By By Beth Randall / 4-H youth agent
Sept. 15, 2002
I know that you have heard about Leadership Lauderdale Youth. This is an exciting new program beginning its second year.
Leadership Lauderdale Youth brings together a diverse group of high school juniors to participate in a program focused on developing an understanding of personal leadership styles, learning personal and community responsibilities and reviewing character development.
This program also provides an overview of Meridian and Lauderdale County, including the local government and business community, as well as an introduction to area leaders and career opportunities. It is a great way to gain practical skills for developing future leaders of our community.
Leadership Lauderdale Youth consists of a one-night retreat and five one-day monthly meetings. The retreat will feature team-building activities. The leadership material "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey will be the basis for the program.
Program topics of the monthly meetings will be citizenship, education and workforce preparation, crime and justice, business and industry, and quality of life. The monthly meetings will include tours, group discussions, guest speakers and problem-solving activities. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Riley Foundation.
Since the program will take place on a school day, students must have school permission to participate. Applications have been delivered to participating schools. Home school students may pick up applications at the Lauderdale County Extension Service on the fifth floor of the Courthouse Annex. Completed applications are due at the Lauderdale County Extension Service by 5 p.m. Sept. 23.
This program is a terrific opportunity for our community to join together to show our youth what we have to offer. Adults can play an active role in this program by encouraging youth to apply, pledging financial support or volunteering to assist with the program.
For more information on Leadership Lauderdale Youth contact Beth Randall at 482-9764 or Wayne Edwards at 483-1419.
There is even more excitement around the Extension Service. Plans are well underway for the 18th Annual Homemakers Arts and Craft Show and Sale and we don't want you to miss it. It's scheduled for Nov. 2 and 3 at the Frank Cochran Center in Highland Park.
Participating in this event is an excellent way for area craftsmen to sell their handmade items. In addition, it's a great way for all the rest of us to start our Christmas shopping early.
Seventy-two booths will feature a large array of handmade items that would make perfect gifts. It not only gives us the opportunity to salute area craftsmen, but any money made is used for community service projects.
If you have a special talent in making handmade items and would like to be an exhibitor at this year's show, there is still time for you to make a reservation. We still have a few spaces available. The spaces are $25 and are 10 feet by 10 feet with two tables and two chairs.
If you are a consumer, I definitely encourage you to mark Nov. 2 and 3 on your calendar and plan to join us for a great weekend of shopping.
For more information on this event, please call our office at 482-9764 and speak with Edna.