Looking Back

Although I am not one who likes to dwell in the past I must say that looking back at our accomplishments over the past year is really exciting. When you can do it in photos it is even better. Each year Robeson County 4-H publishes a photo book showing what we have done. Needless to say we have done that again this year. The book is used for marketing purposes and one stays in our library and we often take them with us when we set up displays. Of course you can view the electronic version of the book and even order your own book by clicking on the link.

This year the book has a family theme, because 4-H is really another family for many of us. Over this year we have seen many changes. Our Extension Director, Everett Davis retired, after 28 years of service. We dedicate this book to him as a thank you for his support of the 4-H program. Before his departure Everett set up two endowments for 4-H to support our volunteers and 4-H members and ensure the future of our program.

Keith Walters, the Hoke County Extension Director, served as interim until our new director Dr. Cathy Graham was chosen to replace Everett. Cathy served as a 4-H Agent in Robeson County when she first started her career and is thrilled to be home.

During the year we served a record amount of youth, more than 6,000. We had more than 900 youth take part in embryology. Our first ever etiquette day camp was a huge success. Our Junior Master Gardener Day camp brought in more 4-H members than ever. Not to mention our growing numbers at County Activity Day and District Activity day. Of course none of this would be possible without our growing posse of volunteers. Their enthusiasm and excitement is what drives our club program.

2010 has been a great year for Robeson County 4-H and now we are excited about the possibilities in 2011. Give us your ideas, tell us what you think, and of course, as always thank you for being a part of our Robeson County 4-H family. See you in 2011.

Spread a Little Holiday Spirit

This morning, our first day back in the office, we have been sharing the highlights and special details of our holiday celebration. In many cases the phrase, my children our blessed, I am blessed have been repeated over and over. The spirit of the season has brought us back to center and in many cases we want to share our blessings.

Our Robeson County 4-H members, volunteers, and family know that Robeson County 4-H is a United Way Agency. In other words our funding for county programs (not salaries, overhead or typical office needs) which directly impact our youth and volunteers come from United Way. Without this money we would not be able to offer the variety of programs and trainings that you see highlighted here on our blog. 100% of our county budget is dependent on United Way.

I say all of this because this morning we had our quarterly United Way Agency Meeting. Robeson County 4-H is one of 17 agencies that receive funding from United Way. Each agency is different in how much funding they get and what it is used for. The one constant is that the funding is needed by all the agencies and makes a difference in our community. United Way has rigorous reporting guidelines to ensure that the money they give to these agencies is being used in the best way possible to make the largest difference in our community. You may be familiar with some of the agencies; Red Cross, Church and Community Center, Southeastern Family Violence Center, Rape Crises Center, Christian Care Center, Hospice, Hospice House, Protective Services for Sexually Abused Children, Foster Children's Christmas Fund, Communities in Schools, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Others you might not be as familiar with such as the Radio Reading Service which provides reading services for the blind, the Born Learning Program run by the Partnership for Children which helps parents help their children prepare for school, the Mayor's Committee for the disabled which builds and moves wheelchair ramps for those in need, and Southeastern Industrial Center JOBS program which helps developmentally disabled adults find jobs in the community. All of these agencies and programs make a difference in our community, but all of us could be facing cuts. You see the United Way is $200,000 short of their goal for this year.

It has been a hard economic year for all of us, and that is reflected in the amount of money given to United Way this year. The problem is in hard economic times the need is even greater and provider costs are going up. If a dollar were given for each child who was touch by 4-H in 2010 United Way would be $6,204 closer to their goal. Would you miss a dollar a year? Two dollars? Five dollars? Just think about it.

United Way Agencies touch the lives of one out of every five people in this county. If you are part of our 4-H program, you have been touched by United Way. If you would like to give to Robeson County United Way please contact them at (910) 739-4249 or you can mail a donation to P. O. Box 2652, Lumberton, NC 28359 or drop one off a donation at their office at 202 N. Chestnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.

This is just our opportunity as we count our blessings to bless someone else.

A Christmas Poem

The following is an original poem from those excellent equestrian entrepreneurs in St. Paul's. Yes, they created their own Christmas poem as part of a contest in the Fayetteville Observer about their 4-H club and we could not help but share it with you.

