A scarecrow created by the Junior Onset Bay Association traveled to Bourne on Friday, October 7 where he will hang out for a month during the 4th annual Bourne Scarecrow Festival.

With his tie-dyed J.O.B.A. T-shirt and the names of the organization's many festivals written on signs which dangled off of him, the scarecrow represents J.O.B.A.'s dedication to the community, members said.

"I think it gives people an idea of what we do," said J.O.B.A. member Danielle Miceli. "We're not just an organization. We help the community."

The scarecrow has four hands, which represent J.O.B.A.'s "helping hands in the community," said Gwen Miceli, Danielle's sister.

The group put the finishing touches on the scarecrow on Friday morning before heading to Bourne to get him set up for the contest.

More than 80 scarecrows will be on display along Main Street in Buzzards Bay and in Buzzards Bay Park until October 30. Community members can vote for their favorite entry.

"I'm excited about the scarecrow," J.O.B.A member Hailie Swider told her fellow members who had gathered in the Onset Bay Association's Union Avenue office. "It's a huge scarecrow. Should be pretty eye-catching!"

Bill Lockwood of Lockwood Architects in Onset built the frame for the scarecrow. J.O.B.A was invited to participate in the contest by the Buzzards Bay Beautification Group and the Wareham Village Association. (The Village Association has its own scarecrow in the competition. Look for the mermaid called "Buzzards Bait" located near the entrance to the canal parking lot!)

J.O.B.A. - pronounced "joe-ba" - was formed this year after some of the group's founding members approached Onset Bay Association member Linda Lockwood and expressed interest in giving back to the community and helping out with events.

"It's grown," said Onset Bay Association President Eleanor Martin. "They've taken part in a lot of activities we've done."

J.O.B.A. has assisted at countless events, including the Onset Bay Association's Blues Festival and the 9/11 tribute ceremony. The group has even put on its own events, including the end-of-summer Tween to Teen 80s Beach Party.

"They're spirited," said Lockwood. "They 'get' it."

J.O.B.A. meets at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Onset Bay Association office, located at 4 Union Ave. Youth ages 11-18 are encouraged to join.

A comedy night fundraiser to benefit J.O.B.A. will be held at Salerno's on November 4. Proceeds from the event will be used to help needy families during the holiday season. For more information, contact the Onset Bay Association at 508-295-7072.