Hancock County prepares for 4-H Week

FINDLAY — Spring is definitely on its way, but the green you'll see next week will be in honor of 4-H. Ohio and Hancock County 4-H Week will be celebrated March 8-14. The observance is designed to bring awareness to the youth development program that is more than a century old. "Throughout the week, all 4-Hers, alumni, volunteers, families and supporters are invited to join the daily activities and show their love for Ohio 4-H," said Lauren Burner-Kitzler, extension educator, 4-H Youth Development. This year's theme, "Grows Leaders," builds on the mission of inspiring curiosity, fueling adventure and building lifelong skills that prepare young people to grow tomorrow's leaders today, she said. The week starts with Super Service Sunday which shows how 4-H serves our communities, said Burner-Kitzler. "So we're having our clubs share community service projects they've completed when they were in 4-H or ones they plan to take on this year," she said. She said there are a number of clubs that go out and do trash pickup, hold bake sales and plant flowers at nursing homes. Some also collect items for the City Mission or serve meals there. Make-it-Monday asks 4-H alumni, volunteers and advisors to show off their creativity by posting a project or a skill they learned or made through 4-H. Burner-Kitzler said it could be a sewing, woodworking or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project. Tuesday is Turn Back Time Tuesday. "So you're going to celebrate how much you've grown through 4-H by sharing favorite pictures, a special memory, something in your early years. Or you can reflect back, this is where I started, this is where I am today," she said. Lots of green will be seen on Wear it Wednesday. "Show off your 4-H spirit and post or share a photo of wearing your favorite 4-H apparel or anything green," she said. "As you know, 4-H is all green and white." Thankful Thursday is the day to give a shout-out or recognize someone who's shaped your 4-H journey, Burner-Kitzler said. 4-H Favorites Friday will involve sharing a favorite 4-H memory either through a story or with pictures, she said. "Maybe that's at 4-H camp. It could be at the fair. Maybe it's taking part in a community service project with your club or any other meaningful moments that you would like to share," she said. The week wraps up with Spotlight Saturday. This day shines light on what makes 4-H extraordinary, Burner-Kitzler said. "Celebrating the meaningful moments, the inspiring people and the outstanding accomplishments. Share a big 4-H achievement, highlight a project you're especially proud of or spotlight a moment of growth or sucess that has shaped your 4-H journey," she said. From these Ohio 4-H Week activities, the local clubs will branch off and celebrate Hancock County 4-H Week, she said. The local 4-H office at 7868 County Road 140, Suite B, are planning activities each day. Anyone who visits next week can spin the wheel and win a 4-H prize, she said. Themes will be more focused on the Facebook page, she noted. The 4-H year begins on Nov. 1, although its not generally promoted during the holidays. "But once January rolls around, we really kickstart it, and we really start heavily promoting it in our schools, on our Facebook page, here in our office with our clubs," she said. The deadline to enroll is April 1. The majority of clubs in Hancock County have already been meeting. Burner-Kitzler said there are 39 active 4-H clubs in Hancock County, 147 advisor volunteers and just over 720 4-H members. There are also hundreds of projects available, and the state office is constantly creating new ones. "Everyone is welcome to come in, tell us what they're thinking and we can match our project book to that," she said. "We also have project book binders that we lend out to clubs, and it has every project book available. They can take those back to their meetings and let their members and families look through them." A self-determined project is available if someone has an interest in a topic that is not available through 4-H, she said. Last year a member who liked origami turned it into a self-determined project. She ended up down to the Ohio State Fair representing Hancock County. The annual Hancock County 4-H benefit Dinner and Auction will be held March 28 at the Old Mill Stream Centre. The theme is "Party Like Its 1776," in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the country. On average the event draws 180 to 200 people and raises on average of nearly $30,000, said Burner-Kitzler. "It's a chance for our community, partners and businesses to come together to support our young 4-H members and advisors who are pretty much shaping our future," she said. Doors open at 5 p.m. for a silent auction. A catered dinner by Texas Roadhouse will be served at 6 p.m. with the live auction beginning around 7 p.m. Judy Thomas, the daughter of Dave Thomas who was the operations manager at the Hancock County Fairgrounds for more than 14 years, will serve as auctioneer. Auctions will feature items donated by every club including trips, hotel stays and sporting events. Special prizes include a heavy log chain donated by Streacker Tractor Sales, a cheesecake from Evelyn Graham and a pecan ring donated by Deb Stacy. Brad Beach will be honored. A 4-H advisor for over 30 years, he died in 2018. Camp scholarships will also be promoted. The cost per person is $30. Monday is the deadline to purchase tickets. Proceeds stay in Hancock County and support the 4-H program.