Barn raising brings energy to Greensburg

Kansas

An old-fashioned barn raising, bringing neighbors and friends together to build--or rebuild--a barn for someone in need, typically brings a community together to reach a common goal.

Bringing volunteers from two communities--in this case, Greensburg, Kan., and New York City, N.Y.--together to replace the 4-H Livestock Pavilion at the Kiowa County, Kan., Fairgrounds is aiming to do the same, a Kansas State University Research and Extension agent said.

The barn raising, scheduled Sept. 5 and 6 in Greensburg, was proposed by The New York Says Thank You Foundation, said Carmen Stauth, a Kansas State University Research and Extension agent working on behalf of the community. The foundation was established after the attack in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, and, since that time, organizes an annual volunteer project to express appreciation for the volunteers who stepped up to help their city.

Several hundred volunteers from New York and previous beneficiaries of the Foundation's projects are expected to join volunteers from Greensburg, Kiowa County and the surrounding area to complete the building project, she said.

Why a 4-H building?

With respect for a long list of community needs in the wake of the May 4, 2007 tornado, Stauth also considers the 4-H building project important to youth and the future of the community.

Leadership, citizenship and service are important components in 4-H projects, and keeping youth involved in the projects is an asset to the community now--and in the future, said Pam Muntz, a family and consumer sciences agent who shares K-State Research and Extension responsibilities in Kiowa County with Stauth.

Kiowa County 4-H members recognize the strengths they have developed while participating in the programs and want others to have similar experiences, Muntz said.

Each has a storm story, but each also will participate in the weekend re-building project, she said.

Katlin Senst is a junior in high school, member of the Upward Strivers 4-H Club in Kiowa County, and president of the Kiowa County 4-H Council. She is complimentary about her experiences in 4-H, and credits the youth development effort with helping her become a more self-confident young adult.

Senst was attending a forensics meet in Salina, Kan., when her father called to tell her the family's home had been destroyed in the tornado. The family has since rebuilt their home, but Senst said that she "felt lost for the longest time after the storm."

She also said that she is grateful for others' interests in the community and hopeful the barn raising also will "lift our spirits."

Lindy McKinney weathered the storm in the basement of the family's home with her Dad, Dennis McKinney. The family also lost their home, and has since rebuilt.

Since the storm and destruction of the fair buildings, 4-H livestock has been housed in tents, said McKinney, who credits 4-H livestock projects with teaching her much about animal health, how to accept greater responsibility and organize her time.

"The volunteers have so much energy," said McKinney, a sophomore in high school and member of the Upward Strivers 4-H Club, who also will be volunteering during the barn raising.

The Spurgeon family, with son Eric and daughter Elizabeth both participating in 4-H programs, lives on a ranch (outside of Greensburg). They had storm damage, but not damage to their home.

Eric Spurgeon, now a junior in high school, was attracted to 4-H programs because of the livestock projects, which he credits with teaching him responsibility and consistency. He's learned, for example, that it's best to feed steers at the same time each day.

4-H programs have been beneficial to me, said Spurgeon, a member of the Southwestern Royals 4-H Club.

We've lost some 4-H families after the storm, said Spurgeon, who believes that the barn raising--and the enthusiasm it has generated for the re-building process--has the potential to have lasting impact in renewing opportunities for youth and families with local 4-H programs.

"The barn raising is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Spurgeon, who will be working alongside volunteers on the building project.

Elizabeth Spurgeon shares her brother's love for animals and 4-H livestock projects and commitment to opportunities in 4-H. She is a sophomore in high school, a member of the Southwestern Royals 4-H Club, and serves as treasurer for Kiowa County 4-H Council.

With an artistic flair, Elizabeth will likely focus on making posters, banners and signs to help others during the barn raising, she said.

For more information on the barn raising and other 4-H programs in Greensburg, Kan., contact Carmen Stauth or Pam Muntz at 620-723-2156.

9/22/08
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Date: 9/12/08

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