From Your NAE4HYDP President – Scott Nash, Idaho, President’s Council Update

The President’s Council had a great opportunity to attend the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference in Washington, D.C. in April. It was a great opportunity to get together with extension personnel from the other association as well as NAE4-HYDP members. It was a privilege to have a session with our state officers to get to know them better and learn from each other. 

We took advantage of some great speakers that helped us better focus our message to our elected officials. One of the speakers told us instead of getting to the point, we need to start with the point. They said that because when meeting with elected officials they are busy and don’t have time to listen to every little detail. As I was thinking about that I believe we need to know our audience. Starting at the point may not be the best in every situation. We all have a different personality and a unique perspective so in some situations taking the time to build a relationship is key to continued success.

While we were in D.C. Suzanne, Boarts, Craig Presar, Kia Harries, and I attended the JCEP Board meeting. Kia was finishing her term as JCEP Secretary and Craig was just starting his term on the Board. Since we were all together we scheduled a meeting with Jennifer Sirangelo and Andy Ferrin from National 4-H Council. We didn’t start with the point in this meeting. We took time to develop a relationship and to learn about our audience. My personality wants me to just get to the point but that doesn’t serve me well in situations like this. Taking the time to get to know your audience can be key to building a relationship. 

After some great discussion we were able to ask Jennifer and Andy about the sale of the National 4-H Center. Jennifer was sincere about selling the center. It has a soft place in her heart as well as many of our NAE4-HYDP members. In recent years the use of the center didn’t offset the cost of keeping it open. In the long run the decision was made to sell the property. The income will be used to continue to support youth programs and marketing. Plans are not to build a center but have an office “storefront” space near downtown D.C. where people can visit with Council staff as well as a type of 4-H Museum.  Jennifer was excited about having a new place for 4-H and in my opinion this will continue to grow the brand of 4-H. Yes, sending kids to National 4-H Conference might be a different experience but they will still get to have that experience.

Change is hard but is just part of life. I think of all the changes NAE4-HYDP has gone through in my 27 years as a member. I can’t imagine all the changes you as Life Members have experienced. Even though we may not like change, I am so thankful to all of you that have gone before me to make this association and the local 4-H programs grow and evolve. I’m glad we all our own personality because that what makes this association strong. I look forward to continuing to serve with all of you. Thanks for your passion for 4-H! 

From Your Life Member Committee Chairperson – Mike Klumpp, Arkansas

We hope everyone is doing well and is having a great summer. It is upon us! Here at the Klumpp farm we have gotten the gardens in shape and we finally received some great rain over the past two weeks. Wheat harvest is growing close. Before you know it we will be in Madison, Wisconsin for our NAE4-HYDP National Conference “Fourward Together” October 11-13, 2022.

National Conference Registration opened June 1st and this year Life Members are receiving a $150.00 reduced full registration conference fee at a total of $325.00. Be sure to book your Hotel reservations early. With the help of Wisconsin Life Members we a planning some great events and activities for Life Members in attendance. 
Go to https://www.nae4hydp.org/page/FourwardTogether. Hope to see you all there!

Our Life Member Leadership Team had their quarterly Zoom Meeting on Monday May 23rd. We are excited to announce that Jim Rutledge from Oklahoma will be joining our committee as Chair Elect. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge. Jim served as State 4-H Program Leader at both Oregon State University and Oklahoma State University during his career. He retired as Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Director a few years ago.  Jim has been active in our NAE4-HYDP professional association and has served on the National Board.

Our Regional Contacts are hard at work reaching out to each state individually in their region to update each state Life Member list for NAE4-HYDP. States are providing us with new Life Members, update information on current Life Members and remove deceased Life members from our national list. Nancy Shelstad-VP Member Services announced that as June 2022 we 385 new Active Members for a total of 2,959. We have 22 New Life Members for a total of 1,026 Life Members.

Please be safe out there and have a great summer! If you need anything please drop us a line.

2022 NAE4-HYDP Life Member Leadership Team: Mike Klumpp-Chair, Jim Rutledge-Chair Elect, Glenda Booker-Past Chair, Melody Vance-S Region Contact, Pam Van Horn-NC Contact, Karen Hatch Gagne-NE Contact, Bryan Chad-W Contact, Tom Davis-Newsletter, Betty Gottler-Archivist and Nancy Shelstad-VP Member Services

Mike Klumpp
NAE4-HYDP Life Member Committee Chair
405-657-7444
Mklumpp.osu@gmail.com

From Your Archivist - Betty Gottler, Alabama    Where to go to Find 4-H History

Put a group of us seasoned agents together!  What happens next?  Someone says: “Do you remember…..?”  Then the conversation takes off.

In the last decade we have celebrated the centennial of Agriculture Extension and the centennial of 4-H.  What did the Smith-Lever Act mean?  Where was the first 4-H Club established?  What state hired the first Extension agent?  Where was the first 4-H Camp held?

The National 4-H History Preservation Team continues to gleam those questions and many more puzzling inquiries.  Tom Tate tateace@aol.com chairs this team that gathers those who want to preserve the 4-H history.  You may have seen this group in the NAE4-HYDP Exhibit Hall.

Here is a link to delve further in 4-H history.   4-HHistoryPreservation.com

The Team is currently working with the National Ag Library to preserve history from the National 4-H Center.  More than 80 boxes were transferred to a storage facility at the University of Maryland when the Center was closed.  Contents of these are carefully being reviewed and filed for future use.

Another part of the team works on a quarterly newsletter under the direction of Ron Drum (rcd3786@gmail.com) The current newsletter reminds us that 4-H camping began as an experiment for young people to know each other better.  Not only did they bring their own bedding and tents to camp, but they also brought vegetables and live chickens.  Learn more about these early 4-H camps, as well as National 4-H Conference and USA/NIFA impact during the pandemic.   The BRIDGE

This is an invitation for you to be involved in preserving the history of 4-H.  Contact Tom Tate or Ron Drum.  Let’s keep those 4-H memories alive for the future.

By Betty Gottler
NAE4-HYDP Archivist
gottlte@aces.edu
256-221-6468
  

From Your Conference Committee Co-Chair – Sarah Tarjeson, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, October 11-13, 2022 FOURWARD TOGETHER!

Registration is now open for the National Extension of 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) Conference being held in Madison, Wisconsin October 11-13, 2022. Visit https://www.nae4hydp.org/event/fourwordtogether to check out your options in registering for the conference. A tentative schedule as well as information about our National Priorities Day is all posted! Hotel and Travel information is also available at https://www.nae4hydp.org/page/FourwardTogetherAccommodations#hotels. 

The crew from Wisconsin is excited to host our friends and colleagues and welcome you to a city full of culture, class, and comradery! And don't forget the beer, cheese, and brats! Our subcommittees are busy preparing an opening event, planning options for walking tours, soliciting gifts to welcome you, and ensuring that our programs and people are highlighted throughout the event. We welcome your support and assistance as we get closer to the fall. We are already looking for support from volunteers. Feel free to check out the schedule and the needs, and don't be shy to add your name and email to a block or two at:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rsbyoKojPpANQhcA6oEqa3MG8M1RwiyY-wEcNwYkjA8/edit?usp=sharing

Any questions or opportunities can be directed to your conference co-chairs Sarah Tarjeson, sarah.tarjeson@wisc.edu or Shawn Tiede, srt28@cornell.edu

FOURWARD TOGETHER! Conference Program for Life Members

NEW LIFE MEMBER PINNING -  Wednesday, Oct. 12th as part of the general session that begins at 9am.  Any Life Member who has not been pinned yet that is attending this conference should plan on being recognized!!!  Please let our Life Member chair, Mike Klumpp (mklumpp.osu@gmail.com)  know that you are planning on attending.
Life  Member Luncheon, Wednesday Oct. 12th, noon to 1:30pm

SPEAKER -  Jerry Apps, Author of “Meet me on the Midway, A History of Wisconsin Fairs”
Jerry Apps explores the history of county and state fairs in Wisconsin, from their earliest incarnations as livestock exhibitions to today’s multitude of exhibits and demonstrations, grandstand entertainment, games and rides, and competitions of all sorts. Drawing on his extensive research, interviews, and personal experience as a 4-H leader, county extension agent, fair judge, and lifelong fairgoer, Apps takes readers back through 178 years of Wisconsin fair history, covering everything from horsepulling and calf-showing contests to exhibit judging to the roar of gasoline engines powering the midway rides. He evokes the sights and sounds of fairs through the ages while digging in to the political and social forces that shaped the fair into an icon of our rural heritage. Illustrated with vintage and modern photos and featuring the voices of exhibitors, judges, volunteers, and visitors, Meet Me on the Midway vividly captures the thrills and cherished memories of these beloved annual gatherings

TOUR - Trolley Tour of State Street and the UW Campus, Following the luncheon.

Celebration of Life at National Meeting, Honoring 4-H Colleagues who have Passed 

The Celebration of Life is a time of remembrance that honors our past colleagues. The ceremony is designed to provide an opportunity to assist members and states in notifying NAE4-HYDP of members who have passed away during the year. The Life Member Committee is pleased to honor all past members for their 4-H contributions.   Submissions received after September 15 of this year will be held for the Celebration of Life next year. The link to submit information is: Celebration of Life - National Association of Extension 4-H Agents

More 4-H Stories From the Heart – Our 2nd Edition
For over a century, the 4-H Program has grown from its start as a rural program designed to share research across the nation to become the world's largest youth development program. Much of this is thanks to the individuals who have participated in the program, parents of those members, thousands of volunteers, and the dedication of the hundreds of 4-H professionals who have worked with the program. More 4-H Stories from the Heart was created as a sequel to our original 4-H Stories from the Heart and includes so many more touching stories of individuals impacted by the 4-H program and releases in celebration of our association's 75th Anniversary. Hear the many lessons learned by so many through their participation as members and volunteers. Laugh with us while reading "No Cookies in Your Tent," "This Concludes My Demonstration. Are There Any Questions?", and "Making the Worst OK." Learn about the life experiences through international exchanges in "Pointing Me Forward" and "A Small World." More 4-H Stories from the Heart is a National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals project. Proceeds will be used to support advancing the mission of NAE4-HYDP.  Purchase your copy today!!
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/more-4-h-stories-from-the-heart


Editor: Tom Davis, NY, htdv81@gmail.com 

Fourward Together | Madison, WI
10/11/2022 » 10/13/2022 

From Your NAE4HYDP President – Scott Nash, Idaho

 The National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals is having a busy 2022. We just hired a new Executive Director, Chellie Blondes. She comes to us with 25 years of association management experience. Chellie started two weeks after the conference in Memphis and hit the ground running. In the short time she has been with us she has helped our meetings to be more effective, keeps us on track to with action items and is gaining a grasp of our annual conference and association budgets. Chellie is already an important asset to our team. Hopefully you will get a chance to meet her soon.

We recently participated in the Extension Leadership Conference (JCEP) in Kansas City, MO. It was great to see that our association had the largest contingent (over 70 of the 230 attendees from seven different extension associations! Our Past-President, Suzanne Boarts served as the conference co-chair and did an amazing job. Speakers were great and the workshops all focused on Leadership! The Regional Directors did a wonderful job discussing the new NAE4-HYDP Strategic Plan as well as engage the many state presidents. I really appreciate all the great mentorship that you as Life Members have provided to our current leadership. Because of your example and commitment to the association these leaders know what the association is about and how to engage with members.  I’m excited to report there are now 1026 Life Members. That is one-quarter of our total membership. This gives you as Life Members an important voice in the association and for 4-H across the country! 

Many of you know that NAE4-HYDP finally got invited back to the partner table. I made some comments in the Pulse that were incorrect. I didn’t have some of the history that happened prior to my becoming a member. It appears we, NAE4-HYDP (NAE4-HA) had a seat at the table but due to some decisions made by USDA National Council and NAE4-HYDP we have been absent for a while. I did speak correctly when I said’ “It’s because of those presidents and leaders that served before me, that we are considered a partner”. 

