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Inside 4-H Looking Out

What's Happening with 4-H in Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark Counties

July 22, 2011

Resilience of 4-H in Rock Island

It certainly has been a week to remember at the Rock Island County 4-H Fair!  With temperatures that were very challenging, the member, families and volunteers did all they could to keep their livestock and themselves cool.  A huge tribute to everyone involved in the fair before, during and after.  There are a few days left so plan to come out to the fair to see the highlight of the year for 4-H members and their families. 

Seeing the culmination of their efforts is very rewarding for volunteers who work with the youth to prepare them with life skills in today's society.  Sometimes we don't know the skills we are learning until we leave 4-H but this week has been great! 

Congratulations to 4-H member Alyssa Zwicker on being crowned the 2011 Rock Island County Fair Queen!  Thanks for representing 4-H so well!  Also the 4-H members who performed in The Pickle Patch musical were wonderful!  What a joy to watch! 

Posted by Cheryl Geitner at 10:23 AM | Permalink |
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July 15, 2011

Wonder Week in Mercer County

It was a pleasure to get to know the volunteers and 4-H members in Mercer County during the Fair this week!  We could not have asked for better weather, that's for sure.  Obviously the members had been working really hard on their 4-H projects and it was a great opportunity to show others what they have been working so hard on. 

Sometimes youth don't know the impact of 4-H until they have "graduated" from the program and realize the benefits of belonging to a great life skill building organization.  The opportunities in 4-H are endless and hopefully members will take advantage of these. 

The Pumpkin House looks great with the improvements made by the 4-H Federation. Thanks to Monsanto for donating monies to contribute to the upkeep of the building and their donation to 4-H! 

Posted by Cheryl Geitner at 8:45 AM | Permalink |
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July 8, 2011

Time to Start Anew

New office, new desk, and new responsibilities all add up to starting over on a new adventure in Extension. It is a tremendous opportunity to take leadership for the 4-H youth development programs in the counties of Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark. I hope to see most of you at the 4-H Fairs that are happening over the next month or so. 

We had cool weather for the Henry County Fair!  The volunteers who take leadership for the many positions there are great!  I really appreciate their efforts as well as Ali Stern, Avis Hartman and Carol Kendall during this time of transition. It was also great to get to know the superintendents and a few 4-H leaders. 

At some point, we will be meeting with 4-H Leaders in all four counties to discuss plans for the upcoming year that starts on September 1. Should you have any comments or suggestions for 'making the best better', please give me a call or email me. 

I hope to see you soon!

Posted by Cheryl Geitner at 9:36 AM | Permalink |
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