Santa Needs Help!

It was fourteen days, till Christmas, that we knew.

All the reindeers, and elves came down with the flu.

Poor Santa, he just didn't know what to do.

"Now Santa!" said Mrs Claus, "don't worry,

I know who to call!

The 4-H Club in St. Paul's."

When the 4-Hers got the call, they grabbed all the ponies,

then took off, so they could help out Santa Claus.

They got to the North Pole just in the nick of time,

because they knew Santa, was getting behind.

"Now! Alicia, and Brianna, Now! Caylee, and Chasity,

Now! Christian, Daniel, Meagan, Taylor and Paiton too,"

Santa said, "we have lots of work to do!"

They washed all the ponies, and the sleigh too,

They knew there was two more weeks, of lots of work they had to do.

They helped with all the wrapping and packaging too.

They hitched up the ponies, so they can go on a journey.

With Star, Sally, Sweetpea, and Honey to.

Now , then there was Turbbie, to lead them all

Because, he knew how to help them jump over the walls.

Santa, and the 4-Hers are all in the sleigh.

Turbbie is all ready to lead the way.

they went all over the world that night, in a very fast flight.

Santa said, :This was a funny sight, for this is a very special night!"

So if you need any help, we know this is true,

that there are 4-Hers waiting to help you.

Good Morning 4-H

Of course anytime we have the opportunity to highlight something special about 4-H we will. If it is something about 4-H in North Carolina you better believe we will toot the horn of our fellow 4-H'ers. For those of you who watch Good Morning America you may already know what I am talking about. This video link will take you to a segment on the show. A group of 4-H'ers from Graham County taped a little snip it that made the edit this morning. If you are wondering which ones they are check out the piece around the 54 second marker. Congratulations Graham County 4-H!

Naturally, it's Christmas

It was all about nature as the members of the Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardener 4-H club meet last night. Nature and Christmas were the main topics of this meeting right after they got done with a little business. The club members elected officers that will serve through September of 2011. Dillon McCartney will be President, Tyson Alford Vice President, Tyron Alford Treasurer, Andra Turbok Secretary, and Kieren Hatcher will be Reporter. After getting done with the difficult business of elections the group spread out to make some really neat and natural craft projects

Club leader, Missy McLean worked with the youth to make some really neat mouse ornaments. They used acorns, gumballs from trees, straw, google eyes and pom poms to make the unique creatures. With a ribbon placed strategically between the body and head during construction they had some really cute, yet personal tree ornaments.

The youth also worked with Kerrie Roach who volunteered to come play as she calls it. They used clementine oranges and whole cloves to make pomanders. Usually these are hung with ribbon and elicit one of the most wonderful Christmas smells. Many people will remember this as a craft they learned with their grandparents and our youth had just as much fun learning how to do it.

Tanya Underwood, a club co-leader worked with the youth to make some festive candles. Each got a vanilla candle and a bottle of cinnamon sticks. They glued the sticks on their candles in whatever pattern they liked then tied ribbon around it. The candles are not only festive to look at but smell good whether or not they were burned.

Shooting with the Stars

Rain nor snow nor sleet would keep the Dirty Dozen 4-H Shooting Sports club from their appointed field trip with shooting stars (a.k.a. shooting legends). Yes, shooting legends who could all be found at the Annie Oakley Boom Days in Pinehurst, NC. For those of you not familiar with Annie Oakley, she was born in the 1860's and is considered the first female superstar. Travelling with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Oakley was a sharpshooter and exhibition shooter that was known for her fast shooting, and trick shots with a mirror. In 1922 at the age of 62 Oakley apparently competed in a shooting contest in Pinehurst and shot 100 clays at 16 yards. Thus the contest of this legend continues today as the Annie Oakley Boom Days.