This association has a rich history as we observed at our 75th Anniversary Conference this past November in Memphis, Tennessee. I marveled at the passion the retirees and Life Members still have for 4-H and NAE4-HYDP. I enjoyed the memorabilia that was on display and really appreciate those that took the time to preserve these items and bring them to display at the conference. One of the highlights of my President-elect year was serving on the 75th Anniversary Committee. This group still knows how to have fun and truly cares about the 4-H Profession. Each month there was a piece of history shared and many good laughs as well. I almost thought I could get credit for teaching a Zoom workshop because all our meetings were held on Zoom. The use of technology was challenging at times, but everyone got through the meetings and “learned by doing”. I’m thankful for that opportunity as it greatly blessed my life.

Next week I will be participating at the National 4-H Program Leadership Conference. One of the points I plan to share is: NAE4-HYDP is the “In Community” partner. The association can help elevate the messages from all partners to reach our membership. We have 4,000 members, 385 are New Members and 1026 are Life Members! We are a strong ally. We are in the community. We can help leverage local connections and supporters. I truly believe that our Life Members can play a key role in sharing  4-H nationally. You all have a community that you belong to and have connections to your local supporters. I encourage you all to continue to share your passion for 4-H and the 4-H Professional in your community. It will take your effort as well as the effort of others to make sure our national partners remember what 4-H is about and how important it is to your community. Thanks for all you do and for your support!

From Your Life Member Committee Chairperson – Mike Klumpp, Arkansas
75th Anniversary of NAE4-HYDP                 Pick 4-H: It’s Music to Inspire - Memphis, Tennessee

 It was great to be able to have a face to face national meeting again and The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN provided the ideal location. “Pick 4-H; It’s Music to Inspire” was the conference theme for our 75th Anniversary of NAE4-HYDP. The conference planning team and the great state of Tennessee did a fantastic job of hosting this milestone of our association. Great location, great program, great food and great friends.

A highlight of the conference was recognizing Betty Gottler from Alabama as our 2021 NAE4-HYDP Life Member of the Year. So deserved! Betty has been actively involved in our national association since she attended her first national conference in 1978 held in Atlanta, GA. Betty, a former Alabama 4-H Club Member has provided so much to 4-H in both Alabama and across the country as professional with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. She has served in various roles on our national board in the past and is currently serving on the board as our NAE4-HYDP Archivist. Hats off to Betty for all she has done for the 4-H program.

We had seventeen Life Members participate in our Life Member committee meeting during conference. Each of us had the opportunity to share what was currently going on in our lives back home. Our committee’s plan of work updates were given and we set new goals for 2022. This year we will continue to work directly with states to update our Life Member list which now exceeds 1,000 Life Members, four electronic newsletters will be sent out, committee leadership team will conduct four Zoom meetings to address our goals, new Life Members in attendance at national meeting will be pinned and we will continue to plan the Celebration of Life Ceremony for our national meeting.

Life Members in attendance in Memphis: Kathy Finley-TN, Tom Davis-NY, Gary Emsweller-IN, Dick Reel-IN, Rae Ann O’Neill-IN, Darrel Thomas-IN, Roger Sherer-IN, Betty Gottler-AL, Elaine Cole-AL, Jim Rutledge-OK, Pat McNally-OK, Melody Taylor-TX, Shirley Williamson-GA, Kim Gressley-NC, Deryl Waldron-KS, Bo Ryles-GA, Glenda Booker-TN and Mike Klumpp-AR

Life Member Leadership Team: Mike Klumpp-Chair, Glenda Booker-Past Chair, Melody Vance-S Region Contact, Pam Van Horn-NC Contact, Karen Hatch Gagne-NE Contact, Bryan Chad-W Contact, Tom Davis-Newsletter, Betty Gottler-Archivist and Nancy Shelstad-VP Member Services

Mark your Calendars: 2022 Fourward Together-NAE4-HYDP National Conference in Madison, Wisconsin October 11-13, 2022

From Your Archivist - Betty Gottler, Alabama         The NAE4-HYDP Quilts
A quilt is a warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric and kept in place by lines of stitching, typically applied in a decorative design.  A quilt tells history of families, of communities, and of the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professional.

NAE4-HYDP has five quilts that are magic in squares.  These were developed for the 50th Anniversary and the 75th Anniversary of the association.  There is a story within each square.

In 1996, Oregon pieced the first three quilts.  Each was done with the cooperation of states with Oregon sewing and quilting into the memory.

The State Quilt has a square for each of the fifty states.  Most are the association logos for that state with some also telling pieces of history.  

The first fifty conference logos included a creative design with each state providing the quilt square for that year.  Memories were shared when those attending the 50th Anniversary saw the squares.  Betty Gottler, NAE4-HYDP Archivist, and Jim Rutledge, NAE4-HYDP 75th Anniversary Committee, remember days and seminars presented.

The third quilt made for the 50th Anniversary told the history of the leadership within the conference.  Each president’s photo was duplicated with names and year of service inscribed below.  

The 75th Anniversary of NAE4-HYDP was held in Memphis TN in November 2021.  The celebration included a history exhibit of 4-H with artifacts collected by several members.  Publications, stamps, association buttons, national 4-H posters – and a few 4-H record books captured the attention of members as they viewed the past.  The magic of 4-H sparkled as stories were remember and shared at the history booth.

The 75th Anniversary Committee included members and volunteers from Oklahoma piecing squares for two quilts to complete the years since the 50th Anniversary.

The presidents quilt included photos of the 25 men and women who lead the association through the years with partnerships for conferences and changes of name.  The corner squares again showcased the name and emblem changes over the 75 years.

Conference logos from 1997 to 2021 were captured on squares.  These included the Galaxy Conference sharing partnerships with JCEP associations.  The corner squares showcased the name and emblem changes over the 75th years.

These five quilts tell the stories of NAE4-HYDP.  They can be “checked out” for use by associations in meetings and events.  Associations may request all five or just one or two.  For more information about the quilts, contact Betty Gottler, gottlte@aces.edu.

From Your Conference Committee Co-Chair – Sarah Tarjeson, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, October 11-13, 2022 Fourward Together!

The next National Extension of 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) Conference will be held in the spirited city of Madison, Wisconsin October 11-13, 2022. The beautiful Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright rises directly from the blue expanse of Lake Monona and is the site of this unique opportunity for networking, development, and fun! This is the perfect place for us to continue to move Fourward Together!

Three hotels have been identified as places for you to lay your head. 

• County airport, gorgeous views of Madison as well as complimentary breakfast, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and desserts in the private Governor's Club lounge. This hotel is only 7 blocks away from the conference center.

The crew from Wisconsin is excited to host our friends and colleagues and welcome you to a city full of culture, class, and comradery! And don't forget the beer, cheese, and brats! Our subcommittees are busy preparing an opening event, planning options for walking tours, soliciting gifts to welcome you, and ensuring that our programs and people are highlighted throughout the event. We welcome your support and assistance as we get closer to the fall; stay tuned for a call for volunteers! Additional information will be posted at https://www.nae4hydp.org/event/FourwardTogether as it becomes available. 

Any questions or opportunities can be directed to your conference co-chairs Sarah Tarjeson, sarah.tarjeson@wisc.edu or Shawn Thiede srt28@cornell.edu.

• The Hilton at Monona Terrace is the closest hotel to the convention center, includes a skywalk to the conference site, overlooks Lake Monona and offers a free shuttle from the Dane County airport.

• The Best Western Premiere Park is the only hotel directly on Capitol Square and provides the next closest location to the convention center just four blocks away. 

• Finally,  the classy Madison Concourse is a beautiful hotel located just off the infamous State Street. The Madison Concourse offers a free shuttle from the Dane 
We look forward to hosting our Lifetime Members in Wisconsin this fall!

Life Member of the Year Award Winner, 2021       Betty Gottler, Alabama
Presented at the Memphis Conference

Betty Gottler enjoyed 38 years of service on local, county, regional and state level with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.  For Gottler, 4-H was a family affair with her parents serving as leaders.  The three Gottler children excelled in Alabama 4-H.  In 1976, Gottler received a survey that included a question about NAE4-HA.  Not long after that, she paid her membership dues, helped organize the Alabama association, and became involved at the national level.  Gottler attended the first national meeting in 1978 in Atlanta GA and has attended every national meeting since then.  

Gottler has held numerous offices in NAE4-HA. She served two years as national editor of News and Views; co-chair of the 1989 NAE4-HA conference; a member of the 40th Anniversary Committee; co-chair of the 50th Anniversary committee; and on the Centennial Celebration Committee. She also served on the Editorial Committee for 4-H Stories from the Heart. Currently she is working on 4-H Stories from the Heart, Vol II, and is active with the Life Member Committee. Gottler has received national NAE4-HA awards including the Distinguished Service Award; 25-year Service Award, Natural Resources and Environmental Education Award and the Meritorious Service Award. Betty was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2018 under the sponsorship of NAE4-HA. She became a Life Member at her retirement in 2012. 

Gottler still says yes whenever Extension and 4-H call her to assist at the county or state level. She continues involvement in the Alabama association by attending the meetings, meeting and encouraging members, and serving as historian for the association. Even in retirement, Gottler continues to be active as a volunteer in her local community and across the state of Alabama. “This gave me the chance to say “thank you” to all those people who helped me when I called them,” Gottler added. She volunteers for the Hartselle Fine Arts Center and with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at her church. All those home visits I made with Extension nutrition and financial management programs, help me with this,” she added. 

Gottler currently serves as NAE4HYDP Archivist and on the 75th Anniversary Committee. Join me in congratulating Betty Gottler from Alabama as the recipient of the 2021 Life Member Award.

Update your Profile on our Website

We would very much like you to update your profile on https://www.nae4hydp.org.  This will particularly help us with communication efforts.

Visit https://www.nae4hydp.org/login.aspx and enter your username or email address and password.  From there, you will be taken to your profile where you can updated all your personal and professional information.  If you have any issues with sign on please email membership@nae4hydp.org for assistance.

Celebration of Life

 At conference each year we have a ceremony for our colleagues who have passed in the last year. View presentation that we did in Memphis. We thought you might like to see it.

More 4-H Stories From the Heart – Our 2nd Edition

 For over a century, the 4-H Program has grown from its start as a rural program designed to share research across the nation to become the world's largest youth development program. Much of this is thanks to the individuals who have participated in the program, parents of those members, thousands of volunteers, and the dedication of the hundreds of 4-H professionals who have worked with the program. More 4-H Stories from the Heart was created as a sequel to our original 4-H Stories from the Heart and includes so many more touching stories of individuals impacted by the 4-H program and releases in celebration of our association's 75th Anniversary. Hear the many lessons learned by so many through their participation as members and volunteers. Laugh with us while reading "No Cookies in Your Tent," "This Concludes My Demonstration. Are There Any Questions?", and "Making the Worst OK." Learn about the life experiences through international exchanges in "Pointing Me Forward" and "A Small World." More 4-H Stories from the Heart is a National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals project. Proceeds will be used to support advancing the mission of NAE4-HYDP.  Purchase your copy today!!

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/more-4-h-stories-from-the-heart

• From Your Life Member Committee Chairperson, Mike Klumpp, 2021 NAE4-HYDP Conference, Memphis, Life Member Program Update, 75^th Anniversary
• Next NAE4-HYDP Conference Dates and Locations
• Updating NAE4-HYDP Life Member List
• From Your Historian, Betty Gottler, How Alabama remembers Colleagues
• Interested in Supporting the Life Member Award?

From your Life Member Committee Chair, Mike Klumpp

I hope things are starting to get back to normal for you and your family after all that has taken place across the country this past year. We are finally starting to have some face to face meetings and it is great to see and interact in person with everyone again.

Our 2021 NAE4-HYDP annual conference is just around the corner and will take place November 16 - 18 at the Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee. The theme for our conference as we celebrate our 75^th Anniversary is Pick 4-H: It’s Music to Inspire. The Conference Planning Team and the 75^th Anniversary Celebration committee have been working hard to bring you another outstanding conference experience.

