National 4-H week coming soon

* Preparations are already under way for Oct. 4 chicken barbecue.

Carol Parmenter is excited about 4-H Week -- of course Parmenter is always excited about 4-H, which is good since it's part of her job at the University of Missouri Extension Office. Before the week begins there is a 45-year-old tradition to uphold, which is also a good reason to get excited, it's the 45th annual chicken barbecue at the Vernon County Fairgrounds.

"Let's see, 4-H week is Oct. 5 - 11 and the theme for this year is keeping it green," Parmenter said. "4-H Sunday is Oct. 5, and it is immediately preceded by the 4-H chicken barbecue on the fourth."

Parmenter said there would be announcements about 4-H activities and participants available and said she appreciated the community support that Vernon Countians traditionally gave to the program.

"We'll be putting out some PSAs (Public Service Announcements) and let everyone know what's going on," Parmenter said. "Window displays will be up around the county, most of them here on the Square or just off of the Square."

Parmenter is looking for information from groups and individuals that highlight 4-H activities and is encouraging anyone with a story to bring it in.

"We could have a couple of families write the stories, I hope we do," Parmenter said. "Our kids turn in their Missouri report forms here in the next week or so and part of it is that they know their 4-H story may get given to you (the Daily Mail)."

4-H is a volunteer-led organization that reaches children through small groups. Members decide for themselves which of more than 40 projects they want to learn more about. 4-H is for anyone between their eighth and 19th year.