5-H Newsletter November 2018

Editors Corner Tom Dumas

Every time I attempt putting the 5-H Newsletter notes together, I struggle to remember all that has happened since the last edition.

I reread the obituaries and think about what differences those folks made in the lives of so many youth and adults throughout their careers and lives. I often get wonderful comments from folks saying great things about our passing colleagues. Wow, it would be nice if they heard some of those comments when they were alive, so they could appreciate them. Be sure to give your colleagues and friends a pat on the back for the little and big things they have done and accomplished.

As the 5-H editor, I also begin to wonder if there is enough material to even write a newsletter, say nothing about who will care or read it anyways. Then, I get great comments from folks who really do enjoy reading the newsletter and express the value they get from doing so. Wow! That just gets my adrenalin going and here we go again. Thanks to all of you who take time to send me notes, stories, articles, etc. You all make this possible. I also appreciate those who just read the letter and enjoy it without responding.

I have to say a big thanks to a few special contributors this time. Dave Hillmann picked my attitude up at the right time about a year ago. I was ready to toss in my editing role and write off the 5-H newsletter. He not only took time to encourage me to continue but sent a note of encouragement to Andy Turner to support our newsletter. Then, I asked him to write an article for the newsletter and another for the NYS 4-H News & Views monthly letter and he did so. That is why you see more than one article from Dave this time. Thanks Dave.

John Sterling has been a strong supporter, reporter and encourager all along. He knows more about folks who need our positive thoughts. He and Nancy more often reach out to those folks and offer what support they can; sometimes driving great distances to pay a visit. Thanks John and Nancy for all you do. John and Nancy are just moving into an Assisted Living community. I am sure they will be providing more assistance than they will need. Best to them both.

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5-H NEWSLETTER Salley Jo (Cecil) Crosiar always sends Marti and I a great homemade Holiday Card and a bit about what she has been up to. I could not resist asking her to share a short blurb about her latest book and within just a few days she sent me a great promotion of her book and did not even insist that I buy it. Of course, I did not buy it, my wife plans to purchase it so I can read it after her. Thanks Cecil.

Barb Schirmer has hosted a northern gathering of 5-H’ers for many years, even though she lives in the south (Georgia). She just feels a great value in pulling us together and knows how much we enjoy being invited to a party without having to work very hard or to help much in putting it on.

Thanks Barb.

Andy Turner, has always been a supporter and willing to do what he can to keep the newsletter going. He probably does not even know his dad (Allan) was the editor for a number of years. Again, I was about ready to give up the newsletter and as expected Andy offered support from the State 4-H Office. Wow, he has a great staff member, Jenn Bassman as his communication administrator who just did a fantastic job in formatting all my notes and pictures into a great publication last December. Thanks Andy and Thanks Jenn.

Whitney Bancroft, I asked Whitney if he would write me a short article and what did he say but sure and a day later I had it. Wow, was that easy. He brought back many memories. Whitney was employed as a 4-H Agent in my home county, Franklin many years ago. So far back that I was actually a 4-H’er. Maybe an older one. Either way he made the mistake of asking me and my then girl-friend (now wife) to chaperone some kids at the State Fair. It was my wife’s first 4-H experience at State Fair and not her last. Fifty plus years later she and I remained involved with the State Fair. Marti and I even co-superintended the State Fair Youth Dormitory for several years. Thanks Whitney for what you may have started.

My heart goes out to many of our friends, colleagues former associates, their families, etc. that suffer with health issues and much more. I think of Andy Sprague, long time Warren County 4-H Agent who is currently dealing with a very serious health issue that may well have been a result of his serving our country as a military Navy Seabee and having to spend a year in Iraq late in his career. I think of Pat Burns, a longtime friend and colleague who lost his wife, BJ, earlier this year.

Pat has had his own health issues, having a stroke many years ago and struggling to keep all going without his partner. Wendy Rogers, Larry’s wife, continues to fight an incredible battle with cancer.

Her faith, positive attitude and strength has keeping her going for more than four years beyond all that her doctors have projected.

The list goes on and on and I can only think of a longtime friend and former Agent, Dave Barnes.

Dave worked in Broome County and was someone whom I looked up to as a mentor early in my

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5-H NEWSLETTER career. Shortly after retiring, Dave had to deal with a terminal case of cancer. He said to me…”Tom, when I go for my treatments and see all the folks there with health issues, I think if we all took each and every one of our health issues and threw them into a common basket and then withdrew our fair share, we would really know how lucky we are.” That has stuck with me forever. Thanks to Dave and all those who continue to help and support each and every one of us as the need arises.

I know many would prefer to receive the 5-H’er newsletter as a hard copy, so you can set it down and pick it up to read as you wish. I wish that were possible, but like everything else, that comes with a price we have not been able to solve. If you know of someone who does not receive a electronic copy, maybe you can assist them by downloading and printing a copy for their use. Thanks to you all for your support in keeping the newsletter going. Please take time to send me something I can share in the next newsletters. It need not be long. Send it to tad5@cornell.edu. I am sure you have a few pictures of 5-H’ers doing something, maybe even nothing. Send a few of them along to be included.

