Across the Westside, the familiar green clover of 4-H is shining a little brighter this week as youth, families, and volunteers come together to celebrate National 4-H Week, observed October 5 through 11. This year’s theme, “Beyond Ready,” highlights how 4-H empowers young people to grow into strong leaders, compassionate neighbors, and active citizens.
From Gustine to Newman, local 4-H clubs are not only celebrating but also reflecting on a year filled with community service, leadership growth, and plenty of fun along the way.
Westside 4-H: A Year of Giving, Growing, and Going Beyond
For the members of Westside 4-H, this year has been one of purpose, participation, and pride.
“We’ve had an eventful year so far, and every project reminds us how much we can give back,” said club spokesperson Melissa Ventura.
The club kicked off summer by attending 4-H Camp in June, followed by marching proudly in Gustine’s 9/11 Memorial Parade to honor local heroes. But community service is where Westside 4-H’s heart truly shines.
Members helped serve Thanksgiving Dinner to residents at Green Acres Mobile Park, hosted a countywide 4-H Dance that collected over 150 toys for the Gustine Lions Club, and then joined the Lions in their annual toy and canned-food drive. They also rolled up their sleeves to help with the Downtown Christmas Breakfast with Santa and even collected donations for the City of Gustine’s fireworks show.
Alongside their service, the club’s members continue to excel in livestock and still-project competitions, showing at the Gustine FFA Stock Show, Merced County Spring Fair, Los Banos Fair, and Merced County Fair. Their creative projects—ranging from arts and crafts to public speaking and photography—reflect the wide variety of interests 4-H encourages.
“4-H teaches you to be involved, to care about others, and to believe in yourself,” said Ventura. “Every meeting, every project, builds leadership and confidence.”
Those interested in joining Westside 4-H can learn more by emailing westside4hgustine@gmail.com.
Newman 4-H: Leadership in Action and a Spirit of Service
Just up the road, the members of Newman 4-H are celebrating with equal excitement. Their year has already been packed with events that showcase what it means to live “Beyond Ready.”
After kicking off their new program year at the Stanislaus County Fair, members represented the region at the State Leadership Conference and participated in outreach events at local schools and farmers markets. The club also marched proudly in the Newman Fall Festival Parade, helping to bring their signature 4-H energy downtown.
Leadership is at the heart of Newman 4-H’s mission. Members like Olivia Casey, Michelle Ebert, and Andres Gutierrez have been key organizers for the upcoming County Leadership Training Day on September 27, helping train officers from Stanislaus, Merced, and San Joaquin Counties. Olivia will serve as a facilitator for the President/Vice President training, while Andres will help lead the Sgt-at-Arms and Opening Ceremony sessions.
The club is also preparing for Achievement Night on October 9, honoring the accomplishments of 4-H members and leaders across the county. Later in the month, they’ll host their first-ever “Trunk-or-Treat” event on October 25 at the County Ag Center on Cornucopia Way, featuring a best-decorated-car contest, costume parade, games, and a family movie night.
Newman 4-H’s dedication to service runs deep. Members regularly assist with Memorial Day flag ceremonies, feeding the unhoused in Modesto, and collecting essentials for the AGAPE Food Pantry. Through every project, they embody the 4-H pledge to “use my hands to larger service.”
“Our members understand that to be part of a community, you have to give back,” said Isabell Hayes, Newman 4-H Reporter. “We’re proud to serve and to represent 4-H in everything we do.”
Celebrating the Clover
As both clubs proudly display their window decorations—Westside 4-H in Gustine and Newman 4-H at Wild Manes Salon and Joe’s Coffee Shop downtown—residents are encouraged to stop by, snap a photo, and show their support for local youth who are shaping the future of the Westside one project at a time.
Because in 4-H, learning never stops — it just grows.
“We are Beyond Ready,” says Isabell Hayes, “for another year of leadership, service, and heart.”
