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Home My WebLink About20083040.tiff Weld County Commissioners Greeley, CO November 11, 2008 Dear Sir or Madam: As we are unable to be there this evening due to previous commitments,we are writing to express to the Weld County Commissioners our fullest support for the continuation of the Weld County 4-H Program. I, Julie, have been a resident of Weld County for the majority of my 47 year and have grown up on the fringes of the agricultural world that resides so successfully in this wonderful county. I have raised and shown Quarter horses for more than 30 years; Jim and I are n' the parents of four children, two of which are talented equestrians in their own right. We are extremely concerned to hear that the Weld County Commissioners are considering vertical cuts to the Weld County Extension Program that would eliminate some or all of the 4-H it Weld County. Since our oldest daughter, Marisa, was eight years old, we have been very actively involved in the Weld County 4-H club, Horse Whisperers. Over the years, we have shown at Welc County Fair in both the English and Western Divisions, have won many All-Around State Titles a the Colorado State Fair 4-H show, and have made wonderful friends in the horse, cattle and swine H worlds. Marisa is now 14 and is assuming more of a leadership role in her 4-H activities; she ha donated much time to 4-H sponsored activities such as Camp Cloverbud, the WCF Pop Stand. and working with beginning riders at the Tuesday night rides overseen by Theresa Johnson. I also havt found immense enjoyment from volunteering my time and donating my money to the Weld Count H. I can't begin to explain how much my daughter(my entire family for that matter) has gained fn interacting with the wonderful leaders, the talented and friendly members, and the many parents al Extension staff that function to make the 4-H world work as it does. 4-H is such a wonderful and enriching program for kids interested in agricultural pursuits a world increasingly centered around urban and technological activities. Among other things, in Weld County 4-H, we celebrate animals, the outdoors, teamwork, personal responsibility, accountability, and achievement. We celebrate leadership in our kids, caring for others, and we wf them grow up with that special confidence that comes from having found a niche where they can thrive in their somewhat, non-mainstream, love of agricultural animals and pursuits. I spent severa hours this summer helping Keith Maxey and the Extension Staff with the interview judging of rec, books. The diversity of projects, the enthusiasm of the kids, and their ability at a young age to understand the complicated nature of raising, showing, and selling livestock was quite impressive. have seen Weld County Fair 4-H Horse Show go through its ups and downs; this year was such an unqualified success that I am very happily anticipating the years to come. We went from 3 in past years to 5 different divisions at the 4-H horse show, adding a Ranch Horse Division and a Green Horse Division.The awards donated were exciting, the new schedule more feasible, and smiling fi were the everywhere. Weld County 4-H is a thriving program and needs to he fully supported by t leaders of our community that care about kids. Please consider the ramifications of any funding cuts that may endanger the availability and/or success of 4-H in our county. Many, many kids and families will be adversely affected! Sincerely, Julie A. Campain, Ph.D. and James J. Campain, M.D. 35306 Cornerstone Way Windsor, CO 80550 970-686-0398 2008-3040 t,. clLlilILL(tlOtLfl(,l`tS �I 11lj2ctaGO2-3 Donna Bechler From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:53 PM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extension Services Opinion Beverly Sigmon (970-397-8471) called to express her support of Extension Services and its programs. She urges you to keep whatever you possibly can in place. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:45 PM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extension Services Opinion Mitch Anderson (970-454-4071) called on behalf of Agland, Inc., and its 4,000 members. They are in support to Extension Services and 4H and ask that you give budget leeway to Extension and 4H and fund it to the best of your ability. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:15 PM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: FW: Weld County Extension Office Original Message From: JOEL E MALCHUK [mailto:jmmalchuk@msn.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:11 PM To: Vicky Sprague Subject: Weld County Extension Office Dear Ms. Sprague, I am writing in order to show support for the Weld County Extension Office. The services provided by this office are extremely valuable to our community. While we do not own a farm or ranch, we have several friends who do and who find the Extension office a great service that has helped them immensely. Our children are now in the age range to attend and participate in 4H meetings and events. They have been wanting to join. It would be a great disappointment to have this Extension Office closed. It would mean that they would not have the opportunity to participate in this program. I don't know of another program that would allow our children to experience agriculture and the care of animals to the extent that 4H allows. 4H is a valuable learning experience that the children in our community need. Not only does the Extension Office provide valuable information, it also brings the community together. Please take the aforementioned into consideration when deciding whether to continue funding the Extension Office. Thank you, Michelle Malchuk 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:08 PM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extension Services Opinion Chuck Felker(970-352-2169)called to express his support of Extension Services. As a former participant in 4H and as the grandfather of children who still participate, he wants all programs to continue. The influx of"city folk" has diluted the voice of ag people. Anne Bradley (970-834-2386) called to express her support of Extension Services. Her grandchildren participate in 4H, and she does not know what they would do without the program. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:14 PM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extension Services Opinion Donna Derrera (970-371-6830) called to express her support of the Extension Services. She has worked with Extension on several occasions including 4H and master gardening. She feels it is a critical program for an ag county. She also supports keeping Keith Maxey in his position. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 3:09 PM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extension Service Opinion Grace Slaughenhaupt(970-372-5266) called to express her support of the Extention Services and asked that its programs be preserved. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 3:28 PM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extension Services Opinion Philip Woodcock (970-301-3168) called to express his support of Extension Services. He does not want to see its programs discontinued. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 Page 1 of 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Jennifer VanEgdom Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 2:20 PM To: COMMISSIONERS; CTB Subject: 4-H Concern Carlotta Stuehm, (970) 897-2990, called today to voice her concern regarding the possibility of cutting funding to the 4-H Program. She stated she appreciates the services provided by 4-H, as she currently has two children enrolled within the 4-H Program, and another one will be old enough in a few years. Jenny VanEgdom I] Deputy Clerk w the Board of County Commissioners Weld County. Colorado H (970) 356- 4000, ext. 4228 11/12/2008 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Elizabeth Strong Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:31 PM To: COMMISSIONERS; Vicky Sprague; CTB Damaris Cooksey, Home: 303-849,5514, Cell: 970-381-7123 Called to voice she is against the elimination of the closing of any 4H or extension services, economic resources built Weld County, and 4H is the only recreation available for rural children who aren't near towns. Elizabeth 1 Jennifer VanEgdom From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:24 AM To: CTB Subject: FW: Opposition to closing Extension I am forwarding the following comment relative to the 11-12 5 pm hearing regarding Extension Services. I will send you a copy of further messages forwarded to the board so you can make them part of the record. Thanks. