Published: November 02, 2009 10:15 am      

Volunteers honored

Elkhart County’s 4-H adult volunteer leaders were recognized Tuesday at Greencroft Senior Center, Goshen.

About 250 4-H leaders, friends of 4-H and other supporters gathered for this event. The entertainment for the evening was music by Dean DeVoe, played while dinner was served. The guest speaker for the evening was Mike Manning, northwest district director of Purdue Cooperative Extension Service.

Several awards were presented during the evening. Receiving Friend of 4-H Awards were North Central Co-Op, Extension Homemakers of Elkhart County and Gale Gerber, 2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair president. These awards were presented to those who have contributed to the Elkhart County 4-H program by leadership direction, program support, and/or monetary contributions.

This was the 29th year for three adult leader awards based on tenure and involvement in the many aspects of the 4-H program. The recipient of the Bronze Award (one to three years of leadership) was Linda Partin, leader of Concord

Lads & Lassies club. Harold Schmucker was awarded the Silver Award (four to 11 years of leadership). Schmucker is one of the leaders for the Elkhart County Shooting Sports club. The Gold Award (12 years or more of leadership) was presented to Charlie Phillips for 38 years of leadership with the Bristol Boosters club.

This was the eighth time a Platinum Award was presented to adult leaders for dedicated and outstanding service to 4-H. This year the award went to Bill George, who has been with the Elkhart County Beef club for 40 years.

This was the 16th year that Adult Leader Service Awards were presented recognizing 4-H adult leaders who have retired from their leadership positions. Those leaders honored for their service to the Elkhart County 4-H program were: Nancy Brown, Syracuse; Ola Crain, Elkhart; and Jerry and Vivian Needler, New Paris.

4-H adult leaders volunteer their time to help young people grades three to 12 to, as the 4-H motto says, “Make the Best Better.” 4-H leaders hold regular meetings for youth in their area, attend county leader training meetings, work with 4-H’ers on an individual basis, help with fair preparations and more.

The 4-H Adult Leader Recognition Banquet is planned to thank more than 390 community volunteers for their time and effort.