Community

Brooke County celebrates 4-H

WELLSBURG - As with others across the country, Brooke County’s 4-H clubs are preparing for a week of celebrating the youth leadership organization while showcasing some of what they do.

National 4-H Week begins Monday, established as a week recognizing the more than 6 million youth, along with the volunteers and other leaders, for their service in their communities.

"That’s when enrollment opens up for the year," explained Jason Rine, WVU Extension agent for Brooke County who leads the county’s 4-H program. "4-H is free to join. You have a lot of leadership opportunities and chances to go to camps."

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Brooke County Commission, commissioners presented a proclamation honoring the week and those locally who are involved in the program.

Currently, there are two clubs established in Brooke County - one in Follansbee and one in Wellsburg - which meet monthly.

"We want to thank the commission for all the support," Rine said.

Two of the local 4-H youth in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting discussed their experiences in the program.

Addy Rawson described a project in which they were tasked with collecting DNA from bananas as part of an effort to learn more about the development of the fruit and ways to preserve them for the future.

Eva Rine, meanwhile, noted some of the experiences of their meetings and camps, which provide opportunities for the youth to meet and interact, while acquiring a variety of skills.

"We got to play lots of games," she said.

The two showcased some of their own projects, with Eva Rine displaying a nail and string craft of the 4-H logo and Rawson holding a poster for a dairy presentation she had developed.

They also discussed the creation of hygiene bags put together by local 4-Hers to assist the local unhoused population.

Commissioner Stacey Wise commended the 4-H exhibit at the recent Brooke County Fair, which included the incubation of baby chickens.

"I loved the chicken display you had at the fair," Wise said, pointing out several of the eggs hatched on the Saturday of the fair. "It was very neat."

Commission President Tom Diserio expressed his appreciation of the organization and its efforts to provide opportunities for local youth.

"Thank you for all you do," Diserio said. "We always enjoy when you bring your groups in."