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us Original Message From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 8:33 AM To: COMMISSIONERS Subject: Opposition to closing Extension Marlene Gebhart(970-587-6154)called to leave her comment regarding Extension. She works for the school system and does not want 4H closed, especially in such a large, agricultural county. If 4H is going to be closed, it needs to be done in small, non-ag counties. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us i Esther Gesick From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:22 AM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extention Office Opinion Jennifer Boresen (9706-587-6135) called to express her opinion. As a school system employee, she feels the Extension Service provides essential services for her students. She does not want 4H programs discontinued. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 Esther Gesick From: Vicky Sprague Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:33 AM To: COMMISSIONERS Cc: CTB Subject: Extension Services opinion Jeannette Loeffler (970-454-0990) called to express her support for Extension Services programs and asked that you preserve Keith Maxey's job. Vicky Sprague, Office Manager Board of Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street, 3rd Floor P. O. Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Telephone: 970-336-7204 Fax: 970-352-0242 vsprague@co.weld.co.us 1 • 1.2-6 -e A, G ,} s; I) i _ / P-7> -7 I ‘.) /1 -,/7.e-64_ Ie-ez..,,,,,,r_-i • (/6L/ YMM l+ aY ' ) ,etyytai?t c , . ,J + ,/,...._- L' .� 9 /-/ C'�ni 2-1L (Li t„/r(.! (!„--r ,-(.27r 'A ,0-Ce'n Ck� •mac { n�� › r� L( u(�e-,C__ 4u V2 '�C�1j/^" /! �)4__ • foci a& t� / oC ��;� fr- % s 1 y‘1611/L#1 /r<� 5 0-- N)r c ``' k" cir (y,;(1,-\r,�� CCh� r z 1 ��c:i) / 7 (. ( tic-) K, .'2 �� • Ci/ /2. (-la __ciA.- 47-k-(-11-414\-) — L- C'c lt- v- i 3 9 y (—'h // i4 ' /c ��Q J Vic, CCz ' / & /I 4, 4 � 7 i3 L '7tyL,A-k—c—CIL-- L ./ ;)L,t rliG c: L L;CI.{(.9/i (/ter, c'jtL ?._?C --to -r?-O 4.:.. W.0 Yo7+"S C'I CIO r) / Z 4 -i- I Chi 4/ (1PCccl El. C I c)2--7 3 lc/ -7 4-4. v( 4 J,I S c n C G k2 4 7 hI e g ' IC Tasha Shupe 3234 Grand Vicw Dr. Greeley, Co 80631 Tuesday December 2, 2008 County Commissioners. My name is Tasha Shupe and 1 am writing on behalf of Weld County 4-II. I have been involved in 4-11 for seven years, along with my two brother and two sisters. We all look forward to entering our projects that we work so hard on all year into the 4-H fair. All of us have been to State Fair numerous times, which has been very rewarding. In the past seven years, I have competed in dog obedience, dog showmanship, horse showing and speed events. I also have done shotgun, archery and creative clothing.4-H has taught me the importance of keeping accurate records. how to cut spending, time management, and how to successfully complete a project. 4-H is a wonderful outlet for children and teens to work hard and learn new and exciting things that will continue to benefit them all their lives. Please do not cut Weld 4-II funding. We love 4-H! Thank you, Sincerely, (gait afi Tasha Shupe /2//oiGCi' ,tX 00.E A dd//Tah -fv hocan-ie, -f- 2o0e-icy 0 Z008-3oyc Kira E. Shupe 3234 Grand View Dr. Greeley. CO 8063 I County Commissioners. My name is Kira Shupe and I have been involved with 4-II for seven years. Throughout the years I have participated in dog obedience, creative clothing, sewing, photography. cake decorating, horses and archery. Also, I have competed in the 4-II talent show and Creative Cooks. My projects have gone to State Fair numerous times giving me countless opportunities. With my 4-H club. we have donated to Ken's Closet, The Pregnancy Resource Center, Adopt-A-Platoon for our troops in Iraq, Paws and Sneakers Humane Society, and other community service projects. 'through the extension office, I was given the chance to train an elderly ladies dog last summer. because of my experience with dog obedience. Ilcr dog is now better behaved, and I gained a very special friend in the process. 4-H is bettering the youth that are involved in it. as well as the community that we serve. 