Crystal Grossman is the new Fulton County Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Educator, overseeing programming and community outreach. Born and raised in Akron, Grossman is a 10-year 4-Her and her parents and grandparents were in 4-H before her. “4-H is generational for me,” she said. Photo by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — Fulton County’s new Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Educator Crystal Grossman is a lifelong resident of the county. Raised on a small farm outside of Akron, she was a 10-year 4-H member who showed beef, swine and sheep as a member of the Henry Hardy Farmers.

“My parents and grandparents were also in 4-H,” she said. “4-H is generational for me.”

Before returning to 4-H in a professional capacity, Grossman was a customer service representative at Midwest Spring and Stamping for three years.

She was also a coordinator for Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) at Rochester High School, working with juniors and seniors to improve employability skills. And it was there, she said, “I realized I wanted to be in youth development again.”

Grossman knows first-hand the benefits of 4-H. “You learn a lot of responsibility in the animal projects,” she recalled. A shy child growing up, Grossman commented on how 4-H helped her to become “more outgoing” through her interactions at club meetings and at fairs. “For me that was helpful.”

She has fond memories of prepping for the Fulton County 4-H Fair with her brothers: feeding, washing and taking care of the sheep and pigs they showed in addition to the beef cattle raised on the family’s 50-acre “hobby farm.”

Fair week was a special time spent with her “fair friends” and taking part in numerous activities such as the Battle of the Barns. She was also involved with Fulton County Pork Producers and livestock projects. “Then we would sell them and start all over again.”

Grossman started her work overseeing 4-H youth programming in December, when she worked with REMC on the company’s circuit board workshops with area fourth graders, a program she said has been ongoing for 26 years. The program starts with a demonstration that familiarizes students with electrical terms and safety procedures. Later, each student has the chance to turn a wooden board and baggie of parts into a working circuit board.

After being away from 4-H, Grossman is also “relearning who’s who” by attending community meetings, visiting schools and “learning where the youth hang out and what is needed.”

While working at Midwest Spring and Stamping, Grossman held a second job as a local coordinator for Indiana Cultural Exchange Services. “In high school I was friends with the exchange students,” she said, and in 2018 she decided to host students herself. Since then, she has hosted six students and is currently hosting two, one from Spain and another from South Korea. Much of her free time is spent running them to their various activities.

Grossman also enjoys spending time with her family, including a niece and nephew who are now involved with 4-H.

Grossman noted there are 4-H opportunities for everyone, particularly the building projects. There are also many volunteer opportunities for adults. To sign up, go online and register at v2.4honline.com. Anyone with questions about 4-H or Indiana Cultural Exchange Services may reach her at (574) 223-3397.