5-H News: Report From the State Office Andy Turner

One common denominator throughout 4-H, no matter whether you are a local educator, 4-H member, or part of the State 4-H office, is that there is a certain flow to the year, and my sense is that this goes back a long, long way! As we have recently moved from summer into fall I have been reflecting on just how much summer and 4-H are bound together! When I started this reflection we were still in the middle of all the summer excitement with County Fairs going full steam, all of our 4-H overnight and Day Camps in full swing, and 20 young visitors in the State from Japan with a number of County programs also hosting or traveling to other States for exchange programs. The summer concluded with a very successful 4-H presence at the State Fair, including the highest number of exhibits and level of County participation in the Youth Building in a number of years and the first 4-H and FFA Day sponsored by State Fair. It is now somehow November already and the fall Professional Development conferences are in the rearview mirror and with any luck we will find some space to reflect on the year and begin the planning process for 2019.

As the days get shorter, and also at least full of clouds and moisture here in Ithaca, the State 4-H team will be taking some time to try and get out of the chaos of doing and responding and reacting to all the pieces needed to keep this 4-H bumblebee aloft, slow down a bit, and get our engine tuned up for 2019. I wish all of you the same opportunities for reflection and nourishing the soul during the upcoming Holiday Season!

Warm Regards, Andy Turner - NYS 4-H Program Leader

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State Fair Memories...

Dave Hillmann

Hi Tom, I was weeding a row of carrots tonight and it popped into my head that you were looking for 5-H News material. I started thinking about State Fair. I remembered a few things that happened in the boys’ dorm that weren’t really funny at the time but years later I find them a bit amusing. I am also thankful they came out in a positive ending. Use this if you feel it is appropriate and of interest. I got a few chuckles out of it.

I generally enjoyed the NYS Fair. The part I always dreaded was getting onto the fairgrounds, exhibits and teens settled and then loading up and getting off the grounds and back home.

The middle part was mostly a great experience - meeting lots of great people, fellow staff and 4-H Kids.

For many years I worked with the Teen Press Core. What a great experience working with teens from across the state and seeing them grow, even in a few days, as they covered events and interviewed various people. I got to work with many great staff also.

Then there was the boys’ dorm with a basic cot, toilet, sink and showers, that backed up rather frequently in earlier years. But still it was a place where many boys got to meet each other and become friends. I am sure some of the friendships lasted long beyond state fair. I have a few memorable moments I can share.

THE BAT One night we were getting into bed, checking boys in and settling down. The third part of the dorm housed some 4-H members and I think boxers from New York City. The boxers were playing their music very loud and not settling down. I was in the middle section and just as I was trying to go off to sleep a bat flew through into the third section. As usual Tom Davis was in the right place at the right time. As he walked through from the third section. I asked him to kick that door shut. Well a few minutes later there came blood curdling screams-as it turns out from the boxers- they were deathly afraid of the bat. Then it quieted right down. I was a bit puzzled but went off to sleep-as much as you can in the boy’s dorm.

Next morning, I was having breakfast with Jim Rice and one of his 4-H members. I was sharing my bat story and my wonder at what happened. The young 4-H fellow said “I took care of it.

I made a deal with those guys if they would turn off their music and quiet down I would take care of the bat. They agreed and I took a tennis racket I had with me and took care of the bat.”

I did not go as far to ask just what he meant by “I took care of the bat”. It worked.

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5-H NEWSLETTER THE STATE TROOPER One night we were again having issues with-I think this time basketball players- after quite a while someone tried to call the organization they belong to with no success. So, someone sent for a state trooper. The man looked 8 feet tall from where I was. He walked up and down between the boys explaining the reward or consequences of quieting down or not. As he turned and walked away one of the players said something. The trooper turned on his heels and inquired of the young man if he had heard him correctly. While doing this he was holding a very long and powerful flashlight in the young man’s face. After a brief exchange the young man agreed to be quiet and the trooper left. The encounter made an impression and they all were quiet.

RIGHT CHURCH-WRONG PEW Quite often I was able to exchange the chaperoning of my teen girls for another county’s boys.

On one such occasion I agreed to chaperone a young fellow. My mistake was not meeting him during the day. When I went to check him in, he was not in his assigned bunk. (Oh, I forgot to say he was 10 years old and it was the first night of his first state fair experience.) I kept checking, checked with the dorm office and finally had them call the girls’ dorm for the female chaperone in charge of the whole group. More time went by and they called the boy’s parents and the state troopers. Once the parents arrived-they were about 30 minutes awaythe parents and the troopers started going bed by bed to try to find him. It did not take long as the young fellow was in one of the first beds which was exactly 100 numbers from the bunk he was supposed to be in. He had misread his assignment and went to the lower number bed and had been there sound asleep for quite some time. One can learn something every day and I learned from this to always meet the youth so you know who they are and they know what bed they are assigned to.

I don’t know why I remember some of those things and can’t remember where I last had my garden hoe. I also apologize if my sentence structure and punctuation are a bit off but I thought It was more important to share, and in the day of texting, not worry about little things like that.

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Sally Jo’s Debut Novel Sally Crosair

You ask about my adventures and my debut novel is the biggest. It’s set in a small town in Iowa - moved west one state from where I grew up - but 4-H folks who know small towns will probably see things about the town that they recognize. There’s a diner, a community building (the site of my own first 4-H public speaking and Share-the-Fun performances), a library, hair salon, a coffee shop run by two gay guys, and a florist run by my heroine’s former 4-H Leader. Doesn’t that sound like any small town?