As in recent conferences there are specific opportunities being planned for Life Members to spend time together at a Life Member luncheon, tours and Life Member committee meetings. As we celebrate 75 years we look forward to having many of our Life Members in attendance.

Here are details you may have already seen regarding registration fees and the guidelines we’ll be following to make the event accessible for all.

Registration will open June 1, 2021 for both in-person attendance and the virtual option. We know that many universities currently have travel restrictions in place. We encourage all members who are uncertain about their travel status to register for the virtual event first. If circumstances change and you will be able join us in Memphis, your virtual registration can be upgraded to the in-person rate listed below.

In-Person Attendance

Based on current restrictions at the Peabody, at this time attendance will be limited to 500 attendees. This includes members, volunteers, board members, committee members, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers. Adhering to the venue’s government guidelines and restrictions will be enforced, and social distancing and mask wearing will be enforced.

Virtual Attendance

We are pleased to offer a virtual conference option for members. Is it the best option for you? Consider these factors if you have:

Health concerns related to a member of your family or your responsibility as a caregiver

Work schedule conflicts

Dependent childcare issues

Your organization suspends all non-essential affiliated or sponsored travel.

Registration Fee Schedule

Please visit https://www.nae4hydp.org/event/Pick4-H for more information.         

In-Person Attendance

Early Registration

June 1 - October 31

• $425 for Active, Affiliate, and Student Members
• $325 for Life Members
• $475 for Non-Members

Regular Registration

November 1—November 15

• $475 for Active, Affiliate, and Student Members
• $375 for Life Members
• $525 for Non-Members

Virtual Attendance Early Registration

June 1 - October 31

• $200 for Active, Affiliate, and Student Members
• $200 for Life Members
• $300 for Non-Members

Regular Registration

November 1—November 15

• $250 for Active, Affiliate, and Student Members
• $250 for Life Members
• $350 for Non-Members

Accommodations

The Historic Peabody Memphis was recently named the Best Historic Hotel, The Peabody Memphis elegantly blends the city's rich history with modern amenities for an unforgettable experience. Please visit https://www.nae4hydp.org/Pick4-HAccommodations for more information.

Mike Klumpp

Chair-Life Member Committee, NAE4-HYDP

405-657-7444  Mklumpp.osu@gmail.com

Next NAE4-HYDP Conference Dates and Locations

• 2021 Memphis, Tennessee, Nov. 16-18
• 2022 Madison, Wisconsin, Oct. 10-13

Updating NAE4-HYDP Life Member List

We just recently contacted J.J. Meidl for the most current list of our NAE4-HYDP Life Members broken down by Region. The lists were sent to our Regional Directors. Regional Directors were asked to send the list to each of their state presidents and state membership contacts for the state to review and update. States were asked to add their new Life Members and delete those that are now deceased from our national list. States are to update and return list by August 1, 2021. We have received feedback that some of our Life Members are not receiving any communication in regards to our association. I have reviewed the list and have been unable to find some of our retirees from National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters who are Life Members. I’m in process of contacting some of those individuals to follow up. If you know of any retirees that are Life Members and they are not receiving our newsletters and information about our association please have them contact their state membership chair or they can contact me directly. Thanks for the help!

NAE4-HYDP Seeks Candidates for the Board of Trustees

Have you ever considered sharing your leadership skills with NAE4-HYDP? Have you wanted to learn more about what the Association does or why something happens a particular way? Do you like to meet new people? If you’ve asked yourself these questions or are curious about the leadership of NAE4-HYDP, then it’s time to dig a little deeper and explore the possibilities!

There are opportunities on the State Relations team, as each region is seeking a Regional Director for a two year term. There are Vice President positions available for Member Services, Finance & Operations and Programs for a two year term. A three year term for President-Elect is also available.  (Editors note: Yes, Life Members are eligible to run for offices.)

If you are interested in exploring more, please visit https://www.nae4hydp.org/general/custom.asp?page=nominations website for more details and timelines. You will need a letter of support from your State Director of Extension and your State Association President as a part of your application package so be sure to plan ahead. Application packets should be submitted by July 1, 2021. Self-nominations and nominations by other members are acceptable.  For more information or to learn more about duties and responsibilities regarding these positions, please contact these members of the Organizational Stewardship Committee:

            Mark Light                  light.42@osu.edu

            Megan Tifft                megan.tifft@cornell.edu

            Rebecca Thomas        rbt@uga.edu

            Amy Zemler               azemler@nmsu.edu

            Kathy Riggs                Kathleen.riggs@usu.edu

            Amy Parrott                aparrott@ag.arizona.edu

            Kia Harries                 kharries@umn.edu

From Your Archivist, Betty Gottler…How Alabama Remembers Colleagues

Forever Remembered.  Forever Appreciated.  Forever Honored

We remember all those in NAE4HYDP who leave a legacy for each of us to follow.  That legacy is twined with other JCEP professional organizations.  The Alabama 4-H Center was opened in 1980.  The Alpha Pi Chapter of ESP began a project in 1991 to enhance the experience. 

The ACES Memorial Chapel linked the legacy of staff with a magnificent structure.  The chapel, erected of wood, natural stone, mortar and concrete standing handsomely on a hilltop.  It is a place of reverence and meditation for Alabama youth who come to build their hopes of a bright tomorrow.

Staff members honored on the memorial plaque also have a page in the Book of Memories detailing their ACES (Alabama Cooperative Extension System) career.  These are written by co-workers, family and others who remember and appreciate their work.  Some staff write their own memorial page for the Book of Memories.  (wp.aces.edu/esp/memorials).  The following is an example of one such memorial of one of our own who just passed away.

Joann Smith Wissinger, Alabama, was active in chartering the state NAE4-HA association in 1979.  She died on April 18, 2021.  She enjoyed conferences, but especially the professional friends she made.  Below are her words that may also belong to each of us.

Joann Smith Wissinger attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where receiving her BS Degree in 1977 and her MS Degree in 1984, majoring in Home Economics with emphasis in Foods, Nutrition and Institutional Management.

Joann began her career with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in 1978 in Jefferson County as a county 4-H Agent.  In 2004 she became Regional 4-H Agent.  In 2010 she accepted the position of Jefferson County Extension Coordinator where she worked until her retirement in 2015.  Her 37-year career was spent in Jefferson County always putting 4-H in the spotlight.

During her career, Joann had numerous 4-H members that excelled at the county, district, state and national levels.  Some of her 4-H’ers received national scholarships. She also chaperoned Alabama 4-Hers to Citizenship Washington Focus and National 4-H Congress.  In 2007, Joann was on the team that developed “Just Move Alabama.”  The project received national acclaim as a health and fitness program.

Joann was a charter member and served as state President of ALAE4-HA in 1989 and received the Cecil Mayfield Leadership Award in 1991, Distinguished Service Award in 1991, Meritorious Service Award in 2002 and the 25 Years of Service Award in 2004.

The Alpha Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi awarded Joann the Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and the 25 Years of Tenure Recognition in 2013.  ALAFCS awarded Joann the Professional of the Year Award in 2003 and she served as State President in 2013.  Joann was honored to receive any award, but she was humbled when she received the ACES Superior Service Award in 2001 and the Superior Service Team Award in 2007.  In 2012 she received the Jack Davis Professional Achievement Award from the University of Alabama, College of Human Environmental Science.

Joann loved to cook and try new recipes.  Entertaining at her home was always a pleasure for her.  Her greatest enjoyment was attending the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football games where she was a season ticket holder.  In retirement she was able to have more time for her hobbies, but continued a close connection with 4-H and her professional associations.

We remember Joann Smith Wissinger.  We also remember all of those whose legacy in NAE4HYDP we continue to follow.  Forever Remembered.  Forever Appreciated.  Forever Honored

Interested in Supporting the Life Member Award?

When we present the Life Member Award at the National Conference we also give the winner a check for $500 to help cover their expenses of attending the conference.  Each year we have supported this award with donations from life members.  Interested?  Tax deductible donation checks can be made out to: NAE4HA Activity Fund, attention: Betty Johnson, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD, 20815 and in the memo section put: NAE4HA Life Member Award donation.

NAE4-HYDP Life Member Newsletter     Winter 2021

From Your NAE4-HYDP President, Suzanne Ault Boarts

Greetings from the Board of Trustees to our Life Members!  Living in today’s world is certainly different for all of us.  The association has so much to offer all of us.

As a Life Member, you have the choice to participate at a level of your choosing.  It is my hope that throughout our 75^th Anniversary Year, there will be lots of opportunities for you to participate in.  The Conference Committee along with the 75^th Anniversary Committee are working diligently to include life members in their offerings.  Please know they are only as strong as our membership.  If you as a life member have ideas on topics or workshops that would be of interest to you, please share them with us.  Your continued involvement means a lot to us.  We want to strengthen our relationship with you.

We hope you want to continue to be a vital part of our association.  Please feel free to share your thoughts for workshops, monthly topics, conference ideas with me at sab25@psu.edu or our life member chair, Mike Klumpp at mikeklumpp.osu@gmail.com. It is always nice to hear from our life members…You make a difference! 

Next NAE4-HYDP Conference Dates and Locations

-          2021 Memphis, Tennessee, Nov. 16-18 (75^th Anniversary of NAE4-HYDP)

-        2022 Madison, Wisconsin, Oct. 10-13

-          2023 Pennsylvania TBA

From Your Life Member Committee Chairperson, Mike Klumpp

I hope 2021 is off to a great start for everyone. We are looking forward to getting back to a more normal way of life here in Oklahoma.  Here is update on what is be going on with our NAE4-HYDP Life Member Committee in 2021.

Goals for 2021

Communicate with current State Leadership as they continue their review and update of Life Members in their states. Maintain communication with our 900 plus Life Members on a regular basis by providing four (4) issues of a Life Members newsletter. First issue will be mailed in in February 2021. The other three (3) will be sent via email. In addition, we plan to conduct four (4) Zoom Meetings with Life Members. The NAE4-HYDP Management Team has agreed to help us set this up. We will send out a bi-monthly email “Blast” if there is information to communicate. We will be developing an outline for the Life Member Pinning Ceremony along with the Celebration of Life Ceremony and Recognition at the National Meeting in Memphis.

Life Member Leadership Team Contact Information

Chair  Mike Klumpp-Arkansas mklumpp.osu@gmail.com 405-657-7444

Past Chair Glenda Booker-Tennessee gkbooker2@gmail.com 615-347-9756                       

Regional Contact S Melody Vance Taylor-Texas mollyhann2@gmail.com 804-370-5948

Regional Contact NC Pam Van Horn-Kansas pvanhorn@ksu.edu 785-826-8917           

Regional Contact NE Carol Schurman-Pennsylvania cjs4@psu.edu 724-541-3662

Regional Contact W Sharlene Woffinden-Idaho sharlene@uidaho.edu 208-251-0484

*Please contact any of us if you have any questions about how you can become involved as a Life member of our Association.

2021 NAE4-HYDP National Meeting-Memphis, TN November 16-18, 2021

Be sure to mark your calendars for Pick 4-H: It is Music to Inspire! - NAE4-HYDP National Meeting and 75^th Anniversary celebration in Memphis, TN November 16-18, 2021. As you know Pat McNally and I are continuing to work with the 75^th Anniversary Celebration Committee and the annual conference committee as we prepare for this celebration and conference in Memphis. Keep an eye out for more information on how you can get involved as a Life Member and participate in our celebration. (See below article.)  The deadline for conference proposals is February 19, 2021 at 11:59pm Central Time. Go to our NAE4-HYDP website for more specific information. 

Be careful and stay safe out there.

2021 NAE4-HYDP Overall Conference Update, Co-Chairs Shawn Tiede & Donna Bradley “It’s Music to Inspire!”  November 16-18, Memphis, Tennessee

Plans are underway for the NAE4-HYDP 75^th Annual conference to be held in Memphis, Tennessee, November 16-18 at The Peabody Hotel.  This will be the first ever hybrid conference with options for attendance either in person or virtually.  What does a hybrid conference look like?  We are not completely sure yet, but we are excited about what this new conference format will bring to the members of the Association.  More to come as details are worked out.  Be on the lookout for the hotel room block to open soon and conference registration to be available. Check out our website…particularly for invitations from Dolly Parton and Elvis (hint: one is real!). https://www.NAE4-HYDP.org/page/Pick4-H.

