4-H may come to Westminster
By Nora Cardec Journal Correspondent

Representatives from the national 4-H Club met recently with a handful of parents and children at the Forbush Memorial Library to talk about forming a local chapter.

Cindy Trahan-Liptak and Lorraine Kiritsis, 4-H staff members, provided literature on the organization and answered questions of those who were interested in joining the club.

"We've been getting inquiries about a club in this area," said Kiritsis.

Both representatives said they are open to starting a club in Westminster, which would be open to children ages 5 to 19, as well as their parents.

Parents can become volunteers for the organization and serve as group leaders, instructors, mentors, assistants at fairs and conferences, and a variety of other positions, said Kiritsis.

The clubs are started based on the largest interest in one area such as: animals, gardening, technology, photography or anything else. There are also general clubs that have a broader focus, said Kiritsis.

Trahan-Liptak said children are also able to participate through individual projects they can submit for fairs and competitions.

Competition for children's time today is strong, but, the 4-H is different in that parents can participate along with their children in the events and activities, said Kiritsis.

"It's more of a family-oriented organization. Everyone can join," said Kiritsis.

Today, 4-H offers many opportunities for children and young people to learn how to be productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Members go on field trips, do visual presentations, participate in exhibits at fairs, take part in contests, attend conferences, and engage in public speaking.

Members also learn about animals including rabbits, dogs, cats, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and horses among others.

The 4-H organization has livestock competitions and shows at all levels.

"Having or taking care of an animal teaches so much about life," said Kiritsis. "It teaches responsibility, organization, finances, even about life and death."

Farming and home economics were the basis of the organization close to 100 years ago. Small clubs started in rural Virginia for boys and girls in the early 1900s.

The boys were taught how to cultivate corn and the girls how to grow tomatoes and the art of canning these. They were also encouraged to take pride in caring for animals thus helping the agricultural industry at the time.

The clubs continued to grow in acceptance and in 1920, they became known as the 4-H clubs. The four "H's" stand for: utilizing the head for clearer thinking, the heart for greater loyalty, the hands for service, and the health for better living for the club, the community, the country and the world. These are still the tenets of the 4-H Club.

For more information, call (508) 831- 1223.