Our Response
The Lewiston Downtown Business Association
asked if the Nez Perce County 4-H Clubs would volunteer during
the first week of April to weed flowerbeds, plant flowers, and
pick-up trash. 4-H'ers stepped up to the line and helped in
force.
The Downtown Business Association, under
the leadership of President Larry Tannahill, organized the
4-H'ers once they arrived downtown ready to work hard. The new
downtown Lewiston restaurant, Who's on 1st?, served a
cheeseburger and a coke to all participating 4-H members and Yo
Expresso provided a complimentary beverage. Students of
Tammany Alternative School grew the flowers that were then
purchased by the City of Lewiston, who provided them to the
4-H'ers to plant.
Achievements
Eighty-five Nez Perce County 4-H members,
eleven 4-H parents and eleven 4-H leaders participated in the
four day event. A survey was administered to downtown business
associates asking what they knew of 4-H, did they enjoy the
experience of working with 4-H'ers, was the program a benefit
to the community, and if they would like to see more youth
involvement of this type.
Respondents of the survey considered 4-H a
"great organization for kids to learn from experience and
participation with concerned adults." As far as the
benefits to the community, opinions didn't range very far from
Larry Tannahill of Tannahill Jewels & Gallery's expression
that "It was great working with doers and the youth of
our future in a positive visually rewarding growth
experience." Other comments included, "anytime you
get people together
doing projects it benefits the
community." "It teaches the children
responsibility." "It teaches [youth] to be involved
in community and also that a little can do a lot."
"The beautiful flowers downtown are lovely - Thank
you." Thirteen individuals responded and all comments
were positive. One respondent commented that this type of
program may develop a "good volunteer pool." Another
said that it provided "education opportunities, improves
community, [and] builds future leadership."
The Future
The Downtown Business Association is
excited about making this an annual event and is considering
the possibility of developing a Fall Get Ready For Winter
cleanup as well.
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For More Information
UI/Nez Perce County Cooperative
Extension
1239 Idaho Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
(208) 799-3096
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