Conference Life Member Program Update, Glenda Booker

I am serving as the Chairman of the Committee working on events, etc. for Life Members attending/participating in the 2021 Conference in Memphis. In preparation for my report for our next State Committee meeting, I would like to hear from you about what you would like to see, learn about, experience while in Memphis.

Would you reply to gbooker2@utk.edu or gkbooker2@gmil.com with the following:

•             Are you planning to attend? (Virtual or in person?)
  
•             Will you be arriving early and/or staying afterwards (and wish ideas on surroundings)?
  
•             What would you like for us to include as an “Outing” during the conference? If so, are you okay with missing a portion of the conference (business meeting, etc.)?
  
•             Would you like to have a 4-Her(s) attend a portion of our meeting to share their experiences?

If possible, we will combine the Hospitality Room for Family/Friends with Life Members.  We have not had very much participation at one specifically for Life Members in the past. (This had been the plan for Idaho if I am not mistaken.)   Feel free to make comments and/or suggestions.

The Business portion of our Committee Meetings will be planned by Chairman Mike Klumpp.

Check on friends and neighbors and take care of yourself.

Thank You to Mike for accepting the Chairmanship of our National Committee and to Tom Davis for continuing as our Newsletter Editor.

4-H Professionals Continue to “Make the Best Better” During Pandemic

Alyssa W. Walden, Vice President for Programs for the NAE4-HYDP

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world, 4-H professionals have continued to “Make the Best Better” and found new ways to engage 4-H audiences. Educators have dived into the world of virtual learning, utilizing a variety of programs to continue offering 4-H programing while youth are at home.  When 4-H camps were cancelled, groups came together to deliver virtual camps.  Take-home kits have been created in a variety of subject areas to allow youth to continue learning at home with instructor leadership via Zoom.  Some 4-H professionals have been able to conduct limited in-person programming, taking on new tasks of cleaning, contact tracing, social distancing, and enforcing mask wearing. 

As Vice President for Programs for the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, I have had the honor of working with fourteen working groups who have also been striving to support 4-H professionals as they navigate the pandemic.  Our working groups have put together webinars, grab and go lessons, guest speaker presentations and more to allow 4-H professionals a chance to connect, share, learn, and grow.  All the association’s working groups held monthly or bi-monthly meetings to engage group participants and develop or discuss best practices in their respective program area. Several groups, including the After School and Geospatial, updated curriculum resources.  Many working groups hosted webinars to provide professional development to NAE4-HYDP membership, including a three-part series from the Ag Literacy group, bi-monthly webinars from the Civic Engagement group, and a “Put Yourself in My Shoes” presentation from the Diversity and Inclusion Group. All groups worked towards COVID – 19 response and support for membership which included the Camping and Environmental Education group holding discussions about what camps may look like across the country and how virtual camping programs may be implemented, and the Communication and Expressive Arts group worked to help provide resources for teachers who are teaching from home with students in their own home.

While COVID-19 has changed the way we work, it has not changed the work of 4-H professionals and the ability to impact youth across the nation.

NATIONAL 4-H HALL OF FAME         Call for Nominations – Class of 2021

The National 4-H Hall of Fame is a partnership between the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP), in cooperation with National 4-H Council and 4-H National Headquarters (now the Division of Families and Youth/NIFA,USDA) but is managed by the NAE4-HYDP National 4-H Hall of Fame Committee.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2002 in celebration of the 100^th Anniversary of 4-H, to recognize 4-H volunteers, Extension professionals, staff employees, donors and others who made a significant impact on the 4-H program and/or 4-H members through the contribution of time, energy, financial resources, etc. at the local, state, or national level. Each Land-grant institution may annually submit one nomination. The three national partners may submit up to three nominations per year.

Approximately 15 laureates are inducted annually. Please visit the National 4-H Hall of Fame website at: http://www.4-h-hof.com/ to view photos, biographies, and other interesting information about laureates. If you can suggest a person, who has made a significant impact on 4-H program and has exhibited outstanding citizenship, leadership, career accomplishments, and character and you feel should be considered as a NAE4-HA nomination, please contact Pam Van Horn at pvanhorn@ksu.edu.

This year’s ceremony will be scheduled for October of 2021 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The nomination form and information on the nomination process can be found on the NAE4-HYDP website at the following link: https://www.nae4hydp.org/HallofFame  Nominations for the Class of 2021 are due by February 28, 2021.

For more information or questions about the National 4-H Hall of Fame, please contact Jeannette Rea Keywood, National 4-H Hall of Fame Committee Chair at 609-827-0199 or reakeywood@njaes.rutgers.edu

From Our NAE4-HYDP Archivist, Betty Gottler, Alabama

Some History of NAE4-HYDP Awards and Recognition

NAE4-HA Conferences provide educational seminars and poster sessions, world-class speakers, and opportunities to explore the area and learn about Extension programming.  NAE4-HA Conferences also provide opportunities to recognize the work done by Extension staff at the local and state level.  Let us look back….

Service Awards recognize members for significant accomplishments in various stages of a career and for contributions to the 4-H Youth Development program.

            The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) was first presented in 1948 to three gentlemen, Harry Case, NY; George E. Erickson, MA; and J. B. Turpin, NJ.  Sixty-eight professionals were recognized in 2020, each having more than seven years of service in the profession.

            The Achievement in Service Award (ASA) was established in 2000, recognizing 31 professionals.  This award is based on three years of service but less than seven years.  In 2020, 77 professionals were recognized.

            The Meritorious Service Award (MSA) recognizes Extension professionals with more than fifteen years of service and having previously received the DSA.  In 2002, thirty-two professionals were the first to be recognized with this award.  Thirty-four professional were recognized in 2020.

            The Twenty-five Year Award recognizes those who are active in the association and have completed 25-years with Extension.  In 1951, four individuals were the first to receive this award…H.H. Tozier, NJ; John D. Walker, NY; Harry Case, NY; and E. B. Fuller, NY.  In 2020, thirty-six individuals were saluted for more than 25 years of Extension youth work.

Communication Awards recognize members for significant accomplishments in presenting 4-H to the public, civic groups, 4-H groups, or individuals through public information methods.  These awards were first presented in the 1980s.  Currently 13 award classes recognize feature stories, personal columns, promotional pieces and radio and video programs.

Specialty Awards recognize members for significant accomplishments in 4-H programming through a variety of strategies.  The association committees and working groups began this recognition in the 1990s.  Technology, volunteerism, youth disciplines, urban programming, leadership, and scholarship make up 27 classes currently recognized.  The Life Member Award is in the Specialty Awards.  It recognizes outstanding effort and accomplishments of life members in NAE4-HYDP in serving the association during their career up to and including their involvement, dedication, and exceptional service to their community during their retirement years.  The Life Member Committee shares the responsibility for the award.

First Time Attendee Scholarship provides an opportunity for 16 members (4 per region) to receive a scholarship valued at the annual conference early bird registration to assist with expenses to attend the conference.  Applicant may not have attended a previous conference as an association member.

Awards and recognition continue to evolve.  The Awards Committee under the Vice-President for

Member Services oversees the recognition process.  This year there will be two new awards presented.  Applications are found on the NAE4-HYDP web site.  Let us encourage active members to participate in the awards.  As Life Members, we need to consider nominating someone for the Life Member Award.

2020 NAE4-HYDP Life Member Award Winner

Mike Klumpp, Associate Professor Emeritus University of Arkansas

During his 34-year career with both the Oklahoma and Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Mike Klumpp provided leadership to many 4-H youth development programs at the county and state level.  Although Mike very seldom seeks the spotlight, it is clear that he has exhibited a servant’s heart.

Mike went to work in 1976 as an Oklahoma State University 4-H Extension Agent in Kingfisher County. Four years later he moved to Payne County in a similar position. During his eight- and one-half years as a 4-H Extension Agent he worked with youth and adult volunteers in agriculture, environmental and outdoor education programming.  After finishing a master’s degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education at OSU Mike joined the 4-H faculty with the University of Arkansas in 1985 as the first educational program director for the C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Conference Center and served in that role for five- and one-half years. In September 1990 he moved back to Oklahoma where he spent 2 years as a state 4-H youth specialist and in January of 1993 he returned to the Arkansas 4-H Center where he finished his career in 4-H Youth Development continuing to be engaged in outdoor education, outdoor leadership, and youth camping in addition to managing the Arkansas 4-H volunteer leadership program. Mike retired from the University of Arkansas on December 31, 2010 and moved back to Oklahoma where he stays involved as a volunteer with 4-H and other organizations in his community and across the state.

During his career and in retirement Mike has been actively involved in NAE4-HA. He attended his first NAE4-HA national meeting in Atlanta, Georgia in 1978 and has attended every NAE4-HA national meeting for the past forty-two years. During his tenure he has served NAE4-HA in several positions on a state and national level. He has been involved in the life member activities since 2011 and is now serving as Life Member Committee Chair and NAE4-HYDP Board Member. Mike was recently asked to Chair the 75th Anniversary Celebration for NAE4-HYDP during our national meeting in Memphis, TN in 2021. Mike asked if he could have a Co-Chair and Pat McNally also from Oklahoma will serve with him.

Mike and his family moved back to Oklahoma in 2010 after his retirement and settled in Edmond, OK just north of Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County. Mike and his wife Cynthia both became 4-H Volunteer Leaders for the Edmond 4-H Light Horse Club in Oklahoma County as their daughter Elizabeth who was in the 6^th grade joined club. In 2011 Cynthia took a position as the OSU Extension 4-H Educator for Oklahoma County and two years later became the OSU FCS/4-H Educator and County Extension Director in Logan County. Mike coached the Edmond 4-H Light Horse Club’s 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl team for six years and still helps 4-H members prepare talks and demonstrations. From 2011-2017 he volunteered during the county’s Fall and Spring 4-H Horse shows. Mike has conducted 4-H Volunteer Leader and Camp Counselor trainings for his county and other counties across the state.  In addition, he has attended county Summer 4-H camps and presented workshops on environmental education, leadership/team building and safety for campers. In 2011 he worked with the Oklahoma state 4-H staff and provided leadership to bring back the Oklahoma 4-H High Adventure Backpacking program and trip to the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico. For seven years Mike attended Oklahoma State 4-H Roundup conducting workshops, serving as a public speaking contest judge, and also organizing/facilitating the state 4-H ATV Safety competitive event. Mike became a member of the Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association in 2011 and conducted numerous workshops at both district and state conferences. From 2012-2015 Mike was a three-year Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association State Board Member representing counties from the SW District of Oklahoma. Mike still keeps up with and works with other parents that are now actively involved with their children in the Edmond 4-H Light Horse Club. Each year he volunteers as a judge for the State FFA Agri science Fair held on the OSU campus.

Having spent twenty-four years on the faculty at the University of Arkansas in 4-H Youth Development Mike believes in giving back and he still stays in touch with former Arkansas coworkers and friends who continue to provide educational programs and opportunities for youth across Arkansas. Since retirement he has participated in Arkansas State 4-H O’Rama and has worked on projects at the Arkansas 4-H Conference Center. He attends Arkansas District and State Extension Retiree functions. In November of 2019 Mike was nominated to serve on the University of Arkansas 4-H Foundation as a board member and will begin his term in 2020.

In 2012 Mike was asked if he would be a candidate for election to the Oklahoma County Free Fair Board.  In January 2013 he was elected to the Board and has served as Vice President for the past seven years.  Every year Mike works as a volunteer with the Beef shows during both the Oklahoma County Free Fair in August and the Junior Livestock Show in February. In addition, he participates in local community fund raising events that support both FFA and 4-H Club members throughout the county.

