<![CDATA[FRIENDS OF EXTENSION FOUNDATION - Home]]>Sun, 03 May 2026 04:12:05 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Giving Tuesday 2024]]>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 22:21:45 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/giving-tuesday-2024
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]]><![CDATA[2023 Friends of Exension Annual Report]]>Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:47:19 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/2023-friends-of-exension-annual-report
Download 2023 Annual Report
]]><![CDATA[Fall Grant Proposals Due Oct 31, 2023]]>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:36:33 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/fall-grant-proposals-due-oct-31-2023
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]]><![CDATA[Spring 2023 GRaNT PROposals due april 30]]>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:50:14 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/spring-2023-grant-proposals-due-april-30
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]]><![CDATA[Congratulations to Board Member Nancy!]]>Thu, 05 Jan 2023 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/congratulations-to-board-member-nancy
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]]><![CDATA[Giving Tuesday - nov 29, 2022]]>Fri, 18 Nov 2022 01:10:29 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/giving-tuesday-nov-29-2022
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]]><![CDATA[GRANT HIGHLIGHT: Horticulture Program Coordinator, scott evans]]>Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:09:18 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/grant-highlight-horticulture-program-coordinator-scott-evansEDUCATION FOCUS: Picture

​My background is in botany and agriculture and my
focus is with volunteer management of the
Extension Master Gardener program. I enjoy helping
​people solve their plant-based problems.

GRANT PROJECT:

Dr. Jody Green pulled together a prototype of an insect vegetable pest book that was to be used in another Extension program that didn’t launch.  When Dr. Green was showing me her work one day I knew her work would benefit the public if we were able to get it in an easy to use format.  We are lucky to have many talented volunteers and one such volunteer has a background in printing and publishing.  So I took the initiative to work with a printer to get a rough estimate on printing charges and wrote a grant to help cover printing cost.
​

WHERE CAN WE GET MORE INFORMATION?

People who are interested in picking up a copy for themselves can swing by the office and pick one up.  The cost is $15.00 plus tax.  We have limited inventory so it would be best to give us a call first before heading to the office.

Scott Evans
Horticulture Program Coordinator
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
8015 W. Center Rd., Omaha 68124-3175
Phone: 402.444.7804

]]><![CDATA[GRANT HIGHLIGHT: Springfield Blue Jeans and Boots 4-H Club]]>Mon, 07 Feb 2022 20:20:52 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/grant-highlight-springfield-blue-jeans-and-boots-4-h-clubTELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CLUB:


​Springfield Blue Jeans and Boots 4-H Club is located in Southwest Sarpy County, just outside of Omaha. We have over 30 members in our club ranging from 5 years old to 18 years old. We enjoy doing all kinds of 4-H projects including woodworking, sewing, gardening, painting, STEM, livestock, shooting sports and, you guessed it, cooking!

We enjoy supporting our community and neighbors. You can find us cleaning up the highway, donating toys and blankets to animal shelters, saving our pop tabs and providing meals for the Ronald McDonald House of Omaha, drawing pictures, singing at nursing homes, and much more!
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WHAT IS YOUR GRANT PROJECT?




​We received a shooting sports grant to get some archery equipment so more kids in our club can try and join in shooting archery!  We were able to get 3 bows and arrows with our grant. 
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WHERE CAN WE GET MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about the Springfield Blue Jeans and Boots 4-H Club, please contact
Beth Meister at bethmeister10@gmail.com
]]><![CDATA[GRANT HIGHLIGHT: explorers 4-H CLUB]]>Tue, 25 Jan 2022 22:01:51 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/grant-highlight-explorers-4-h-clubTELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR CLUB:
Our Explorers 4-H club has four different sites where youth can work on service learning projects in STEM, plant production, and pollinator habitat creation. We are currently using 3D printing parts for our projects and do outreach for University programing. We are involved with supporting educational curriculum in Millard Public School (Partner in Education with Aquatic Society of Omaha INC) and Bellevue Public Schools (Bellevue STEM). We are student lead with a council of student officers from all four sites.
​

WHAT IS YOUR GRANT PROJECT?

Our goal in this project is to provide educational enrichment not only to the youth but extend
collaboration with additional youth in the Bellevue area in sharing the world of gardening. This has
increased the number of sites for 4H youth to grow exhibits for the county fair while engaging
others in the Metropolitan area. Develop the first unit for the youth to work with staff and youth at the LeMay Elementary School. They will join youth at Birchcrest Elementary School making in the Bellevue area 769 youth exposed to Extension consulting with a Master Gardener and Explorers 4H club
developing in the fourth site for the Stephen Center.


The LeMay Elementary project, started by the Explorers 4H club to help grow more food, in addition to helping Bellevue STEM.

The Birchcrest Elementary site has not only a Plant Nursery Aquaponic system but also raised beds to grow food.

64 youth received awards and grants for their projects at Birchcrest and LeMay sites. There are always opportunities to join, for students who may be interested!

