Erie County Legislators Lynne Dixon, Joseph Lorigo, John Mills and Edward Rath, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension – Erie County, are pleased to announce that two informational meetings to highlight the many exciting programs available through 4-H will be held in November. With an extensive list of opportunities available to youths, ages 5-19, the informational meetings will discuss what programs are offered and how to get involved.
The first meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 at East Amherst Fire Company, 9100 Transit Road, East Amherst, NY, 14051. The second meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 at Hilbert College's Swan Auditorium, 5200 South Park Ave., Hamburg, NY 14075.
Reservations are not required and refreshments will be served. 4-H families and coordinators will be available to answer questions and share their experiences about being a member of 4-H.
“This is a great opportunity for parents and kids to learn more about the specific programs offered by 4-H. I believe many Erie County residents do not fully realize the excellent programming available through 4-h,” said Legislator Rath. “The benefits of joining 4-H continue from early childhood through the formative adolescence years. Overall, kids in 4-H are more responsible and successful, and learn important life skills in programs which they enjoy and are passionate about.”
“The 4-H program in Erie County is alive and strong. With more than 600 youth members in our county for 2012, we are eager to share the many opportunities with the community and explain how to get involved for 2013. New youth members are being welcomed for the new program year and opportunities, training and support for new adult volunteer leaders is also being offered. 4-Hers can participate in clubs or as independent members and can reside in any part of the county; rural, suburban, and urban settings. The possibilities are endless and foster an environment of learning, citizenship, inclusion, and leadership development,” said Laurie Korb, 4-H Community Educator.
4-H’s programming list appeals to varying interests and more than 40 programs are currently offered in the following categories:
- Healthy Living
- Natural Resources
- Plant Science/Gardening
- Animal Science
- Science & Technology
- Community Service
4-H’s success has been well documented. According to its national website, www.4-H.org, an independent study found that, “The structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that young people receive through their participation in 4-H plays a vital role in helping them achieve future life successes. When compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H, have higher educational achievement and motivation for future education (and) are more civically active and make more civic contributions to their communities.”
For information about the meetings or to get involved in 4-H, please contact your Legislator.
Legislator Dixon - 858-8671 or email lynne.dixon@erie.gov (Blasdell, Hamburg, Lackawanna & South Buffalo)
Legislator Lorigo - 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov (Aurora, Colden, East Aurora, Elma, Holland, Marilla, Wales & West Seneca)
Legislator Mills - 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov (Angola, Boston, Brant, Collins, Concord, Eden, Evans, Farnham, Gowanda, Orchard Park [town and village], North Collins [town and village], Sardinia & Springville.
Legislator Rath - 858-8676 or email edward.rath@erie.gov (Akron, Amherst, Clarence & Newstead)