Letters to the editor

Honoring our volunteers

During this important National Volunteer Week, I cannot help but stop and be so thankful for the countless people who give to Washington County 4-H.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the village of people who volunteer their time, offer their skills and donate financial contributions to the Washington County 4-H program. My time as the 4-H/County Youth Coordinator has been extremely rewarding and in part due to the dedicated and caring volunteers in this county.

There are currently 557 youth in kindergarten-12th grade who are involved in Clover Kids/4-H in Washington County. The 4-H program would not and could not thrive in this way for so many young people without the commitment of our volunteers.

Thank you to all of our 4-H club leaders, 4-H & Youth Committee members, Extension Council members, Fair Board members, superintendents and project committees, project leaders, short-term volunteers, fair helpers, and numerous other volunteers throughout the year.

I have no doubt that our volunteers enrich the lives of these youth in Washington County. The talents, skills and interests our volunteers share have a lasting impact on all of us. They spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as organizing special events, helping members with 4-H projects, leading community service projects, educating, having fun with and encouraging our youth. They work to make the best better for our young people.

Thank you, once again, to all of those who generously give of themselves to help the youth of Washington County 4-H! You are the best!

Our county wide volunteer crew is made of:

57 4-H Club leaders and Clover Kid leaders who meet with their clubs once a month, support their members throughout the year at other events, coordinate community service learning, and social outings for their members.

16 Youth Committee members who meet once a month to help plan, evaluate, brainstorm, advertise, recruit, fundraise, supervise. They are very active in 4-H events and program development.

26 Livestock Superintendents who are the experts in their species. They make suggestions for class/rule changes, arrange for their volunteer crews for weigh-ins, fair livestock set up, shows, and clean up. Many of them also lead workshops, tours, and training throughout the year to those project members.

9 elected Extension Council members who are the governing body of all Washington County Extension & Outreach and 4-H programs.

24 fair board members who meet monthly to plan the annual Washington County Fair. They maintain the grounds and facilities and work to bring entertaining and educational experiences to the fair each year.

Hundreds of episodic volunteers and donors who offer support for an event or two every year. They have their specialty and interest areas and help make those things happen for our 4-H members.

Youth volunteer as well! The 4-H program works to model for and train youth how to be giving members of their communities as well, and many of our youth do give back and volunteer for this program by assisting at day camps, teaching at workshops, serving at our events, setting up/cleaning up for fair. The list is endless!

Amy Green

Washington County 4-H/Youth Coordinator

Knee bone connected to the thigh bone

It’s spring, and Earth Day is here again! It’s a season for inspiration and hope. This weekend’s Earth Day for Everyone (11-4 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 23) will provide inspiring possibilities for the many complex environmental challenges we face today.

Being thoughtful stewards of our land, water and air reminds me of the skeleton song words, “knee bone connected to the thigh bone.” We have learned that we are connected to the environment, not separate from it. Hurting it hurts us.

Come to Earth Day for Everyone and learn about the practical solutions that already exist for our planet’s problems and how you can help bring about those changes. Enjoy some good food, good music, free and for-purchase products to eat or plant, have some fun and get some hope while you are at it!

Earth Day for Everyone: 11-4 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 23 rain or shine; masks recommended.

Margaret Dwyer

Fairfield

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