Volunteers honored by 4-H

Augusta — Volunteers with 4-H were honored at a dinner Oct. 15 at the Fairgrounds, which noted the contributions of the program's adult volunteers and recognized the special efforts of a few. The following awards were given: John C. Chanas — Friend of 4-H Award The Sussex County Friend of 4-H Award is presented in recognition of distinguished service and outstanding leadership abilities. Chanas has served as a leader with the Chaps and Breeches 4-H horse club. He has shared his financial expertise serving as treasurer for a number of 4-H projects. Diane Gill — Alumni Award The Sussex County 4-H Alumni Award recognizes individuals who were active members of 4-H as youth and continue to contribute or are currently serving in a leadership role. Gill has been a 4-H volunteer in Sussex County for 17 years. She coordinated a youth arts and crafts club for several years and is currently volunteering as an adviser with the Sussex County 4-H Teen Council. Edmund Chammings — Youth Development Award The Sussex County 4-H Youth Development Award is presented to an individual for outstanding and continuous service to the 4-H program. Chammings has made his family's horse ring available to 4-H equine club members for decades. He has supported 4-H in any number of ways over the years but is best known for the finely constructed bird houses he donates to 4-H fundraisers. Tractor Supply Company — Business Award Winner The Tractor Supply Company (TSC) store in Sussex has participated in the 4-H Paper Clover Fundraiser. The program allowed TSC shoppers to support 4-H through the purchase of paper clovers for $1 at checkout. This nationwide, in-store fundraiser benefited state as well as 4 H programming in Sussex County. In 2011 the Sussex TSC sold more paper clovers than any TSC store in New Jersey. The national 4-H promotional campaign invites youth to join its Revolution of Responsibility and features 4-H members from across the country. Dave Foord, 4-H Program Associate for the Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension of Sussex County, says that 4H volunteers foster responsibility in youth. Volunteers join 4-H for many reasons. Often their primary reason is to help guide and mentor future citizens and leaders. The volunteers themselves benefit as they develop new leadership skills, meet new friends and have new adventures.