University of Wisconsin-Division of Extension Rock County would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our community partners, valued and dedicated volunteers, and inspiring youth leaders that help our educators work in Agriculture, FoodWIse, Health and Wellness, Horticulture, Master Gardener Program, and Positive Youth Development/4-H. Additionally, Thank You to the residents of Rock County that have persevered through these same challenges and remain supportive and optimistic. 2020 has given us opportunities to find creative new strategies in our work, thank you all for your ideas and support!
We appreciate our community partners for learning new skills with us, finding unexpected solutions and the shared work that focuses on equity and inclusion. Community educational efforts and coalitions have prioritized action steps this past year towards racial equity, post secondary success and improved mental health outcomes.
In Positive Youth Development we recognize both the adults supporting youth leadership and youth committed to contributing to the community. 4-H members, volunteers and partners continue to move forward and create opportunities to provide those enriching experiences that make for long-lasting 4-H memories!
Master Gardener Volunteers found ways to safely volunteer by offering virtual educational programs with Hedberg Library, gardening activities at Rotary Botanical Garden and finding other safe ways to participate in the community. As we look forward to 2021, we will continue to look for ways to expand and improve how volunteers can help the community in safe and meaningful ways.
FoodWIse is fortunate to have the support of Rock County community agencies that help promote nutrition education efforts as we have shifted to virtual learning the past few months. One highlight has been our Spanish Cooking Matters online series for parents. In this four lesson series, participants learned how to plan and prepare quick, easy, and healthy recipes while incorporating more fruits and vegetables and less added sugar. Each week following the virtual lesson, FoodWIse educator, Maria Jacobson, delivered the ingredients for the recipes they had discussed during class.
And as we head into the new year, make sure to keep your own health and wellness a priority. Strongbodies, a live and online strength training class, will start January 5. Strength training has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve bone density, reduce falls and arthritis symptoms and improve mood. A limited amount of equipment (hand and ankle weights) are available for loan, free of charge for the duration of the class. For more information or to sign up: https://go.wisc.edu/h20482
We wish you a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season! For the most up to date information please visit our website and Facebook page!