This year the Dirty Dozen 4-H Shooting Sports club worked with the promoters of the event to visit and meet some of the best in the field. They knew they were right on target meeting two members of the USA Olympic Shooting Sports team. Caitlin Connor and Jaiden Grinnell took a few moments to talk with our 4-H members, sign autographs and even take photos. Jaiden shared with us that she started shooting at the age of 12 as part of her local 4-H program. She has been shooting competitively for the past four years. Caitlin was also introduced to shooting as part of a local 4-H program at the age of 15. She has been shooting competitively for the last three years. The group also got a chance to see both of them shoot as part of the Annie Oakley Competition. This is a competition where competitors stand shoulder to shoulder. The first shooter calls pull to release the clay and has one shot to hit it, if they miss the second shooter can shoot at it. If the second shooter hits the clay the first shooter is out. If the second shooter misses it is up to the third shooter. If he or she hits it then the first two shooters are out. If they miss it then no one is out and the competition continues with the next person in line calling pull. This rotation will continue until one person, the winner, is left. Although Caitlin and Jaiden did not win they definitely held their own.

Another interesting part to this event was learning about different types of hunting. A falconer, Chip Gentry, gave us an educational lesson and demonstration of how different birds of prey hunt. He introduced the group to an owl, different types of hawks, and showed us the grace and beauty of how these birds live and interact with humans.

The group was also introduced to different types of hunting dogs. The Sandhills Pointing Breeds club gave a demonstration on what actually occurs when they hunt with dogs. These dogs don't actually find prey and kill it. Many times they find the prey and essentially point it out to their handlers who flush it animals out for the hunters to shoot. Some of the dogs are trained to retrieve, and when they do they do not bite into the what they are retrieving. The dogs are trained to make sure what they are retrieving is not damaged, so that if it is being used for food, it can still be consumed.

After a brief break to warm up and consume some warm beverages (coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider) we headed back outside in the snow. As we watched the biggest snowflakes anyone had ever seen fall from the sky, we were serenaded by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus. After a brief concert as the snow turned to sleet and rain they were joined by the Pine Crest High School ROTC for the presentation of colors.

The big event of the day was seeing Tom Knapp, exhibition sharp shooter. Knapp didn't let the rain, cold and sleet stop him from showing the audience how much fun shooting can be. Knapp holds three world records for hand thrown clay shooting. Knapp showed the youth how hard work and practice can pay off. He entertained the crowd by ejecting spent shotgun shells into the air and making them targets, making an omelet by letting youth from the audience trow eggs into the air as he shot then and even made a salad by shooting heads of lettuce and other fixings as he tossed them into the air. Through all of this Mr. Knapp was a gentlemen and stressed safety and responsibility, the traits that are stressed in our 4-H Shooting Sports Program. Probably the biggest thrill came with the youth got a chance to shake Mr. Knapp's hand, get his autograph and take a picture with him. The youth then presented him with a small token; a thank you card, 4-H patch and a Robeson County 4-H portable screwdriver set. Mr. Knapp opened the envelope and read the card telling the youth that he was touched and had a special place in his home for gifts from his fans and he would take this home and put it in this special place. The youth thanked him again for sharing his skill and talent with them to help motivate them as they head back to the range to practice for upcoming events.

As everyone warmed up on the way back they said they would like to come back next year. A few even thought they might be ready for the competition shooting rounds. As Tom Knapp would tell them, with hard work and a love for the sport, anything is possible.

We would like to thank Tim and Carla St. Germain for sponsoring our youth and allowing them to be a part of this incredible event. Tim and Carla organized and promoted this event and worked closely with our 4-H program and our 4-H Shooting Sports club to make this incredible day happen.

The Dirty Dozen plans to take a little time off for the holidays and weather. The next meeting for this club will be in February.

Saying Goodbye and Saying Hello

Today marks a new day of leadership for Robeson County Cooperative Extension as Dr. Cathy Graham joins our team as our County Extension Director. Dr. Graham was previously the County Extension Director in Scotland County. Many of our long time volunteers and alumni may remember Dr. Graham from when she served as a 4-H Agent in Robeson County. Dr. Graham is stepping into the position that was vacated by Everett Davis when he retired in April.

Keith Walters, the County Extension Director in Hoke County, served as interim during the seven months it took to find our new director. On Monday the staff got together to say thank you and good bye to Keith as he returned back to duty in Hoke County. An NCSU graduate, we made sure we gave him a proper send off with an NCSU cake and a photo of his "Team Robeson".

