by Jane McClure

4-H was a big part of my growing up. I pay back those long-suffering club and project leaders by being a county fair judge.

Years ago, a judging assignment took me to Anoka County and 4-H demonstrations. Demonstrations are when one or more young people present something they have learned. The merits of chocolate chip cookies baked with butter versus margarine, babysitting safety plans, pet care, crafts and more are among the demonstration topics I have judged.

One favorite demonstration was by a young man who showed us how to prepare a winter emergency kit to put in the family vehicle. He had all of the needed items in a big popcorn tin and waterproof plastic bag – candles and matches, a flashlight with batteries, snacks, an emergency banner, blankets, extra clothes, water and so on.

Judges ask questions after a demonstration is complete. I asked, “Why would you not put chocolate in the emergency kit?” The correct answer is that if a vehicle gets too warm, the chocolate can melt and make a mess in the tin.

The 4Her quickly replied, “My mom would eat it.” The whole room burst into laughter.

The December print issue of Access Press is in production as I write this. One of the articles is winter safety tips.

Winter is such a tough time of year for those of us who live with disabilities. We struggle to get around and worry about falls that can cause further disability or even death. We worry about getting stranded or being without resources. We worry about covering the heating bill and keeping warm in case of power outages.

It would be so much easier if all we had to worry about was the chocolate supply.