A new year brings new opportunities. Pershing County 4-H Programs have had highs and lows, but we are striving to educate the youth of this county in many different ways. Both through our Livestock Programs where the member can raise an animal, but also through our Community Clubs. 4-H has so much to offer the youth of Pershing County no matter what their interests.
Starting in October, Marianne Papa held a Candy Club, ultimately preparing them for the Christmas Craft Fair that was held at the Community Center in December. They sold fudge, cookie trays, spiced nuts, and other goodies. In January, she will have the members who have been attending demonstrate what they have learned to complete their project.
Though sewing classes are all throughout the year, a push for new members here in January is bringing some new young people out. June Talcott and Sharon Maynard bring much knowledge, patience, and guidance to the 4-H kids each week. This week one of the 4-H members, Eliza Bardsley finished her pillow she has been working on, and is now moving on to a more difficult task of a 9-patch quilt. It is amazing to see these kids growing, learning, and accomplishing tasks that some adults may not even know how to do.
Another program we have been trying to get started is Scrapbooking. Every first and third Friday of each month, Linda Whyte and Sherry Stevenson bring their amazing collections of scrapbooking goodies to the community center and teach the 4-H members how to make beautiful cards, or pages for their scrapbooks. This past week three members and one clover bud attended the class, and made Valentines for someone special.
Sign Language Club got off to a good start with six members attending and having a fun time learning American Sign Language with Nina Scholl. She hopes more youth will want to join in in the coming weeks, and to learn this invaluable skill.
For those looking for a more active way to get involved there is a Martial Arts Class every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Also held at the 4-H building on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is baseball and softball practice.
Lastly, the Balloon Club is taking flight for the year. We are holding a balloon crew-training day Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at McDougal Park. Then Feb. 17-18 the 4-H members and community will get to put their training to work with Pat Irwin and help crew Balloons for an event here in Lovelock.
4-Hers learn by doing.