As Dr. Graham started today the staff gave her a breakfast social with fresh baked muffins, coffee cake, fruit and other morning goodies. We sat and talked and introduced ourselves, and then headed back to work to plan our upcoming activities. We know you will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Graham soon as she will be coming to see and participate in our upcoming activities and programs. If you have the chance feel free to introduce yourself and send her a welcome e-mail.

Getting into the 4-H Spirit

It might be before Thanksgiving but we have found anytime of the year is a good time to spread 4-H cheer. More than 50 members and volunteers did just that at the annual Lumberton Christmas Parade this year. Our 4-H members could be seen on a variety of the more than 100 entries in this year's parade. Some rode on church floats, others with school groups, two special 4-H members even represented 4-H on the United Way of Robeson County's first ever float. Dakota Strickland with Horsin' Around 4-H Club and Korina Pittman of Titans 4-H club represented the more than 6,000 youth that 4-H worked with thanks to the financial support of the United Way of Robeson County. Both donned Live United t-shirts and waved to crowds who gave them both supportive shout outs.

Libby Burney of the St. Paul's 4-H Pony club headed up the Christmas Parade committee this year and provided a trailer that was festively decorated and included a white Christmas tree with green garland and four leaf clover ornaments. Our youth and adults rode on the trailer and in the back of the pick up truck driven by volunteer Bob Cryer.

The clubs represented in the parade included the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club, Horsin' Around 4-H Horse Clubs, the Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club, Spiritual Generations 4-H Club, Titans 4-H Club, Dirty Dozen 4-H Club, Young Leaders 4-H Club, Voices in Praise 4-H Club, and United We Stand 4-H Club. When we pulled up just before noon at the end of the parade route we secured the trailer and everyone headed home. Exhausted after spreading 4-H cheer which is good at anytime of the year.

Singing our Way to Health

It is amazing how the educational songs we learned in Kindergarten stay with you. In this case it is our ABC's and the Happy Birthday song. Both can help our youth become official germ busters and keep them healthy in school rather than sick and out of school.

I can tell you are singing your ABC's trying to remember how that might work. Well the message is not in the lyrics to the song rather the timing of it. The 4-H and EFNEP (Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program) staffs descended upon Rowland Norment School to help battle germs. Yes, those microscopic things that are rampant no matter where you are. However, in a school where little ones like to touch everything and everyone it makes the germ travel faster and easier than other settings. The four staff members went class to class to conduct glo-germ, a science experiment in which the students got to see the germs on their hands illuminated. Then the youth had the opportunity to go to the bathroom and wash their hands correctly (with soap and water, scrubbing for as long as it takes them to sing their ABC's or Happy Birthday, then rinsing the soap and germs away). When they returned we checked their hands to see how well they did.

Hand washing is one of the easiest and safest ways to kill the germs that could get our youth sick. By teaching them the appropriate way to do it and then empowering them to teach others we have noticed a 40% decrease in reported absenteeism's due to illness. This is a program that is usually conducted in connection with 4-H Embryology which takes place in the spring.

What Does it Take to Grow?

The students in the Community in Schools (CIS) Red Springs after school program answered that question Wednesday. They found humans and plants share many of the same answers. Plants need sunlight, food, water, and air to survive. Humans need all of the same things, but we happen to get them in different forms.

The youth did a recycling plant science project that tests the theory of all the things we need. Using knee high stockings, a little soil, and grass seed they made their own healthy project, a grass head. The project allows youth to not only learn about what it takes to grow, but recycle knee high stockings and express their own creativity.

This is part of a series of projects that we are doing with Red Springs middle after school students to teach them about Healthy living.

Thank You!

"Thank you, this is a blessing for so many." That was Helen Rogers's words as Sandy Locklear, a volunteer with her organization, and two Extension Staff members carried in box after box filled with the more than 300 pounds of canned goods and nonperishables that our 4-H members, parents, and volunteers donated as part of 4-H Youth Achievement night. Rogers could not stop smiling as she realized her empty food pantry shelves would not only be full when we got done, but overflowing.

