The Bryan County 4-H Program hosted the Bryan County Commissioners’ meeting on April 6.
4-H’ers from around the county were on hand with refreshments made by the cooking project participation and to present their District Project Achievement demonstrations.
Phil Jones, county administrator, opened by introducing Shanna Davis, Bryan County 4-H agent.
Davis thanked the commissioners’ for allowing local 4-H’ers to join them and began by clarifying information about proposed state budget cuts of the 4-H Programs and Extension offices throughout the state of Georgia.
“Cuts will have to be made statewide in most every state departmen," Davis said. "However, we are hoping that many of our cuts will not be noticeable to the youth and community members we serve.”
She said she expects more furlough days for the extension office staff but is planning for this not to be a problem to county residents.
Chris Morgan, a Bryan County High School senior 4-H’er, began with an invocation, praying that everyone is able to give o themselves in ways that make a difference – to families, the country and the world.
Meghan Scott, sixth-grade 4-H’er from Bryan County Middle School, led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then folded an American flag while Davis recited the meaning of each of the 12 folds of the flag, giving tribute to God, uniformed service members and their families.
Kristen Sparks, Richmond Hill Middle School junior 4-H’er reported on all of the community service projects the 4-H’ers have been involved in this year, including the coming rabies clinic and yard sale in Richmond Hill on May 15.
The offer was laughingly made by Davis to clean out the commissioners’ garages as long as donations would be made to the 4-H program.
Kerri Hardy, Richmond Hill Middle School 4-H’er, presented each commissioner with a pocket calendar from the 4-H program as a small token in appreciation of their support.
Rebekah Wilder, an up and coming local talent, stole the attention of all guests as she sang a pop song unaccompanied.
Keira Peterman, George Washington Carver Elementar y School fifth-grade 4-H’er, shared her demonstration on “How Art is a Part of our Lives.” Keira recently placed second in district competition.
Bobbi Mehlhorn, also a fifth-grader from Carver, taught all guests how to hit a softball with her demonstration that took first-place honors at district. Her comparison to twisting your foot like you are “squashing a bug” brought giggles across the room.
Although not allowed to make a spark, sixth-grade BCMS student Logan Scott demonstrated making a fire using sticks. Logan also earned first place at district.
Vanessa Wilson shared her experience this year of showing her heifer, Cloud, at local livestock fairs. She has placed numerous times showing Cloud and won first place at District Project Achievement.
Dustyn Stewart, another BCMS sixth-grader, shared her interest in flying an airplane as she explained how to pitch, yaw and roll.
Nathan Woods from Bryan County Elementary School could not attend the meeting, but his creative demonstration on ocean ecology and pollution was displayed to show the commissioners the hard work that 4-H’ers put into their projects, and how this competition is a learning opportunity for youth and a time to spend with family and adult mentors.
Nathan and his family created a backdrop for his posters showing how normal household items, like cans and plastic, can harm ocean-life.
Refreshments were prepared and served by RHMS juniors, Helena Parsons and Kaitlyn Grant, and BCMS juniors, Lindsey Stewart and Josh Neagley.
Laurie Mehlhorn, Bobbi’s mother and nurse at RHMS, reminisced about what 4-H meant to her as a child and how seeing 4-H’ers from all over the district at competition reminded her of what an awesome opportunity 4-H is for our youth.
“These children could have been anywhere else in the world besides where they were," Mehlhorn said. "They had to be dressed and on a bus before 7 a.m. Most young people would have preferred to remain sleeping. Yet, these kids were proud to go and share their work and skills with others. They represented Bryan County very well.”
Before commissioners went into closed session, Davis ended the presentation by thanking the board for its patronage and allowing the extension to continue to service the ever-growing and diverse population of Bryan County.
She encouraged attendees to invite the 4-H’ers to assist with community service projects, as each of them has specific skills and aspirations.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the local 4-H program, please call the office at 653-2231. Summer camp space is available, as well as other opportunities.
