4-H impacts lives of participants

By TRACY DEVRIES
4-H Member
Posted 8/1/02

Arlene Rice of Pequot Lakes, although not a current 4-H leader, dedicated many years to the program. As a child, she participated in a Milaca-area 4-H club. Arlene remembers a dress she made as a 4-H member. Arlene said, "lt had a huge collar and I remember getting it ready for the club tour." She also recalled completing records to accompany the project.

Arlene and her husband Ted served as key leaders of the OíNeil Eagles 4-H club for 20 years. Their children were members of the club. Arlene did a lot of work with the safety project. She recalls being in a snowmobile accident. After the accident, her son Randy and she went to all of the clubs in the county and showed a snowmobile safety video. They also sold reflective tape for helmets to the members. Arlene and Randy built a booth on safety which was displayed at the Mille Lacs County Fair. She remembered pushing not only snowmobile safety, but seat belt use as well. They were just beginning to come out in vehicles.

The booth and their work with the safety project earned them a Governorís Award. She also recalled playing the game Bonko at OíNeil Eagles 4-H Christmas parties. The Bonko game is still played at those parties today.

Arlene said, "I feel that 4-H is a must for every family.íí All of her children participated, and she feels they learned to work on a project and do their best. They also learned they may not always win, but always to be proud of their accomplishments. She also shared that 4-H gave kids the chance to work with people of all ages. She said, "(4-H) adds character.íí 4-H is a life changing experience, and every child should have the opportunity to excel with the 4-H program.