Rogers is the director of His Little Ones, a pregnancy support group that helps mothers with the support they need for their babies. Thanks to donations from the public the group is able to offer mothers with financial needs necessities such as diapers, bottles, clothes, and even food. A recent church community service project brought the need of the organization to the attention of the 4-H Staff. With our 4-H Hungry to Help canned food drive looming on the horizon it seemed like a perfect fit for our 4-H members to help our future 4-Her's and their families.

4-H Hungry to Help is a state wide initiative to address the issue of hunger in our state. Although most people don't realize it, hunger effects one out of five people in the state of North Carolina. The 4-H Hungry to Help campaign was designed as a partnership with the area food banks to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in this state and allow our youth to practice being citizen leaders and address this issue right in their own communities. As we move forward over the next year or two the 4-H Hungry to Help initiative will play a large part in our community service projects and overall programs.

To learn more about 4-H Hungry to Help please check this site. Click here to educate yourself about hunger in America.

Community Service in their Sites

It was only a few hours after receiving their charter certificate and community service award that the Dirty Dozen Shooting Sports 4-H Club members hit the range and completed their community service project for this year.

The town of Fairmont allows the club to use their firing range for club meetings and shooting practice. This morning the club members went out and pulled weeds, policed brass, raked the burm and picked up trash trying to give back to the town and show that they care about maintaining this facility.

While the members were busy with their community service project the parents were busy with paperwork. Since this was the first meeting for the club in the new club year they were busy talking schedules, activities and making sure all the club paperwork was up to date.

After the project and cleaning the youth, parents and volunteers enjoyed a picnic with hamburgers off the grill (thanks to their club leader) and all the sides. The next meeting will be in December and will be a field trip to see legendary sharp shooter Tom Knapp at the Annie Oakley boom days.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!

I admit Christmas is not here yet, nor Thanksgiving, but this is the most wonderful time of the year for our Robeson County 4-H program. That is because this is when we celebrate our youth and their accomplishments in our 4-H program. Tonight marked our annual 4-H Youth Achievement Night.

The evening began with our Mistress of ceremonies, Staci Kinlaw. She has been a strong partner and supporter of our local 4-H program and worked with the Bladen County program as well. We were very excited that she could be with us this evening. Hazel Sumner, our Past President of the Robeson County 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association offered everyone an official welcome. While Michiko Hill of the Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club and Christian Tice of the St. Paul's 4-H Pony club lead the pledges. Our Interim County Extension Director, Keith Walters recognized special guests and gave a very special thank you to our parents and volunteers who really support our youth in all that they do. Christopher Bullard of the Dirty Dozen Shooting Sports club delivered the Invocation for the event.

After dinner Mr. J. A. Bolton from Richmond County entertained our audience with stories. Mr. Bolton is a member of the Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast. He provided an example of what our youth can do with their communication skills later in life. Everyone enjoyed his stories, and loud guffaws of laughter could be heard from outside the building.

Staci then presented the prestigious "I Dare You" leaders award. This national award given by The American Youth Foundation, goes to a teen who has shown exemplary achievement in the 4-H program. A person who has really taken on roles that will help improve themselves and help others rather than offer recognition for their work. This year the prestigious leadership award was given to Korina Pittman. She received a book on leadership, $35 check, and certificate from the American Youth Foundation.

But that was not all the special awards given. Our 4-H Agent presented a special award to three special teens. These three volunteered within the program to help with Summer Fun Programs, trainings, and other activities that other youth were not coming to help with. They worked hard, carried a great deal of responsibility and did it all with a smile on their face. This year the special teen leadership awards were given to Christopher Bullard, Korina Pittman, and Tierra Troy.

Missy McLean, the Volunteer Leaders' Association parliamentarian introduced our 2010-2011 County Council officers to the group. These officers were elected at our August County Council and Volunteer Leaders Meeting. Representing our youth this year are: Aljaquan Nixon, President; Christian Mcrae, President-Elect; Korina Pittman, Secretary-Treasurer; Christopher Bullard, Reporter; and Kristen Sealey, Sergeant-At-Arms.

Our 4-H Program Associate, Aggie Rogers gave out club charters and renewals to our clubs. Those recognized include, Spiritual Generations, Youth with a Purpose, the Dirty Dozen, Horsin' Around, and the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club. Young Leaders and Dirty Rascals also received their charter renewals.

