BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Along with celebrating the Year of the Rooster, the Somerset County 4-H Chinese Culture Club is celebrating its 35th year as a member of the Somerset County 4-H Youth Development Program. Associated with the Raritan Valley Chinese School, the 4-H club members participate in speaking contests, performances and cultural arts and crafts.
During the New Year celebration, which was held at the 4-H Center in Bridgewater, there was a traditional lion dance by the older members, a fan dance by some of the older teen girls and songs, dancing and Chinese performances by the younger children. Before a traditional Chinese dinner was served, club members were presented with public speaking awards. The celebration ended up with a raffle and a dance.
The 4-H Chinese Culture Club was founded by Yi-Tein Yang of Bridgewater. He started this program with his children, now he continues the tradition with his grandchildren. Along with public speaking, the Chinese Culture Club also performs at the Somerset County 4-H Fair and teaches Chinese calligraphy and other Chinese crafts at several 4-H events throughout the year. Their Chinese Food and Bubble Tea booth at the 4-H Fair is always popular.
“There are no other 4-H clubs in the state, or possibly the nation, like our club,” said Carol Ward, 4-H Agent. “It is a large club with nearly 100 members.”
The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station -Cooperative Extension, 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status and any other category protected by law. For more information about the Somerset County 4-H Program call the 4-H Office at 908-526-6644 or visit the 4-H website at www.4histops.org.
— Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County