Emanuel County 4-H Foundation – Emanuel County Volunteer Leaders’ Council holds 75th annual meeting

The annual joint meeting of the Emanuel County 4-H Club Foundation and the Emanuel County 4-H Club Volunteer Leaders Council was held Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Varner 4-H Center.

The meeting was called to order by Laura Moore, 4-H Foundation President. President Moore welcomed everyone to the 75th annual foundation meeting. Emanuel County 4-H member Maritza Martinez led the Pledge to the American flag. The invocation was given by Ashlyn Turner, Emanuel County 4-H member. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by Theresa Lamb Catering Service.

Minutes from the 2024 meeting, prepared by Secretary Martha Anders, were presented. A motion was made and seconded to accept minutes. The minutes were approved. The treasurer’s report was given by President Moore in the absence of Dr. Denise Warnock, Treasurer. A motion was made and seconded to accept the treasurer’s report. The report was approved.

Martha Anders memorialized five individuals who made a lasting impact on the Georgia 4-H program and the Emanuel County 4-H program; Vendora Cobb, Lynda Talmadge, Rick Hartley, Evelyn Patrick, and Cassandra Sconyers. Their dedication to 4-H made a difference and their accomplishments and leadership will always be remembered.

President Moore gave the President’s Report. She recognized Mr. Mike Head, Emanuel County Building & Facilities Superintendent, and his department continuing to maintain the Varner 4-H Center this year. They oversee renovations to the building and have maintained the grounds by landscaping and the removal of litter. She thanked the Emanuel County Commissioners for recognizing the importance of the Varner 4-H Center for our Emanuel County 4-H program and the community. President Moore thanked both the Foundation and the County Commissioners for recognizing the importance of the Varner 4-H Center to our Emanuel County 4-H program and the community.

President Moore also shared the following accomplishments. The 4-H Foundation funded 10 camp scholarships last summer. Summer camp was a success. The Varner 4-H Center continues to be rented. The rental price continues to be $150.

Old Business

The approved exterior renovations to the Varner 4-H Center have been completed.

The 4-H Foundation funded 10 camp scholarships last summer. Summer camp was a success.

Funds were provided for one-half of the registration costs for 4-Hers who participated in DPA to participate in state-wide leadership conferences.

The Emanuel County 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ scholarship was awarded to Faith Ann Rogers last year.

Financial support was provided for Junior/Senior DPA.

New Business

4-H Camp Scholarships – A motion was made and seconded to provide ten camp scholarships to 4-H members who need assistance with camp expenses. The 4-H Foundation will provide ten camp scholarships to 4-H members for 2025.

4-H State-wide conferences – A motion was made and seconded to provide one-half of the registration costs of state-wide conferences, such as State Council and Junior Conference, with a leadership development focus for 4-Hers who have participated in District Project Achievement. This funding will include any 4-Hers who take on leadership roles at these state events, such as exhibits, service projects, and workshop teachers.

Financial support for Junior/Senior DPA- A motion was made and seconded to provide $1,500 to offset DPA expenses for 2025.

Varner 4-H Center financial assistance – A motion was made and seconded to provide funds not to exceed $ 10,000 for the following projects: Landscaping of the grounds around the building; New dispensers in the bathrooms and kitchen; Installation of a changing table in the bathroom; Tinting of the windows at the end of the building; Varnishing of the floors; A new sign for the front of the building.

Emanuel County Food Challenge Team- A motion was made and seconded to provide $ 2,500 to the team to attend the National Food Challenge competition at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas later this year. This financial support will assist with travel, lodging, and meals.

Foundation Board of Directors & Executive Board – The following board of director positions were approved.

The following were approved by executive board members as members at large; Becky Amerson, Kathy Palmer, and Juanita Porter represent the board as members at large for two-year terms for 2025 – 2027.

Savannah Tanner represents the Extension Agency as an agent for a one-year term.

Connie Page and Carl Tankersley represent former extension workers for a one-year term. (2025)

4-H Hall of Fame & 4-H Scholarships

The following Hall of Fame awards were presented: Distinguished 4-H Alumni Award – Pat Daniel Williams; 4-H Club Appreciation Award – Seneca Lawrence; The 4-H College Scholarship recipients were recognized. The recipients of the Emanuel County 4-H Scholarships included: Peyton Lee – Louise E. Cowart scholarship, Spencer Lawrence – Parker-Brown scholarship, Nataleigh Belcher – ABAC scholarship (Hooks/Houston scholarship)

Special Recognitions

President Moore recognized and thanked several businesses in the community who have provided funding for Emanuel County 4-H competitions this past year. Each was presented with Certificates of Appreciation. Sapp Appliance – Watermelon Growing competition sponsor; Crider Poultry – Poultry Judging competition sponsor; Interfor – Forestry Judging competition sponsor

Lynn Torrence introduced the program for the evening. The program was former Emanuel County 4-Her Arham Shah. Mr. Shah highlighted his journey in 4-H from the beginning in 5th grade and throughout college.

President Moore introduced the officers’ nomination committee representative, Connie Page. The officers nominated are as follows:; Laura Moore, President; Phil Torrance, 1st Vice President; Shari Watt, 2nd Vice President; Martha Anders, Secretary; Scotty Hattaway, Treasurer.

A motion was made to accept this slate of officers. The motion was seconded and approved.

Martha Anders, President of the 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Council, gave the Volunteer Leaders’ report and encouraged new members to join the Council. The 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ meeting is on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the 4-H Center.

With no further business, the 75th Emanuel County 4-H Club Foundation meeting was closed with the Pledge to the 4-H Flag led by Nathaniel Harry, Emanuel County 4-H member.