This year, special centennial observances are being held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 4-H youth development program throughout Ohio and the nation.

Tuesday, February 19, 2002

This year, special centennial observances are being held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 4-H youth development program throughout Ohio and the nation.

And, Lawrence County is getting in on the celebration.

The county will host an open house Thursday at the OSU Extension Office in the Lawrence County Courthouse from noon to 2 p.m.

"The Lawrence County 4-H Committee and the Ohio Sate University extension office would like to invite past and current 4-H members, volunteers and friends to join us in a birthday kickoff celebration Thursday," said Laura Jane Murphy, Lawrence County Ohio State University extension agent, 4-H youth development.

According to Murphy, locally, there are some special activities that will tie into the statewide 4-H centennial efforts throughout the year.

"We’re hoping to involve past 4-H members and volunteers in the activities along with interested persons who are currently involved with the program," said Murphy. "This is an excellent opportunity for current 4-H youth and volunteers to discover a little more about the program’s heritage."

Murphy added that the group is encouraging people to bring in memorabilia and pictures from Lawrence County’s 4-H past for other people to see at the birthday kickoff. They are also looking for items for a 4-H display at the Lawrence County Museum to run June 21-28. Other activities are being discussed and will be announced later.

According to Jeff King, assistant director of 4-H youth development at the Ohio State University, the public should expect to hear a lot about what 4-H is currently doing, how the program began and where it is headed in the future.

"Ohio is considered the birthplace of 4-H," said King. "Our staff and volunteers are quite proud abut the fact we’ve been helping kids learn life skills for 100 years and are very excited about sharing it with the public."

According to King, the special statewide centennial celebration effort is specifically intended to increase public awareness of the 4-H program, energize current 4-H members and volunteers, and to recruit additional 4-H members and volunteers in all 88 counties in Ohio.

"The Ohio 4-H Centennial will help highlight our mission in 4-H Youth Development to provide positive environments for youth and adults to reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, caring and contributing citizens," King said.

"This year, special centennial celebrations are being held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 4-H youth development program throughout Ohio and the nation."

For more information about local 4-H centennial celebration efforts and the Lawrence county 4-H program contact the Lawrence County OSU Extension office at 533-4322.