Vi Masters fled Freedom, Iowa under mysterious circumstances, and hasn’t been back for ten years. But her Aunt Sadie, more mother than aunt, wants a big party to celebrate her 60th birthday and has sounded off when Vi talks to her on the phone. So reluctantly Vi returns.

Her father is worried she’ll reflect badly on him in town, but wants to finally understand why she left. Her step-mother knows why, but has guarded that secret all these years, afraid that Ben won’t forgive her if he finds out.

Sadie’s diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s and prickly relationships with her father and stepmother are enough to make Vi’s visit challenging. But finding out that Nate Barlow has moved back to town is a whammy too. When Nate shows interest in resuming their near romance, Vi discovers that hope can be a risky thing. She can’t believe Nate will accept her past - and maybe he won’t.

How’s that for drama? I’ve had a tough time categorizing the novel - which booksellers like Amazon always want. It’s a little mystery and a little romance - but it doesn’t fit either category. It’s mostly about relationships - family, friends, and small town folks who shape our lives.

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5-H NEWSLETTER You can get the book - either paperback or kindle format - on Amazon by searching my name, the title of the book, COME BACK, or by using this direct link: https://www.amazon. com/Come-Back-Novel-Sally-Crosiar-ebook/dp/B075RR8TGS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=15 29436802&sr=8-5&keywords=come+back When there are so many books out there in the world, it’s hard to make yours stand out and sell - especially when you’re a new author. Ratings help people find the book, and so far, it’s been doing well. (If everybody who told me they liked it actually wrote an Amazon rating, the book would have a lot more than the 37 it has now!) I’ve visited three local book clubs which has been great fun; several other local authors and I are doing a round of dog and pony shows to get our work out there. I learned a whole lot getting the book written, and now I’m trying to climb another steep learning curve trying to learn how to sell it.

Suffice it to say I’m not getting rich. But hope on, hope ever. Meanwhile I’ve not given up my day job - mostly online teaching these days. I teach two courses for Empire State College: Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Children’s Programs (sound like camp?) and the Development and Meaning of Play. Guess which course is more fun! I also teach a course for the NYS Network for Youth Success that prepares folks who provide before-and afterschool care to earn a credential they need for director positions. I still do occasional training and presentations as well as an annual corporate team-building gig that gives me a glimpse into a whole different world than we not-for-profit folks can imagine. Whatever I do, I rely on a lot of what I learned in my 4-H career and the curriculum development work I did with Cornell for 4-H. All those in-service experiences ought to translate into at least a master’s degree!

And when I’m not teaching or writing, I swim at my Y where I’m also a board member, kayak in the pretty little boat I built from a kit, sail in our 14-foot beater, and create wearable art from beads and fibers (felting.) It’s a good life! I don’t regret trading the financial security of a real job for flexibility. Not at all, especially when I remember all the nights and weekends I used to work in 4-H! But it is true that unlike you 5-H’ers, I’ll probably never retire. And that’s okay with me too.

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An Update from Whitney Bancroft Whitney Bancroft

Tom asked me to submit an item for the Newsletter. How can I refuse my first 4-H’er from when I started in Franklin County. A little time in Chemung County and then 9 years in Montgomery County followed. Since leaving NY in 1973 I worked 28 years as State 4-H Leader in Rhode Island and some part time as Executive Director of the RI 4-H Club Foundation after retirement.

My Doctorate in Adult Education was earned at NC State with my dissertation conducting research on NY 4-H volunteers and their satisfaction with their middle management jobs. It reinforced the importance of challenging volunteers who enjoy really responsible jobs. They are satisfied with important, difficult jobs. 4-H professionals should not be afraid to define challenging jobs for volunteers, including some tasks that are part of their own jobs.

We have enjoyed taking care of our three grandsons a few times a week. The twins were born in Alaska after our daughter worked on a mission station on Kodiak Island and met her husband in Anchorage, affording us to make several visits. They moved to RI soon after the twins were born with my son-in-law and I driving a U-Haul truck across Canada. (Family bonding) Nancy and I were charter members of our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. I served as President for three years and on the board 15 years and am now on the board again, serving as Secretary. Our involvement led us to be honored by having the “Long Term Volunteer Award” named the Nancy and Whitney Bancroft award that we present each year. More important is that the affiliate has built 66 homes with families in need.

We do some travel but especially enjoy river cruises on the Mississippi and trips to Aruba.

Retirement, after 17 years, is something to enjoy while we can.

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5-H NEWSLETTER - PEOPLE WE’VE HEARD FROM PART 1 (CONT’D)

Passing on the Gifts of a Lifetime Harold Sweet

I wish to share some of the gifts my family, friends and former co-workers have given me that have made my life so enjoyable.

Gift #1.

Thank You to my former co-workers. You have been a wonderful group of teachers. Thanks to you I have been exposed to learning at the local, county, state and national levels with a touch of the international thrown in. Also, Thank You to my children, their spouses and my grandchildren for their many contributions as well. It’s no wonder I feel as though “my cup runneth over”.

