Announcements

Status of High Country Handiworkers Leadership

An email was sent to High Country Handiworkers Club member families last Saturday, September 23 to alert them about a change in our club leader Cindy’s volunteer status with CSU Extension. After conversations with Cindy, she wants you all to know that this has nothing to do with any allegations of illegal action. Cindy has asked for an appeal and is moving forward with that process.

The High Country Handiworkers Club was founded 43 years ago and plans to continue for another 43 years. The club is not going to disband. There is no need to seek out another club, though it is always your choice to do so. Our club has a large group of committed leaders. The club leadership might look a little different, but the High Country Handiworkers Club will move forward.

Enrollment will open in Larimer County on October 16, but the deadlines for enrolling are not until February 1 for returning members and March 1 for new members.

Introducing Rachel Wildman, New 4-H Youth Development Specialist

Hey there, everyone! I’m thrilled to be joining the team here! I’m a product of this county, and it feels amazing to come full circle and give back to the community that shaped me.
Growing up in Windsor, Colorado, I had the chance to be part of a community that believed in developing all aspects of a person. During high school, I joined the Knowledge Bowl and Robotics teams, which helped me work well with others and think critically. I was also an active member in the Windsor FFA Chapter. I qualified for nationals with our Parliamentary procedure team my senior year.

I started with 4-H in 2005 as a Cloverbud. My favorite projects were Weeds (sadly this has been discontinued) and Dairy Cattle. The dairy project provided me with invaluable life lessons. Tending to animals taught me responsibility, commitment, and the rewards of hard work. Through the challenges and triumphs of raising dairy cattle, I learned the importance of dedication and consistency. The dairy cattle project not only taught practical skills but also nurtured qualities that extend far beyond the realm of agriculture, shaping me into a conscientious and determined person.

One of my best memories was representing Larimer County at the National Western Roundup with the Family Consumer Science team. We all worked so hard together it was amazing for it all to pay off. 

After 10 years as a 4-H member, I attended Colorado State University where I studied horticulture. I was drawn to CSU Extension but I didn’t know exactly where I would fit in.  But as soon as I started working at the Larimer County office I knew my place was with 4-H. I’m currently enrolled in a master’s program at Oklahoma State University pursuing a degree in Family Consumer Science Education. 

Being part of 4-H made me a well-rounded person. Now, as a 4-H specialist, I’m excited to help young people in Larimer County grow in their own journeys. Returning to my roots as a 4-H specialist feels like coming home. The values of this community are deeply ingrained in me, and I’m eager to pay it forward. I’m here to inspire the next generation of 4-H members to chase their dreams and make a lasting impact. Thank you for welcoming me back into the 4-H family.

Jim Easthouse’s Memorial Service

Larimer County 4-H, the Shooting Sports program, and the High Country Handiworkers lost a leader and a dear friend recently. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Easthouse.

The memorial service for Jim Easthouse will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Foundations Church, 1380 Denver Ave., Loveland, Colorado 80538. A reception will follow, also at Foundations Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to Larimer County 4-H. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 270371, Ft. Collins, CO 80527 or online at larimercounty4hfoundation.com/memorial-gifts.

Click here to view Jim’s obituary.

The Archery County Shoot scheduled for July 8 has been moved to the afternoon so that the 4-H community, including leaders and families, can attend the services.

Congratulations to the Moore Family!

Congratulations to club members John and Rosalee Moore on the arrival of their little sister, Etta. She was born on May 24 weighing 10 pounds and measuring 22″.

Welcome to the club, Etta!

Support for 4-H Family

From Cary Weiner (Larimer County Extension Director) and the Larimer County 4-H Team:

As you may know, one of our 4-H families was involved in a tragic car accident on Wednesday, June 7. 4-H Leader Kate Ulam was lost in that accident, and her son David McConnell suffered injuries but is recovering. Community members have started a GoFundMe site for the McConnell family and for the Ulam Family for those who would like to contribute. Community members have also set up an informational blog for updates on David. For those in need of support, we are aware of one mental health resource through the state of Colorado, but there are likely others available.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to either the Livermore Wranglers 4-H Club or the Larimer County 4-H Foundation in honor of Kate’s memory.

If you would like to donate to the Livermore Wranglers, please make your check out to:
Livermore Wranglers 4-H Club (put Kate Ulam on the memo line)

If you would like to donate to the Larimer County 4-H Foundation, please make your check out to:
Larimer County 4-H Foundation (put Kate Ulam on the memo line)

Please mail your check to:
Larimer County 4-H Foundation
PO Box 270371
Fort Collins, CO 80527

Our hearts go out to all of those impacted by this tragedy.

New Dairy Project Website

The Larimer County 4-H Dairy Project has an updated website, courtesy of Jennifer Wildman from Got Pictures.

larimerdairyproject.com

Record books and Lease A Dairy records can be found under JOIN US.

Fair entries are due soon. Information on dairy cattle classes can be found under the fair tab.

Need help? There are several great leaders who can come and work with you and advise on record books. Just let us know.

Any questions contact Shari Stroup: stroup@aol.com.

Enjoy your cattle this summer!

Loss of a 4-H Leader

It is with great sadness that we write that Jim Easthouse lost his battle with cancer on Sunday,  June 4, 2023. Jim and his wife Jackie have been instrumental leaders in the Larimer County 4-H Shooting Sports program. They have both been certified leaders in a number of disciplines. Those in the livestock arena knew Jim as the brand inspector.  We do not yet have information about services, but we will share details as soon as we do.

