| 4-H begins quilt square trail |
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| Written by BILL RYAN Sentinel Farm Editor | |||
| Saturday, 23 July 2011 06:30 | |||
Quilt trails are growing in popularity with 20 or more counties featuring the trails in Ohio, primarily in the southern part of the state. This is a relatively new idea for many people, but one that is rapidly gaining attention and popularity. Using plywood measuring 8-foot square, blocks are painted to resemble a quilt square and mounted on barns, historic buildings or other sites around the county. While the concept has strong roots in some areas, having 4-H clubs involved is a new concept. Last year, Greene County, Ohio, established the first 4-H quilt square trail in the nation. The Wood County program is fashioned after the Greene County project. The first two squares for Wood County will debut at the Wood County Fair as they will be part of the opening day Junior Fair Parade on Aug. 2. Square #1 will be the signature square for the trail. On Thursday evening, members of the Senior Fair Board approved placing the signature square, likely on the east wall of the Home and Garden World building where it will be visible from Poe Road. The project was introduced to the board by Jenny Morlock and Karen Kotula. Morlock, who works with the 4-H office as part of the OSU Extension office, told the board they truly wanted the signature starting square to be at the fairgrounds as that is the place 4-H members call home. Once fully established brochures will be created including maps to direct visitors and others to what is planned for at least 30 squares around the county. It will be one of the first in Northwest Ohio and is expect to also help tourism. Other quilt trails have been known to attract visitors to take the self-guided auto tours. Morlock says "The idea behind this project is to increase awareness of how important agriculture is to Wood County and express the commitment of 4-H to traditional American values." Kotula, adviser for the Dowling Stitch, Stir and Stock 4-H Club has taken a lead role in this project. Her club has completed the second square. "This project is near and dear to her heart," Morlock said of Kotula. "She has taken this project and ran with it." Kotula agreed, adding the enthusiasm has spilled over to her club.
Club members have painted on the square every day, with a minimum of three coats of paint. Morlock and Kotula have sought and received support from the Wood County Commissioners. This project will bring numerous organizations together throughout the county by showcasing local heritage. Each club which chooses to participate will either conduct fundraisers or seek sponsors for the approximate cost of $250. Each club will choose the quilt pattern and then create the square. The cost provides the materials, paint, hardware and other expenses. Sponsors of each square will be listed on the respective square and in the tour brochure. The Henry County 4-H program is also developing a trail and organizers hope the neighboring county trails can be promoted jointly. The signature square will also appear on every other square to help identify the squares as part of the Wood Country trail. Morlock says the square is called the "Hole in the Barn Door." She says it has both agricultural roots and symbolism of opening up the trail. The four sides of the design connect with 4-H as well as its green coloring. An outline of Wood County with a 4-H logo appear in the "hole." Kotula and her 4-H club chose a quilt square called "Friendship." She said in addition to the friendship theme, the square features four different colors, symbolic of the four aspects of 4-H. Following the Junior Fair Parade, the signature square will be posted on the Junior Fair office during the run of the fair; while the Friendship square will be posted in the Junior Fair Building. Permission has been granted to present the signature square to the commissioners at Heritage Days. The goal is for the trail to be fully in place by next spring. |
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| Last Updated on Monday, 25 July 2011 10:31 |
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