4-H’ers from around the county were on hand with refreshments made by the cooking project participation and to present their District Project Achievement demonstrations.
Phil Jones, county administrator, opened by introducing Shanna Davis, Bryan County 4-H agent.
Davis thanked the commissioners’ for allowing local 4-H’ers to join them and began by clarifying information about proposed state budget cuts of the 4-H Programs and Extension offices throughout the state of Georgia.
“Cuts will have to be made statewide in most every state departmen," Davis said. "However, we are hoping that many of our cuts will not be noticeable to the youth and community members we serve.”
She said she expects more furlough days for the extension office staff but is planning for this not to be a problem to county residents.
Chris Morgan, a Bryan County High School senior 4-H’er, began with an invocation, praying that everyone is able to give o themselves in ways that make a difference – to families, the country and the world.
Meghan Scott, sixth-grade 4-H’er from Bryan County Middle School, led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then folded an American flag while Davis recited the meaning of each of the 12 folds of the flag, giving tribute to God, uniformed service members and their families.
Kristen Sparks, Richmond Hill Middle School junior 4-H’er reported on all of the community service projects the 4-H’ers have been involved in this year, including the coming rabies clinic and yard sale in Richmond Hill on May 15.
The offer was laughingly made by Davis to clean out the commissioners’ garages as long as donations would be made to the 4-H program.
Kerri Hardy, Richmond Hill Middle School 4-H’er, presented each commissioner with a pocket calendar from the 4-H program as a small token in appreciation of their support.
Rebekah Wilder, an up and coming local talent, stole the attention of all guests as she sang a pop song unaccompanied.
Keira Peterman, George Washington Carver Elementar y School fifth-grade 4-H’er, shared her demonstration on “How Art is a Part of our Lives.” Keira recently placed second in district competition.
Bobbi Mehlhorn, also a fifth-grader from Carver, taught all guests how to hit a softball with her demonstration that took first-place honors at district. Her comparison to twisting your foot like you are “squashing a bug” brought giggles across the room.
Although not allowed to make a spark, sixth-grade BCMS student Logan Scott demonstrated making a fire using sticks. Logan also earned first place at district.
Vanessa Wilson shared her experience this year of showing her heifer, Cloud, at local livestock fairs. She has placed numerous times showing Cloud and won first place at District Project Achievement.
Dustyn Stewart, another BCMS sixth-grader, shared her interest in flying an airplane as she explained how to pitch, yaw and roll.
Nathan Woods from Bryan County Elementary School could not attend the meeting, but his creative demonstration on ocean ecology and pollution was displayed to show the commissioners the hard work that 4-H’ers put into their projects, and how this competition is a learning opportunity for youth and a time to spend with family and adult mentors.
Nathan and his family created a backdrop for his posters showing how normal household items, like cans and plastic, can harm ocean-life.
Refreshments were prepared and served by RHMS juniors, Helena Parsons and Kaitlyn Grant, and BCMS juniors, Lindsey Stewart and Josh Neagley.
Laurie Mehlhorn, Bobbi’s mother and nurse at RHMS, reminisced about what 4-H meant to her as a child and how seeing 4-H’ers from all over the district at competition reminded her of what an awesome opportunity 4-H is for our youth.
“These children could have been anywhere else in the world besides where they were," Mehlhorn said. "They had to be dressed and on a bus before 7 a.m. Most young people would have preferred to remain sleeping. Yet, these kids were proud to go and share their work and skills with others. They represented Bryan County very well.”
Before commissioners went into closed session, Davis ended the presentation by thanking the board for its patronage and allowing the extension to continue to service the ever-growing and diverse population of Bryan County.
She encouraged attendees to invite the 4-H’ers to assist with community service projects, as each of them has specific skills and aspirations.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the local 4-H program, please call the office at 653-2231. Summer camp space is available, as well as other opportunities.