4-H MEMBERS WELCOME NEW YEAR — Area 4-H groups met to plan this year’s events and participate in new activities that included new and and returning friends. Among those helping to lead the groups was Leslie Aftanas, an Agriculture and Natural Resources program assistant for the Ohio State University Extension office. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Area 4-H clubs have been busy holding meetings, taking part in a variety of activities and preparing for upcoming events.

One of the 4-H groups who met Feb. 3 was the Steubenville City Seedlings, which conducted its officer elections for 2025.

Each of the candidates had the opportunity to address the club and provide members the chance to get to know who they are and what they stand for, including the position for which they were seeking.

There were 26 members who opted to run for the 14 available positions, according to officials.

These positions can be held by either a junior or senior. Offices up for appointment included, president, vice president, secretary, news reporter, health and safety director, club greeter and hospitality and sergeant of arms.

There were 64 members present for the monthly meeting, all of whom cast their ballot following the conclusion of the general session.

Members then participated in a “find a friend” activity for the purpose of finding a new member to interact with or reconnecting with a returning member.

Those involved with the 4-H group Banner and Buckles, met Feb. 2 at Richmond United Presbyterian Church to discuss the success of a recent overnighter in which all attendees had “a blast,” according to officials. Members unanimously voted to participate in a window decorating contest and noted Ohio 4-H Week will be celebrated March 3-9.

A 4-H night with the Wheeling Nailers is scheduled to be held at 7:10 p.m. Feb. 28. Buckle and Banners members say they are looking forward to attending the event where they will have the opportunity to high-five the players during the game.

Their next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. March 2 at the church.

The 4-H members involved in Happy Hooves and Fancy Feathers met Jan. 24th at the Millsop Community Center in Weirton for the group’s annual overnighter.

Officials stated the evening consisted of several fun activities in which to take part, including swimming, pickleball, octaball, basketball and volleyball.

Camp counselors led the group games, one of which involved the use of a large parachute. Members sang 4-H songs, while some chose to relax with blankets and watch a movie. Each club brought their own snacks and games.

Members said they most look forward to playing basketball at the overnighter, as well as seeing their friends and making new memories.

Cloverbuds from throughout Jefferson County held their latest activity meeting where a winter update for the upcoming year was provided to officials.

Cloverbuds, which are the youngest of those taking part in 4-H, range in age from 5 to 7.

Leslie Aftanas, an agriculture and natural resources program assistant for the Ohio State University Extension office, met with nine teenagers to teach the 58 Cloverbuds in attendance.

During the meeting, members sang various 4-H songs and made a pinecone birdfeeder and paper whirligig. The children also received five charms to place on their necklaces.

The next Cloverbud activity will feature the annual Iron Chef competition.

Anyone intersted in joining 4-H can call the office at (740) 264-2212. Enrollment is open until May 1.