Gift #2 You have inspired me with your dedication to helping others. During my working years I was impressed with your willingness to go beyond the call of duty. Now in retirement many are participating as volunteers in many social programs carrying on the tradition of helping others.

Gift #3 Thank You for guiding me, chiding me and forgiving me when I strayed from the beaten path. As my eyesight dims, my reflexes slow and my hearing fails, I will depend on your help even more to make things right.

Gift #4 You have shared your families with me and I feel this is the most cherished gift. Sharing you and your family goals, hopes and successes as well as problems made the difference for me between having a job and working with friends. I enjoyed the latter.

Gift #5 This gift I give to you. My hope for you and yours is that in the years ahead, you will enjoy good health and happiness along with accumulating gifts life those that I have been fortunate to receive.

(Editor’s Note: I asked Harold Sweet to write something for the 5-H Newsletter many years ago. Above is what he sent me. I thought his notes were well worth re-sharing again.)

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Question - What is the 5th “H” George Broadwell

As a faithful reader of the 5-H newsletter, I enjoy reading “Editor’s Notes”. I was particularly interested in your question, “What does the 5th H stand for?” I talked with Al Lounsbury (Saratoga) who was the first editor and we both were of the opinion that the 5th H had never been identified (I am assuming that we all know what the first 4 H’s stand for).

OK, here’s the rest of the story…

As “head clover” in the Cornell 4-H office, whenever an active or retired 4H agent died, I wrote a letter to other agents, retired and active, who knew and/or had worked with them. The mailing was not to everyone (so in a way, it was discriminatory). I thought it was meaningful to honor the work done by those who left us and to keep their co-workers informed. As a group, these were truly inspiring and gifted people by precept and example, they expanded the vision of youth and adults, volunteers and co-workers, they were leaders in 4H and they were leaders in their schools, churches, and communities. Writing about them was a truly humbling and exhilarating experience. (It’s so easy to get lost in these memories.)

To make a long story shorter, in the late 1970’s, I decided that there should be some sort of communication with and for 4H retirees. I think I wrote the first few issues---and, because it wasn’t really a direct part of the educational program of CCE, etc, I thought it best to have it written outside of our office. In one of my few strokes of genius, I asked Al Lounsbury, who had retired in 1979 from Saratoga County, to be the editor. He accepted. It was not called the “4H Newsletter”, because it was targeted to a specific group and the name 5H was coined with the 5th H standing for “Honored”. Thanks for Editors, Al Lounsbury, Al Turner, Niles Brown and you, Tom Dumas for bringing meaningful news for 28 years to those who truly are honored persons.

Editor’s Note: It has now been over 40 years since the beginning of the 5th H and the 5-H Newsletter. Often, I get calls wanting to know when and how the 5th H came about. So I just had to re-share what George Broadwell started.

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Transitioning From a Full-Time Career to Retirement Before, During & After Dave Hillman Rensselaer, Schuyler and Albany County 4-H Agent- 1972-2002 I have been retired for about 15 years. It is hard for me to talk about transitioning from a fulltime career to retirement without looking at my career. I lived my job for 31 years. I loved it and have great memories of the experiences it offered. One might say my blood ran green.

Still does. There are some things that happened to me through the years and that brings me to suggestions for others to think about.

I was lucky that a great retirement plan was offered. I don’t think I would have tucked away enough funds for retirement without the help of the system. My wife and I had 4 children and money was never all that abundant. I learned that starting a second savings (IRA), later than I now wished I had, can really add up nicely, even with a fairly modest contribution. (We really didn’t miss the money and it is nice to have now. I also was offered an IRA by the job I transitioned to in retirement and it has created a nice little extra nest egg.)

I had times when the job was “getting to me” and I went looking for something new. It turned out to be quite therapeutic and when I looked at alternative opportunities I came back to my 4-H work as what was best for myself and family. My suggestion to others has been to not wait until you cannot face another day at work before you look around to see what else is out there. I found it a good exercise that helped me think through my goals and interests.

Renewing myself from time to time really helped. (Remember one has to work for a certain period of time in order to retire and we all have those days). I found that looking around at what else was out there, taking on different responsibilities, or getting additional education and training helped. This is where our 4-H Association was so important. I never came home from a conference or meeting without being renewed.

Check it out. Retirement that is. I was at a point where I was beginning to think about retirement. I was talking to a friend and they encouraged me to meet with the retirement people and see where I stood. I found that I could retire a bit earlier than I thought I could with adequate income. It was a nice surprise.

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5-H NEWSLETTER The actual retirement! For me it took a little time for my wife and family to get used to having me around more than they were accustomed. Sometimes I was in the way and frustrating to those around me. I knew I wanted to still work at something - just something with less responsibility in budgeting, supervising and so on.

I think one thing I would suggest is to think through as much as you can what you would like to do. Work, travel, volunteer, have grandchildren time etc..

As I said I knew I wanted to work. (Not much interest in traveling after being away from home working for so many years I wanted to spend time fixing up and enjoying our home. (My wife is not always all that happy about that!)

I was lucky to have a part-time job fall into my lap just before I retired. I was shopping at our local Agway store and in passing was talking about my retirement with another customer.

