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Peter Talen 4-H Arts Endowment Established

Peter Joseph Talen was a 13 year member of the Sheboygan County 4-H Program and the son of Wisconsin's 4-H Arts and Communication Specialist, Tim Talen.  He died in a tragic house fire in Madison last November while visiting his brother Andy, a UW-Madison student.  He was 23 years old.

As a former UW-LaCrosse theatre student Peter was remembered as a vibrant and talented young person who valued friends and family above all.  He also was remembered as a gifted performer and musician who eagerly shared his love of the arts with the community.

As a memorial to Peter, the Peter Talen 4-H Arts Endowment Fund was established by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to support 4-H Arts Programs across the state.  The programs would include all the state-wide efforts in the arts: 4-H ArtBeat!, 4-H Arts Camp, 4-H Arts Leadership Lab and the State Art Groups of 4-H Drama Company, 4-H Showcase Singers and the Art Team.  The fund will also help to support the development of new 4-H arts opportunities and experiences.

4-H was a powerful influence on Peter.  He was an active cloverbud and member who participated in a wide range of 4-H experiences for all of his 13 years including the Music and Drama Festival, Speaking and Demonstration Festivals, 4-H Camp and State 4-H Conference.  He was a club officer for many years and received a merit award for his woodworking project at the Sheboygan County Fair.  He also loved animals and showed his dog at the fair.  He was founding member of the 4-H Juggling project in Sheboygan County and performed with his brother Andy for 4-H events, clubs and schools.

More recently while a student at UW-LaCrosse, Peter worked with the local 4-H program as a judge and workshop leader.  In 2006 Peter worked as a member of the Youth Expo Team, helping to stage the 4-H Music and Drama performances at the Wisconsin State Fair.

As a tribute to Peter it is our hope that the funds will help to provide 4-H arts and communication experiences and opportunities for a much wider audience.  To make a gift to the Peter Talen 4-H Arts Endowment Fund, send your check to the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, 428 Lowell Hall, 610 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53703.  Or you can donate online at the UW Foundation website. Under “Designation,” you’ll need to select “UW-Extension - 4-H Foundation.” Where it asks, “If you would like to further restrict your gift to a specific department or program,” write in “Peter Talen 4-H Arts Endowment Fund .”

We are grateful for your consideration.

Tim, Patty, Andy, Luke and Jenny Talen

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