#CCEResponds to Ulster's Needs

Dear Ulster County Community,

Bringing people together is a major part of what Extension is all about, and no program exemplifies that spirit as much as the 4-H Program. Not only is 4-H the nation’s largest youth organization, 4-H brings people together from all walks of life – adults included! Building a better tomorrow is the goal, and in 4-H, youth work with caring adult mentors to learn-by-doing through hands-on activities. Activities such as STEM projects, raising and caring for animals, community service, leadership development, handicrafts and so much more. This year, the 4-H Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster explored woodworking.

Mike Guiliano, a longtime 4-H volunteer and expert woodworker, led 12 youth in a 6-week woodworking workshop series. The youth learned about the necessary tools and techniques while working on making their own wooden tool caddy. Mike, his wife MaryLou and his colleagues Bill Sterling and Wally Cook from the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Northeast Woodworkers Association provided caring mentorship and guidance throughout the process. The best thing about this program was that we were able to offer it for free – including tools and materials - due to our talented volunteers and a generous grant from Arts Mid-Hudson.

We believe every youth should have the chance to participate in this program with life-long impacts. Will you help us make it possible for all Ulster County youth to ‘Join the Club’ by contributing to our campaign? Every dollar you donate to support 4-H programs and activities will enable us to do more for all Ulster youth and families, like cost-covered programs and projects for local youth, as well as helping to remove barriers to participation. We believe in the power of our programs to change lives, and we want all youth to be able to participate regardless of their ability to afford registration fees, materials costs, or other expenses.

Will you join me in donating to 4-H at CCE Ulster?

Join the Club and help Ulster’s youth learn how to make the best even better in 4-H programming now.

Thank you,

Melanie Forstrom
Executive Director
Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County

P.S. We’re always accepting new club members and new volunteers! Reach out to ulster4H@cornell.edu if you’re interested in Joining the Club!

Volunteer helping youth in woodworking program.