When Mike’s daughter was in grade school in Arkansas, he put together a Christmas grade school program called “Riding for the Brand”. It was about cowboy and cowgirl life on ranches in the 1890’s. The presentation focuses on teamwork, loyalty, and family. An Edmond grade schoolteacher learned about this and each December Mike volunteers and dresses up as an 1890’s Christmas Cowboy along with his saddle and gear and conducts one-hour programs in Edmond grade schools for students. He finishes his presentations with three different Cowboy Christmas Poems. This past December he conducted five programs for over 1,300 students.

Starting in 2011 Mike volunteered with an All-Terrain Vehicle program with the The Children’s Center Hospital in OKC.  Over a five-year period that coalition secured over $700,000 in program funding through grants and donations. Since 2011 thousands of youth and families have participated in ATV safety educational programs. Mike now works part time for this program. In 2019 Mike presented 163 one and a half to two-hour ATV safety programs for 11,222 students and teachers in forty school districts across Oklahoma. In 2019 ATV Ride Safe Oklahoma involved over 21,390 youth and adults in twelve statewide expos and special event programs. He also continues to work on a national level with hospitals, public schools, and universities in ATV safety education. In 2019 Mike volunteered his time to help the Tulsa Boy Scout Council develop a new ATV safety education program for the Boy Scouts.

Mike is an active member and volunteer of Safe Kids Oklahoma and Safe Kids of Oklahoma County. The goal of this organization is keeping kids safe. This coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries. He participates in monthly meetings and volunteers his time teaching safety workshops and sharing Safe Kids Oklahoma information at special events.

In 1999 Mike and Cynthia became active volunteers in the youth ministry at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, AR. They now attend Faith Bible Church in Edmond, OK. Their daughter Elizabeth is currently finishing her third year in Engineering at Oklahoma State University. Among his many accomplishments, he has received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education along with both the Distinguished Service and the Meritorious Service Awards from his state and national professional associations of NAE4-HA and Epsilon Sigma Phi. Mike has received the 2009 Service, Education and Advocacy Award in Innovative Research from Arkansas Children’s Hospital for his work and involvement in ATV Safety Education and the 2012 Friend of Trauma Award from OU Medicine Trauma One for work and involvement in ATV Safety Education in Oklahoma.

Interested in Supporting the Life Member Award?

When we present the Life Member Award at our national meeting, we also give the winner a check for $500 to help cover their expenses for attending the conference.  Each year we have supported this award with donations from life members.  Interested?  Tax deductible donation checks can be made out to: NAE4-HYDP Activity Fund, attention: Betty Johnson, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD, 20815 and in the memo section put: NAE4-HA Life Member Award donation.

Update your Profile on our Website!

We would very much like you to update your profile on NAE4-HYDP.org This will particularly help us with communication efforts.  Visit NAE4-HYDP.org/login.aspx and enter your username or email address and password.  From there, you will be taken to your profile where you can update all your personal and professional information.  If you have any issues with sign on to your profile, please email membership@NAE4-HYDP.org for assistance.

Celebration of Life 2020

Each year during the national conference association members who have died over the past year are remembered for their service to families and youth throughout the United States.  The following colleagues who passed were recognized during the virtual conference via Idaho in 2020:

Jim Kahler                  Maryland

Melvin Krill                 Ohio

Mike Livingston         Colorado

Bryan Metzger           Indiana

Ruth Milton                Florida

Rebecca Osbourne  West Virginia

Chad Reid                  Utah & Wyoming

Marilyn Spiegel         New Jersey

Bill Viar                       Indiana, American Income Life

Rex Warner               Indiana

Andy Levey               New York

Barb Mandigo           New York

Life Member Newsletter Editor, Tom Davis, NY, htd2@cornell.edu

2020 NAE4-HA Conference Virtual

Only! Oct. 19-22

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

In This Issue...

• From Your NAE4-HYDP President, Kia Harries
• From Your Life Member Committee Chairperson, Glenda Booker
• 2020 NAE4-HA Conference, Idaho, Life Member Program Update, Mary Jean Craig & Linda Webb
• Next NAE4-HYDP Conference Dates and Locations 
• From our Archivist, Betty Gottler
• What are Life Members Up to? Mike Klumpp
• Examples of What 4-H is doing during the COVID 19 outbreak

From NAE4-HYDP President, Kia Harries

The only constant in life is change. If you are anything like me, you find that change brings about feelings of discomfort. I know it brings growth and opportunity, but I don't really like to be uncomfortable. There are lots of quotes about change and wisdom and how you grow from it. I am finding that I like those quotes and I am even liking change (just not big changes or really fast changes!) I usually move at a pretty fast pace and I don't always take time to smell the roses. COVID has allowed me time to sit in the yard in the evening and listen to the sounds of nature and visit with my neighbors as they walk by. That change has been appreciated.

Other changes take time to accept or adjust to. The change of the association name from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) to the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) has been a good change - but it has taken me a while to get used to saying it. The decision to make the 2020 NAE4-HYDP Conference virtual instead of in-person in Boise, Idaho has been a difficult change to accept as the professional development experience and seeing colleagues from across the country is something I look forward to and enjoy each fall. It is really about putting the changes into context. The NAE4-HYDP Board is made up of "change agents." They see possibilities and put them into action and make a difference. 

When I look at changes individually, I can see the opportunity and possibility. If I look at change as a great big problem or issue, I can get overwhelmed pretty quickly. I know we've each seen and experienced plenty of changes and figured out how to best move forward in the midst of change. I'm working hard to look at change in a new way. It's always going to be there so I am learning to approach it as an opportunity and to look for the possibilities that exist. I hope you are dealing with the changes today in ways that allow you to find the pieces you can adjust to and make the most of the situation. 

From Your Life Member Committee Chairperson, Glenda Booker, Tennessee

I hope each of you and the members of your family are well. These are unusual days, with many concerns and questions. Even though I can remember SARs (also Eboli and the Swine Flu), I do not remember a time quite like this. What I do remember though, is worrying about how I was going to get my third sugar cube. You know, the one containing the Sabin polio vaccine. I would be leaving for my freshman year of college soon, and my last dose of the vaccine would be available that fall. What will my great nephew and niece remember about 2020 (and possibly 2021)?

I am confident that you have heard about the change in this year’s National Conference. Included in this newsletter are articles from President Kia Harries and the Idaho Committee’s Life Member Events Co-Chairs Mary Jean Craig and Linda Webb. Please read each carefully. We are due to have a National Board Conference Call in the near future. If you have questions (or wish to express concerns). 

  I will be glad to express them during that call. 

Members of our committee’s Leadership Team have provided articles about their activities during this time of many changes and cancellations. I am still trying to get repairs on my house completed, and move back home! Nough said!!!

Celebration of Life (also from Glenda)

In the near future I will begin contacting State Leadership to compile our list for this year’s Celebration of Life. If you are aware of a Life Member in your state that has died since the end of the 2019 conference, please send that information to me.  

Many of the State Presidents do not know all of their state’s Life Members; nor have an idea of family members who could provide information.  This is another reason why we need a contact in each state.

2020 NAE4-HA Conference Update – Virtual Only – Boise, Idaho, Mary Jean Craig and Linda Webb, Co-chairs Life Member program

As you have heard by now, the 2020 NAE4-HA Conference will be virtual only. While we are disappointed that you will not be able to experience Idaho in person, we are working hard to provide a quality virtual program. We are still working on the schedule, but many of the events will still be offered. Registration fee for Life members is $99. Registration will reopen on August 1. Seminars, business meetings, speakers, etc. will be recorded and will be available to be viewed for several months after the conference. We had planned a tour for Life Members to Historic Idaho City. Instead, we plan to provide a link to a program produced by Idaho Public Television’s Outdoor Idaho, “Gold Rush Days and Ghost Towns,” which will allow you to learn about Idaho’s rich history of gold and silver mining, including a segment on Idaho City. We encourage you to participate in the Business Meeting and Life Member Seminar and Committee Meeting on Tuesday. We plan to still have a presentation from AARP about services AARP offers, followed by a committee meeting. We had planned an Idaho Baked Potato Bar for lunch that day, so bake yourself a potato, pile on the toppings and eat lunch as you participate in the seminar. You may even win a door prize! Please let us know if you are interested in participating in the seminar ( mjcraig@uidaho.edu ,  gkbooker2@gmail.com ).

A preliminary schedule follows:

Tuesday, October 20th

Business Meeting –  (including Life Member Award & Celebration of Life) 

Keynote Speaker  – Kristin Armstrong 

Life Member Seminar ( presentation from Idaho AARP about what AARP has to offer retirees, such as travel help and classes )

Life Member Committee Meeting

Seminars and Poster Sessions

Wednesday, October 21st

Regional Meetings/Gatherings

Business Meeting

Virtual Life Member Tour - G old Rush Days and Ghost Towns

Seminars and Poster Sessions 

Awards Celebration

Thursday, October 22nd

Business Meeting

Capnote Speaker –  Lazarus Lynch  

Seminars and Poster Sessions

We hope you will join us virtually for the 2020 NAE4-HA Virtual Conference, “A Vision for the Future.”

Next NAE4-HYDP Conference Dates and Locations

- 2021 Memphis, Tennessee, Nov. 16-18 (75th Anniversary of NAE4-HYDP)

- 2022 Madison, Wisconsin, Oct. 10-13

From Our NAE4HYDP Archivist, Betty Gottler, Alabama

Our Beginnings as a 4-H Professional Organization

This year will be one that we remember impacting the 4-H program and professionals. We have learned new ways to teach, reach the youth audience and keep the 4-H program visible. As the premier youth professional organization, we have seen many changes. Can you remember……

Our Beginning

December 3, 1945, Union League Club of Chicago

“It was moved by Mr. Olson and seconded by Mrs. Thayer that we proceed with the formation of a national organization of 4-H club agents. Carried.” (2:10 p.m.)

Name Changes

1946 – National Association of 4-H Club Agents

1956 – National Association of County 4-H Club Agents

1966 – National Association of Extension 4-H Agents

2019 – National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals

Name Changes of “The Official Publication”

1948 – National County Club Agent

1960 – N.A.C.C.A. News

1961 – The 4-H Youth Worker

1968 – N.A.E.A. News and Views

1981 – NAE4-HA NEWS & VIEWS

2010 – The Pulse (digital copy to email address)

Dues in 1946  were $2.00 per member. State membership was encouraged. State dues ranged from $1.00 to $3.00.

Membership Growth

Initially enrolled…100 – 125

1967… over 500

1971… over 1000

1973… over 1500

2019… 4374

Anniversary Conferences

1946 – First held In Chicago IL at National 4-H Congress

1956 – 10th Anniversary held in Chicago, IL

1971 – 25th Anniversary held in Atlantic City NJ

1986 – 40th Anniversary held in Hershey PA

1996 – 50th Anniversary held in Grand Rapids MI

2006 – 60th Anniversary held in Milwaukee WI

Are you interested in more fun facts about our association? Stay-tuned for the next issue of Life Member News. Looking forward to a great conference next year as celebrate 75 years in Memphis, TN. Hope to see you there.

What are our Life Members doing with Themselves? Mike Klumpp, Oklahoma

Hope everyone is staying safe out there. Things are certainly different with the Klumpp household since March. We are all staying busy though. My wife Cynthia retired from her Oklahoma State University Extension position as Logan County Director-FCS and 4-H the first of March. She has been busy working with her flower gardens, our vegetable garden and also sewing. She has made lots of masks. I’m still working part time for The Children’s Center Hospital coordinating our ATV Ride Safe Oklahoma youth and adult ATV safety program. Had 32 school based educational programs that were canceled in April and May, but we hope to reschedule those this coming school year. Spent June conducting several hands-on ATV Safety Institute ATV Rider Course programs for the Tulsa Boy Scout Council at their High Adventure Z Base facility outside of Tulsa, OK. We had a blast. At the farm we planted 125 acres of corn in April, worked cattle in May and finished up our wheat harvest on June 11th. We averaged 56 bushels per acre. Best in several years. My 89 year old Dad is still farming full time. Our daughter Elizabeth is now a senior at Oklahoma State University and will finish her engineering degree in May 2021. She has an Engineering internship with a firm in our home town of Edmond this summer and lives with us during the week. They sure grow up fast.  Pat McNally and I are chairing the NAE4-HYDP 75th Anniversary Celebration Committee for our 2021 national meeting in Memphis.  We were planning to kick off and market this celebration in Boise this fall. We are in the process of rethinking our plans at this time. We hope everyone is safe/well and look forward to seeing everyone again in Memphis. I’m headed to Arkansas tomorrow for our July University of Arkansas 4-H Foundation Board meeting at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock. Be careful and stay safe out there.

