01/24/12  A number  of Center Township 4-H members took the opportunity on Sunday at Menominee Elementary  to register for the projects that they are planning to explore during the next few months. New rulings within 4-H require that registration is done online. The  young 4-H participants, along with help from several members from the Adult Advisory Committee, registered for this year through a collaborative effort between the Committee and  Menominee Elementary, where they used the computer banks.

Menominee Elementary Principal Michael Dunn said, “Working with 4-H goes to our core value of being a team player since 4-H is such a positive program for all of our students countywide.”

Participants must now pay a $15 fee individually or at a cap of $45 per family.

Among those enrolling were Logan, Cayley, Carter and Elsey Cripe. Logan, 13, like his brother and sisters, is home-schooled. His mother, Casey Cripe, said 4-H is  one of the ways in which she is able to involve her kids in social programs.

This marks the sixth year that Logan has been in 4-H. His projects have varied from model building, legos, farm toy scenes, fine arts, rocketry, pigs and cattle. In 2009, Logan showed the Grand Champion Steer at the Marshall County 4-H Fair. He said, “I used some of the money from that steer to buy another one.” He said, “I also have to pay for feed. It puts a big dent in our profit.” He began working with cattle when he was just nine- years- old. He said, “I had one halter trained in only two months.”

His mother believes caring for the animal is extremely beneficial. Casey said, “It’s a lot of responsibility. We believe that kids need to learn responsibility early.”

Logan said, “I really like to be in 4-H where all of my friends work hard.” His days begin at 6:00 a.m. when he tends to his steer . He then repeats the process of feeding, washing, drying, and combing his project steer at 5:00 p.m.

Twins Cayley and Carter , 11, both like working with horses. Carter especially likes riding, and competing with barrels, poles, and flags. He has been working with horses since he was six. This year he is planning to add “Shooting Sports” projects.

Cayley said she likes horses and ponies and even raising pigs. She said, “I’m going to try cake decorating this year if we can find an instructor.” In the past, Cayley has tried her hand at fine arts (drawing), fabric painting, and latch hook. Among projects she’s considering this year are legos, sewing and veterinarian services.

Elsey, 7, has been waiting to get into the 4-H programs along with her siblings for a long time. This year, she is finally old enough to join in Mini-4-H.

Carrie Harrell, 4-H Adult Advisory Committee member, reviews registration requirements to Jason and Brieanna Slonaker. This is Jason’s 8th year in 4-H and Brieanna’s 3rd.  Cripe family: L- to R:  Elsey, Casey (mother), Carter, Cayley and Logan.

Carol Anders Correspondent