The holiday season is upon us. I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I hope it is filled with good food, family and friends.
I am extremely thankful for all of my outstanding 4-H club leaders. These amazing volunteers dedicate their time and energy for the betterment of our young people. They are truly the heart of 4-H.
In the Durango area: The Animas Valley Club is led by Julie and John Ott; the Rock’n Riders Club is led by Lisa Marie Jacobs; the St. Columba Club is led by Naomi Riess and Lu Boren; and the Purple Monkeys Club is led by Liz Smith.
In the Florida Mesa/Sunnyside areas: The Country Roads Club is led by Vicky Moreno; the Florida 4-Leaf Club is led by Kali Fassett; the Mountaineers Club is led by Doug Davis; and the Weasel Skinners Club is led by Rhonda Ledford.
In the Bayfield area: The Bayfield Riders is led by Dawn Hoselton; the Super Shooters Club is led by Tim and Donna Karp; and the Pine River Club is led by Ricky Griego.
In the Oxford/Ignacio/Allison areas: The Mt. Allison Go-Getters Club is led by Teddi Baird-Tharp, and the Ignacio Westerners is led by Stephanie Witt and Kari Jenkins.
In the Fort Lewis Mesa area: The Mountain Shadows Club is led by Penny Crawford and Mary Valencia-Smith; the Pioneers Club is led by Tracy Smith and Brandi Walts; and the Westside Wranglers are led by Sharon and Kirk Peine.
In addition, our rabbit project members are led by Rajean Riegel and Sandy Wade. Poultry project members are led by Kayce Chadbourn and Deb Denious. Dog project members are led by Julie Harris. Horse project members are led by Rhonda Ledford, Jeannie Dittmar and Jill O’Rand. Shooting-sports project members are led by Tim and Donna Karp, Penny and Bruce Crawford and Stephanie Thorsheim. The County Council adult leaders are Wayne and Melody Semler. And our livestock judging team is led by Beth LaShell and Brad Fassett.
All of our club leaders are supported by even more dedicated and helpful parents and volunteers. They really show off positive community development in our area. It takes a great deal of planning, organizing and implementation to host meetings, prepare camps, programs and community service events.
In addition, the entire La Plata County 4-H community is very thankful for the generous support people and businesses give our program. We look forward to a continued partnership.
Finally, the new movie in the “Hunger Games” series is in theaters. The 4-H shooting-sports program has a great archery program. If you are interested in learning about archery and getting the benefits of joining a great organization, contact our office. 4-H will be hosting archery trainings and activities in the coming year.
Furthermore, we are very excited to be offering more hands-on trainings next year in our heritage-arts projects, such as spinning, weaving, crochet and leather crafting. So be on the lookout.
felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463. Greg Felsen is La Plata County 4-H youth development agent.
