Celebrating 50 years of the Blatchley 4-H Foundation

An exhibit will be on display in the 4-H Youth Building during the Cortland County Junior Fair through Saturday to mark 50 years of the Robert P. Blatchley Cortland County 4-H Foundation supporting 4-H programs in Cortland County.

The Cortland County 4-H Foundation was incorporated in 1972 to help the Cortland County Cooperative Extension promote 4-H work. The foundation was renamed the Robert P. Blatchley Cortland County 4-H Foundation in August 1982 to honor Robert P. Blatchley, who was 4-H agent in Cortland County for 32 years, retiring in 1974.

The foundation is led by a nine-member board of directors: President Linda Helms, Vice President Dan Weddle, Treasurer Neal Helms, Secretary Bernice Potter-Masler, and directors Julie Campbell, Tom Dumas, Cindy Stoker, Marilyn Stoker and Carol Weddle.

4-H presents learning experiences to young people under the leadership of trained volunteers in home and life skills, science, and safety.

Cortland County’s 4-H program involves more than 300 youth between 5 and 19 led by 120 or more adults.
Since 1972, more than $250,000 has been donated to the Robert P. Blatchley Cortland County 4-H Foundation, funding:

•  Scholarships to 4-H Camp Owahta in Solon.
• Camping and sporting equipment, including tents, kayaks, and archery.
• Camp Owahta improvements.
• Tools for teaching proper use to 4-H members.
• Technology equipment – cameras, video, computer, digital upgrades – for hands-on learning.
• Science related program needs – incubators, groundwater model, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math program, rocketry and animal husbandry.
• Home skill equipment and materials for sewing, cooking and nutrition, childcare and gardening.
• Leadership training and public speaking development.
• Assistance with 4-H Teen Council College Scholarships.
• Restroom and shower facilities at the Cortland County Junior Fair grounds.
• The start of the Cortland County Youth Conservation Corp. in 1975, which employed more than 200 youth over seven years.
• The 4-H Teen Council Food booth at the junior fair.

Contributions to the foundation are tax-deductible. For details about contributing, advice on gifting possibilities, program needs or other information about the foundation, call 607-391-2660.