LETTER: How 4-H helped with a career and wise choices in pandemic

To Ozaukee Press:

I was a 4-H member for 10 years in my youth. One year, I took to the County Fair the designated project, a pineapple upside-down cake. It’s now considered a “vintage” dessert of the 1950s and 1960s.         

Last week, I made one and it reminded me of how much 4-H shaped my life. I learned to sew, make crafts and public speak through my 4-H club. For 30 years, as my career, I designed, sewed and sold my fiber art at juried art fairs around the country. My booth presentation and salesmanship skills began with 4-H.

Only last year, I let go of a stuffed box of ribbons. I understand the disappointment that the Ozaukee County Fair is cancelled except for 4-H judging which is not open to the public. This pandemic has demanded that we make clear-thinking choices for the health of our community, country and world, as it is written into the 4-H pledge.  

My old art-fair booth has become the walls and canopy for the County Fair display of the Democratic Party of Ozaukee County. We bowed out of the fair before it was cancelled, knowing that our membership did not want to be responsible for anyone contracting or spreading the virus. The fair committee graciously returned our booth fee.  

In turn, the Democratic Party of Ozaukee County is happily making a financial donation to the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association. It provides funds to 4-H youth to offset the cost of summer camp, seminars and educational travel opportunities after the pandemic. Our thoughts are with the 4-H leaders and kids this week.

Those who would usually learn about candidates at the County Fair can explore our website ozdems.org instead for information yard signs. We all look forward to better times.   

Nancy Camden
Mequon