4-H aims to teach life skills to children. We find that the program also equips kids with marketable skills, along with a sense of belonging and self-worth, which make them more apt to be successful.

The program also helps volunteers. Studies indicate that volunteers experience greater health benefits and, in some cases, individuals can combat the onset of depression simply by volunteering. Other benefits include increased social skills and an expanded social network.

4-H volunteers can make a positive difference in children's lives. This can trigger a sense of commitment, pride and accomplishment, which leads to a more positive self-image. The more positive your self-image, the more likely you are to set and accomplish positive personal goals.

As you help children develop communication and teamwork skills, you're also strengthening them in yourself. Some volunteers may open new doors for employment based on the skills they have learned and developed.

Today, when families are busier than ever and time seems limited, having a positive adult role model can truly influence children's path. Volunteering with 4-H allows these positive impacts to occur.

If you are already a 4-H volunteer, take pride in your contributions and reap the joy and benefits associated with such. If you are not a volunteer, you do not have to look far to find a perfect match for your volunteer services.

The Florida 4-H program welcomes you, and area 4-H agents are eager to help you get started!

Thanks Niki Crawson, Holmes County 4-H youth development agent, and the Northwest District Volunteering in the Panhandle Newsletter, for this great information.

Haley Worley is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: What are the benefits of volunteering for 4-H?

Life's only constant is change, for better or worse, so we can only hope it's mostly for the best. Thankfully, that was the case two weeks ago for my family, and with the chance meeting of new friends.

My wonderful husband, Adam, and I celebrated another wedding anniversary. I’m so happy he made it through another year of putting up with me!

We also celebrated our oldest child’s 20th birthday. Blaise has grown into a wonderful young man; we're so proud of him. He has the same "old soul" gene as me. While his peers are busy partying and doing Lord knows what, he has graduated college and begun a career he thoroughly enjoys.

Really, what more could you ask for?

Well, during our celebration, he announced he is ready to look for a place of his own — near his loving parents, of course — and that he and his long-time girlfriend, Tiffany, have started discussing marriage. That they decided to live near us, in beautiful Laurel Hill, with no persuasion from me, made me that much more elated.

Even more change was in the air. While showing Tiffany around our town, I stopped at the old Hobo Video to investigate signs of a new business. There, I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Kelly Bartsch, who opened Computer Plus just more than a month ago. They offer fair and very reasonably priced PC repair and recycling.

Now, I know nothing of computer science. I have to drive to Crestview if I have a tech issue.

The store’s slogan is “We’re here to help,” and they back their claim with free consultations and diagnostics.

The Bartsches have already made a big difference for one Laurel Hill School elementary class by donating a Linux computer with specialized learning programs.

In addition, while visiting the store, I overheard Mark suggest a more affordable service to another customer. I asked about this and he simply said, “He didn’t need all that. I’m not going to suggest or overcharge someone (for) something that isn’t needed. We’re in the business because we both like computers and we want to help the community, not get rich.”

I was surprised and impressed by his compassion.

Yes, life is full of change, but our family is staying together in beautiful Laurel Hill, and we have made new friends in this peaceful town.

Really, what more could you ask for?

Amber Kelley lives in Laurel Hill. Send news or comments to Hobo.homefront@gmail.com or P.O. Box 163, Laurel Hill, FL, 32567.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HOBO HOMEFRONT: Our family's staying together, supporting Laurel Hill businesses

The Feb. 1 through March 31 closure that would have affected several species of grouper in Gulf state waters has been removed and will not occur as it has in previous years. This closure was removed at the September 2013 meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A similar closure was also removed in federal waters shoreward of the 20 fathom line, or about 120 feet (excluding waters off Monroe County). For details visit the NOAA Fisheries website and click on “Fisheries,” “Gulf Fisheries,” “Reef Fish” and “Gag and Shallow-water Grouper Framework – Recreational Season.”

The closure would have applied to the following species: black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind.

The closure did not apply to gag grouper, which has its own season and opens April 1 through June 30 in state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties; and from July 1 through Dec. 3 in all other state waters of the Gulf (excluding Monroe County, which is managed under the Atlantic season).

For more information regarding Gulf grouper fishing regulations, go to the FWC website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Reminder: Gulf grouper recreational season will not close Feb. 1