By Mark Squibb
The Zodiac 4-H Club of St. Mary’s Bay is thriving — the club boasts a membership of 34 students, meaning that roughly half of Dunne Memorial Academy students are members.
Some $500 in funding courtesy of Farm Credit Canada (FCC), released just before Christmas, will be put towards a 50th anniversary celebration to be held this spring.
“It’s great to have that extra money,” said club coordinator Patti Corcoran. “It goes a long way to making things that you want to do with the club more feasible.”
In years past, the club has been able to buy sports equipment and other items through the funding.
Aside from the anniversary celebrations, the club will host provincial competitions later this year. Students of all ages will give speeches and perform demonstrations before a panel of judges. The competition will be followed by a large banquet.
The organization, which has been active in Canada for over 100 years, is rooted in agriculture and community outreach. Members of the Zodiac Club participate in a wide range of activities, from cooking to crafts to outdoor games.
The club also partners with local Branch 62 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Riverhead. The club uses the Legion building for meetings and in turn its members participate in the Poppy Drive and Remembrance Day parade.
Children can join at six years of age. Those interested in helping as a volunteer leader must have a vulnerable sector check, as with any youth organization.
The club currently boasts eight adult leaders.
