Every time I say we're in our busiest part of the year, an even busier month comes along.

The fall is packed with 4-H events and activities, but it's never too late to come out and join us.

With early voting going on downstairs in our office, we're sure thinking about the citizenship and leadership parts of 4-H.

I'm excited to see the number of 4-H'ers who have accompanied their parents to the polls.

If you would like to avoid the long lines at your local polling place on Election Day, consider early voting at the Newton County Administration Building the next two weeks from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can also vote next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in this location. Don't worry if the line seems long when you come in, because they are set up to move very quickly.

Also, don't forget you can use the handy parking deck on Elm Street and enter the building at front door, or at the side entrance by the handicapped parking lot and grass lot.

If you live or work on the west side of the county, you might also want to vote at the Porter Memorial Branch Library by Oak Hill Elementary during the week of Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Earlier this month, 4-H'ers visited the Newton County Board of Commissioners meeting as they voted to approve a proclamation in honor of National 4-H Week.

Sometimes I forget that students don't even know what all the elections are about, assuming every candidate is up for a job off in Atlanta or Washington.

Local government meetings are a great way to show them government at work in our own community.

A group of middle and high school 4-H'ers also visited editor Gabe Khouli at The Covington News to hear about media coverage of politics and other stories.

The same way 4-H'ers are expected to use research-based and factual information in demonstrations, reporters must strive to fact-check and balance their stories even under tight deadlines.

We also had a great turnout at 4-H Officer Training last month, and it has been a pleasure to watch new 4-H officers take over their roles in October.

All month long, 4-H'ers have been exploring robots as a way to clean up dangerous environmental disasters.

If your family would like to try the experiment, 4-H National Youth Science Day kits are on sale at the office for only $6.

The Project S.A.F.E. BB team kicked off this week and will hold its first practice today. If you are interested in joining the team at the next practice, email me at tkimble@uga.edu for more information.

The Forestry Field Day team of Kara Gartner, Kayla Gartner, Ashley Whatley, MaKenzy McCord and Kacie Gartner competed at district, coached by 4-H volunteer leader Jamie McCord.

Monday night is your last chance to join the Cotton Boll and Consumer Jamboree Judging team, which tests consumer shopping skills and public speaking. Call (770) 784-2010 for details.

Terri Kimble is the Newton County 4-H Agent through UGA Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at (770) 784-2010 or tkimble@uga.edu.