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2005 Citrus County Fair

4-H ranges beyond 4 legs

Many members who show at the fair raise animals, but others study subjects like photography and marine science.

By MARY ANN KOSLASKY
Published March 18, 2005

Imagine an organization that teaches young people ages 8 to 18 respect, responsibility, caring, character and concern for people, animals and our environment. Top that off with creativity, self-discipline, increased self-esteem and an opportunity to earn scholarship money.

There is such an organization: 4-H. It is dedicated to the development of youths as individuals and responsible, productive members of the community.

The clubs were organized at the turn of the 20th century by progressive educators to introduce nature study as a basis for agricultural education. They emphasized "learning by doing."

Boys and girls clubs were established in schools and churches throughout the land. Farmers Institutes worked with school superintendents to promote production contests, soil tests and plant identification.

In 1914, the Cooperative Extension Service was established within the U.S. Department of Agriculture by the Smith-Lever Act. Through this legislation, Congress has continued to support 4-H.

The first Citrus County Fair took place in Lecanto in 1915, and several others followed in the '20s and '30s. An early photo shows several youngsters lined up with their steers.

Today's 4-H is more than steers and swine at the fair, although animals are an integral part of the event.

Barbara Dovi, who moved to Florida from Long Island, N.Y., is a leader with the American Eagles Club. Her sons Joshua, 12, and David, 10, are preparing two pigs for the swine competition.

Son Jonathan, 6, is too young to actually participate in many 4-H activities, but he is in Cloverbud, a group for children ages 5 through 7. While not involved in competition, they can participate in the "open" category. Children of all ages can also show their work in Youth World.

Showing swine at the fair means the boys spend one to two hours every morning caring for the animals. They shovel the pig manure and transfer it to a composting pile. They give the pigs fresh water and mix special food for them. The fun part comes when they get to play with them. Then it's back to work, maintaining record books describing everything they do in raising the animals.

"4-H opens your world to so many opportunities," said Dovi. "My sons would never have experienced any of this on Long Island."

In the past, Dovi's group has studied marine biology, photography and ecology. Two years ago, the boys took art lessons through the Rising Tides 4-H Club.

While American Eagles is a small club with only seven members, some clubs such as Ropin' the Wind may have as many as 50 members.

Diana Kreisle, leader of Ropin' the Wind, describes the group as a general interest 4-H club.

"I'm very fortunate to have many willing parents who know these things as volunteers," Kreisle said. "There is a parent responsible for each project. We try to do a lot of different things. There is no way one person can do all of it."

Noting that many of the older members take responsibility and lead the club meetings, Kreisle said, "It (4-H) teaches them responsibility and leadership."

Public speaking is another lesson learned, although a sometimes difficult one.

"The kids need to do public speaking to sell their animal at the fair," said Kreisle. "It's so funny to watch how nervous they are and then see the sigh of relief when they're done."

In Floral City, the Team Green 4-H Club hosted a petting zoo at the annual Floral City Heritage Days in December. Several members rode their horses in the Inverness Christmas parade.

The multi-interest group of 20 or so young people is led by Patricia Uzar. She has been a part of 4-H for 33 years, ever since she was 13.

"I, personally, love 4-H. I was in Eloise Van Ness' original group," Uzar said. "When I was 18, I started my first group."

Uzar has six members who will attend an overnight training session to prepare them to be 4-H camp counselors.

The group meets from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays. Before the County Events competition, the group worked on posters and practiced speeches. They also work on record books and other projects. But it's not all about work.

"I think children need to have fun," said Uzar. "After meetings, we play volleyball or do crafts. It keeps them out of drugs, and in good company."

Ease's Rough Riders is the oldest 4-H club in the county, started by Eloise Van Ness so long ago nobody can recall exactly when. Current leader Ella Thomas is a third-generation 4-H leader.

"My grandmother (Annie Spooner) taught young girls how to can tomatoes on a wood stove," Thomas recalled.

Thomas' mother was Frances Rooks. The Rooks name is virtually inseparable from county 4-H history.

"My father and father-in-law started the steer show at the fair," Thomas said.

Some of the club's young people plan to show animals at the fair. "They're working to train them and learn how to groom them," Thomas said. The steers must be able to walk on a lead, while the swine need to be controlled with just a stick and some spoken commands.

Thomas has seen many changes in 4-H.

"A lot of children come into it for other than animals," she said. A look at the Florida 4-H Web site confirms her words.

"A lot of children can find their niche," said Thomas. "It could be animals or nature. . . . They get to be recognized and praised for what they're doing. Somebody can say, "Hey, you're doing a good job.' "

With many homeschooled students in 4-H, Thomas said it "gives them a little more social atmosphere. They still get out and are sociable with people. Face it; being social is part of being a part of this world."

With 18 4-H clubs in the county, every interested child should be able to find something they like.

Saddle Busters is an equine club led by certified riding instructor Shirley Squires. About half the members own horses. Owning a horse is not required; members just need to love horses and want to learn more about them. Hot 2 Trot is another horse club. Leader Bridgette Imperato started the group five years ago when her son Michael was 8.

If you have a new puppy or dog, 4-Paws will help you train it to be a good canine citizen. Leader Lorrie vanVoorthuijsen said she realized that her membership will be more rotational than most.

"They basically work on obedience," said vanVoorthuijsen. This year Judy Peterson, a certified dog trainer and certified evaluator will judge the members' final test at the fair. Those who pass will be awarded the Canine Good Citizen award, an American Kennel Club certificate.

Rocketry and the Florida marine environment are just two subjects that members of the Rising Tides group have covered in the past. This year, the group also led by vanVoorthuijsen is concentrating on photography.

If you would like to find your niche as a 4-H leader or a club member, call the 4-H office at the Citrus County Extension Service, 726-2141.

This story includes information from the 4-H Web site, http://4h.ifas.ufl.edu/about4h/beginning.htm

[Last modified March 18, 2005, 00:42:17]