North Ridgeville Ridge Kids 4-H Club Demonstrates “Larger Service”

The four H’s in 4-H stand for “Head, Heart, Hands and Health.” Club members pledge “my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” Members of the North Ridgeville Ridge Kids 4-H Club are already making an impact and demonstrating “larger service” by sharing their time, talents and club funds with their community.

At their first meeting of the 2023 season, the club created nearly 60 Valentine’s Day cards to accompany home delivered meals through the North Ridgeville Senior Center. “Very grateful for your thoughtfulness and bringing a smile to their faces,” said Emily Lockshine, Director of the Senior Center while expressing gratitude for the “lovely, hand-made valentines for our homebound seniors.”

After a group discussion about the train derailment and emergency response in East Palestine initiated by 4th grade member, Lily Baca of Avon Lake, members voted to use their treasury funds and purchase bottled water to help residents in need. The club’s donation was included in a collection by Erying Movers in Avon Lake, who delivered 20,000 pounds of clean water to the area.

In addition, the club’s Community Service Officer, 6th grader Zachary Bibb of North Ridgeville, is planning a return visit for an intergenerational program with senior residents in Avon Lake on the last Saturday of March. “Upon reaching out to Sprenger Towne Center, they were overjoyed to have us back. Our contact said the seniors ‘really enjoyed the kids and their animals.’ Our club is excited to return with more members, animals and additional experiences to share,” Zachary said.

During the month of March, look for a display in the Lorain Public Library North Ridgeville Branch showcasing Ridge Kids’ past projects, awards and educational posters. Several members set up the display to bring awareness to the 4-H program in celebration of Ohio 4-H Week, March 5-11, 2023.

The Lorain County 4-H program has open registration for the 2023 season through April 15. To find a 4-H Club near you, please contact The Ohio State University Extension Office at 440-326-5851 or learn more at the Lorain County 4-H Open House scheduled Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 6-8pm at the Lorain County JVS on Route 58 in Oberlin.

4-H is a youth development program that fosters skill development and encourages youth to practice leadership and citizenship while developing a connection with their community and world. https://lorain.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development

The North Ridgeville Ridge Kids range in age from 5 to 16 and live in North Ridgeville, Elyria, Grafton, Columbia Station, Avon Lake and surrounding communities. The students participate in service opportunities, educational activities, and complete individual projects in their interest areas to showcase at the Lorain County Fair in August. www.facebook.com/RidgeKids4H