Former 4-H Fair Coordinator Receives DAR Service Award

Written by Holly Dunbar
hdunbar@verizon.net
Cell (908) 304-3734

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2022

Former 4-H Fair Coordinator Receives DAR Service Award

Somerville resident Barbara Navatto, retired 4-H program coordinator who also served as coordinator of the annual Somerset County 4-H Fair, was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with a Community Service Award.

“Barbara has touched the lives of thousands of young people and enriched the lives of many adult 4-H volunteers,” said Holly Jean Dunbar, New Jersey DAR liaison to 4-H. “She has a special skill and can bring together people of different backgrounds to focus on common goals in support of our area’s youth.”

Barbara joined 4-H at age 10 and went on to become a member of the Somerset County 4-H staff, mentored by 4-H Agent and National 4-H Hall of Fame inductee Ted Blum. Blum served as Somerset County’s 4-H agent for 29 years before retiring in 1984.

The DAR Community Service Award is presented to individuals who have contributed to their community in an outstanding manner, in this case by many years of dedicated service to the 4-H program in a variety of roles.

The award was presented by Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter DAR, based in Green Brook, at their belated 125th anniversary celebration held on June 11 at the Dunellen Hotel.

“It’s an honor to receive this award from the DAR,” said Navatto. “They have been a wonderful partner of 4-H, offering to sponsor members in contests and presenting awards that reinforce the 4-H ideals of learning and good citizenship.”

The chapter’s next event is their annual Awards Presentation on August 10 at the Somerset County 4-H Fair. Members of the Just Kidding 4-H goat club will receive their awards for winning first place in the nation in the DAR’s Junior American Citizens contest. The chapter will also present Patriot Awards to recognize 4-H clubs for their service projects.

The DAR is a nonprofit service organization open to women 18 and over who can trace their descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution. For more than a century, DAR members have dedicated themselves to historical preservation, promotion of education, and encouragement of patriotic endeavor.

Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter also sponsors the Pis-Cat-A-Qua Society of the Children of the American Revolution, open to girls and boys from birth to age 22. New members to both organizations are welcome. Learn more at DAR.org.

Photo caption:

Pictured are (l. to r.) Chapter Regent Ashley Salsano, N.J. State Regent Bonnie Matthews, award recipient Barbara Navatto, and N.J. DAR Liaison to 4-H Holly Dunbar.

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