4-H in a World of COVID 19 - chapter 1 – Glenda Booker, Tennessee 

I was so excited thinking that I would be able to attend/assist with 4-H events/activities again (after having to miss so many as a result of my fall, etc.). Spring Workshop for our Performing Arts Troupe went well, and we were preparing for State 4-H Congress.  Then ………

What has 4-H been like in your County/Parrish? If you are aware of the changes, postponements, cancellations and/or virtual events; please send me a paragraph or two so that I can share with other members in our next newsletter.  Hope to see many emails about this by end of August!  Thanks in advance for this information.  gkbooker2@gmail.com

 I have asked our newly appointed Director and State Program Leader, Justin Crowe, to share a little of what is happening in Tennessee.

From Justin Crowe, Innovation at its finest in Tennessee!      

I believe that our 4-H agents have always been innovative. Over the last 110 years, the 4-H program has undergone many changes. Our activities and events have evolved. We have grown and changed with the times to ensure that we meet the needs of our clientele. Most recently, with 4-H agents and program assistants working remotely, these staff members, along with our regional and state staff members, have been pushed outside of their box and be creative in their program delivery. Summer programming has been a real success, with videos being produced and virtual contests and activities happening on a regular basis.

Our 4-H agents have developed online contests, such as the 4-H “chopped” challenge where 4-H members are creating meals at home, sidewalk art contests, and virtual wildlife judging competition, just to name a few. Other 4-H agents are offering virtual 4-H camp, where 4-H members still get to sing camp songs, make s’mores, and, of course, participate in the beloved 4-H dance. Tennessee 4-H agents are meeting young people where they are – at home.

   In a few short days, many schools will re-open. Tennessee 4-H agents are concerned. They miss their 4-H members and the interaction they normally have with them. We have a statewide team that is working on this. We know that classroom teachers are stressed about keeping themselves and their students safe and are not sure what the 4-H program will look like in their classroom. Our 4-H staff is, once again, pushing themselves to be innovative in how they propose we best serve our 4-H members this fall. We will get there and perhaps come out of this better than ever.  

4-H in a World of COVID 19 - chapter 2 – Joe Yedlik, Utah

Great Jones County Fair uses live streaming of their livestock shows

The 168th Annual Great Jones County Fair in Monticello, Iowa, wasn’t cancelled. It was modified. The Fair eliminated the concerts, the carnival, the food court, the commercial vendors and all other segments except the 4-H and FFA livestock and static exhibits. Those youth events were only open to the 4-H/FFA youth and their immediate family members. The Fair was closed to the public. Therefore, the Fair generated a live streaming of the livestock shows on the Jones County, Iowa 4-H Facebook page. Also, in an effort to protect the health and well being of those associated with the shows, the Fair was extended from five days to a total of nine days. This allowed each individual species to have its own show-and-go timeslot.

4-H in a World of COVID 19 - chapter 3 – Some Examples of Innovation in NY, Tom Davis, NY

Just like in many of your states all our “standard” county fairs and our State Fair were cancelled in NY so youth development innovation certainly has to come to the forefront.

4-H Camp Beechwood Keeps Kids Connected

Counselors and staff at 4-H Camp Beechwood, run by the Wayne County 4-H Youth Development program, worked together to provide a safe camp experience for all by offering  4-H Camp Beechwood: Operation Camp from Home . With a continued emphasis on environmental education and social/emotional wellbeing, 30 campers experienced an alternative camp experience the week of July 6, that  incorporated camp favorites like opening and closing circles, cabin time with a counselor, guest presenters, and recreation activities, along with a daily video introduction to different aspects of Beechwood State Park .

Orange County Project Evaluation and Exhibition

Orange County actually had 4-Hers bring static projects for evaluation before a judge for regular ribbons plus a special participation ribbon to recognize this challenging time. They followed all state protocols for masks, handwashing and social distancing. 

  Youth were scheduled to limit the number of people on the fairgrounds at one time. A special viewing period was also set up for 4-H families, again on a scheduled basis.   

4-H Camp Shankitunk packages "Camp in a Box"

4-H Camp Shankitunk is  reimagining summer 2020 through the Camp in a Box Program . There are five themed boxes to chose from including Crafts, Nature, Science/STEM, Classic, and Cloverbud (ages 5-8) with 10+ hours of programming for a single youth to enjoy.

Cayuga County Virtual Fair

In place of an in-person youth fair, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County is offering 4-H participants the opportunity to showcase their projects virtually. 4-H members will submit videos or photos of the projects they were planning on taking to the fair. The competitions will be judged based on the same standards as the County Fair. A special slideshow will be released with all the projects and animals entered in the Virtual Fair. Starting in July, we will be showcasing our amazing youth on the Cayuga County CCE Facebook page in our Faces of the Fair profiles. 

Genesee County Online Market Animal Auction

 The 2020 Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held online. The sale will feature high quality meat animal projects raised by local Genesee County 4-H youth. This year’s sale features approximately 40 meat chicken pairs, 14 goats, 14 lambs, 1 dairy steer, 14 beef steers and 37 hogs. Meat chickens will be sold as a pair of processed chickens while all other animals will be sold live, by the pound.

Retirement's Highways and Byways 

Editors Note :  We know some of you have had some terrific travel experiences out there….camping, amusement parks, cross country journeys and national parks! How about you share with us your secrets, tips and suggestions! Articles don’t have to be long! Please send them to Tom Davis,  htd2@cornell.edu .

Interested in Supporting the Life Member Award?

When we present the Life Member Award at the National Conference we also give the winner a check for $500 to help cover their expenses of attending the conference. Each year we have supported this award with donations from life members. Interested? Tax deductible donation checks can be made out to: NAE4HA Activity Fund, attention: Betty Johnson, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD, 20815 and in the memo section put: NAE4HA Life Member Award donation.

Update your Profile on our Website

We would very much like you to update your profile on  https://www.nae4hydp.org/. This will particularly help us with communication efforts. Visit https://www.nae4hydp.org/login.aspx and enter your username/email address and password. From there, you will be taken to your profile where you can updated all your personal and professional information. If you have have forgotten your password and would like a reset you can do so here https://www.nae4hydp.org/login.aspx for any other issues  email  nae4ha@nae4ha.com  for assistance.

It was great to see so many life members at our 2019 NAE4-HA Conference at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. I hope you were able to connect with others and left excited about the direction our association is headed. Here are some highlights:

· In 2018 the board adopted a new conference format that still involves a state host but puts a larger workload on our management company and the board of trustees. The conference is also being shortened to three days, all beginning with our 2021 conference in Memphis, TN. Since the conference will be Tuesday-Thursday, our association is partnering with Program Leaders Working Group, National 4-H Council, and NIFA to conduct a pre-conference on Monday that will be devoted to one national priority identified by program leaders. Our vision is this day will begin with a keynote speaker followed by breakout sessions led by PLWG charter working groups and association working groups, all focusing on that single national priority. 

· Not only will we see a new conference format in 2021, but we will also celebrate the association’s 75th anniversary. A committee will be working to roll out this anniversary celebration at the conclusion of our 2020 conference with information and ways to engage members all year long with a major celebration at the 2021 conference. Please let me know if you would like to be part of this committee’s work. tcarrell@purdue.edu 

· The board of trustees work has been guided by our current strategic plan. As this plan begins to close, the board will embark on a process to create our next strategic plan to help guide future boards. I am not sure what this process will entail, but am confident members will be asked to provide input so be watching for that.

· The board hired Capitol Hill Management Services four years ago to provide executive and day-to-day management services. This agreement has been renewed for five years as CHMS provides executive, day-to-day, financial, and conference management expertise. The board and CHMS value each other’s partnership as we work to Make the Best Better.

· This year’s conference concluded with the board officially changing the association’s name to National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals. The new name that includes youth development aligns with our own strategic plan and better aligns with many university titles as well as the association’s national partners. Although change can sometimes be difficult to accept, let us all embrace the new name and move the 4-H youth development movement forward across the nation. As the cliché says, the name says it all. Be proud to be a 4-H youth development professional and stand proud as a member of your professional association, National Association of Extension 

4-H Youth Development Professionals!

Thank you to all Life Members who have assisted and/or supported our efforts during these first few years as a committee. Being in a leadership role with this group is a great experience and one which has afforded me opportunities to meet new people and renew old acquaintances and friendships. A special Thanks to the two ladies who served prior to me for their leadership and for sharing notes and reminders.

Two great big “thanks” go to Tom Davis for agreeing to produce our newsletter, and to Mike Klump for agreeing to serve as our 2020-2022 Committee Chairman.

One of our goals as a committee continues to be updating our membership list and member information. (Please go to our website to update/review your profile so as to help us have up to date information. See more information below.) Although I sent the most recent list of Life Members available from our management team to each state, I still have not heard from everyone. It has been difficult getting a current state leadership list due to the different times that these changes in each state. Help me out if you can---would any person who retired in 2019 let me know the name of your state’s President as of January 1, 2020. If I get more than one response from a state that’s okay; really, it’s better than no response.

Thirty-five Life Members and guests attended one or more of the Life Member events at our 2019 National Conference. We heard from Tony Carroll, Jim Thompson and Kia Harries (Tony has commented above) to update us on the business of our association. Jim shared the responsibilities of our management team at Capitol Hill Management Services. I am very appreciative of the work done by this team and really owe them a big “Thank You” for their assistance this past year as I served in this capacity.

“I don’t remember that”, “was this room really that small”, and “they didn’t tell us that last time” were just a few of the things I heard as we proceeded on the Bunker Tour. It was fun to see how much I remembered from the last I took this tour as part of the NAE4-HA National Conference. Were you at that conference?

We are attempting to identify a contact in each state; either as a member of their state’s Board or as a volunteer. If you are the Life Member Committee Chair for your state, please let me know (gbooker2@utk.edu or gkbooker2@gmail.com), or email the name and contact information for the State Committee Chair. We are not having a lot of success finding out which states have such a position. If your state does not have a Life Member Chairman, and you would be willing to assist us as we attempt to work on communication with our members, please let me know. I will share that with the leadership of our committee.

Four additional concerns that we have, and are trying to work on are having a current list of retirees in each state who pay National Life Member dues, maintaining an up to date list of deceased members to be included in our Celebration of Life, publicizing the requirements/time frame for the Life Member Award, and financial support for our Life Member Award. Additional information may be found elsewhere in the newsletter.

The University of Idaho has a great program planned for the NAE4-HA Conference in Boise. The Life Member registration fee of $375 is all-inclusive. Life Member specific events are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, but there will be things of interest all four days. 

The tour planned for Wednesday will be to the historic Ghost/Mining Town of Idaho City: Idaho City was founded in December 1862 as the town of “Bannock” during the Boise Basin gold rush, the largest gold bonanza since the California gold rush a dozen years earlier. This one-hour drive takes you along Lucky Peak dam. Hear about the historic New York Canal and irrigation projects that turned the desert green. The drive up the winding mountain highway brings you to Historical Idaho City. At its peak during the mid-1860s, there were more than 200 businesses in town, including three dozen saloons and two dozen law offices. We will start our tour at the Boise Basin Museum, then a visit to the Pon Yam Chinese Museum, and ending our tour with a walk through the Pioneer Cemetery. Tour includes a box lunch. Tour cost still to be determined.

