Local 4-H Members Highlight 2010 Activities
Fairfax, VT, January 16, 2011—The Fantastic Fairfax 4-Hers ended their first year with several service learning projects, photography activities and green thumb experiences. The benefits of a service learning organization join the young members with their family, friends and community by taking the opportunity to apply learning to real human need.
The 2010 service learning projects focused on serving the hungry within our town through delivering home-grown vegetables in the fall, appearing on television to discuss Vermont hunger, baking goodies and handcrafting book marks and baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The 4-H group worked closely with Reverend Elizabeth, contact for the Fairfax food shelf, and the Franklin County Rehabilitation facility in St. Albans.
The gardening project began with the members ordering seeds from the 4-H Extension office in St. Albans. Before the gardens were planted, the members had a visit from a local grower, Dave Marchant from River Berry Farm. The members learned first-hand how to plan, prepare and plant their gardens. Dave kindly made another visit to each garden to view the initial growing stage and give each gardener advice. The members were attentive and full of questions. As the harvesting season approached, the members donated most of their vegetables to the local food shelf to help the fight against hunger.
A major highlight for the 4-H group, was an appearance on Across the Fence on WCAX-TV. The group talked about their service learning experience against fighting hunger and at the same time, with the assistance of Chef Kerry from The Essex, prepared a healthy salad using home-grown vegetables.
The focus on digital photography came to life with the creation of “Mother Nature Notecards” with their best digital images displayed on the front. The notecard project was the first major fundraiser for the group. Additionally, the members prepared for the Franklin County Fields Days by submitting a poster, a group banner, and a framed and matted digital image. Every member of the group was awarded with either a first or second place ribbon. They’re all looking forward to participating in next year’s Field Days and the Champlain Valley Fair.
The Thanksgiving baskets included home-made cookies, hand-crafted bookmarks, greeting cards, assorted teas, jams, and crackers. All 10 baskets were delivered by Reverend Elizabeth. For Christmas, the group made woven-paper ornaments in the shape of a heart, which was filled with home-made Danish desserts. The 12 holiday boxes were delivered to Franklin County Rehabilitation facility and Reverend Elizabeth. The Danish goodies were made possible by a special visit by Ada Sorensen’s grandmother who traveled from the West coast for this special occasion.
The group is led by Tia Rooney and Lisa Durocher and is made up of seven members. “Everyone is deeply proud of their accomplishments. We look forward to new activities of focusing on animal care and health & wellness, while continuing digital photography and serving the community. Both Lisa and I wanted to offer a small group the opportunity to work on meaningful, long-term projects. Today’s society is focused on immediate gratification. In contrast, these projects take planning and patience. Both former 4-H members, we have fond memories of the organization. If other parents are interested, it’s easy to start a group. If we can do it, anyone can,” said Tia Rooney.
4-H has grown into a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H'ers participate in fun, hands-on learning activities, supported by the latest research of land-grant universities, that are focused on three areas called Mission Mandates:
- Science, Engineering and Technology
- Healthy Living
- Citizenship
