In a meeting with local 4-H members and advisors on Monday, Jan.11, the Adams County Commissioners issued a resolution declaring Jan. 17-23 as Adams County 4-H Week.

The commissioners and the Clover Bud members who attended the event shared stories about their 4-H experiences.

Since its establishment in 1901, the Adams County 4-H organization has focused on the growth and development of young people in the area by offering a broad range of experiences that encourage young people to explore citizenship, leadership, community service, and career choices.

Commissioner Brian Baldridge, a former 4-H member, told the group of young people, “Some day one of you may well be sitting in one of these (commissioner’s) chairs.”

The theme of Adams County 4-H Week 2016 is “Discover Yourself in Adams County 4-H”. Throughout the week members will be preparing for the coming 4-H season and recruiting new members into the program.

County Extension Director, Carolyn L. Belczyk explains, “4-H gives young people the opportunity to develop a wide variety of leadership skills and knowledge. The programs are designed to engage members in healthy learning experiences that increase self-esteem and problem-solving skills. They attend club meetings; elect officers and work together to plan club activities, fund raisers, and community service projects; complete project work; and attend countywide clinics, camps, and activities.”

Several activities and events have been planned for 4-H Week. Some clubs will create window displays in area businesses and local schools to promote the 4-H program. Members will be encouraged to wear a 4-H club shirt to school on Wednesday to show their 4-H spirit.

According to Belczyk, “Monday of 4-H Week is nationally recognized as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, and 4-H members will be busy on that day and throughout the year completing many countywide and club community service projects.”

One countywide project, “Give a Hand – Give a Can for Hunger,” begins on Monday, Jan. 18 and will run through Valentine’s Day. Members will be collecting non-perishable food items, cleaning items, and personal care items for the Inter-Faith Food Bank in West Union. Collection barrels will be located in the Adams County branches of the First State Bank and at the OSU Extension Office in West Union.

The project is coordinated by the Buckeye Barn Busters 4-H Club and is supported by the Adams County 4-H Advisory Committee and Farm Credit Mid-America.

Club advisors will meet at the Government Center on Thursday, Jan. 21 and Saturday, Jan. 23, for their annual mandatory training. Head advisors have already met and received materials to get their clubs off to a fast start in 2016 and meet the new February 15 enrollment deadline.”

4-H is the positive youth development program of The Ohio State University, and its programs and activities are open to all youth ages 5 and in kindergarten through age 18 as of January 1 without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.

There are 28 community-based 4-H clubs with over 725 members in Adams County. They are led by more than 145 active and committed adult volunteers. Young people may join 4-H at any time throughout the year, but they must be enrolled in a club by February 15 in order to exhibit projects, including animals, in the current year’s Adams County Fair. Contact OSU Extension Adams County at 544.2339 or visit their website at adams.osu.edu for more information, to volunteer, or for the name and contact information for a 4-H club near you.

4-H members and advisors met with the Adams County Commissioners on Monday. Seated above are Alexa Rowe, Gavin Rowe, and Kiersten Rowe; Standing are Commissioner Brian Baldridge, Nanette Knechtly, Barbie Rowe, Commissioner Stephen Caraway, and Commissioner Paul Worley.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_4Hweek.jpg4-H members and advisors met with the Adams County Commissioners on Monday. Seated above are Alexa Rowe, Gavin Rowe, and Kiersten Rowe; Standing are Commissioner Brian Baldridge, Nanette Knechtly, Barbie Rowe, Commissioner Stephen Caraway, and Commissioner Paul Worley. Patricia Beech | People’s Defender
County commissioners proclaim Jan. 17-23 Adams County 4-H Week

By Patricia Beech

pbeech@civitasmedia.com

Reach Patricia Beech at 937-544-2391 or at pbeech@civitasmedia.com