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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Local police use science to protect domestic violence victims ... Umpqua Dairy celebrates 85 years as family-owned company ... Motorcyclist dies in Caves Highway crash ... Local police use science to protect domestic violence victims ... Umpqua Dairy celebrates 85 years as family-owned company ... Motorcyclist dies in Caves Highway crash ... SOUTHERN OREGON JOURNAL Southern Oregon Journal: 4-H writing contest stirs up memories Comment By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News If there’s one thing I enjoy, it’s encouraging fellow writers. Every age along the journey contains insights that don’t happen at any other time, and recording them can provide healing and understanding of oneself and others. Last week, a reader named Jack shared some articles he writes for a model airplane club newsletter (a future column subject). It made my day. Maybe because my road seems long and booby-trapped with fits and starts, I understand how hard it can be, and yet putting thought to word is a part of our identity. That’s why I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to urge all members of Jackson County 4-H, ages 9 to 19, who love shaping their ideas into stories, to enter the 4-H Creative Writing competition at the Jackson County Fair, which is nearly upon us. I’m humbled and honored that Kim Skomerza, 4-H program assistant for Jackson County, has invited me to judge this year’s entries, and I’m seriously looking forward to it. At this time, I would also like to offer my services as a 2-for-1 deal with regard to the chocolate cake judging. Stories can be entered in one of two categories: short story, fiction or narrative on any subject, no longer than four pages; or a poem, with a maximum length of 35 lines. The pieces will be read with appreciation, awarded with ribbons and displayed at the fair. Be sure to read all the details for entering on page 26 of the 2016 Jackson County Fair Exhibitor’s Handbook, and give Kim a call at 541-776-7371 with additional questions. The fair website, www.attheexpo.com , has the exhibitor's handbook as a PDF file. The deadline for turning in work is 5 p.m., Friday, July 8, at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, 569 Hanley Road in Central Point. I’m planning to be there to pick up the entries, and I’m bringing a wagon. Kidding. Exhibits can be turned in earlier — highly recommended. Entries will be judged according to age class: Junior (9-11 years old); Intermediate (12-14 years); and Senior (15-19 years). Writing through my emotions helped me through turbulent early years. I really was a teen once, back in the desert days. I often wrote through tears —while sobbing, actually, and experiencing the gut-twist of self-pity. Sometimes I still succumb, until the cat looks at me with deep concern, so I straighten up and remind myself it’s a character I’m developing. But in high school, when nobody understood, or Richard Nixon’s speeches preempted all the good shows, I'd lay my soul out on paper where I could see it for myself. Usually, that’s all it took, and by the next day I’d ripped it into tiny pieces so nobody could tape it together, like my sister, who would definitely use it against me. For me, writing was therapy, and a solid choice of weaponry to fight my way through feelings of insecurity and loneliness. Writing is a great way to take the time necessary to explore the sense or nonsense of things. It requires slowing down, quiet contemplation and thinking — an increasingly rare ability, which improves with exercise. I love reading other writers, and I’m over-the-top excited to explore each entry. So give me something to ponder, young people. Let me hear your ideas. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer living in Eagle Point. Reach her at [email protected] and visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/southernoregonjournal . By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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