Legislator Mills, Cornell Cooperative Extension invite youths, families to 4-H Informational Meeting

4-H logo largerErie County Legislator John Mills and Cornell Cooperative Extension – Erie County are pleased to announce that an informational meeting 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 meeting will discuss what programs are offered and how to get involved.

 

The meeting, co-hosted with Legislator Lynne Dixon and Legislator Joseph Lorigo, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 at Hilbert College’s Swan Auditorium, 5200 South Park Ave., Hamburg. 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.

 

“In recent years I have toured the 4-H exhibits at the Erie County Fair and I am always impressed with the caliber of the projects, and I just learned that Erie County won the most rosettes at this year’s New State Fair, a significant accomplishment. Erie County’s 4-H program is outstanding and always needs more participants and volunteers to build on its success. Youths and families are encouraged to learn more about 4-H and how to get involved at the information meeting,” said Legislator Mills.

 

“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 meeting or to get involved in 4-H, please contact Legislator Mills at 858-8850 or by email at john.mills@erie.gov, or Laurie Korb at 652-5400 ext. 130 or email llk47@cornell.edu