The owner heard me and offered me a job. It was 20 hours a week, about a half mile from home, included exercise and activity and afforded me the opportunity to share a lot of the subject matter I had worked with for years with customers. Plants, chickens, embryology, animal science were all things I knew something about and could share with very appreciative customers. (Working with people who had a renewed interest in raising backyard poultry was so much fun!!)

In addition to the job I put my efforts into the family farm, helping my parents through their “Golden Years”, enjoying my grand-children and time with my wife. We also have developed a small vegetable stand in our yard.

After about 12 years at Agway I have retired and spend most of my time growing vegetables to sell. It is a great spring, summer, fall activity. I still get to use many of the skills I gained through my 4-H work, visit with people who come to our stand and yes still give a little plant, chicken or embryology lesson to the spur-of-the-moment customers. I do volunteer a little with our church and being headed toward the “Golden Years” spend quite a bit of time with my doctors who keep me going. I do not rule out another part time job if I can find one that fits.

I don’t know how much help this might be to others, but I have enjoyed thinking it through.

It has been quite therapeutic.

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Winter 2018 5-H’er Gathering Tom Dumas

Dan and Lucy Connell graciously held our 2018 Florida Winter Gathering of 5-H’ers. They did such a great job, we proposed they try hosting again in 2019. The date has yet to be set. It will likely be in late February or early March of 2019. Anyone wishing to join us are welcome and should start planning to attend. Dan and Lucy live in Dade City, Florida about a half hour or so north and east of Tampa. See some of the pictures in this newsletter of those attending. Those attending had a great time catching up on each other’s lives

News & Views Vicki Fleming, 4-H Youth Development Program Director, CCE of Suffolk County has been doing an awesome job writing and pulling together the NYSACCE4H-E monthly News and Views Letter. She would love to share some words of wisdom from some of us more mature folks whom have retired but still remember our careers as a 4-H Agent/Educator.

Dave Hillman took time to share some “Tips He Received”, how about some of you writing an article on your careers that could be shared with the current 4-H Professionals. I bet there are many stories you each have that could be beneficial to these folks. You can either send it to me (tad5@cornell.edu) or to Vicki Fleming (vjf4@cornell.edu)

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People We Have Heard From Tom Dumas

Dave Hillmann - writes a note to Andy Turner, Hi Andy, I wanted to thank you for getting the 5-H News out. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is important to a lot of us to know what our former colleagues are up to and share information about retirement. I got a lot out of the listing of names and information about those who attended the picnic last summer. I have set a goal of trying to attend next year-I don’t go far from home anymore. It was also important to hear what is going on in 4-H – it sounds like a lot of good things are happening. I am sure it is a challenge.

Whitney Bancroft…

Hi Tom. You asked for the address for Jane Lloyd about a month ago and I could not find the address that we had from her Christmas card. It has now turned up! You may have already found it but here it is: 2625 E. Burnside ST. Apt 127, Portland, OR 97214. Jane worked with me in Montgomery County from about 1970 to 1973. Your communication about Dick’s death is what allowed us to make contact again. Thank you for all your good work on this. Those of us who worked in the 70’s must really be getting to be ancient history for most.

Mary Ann Scharmberg... Hi Everyone! We will be camping at the Golden Hill State Park, near Niagara Falls that week. I hope you have a great time together. I like the t-shirt conversation starter idea. I’d wear one of my STARR t-shirts because that was one of my favorite 4-H teen activities. (Editor’s Note: This was Mary Ann’s note on not being able to attend the summer picnic.)

Allan and Barb Turner…have a new address 1104 Centennial Circle, Utica, NY 13502, Phone 315-368-0808.

Lee Reidy…Hi Tom, I hope the 5-H FL gathering was successful and everyone had a great time. I retired at the end of January this year so am looking forward to connecting with my 4-H colleagues in the future. My husband and I have a house in New Port Richey, Florida so I’m hoping to attend any events that take place there during the winter. My home base is still Ulster County.

The main reason I’m writing is to let you know that Tom Atkins passed away on April 13. I’ll send you the obituary info. He was beloved by the 4-H folks he worked with. My new email is leereidy25@gmail.com.

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John Sterling….Thanks Tom:…You continue to be an extremely generous donor and leader for our “fastly” (new word) depleting group of Agents! I tried very hard to get that photo of Tom Atkins to look as I remember him. No resemblance. That newsletter you put together Tom, was fabulous - and I hope/know all appreciate you… I know Charlie Dvorak is not doing well. He is in a medical unit in Rhode Island for his dementia. I am not sure I have these details correct. Nancy stays in touch with Doreen. Our 5-H group is fading fast. 80 is a tough one. I knew I would get OLD, but I didn’t realize it would happen so fast!

Advice!!! Although Funerals are becoming increasingly popular these days, I suggest we avoid them at all costs, it must be contagious! So be careful and aware of the symptoms.

Pam Atkins writes…Hi Mr. Dumas, I am emailing to inform you that my father, Tom Atkins, passed away on April 13th. In going through his papers, I found a letter you wrote to him upon his retirement from Cooperative Extension in 1989. You really seemed to know him well, so I thought you would want to know of his passing.

He was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2014, and last year he started immunotherapy which really seemed to be working until March when a mass was discovered on his intestine.

