Nellie was a 10 year member, Junior Leader, Camp Counsellor, 4-H Club Congress Delegate and President of the OSU Collegiate 4-H Club. She was an IFYE Delegate to Jamaica where she used her 4-H skills to train 4-H members to compete in the Caribbean Islands competition celebrating Jamaica’s 25 4-H anniversary.
Her family has been a strong supporter of 4-H international programs and has hosted delegates from around the world. Nellie served as a 4-H Agent and known for her youth leadership program and expertise in Home Economics. After 10 years she retired to raise her family, but stayed involved with 4-H as a club leader. She serves on advisory committees, sheep superintendent, and 4-H judge. For 20 years, she served as “Dorm Mom” at the Oregon State Fair.
In 1980 Nellie returned to work with Extension to develop the statewide Master Food Preserver Program. She continues training and supporting a large cadre of volunteers and sharing her vast knowledge of food preservation/safety with others. She is an active Master Gardener, coordinates a vibrant afterschool garden, and provides farm tours for school and 4-H groups. Nellie developed the food safety part of the National Outdoor 4-H Cooking Curriculum and has presented at several State and Western Regional 4-H Leader Forums. In her 52 years of leadership she is now teaching children and grandchildren of the generations who have been fortunate enough to experience her enthusiasm and leadership.
