and career readiness of students in communities nationwide.” The Gear Up Thrive Fest event was the culminating event of the 2021 National Gear Up Week celebrating students, families, and all of Santa Cruz County. UACE, SCC Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) programs and 4-H hosted two tables at the event. Information on the programs we offer the community was handed out along with some free goodies (UACE face masks, pens, notepads, and hand sanitizers). The UACE, SCC FCHS programs include:
- Family Resource Centers (FRC) in Nogales, Rio Rico, and Patagonia,
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed),
- Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP),
- Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP),
- Positive Discipline and Financial Literacy classes (PD/FL), and
- Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC).
Approximately 200 kids and volunteers attended the event. The UACE, SCC team enjoyed making new connections as well as catching up with community organizations and members we hadn’t seen in some time. The team looks forward to participating in future community events to continue spreading the word about the valuable and free services we offer in Santa Cruz County.
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Child Care Health Consultation Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC) are health professionals who work with childcare centers, home-based providers, and preschools to promote safe and healthy learning environments. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz County’s CCHC works alongside early childhood care providers with the following three goals in mind. To support teachers and providers in:
1) Creating classrooms and homes that are safe and healthy for young children ages birth to five, 2) Incorporating health and safety messages into lessons and daily activities, and 3) Passing health and safety information on to parents.
CCHC’s provide free expert advice and assistance on a variety of health topics, assist providers in identifying areas of interest, strengths, and opportunities for growth, and provide personalized education, support, and referrals in the following areas: nutrition and food safety, active play, child abuse recognition and reporting, classroom safety, immunizations, preventing disease transmission, and oral health, among many others.
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(Below) Picture from Cooperative Extension Day at the Pinal County Cooperative Extension in Casa Grande. Featured are Ana Laura Prado and Rosie Stewart.
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Happy Holidays from Santa Cruz Cooperative Extension!
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