He had surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering, but they were unable to remove it all. Still, the plan was that he would work on getting stronger and then resume immunotherapy treatment. He was determined to get home to play golf and do yard work. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Through it all my dad never lost his sense of humor.

Here is a link to his obituary:http://www.gjmoylanfuneralhome.com/obituary/f-thomas-atkins My dad was the center of our universe, so this is difficult. Thank you for being his friend. .

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Obituaries Emily Beth Virkler BEAVER FALLS-Emily Beth Virkler, 41, of Beaver Falls passed away peacefully on November 26, 2017 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Emily was born August 10, 1976 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Barbara and Paul Eshelman, and grew up in Ithaca, NY. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1994 and from Cornell University in 1998.

In the fall of that year she married Dr. Paul D. Virkler. Following their marriage Emily and Paul lived in Ragusa, Italy, where Paul consulted for a cheese production consortium and Emily taught English. Upon their return they moved to LeRoy, NY, where Emily worked for the Girl Scouts and then as an admissions counselor at Genesee Community College. During their time in LeRoy, Emily completed her Master’s in Public Administration at SUNY Brockport. In 2005 the couple moved to Kansas City, MO, where Emily was a guidance counselor and instructor at the University of Missouri. In 2007, following the birth of their son Nathan, they moved to Trumansburg, NY, where Emily was an active volunteer at the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, the Jacksonville Community Church, and Trumansburg Elementary School. In 2017 the family moved to Beaver Falls, NY. Emily is survived by her devoted husband Paul and loving son Nathan of Beaver Falls, NY; parents Paul and Barbara Eshelman of Ithaca, NY; brother Erik Eshelman (Karla) of Dryden, NY; grandmother Janet Palmer of Rock Falls, IL; father and mother-in-law Theodore Jr. and Mae Virkler of Croghan, NY; sister-in-law Renata Dawson (John) of Trumansburg, NY; brother-in-law Tim Virkler of Castorland, NY; brother-in-law Noel Virkler (Kendra) of Croghan, NY; nephews Zakary, Luke, Isaak, and Kamden Eshelman, John L. and Easton Dawson, and Isaiah Virkler as well as a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who always will remember her grace, kindness, infectious smile, and fun-loving manner. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents Sara and Edwin Eshelman and maternal grandfather Harold Palmer.

Barb Eshelman…writes, Tom, Thank you for your kind words and for sharing those of Dick. Yes, you may share this information; it’s getting supportive notes like yours and remembrances of Emily that are buoying our family now. You might let people know when you send the email that Emily was an active 4-H member in Tompkins County throughout her youth (mentored by JoAnne Baldini) and a member of Alpha Zeta at Cornell which are items that were not included in her obituary.

You might be interested to know that Michelle Ledoux (Lewis Co. CCE Director), Glenn and Deb Applebee, George Preston, Terry and Ann Gifford, Sue and Gregg Travis, and Diane Walter (Emily’s “Fur ‘n Feathers”

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5-H NEWSLETTER - OBITUARIES 4-H leader in Tompkins County) and her daughter Ami who was a good friend of Emily’s, all came to her calling hours or service in Lowville. CCE Administration also sent a beautiful large plant which I now have in our dining room.

I feel blessed to have worked in such a supportive organization among such caring people as you and I look forward to continuing our partnership between 5-H’ers and ESP.

(Editors Note: Barb has been a special Associate of ours for many years and because of that, many of you may want to share your thoughts with her. Her email address is <bje1@cornell.edu> her mailing address is: 229 Berkshire Road, Ithaca NY 14850. As I said to Barb, I cannot imagine losing a child. Our best wishes, positive thoughts and prayers go out to Barb and her family.)

Eleanor Joyce McEvoy Eleanor “Elli” Joyce McEvoy, age 77, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017, in her home in Delmar, after a year-long battle with cancer. Elli was born on February 6, 1940, in Albany to Clover and Edward Mikol. She was a life-long resident of the town of Bethlehem. She worked most of her professional career for Cornell University, first at Cornell Cooperative Extension, then at the Cornell Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in Albany. She retired in 2002. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including knitting and crocheting, quilting and playing bridge. She loved to swim and was a regular at the Bethlehem YMCA and Bethlehem Town Park Pool. She was a great cook and loved to share food with others. Eleanor was an active member of the Bethlehem Community Church for her entire adult life. She is survived by her son Mark (of Dallas) along with his wife Tina and grandchildren, Daniel and Delanie; her daughter, Deborah (of New York City) along with her partner Edwin; and her son, David (of Guilderland) along with his wife Suzanne and grandchildren, Lauren and Steven; her sister Marcia (of Conesus Lake) and Aunt Joyce (of East Greenbush) along with many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Note from Stephen P Johnson: Eleanor McEvoy worked in Cooperative Extension at Cornell and later for the Cornell Office of Government Affairs in Albany. Many of the 4-H folks will remember her as an organizer of the 4-H Days at the State Legislature, organizing visits with Assembly and Senate representatives.

