4-H MEMBERS STAY "UP ALL NIGHT"

(12/07/2004)
Submitted by Diana Bailey

On the evening of December 3, the wind howled, and the temperatures outside were wintry, but inside the Calhoun Park Barn, thirty-four, 4-H'ers and their guests were enjoying the fun and warmth of this year's Up-All-Night!

A tradition in Calhoun, the annual Up-All-Night is an opportunity for 4-H members and guests to gather and enjoy one another while mingling, dancing and playing games under the supervision of adult volunteers. Members and guests bring sleeping bags, pillows, games, CDs, videos, television and game systems to play throughout the night. Toby Wagoner provided music from 9:00 - 12:00, the event came to a close at 7 a.m., Saturday when Nancy Bremar and Kenny Sampson prepared a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes and bacon. We had over 75% stay up all night including our youngest member, Stephanie Roberts, 3rd grader from Pleasant Hill Elementary School. By the time it was over, everyone had an opportunity to make new friends and discover new talents.

This year's participating 4-H member included; Tessa Batten, Amber Beall, JJ Bremar, Kenny Chriswell, Meghan Chriswell, Jessi Cosgrove, Nathan Cosgrove, Elizabeth Duskey, Breann Ford, Marshall Grogg, Michaela Grogg, Michelle Hall, Anissa Holcomb, Ashley Houchin, Matt Houchin, Shay Kazee, Maria Kisner, Arla Lane, Kenzie Laughlin, Jordan Mace, Cory Roberts, Stephanie Roberts, Angelica Samples, Anna Sampson, Amala Saum, Caleb Schoolcraft, Cody Schultz, Joe Shook, Dana Thomas, Jeremy Watkins, Nathan Watkins, and Amber Wilford.

Guest this year were; Savannah Church, Lauren Myers, and Victoria Templon.

With any 4-H event, its success depends on the willingness of adults to volunteer their time and energy. This year's Up-All-Night was chaperoned by Diana Bailey, Nancy Bremar, Kelley Houchin, Karen Jacobs, Phil Kisner, Jacob McCumbers, Sandy McCumbers, and Kenny Sampson.

A special thank you is in order for all adults who helped provide a safe environment and for all the 4-H'ers and their guest for behaving so well throughout the entire night.

Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status. If you would like to learn more, volunteer or join the Calhoun County 4-H program call the Extension Office at 354-6332.

SCENES FROM UP ALL NIGHT