Our last article detailed many of the wonderful programs 4-H offers to youth in Newberry County. But we certainly cannot take the credit for everything we do. We have a long list of volunteers that help us make all of this happen. These folks give of their time and talents with very little in return, all to provide our youth opportunities that may not be available otherwise. And we want to let you know who these awesome people are!

Paula and Stanley Mills have been volunteering with Newberry County 4-H longer than I have been an Agent here. I have known them since I was a student in Newberry schools and if there is one thing I remember from those days, it’s their passion for all things shooting sports. And hunting. They have seen their oldest, Patrick, now a junior volunteer, come through the ranks of the Shotgun Club and move on to college. And now, their youngest, Meredith is doing the same. They have announced that their days as volunteers may be numbered as Meredith approaches her final years of high school. We will value them as long as they let us and miss them when they are gone!

Allen Williams is also a Shotgun Team volunteer. He is learning the ropes from Paula and Stanley and will take over when they leave. He’s no newcomer though. His daughter has already graduated from the program and his son is now a member. Allen, Paula and Stanley have many other volunteers and coaches that help them with their team. Each of these folks plays a huge role in the life of children other than their own: Cindy Lindler, John Lindler, Doug Haltiwanger and Ken Cope.

Mrs. Faye Halfacre is another valued volunteer. She is a member of many groups around Newberry but spends many of her Monday afternoons throughout the school year helping with our In the Kitchen Clubs. She has cooking tips for the kids that I don’t, usually stemming from her years of experience in cooking and life in general. These kids learn cooking, cleaning, and life skills with her cheering them on.

Megan Setzler deserves a pat on the back for what she manages to accomplish with our Livestock Club while still being an excellent mom to four little ones (maybe five by the time this article is published). Her lessons on animals are always hands on and keep the many young members of this club (my children included) intrigued. She rotates meetings between classroom space, a farm environment, field trips, review games, speakers such as veterinarians, and many different animals. What kid wouldn’t enjoy that?

Missy Wooten recently had the idea to start a service project club. And, thus, the Do Gooders Club was born. The list of members has grown to over 30 in less than a month. Many parents are looking for ways to engage their children in giving back. And Missy is doing the leg work to find those opportunities. Stay tuned to the newspaper to see what all they accomplish!

Our newest volunteers are Stacey Dailey and Rachel Luz. They had the idea to turn homeschool lessons into a 4-H club. The Adventures in Reading club takes stories from classic books and turns them into real life activities for youth, with these volunteers leading the way.

Newberry County 4-H also has a Teen Council made of 4-Hers from various project and program areas that help when needed: letting us know how to handle social media, helping with summer camps, and more. Shout out to these kids: Elsie Sheppard, Lyle and Lee Fulmer, Claire Wooten, Dianne Moore, Lauren White, Ben and Claire Hawkins, Gracen Green, and Sarah Buford.

And let’s not forget the parents of all the youth involved, many of which cannot drive. And all the teachers who let us teach their students during the school year. It truly takes a village!

There are many other folks that work behind the scenes with 4-H. Some work with youth and some handle paper work. We definitely couldn’t do what we do without the administrative assistant here at the Clemson Extension Office. Mrs. Nancy Pitts manages to keep my schedule, our club roles, and our 4-H financial accounts all in working order. And my other colleagues, Tina Horn, Jeff Fellers and Jay Crouch, are all available when I need a helping hand, a tougher vehicle or another judge.

If you are interested in enrolling your child or would like more information on a particular opportunity, contact us at 803-276-1091 x142 or awillin@clemson.edu and visit us on the web at www.clemson.edu/newberry/4h. If you don’t see something you like we can always start a new club with trained adult volunteers.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.

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Alana West

Contributing Columnist

Alana West is the Newberry County 4-H Agent, she can be reached at 803-276-1091.