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5-H NEWSLETTER - OBITUARIES Bruce Allen Smalley Bruce was born in the Belgian Congo to his missionary parents, Ray and Ruth Smalley. He served his country as a U.S. Navy Corpsman and earned a B.S. degree in animal husbandry at Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Sarah Ann Schaal. Bruce and Sally married in 1951 and then attended the Hartford Seminary Foundation and the University of Arkansas to prepare for missionary service in the art and science of dry land farming.

Bruce and Sally served for 10 years in Southern Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in Africa.

While there Bruce helped introduce multiple programs to promote agricultural systems to improve the lives of the people they served. They returned to the United States with their four children in 1963. Bruce was hired by Cornell University as a 4-H agent serving Erie County, where he was initially tasked to develop the 4-H Pilot Program in inner-city Buffalo.

In 1972, Bruce and Sally relocated their family to Allegany County. There, Bruce served as the Cooperative Extension 4-H Agent until his retirement in 1989. As an active member of the United Methodist Church in Belmont, Bruce was a dedicated servant of his Lord and Savior. He was a loving family man with boundless interests. He was an active leader, member or participant in the Belmont Rotary, Allegany County Bird Club, Compeer Program, Allegany County Fair Board and Youth Council Board. Bruce was an avid outdoorsman, amateur ornithologist, woodworker and photographer. Bruce is survived by, Sally, his loving wife of 67 years; four children, Fred (Julie) of Levan, Utah, Bob (Laurie) of Houghton, Percillah (Mark) Woodard of Brockport and Carol (Bill) Tompkins of Belmont; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Beverly “BJ” Burridge Burns Beverly “BJ” Burridge Burns, 63, the wife of Patrick Burns, of Throop, died Feb. 12, 2018. A native of Auburn, BJ was a graduate of Auburn High School, class of 1972. She was employed as the treasurer of the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, with more than 30 years of faithful service.

A devout Catholic and communicant of St. Mary’s Church, BJ was a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered her time working bingo at the church. Above all, she was a “first class, full-time grandmother” and adored the time spent with her family and grandchildren. In addition to her husband Pat, she is survived by two sons, Eric Burns, of Savannah, and Timm Burns and his wife, Carrie, of Auburn; two brothers, Tom Burridge and Sidney Burridge Jr. and his wife, Mary Ellen, all of Auburn; two sisters, Carol Burridge and Christine Vivenzio and her husband, Gary, all of Auburn; four grandchildren, Eric Jr., Ellanor, Elliot and Silas Burns; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

(Editor’s Note: Pat is a longtime friend of many of us 5-H retirees. He worked with Cooperative Extension for several years Oswego and Cayuga Counties. The picture of Pat and BJ was taken in early December in Auburn where a group of us get together each year to enjoy a lunch together.)

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5-H NEWSLETTER - OBITUARIES F. Thomas Atkins Stone Ridge - F. Thomas Atkins died peacefully at his home in Stone Ridge, NY, surrounded by his family on April 13th, 2018. Tom was born on March 30th, 1934 in New Milford, CT. He was the eldest child born to the late Frederick and Caroline Sichler Atkins. He grew up on the family estate in Middletown, CT and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952. Over 64 years ago, Tom met the love of his life, Gloria Bartlett, at Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton, CT. Last year, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Tom, Gloria and their children have been fortunate to have spent every summer on the lake where they met.

Tom graduated in 1957 from the University of Connecticut where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa and Alpha Zeta fraternities. He went on to become a 4-H Agent with Cornell Cooperative Extension first in Riverhead, Long Island then in Ulster County. At the time of his retirement in 1989, he was Acting Coordinator. Some of his many 4-H duties included hosting a Saturday morning radio show, running the 4-H Summer Camp, judging poultry, teaching bike safety courses, and organizing many events at the Ulster County Fair.

As a sports fan, Tom loved golf, ping pong, the Yankees, the Giants, and especially UCONN basketball (men’s and women’s). He and Gloria enjoyed many years of dancing at William’s Lake, and his card playing skills were unmatched.

A member of the United Methodist Church in Stone Ridge, Tom was a former Sunday School Superintendent and was on numerous committees throughout the years, most recently as Chairperson of the Administrative Council. He was a constant friend to the community and his sense of humor was legendary.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gloria Bartlett Atkins, and children, Pam Atkins and her husband, Frank Barr, of Elizaville, NY; Bill Atkins and his wife, Lori, of Colchester, CT; Kurt Atkins of South Glens Falls, NY; and Eric Atkins and his wife, Jennifer, of Stone Ridge, NY; grandchildren Trevor, Kiersten, Josh and Adrienne Barr, Lindsay and Thomas Atkins, Adam Wagner, and Jacklynn and Kurt Atkins. Also surviving are his brothers, Richard, Harley, and Barry, and sister, Valerie; five great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Tom’s family would like to thank their friends and families for their prayers and help. We would also like to thank the amazing staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Kingston Hospital.

June C. (Chaffee) Howlett Beverly “BJ” Burridge Burns, 63, the wife of Patrick Burns, of Throop, died Feb. 12, 2018. A native of Auburn, BJ was a graduate of Auburn High School, class of 1972.

She was employed as the treasurer of the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, with more than 30 years of faithful service. A devout Catholic and communicant of St. Mary’s Church, BJ was a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered her time working bingo at the church. Above all, she was a “first class, full-time grandmother” and adored the time spent with her family and grandchildren.

