Crawford County 4-H Appreciation Event Held

Becky Hyde and Kaitlyn Willis were recognized as the
Outstanding 4-H’ers for the 2011 year and also served as
Mistresses of Ceremonies for the event. 

4-H Teen Council member, Naomi Wisniewski, entertained the group with the instrumental and vocal number, “Long Black Train” that won first place in the State 4-H Talent Contest last summer. 

The Purple Circle 4-H Club received the Outstanding 4-H Club Award.  Their club has a membership of fourteen youth who complete Market Swine, Market Lamb, Breeding Sheep, Market Beef and Breeding Beef projects.  Additionally, they complete projects of sewing, miscellaneous family living, food and nutrition.  A panel of outside judges were used again this year, and they were impressed by the diversity and variety of activities the club members were involved in.  They are not only active in promoting the 4-H program in Crawford County, but their members are also involved in regional and state 4-H events and activities. 

The Crawford County 4-H Council members introduced themselves with a rendition of “Happy Birthday 4-H” in celebration of its 100^th birthday in Pennsylvania.

The United Methodist Church Group who has served the 4-H membership a meal at the Crawford County Fair each of the past four years was the recipient of the Friend of 4-H Award for their support to the Crawford County 4-H Program.  They provided over 1,400 meals to the membership through the years. 

Chris Parker, Jason Hoke, Jeff Rose and John McMasters were elected to the 4-H Advisory Board, the local policy making board for the Crawford County 4-H program.  4-H Leaders received awards for their years of service as volunteer leaders.  Highest esteem honors went to Ellie and Dan Geiger who have been 4-H volunteers for the past 30 years. 

Country Stitchers 4-H Club was presented with new club flag set and club charter.  Hodge Podge 4-H Club was recognized for creating the 1^st place video about the Crawford County Fair that was chosen at the State Fair Convention Centennial Celebration. 

4-H’ers receiving the Outstanding 4-H Project Book Awards were recognized by AgChoice Farm Credit ACA, the 4-H Advisory Board, the 4-H Horse & Pony Leaders and the 4-H Dairy Leaders.  The Outstanding 4-H members and the teens who attended regional, state and national events were introduced.  Each youth who participated in 4-H State Achievement Days was presented with a pin. 

Judy Acker, member of the Crawford County Extension Board, announced that Paula Lucas, the current Crawford County 4-H Program Assistant, will serve as the Interim 4-H Educator for the next 3-4 months until the permanent position is filled.  Periodically, throughout the evening’s program, Wanda Braymer was honored by the 4-H members and volunteer leaders with their kind words and gifts of appreciation as her retirement from Penn State Extension is effective this month.  4-H Club Leader, Joy Mumford, closed the program with a poem she created entitled, “A 4-H Blessing.” 

Penn State Cooperative Extension is an educational outreach of the college of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University.  Penn State is an affirmative action equal opportunity university.  Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.  Anyone interested in more information about the 4-H program should contact the Crawford County Cooperative Extension Office on Dunham Road of Meadville or call (814) 333-7460.