 Monday, October 19th 

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Retirees & Friends Orientation 

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Life Member Leadership Meeting 

4:30 pm – 7:30 pm Opening Event – Basque Block Festival

 Tuesday, October 20th

8:30 am – 10:00 am Business Meeting – Session #1 (including. Life Member Pinning, Award & Celebration of Life) 

10:45 am – 11:30 am Keynote Speaker – Kristin Armstrong 

12:45 pm – 2:30 pm Life Member Seminar (including box lunch) 

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Life Member Committee Meetings 

6:00 pm - States Night Out

 Wednesday, October 21st

7:15 am – 9:15 am Regional Breakfasts 

9:45 am – 3:30 pm Life Member Tour & lunch

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm Hors d’oeuvres & Science Showcase at JUMP

Thursday, October 22nd

10:45 am – 11:30 am Capnote Speaker – Lazarus Lynch 

6:30 pm – 8:45 pm Awards Banquet

We are looking forward to hosting you in beautiful Boise, Idaho in October!

Mary Jean Craig and Linda Webb, Life Member co-chairs, NAE4-HA 2020

Next NAE4-HYDP Conference Dates and Locations

- 2020 Boise, Idaho, Oct. 19-22

- 2021 Memphis, Tennessee, Nov. 16-18

- 2022 Madison, Wisconsin, Oct. 10-13

To receive the special life member pin of the association life members need to attend a pinning ceremony at our national conference held each year. If you haven’t yet been pinned and are going to Boise this year let us know so we can get you on the list! In 2019 the following were pinned: 

Barbara Board, Virginia

Beverly Connelly-Brown, South Carolina

Lee Hecimovich, Alaska

Cherry Hovatter, Georgia

Laura Marek, Connecticut

Reita Marks, West Virginia

Nancy Valentine, DC and West Virginia

Cheryl Varnadoe, Georgia 

Jean Woloshuk, West Virginia

Shirley Williamson, Georgia

Editors Note: We know some of you have had some terrific travel experiences out there….camping, amusement parks, cross country journeys and national parks! How about you share with us your secrets, tips and suggestions! Articles don’t have to be long! Please send them to Tom Davis, htd2@cornell.edu.

The 2019 winner of the NAE4HA Life Member Award is Dr. Julie Adamcin from Arizona. She began her career in 1970 as Pima County’s first 4-H EFNEP Agent. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program was new to Arizona and Julie was ready for the challenge. Julie joined NAE4-HA and in 1973 attended her first National Conference. Following attendance of the Conference in Louisville, Julie and some fellow members of NAE4-HA began the process of organizing the Arizona Association of Extension 4-H Agents.

Julie served in almost all elected positions in AAE4-HA, as well as State and Regional contact with Programs. She was a co-chair for fundraising for the 1991 Annual Meeting held in Phoenix. As a Life Member, Julie assisted with fundraising when the 2010 Conference was again held in Phoenix. Since retiring, Julie worked on compiling and maintaining a current list of retirees. She has assisted in preparing nominations for Hall of Fame, Salute to Excellence, and Life Member Awards.

As a member of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation since 2015, Julie has worked to increase and diversify board members. Julie took a hiatus from 4-H work for a few years and worked with others at her church to begin a program to provide food to several hundred men and women who were living on the street of Tucson during the coldest time of the year.

Would you join me in recognizing Dr. Julie Adamcin.

Editor’s Note: The 2020 Life Member Award application and criteria are available on the NAE4-HA website and is due March 1, 2020.

When we present the Life Member Award at the National Conference we also give the winner a check for $500 to help cover their expenses of attending the conference. Each year we have supported this award with donations from life members. Interested? Tax-deductible donation checks can be made out to NAE4HA Activity Fund, attention: Betty Johnson, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD, 20815 and in the memo section put: NAE4HA Life Member Award donation.

We would very much like you to update your profile on nae4ha.com. This will particularly help us with communication efforts. Visit https://nae4ha.com/login.aspx and enter your username or email address and password. From there, you will be taken to your profile where you can update all your personal and professional information. If you have any issues with sign-on please email nae4ha@nae4ha.com for assistance.

What are you doing in retirement? One of the goals of the Life Member Committee is to allow for connecting with friends made over the years. Let us know (within 4-5 lines) what you have been up to in your retirement. I am sure that you would all love to hear from those you might not have heard from for years. Please send these to Tom Davis, htd2@cornell.edu.  

Does your state have interesting activities for life members, social gatherings and/or some type of communication? In NY where I’m from one of our life members volunteers to write a newsletter for retirees that is put together by our state 4-H office. We also have a once a year picnic for retirees again organized by one of our life members. Send me what is happening in your state so we can share the information. Please send to Tom Davis, htd2@cornell.edu. 

During the national conference association members who have died over the past year, are remembered for their service to families and youth throughout the United States. The following persons were recognized in 2019 in West Virginia:

Rita Charlton, Vermont Sue Cummings, Colorado

Laurence A. Cushman, Jr., Connecticut and Michigan Yvonne “Vonnie” Young, Pennsylvania                                 

Bobby Deal, Georgia Lloyd Downen, Tennessee

David Eigenbrode, Maryland Richard Freeman, North Carolina

Nadine Henry, Colorado Irene Kuykendall, West Virginia

Pat Lewis, Oklahoma Peter Martens, New Jersey

Donald Osburn, Illinois and Maryland Sheri Siebold, Illinois

Mary Phelon, Massachusetts Robert Smiley, Massachusetts

Elva Parker, New Jersey Kristen Poppell, Florida

Nancy Searle, Massachusetts Mike Smith, Tennessee

George Silver, New Jersey Andy Spraque, New York      

Bruce Smith, Idaho Charles Thomas, Idaho

Woody Stout, West Virginia Jerald Rose, Kentucky

James Teagarden, Missouri  

Download the PDF Life member newsletter winter

From NAE4HA President, Tony Carrell, Indiana

The NAE4-HA board of trustees is thrilled to see the excitement among life members at the annual conference.  It is great to know your desire to stay engaged with the association too.  Life members have worked tirelessly to improve communities by developing strong leadership skills in youth and adults involved in the 4-H youth development program.  At the same time, life members have helped make NAE4-HA the professional development association it is today by mentoring young professionals. 

Just as life members have been an asset at the national level, I hope the same is true within your state.  If you feel there has been a disconnect within your state association with life members I encourage you to reach out to the state president to discuss ways life members can be engaged and helpful to working professionals.  If you are not sure who to contact, I will be glad to help connect you to the president.

I wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season!  Those traveling this winter, have fun and stay safe!!

From Your Life Member Newsletter Editor, Tom Davis, New York

As always it was great seeing many of my fellow life members at the national meeting in Columbus.  I

also find that even after being retired for 7 years seeing the enthusiasm in current staff for the 4-H

profession is contagious, exciting and leaves me feeling assured about the future. So many new initiatives mixed with traditional focuses!  I remember sitting with a younger group of educators at

lunch (okay, so most of the current staff are younger…..I get it!) and listening to their stories of successes and challenges.  It brought a smile to my face…..many of my best ideas “growing up” in my

4-H career were ones I had learned from colleagues at conferences.  Some things don’t change.  My connections to the Association played a tremendous role in my career and I’m pleased that I can stay in touch with so many and count many retired and current colleagues as genuine friends.    In retirement

I have found it important to set goals for the next stage of my life.   Besides personal goals, one of my priorities has been to continue to be of service to the 4-H cause.  As I read what other Life Members are doing I see that I am not alone in that goal.  Having 4-Hers come up to me and smile and say “wow”

when we launch their rockets, having 4-H parents say thank you for helping with our new fairgrounds fundraiser and having staff appreciate my efforts at whatever level …..I admit it ….it sure feels good! 

You know…maybe it means even more to me now that I’m retired ….time has certainly allowed me to reflect more on the meaning and value of 4-H work.   Soooooooo I encourage you to do two things:

help where you can in 4-H and share with us your efforts.  You can send me what you’re up to at htd2@cornell.edu. 

 2019 NAE4HA Conference Update – West Virginia

The Greenbrier is a family-friendly, world-class resort and is a National Historic Landmark.  Known as “America’s Resort”, the Greenbrier has hosted 27 U.S. Presidents, royals, celebrities, and business leaders from all over the world.  The Greenbrier is in White Sulphur Springs, WV and direct flights are available from Dulles and O’Hare to the Greenbrier Valley Airport, which is 20 minutes away (there will be a shuttle services available). The Roanoke Airport, which is 90 minutes away and Yeager Airport in Charleston, which is two hours away are other options and shuttle services will be available as well. As for housing options, they include single rooms, double rooms, suites, and even cottage rentals or estate homes if are traveling with a few colleagues or your family. Individuals will want to travel to the conference over the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd.  Seminar-on-Wheels start on the morning of Sunday, November 3rd and the conference will be in full swing on Monday morning, November 4th with seminar sessions #1 at 9 am. The conference ends on Thursday evening following the awards banquet, but there will be some additional seminar on wheels on Friday, November 8th that you can partake in before heading home. Room rates apply 3 days pre and post conference based on availability, so we invite you to arrive early and/or stay late to enjoy the Greenbrier and surrounding area. Mountains of Opportunities await you in West Virginia in 2019!

Next NAE4HA Conference Dates and Locations

• 2019 Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV, Nov. 3-7
• 2020 Boise, Idaho, Oct. 18-22
• 2021 Memphis, Tennessee

From your NAE4HA Archivist, Betty Gottler, Alabama - A Look Back at NAE4-HA History

JUST WHEN AND WHERE DID 4-H BEGIN?    Do any of these names look familiar?  Liberty Hyde Bailey, Cornell University NY; Albert B. Graham, Springfield Township, OH; O. J. Kern, IL Agricultural Experiment Station; Jasper L. McBrien, NE; J. F. Haines, IN, Cap C. Miller, IA; G. C. Adams, GA; Seaman A. Knapp, USDA.     At some point, all the above men, and many other men and women gave leadership to the beginning practices of youth involved in agriculture and home science.  4-H: An American Idea 1900-1980 by Thomas Wessel and Marilyn Wessel combines a rich history of agricultural, 4-H, the roots and expansion of helping rural America profit.

But just where did 4-H begin?  The following excerpt is found on the Ohio 4-H website.  https://ohio4h.org: 4-H began in Clark County, Ohio. On January 15, 1902, Mr. Albert Belmont Graham, the superintendent of the Springfield Township Schools at that time, organized a meeting with some thirty boys and girls in the county courthouse basement. The intent behind the meeting was to learn more about harvesting corn, planting a garden, testing soil samples, tying knots in rope and identifying natural wildlife such as weeds and insects. Eventually, the group came to be called the "Boy's and Girl's Agricultural Club" with their research continuing well into 1903. Prizes were given to recognize the efforts of all the members in executing projects based upon the previously mentioned areas.

Given the success of Graham's "out-of-school education program," the Ohio State University created a plan to aid in the club's research through the use of the Agricultural Experiment Station and the College of Agriculture. In time, the Ohio State University's influence helped to establish additional youth agricultural clubs throughout Ohio. By 1905, there was over 2,000 youth within sixteen counties partaking in similar programs to that of the "original" Agricultural Club. Proving extremely successful in his practices, Graham accepted the position as Superintendent of Extension for Ohio. Once in office, Graham set the following concepts, which form the basis for the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service:

• To elevate the standard of living in Ohio
• To emphasize the importance of hard work and habits of industry which are essential to building a strong character.
• To acquaint boys and girls with their environment and to interest them in making their own investigations;
• To give the boys who shall become interested in farm work an elementary knowledge of agriculture and farm practices and to give girls the essential facts of domestic economy;
• To educate adults in the elementary science of agriculture and in the most-up-to-date farm practices;
• To cultivate a taste for the beautiful in nature;
• To inspire young men and women to further their education in the science of agriculture or domestic science.

Becoming an 'ambassador' for agriculture through Extension, Graham sought "to raise the standard of rural life. He stressed the dignity of hard work and sound character, and he taught that agriculture could be improved by applying the ideas of science." In 1916, fourteen years after the first courthouse meeting, the Ohio 4-H organization officially began with the establishment of the Department of Boy's and Girl's Club Work.

