by Wacey Townsend and Quentin Armitage
It is that time of year again when 4-H is in full swing and things are heating up!
Red Deer West 4-H Beef Club is back for its ninth year. With 30 members this year it the biggest year the club has ever had.
We had our weigh in on Nov. 3 at Quintaine and Son. Everyone looks to have outstanding projects. This year our club will have 14 carcass steers, 29 market steers, 14 heifers and 15cow/calf pairs for a grand total of 71 projects to show at our achievement day June 2 at Red Deer’s Westerner.
On Dec. 16, we had our Christmas party. It was a blast as we had a Chinese gift exchange and curled at Sylvan Lake Curling Club. Some of us are not very good curlers, so it was a good thing that Shirley Armitage, Carol Bickley and Graham Bickley were there to help us with some pointers!
4-H members try to give back to our community whenever we can, by helping out various organizations or individuals. Red Deer West 4-H Beef Club members recently volunteered to help at the Ronald McDonald Freeze the House Event. It was a great experience, for a great cause.
Most of us are gearing up for public speaking, one of the most important skills that you learn in 4-H. This year our public speaking competition will be held at the Ridgewood Hall at 10 a.m. on Feb. 4th. It is open to the public and we would like to encourage any interested people to attend; you will not be disappointed, the level of public speakers will blow you away!
4-H is about experiences, making new friends, memories, sharing, leadership, giving back to your community and becoming the best that you can be; Head, Heart, Health and Hands.
4-H in Canada is turning 100 years old in 2013. There will be many celebrations across the country and Red Deer West 4-H Club is sure to be participating in them.
Until next time.