Douglas-Sarpy@unl.edu

(402) 444-7804

December 2024

Extension Volunteers: Thank You for Making 2024 Remarkable

At Nebraska Extension, we are proud to serve our community with programs and resources that empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive. But we couldn’t do it alone. Volunteers are the heart of what we do, and their contributions are invaluable to the success of our programs.

Volunteers help extend the reach of Nebraska Extension by bringing expertise, energy, and passion to our programs.

In 2024 Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy had over 700 volunteers. Our Extension Master Gardeners recorded a record breaking 19,000 hours of service. We are grateful for the commitment and generosity of our volunteers. Their time, effort, and dedication are crucial to the success of Nebraska Extension.

Pictured are some of our volunteers at the 2024 Volunteer Appreciation luncheon, staff and Nebraska State Senator John Fredrickson.

Featured Plant Resources for December

Poinsettia Care

Place poinsettias where it will receive maximum sunlight and cool night temperatures (60-65 degrees). Keep the plant away from very cold drafts and furnace vents that will dry the plant out quickly. The soil should remain evenly moist, but not soggy.

Learn more poinsettia care here.

Avoid Walking on Frozen Turf

Walking on frozen turf can leave lasting impressions on your lawn. When the ground is frozen, you may notice footprints that remain visible as the lawn begins to green up in the spring. This can even happen on cold mornings when there's frost on the grass. The footprints will be more noticeable as the frost fades, and the rest of the lawn starts to look green and healthy.

Caring for Fresh Cut Trees

A fresh tree can use 1 quart or more of water a day, so water daily. A tree is beginning to dry out if its water use slows or stops.

Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, TV's, radiators, and air ducts. Never have open flames on or near a Christmas tree. 

Learn more from our experts about tree care here.

Extension Board Member Highlight - Karla Morgan

Extension Board members, collaborate with the local Extension office to help staff with advocacy and creating programming is in the best interest of local residents.

"In my first year on the Board, it’s been great to join other passionate individuals willing to serve Extension. It’s been insightful and interesting to learn more about all the cool things our Extension staff is doing in the community. I especially enjoy the field trips and interacting with staff and interns. There’s so much passion for the mission in our local office and we are blessed with so much talent." - Karla Morgan

Read more about Karla's Extension story here.

4-H Volunteer of the Year: Karen Kelley

Douglas-Sarpy 4-H wants to thank all our incredible volunteers who make such a positive impact on youth. This year, we are proud to recognize Karen Kelley as the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Volunteer of the Year award!

In the past year (October 2023 – October 2024), Karen has generously volunteered over 95 hours, contributing to 4-H sewing classes and assisting with both the 4-H Fashion Show and Table Toppers contests.

Find out more about Karen's meaningful contributions to our community here.

Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council

The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council play as vital role in guiding and empowering youth as they develop leadership skills, life skills, and engage in community service projects. In addition to supporting youth, the Council is instrumental in planning exciting events, creating educational programs, and promoting the 4-H program in our community.

We’re Looking for New Members!

The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated new members—both youth and adult—to help shape the future of the 4-H program in our community.

Council meetings will be held six times in 2025 at 6:30 PM on the third Thursday of each month, with the following dates:

• January 16
• March 20
• May 15
• July 28 (Monday before the fair)
• August 21
• October 16

By joining the council, you’ll help foster the next generation of leaders and ensure 4-H continues to thrive in our area. Your energy, experience, and ideas can make a real difference. Apply today here to become an integral part of this dynamic team!

Friends of Extension Foundation

The Friends of Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County Foundation plays a key role in supporting and enhancing the University of Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Through advocacy, grants, and development efforts, the Friends of Extension Foundation helps ensure that these vital programs continue to thrive and evolve.

Learn How You Can Support the Foundation

If you’re interested in supporting the continued success of these programs, you can find more information about how to donate or get involved at:

https://www.friendsofextension.org/donate.html

Featured Food Resources for December

Healthy Snack Idea

Many kids enjoy gelatin as a snack or a treat. To add extra nutrients to gelatin, try using 100% cranberry juice in place of water to make gelatin cutouts.

As you can see in the picture, you can make it more fun by using cookie cutters to create shapes. For a festive and tasty low calorie treat, make Cranberry Juice Gelatin Cutouts this holiday season.

Check out the recipe here.

Updating Eggnog Recipes

Is it time to reconsider and update your eggnog recipe to not include raw eggs? Even eggs that have been properly refrigerated, can still carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella.

To ensure your holiday treat is as safe as it is delicious, exploring alternative ingredients or preparation methods to minimize foodborne illness.

Get tips to update your eggnog recipes here.

Fitting in Physical Activity

The winter holiday season is a time of celebration, but it can also be hectic! With all the gatherings, shopping, and to-do lists, it’s easy for our food choices and physical activity to get out of balance. Overindulging in festive treats and finding less time for exercise can leave us feeling sluggish and stressed. But don’t worry – staying active during the holidays is easier than you think!



Check out our 9 simple tips to help you fit in physical activity here.

Learn more about horticulture and the 4-H program by signing up for our Newsletters:

• Monthly Horticulture Newsletter by emailing Rachel here.
• Weekly 4-H Newsletter by emailing 4-H here.



Pictured is our Douglas-Sarpy 4-H staff teaching high school students at the Nebraska Latino Youth Summit sharing information about career opportunities in STEM, 4-H Youth, Early Childhood Education, Horticulture, and Entomology.

Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties

8015 West Center Road, Omaha

402-444-7804

go.unl.edu/douglassarpyext 

Email us at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

Our south office is located at 1102 E. 1st St., Papillion, NE 68046.

Call 402-444-7804 to schedule an appointment at our Papillion Office.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.