With the roots for 4-H deeply rooted within Ohio, the 4-H program has since spread to all fifty U.S. States and internationally to more than eighty countries around the world. However, Ohio is proud of its early 4-H heritage and of the fact that the Ohio programs are one of the largest in existence today. 4-H is no longer only for members of the farming community but extends into the suburbs and inner cities all over America. Membership is open to all youth between the ages of five and nineteen. Members are welcome, regardless of cultural, economic and social backgrounds. Therefore, even with the many changes in society today, Graham's basic aim for 4-H remains the same: "The development of youth as individuals and as responsible, productive members of the community in which they live."

Where do you believe that 4-H began?  Looking forward to hearing more stories about the beginnings of 4-H in your state.  Please send notes to Betty Gottler gottlte@aces.edu or to Tom Davis htd2@earthlink.net   We will keep you updated!!

 Retirement's Highways and Byways – Melody Taylor, Texas

I was asked to write about my travels. What you first must understand is that growing up as a rancher’s daughter……we rarely traveled. Our family travels took us to visit family and 2 trips to Georgia to visit an Army buddy of my Daddy’s from World War II.

Now with that being said, when I began my career as a 4-H Extension Agent I had opportunities to travel with the 4-Hers. I was in heaven and fell in love with traveling. Why we traveled all over the Great State of Texas! So, that brings me to the part about going to my first NAE4HA meeting in Mobile Alabama.  What fun we had, complete with a Mardi Gras party and first time ever to try raw oysters. I tried three times and three different ways ….Mountain Oysters yes….raw Oysters…NO.  I have not attended every NAE4HA conference since Mobile but all the meetings I have attended were the best! Great friendships, forging the state

4-H connections, new inspiring ideas, new sights to see and most importantly gaining knowledge of seeing things through a “different lens”. What? A “different lens”?  Meaning that traveling to different places in the state, in the United States and across the waters East and West, has been the greatest gift of all. Seeing how others eat, solve “day to day” problems and take care of their natural resources in different ways, helped me be more open and tolerant of others.

My 4-H experiences have taught me many things and with those things enabled me to have many opportunities to travel. I continue to look for opportunities to travel. See places I have never seen and travel back to places that I love. Plan a road trip, boat trip or plane trip…just take a trip or two this year.  I know that it can be concerning after watching the news or reading on the internet about the bad things that are happening. We’ve got great wonders to be seen in our world. Go forth and take a chance. You will not regret it! What is that saying? “ What if I Fall? Oh, my Darling, What if You Fly?”

I may be retired but I will not become stagnate! How about you? Let's travel! What do you say?!

Editor's Note We know some of you have had some terrific travel experiences out there….camping, amusement parks, cross-country journeys, and national parks!   How about you share with us your secrets, tips, and suggestions!  Articles don’t have to be long!  Please send them to Tom Davis, htd2@cornell.edu.

 2018 NAE4-HA Life Member Award Winner - James C. Kemp

James C. Kemp went to his first NAE4-HA National Conference in 1951 when his county 4-H agent took him there.  This was when Jim was a delegate to the National 4-H Club Congress.  NAE4-HA was held at the same time and place as National 4-H Club Congress.  In 1956, as a Colorado 4-H Agent, Jim started attending Conferences every year.  He attended over 40 National Conference.

He served on various National Committees.  He presented seminars.  He was a guest speaker at a South Regional luncheon.  Jim served as Vice-President, President-Elect, and National President.  Jim served on a committee to rewrite the NAE4-HA By-laws to be more inclusive which helped with the desegregation of the 350-member organization.  In 1988, he helped host the Minneapolis NAE4-HA conference, served as a greeter, host for seminars, help host the Past President’s breakfast.  He received a plaque for continuous support of the Association at the 40th Anniversary of NAE4-HA.

Jim was active in the Minnesota Association of Extension Agents.  He served as President and as a contact for NAEA in talks of unionizing the Minnesota Agent staff.  He chaired the Minnesota Extension Faculty Consultative Committee.  Jim served three years on the ECOP Committee for Agent Associations.  He becomes the first county staff to chair the group.  Jim received a one-year National 4-H Fellowship for study at the USDA in Washington DC.

Since retiring, Jim has attended eight National Conferences.  He helped host the second NAE4-HA Conference in Minneapolis, where he was a greeter, host for seminars and meals and helped with planning the Past-President’s breakfast.  Jim was instrumental in setting up scholarships for First Time Attendees at the National Conference.  He made a presentation to the National Board and approached the Life Members to gain support for the Fund.

Since his retirement, Jim has judged 4-H projects in leadership, gardening and community service at county fairs and the Minnesota State Fair.  He volunteers to host the Minnesota 4-H Foundation booth at the State Fair.  The Minnesota 4-H Foundation conducted a statewide fundraiser with Jim volunteering in the Foundation office to process the paperwork.

Jim coordinated the Minnesota 4-H Ambassador program for five years.  The James Kemp 4-H Ambassador Endowment Fund gives grants to teens for community service projects.  Family and friends started the Fund to honor Jim.

In 2009, James C. Kemp was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.  James C. Kemp received the NAE4-HA Life Member Award in Columbus, OH on October 8, 2018.  Thank you for your lifetime commitment to NAE4-HA and the 4-H Family.

Interested in Supporting the Life Member Award?

When we present the Life Member Award at the National Conference we also give the winner a check for $500 to help cover their expenses of attending the conference.  Each year we have supported this award with donations from life members.  Interested?  Tax-deductible donation checks can be made out to NAE4HA Activity Fund, attention: Betty Johnson, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD, 20815 and in the memo section put: NAE4HA Life Member Award donation.

 What Are Our Life Members Up To?

What are you doing in retirement?  One of the goals of the Life Member Committee is to allow for connecting with friends made over the years.  Let us know (within 4-5 lines) what you have been up to in your retirement.  I am sure that you would all love to hear from those you might not have heard from for years.  Please send these to Tom Davis, htd2@cornell.edu.  Here’s who I’ve heard from lately!

 Annette Devitt, New Jersey - I retired January 1 of this year. My retirement plan was to start a weaving and art studio. I found a space to rent in May and by August I had a grand opening for Home Coming Art Studio. I call it a working and teaching studio. I have been doing my weaving and watercolor painting there. I have people come in and teach some classes and I taught 12 people to weave. You can check out details about the studio at my website - www.homecomingartstudio.com. I also managed to take trips to Vermont to paint, Massachusetts for a niece's wedding, and a couple trips to visit family in Ohio.

 Jeff Holland, Indiana – Jeff has been giving piano lessons to “youth” age 6-92 at a music store in Bloomington, Indiana.  He has anywhere between one to 10 students. He teaches ONLY one day a week and teaches beginners through intermediates piano. Besides his committees that he serves on, he has done the most work in the criminal justice area, working on juvenile diversion and community corrections projects.

 Travis Burke, North Carolina - My time has been spent predominantly as a community college board of trustee member, part-time work at NC State University in admissions and scholarships, judging some livestock shows, doing a few speaking engagements (after dinner and leadership events) serving as an instructor for a week-long leadership college summer training and in my spare time farming on the family farm. Some hiking, camping, and travel along the way on occasion.

 Joe Yedlik, Iowa – I retired from my position as County Extension Director in 2015, but have remained active on the state board for the Iowa Section of NAE4-HA. I am still actively involved with the local county fair as well as serving as superintendent for the 4-H Horticulture Department at the Iowa State Fair. I am on the board of directors for the Association of Iowa Fairs and have completed Certification in Volunteer Fair Management through the International Association of Fairs and Expositions and currently serve as an adjunct educator for their Consumer Protection Program. I still enjoy traveling with our motorhome which includes tailgating at the Iowa State University football games.

 Royce James, Georgia – I retired in 2009 after 30 years as a County Agent in Bibb County, Georgia.  I  serve on the GAE4-HA Board as Life Member Chair and as a County 4-H volunteer.  A few of my most enjoyable pass-times involves playing golf and basketball, a workout at the Health Club, motorcycle and horseback riding, dancing and taking short excursions.  I’m a member of the men’s ministry and male choir at church, occasionally substitute teaches and volunteer in the county school system, and, a devoted and active member in my fraternity’s civic and service programs.  A more personal endeavor has been weekly classes to learn “Detroit Style Urban Ballroom Dancing” with the Middle Georgia Ballroom Dance Connection.

 Betty Gottler, Alabama - First of all, it amazes me that I retired on June 1, 2012.  I returned to the Alabama county where I spent most of my 4-H Extension career.  I found lots of things to do.  On most Monday’s, I volunteer to host the reception desk at THE BURLESON CENTER in downtown Hartselle.  It was the first school property and changed many times in educating young men and women.  Now it is a fine arts center that has shows of local artists.  It is also a rental for weddings and receptions, family reunions and birthdays.  On Wednesday and Thursday, I am at Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church in Decatur working with families who have called the St. Vincent de Paul hotline for help.  The emergency food pantry opens on Thursday morning to families needing meals and help. And my heart will always be with 4-H. 

 Mary Jean Craig, Idaho - Despite some health issues this year I was able to continue to be actively involved as a 4-H leader leading Cloverbuds, Sewing and Quilting.  I also am a member of the local quilt guild, teach Sunday School and enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, who are all in 4-H, two of them in projects I lead.

 Jon Irby, National Program Leader (from Margaret) - Please know that Jon Irby passed away August 4, 2017.  As you May know - Jon was a national program leader for 4-H. 4-H was very important to both Jon and me -and Jon is missed!

David Sorrell, Oklahoma -  I retired from OSU in August of 2017 then accepted an assistant high school principal job.  That was not as much fun as being a 4-H Educator so I retired from that in August of 2018. My wife and I are my parent’s caregivers. My wife Regina is Marshall County 4-H food science leader and I continue to coach 4-H and FFA livestock judging teams.  We are enjoying the grandkids.

Julie Adamcin, Arizona -  I retired in 2007 and spent a lot of my time volunteering at my church developing a feeding program for the homeless. A few years ago at a lunch with the acting state leader, I was asked to serve on the 4-H Foundation Board. We discovered that without a director for 10 years, our foundation was on autopilot with a board of 4. I have recruited 3 other Extension retirees to help lead a rebuilding campaign and we are now moving forward and supporting our new state leader with our insight and contacts.

Dave Hillmann, New York - I have been retired for about 14 years. After I retired from Cooperative Extension I went to work part-time for our local Agway. I did a lot of different things there including using my 4-H background to answer poultry, embryology and plant questions. It was a blast. I now have an oversized garden and sell some vegetables at a small roadside stand. That's my main interest now. I really enjoy it. I am happiest when I am home. Mary and I have 8 grandchildren. 3 in Minnesota and 4 here in Altamont. Unfortunately, we lost our oldest grandson to a car accident a year ago.  We have lots of contact with our local grandkids and enjoy every minute of it. Life us good.

James Kemp, Minnesota  -  I would like to thank you all for the honor of the National 4-H LIFE MEMBER AWARD given to me at the NAE4-HA national conference held in Columbus, Ohio this year. I was very humbled by it.

 NAE4-HA Memorials, Celebration of Life

During the National Conference, NAE4-HA Members who have died over the past year, are remembered for their service to families and youth through the United States.  The following persons were recognized in 2018 in Columbus, OH.

Thomas Atkins, New York

Rose Mary Bergman, New Jersey

Miles Brashier, Louisiana

Dr. Harold Brown, Maine

Alfred Carlson, New Jersey

Clarence Bunn, North Carolina

Josephine Clark, Utah

William Clayton, North Carolina

Harold Darden, Georgia

Marian Fisher, Georgia

Jane (Taylor) George, West Virginia

Arlene Gray, Connecticut

M.C. Howell, North Carolina

Leslie Huber, Wisconsin

Marlo Rex Meakins, Colorado

Gary St. Anfre, Nebraska

Bill Tedrick, Michigan and Ohio