Fundraiser slated for this weekend
At a time when many 4-H clubs are struggling, one relatively new activity is thriving. The Barn Project initiated by the Greene County Lamb Producers has taken off by leaps and bounds, giving many youngsters who would not have the opportunity to raise lambs and show them at the Greene County Fair.
To assist with funding the project, a large garage and bake sale is scheduled this weekend at the Milwaukee Depot, located at 507 E Lincoln Way in Jefferson. Hours of the sale are Friday 1-6 pm and Saturday 8 am – 3 pm.
Donations are still welcome. Please drop them off at any Peoples Trust & Savings Bank location in Greene County no later than Thursday at noon. Persons who need assistance or pickup may call Cheryl at 631-774-4285 or Peg at 641-660-6542.
This was the third year for the project, having been initiated in 2012 with a handful of youngsters. It has grown steadily and has become very popular with 4-H members who otherwise would not show livestock.
The youngsters are required to make an introductory payment to secure their lamb. They agree to feed, care and train the animal, beginning in May at weigh-in until the fair in mid-July.
In addition, they must attend learning workshops to gain knowledge about the sheep so that they are well cared for.
Spearheading the project were Randy Hedges, Bill Taggart and Steve Karber. The lambs are housed at the Karber and Josh Hedges farmsteads. Brian Sandage also has room if there is sufficient interest.
Although raising the lamb is considered a 4-H youth project, the program has become a family project for many as their parents provide rides to and from the farm, learning about the animals along with their children. Many have become involved, as evidenced when the lambs were washed and sheared prior to the County Fair. Pictured are (from left) Kate Larson, Jeff Lamoureux, Emma Larson, Kassie Lamoureux, Regan Lamoureux, Bob Larson, Kirsten Lamoureux and Michael Carlson.
The fundraiser is not a requirement to participate in the project but most of the parents feel the need to contribute to the Lamb Producers who subsidize the program in providing the animals at a price below market cost and by furnishing the feed.
“This has been a fantastic experience for our family,” said Cheryl Dideriksen. “It’s only right that we do what we can to help with the expenses. We’ve learned so much from it.”
Whether they are raising lambs, making goodies for the bake sale or working at the fundraiser, the 4-H members are learning the true meaning of 4-H in accepting responsibility for the animals and their expenses.
They have experienced the 4-H slogan, “Learn by doing” and the motto, “To make the best better.” And they certainly have gained knowledge of the 4-H Pledge: “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.”
Greene County Lamb Producers have been instrumental in working with 4-H members in the Barn Project. Although they prefer to remain in the background, it is through their assistance that the project has become a success. Pictured in July during County Fair preparation are (from right) Mani Jubell, Bill Taggart, David and Cheryl Dideriksen and Steve Karber. ~courtesy of the Scranton Journal
