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Donna James at Region 2 -- New York Great things are happening in Region 2, where there has always been a small, but impressive group of young AIS members. RVP Donna James leads by example as she writes Cosgrove nominations, seeks youth publicity and recruits members from the 4-H ranks. Regional Youth Chairman (RYC) Joanne Maier is doing an excellent job and is responsive to everyone's needs. Last year, Joanne set up a Classroom Iris Project of fifteen students at Farnsworth Middle School. This group's teacher is Stacy Spawn, and the Capital Hudson Iris Society is the sponsor. The students are busy learning basic iris information from AIS Bulletins and their Youth Member Handbooks while they wait for spring bloom in their iris garden. Last summer, Donna James gave a talk about historic irises to the Oswego County 4-H members and their parents. Afterward, she called the youths up individually so they could receive six iris rhizomes they had previously chosen from a list of 50 iris names. The varieties were donated from the gardens of Janette Smith, Anna Mae Cummings, and Clayton and Diane Crandall. The 4-H members have the opportunity to participate in a Plant Science Program which consists of planning a garden, preparing the site, planting the plants of choice, and, finally, following a maintenance schedule so the garden can later pass a 4-H inspection. The 4-Her's were also invited to participate in the 2004 iris show. Besides being RVP, Donna also serves as President of the Historic Iris Preservations Society (HIPS), so talking about historic irises was a natural for her. The Central New York Iris Society showed its support of Donna's efforts with the 4-H groups and offered an essay contest to those who received historic rhizomes, promising to pay the AIS youth dues for those who entered the contest. Eight enthusiastic writers participated and now belong the the 4-H CIP led by Jan Smith. Following is an example of the writing of one member, Rachel Thormann. "Pretty Flowers" My name is Rachel. I am seven years old. I did a 4-H public presentation on green thumbs -- how to plant a flower. I like to plant flowers and vegetables. In 4-H I planted herbs for my garden project. For doing a great job as an extra special surprise we got to pick out some irises. Some of them had funny names. I picked out mine from the pretty colors and pretty names. Two of the pretty names were SUNSHINE and BLUE SHIMMER. We learned how to take care of the irises at a special presentation from Donna James. I planted mine next to a pond with a fountain. I can't wait till next year. They will make me smile when they bloom! Congratulations to all Region 2 youth members and also to their leaders and advisors. Here's wishing you good bloom, numerous show awards and FUN iris activities in 2004. |