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among a wide range of other projects needed to be properly tagged for presentation. Dad will help get the pigs trailered and settled in their pens. A family full of 4-Hers is not for the faint of heart when fair time arrives.

“One of the biggest challenges is keeping all the schedules straight,” said Jennifer Hince. “We just hunker down and get it done.”

It seems there was time over Christmas break or Spring break, comments Jennifer. Uncompleted projects are the focus now.

“It gets hectic, stressful, chaotic and fun,” she said. “Kids get irritable and cranky.”

But stress management is a life-skill they are developing.

Dakota, a Cloverbud this year, finds his older sisters helpful.

“Sometimes we help each other,” said 13-year-old Morgan. “I don’t do projects for them, I just give them tips; things I have learned.”

The girls have been showing pigs repeatedly. They wait for the purple ribbon to come their way. Last year, Jorja won a purple in crops, and in showmanship for pigs.

“I was pretty happy about that,” she said. I was hoping for one. It felt good to achieve one of my goals.”

Jorja, 16, acknowledges there is pressure before the county fair between buckling down to complete the best entry she can or just enjoying the summer. As an older mem- ber she benefits from a wider range of 4-H events including a trip to Space Camp in Al- abama, drama festivals, serving as an ovcer in her club and community service.

“I feel I have evolved through 4-H. It teaches us how to be good leaders and to serve others,” said the eldest sibling and current president of her club. “There are a lot of opportunities to meet people, make friends and experience new things.”

“4-H is a lot about the fair, but it is not all about the fair,” said their mom.

Martell Rushers has adopted a portion of highway where they pick up trash, ouered Christmas caroling to the Spring Valley nursing home, attended Feed My Starving Children and participated in the Christmas Gift Box Program, through Samaritan’s Purse.

“I like the change of environment from school,” said Morgan. “It gives you a chance to make others smile.”

This year they are volunteering a shift at the 4-H food stand where even Cloverbuds like Dakota can wipe tables and sweep floors. 4-H has held a place in this family for 11 years. Each avrms they still enjoy working with others and meeting new people.

“We have a good group of kids in our club,” said Jennifer.