I was raised on a farm in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The continuous work of running a farm did not allow much time for vacations or travelling much beyond Hunterdon County, but joining 4-H opened a world of opportunities to travel and meet new people. I became a 4-H member at the age of nine when I joined the Hunterdon County 4-H Sheep Club. Subsequently, I also became a member of the South Readington 4-H Garden Club, 3B’s Village Girls Cooking Club, and as a teen, the Hunterdon County 4-H Jr. Leaders Association. My involvement in 4-H provided me opportunities to travel to fun and interesting places. The highlight of this travel was being selected as a delegate to the 1960 National 4-H Conference. I travelled to Washington D.C. and had an opportunity to meet other 4-H members from all 50 states and we learned interesting facts about the government. At the age of 12, I also had the opportunity to attend Stokes State 4-H Camp. Each summer I looked forward to camp as it became one of my favorite events. I began as a camper, transitioned to a Jr. Counselor and ultimately served as a Counselor. As a member, I also attended Winter Camp Weekends and a Spring Weekend to prep the Camp for the Summer Season. During my membership, our County 4-H Agent encouraged participation in public speaking and in taking on leadership roles. I was asked to serve on a committee to start the Hunterdon County Jr. Leaders Association of which I became the first President. The skills learned through these 4-H experiences have been invaluable throughout my life.
At the age of 21 I became a leader of the Hunterdon County Sheep Club I also became the Leader of Jr. Leaders Association, and have continued in that role for 60 years. When my daughters became involved in 4-H, I founded and lead the Country Cooks 4-H Cooking, Arts & Crafts, and Horticulture Club. When my son joined 4-H, I became a leader of the Hunterdon Hoppers 4-H Rabbit Club and have continued in that role for 39 years. I have had the pleasure of leading yet another generation of Hunterdon Hoppers that included two of my grandsons. In the current leadership role, I am now leading the 3rd generation of members from my first years of 4-H leadership. My 4-H experiences have been both memorable and rewarding, but my greatest reward has been leading thousands of children. Through my leadership roles, I have witnessed countess youth growing and maturing though 4-H experiences and friendships to become the next generation of leaders and volunteers. I have been so happy to see many of these young adults use their 4-H experience to carry on in the agriculture and farming that is critical to preserve NJ. One of my greatest joy in life has been provided by my 4-H experiences and leadership.
