4-H - Treasuring Our Volunteers
The annual Pickaway County 4-H Volunteer Recognition Banquet was recently held at Emmett Chapel United Methodist Church. The theme for the evening was “We Treasure Our Volunteers”, recognizing the many adults and teens that impact the 4-H program through their volunteer efforts.
The evening started with American and 4-H pledges led by Ohio 4-H Ambassadors Nick Wolford and Amanda Ward. Following a dinner prepared by members of the Emmett Chapel UMC, sponsors, special guests, committees and active 4-H teens were introduced. Joy Sharp, Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development, emphasized the importance of volunteers to the 4-H program as their work provides a treasure of opportunities for the youth of Pickaway County. Joy also recognized the program sponsors and county commissioners who support OSU Extension and 4-H programming in terms of funding and opportunities. 2009 active teen 4-H’ers in attendance were recognized for their service as 4-H camp counselors and members of the Junior Fairboard.
Volunteers receiving special recognition for 10 years of service were Heather Dean, Lori Pickens, Debbie Riffel and Gwen Wolford. Awards for 15 years of service went to Heather Barr, Linda Carter, Richard Carter and Carla Davis. Lisa Hedrick was recognized for 20 years of service, and Jim Lands received a plaque for 25 years of service. Recognized for 35 years of service to the 4-H program was Pat Perry. A plaque was presented to Bonnie Betz for serving as a 4-H volunteer for 40 years.
The Outstanding 4-H Club Secretaries, Treasurers, and Historians were announced during the program. The Outstanding Club Secretary was Julia Shappert, a member of the Scioto Scrappin’ & More 4-H Club, and Honorable Mention was awarded to Dorothy Faris of the Pickaway Clover Mixers 4-H Club. Secretary books were judged by staff from The Advertiser.
The Outstanding 4-H Club Treasurer’s program is sponsored by The Citizen’s Bank. Their Outstanding Treasurer for 2009 was Joseph Miller from the Tri-City Crusaders 4-H Club. The Honorable Mention Treasurer was Neal Davis, a member of the Scioto Sassafras 4-H Club.
The Outstanding 4-H Club Historian award went to Cheyenne Phillips, a member of the Westfall Showstoppers 4-H Club, and Honorable Mention was awarded to Laura Miller from the Future Farmers of Monroe 4-H Club.
The 2009 4-H Honor Clubs were also announced. They are Champion Drive, Country Clovers, Darby Fine & Dandy, Monroe Clever Clovers, Saddle & Sirloin, Scioto Sassafras, Scioto Scrappin’ & More, Tri-City Crusaders, Washington Hill Climbers and Westfall Showstoppers.
Each year an individual, business or group is given the distinction of being a Friend of 4-H. The designee is selected based on overall support of the Pickaway County 4-H program through the unselfish giving of time, talents and gifts. The 2009 Pickaway County Friend of 4-H Award was presented to three special individuals: Scott Kleon, retired Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development; Jeanie Lands, retired OSU Extension Office Associate; and Marge Wolford, retired Extension Educator Family Consumer Sciences. Mike Estadt, Extension Educator and County Director presented the three awards and recognized the recipients for their combined 70 years of service to the Pickaway County 4-H program.
The evening was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including the Circleville Rotary Club, The Citizen’s Bank, Crop Production Services, Larry & Roxanne Davis, Joan & Louie Eyerman, Health Care Logistics, Inc., Kingston National Bank, the Pickaway County 4-H Committee and The Savings Bank. Heather Dean, 4-H advisor assisted as M.C. and Dolores Shaeffer, 4-H committee member served as the banquet chair.