4-II has taught me many life skills and has developed me into a more responsible and productive person. Please consider not cutting back any funding for the 4-H cause. Sincerely. "rim if / tXo23 J�do1/2idh 71O .�acdi en* Zoo9-30L, 0 ZoG�-�oC/O • a ply L I/,ot `;hhipc I 1-1(51 ic • 1:-.7 !c //'/fC y{t,7� 10 1 14 , 1 1 I r F (Get l 0.-/I .Pt/ , ; , I ;' r/1 C l<< < . I kc fly �f/ ie(O ! c 11 ,I 1e / - YvL/-el 1/,. t'f/ ),./.-,it47 / 1fllle; . !piJ 1 i ir r C.. 1 . ' I! " E J CIVICS , 11 t D/O1i11 /:'j-r✓j (1?4, U‘,/P L, i Vf' i F 1> P r tic' k I Iv) ,} y . rIVice 1, Ihf y� I,, • K , , \,yard (_ „/y / , .,,� ✓1fiL f —�y 7(.7,—i 17 kf n ,/ cF f ,,,, r/P4 C- 1i'') -i-y ,001 1.7 ) , ,. _y y9, i , la / r%, < r ,./}I- l( H i LI / / HI 1 y ' , .. ' .1 -+ 1i Y:0 .1)C 1 1 1 I /�: � ' /'` 1r,I�I l'Vrn 4111 I/' (' r If / ,/ `"/ t XOO?3 /4dc//4Sh 6oCr.rre,fl 2o0,e5;- 4/u 2ao8-3oy( i • Fi! '' i\/1il n cu-Yle I, .,.. , t -1 ! :-,...-.1.- :-1,i 1 k PP- k i-lri r, t I `' . ` r ea_ 1 t. it t 1 ,p ‘..4. H La_ cry. . yeck r ,I. .. i i) (..!--A,-:- L/ P.51, .4` 1r 1.-...:1...4,- .d “-) -),e- -t o1-e r`` elitm n t1 a c .:_...... -. - • c e cv- T v - . _ , y.,. --� "- >54--- __..._ 4,...),..:- I my I aro' ( and -1- a5 enk ( eroj 0 - r... ,.k, . i C ;}4,r,t\\l Vol- c:A22rr (..\O--5 o 4- vict (* to V-v, 1j-_4.* Sd; ,g, ! CI' r frOrl of C,-- €fS. -th is y e r- ..1.. 64 r. o . r ' , . �, L r o.V C V41 c&dc. 1 ctS of- i fr.1 en(_i 7 • ,-. , , Le_Al 0,,,r\ cl ,s .-. ' (J.. n i • A 0/d/f7 o1.7 1-a Q o c om P`r-- j Y'+ E.3D' ' k°o007.� /1 2r,7, '_ fie,A//-7 7 irJ,9-?o,,,,--7 WELD COUNTY LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION November 24, 2008 Dear Commissioners, As livestock producers in Weld County we have had long term and very beneficial support from Weld County CSU Extension. We appreciate it, we thank you for your past support and we hope it will continue as it is. We know that the economy is not doing well and you will have to make tough choices. However,tough economic time is the very reason extension SHOULD NOT be cut! We have a strong and important working relationship with the office personnel. Their expertise and connections within the livestock industry and the experts on the CSU campus has had a very beneficial effect on our operations by helping us reduce cost, add value to our products, deal with drought and evaluate potential changes in our operations to increase profit with research based information. In these times of economic stress it is imperative that we have access to reliable up-to- date information which will help us with reducing costs, add value to our products and to keep us aware of coming trends and new discoveries in the livestock industry. Rather than cutting back on service which battles the problems associated with the economic downturn we need MORE help. We have asked the Extension personnel to begin, and they have agreed to do so, conducting at least bi-annual producer informational seminars with timely topics. We are partners with extension in these efforts. Our first one was designed to give cow-calf operators the most relevant information on feed stuff that will help in reducing their winter feed costs. They also give an almost constant stream of unbiased research information on feed stuff. There is an argument that this information is available from feed dealers or on the internet. However, the information Extension presents does not have the underlying effort of trying to sell us something as dealers are trying to do. Also, it is really hard to have a question and answer session with a computer. Our organization's members are the direct benefactor of the information that is brought to us by local agents from research conducted by the CSU experiment stations narrowed and culled to our specific needs. To eliminate any of the extension programs would directly impact the members of the Weld County Livestock Association. We ask for your support of the total extension program here in Weld County. . e rson, resident Weld County Livestock Association 0_ rk0 t 4 7r2 Iz/ O i &Of Dear Weld County Commissioners, December 3, 2008 My name is Hannah Cockroft 86 lam in Weld County 4-H. This will be my 4th year in it. I think 4-H is a good thing for kids. It helps them, & it helped me a lot, to get use to speaking in front of people. For example: when we do our yearly demonstration, which is based on one or more of the projects that we are doing for