To the Journal editor:

On May 4, the voters of Alger County will be asked to renew the 0.25 mil property tax to support Michigan State University Extension that we first voted to collect 20 years ago.

MSUE administers the Michigan 4-H programs, which are near and dear to my heart. I’ve been involved in 4-H for more than 45 years, both as a second-generation member, and as a leader for the third generation of my family and beyond after my boys were grown. In 2020, Alger County had 200 4-H members and 30 adult volunteer leaders in 10 unique 4-H Clubs.

Although these clubs teach our young people about everything from sewing, crafts, cooking, farming, natural resource conservation, and showing animals, the focus of many of these clubs is community service.

I wouldn’t be surprised if each club had at least one community service project: raking leaves, supporting the Alger Animal Shelter, creating lap robes, cards and tray favors for the residents of Medilodge, providing recycling collections, and raising funds for St. Judes, are just a few with which I’m familiar. Through 4-H programming, we are teaching our youth to be giving, compassionate adults.

4-H also opens the world to our young people, providing the opportunity to learn about our state government through Capitol Experience, federal government at the Citizenship Washington Focus program, and to host or visit youth of other countries through 4-H international exchanges.

Alger County residents, please vote “YES” on the millage for MSUE May 4 to continue providing these essential services for our Alger County youth. A judge once told me that he had never sentenced a 4-H member — that speaks volumes to what 4-H and other MSUE activities can provide for our children as a means of keeping them occupied in constructive activities during their free time.

The Munising News has always promoted and reported on everything 4-H, from the first recycling collection, to the competitions at the Alger County Fair. While we’ll miss their support, we know that The Mining Journal will pick up the slack and continue to report on Alger County 4-H events.

My blood runs 4-H green!