San Martin
– It’s that time of year again. Throughout the county 4-H
members are signing up for projects ranging from horses to guinea
pigs, photography to astronomy. San Martin 4-H will hold
registration for new and returning members Thursday, Sept. 2,
followed by a general meeting.
San Martin – It’s that time of year again. Throughout the county 4-H members are signing up for projects ranging from horses to guinea pigs, photography to astronomy. San Martin 4-H will hold registration for new and returning members Thursday, Sept. 2, followed by a general meeting.
“If someone thinks they want to be in 4-H but they aren’t sure what project they would be interested in they can come and get a taste,” said adult community leader Laurie Lash.
Project leaders will show posters, awards and even some small animals to help explain the two dozen projects.
“Sometimes the problem is keeping kids from taking too many projects,” Lash said. After the registration meeting the new executive board, comprised of a dozen kids, will lead a general meeting for the more than 100 members and leaders.
The 4-H program is a youth education branch of the Cooperative Extension Service, a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Local chapters are run by students age 5 to 18 with the help of adult community leaders who serve as liaisons to the county branch.
Members praise the organization for giving children an opportunity to develop as leaders while exploring a subject which interests them.
Haley Sellers, 11, who serves as board reporter, can’t wait to start on another goat project. She will learn about the animal and then raise one to show at the Santa Clara County Fair.
“We also have fundraisers and do lots of service to the community,” she said.
San Martin 4-H may be thriving, but a few months ago the future of the organization was in jeopardy.
Earlier this year county officials and 4-H leaders were concerned that 4-H and related programs would be cut from the county budget. Even though 4-H costs the county only $20,000 a year, $240 million needed to be cut from Santa Clara County’s 2004-5 budget.
On June 15 the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan to spend $80,000 and accept a anonymous donation of $40,000 to keep the program and five others in the University of California Cooperative Extension. Next year they will need to raise their own funds.
“For this year the Lion’s Club is incredibly gracious and provides a place for us to meet,” she said.
The San Martin chapter is supported by a large base of former 4-H members and other people committed to see the organization continue.
“It has been encouraging. People have become aware of the problems and a lot have stepped forward to help,” Lash said.
The county branch of 4-H hopes to create a fundraising committee to support the program.
Details: Haley Sellers at 779-8660.