Shea Ann DeJarnette gave out club community service awards. These certificates were presented to the clubs that completed at least one community service project this year. Community service projects this year included a coat drive, rescuing a horse, trash pickup, planting at the Hospice House and much much more. Clubs receiving a community service certificate included; Titans, St. Paul's Pony Club, Dirty Rascals, Dirty Dozen, Young Leaders, Inspirational Youth Leaders, United we Stand, Voices in Praise and Horsin' Around.

Keith Walters presented the club of the year. This award is determined based on several criteria. This includes turning in club paperwork on time and the percentage of club members that take part in club, county, district and state events. This year the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club walked away with the honor and a check for $100 for their club to continue their hard work.

Our district project record winners were then recognized for their accomplishments. Aggie Rogers presented the district winners with their checks. Maurice Rogers, Jasmine McBryde, Aljaquan Nixon, Amaria Rogers, and Jaylyn McNair got a special surprise when they received their prizes from the state 4-H office.

After our visual slide show it was time for the event of the night honoring our youth. Each of our youth who participated in club, county, district and or state events received a certificate listing all they have done, a 4-H calendar, 2011 tentative program calendar, and a 4-H duffel bag as a small gift to help celebrate their accomplishments. Each of our youth who participated received something tonight.

Thanks to our United Way Support we do not charge admission for this event instead we asked that each person bring a nonperishable food item when they come. This is all a part of the statewide 4-H "Hungry to Help" initiative. This year we turned the canned food drive into a contest with the club that had the most poundage receiving a special prize. The St. Paul's Pony Club took home the prize collecting a whopping amount of food that will go to needy families right here in our community. Stay tuned for the amount of food collected and how it will make a difference right here in Robeson County.

Falling into Training

It was an early and chilly morning as Robeson County 4-H Volunteers, Rosie Jones, Sonny Sampson, and Veronica Powell climbed into the state van with 4-H Agent Shea Ann DeJarnette to head to Anson County. This wasn't a scenic tour, more of a day of hands on learning and training at the annual South Central District Fall Day.

Anson County hosted the event this year at the Extension Office in Wadesboro. The day started with a welcome, workshops, district meeting and ended with an incredible home cooked lunch by the Anson County volunteers.

The workshops this year included a Hungry to Help Workshop, ACE trainings, a health and fitness opportunity and a bow making workshop. Dr. Mitzi Stumpf-Downing with the state 4-H office conducted the training on the 4-H Hungry to Help initiative. This is a state wide community service project in which youth and adults in 4-H will help address the hunger issue within our state. Dr. Stumpf-Downing educated the volunteers on the issue of hunger within our state, why we are addressing it, and different opportunities on how to engage youth and other community partners to help make a difference. Sonny Sampson and Rosie Jones took part in this workshop.

Elenor Getz, better known to most of our 4-H community as Mom, is a Master Volunteer from Cumberland County. She lead two workshops. The first was on working with different ages of children and the stages they are at. The second workshop was about adult and youth partnership. Veronica Powell and Sonny Sampson took part in these workshops.

Pearl Blount, an Anson County volunteer offered a colorful workshop on bow making. Each participant learned how to make bows of different sizes for different purposes (wreath bows, pew bows, hair bows, etc.). All of the volunteers chose colorful wired ribbon and worked together to make some fantastic bows. Veronica Powell and Rosie Jones attended this workshop.

Another volunteer taught a health and fitness workshop teaching volunteers about the little things they can do to stay in shape and help our youth stay physically fit.

After the workshops the volunteers met to discuss district business. They elected new officers, our own Veronica Powell will be the District Secretary. The group also discussed their roles and responsibilities at the State volunteer leaders conference. After adjourning we enjoyed a wonderful lunch, visited with each other and then headed back to Robeson County. I would like to thank our volunteers who attended and will be bringing back new information and skills to share with others, and represented Robeson County in the best light. Thank you!

