Somerset County 4-H Association
October Meeting Highlights
Our October meeting was a reminder of what makes our 4-H family so special: the dedication of our volunteers, the enthusiasm of our members, and the willingness of our community to come together when we need it most.
Working Together for Our Future
We know we're facing some financial challenges, and the road ahead may not be easy. But if there's one thing 4-H has taught us, it's that we can accomplish great things when we work together!
Our Wreath Sale and 20th Annual Tricky Tray Basket Auction are especially important this year. Every wreath sold, gift card donated, basket contributed, and hour volunteered makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who continues to give so generously of their time, talents, and resources. We truly couldn't do it without you!
Celebrating Our Successes
We have so much to celebrate! Our 2026 Rummage Sale brought in a record-breaking $21,010! That's an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of everyone who helped make it happen. Thank you to our volunteers, donors, and supporters who made this year's sale such a success.
We're looking forward to several upcoming events, including 4-H Ag-Venture Days, Livestock Achievement Night, Arts and Science Achievement Night, and 4-H Gives Thanks.
We're also looking ahead to Science-sational Day on December 12 and could use some extra hands. If you can volunteer, please consider joining us!
As we navigate county budget restrictions, we're asking everyone to help conserve office supplies and resources. A little extra planning and teamwork will go a long way.
With Gratitude and a Little Sadness
As we celebrate our accomplishments, we also have some bittersweet news to share. Lisa Rothenburger will be retiring at the end of this year after 30 years of service to 4-H.
Thirty years is an incredible milestone, representing countless memories, friendships, accomplishments, and lives touched along the way. Lisa has been part of our 4-H family for decades, and her retirement marks the end of a very special chapter.
While we're happy for Lisa as she begins this next adventure, she will certainly be missed. We're grateful for her years of dedication and all she has contributed to our 4-H community.
Lisa's last day in the office will be December 18, 2026, with her official retirement effective January 1, 2027.
Please join us in thanking Lisa for being such an important part of our 4-H family and wishing her all the very best in this exciting new chapter!
Looking Ahead
Planning for the 2027 Fair is already underway, and our committees are working on new fundraising ideas, sustainability projects, and ways to make our programs even better.
Mark your calendars for our 20th Annual Tricky Tray on March 7, 2027! We're asking each Association member to contribute a $20 gift card by the January meeting. Club donations will be due February 12, and tickets go on sale February 1. This is a milestone year, and we want to make it one to remember!
New Building Procedures
The B&G committee is implementing two new procedures:
Item Drop-Off Forms: Anyone leaving items at the facility must complete a drop-off form explaining who is leaving the items, what is being left, and where the items are being placed. This procedure applies to items left through either the office or the night manager.
Service Technician Log: A service technician log will be created to document technicians who come to the building to perform work or provide services. These are available in the office and with Night managers.
Club Name Changes and Mergers
If a club name changes or merges, please notify the Night managers
A Little Reminder of What Makes Us 4-H
We may be facing some financial uncertainty, but our greatest strength has never been our budget. It's our people.
It's the volunteers who show up, the families who lend a hand, the members who step up, and the community that continues to believe in what we do.
Every contribution matters, and every helping hand makes a difference. Let's continue to support one another, celebrate our accomplishments, and make sure our 4-H youth have the opportunities they deserve.
Together, we can make this a wonderful year for our 4-H family. Let's keep growing, serving, and making a difference!
Tina Pirro
Somerset County 4-H Association President