Lindsay Berry, 4-H Ontario Volunteer Coordinator for Region 2, joined leaders and members of Russell County 4-H following the organizations 2024 Awards Banquet held on Nov. 23 in Limoges Ontario. Thompson Goddard Photo

RUSSELL – The 2024 Awards Banquet for the Russell County 4-H Club was held on Sat., Nov. 23 at the Nation Sports Complex in Limoges. Leaders, members and their families as well as special guests attended the event which featured a potluck meal, awards ceremonies as well as the opportunity to socialize.

Lindsay Berry, 4-H Ontario Region 2 Volunteer Support Coordinator, brought greetings from the organization and expressed her thanks to the leaders and the 4-H members. During a conversation with The Record, Berry explained how events like this are important as it showcases the work and opportunities available to the membership as well as informing the public on its role in the community.

The keynote speaker was local veterinarian Dr. Dave Douglas who has volunteered with Veterinarians Without Borders North America, an organization in Canada and the United States of America. This organization is part of VWB/VSF International which is dedicated to work aimed at delivering veterinary services as well as support in over 30 countries.  Douglas explained VWB North America provides support in the Canadian North as well as three African countries. He provided a slideshow of his experiences in Kenya while providing interesting information on farming practices in that country.

Following this presentation, the awards segment of the event commenced, with Eileen Blenkarn receiving a 10-year Volunteer Seal, Lois James receiving her 20-year volunteer Seal and special recognition given to Elizabeth O’Gorman Smit for her many years of volunteer work with the organization as she retires.

Emily Smygwaty and Tobias Oeschger each received a seal for completing six projects, with 13 new members receiving a plaque and certificate. There were several club overviews presented during the afternoon, including those from the Christmas Craft Club, Baking Club, and the Calf Club with presentations to the club “Most Enthusiastic Member” made to Julia Chin Yuen Kee, Hollyn VanMunsteren and Zavié Guindon respectively. Calf Club members participated in several shows including the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the East Gen Showcase, the Regional Show at Metcalfe Fair and held their Achievement Day at the Navan Fair. A Judging Day was held at Cecilbay Farms, operated by the McFaden Family.

Vicki Brisson noted how the 2025 Go for the Gold competition will be held in Russell, explaining each county 4-H organization can enter a four-member team into the competition. The team will answer questions, the answers to which can be found in the different 4-H manuals and then held a simulated test for several Russell County 4-H members participating.

Hailey Smygwaty received the 2024 Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association Scholarship. Russell County 4-H Special Awards were presented to Tanya Régimbald (Youth Leader), Cali Olive (Outstanding Agricultural Member), Tobias Oeschger (Soil & Crop Award), with Régimbald also receving the Spirit of 4-H Award. The Jack James Memorial Leadership Award was presented to Shamus Williams by Lois James.

Tanya Régimbald, who completed 46 projects, was honoured as this past year was her final year in Russell County 4-H. She told The Record she joined 4-H in 2012 and explained how the organization has helped to develop friendships, skill development and enabled her to develop knowledge of agricultural practices as well as a network of like-minded people. Régimbald continued she has studied farm management at college and is currently working on her family farm in Sarsfield, Ontario.

Her words echoed Russell County 4-H president Darcy Newman who mentioned 4-H provides its members with development in leadership and other skills will be useful in their futures. He explained that the leaders are there to guide and facilitate the members in developing both their personal and agricultural skill sets.

For those who would like to receive more information on either volunteering with or joining Russell County 4-H, it is suggested to contact Eileen Blenkam, Russell County leader, vice-president and membership chair at eileen.blenkam@rogers.com.