Thank You is Where we Start

Thank you seems like so little to say to our incredible Robeson County 4-H volunteers. That is why we hold our annual Robeson County 4-H Adult Volunteer Appreciation Banquet for the more than 100 volunteers that we have. This year our harvest theme was a hit with our adults who had the opportunity to enjoy dinner and entertainment from Hailey Ivey, a winner of the talent competition at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair and our featured speaker was Charles Graham, candidate for the House of Representatives. Mr. Graham talked about the importance of opportunities like 4-H and commended our volunteers on their efforts.

Of course the highlight of the evening was when we honored our volunteers, without whom we would not have a successful program. Our first year volunteers include; Melanie Allen, Candi Blackmon, Amanda Dial, Brian Dial, Anna Hatcher, Gary Henderson, Marie Henderson, Felicia Hill, Willie Johnson, Rosie, Jones, Atha McArthur, Fredrick McKinnon, Vanessa Moore, Veronica Powell, Elizabeth Shockley, Nakiea Wearins and Jeffery Wright.

Our second year list of volunteers was even longer than our first year volunteers. Honored for two years of service to Robeson County 4-H are; Ellis Baker, Barbra Cain, Robert Cryer, Leigh Cryer, Nikki Edwards, Jeff Floyd, Paula Greene, Pascha Harrington, Emma Hill, Beverly Howell, Emmarld Jackson, harry Jhala, Charles Keenum, Sr., Leon Littles, Jessica Parker, LaKeisha Patterson, Tommy Prevatte, Julia Pierce-Lowry, Cicely Pighet, Lee "Oscar" Ratley, Kerrie Roach, Kimberly Robinson, Joyce Russ, Linda Scott, Patrice Smith, Elizabeth Titton, Pamela Walton, Sonja Watson, and Katrina Williamson.

Our third year honorees included; Cassandra Bennett, Gwen Colvin, Jessica Drake, Margaret Crites, Cheryl Liles, Pat McRae, Hubert and Linda Sealey as well as Tanya Underwood.

In their fourth year Tony Bullard, Holly Burney, Sandra Cox, Staci Kinlaw, Carolyn Lewis, Connie and Millard Locklear, Ida Murphy, Gail Rogers, Sonny Sampson and Arlene Grissett received their certificates and gift for their hard work.

At five years our volunteers receive a special gift. This year it was a hand etched vase with the 4-H clover on it. Sarah baker, Joan Britt, Libby Burney, Tiffanee Conrad-Acuna, Retha Ekwunoh, Melissa McLean, Kusum Jhala, Vicky Pipkin and Larry Russ all received this special honor.

We have one six year honoree and one seven year honoree who are Debra McBride and Susan Floyd respectively. Our eight year honorees were Bessie Jones, Carolyn McMillan, Lillian McNeil and Gwen Rogers. We have three volunteers with nine years of service. They are; Renee Blue, Jane Hurst and Hattie Troy.

Once a volunteer reaches the ten year milestone with Robeson County 4-H they receive a special gift as well, a silver julep cup with their name and the 4-H clover engraved on it. This year Sharon Byrd and Addie Mae Caple were our ten year recipients of this award.

Our list continued growing after that. With eleven years of experience Beverly Chambers and Erlaine Dinnerson were honored while Ervin Ratley received a thank you for his twelve years of work with the organization.

Patrica Andrews-Ford and Sallie McCallum received a 14 appreciation award. At 15 years our volunteers reach another milestone and this year received a silver bowl with their name and the 4-H clover engraved on it. receiving this special gift this year were Lorraine Ocean, Joyce Peay, Louise Ratley and Juanita Smith. Marilyn Merrit reached 16 years while Deborah Mitchell was honored for 17 years with us. Kenneth Betha and Hazel Sumner both were recognized for 18 years of service, while Linda Brown and Bobby Rogers have reached the 19 year marker.

Our last three volunteers have a combined total of 69 years of service to Robeson County 4-H. Katherine Betha and Roberta Grissett both reached the 21 year marker and Joyce Jones has served an incredible 27 years with Robeson County 4-H in a volunteer capacity.

Each of our volunteers received a certificate, a 4-H wall calendar, a 4-H pocket calendar and a mini-screwdriver set as a thank you for their hard work supporting the youth in our community. Thank you and small gifts never seems like enough for all that they do and give back. These people deserve a standing ovation because they are truly making a difference in our community.