UW-Extension's grandparent survey deadline extended

HURLEY — The deadline to respond to the Iron County University of Wisconsin-Extension office’s grandparents survey has been extended.

Residents now have until Aug. 15 to fill out the survey, which is designed to get information on the educational and support needs of the county’s grandparents and determine ways to help grandparents “provide a safe and nurturing environment for children,” Iron and Ashland County Family Living Educator Heidi Ungrodt said.

“I help out with running errands, babysitting, and taking the grandkids to sporting events and 4H activities. I love to have the kids sleep overnight,” Saxon resident Ilene Giacomino told UW-Extension staff.

“Ilene’s situation is not unique. In a society where parents are working longer and harder than ever, grandparent support is becoming an increasingly integral piece of the functioning of today’s families,” Ungrodt said. “They are often called on to help with childcare, transport children to activities and extend financial support.”

The surveys are available on the Extension office’s website, iron.uwex.edu; paper copies are also available in the Extension office, and the Mercer and Hurley libraries.

—Richard Jenkins