Letter to the Editor

Parents thankful for the help her 4-H'ers received

Friday, August 2, 2013

To the Editor:

I have two children who are involved in 4-H and one more that will join next year. As a child, I never participated in the 4-H program. I had no clue how wonderful this organization is until five years ago when it became a huge part of our life.

In the beginning, we started with just a few chickens and ducks. Then came the projects. Then came the goats, then sheep and now rabbits. Our fair quickly became two full weeks.

I went in with no knowledge or direction and a million questions. In fact, I told the sheep leader the only thing we know about sheep is how to spell it. I cannot express enough gratitude for all the help over the years we have received from wonderful people that volunteer their time to help kids grow into fine exhibitors. I have been so encouraged that I became a leader myself.

People like Mona Smith, Doug and Debbie Hacker, Jason Keaney, Gordon Williams, Carol Nevitt and Erin Mahoney Sutherlin are such a wealth of knowledge and have been so patient with all of our questions.

They have given us direction in the 4-H program that we will carry throughout all three of my children's 10-year endeavors. The patience they have had, care and kindness -- along with superb direction is phenomenal.

Also, the staff I work with at the Extension office -- Mark Evans, Kim Miller, Kim Beadles and Shea Mahoney-Sutherlin. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I could never do your jobs. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.

The success that my kids have had with all their blue ribbons, honors, champion and grand champion ribbons are a huge part because of what we have learned from these people. Sure trial and error and Hobby Lobby are also factors.

Again, I am so grateful for all the help we have received.

Angela Ladd

Cloverdale