As I sat down on Sharon Schafer’s living room couch last week and listened to her talk about her memories of 40 years of volunteering as a 4-H leader, I couldn’t help but think of my first (almost) 40 years.
It’s hard to imagine doing anything for 40 years. I am staring at my big 4-0 birthday that occurs about six months from now and think of the years I have spent growing up. Snippets of recollections came to my mind of concerts, school projects, making friends, falling in love, having kids, losing family members, gaining family members, cheering on the Tigers appreciating small-town living, and so many more.
Let’s start at the beginning. Sharon moved to Salem in fifth grade. She met her husband, Bill, while cruising town with a friend. The two went on their first date to stock car races in Lebanon and haven’t been apart much since that time. They celebrated 54 years of marriage this year.
Everett Kunkel was the Jadwin 4-H Club leader when the Schafer’s son, Eric, was a young boy. In fact, Kunkel was also the leader for Bill when he was a youngster. Eric came home one day with his friend, Johnny Hagler, and shared they wanted to join the 4-H club.
Sharon loaded up the kids and attended their first club meeting in the Jadwin schoolhouse. Kunkel would go early and fire up the pot belly stove before meetings on cold days.
After about a year, Kunkel approached Sharon about the club and his thought that she would be a good fit to take over the club. And that she did.
The club moved to Green Forest R-II School to allow for better facilities and more room as the club began to grow. There have been anywhere from over 100 kids in the club to this year’s lowest number of 33.
“4-H is such a good program…it’s a fantastic program,” she said.
Sharon continued as the volunteer club leader while continuing her 35-year career with the Division of Family Services. When she retired from the state office she stayed at home about a month and decided she needed more.
“I was not cut out to just sit at home. We were taught in our family to work and do your best,” she shared.
Sharon taught a six-week summer course at a facility for troubled students. After that experience she called Marsha Gabel, long-time secretary of Green Forest school, and volunteered to substitute teach.
The school called her soon after for a part-time position, and she did not leave for 19 years. She taught art, keyboard, music, coached cheer and worked in the library in her almost two decades at the school.
“Between the school and 4-H I have met wonderful kids and made lots of memories. It still tickles me now when they come up and give me a hug or say hello,” Sharon said with a smile.
The 4-H program has changed a lot over 40 years – some good and some bad. Sharon shared fond memories of achievement day that was an event to recognize the hundreds of projects 4-H kids can participate in. Kids would share information in a presentation on their project and then answer questions from judges.
“I would like to see it get back to more of the basic life skill programs that were taught in the past. There’s so much they (kids) can do,” she shared. “Sometimes people still think you have to live on a farm.”
Animal projects such as steer, chickens and hogs are just some of the dozens of projects available, and the 4-H/FFA Expo each summer is not the only event kids can participate in.
There are summer camps and projects in a wide variety of focuses.
“There’s so much available, if you can find project leaders,” Sharon said.
Project leaders only require about six hours of time each year. Volunteers are always needed for projects from sewing to robotics to gardening and beekeeping. She stressed the importance of attending club meetings and getting involved with your club to get the most out of the 4-H experience.
Multiple generations have learned from Sharon as she led the group for four decades. She has had siblings, kids, their kids and even their grandkids.
As the record books are turned in shortly, Sharon is completely stepping away from the leadership.
“Bill’s health was a factor in my decision,” said Sharon. “It was time. I just felt the time was right.”
As things have a way of working out, an involved parent approached Sharon about taking the reins of the club. Aimee Garrison will lead the Green Forest 4-H club.
“She will do a fantastic job. Her and her family have been very involved with the club,” said Sharon.
“I’ve been fortunate to build relationships in this position. Working with kids has kept me young and I just love my kids, well most kids…,” Sharon shared with a laugh.
National 4-H Week is Oct. 1-7
See the special pages inserted into this week’s edition, pages 8B-12B