All food is donated to the Stephen Center with bags of the community partners involved at Bellevue Public School and Millard Public Schools (Partners of Education listed). Youth send this project to the Sarpy County fair, in addition to the Douglas County fair this year.

where can we get more information?

For more information about the Explorers 4-H Club, or their projects, please contact
​Shawn Graham at ​shawngraham262@gmail.com 

The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) uses the Explorers 4-H club and Aquatic Society of Omaha INC as a youth resource for 12 states. See website below for more information.
http://ncrac-yea.org/resources.php

Explorers 4-H Club Members Facebook Page
]]><![CDATA[Remembering Vernon Lee Waldren]]>Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:26:01 GMThttps://www.friendsofextension.org/home/remembering-vernon-lee-waldrenPicture
Vernon Waldren, Friends of Extension Foundation founding member, retired Executive Director, Board Chair, and longtime supporter, lost his long and valiant struggle against cancer on Friday, January 7, 2022.

He lived a life in the service of others, and was a leader and mentor to so many people. We are grateful to share that Sen. Matt Williams, of the 36th legislative district, introduced the below legislative resolution, recognizing Vernon for his service and leadership.
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LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 275. Introduced by Williams, 36

WHEREAS, Vernon Waldren of Papillion was a lifelong educator dedicated to service, mentoring, and leadership in his communities; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was an invaluable member of the Elkhorn Grange, Carver Grange, and State Grange Executive Board and helped charter the Carver Grange; and
WHEREAS, Vernon received the Nebraska State Grange Distinguished Service Award in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was the unit leader for the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Program, the largest such program in Nebraska, from 1976 through 2013; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was a committed member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, attending his first conference in 1977 and eventually serving as Treasurer in 1994 and President in 2000; and

340 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL
WHEREAS, Vernon was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Vernon provided immense service to his communities as an extension educator for thirty-seven years; and
WHEREAS, Vernon Waldren passed away on January 7, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Legislature recognizes Vernon Waldren for his service and leadership to the communities of Nebraska.
2. That the Legislature offers its condolences to the family of Vernon Waldren.
3. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of Vernon Waldren.
​

OBITUARY & SERVICES

Vernon Lee Waldren, age 68, passed away on January 7, 2022, at his home in Papillion, Nebraska, after battling cancer for several years.

Vernon was born February 6, 1953, in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Buford Nelson Waldren and Mildred Opal Jones Waldren. He was raised in Greeley County, mostly on the farm with his father, mother, and younger brother, Deryl. He was involved in 4-H from a young age and active in his school's academic and sport programs. Vernon was class valedictorian from Greeley County High School in 1971.

Vernon graduated from Kansas State University with BS and MS degrees in agricultural economics in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Upon graduation, he moved to the Omaha, Nebraska-area and began a long career with the University of Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy counties, 1976-2013.

Vernon had a strong passion for 4-H and served it well in multiple ways throughout his life. Vernon loved being president of NAE4-HA in 2000-2001. Another highlight was serving as co-chair when Nebraska hosted the 2011 NAE4-HA Conference in Omaha. Vernon also treasured the many life-long friendships he made with his 4-H colleagues while serving on the NAE-4HYDP Board several times in various positions.

Vernon was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of West Omaha for many years serving on the board in multiple offices and capacities. He was a member of Calvary Christian Church of Bellevue, Nebraska, where he loved teaching and being involved in the lives of those in the church.

Though Vernon was retired and fighting cancer, he kept active participating in several clubs, groups, and boards. He could often be found judging at different county fairs in his continuing commitment to 4-H.

Vernon was a proud father and grandfather (Opa) and loved spending as much time as he could with family. Once the grandchildren came along, there was only joy in his eyes when he was able to talk with and see his grandchildren both near and far.

Vernon is proceeded in death by Buford Waldren (father) and Mildred Waldren (mother).

He leaves to cherish his fond memories: wife, Cheri Waldren of Papillion, NE; children, Jennifer (Bryce) Weber of St. George, UT, Andrew (Jennifer) Waldren of Omaha, NE, Heather Judy of Beaufort, SC, Lacy (Nathan) Eicher of Bellevue, NE; grandchildren Emma, Michael John, Liam, Nathanael, Rowyn, Isabelle, Graeme, Samuel, Orion, Mairen; brother Deryl Waldren of Colby, KS, and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration of Life service is to be held at Calvary Christian Church, Bellevue, NE (North Campus) on January 25th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider a donation to a 501(c)3 foundation that Vernon helped create to support 4-H and Extension:

Friends of Extension & 4-H Douglas/Sarpy County Foundation
7101 Mercy Road, Suite 108
Omaha, NE 68106
402-502-5012; director@friendsofextension.org
Contributions may also be given electronically: https://www.friendsofextension.org/donate.html.

https://www.gsfuneral.com/obit.../631568/vernon-lee-waldren/
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