New Director of Larimer County Extension, Cary Weiner

Colorado State University and Larimer County recently welcomed Cary Weiner into his new role as Director of Larimer County Extension. Weiner brings more than 12 years of experience working with CSU Extension, first serving as State Energy Specialist from 2010–2019 and later as Assistant Director of Program Support from 2019–2022. Weiner officially started his position as director on April 24.

“Cary’s long history with Colorado State University Extension makes him uniquely qualified to lead Larimer County Extension,” said CSU Extension Front Range Regional Director Kerri Rollins. “With his experience and talent, I know he will continue the legacy of Extension meeting the needs of our Larimer County communities.”

Weiner will oversee a staff of 16 Larimer County and CSU Extension employees working to connect community members with Extension resources and lifelong learning opportunities through programs such as 4-H youth development, the Larimer County Farmers’ Market, civic engagement, food safety trainings, health & well-being classes, agriculture/ natural resources, horticulture workshops, and more.

“Larimer County Extension has been thoughtful and innovative in how it engages with the community,” Weiner said. “I plan to start by getting close to the work so that I can see our impact first-hand. From there, I will look for opportunities to support staff, strengthen partnerships, and promote our mission of empowering people through education on issues where we can make a real difference.” Weiner holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of New Mexico. In his free time, Weiner enjoys hiking, running, birdwatching, and spending time with his family.

Passing of a Former 4-H Member

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of  Scotty Bowen, age 21, a victim of mental illness. Scotty was a member of our 4-H club and participated in the shooting sports program.

There will be a funeral service on Saturday, 10:00 am at Faith Church, 2707 Wilson Avenue in Loveland. A lunch reception will follow the service. There is no viewing. A graveside burial will be Monday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Loveland Burial Park, 1702 Cleveland Avenue in Loveland in the northwest corner on the west side of Cleveland and Lincoln.

The family is making a memory book, so if anyone is unable to attend and would like to contribute please send me your thoughts and I will be sure and get them to Stephanie and Mike.

Following is Scotty’s obituary:

Scotty Lee Bowen was born in Ft. Collins on February 12, 2002 into the Rager family. Surrounded by those who loved and cared for him dearly, especially his Grandma Randy. He enjoyed releasing his energy at many visits to local parks and Chuck E. Cheese.

Scotty was brought to the Bowen home in September 2008 and he attended Stansberry Elementary School. He preferred to be on the playground with his buddies playing football and, in the evenings, learning to ride his bike on the grassy hill. He lost his front tooth riding his scooter on the school sidewalk but his tooth, “Wasn’t even wiggly,” he said. Scotty joined High Country Handiworkers 4-H Club and got hands-on experience building rockets of all sizes and other 4-H projects. His passion was Legos and Video Games, especially playing them with friends. He would create anything imaginable and specifically enjoyed the Legos Star Wars Collection. Scotty enjoyed inventing different games, rockets, planes, and anything mechanical. His mind was sharp and his creativity expansive. As he grew Scotty played Soccer and studied Tae Kwon Do. He went on to attend Conrad Ball Middle School, Loveland Classical, and Loveland High School. Scotty expanded his sports activities to include football, basketball, baseball, and Lacrosse. He was strong, his aim was amazing, and strategizing was his thing. In High School he desired to be part of the JROTC Program including the Push-up Crew at football games, as well as Color Guard. Scotty found a church youth group that welcomed him in and gave him many experiences such as backpack trips and going to Wisconsin. It was a place of belonging and where tight friendships began.

Scotty’s mind was brilliant. He could remember almost anything he heard or learned even if you thought he wasn’t listening. His Senior year during COVID he was forced to finish classes and assignments online which removed the social distractions so he could focus. After graduating May of 2020 Scotty enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia for Basic Training. Shortly after arriving COVID swept through attacking his entire Platoon and delaying his advancement. He was discharged in December and returned home to seek other employment. Navigating the path of his new adult world had many twists and turns. Learning to step out from under his parents to learn who he was as an individual brought on new challenges. He worked for Door Dash briefly until landing his potential career with Loveland Barricade. He worked as a Traffic Control Technician positioning detour/construction signs around Northern Colorado and was preparing to test to become a Traffic Control Supervisor. He thoroughly enjoyed working for his boss who was good to Scotty.

Scotty loved cuddling with his Golden Retrievers and teaching them many tricks. He had an interest in cars and wanted to get into racing someday. Scotty’s life was decades too short. He will forever be loved and greatly missed by family and friends that surrounded him. In the words of Katy Nichole’s song In Jesus Name we pray for you…

I pray for your healing.
That circumstances would change.
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus’ name.
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today.
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus’ name,
In Jesus name

New Traffic Configuration at The Ranch

New Traffic Configuration: Starting May 23, the new Arena Circle will be fully open to visitors. The intersection light at Fairgrounds Avenue and the relocated Arena Circle will begin flashing tomorrow, May 16 and visitors will be able to use the new entrance beginning May 23.

This map shows the new navigation system at the complex. Once the new entrance is open, the former Arena Circle will become a service road and the south entrance will be closed to through traffic. Visitors can enter and exit the complex through the new Arena Circle and Andalusian Drive, which are marked with traffic lights on the map. Trailers heading to the Mac Equipment, Inc. Arena and barns should enter on Andalusian Drive and take the first left onto the newly opened Show Ring Road.

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