Buckeye Hustlers 4-H Club Approaching Century of Service in New Bremen

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One of Auglaize County’s largest 4-H clubs is continuing a tradition that began nearly a century ago.

Mark Tangeman serves as organizational advisor for the Buckeye Hustlers in New Bremen, a club with approximately 100 members and five adult advisors.

Tangeman discussed the club’s history and impact Tuesday on WCSM’s Spectrum as part of the station’s recognition of National 4-H Week.

Tangeman first became involved in 4-H as a member in 1986. After attending college and beginning his career, he returned to the program when his son joined. Tangeman has now volunteered with 4-H for approximately 16 years.

The Buckeye Hustlers were organized in 1929 and are among three Auglaize County clubs founded that year. The club is now approaching its 100th anniversary.

Members range from kindergarten-aged Cloverbuds to young adults completing their first year of college. Tangeman described the Cloverbud program as the “minor leagues” of 4-H because it introduces younger children to the organization before they become eligible for traditional projects and fair participation.

With such a large membership, the club uses smaller groups and a buddy system to help new members adjust. Older participants are paired with younger members to provide guidance and help them become comfortable within the organization.

Tangeman credited the club’s success to its members, parents and fellow advisors. He said members take responsibility for meeting deadlines and completing projects, while parents and volunteers assist with fundraisers and other club activities.

The Buckeye Hustlers offer projects covering livestock, cooking, sewing, woodworking, genealogy, first aid, home improvement and many other subjects. Market hogs were the club’s most popular project this year, with 24 members participating.

Tangeman emphasized that children do not need to live on a farm or exhibit livestock to benefit from 4-H. Projects are designed to develop practical skills that members can carry into adulthood.

Public speaking and leadership have also become priorities for the club. Members are encouraged to speak in front of others, introduce fellow members and explain their projects. High school freshmen and older members are eligible to serve as club officers, giving them experience conducting meetings and making decisions.

Tangeman said those experiences can later strengthen college applications, scholarship submissions and résumés. Many older members also serve as FFA officers, junior fair royalty candidates and 4-H camp counselors.

The club typically begins meeting in February and continues every few weeks through the Auglaize County Fair. Tangeman said one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is watching a project develop from an early idea into a completed exhibit.

Additional 4-H volunteers are needed throughout the region. Tangeman encouraged anyone interested in helping to contact their county’s Ohio State University Extension office. Volunteers do not have to lead an entire club and may instead use a particular skill to assist a smaller group of members.