While most kids are living on their iPhones and other new technology, there is a group of students that is still dedicated to living off the land, or at least to the science behind agriculture, both plants and animals.
The West Milford 4H Velveteen Rabbit and Farm Club, also known as VeleTEENS, is a club dedicated to teaching children, as well as adults, how to take care of land and animals. The club used to be called Rocking Horse Rockers, and focused on equine care. However, of all the original members, only one, Rebecca Byrne, stuck with the program long enough to learn how to break, ride, and then trail-ride her horse, Ruby. After riding this same animal in West Milford’s 175 anniversary parade, the club fizzled out. Rebecca did not want to give up on 4-H, so the assistant leader, her mom, took over the club. Mrs. Byrne, however, did not have a property ready for a horse of her own, so the club shifted its focus to agriculture and rabbits, which are easier to keep. Quietly, the club grew by word of mouth.
4-H has over 100 years of history. The H’s stand for Head, Hands, Heart, and Health, to which club-members pledge to provide higher service. This club is a year round club, but members can take a leave of absence due to school sports or other activities. If a member does take this leave, they remain connected to the club via e-mail. They also work on projects independently.
Many West Milford students are part of the 4H Club. Members include Matt Bresneck, Sophia Souran, Jonathan Romeo, Brendan Nager, and Rebecca Bryne. This small group has achieved a lot within the last year. Matt Bresneck gave a presentation about “How to Build a Website Using MUSE” at the Passaic County 4-H Oral Presentation contest in Wayne, while Sophia Souran’s artwork won “Best in Division” at the county fair last fall. Brendan Nager and Rebecca Bryne carried the Passaic County banner in the NJ 4-H Teen Conference in Somerset, at which they attended a class on Crime Scene Studies at Rutgers University. Focusing on township beautification, the students have worked in a variety of ways to educate, participate in, and encourage local businesses and residents to recycle. The group also represented West Milford on both the Passaic County and State level 4H events.
The new leader, Celeste Hampton, is very proud of her members, describing them as “an extraordinary group of kids” and “diligent workers.” Though many of her students are also active in school events, Hampton explains that adding the 4H responsibilities is not a distraction from academics. In fact, it serves to increase student achievement. “Most of these children have seen an improvement in their academic performance since joining 4-H, which demands a rigorous work load of its own including a kid-directed record book on an independent project of their choice.” According to Hampton, 4-H members are much more likely to attend college and obtain scholarships as well, since they regularly are involved in Rutgers activities.
Hampton is devoted to teaching about agriculture. The club focuses on animals and how to take care of the land for them. Rutgers is County Cooperative Extension, providing the science behind the student’s projects. Rabbits are the club’s namesake, but it is not the only animal the team works with. Chickens, goats, pigs and horses are also raised. 
The club does more than just learn; they actively participate in many areas of agriculture. VeleTEENS has made syrup, planted a raised bed garden, built a greenhouse, gone to chicken shows and ruminant classes hosted by Rutgers Veterinary School of Animal Sciences, shown their animals, and even propagated their own seeds. At the Autumn Lights Festival of 2012, many projects and crafts were entered, from posters to pumpkins, which won a blue ribbon. They have raised rabbits through their whole life cycle, including rare lilac rabbits which are on the American Livestock Breed Conservancy list as threatened with extinction. Their work is not just about gaining skills, but also about making a difference in their community.
Recently, VeleTEENS presented the West Milford Town Council with a proposition. They wanted chickens, specifically hens, to be allowed in residential areas. The prior ordinance stated one acre was needed per chicken. Thanks to VeleTEENS, the council is now considering a revision to the existing law. While Mayor Bieri supports the idea, there are mixed opinions throughout the community.
The West Milford Messenger published an article on the update to the ordinance, and it started a very heated debate. Some people are worried that the chickens will cause disease. Citizens who are against the idea argue, if someone wants to own chickens, they should buy a farm. Since West Milford is, in part, a suburban community, there are some residents who would rather not wake up to a chicken screaming at sunrise. It should be noted that roosters, which crow at sunrise, are not being considered being considered in the ordinance, only hens.
Supporters of the update also have valid points. The chickens would reduce the number of insects on the property. Also, there are many cases where a person has less than an acre, but it is very chicken-safe. Chickens make wonderful pets, are shown and eaten all around the world and their eggs are an easy-to-digest form of protein on every continent. On the Messenger website, there were comments from past chicken farmers who state they never had a problem with chickens before.
As of now, the chicken ordinance is still in tact. VeleTEENS are continuing to prove to others that chickens will do more good than harm, are in the process of building coops, and have planted over 2000 plants in the last month. If you have any questions, or wish to join the club, the club’s Facebook page is open to everyone: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Passaic-County-4-H/242937079140944 or you can contact Rebecca Byrne, The Club President.
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