Big winners
Dundas County 4-H members celebrated their achievements and awards night at The Gathering House on Sat., Nov. 25. Some of the winners pictured include: front left, Felicity Porteous, Brooklin Begg, Cassidy Porteous, Caitlin Begg and Taylor Mathers; back from left, Kelly Somerville, Emily Scheepers, Madisyn Hart, Cilicia Pol and Chloe Hart.   Sawyer Helmer photo

Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
CHESTERVILLE – Dundas County 4-Hers, volunteers and parents gathered together on Sat., Nov. 25, for the Dundas County 4-H awards night held at The Gathering House in Chesterville.

4-Hers moving forward
Dundas County 4-H woodworking club leader Tony Vanderlaan presented Kelly Somerville with one of four custom built 4-H sculptures in honour of receiving the Graduating Member Seal on Sat., Nov. 25. The sculpture was built by Vanderlaan from the ash wood of an old barn brace beam. Other members, not present on awards night, to get their seal and sculpture included Justin Foubert, Laura Higgins and Holly Somerville.    Sawyer Helmer photo

4-Hers were celebrated and recognized for all of their hard work throughout the year and the many accomplishments made through their 4-H programs. Member representatives from each of the clubs spoke on behalf of their group and offered parents and volunteers their thanks for all of the hard work that goes into 4-H.

Volunteer Coordinator Cam Crogie also thanked the many volunteers and said, “Without our volunteers there wouldn’t be a 4-H program. They are the backbone of our organization.”

After the awards had been presented, guests were treated to pizza, drinks and a silent auction.

Member Awards for the 2017 clubs were awarded to members recognized for their “4-H project participation and their involvement at the county, regional and provincial levels during their 4-H years. Members’ enthusiasm and helpfulness, as well as their use of 4-H skills outside of projects. are also considered.” Winners were as follows:

Novice member awards: 1st – Felicity Porteous, 2nd – Taylor Mathers, 3rd – Ava Acres;

Junior member awards: 1st – Cassidy Porteous, 2nd – Brooklin Begg, 3rd – Emma Acres;

Intermediate member awards: 1st – Bruce Porteous, 2nd – Payton Vandenbroek, 3rd – Caitlin Begg;

Senior member awards: 1st – Kurtis McLean, 2nd – Kyleigh Jampen, 3rd – Kelly Somerville, 4th – Holly Somerville, and 5th – ­Cilicia Pol.

The Dundas County 4-H Association Scholarship Award went to Kurtis McLean.