Washington County 4-H Youth Development

The following volunteers were honored for their hard work and dedication to the Washington County 4-H Youth Development Program at the 2011 Recognition Night.

4-H Hall of Fame - Norris Diefenderfer

This award recognizes a volunteer who has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to 4-H on both the local and state levels. This individual has enabled a significant number of people to benefit from a positive 4-H experience. The 20114-H Hall of Fame Award recipient, Norris Diefenderfer, has been dedicated to the success of Washington County 4-H for over 30 years. Norris has been a 4-H volunteer and Washington County Rifle Club Leader for 15 years. Prior to him becoming a volunteer, he worked as the 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator in Washington County. While an Educator and volunteer he has been supported by his wife Barbara and his two sons. Both of his sons were 4-H members and his wife Barbara is a long time supporter of the Washington County 4-H program. Norris was a past member of the Ag Expo & Fair Board of Directors and has served on the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board for 15 years. He has also been active with the projects in the Chewsville 4-H Club along with the county and state Granges. Norris has been influential in many of the Shooting Sport members receiving scholarships from colleges and universities. Norris has been an asset to the Washington County 4-H Youth Development program and we would like to thank him and his wife Barbara for all they do for youth and adults.

4-H Family of the Year - The Long's

The 4-H Family of the Year award acknowledges a family that embodies the 4-H spirit the 4-H Youth Development Program. The Long Family is a multi-generational 4-H family and 7th generation dairy farming family. Galen and Cindy grew up in 4-H and raised their children, Gayle, Lance, and Brooks, in 4-H. Cindy gives credit to all the demonstrations she had to give, all the public speaking contests, and all the baking she did for making her 2 businesses such a success. The Long's are currently involved in just about every aspect of Washington County 4-H. The Long's daughter Gayle Krull and her husband, Andy currently have their children Dylan and Hannah enrolled in the Chewsville 4-H Club. Brooks and his wife Katie have also begun to get their children, Kaleb and Brielle, involved in the Chewsville Clover Club.

The Long Family is defiantly busy during the Washington County Ag Expo & Fair. Lance is a member of the Ag Expo Board of directors and is active with the St. James Brethren Church who is the indoor food vendor for the week of the fair. Cindy, Gayle and Andy are always hard at work during Home Arts entry night in the baked goods section as superintendents and judges. And believe me Cindy knows her sweets. Cindy, Gayle, and Andy are also an essential part of the cake auction and market sale running the computer program that captures buyers, sellers, and monies taken in. We are now high tech because of them. Galen and Brooks are superintendents of the Dairy Steers assisting with tag-ins, serving as members of the market sale committee, and running the 4-H Dairy Steer show. Brooks' wife, Katie and Lance's wife, Kristin can often be found in the Ag Ventures tent during the fair. Katie serves as the chair of the Washington County Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and on the Maryland Young Farmers Advisory Board to the Governor and coordinates the agricultural education activities during the fair.

Agriculture roots run deep in this family. Family members have seen all aspects of the program from participants, to parents, and volunteers. They are true advocates for the youth serving on the Ag Expo Board, the Market Sale Committee, Ag Education Center Board, Farm Bureau, Young Farmers, Ag Marketing Advisory Board, and so much more.

Honorary 4-H Member - Karen Griffin

Honorary 4-H member nominees were not 4-H members as a child but have become actively involved in 4-H as adults. They have given outstanding leadership to 4-H with exemplary results and have made a difference in the lives of youth and families. This year's honorary 4-H member is no stranger to the Washington County 4-H program. Karen Griffin has been a 4-H parent since 1986, when her daughter Jenny joined the Lamb Club, her son David joined 3 years later. Karen has been a member of the Market Sale Committee for over 22 years and is currently serving as the Treasurer. She is very active during the week of Ag Expo & Fair and believes strongly in the 4-H program. "4-H clubs and projects become a family affair, what better a place than 4-H to be involved with your kids."

Friend of 4-H - Leslie Hart

The Friend of 4-H award is presented to those who have provided outstanding leadership, citizenship and service. Nominees have an extended record of service and may be recognized for leadership and service to project areas, a specific activity, program, or resource development. The 2011 recipient was Washington County Agriculture Marketing Specialist, Leslie Hart. As an advocate for agriculture, Leslie supports local farmers, educates the public, and serves the community in a variety of ways. Leslie served as a member of the Washington County Ag Expo & Fair for three years attracting new entertainment, activities for the public to enjoy, and many things for the youth participants to enjoy during the week.

Leslie whole heartily supports the youth in 4-H and FFA programs throughout the county. Bits N Bridles 4-H club leader, Donna Schmidt, attests that Leslie has been instrumental in helping expand their 4-H tack sale event. Leslie has been able to increase the number of venders and include educational talks from a local vet and farrier regarding equine health and wellness.

Leslie has also been a valuable asset to the Washington County4-H Youth development program as a whole. She is a member of the 4-H Advisory Committee and the Extension Advisory Council. 4-H Advisory Committee member play a huge role in planning, preparing, and implanting the annual 4-H recognition program. She also assisted with Adventures in Agriculture Day Camp by arranging field trip and providing t-shirts.

In addition, Leslie also helped with 4-H National Youth Science Day. The day began with a tour of the Albert M. Powell fish hatchery, where students had the opportunity to see how Rainbow Trout are raised in a controlled environment. The group then proceeded to Devil's Backbone Park, to collect water samples and conduct a stream study at the Antietam Creek, which flows through the park. Students then headed to the Washington County Agricultural Education Center where they finished the day conducting this year's experiment 4-H2O to see why water quality is so important.

Thank you to ALL of our 4-H volunteers, you help make Washington County 4-H Youth Development a huge success.

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For more information, contact Shannon Uzelac

Last updated: 10/19/2011