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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 Bear Creek cleanup targets winter debris ... County wants study before putting SOHS district to a vote ... Ocean chinook season to be shortest in eight years ... Bear Creek cleanup targets winter debris ... County wants study before putting SOHS district to a vote ... Ocean chinook season to be shortest in eight years ... SOUTHERN OREGON JOURNAL Southern Oregon Journal: 4-H — Where generations come together Comment By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News I didn’t know his name, but I’ll call him Bobby Burnett. He reminded me of a neighbor kid I knew by that name growing up in Phoenix. It was a warm July day, and my husband and I had crowded into the metal bleachers to get a firsthand look at the Jackson County Fair livestock judging. We were new to the area and had no idea how vital the moment of our arrival was for those involved. We were just curious greenhorns from the city. The young man, Bobby, who looked to be about 14, tapped on the sides of a large market hog with a stick, guiding him around the ring, as livestock judges looked them over with the eyes of experience. Along with a few others, Bobby and his hog had made the final cut. The countless hours spent in labor, discipline and love were at last on display. When the livestock judge pointed to Bobby’s hog, handing Bobby the Grand Champion ribbon, he couldn’t hold back. He tried to hide it, but tears happened — in the ring and the audience. The young man’s tears were probably a mix of elation and sorrow. Working with a critter that closely for nearly a year sets up a sometimes difficult parting. But there would be a large check following the auction, which would salve the sting. Plus, there was next year’s pig. When I think of county 4-H programs, I still see the boy, thumb and forefinger to his eyes, trying to stem the flow. It’s a sweet picture over 30 years old. I would bet that he grew to be a contented man and productive citizen. That’s what 4-H aims to do with its fourfold approach to the development of youth. 4-H uses an active, learn-by-doing approach, with the 4 H’s within their clover standing for Head, Heart, Hands and Health. The national 4-H program became official in 1924, with Oregon among the first states to take part. Every state requires a Land Grant University, whose responsibility it is to provide research and extension to those in their state. Our Jackson County 4-H is run by Oregon State University’s Youth Development Extension program. I spoke with 4-H Program Assistant Kim Skomerza. She said, “We are trying to work in partnership with other community services to broaden our reach — combine our resources for the betterment of our youth.” Raising livestock for judging at the fair is perhaps the most public example of programs for which 4-H is known, but it also offers opportunities in the arts, creative sciences, with fun contests in flower arranging and cake decorating, for example. Creative writing, Lego robotics, archery, sewing (with fashion shows), shooting sports and environmental/outdoor education for promoting an attitude of stewardship are more options. Children and young adults, ages 5-19, are encouraged to join and become part of the action. Virtually any avocation can become a 4-H class or workshop with one or more qualified adults to lead. I offered my services as a judge for this year’s Creative Writing competition. Visit www.jacksonco4h.org for further information, to help support its efforts and to volunteer. Their primary area of need for volunteers right now is in Lego robotics, with a secondary need in archery. Jackson County 4-H happens because of more than 250 volunteers. Skomerza assured me that being an expert is not required, just having a heart for kids. You can reach her at the extension office by calling 541-776-7371, or on her cell phone at 541-621-2091. “I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” — the 4-H pledge that members say at meetings and special events. Where could you find a better investment of time? Peggy Dover is a freelance writer living in Eagle Point. Reach her at [email protected] By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Peggy Dover for the Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 3, 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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