Press release:

Cass County is going “green” the first week in October, with the help of local 4-H club members and leaders. It may be a different kind of green, but you’re sure to notice clovers and other decorations going up in local businesses as 4-H’ers paint the town green for National 4-H Week, October 2nd through the 8th.

Club members decorate the windows of local businesses to spread the word about 4-H, and compete for the honor of “best display”. Clubs also observe 4-H week in other ways, from distributing bookmarks in local schools to wearing their 4-H tee-shirts. Cass County currently has 15 4-H clubs with more than 275 members across the county, so you’re bound to see a clover pop up somewhere near you!

National 4-H week is designed to celebrate and share the leadership, citizenship, communications and life skills that young people learn in 4-H every day across the US. 4-H Members can enroll in project areas from Animals to Technology, learning about topics that interest them while participating in activities that help them grow individually and benefit their local communities. 4-Hers pledge their “Heads, Hearts, Hands and Health” to becoming better citizens!

In addition to local club events, the Cass County Youth Council will be helping with a booth at Harvest Fest on October 8th, from 10-4 at the Rock Island Depot in downtown Atlantic. All local youth are invited to stop by and have fun at a “4-H Photo Booth” where you can dress up as your favorite 4-H project and have your picture taken while you “Choose Your Adventure with 4-H”. County Youth Coordinator Susan Oliver will answer questions about the 4-H program, and you can pick up information on joining 4-H! “I love having opportunity to get in front of people and talk about 4-H, because I get to see firsthand how much the kids grow from their experiences,” shared Oliver.

On Sunday, October 9th, Cass County 4-H Members will participate in their annual County Convention where clubs and individuals receive recognition for their accomplishments throughout the past year. This event wraps up National 4-H Week, as well as the 4-H year, and energizes the 4-H membership drive happening during the month of October. Individuals interested in joining 4-H during this enrollment time, or those with questions about the program, are encouraged to call Oliver at the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132 or e-mail xcass@iastate.edu.