Food, sewing, animals and art: 4-H presents it all

MILLBROOK — When it comes to being well-rounded, 4-H members are encouraged to take on tasks and then present their projects to the public. In doing this, young people hone skills that help them speak in public in a cohesive and professional manner.

Participants choose their own topics, sometimes with a little guidance, and the topics can be wide ranging, from livestock to artwork, sewing to cooking, or almost anything the child has a keen interest in.

The 4-H presents certificates that are color coded, the highest being blue, then red, white, and for outstanding work, purple. In the beginning the students are advised to keep the projects relatively simple, but as time progresses, so do the presentations. As the child ages, he or she is encouraged to venture out, to try more difficult and different choices and to use more advanced skills and technology.

On Saturday, April 13, more than 100 youngsters brought their projects to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) in Millbrook to present in front of evaluators. One of the hardest lessons to learn is to be fully prepared. As they move up in age, the presentations get better and better.

The local 4-H Club has about 450 members, most of them from Dutchess County, but there are some from Columbia and Ulster counties who come to Millbrook because it offers some things that are not available closer to home.

On Saturday about 12 of the projects were about food. Chili was made by Amelia Navarez, 13, from Rhinebeck and a cranberry and pistachio biscotti was made by Elizabeth Selby, 14, also from Rhinebeck.

The Fall Harvest presentations last fall were so popular and attracted so many participants that CCEDC decided to allow cooking projects in the spring presentation program as well.

Meanwhile, Autumn Scalia, 10, painted a picture using a salt/paint method, presented her narrative and showed her skill to 4-H Youth Development Leader Jane Rodd.

For more than 100 years, 4-H — standing for Head, Heart, Hands and Health — has been helping children from 5 through 19 to become good citizens and productive members of their communities.

Evaluators and other volunteers are always needed and very welcome. If interested in volunteering, or membership for a child, call 845-677-8223.