Blog Archives

GRANT HIGHLIGHT: explorers 4-H CLUB

1/25/2022

TELL 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

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Remembering Vernon Lee Waldren

1/20/2022

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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.

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

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Grant highlight: Omaha Home for Boys Valley View 4-H Club

1/11/2022

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Tell us a little about your club:

Omaha Home for Boys Valley View 4-H Club is the oldest known club in Nebraska. The club began in 1948 with seven donated calves and since then has gone on to serve hundreds of youth. High school age boys in OHB's Residential Living Program have the opportunity to be a part of the Valley View 4-H Club, helping them gain valuable life skills, such as accountability, responsibility, and teamwork. Youth from the Uta Halee Academy also have the opportunity to join the club.

What is your grant project?

Grant funding from Friends of Extension & 4-H Douglas/Sarpy County Foundation supported OHB's 4-H Mini Livestock Camp. The 4-H Mini Livestock Camp was established in 2001 to provide a pre-fair experience for Clover Kids and 4-H'ers ages five and older. The camp introduces basic care, grooming, exhibiting, and preparation techniques for the participants' livestock projects in a non-competitive learning environment. Typically, around 70 total individuals attend the camp with 40 of those being youth participants.