Mahoning 4-H volunteers honored for service
Volunteers and program alumni were honored at the recent 4-H Volunteer Banquet and Awards Ceremony held by Mahoning County Extension.
At the Oct. 20 event, awards were handed out to supporters who run programs and also those who actively participate in activities throughout the year.
“Our volunteers make the best better by supporting our youth, their project work, their community service, and their citizenship as they prepare to be the leaders of the future,” 4-H Educator Kristen Eisenhauer said.
Longtime volunteer George Roman received the Friends of 4-H Award. The honor goes to individuals and businesses that have partnered with Mahoning County 4-H.
Roman has long been an active participant in the 4-H program, part of the first 4-H Endowment Auction in 1995. For the past five years, Roman has continued to donate his time as auctioneer for the 4-H Endowment Banquet.
Chef Joe Rzonsa of Blue Wolf Tavern received the Business Friend of 4-H award. Rzonsa volunteered to help put on the 4-H Cooking Challenge at the Canfield Fair. Blue Wolf Tavern provided food, cooking utensils and coaching to the four youth who competed. Rzonsa set up a pantry of ingredients, designed the four mystery baskets for participants, and helped them during the challenge to grow their cooking skills and keep them safe.
George and Edwynna Stacy received the 4-H Alumni Award. The couple, who both are 4-H alumni and retired 4-H volunteers, can be recognized at the Canfield Fair as watchmen of Building #25, where 4-H displays and activities are housed. George Stacy was a member of Beaver Buckeye Boys 4-H Club; Edwynna was a member of the Beaver Zippers 4-H Club and later became an advisor in the Beaver Zippers.
The Stacys have continued to support 4-H through their help with cleaning and preparation of Building #25, and opening and closing it every day. They’re on hand to answer questions and give directions.
Other activities during the program included the Years of Service pins that were presented to 4-H volunteers who have served youth all year long. Special acknowledgement was given to volunteers who have been active for more than 50 years – Kathleen Moser, 53 years, Western Reserve Rangers; Charles Withers, 55, Greenford Silver Spurs; and Jan Moser, 55 years, Western Reserve Rangers.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Mahoning 4-H volunteers honored for service
