COVID-19 In-Person Suspension Update: April 2
Dear 4‑H Families and Volunteers:
Rutgers University administration continues to monitor all pertinent health information associated with COVID-19, including transmission and positivity rates, updated CDC guidance, and public health guidance and directives issued by the State of New Jersey.
After considering the best available public health information and guidance, the university has extended the prohibition of indoor and outdoor events through at least April 30, 2021.
I understand the disappointment and frustration that this news will bring to some within our broad community of faculty, staff, volunteers, and program participants. This decision comes amid what is being characterized as a “third wave” of COVID-19 in New Jersey, as well as associated concerns over the impacts of virus variants on case numbers.
At the same time, the number of vaccine doses being administered is steadily rising and brings hope that we are moving, albeit gradually, toward the return of our normal operating status. The specific timeline for resuming in-person program modalities remains uncertain. It is possible that future conditions will require the university to again extend program restrictions. However, NJAES leadership is working with central administration on a phased approach to restarting in-person RCE programming. Plans are being reviewed by the university’s emergency operations committee and, once approved, we will develop the necessary training and communicate operating protocols for us to responsibly reinitiate in-person programs.
I extend to you my heartfelt gratitude for all that you are doing. Please stay safe and take time to care for yourselves.
Regards,
Brian Schilling
Director, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
April 2, 2021
Attention Horse Project Members
The Horse Registration deadline has been extended to May 1
In the hope that we may be able to resume some in-person activities soon, please remember that members who want to participate in 4-H Qualifying Shows and the State 4-H Horse Show must declare their project animals no later than May 1.
The form to register those animals with the county 4-H office can be found at NJ4H.Rutgers.edu/horses.
If your members do not own the animal they will be using, the lease/borrow form is also there and should be sent in with the registration form by May 1 as well.
You may mail, fax, email, or hand-deliver them to the 4-H Office.
Contact Dave (foord@njaes.rutgers.edu) or Tanya (patrie@njaes.rutgers.edu) if you have any questions.
Congrats to Lauren Guerriero for placing 5th in the Senior Individual division during the NJ State 4-H Equine Presentation Event held virtually on March 14, 2021.
Lauren is a member of the Sussex County Merry-Go-Riders 4-H Horse Club.
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS/COLLEGE STUDENTS –
Agricultural Scholarships are now available
Agricultural Scholarships are presented each year by the Ag. Division of the NJ State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show and applications are now being accepted for any Sussex County graduating high school senior or college student currently enrolled in an agricultural program pursuing a two or four-year degree, or graduate studies in one of the many fields of Agriculture.
For more information and the application please go to Sussexcountyfairgrounds.org and click on Fairgrounds/Ag/Ag. History for the PDF application. Information is also available in local guidance offices.
The application can also be found here: Agricultural Scholarship (sussexcountyfairgrounds.org)
Mail application to the Ag. Scholarship Selection Committee, c/o G. Danko, P.O Box 2456, Branchville, NJ 07826. The deadline is April 15th.
Information and Programs For Our 4-H Parents and Leaders
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and add us to your favorites so you do not miss a post.
@SussexNJ4H
