Spring is just around the corner, which means it is time for 4-H clubs to form. Since next week, March 3-9, is Ohio 4-H Week, now is an especially good time to start.

This year, two clubs will be meeting at the New Carlisle Library, within easy walking or bicycling distance for city residents. An organizational meeting for both clubs will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the library.

Stitch and Snip 4-H will be beginning its 55th year as a club. Originally set up for sewing by Louise Cripe, it now led by her daughter Barbara Blackburn, who is carrying on the family 4-H tradition. The club has expanded to cover a wide variety of craft projects.

Nature Lovers 4-H was started by Blackburn herself. Members of this group may choose from “a plethora” of interesting projects.

According to Blackburn, project areas that were popular last year with both groups were scrap booking, cake decorating, small animal care, health and fitness projects, cooking and nutrition.

“The whole family can be involved with 4-H,” Blackburn said. “It teaches excellent organizational skills, leadership, citizenship and life skills.”

At each meeting, members share what they are learning with the others in the group. They also learn how to take part in a meeting using Roberts Rules of Order. Respectful citizenship is also practiced.

Both Stitch and Snip 4-H and Nature Lovers 4-H will also be taking part in a community service park cleanup on Earth Day in April.

To join any 4-H club and to take part in the many 4-H activities, registration must be completed by April 1. Membership is open to “youth, age 5 and in kindergarten through age 18, as of January 1.” Children between 5 and 8 years old are called Clover Buds and have their own activities.

Those interested in being a part of 4-H should visit the 4-H website at http://clark.osu.edu to find a club in their school district. Click on “Join 4H” then on “clubs.”

There are nearly 30 clubs available to students in the Greenon or Tecumseh school districts listed on two pages on the website. Be sure to scroll down to see the names of all the clubs.

The website has a wealth of 4-H information including a long list of the possible projects and information on camps and other activities such as clinics.

Those without an Internet connection can call Patty House at 937-521-3860.

The Clark County Extension Office is located at 4400 Gateway Blvd., Suite 104, across from the Clark County Fairgrounds. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Don’t forget, registration must be completed by April 1.