MIDDLETOWN- Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the Orange County 4-H Youth Development Program during the alumni reunion at the Education Center & 4-H Park in Otisville during The Country Fair on Saturday, July 29, 2023. More than 160 alumni joined the festivities, enjoyed lunch with old friends, and reminisced about the past 100 years. Alumni went back in time to the old memorial building that was once utilized by 4-H youth and volunteers at the old county fair. With the help from 4-H volunteers, Chris Reineke, Chris Van Aken, and Chris DeHaan, the memorial building rendition came to life, displaying 100 years of Orange County 4-H’s history through 4-H projects, ribbons, clothing, news clippings, archived photos, and assorted 4-H memorabilia. Kelly Young, NYS Department of Ag & Markets Director of Agriculture Development and 4-H alumna, was overwhelmed with nostalgia as she turned the corner and saw the club banner from her youth.
The celebration included many trips down memory lane, from the 4-H pledge recited by several current 4-H members to an “Alumni Champion” challenge, that encouraged all alumni to showcase their 4-H knowledge. Edith Bush, an alumni member from Hamptonburgh Highlights took home the title. Frances Hulle, a member of 4-H from the 1940s claimed the title of the longest 4-H alumni member status.
Tom Davis, lifetime 4-Her, 4-H Educator, and volunteer was honored for his induction into the 4-H National Hall of Fame. Tom is recognized for his many years of dedication and devotion to the 4-H Program and the youth of Orange County.
Board president and 4-H alumna, Shelly DeHaan summed up the event stating, “The overwhelming response to this alumni celebration and rendition of the memorial building is a true sentiment regarding the Orange County 4-H Program. The 4-H program has given youth the opportunity to grow into well rounded global citizens that want to lead successfully and enrich their communities”.
To continue celebrating, a “$19.23 for Orange County 4-H” fundraiser has been organized to benefit the 4-H Youth Development Program and support the Education Center & 4-H Park in Otisville and Orange County 4-H Programs. The fundraiser has already raised more than $7,000.00.
All Orange County 4-H alumni, volunteers, and 4-H supporters are asked to donate $19.23. To learn more about the 1923 Orange County 4-H fundraiser and the Orange County 4-H Youth Development Programs, please visit our website at www.cceorangecounty.org .
For fundraising questions, contact Jill Van Aken at jd863@cornell.edu or call 845-344-1234.
