Get Involved
Virginia Cooperative Extension relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission. We believe that active citizen involvement in our programs makes a difference in our success. The work of volunteers at the local level helps us leverage our paid faculty and staff resources into a much greater impact for the people of Virginia.
There are many ways you can get involved with us. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss available opportunities.
2008 Volunteer Recognition
October 27, 2008, VCE held its annual Volunteer Recognition Night to honor volunteers of all ages from its four program areas: Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR), Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), 4-H, and the Family Nutrition Program (FNP). The evening was led by Pim Montgomery, Chair of the Extension Leadership Council. Patricia Means, Assistant Principal of Lancaster Middle School was the keynote speaker. She spoke on the success of ‘Reality Store’, a VCE program that has been implemented at LMS. Reality Store is a hands-on, real-life simulation which gives young people the opportunity to explore career opportunities and make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those adults face on a daily basis. Mrs. Means outlined how this VCE program has been a catalyst in raising awareness as to the importance of financial management but also in facilitating the creation of a savings program for students at the middle school.
Volunteers and advocates were recognized for their service and commitment to VCE. Each honoree was presented a plaque that stated, ‘Outstanding Volunteer & Advocate of VCE’. Matt Lewis, ANR Extension Agent honored Craig Brann, District Manager of the Northern Neck Soil & Water Conservation District and Walter Brodtman, Master Gardener volunteer. Annette Jewell, FCS Extension Agent honored Jenny Crandall. Kathleen Watson, FCS Extension Agent honored Bill Kling of the Economic Development Commission, Northumberland County and James Long, P.E. Teacher at Northumberland High School. Debra Copeland, FNP Program Assistant honored Wardell Carter, Director of Boys & Girls Club and Tammy Wilkins, Coordinator of the Personal Assisted Employment Service (PAES) at Northumberland High School. Julie Tritz, 4-H Extension Agent honored Sandra Green, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at the Northumberland Middle School and Margie Hogge, Unit Administrative Assistant at the Lancaster Extension Office. Ms. Tritz also honored several youth as part of a new 4-H Teen Counselor Recognition Program that include: Bryan Lee as the 2008 Outstanding ‘Senior’ 4-H Teen Counselor for Lancaster County and Franchele Jones as the 2008 Outstanding ‘Senior’ 4-H Teen Counselor for Northumberland County. Genevieve Campagnola was honored as the 2008 Outstanding ‘New’ 4-H Teen Counselor for Lancaster County and Judith Gogates and Kathryn Taylor were both honored as 2008 Outstanding ‘New’ Teen Counselors for Northumberland County. Each youth was also presented with a $50 savings bond that was presented by representatives of the donor banks. The banks who generously donated to this program include: Chesapeake Bank, Bank of Essex, Bank of Lancaster and EVB.
