A large amount of fabric was recently donated to the North Shore 4-H club. Being service-oriented, the club decided to use the material to create tie blankets. According to club leader Vi Hanson, the tie blankets “are a simple project for anyone, and have a great impact.”
Due to the sizes of the fabric donated, making blankets large enough for adults or children was not an option. The resourceful 4-H’ers turned to two places that could use smaller blankets: the NICU and the animal shelter. North Shore 4-H was able to reach a larger number of community members by virtue of making more smaller blankets. Why the animal shelter? 4-H, and the North Shore 4-H club in particular, often involves animals in their projects, so they thought the animal shelter might be a good place to donate.
In 2012, Vi Hanson became the leader of the North Shore 4-H club, and club members meet monthly at Hanson’s home, Herringbone Farm. Meetings occur on the first Friday of the month and last for two hours. The club does a lot of community service, as well as a monthly project. Hanson explained that these projects can be individual, group, or community projects to be entered in the Lake County Fair. North Shore 4-H focuses on “all areas of 4-H”, including livestock.
4-H is for all youth from kindergarten through one year post-high school. Those interested in joining are encouraged to contact Tracey, the Lake County 4-H Program Coordinator, at turne275@umn.edu. Hanson encourages those that have friends in 4-H to connect with them and learn more. Another resource for more information is the University of Minnesota 4-H Extension.
North Shore 4-H members chimed in their support for the program. “4-H is really, really fun. I’ve made many friends through 4-H and it’s very educational,” said one participant. Another said, “We all look forward to the Lake County Fair and it’s fun every year!” Yet another participant added, “You’ll learn things you didn’t know you needed to learn.”
Good work on the tie blankets, North Shore 4-H, and for fulfilling the 4-H pledge by devoting your head, heart, hands, and health to “my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
