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Chipman 4-H Beef & Multi-Club Celebrates 80 Years
Chipman 4-H Beef & Multi-Club Celebrates 80 Years
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Eighty years is worth celebrating.
That was the sentiment of sisters Hayden and Cassidy Childs, who organized the ‘80th Shindig’ that was held on April 12 at the Chipman National Hall with more than 80 people in attendance.
The duo had been planning the event since last September and were so excited the day had finally arrived.
Club Leader Crystal McCullough admits she initially didn’t think they could pull off an event of this size and magnitude, having only nine members. “I worried we wouldn’t have enough manpower, but the girls really stepped up.” The Childs sisters did everything from lining up sponsors, donations for the silent auction and advertising to make their vision a reality. “They really worked hard to make this happen.”
Cassidy said the shindig was fun to organize and that the dance was a big part of the event for her.
Hayden, who is the President of the Club, has been a member for the past five years. This is her last year in 4-H as she will be attending Lakeland College next September. She is enrolled in the Veterinarian Medical Assistant program, which is a one-year program before transitioning into Equine Sciences which is a two year program.
She said this year, the club participated in in a culinary, outdoor education and Lego project. Soon they will be starting their gardening project.
There was a special shout out to alumni, one of which was Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs, who enjoyed catching up with fellow alumni Tanya Schamahorn as well as other people from around the area who were in attendance.
Tanya Schamahorn (nee Mandryk) was in attendance with her mom Bonnie. She said her dad was always involved with the club, and that it’s always great to come home. She grew up on a farm two miles west of Chipman, the original homestead of Tom and Sophie Sheptycki. “I think I grew up in a great place and with wonderful people.
She joined the 4-H club at eight-years-old. At the time it was a beef club and said he had many special experiences over the years. One of the highlights was when she won the provincial public speaking competition.
Tanya learned many things over the years, including responsibility, respect, value of working hard and teamwork. She added that experiences in 4-H also gave her confidence.
The annual highway clean up fell on her birthday, and recalled combing the ditches for garbage. She also remembered taking the bus to Minneapolis, Minnesota on a 4-H exchange.
One thing that has always stuck with her is old fashioned values and love of the land. She and her husband reside near the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village on 10 acres of land and is looking to have a more self-sustainable life, planning to incorporate gardening and livestock into their lifestyle.
4-H as an organization, has played an integral role in Alberta communities since 1917. Chipman 4-H Beef & Multi-Club members are proud to be a part of the deep-rooted history and tradition of the movement that has shaped the lives of youth for 108 years.
