Learning with 4-H
From shy child to confident young woman
A
lycia Venables’ affair with 4-H began at the Powell River Fall Fair when she was nine years old. “My Mum and I were looking at the entries in the Exhibit Hall, and the 4-H sewing club had a display. My Mum asked what it was all about and how to sign up.” Her first project was a placemat. By the time she graduated from high school, she was working with advanced fabrics and sewed her own grad dress. One year as a self-directed project, she made an Asian quilt, designed around a panel of a woman carrying water buckets. During the time Alycia was in 4-H, she went from being an extremely shy nine-year-old to a confident 19-year-old. “Besides the project work, which later included crafts, foods and photography, I participated in the program work of education board competitions and judging. There was also public speaking, and although I was never able to get up and actually do my speech the practice helped me a lot.” The years that Alycia went to the regional competition, she made a lot of new friends. “I attended 4-H camps starting with junior camp for 9 to 12-year-olds and then a camp for 13 to 15-year-olds that concentrated on outdoor skills and working with others. Surviving the Challenge (the camp for 13-15-yearolds) was my favourite camp… maybe because that’s where I met my future husband when we were both 13! That led me to volunteer as a facilitator for the camp.” Alycia is now attending school in the lower mainland where she recently passed her licensing exams to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. “I feel the camaraderie, discipline, and fun environment of my 4-H Club helped make me the confident person I am today.” The 4-H program has been going for over 95 years (36 years in Powell River). Participants develop community awareness, leadership abilities, and other skills. There are four age groups begin-
Help make your community a safer place
Powell River Citizens on Patrol Society is looking for volunteers Applications are available at the RCMP Community Office at Town Centre Mall There is an election on Nov 19th for the Regional Director for Area B. Cast your ballot at Therapeutic Riding. Vote for an experienced director who has strived to provide adequate service at the lowest tax rate.
Vote for
Stan GiSborne Area B
The PRRD is revising the Community Plan and must decide what, if any, zoning is needed. Small residential suburban lots need protection from inappropriate land use. Larger rural lots need to be allowed to construct a second dwelling or start a business to provide needed employment and services.
ning with six year olds and going right up to 19 year olds. 4-H also offers special projects for 20- to 21-year-olds. Now that Alycia is too old to participate as a young person, she is thinking about becoming a leader. “This will bring things full circle, as my Mum (Maureen Venables) has been the A-Leader of the Powell River 4-H Community Club for many years. Maureen said she slowly became more and more involved with 4-H over the years. “It does require some extra hours for preparation and paper work but all in all, I count it in as my hobby hours. As a 4-H leader you are required to be on Grad dress: Alycia sewed the District Board. I have been here own for graduation. president, vice president and am currently secretary. I’m also one of the regional representatives.” The Powell River 4-H Sewing and Crafts club changed its name to the Powell River 4-H Community Club so that more projects could be offered. Anyone 9-19 years old can join a 4-H Project/Club. New members can enrol any time as long as there is the recommended number of days to be able to achieve in that project. Re-enrolling members must register by March 1st. The other 4-H club in town is the Jingl’n Spurs 4-H Horse Club. For more information stop by Rainbow Valley Feed. If you are interested in 4-H, please contact Maureen Venables at 604 485-4534.
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On Nov 19, vote
Gordon (Beaver)
Crawford for City Council
Powell River Living • november 2011 •
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