4-H Program holds open house

It was a somewhat quiet affair as a group of 4-H Leaders and a few of the current participants had an open house for the program on Saturday at the fairgrounds in Skamokawa. Other 4-H'ers were in Grays River, busily setting up for the annual Covered Bridge Dinner that would take place later that night.

Lore Twiet, who had retired from the WSU Extension office, is still active with 4-H.

"I've got green blood, Twiet said. "I'm a lifetime 4-H'er."

According to Twiet, the program goes on all year, from October 1 to September 30.

The volunteers lead groups who learn about animals, crafts, gardening, cooking, flowers, sewing, art and so much more. 4-H has added robotics to the menu, making an effort to keep up with the times.

Dalaney Cothren, an 11th grader at Wahkiakum High School has been in 4-H for eight or nine years and has enjoyed the opportunity to learn leadership skills, a key part of the program for the older participants.

The volunteers reminisced and laughed about their experiences at state and the joys of watching kids grow in the program.

"I've seen it make a lot of difference," Twiet said. "One girl was so quiet and shy when she first arrived, but by the end of the year, she had really blossomed and opened up."

Kids from kindergarten to 12th grade are welcome to take part in 4-H activities. For more information, call 360-795-3278 or stop by the WSU Extension office, located in Suite E, 25 River Street in Cathlamet.