This past week, we had a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of our Henderson County 4-Her’s for the 2015-2016 4-H “year.” Many hands worked together to coordinate a lovely awards ceremony held at the conference center of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries. I want to extend a huge thank you to all of our 4-H leaders, volunteers and parents. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to have the amazing program that we do!
I eat, sleep and breathe 4-H. I feel blessed to have a job that on most days doesn’t feel like “work.” 4-H and the other information/programs that the Extension service provides have been a part of my life since I was 8 years old. While the name has changed some over the years (and varies a little from state to state) the core values of Land Grant Universities across the United States remain the same: Teaching, Research and Extension.
What’s the most impractical thing you’ve ever done for the sake of a project or event? For me, it was wearing a wool blazer and pleated wool skirt in a 110 degree Quonset at my county fair while leading my sparkly white Dorset ewe aptly named “Sugar” around the show ring. It felt like I was wearing one of those fluffy onesies from kigurumi.co. Part of our “Make it with Wool” contest included modeling our outfit along with a wooly friend. While parading around in a wool outfit during the summer wasn’t exactly fun, what was cool was the knowledge I gained about the fiber industry at a young age.
Along with my sheep, another one of my main 4-H projects was clothing with woven labels and textiles. I spent many years doing actual clothing construction. Between working on projects at home and attending workshops hosted by my local Extension office, I learned to sew a seam and stitch on a button pretty handily. Of course there was that one summer when it seemed like everyone (except me) got to attend the workshop to make some sweet MC Hammer pants. While I didn’t realize it at the time, my mom’s refusing to sign me up probably turned out all for the best.
As I mentioned earlier, my 4-H projects introduced me to the world of fiber/clothing. Looking back I’d have to say it really has influenced me in my decisions when picking out and purchasing clothing today. As I got older, my interest in clothing construction waned, but I was still involved in other fiber related projects such as “Shopping Smart” which was a smart buying type of experience and also quilting. I found that I enjoyed and got much more satisfaction from my completed quilting projects than actual items of clothing.
I may not have sheared my sheep and then used the wool to spin my own yarn to make my own fabric, but I wouldn’t have the knowledge I have today about fiber and clothing without participating in the sheep and textile projects in 4-H. If you’re interested in learning more about what the 4-H program has to offer you can always contact me. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, August 11th for our annual 4-H Open House/Kick-off event we’ll be holding at The Cain Center from 6-8 p.m. 4-H clubs from here in Henderson County will have booths set up with information and hands-on activities.
Texas 4-H Roundup week has officially come to a close. I may be a little sleep deprived, but I wouldn’t trade the late nights and early mornings for anything. It takes a lot of volunteers and county agents from across the state to successfully pull off an event of this magnitude.
Henderson County was well represented at the event. I mentioned last week that two of our members received scholarships and we also had a youth, Leo Varos, place first in his archery category. While our members who participated in the presentation and speaking contests may not have placed, they have already won in my opinion.
Pictured, from left, Ken McGee, Heather Hirsch, Bronte Hirsch, Grant Hirsch.
The late Rick Hirsch was named the Agriculturist of the Year during the 53rd Annual Henderson County Farm & Ranch Tour Tuesday.
“He had a passion for what he did. He didn’t think about it as a job, he woke up every day and just thought of a passion that he had,” said his wife, Bronte, after accepting the award on his behalf.
Rick, the long-time county extension agent, passed away unexpectedly last month at the age of 51.
Rick worked as the county extension agent for Henderson County for 23 years, hosted the ag radio show on KCKL, and was a contributor to KLTV. He was a staunch supporter of the Henderson County Livestock Show, a master gardener’s teacher at TVCC, a CCD teacher at St. Edwards and Mary Queen of Heavens Catholic Churches. He was also a member of the Athens Athletic Booster Club, Football Chain Gang, and host family to TVCC athletes. He enjoyed serving as a mentor to livestock judging groups and livestock exhibitors. He was an active supporter of 4-H and FFA, and a member of a variety of county committees.
The following video was shot live from the Cain Center as the award was announced.
When people think of 4-H, shotgun sports and archery probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. However, in Texas shooting sports is the top ranking 4-H project in terms of participation numbers. I guess this shouldn’t come as a surprise for a state full of people that love to hunt and be outdoors.
Traditionally, people tend to automatically link 4-H to agriculture, which is just a limited view of what the program has to offer. Now, don’t get me wrong, 4-H is still very much connected to roots in agriculture, but we are also much more. Recently, the National 4-H Council has launched a rebranding campaign as part of a strategy to increase membership and diversity. By 2025, 4-H hopes to add 4 million members nationally by expanding its reach into urban and suburban communities, with the help from firms similar to Victorious helping with their new and improved online measures.