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5-H NEWSLETTER - OBITUARIES Charles F. Dvorak, Ph.D. Charles F. Dvorak, Ph.D., age 86 died after suffering from Dementia for many years. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Doreen, and four children, David, Richard, Kathryn and Daniel. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Crystal, Jacob, Tia, Stephanie, Ryan, Joshua, Rachel, Nathan, Anna, Christopher and Ryan.

Dr. Dvorak enlisted in the US Navy after farming in Connecticut for nine years. He spent 38 years in the Navy (four years active duty and 34 years in the Naval Reserves) retiring in 1987. He advanced to E-9 (Master Chief Radioman) in 13 years and became qualified in the Submarine Service. He retired from the Navy as a Command Master Chief at Readiness Command, Region One, Newport, Rhode Island.

Concurrently with his Naval Reserve service, he received both a BS and a MS degree at the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. at Cornell University. Dr. Dvorak began his academic career as a 4-H Agent in Connecticut, then as a Youth Education Specialist in Maine. Following this, he and his family moved to Ithaca, NY where he became a State 4-H Program Leader at Cornell. In 1977, he moved his family to Rhode Island to become Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension at the University of Rhode Island.

In 1984, he became Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources at SUNY Morrisville College until he retired in 1990.

After retirement, he and Doreen then moved to Florida. He then obtained a position as Counselor for Health Education students at St. Petersburg Junior College until he fully retired in 1994. He continued to work with the US Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy for 10 years giving two-hour lectures on Human Behavior. Also, he was active as a Trustee of the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in Massachusetts for many years and served on its Foundation Board. In addition, he served for many years as chairperson of the local chapter of the NYS Retired Employees’ Association (RPEA) in addition to many leadership tasks in Highland Lakes, the senior community where he and his wife lived.

When not playing volleyball, he and Doreen continually enjoyed travelling together to several countries as well as around our great country. This, of course, included many visits to their children and grandchildren in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Kansas and Maryland. Charlie and Doreen lived in Florida for 26 years until they moved back to Rhode Island permanently two years ago. He will be sadly missed by all.

Barbara (Bobbi Dunbar) Bristow…writes - Thank you, Tom. This is sad news, indeed. As a new 4-H agent in the early 1970’s, I was privileged to attend a variety of programs taught by Charlie during in depth week at Cornell. About 5 years ago, I contacted him to ask about one of the programs called Keys to Loving Behavior that I had wanted to see again. He was able to quickly send me a copy even after all the years that had passed, and it was still relevant and meaningful. I’m glad that I knew him. He will be missed.

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5-H NEWSLETTER Joy Virginia GIllis Smith Joy Virginia Gillis Smith (Allyn Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife) left us on Saturday, June 9, 2018. She was born June 5, 1936 in Batavia, NY and also lived in Auburn, Scipio Center, Longview, TX, Plattsburg, Mattituck, and Ithaca, NY. In 1985, Allyn and Joy made Riverside, CA their home. She retired from Sears after 20 years working in the Catalog and Consumer Service Departments. Joy volunteered with 4-H, Marriage Encounter, at Church, and was active with several RV travel groups.

Survived by her beloved husband of 61 years Allyn, daughters Debbie Dziem (Greg), Lynda Martel (Paul), Cheryl Joy Shirley (Mark), and son Mark. Six grandchildren Nick Dziem (Holly), Megan Dziem Solis (Morgan), Trevor Martel, Michelle Martel Shepard (David), Jessica Joy Shirley and Andrew Shirley. Five great-grandchildren Jimi, Adrian, Vinny Solis, Avery and Evelyn Joy Dziem.

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A Message from the NYS 4-H Foundation: We’re Going to Need Them

We’re going to need the next generation of leaders to face the challenges the future will bring.

The next generation is growing now, and they need access to 4‑H programs that provide a haven to explore their interests and build the skills and confidence to follow their dreams in fields like healthcare, agriculture, STEM and government.

More than anything, they need the courage and character 4‑H builds to tackle life’s challenges and become the future leaders we all need.

Help us support the more than 130,000 New York State 4-H’ers by donating to the NYS 4-H Foundation before December 31.

THANK YOU!

DONATE NOW

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About NYS 4-H For over 100 years, 4-H has impacted the lives of millions of New York youth through clubs, after-school programming, camps and trips, all while connecting them to Cornell University through hands-on activities and leadership opportunities.

Some of our state flagship programs include the State Teen Action Reps Retreat (STARR), Career Explorations, NYS 4-H Communications Institute, and 4-H at The Great New York State Fair. For more NYS events, click here.

New York State 4-H is a part of Cornell University Cooperative Extension and our state office is housed in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on the Cornell University campus, in Ithaca, NY.

About the NYS 4-H Foundation Since 1949, the NYS 4-H Foundation serves to raise funds from private sources to engage youth in reaching their fullest potential, while advancing the field of youth development.

The NYS 4-H Foundation supports leadership events at both the county and state levels, public presentations, livestock competitions, and provides scholarships to events like National 4-H Conference and Career Explorations at Cornell. Consider supporting the NYS 4-H program through the Foundation today by visiting us here. Donations can be made online, through the mail, and through planned giving opportunities. Contact us for more information.

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