By Drew Moody
For the Hur Herald
Vada Zinn's two main goals as WVU extension agent
in Gilmer County is to promote literacy and 4-H. And
she's actively taking the programs to the county schools.
One of the projects is "The Storyteller Program,"
designed for children three to five years old, promoting
reading in the home.
The WVU Extension Service also supports a variety of
other projects including: 4-H, community educational outreach,
and a variety of programs for adults and children.
Gilmer County has five community educational outreach
service clubs located in Baldwin, Conings, Glenville,
Kanawha Drive and Lockney.
4-H participation in Gilmer County is decreasing and Zinn
intends to reverse that trend. "I was in 4-H for 14 years myself
and I loved it."
Zinn believes her experience in 4-H contributed to both her
success in college and now professionally, as a young career
woman.
Working with young people is especially rewarding for Zinn.
"They're full of energy and the future."
There are currently eight 4-H clubs in Gilmer County.
The clubs offer members ages 9 to 21 a variety of programs
including public speaking, pet and livestock projects, and
community service.
The annual 4-H camp is later this month. In September 4-H-er's
join with the Future Farmers of America to present the Gilmer County
Farm Show. New enrollment in 4-H begins county-wide in
October.
Being named county extension agent is also a homecoming
for Zinn, a Gilmer County High School graduate.
After graduating from WVU in 2004 with an MA in elementary
education, she took a job in Morgantown working as a caseworker
for HeadStart.
Zinn enjoyed the work, but is glad to be back home.
Vada Zinn is the daughter of Manley and Sharon Zinn of
Cox's Mill.
For more information about 4-H, or any of the West Virginia
University Extension Service programs call 462-7061.
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