that year we have to give it in front of our 4-H club. The club's name that I am in is: "New Horizons." It is a neat club and our leader is wonderful at what she does! Also, in our club, we have to vote, 86 run, for offices such as: president, vice president, secretary, reporter, treasure & pledge officers there are more but I won't list them all. All of these people have to be kid (8-18 years old) members of our club. New Horizons club, it's sad to say, doesn't have a clover bud group. ® Another way that 4-H is great is that you must have an interview with the judge of your project so, you have a chance to put on a good performance and explain your project with confidence and under pressure. Also, it is a chance to do many great things that you might not have done if you weren't in 4-H. Some of them are: Photography, Shooting Sports, Quilting, Cake Decorating, Model Rocketry, Wood working& Clothing Construction. These are only a few of the things that you can do - there are many, many more! Our club also does "community services" usually 2, or more, every year. One of the ones that we do year-round is adopt-a-platoon. This year my project is, quilting. Last year I did quilting too and I loved it! The first 2 years I did decorate your duds (decorating clothes). I am really excited about this next year in 4-H 86 the upcoming Fair. I'm hope it will be as fun if not more fun than last year! 4-H is Fantastic!! Sincerely, Hannah I.C. Dear Weld County Commissioners, a-8-o8 I heard that you were maybe planning on cutting your fund for the extension program and 4-H and I really hope that you will decide not to after you read this letter. This is my 4th year in 4-H and my 4th year in Cake Decorating. I have really enjoyed decorating cakes and I really want to progress in it so I hope that 4-H can keep doing what it is doing. I have also participated in the 4-H Cake Decorating Contests that are held at the Greeley Mall and I have won several ribbons their!! I haven't sent anything to State Fair but I hope that I will be able to get it done sometime. I think that 4-H is really good for kids it helps them progress in life like having to:talk in front of people, looking around to find the best item for the best price to use for your project, performing in front of people at 4-H contests shootings sports, Cake Decorating ext, and talking to judges and then participating in community service projects like: Adopt-a-Platoon, helping the Humane Society, Kens-Koat-Kloset, ext. My 4-H club's is "New Horizons" and we have about 31 members and 8 of them are new participants this year. We have a great leader and good officers and I hope that are club will be able to stick together!! I'm glad that I decided to participate in 4-H am I'm going to do it again next year!! $( 3'Sincerely, Alissa J.C. To Weld County Commissioner, My name is Amanda Dye, and my daughter is thirteen. We live in Larimer County my daughter shows dairy, fiber, and market goats, dairy cattle, and poultry in 4-H. I am writing this letter in support of Keith Maxey, Weld County Extension Agent. Every year we attend several events that Keith Maxey works with. They are the Goat Extravaganza, Dairy Extravaganza, a six week course in dairy cattle judging, and the Weld County Fair. As we live in Larimer County we have no reason to go to Weld County, and spend money, except to attend these events that Keith works with. And we do spend money each time, buying gas, groceries, feed, and hardware. This is money that we normally spend in Larimer County. We just re-enrolled in Larimer County 4-H this past week, we paid extra this year due to budget cuts to extension. I paid that money without hesitation as I know my daughter gets way more out of 4-H then I will ever pay into it. I can't imagine Weld County parents not being willing to pay a little extra also to keep Keith and to keep Weld County 4-H strong. I hope you will consider the money that will be lost to Weld County by not having Keith employed, as our family and many other families only come to Weld County because of Keith Maxey. I hope you will consider the money for Keith Maxey's salary as money well spent. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and your consideration. Sincerely, Amanda Dye 7930NCty. Rd21 Ft. Collins Co 80524 970-568-7872 970-231-5036 L— XC Hello