Early Beginnings in 4-H

Peggy Gabalski has been involved with Orleans County Cooperative Extension since she was only five years old. The first club she joined was the Rabbit Raisers. “Ever since I became a Cloverbud, CCE gave me a place where I could actively experience and learn new things,” Peggy says. From the very beginning, her 4-H leaders and mentors pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her learn a wide range of skills.

Although she was enrolled in an animal science program, her leaders encouraged her to grow in many directions. They helped her expand her knowledge of rabbits and animal care, and they also supported her in strengthening her public speaking abilities through the public presentation program. Peggy remembers how meaningful it was that Neil and Joanne Johnson, the leaders of Rabbit Raisers at the time, always made sure to attend the presentations. “They were attentive participants in all the youth presentations,” she says. “They listened, asked questions, and encouraged us to take part in programs beyond our club and to be active in community service.” They went above and beyond every single year.

Carrying the 4-H Pledge into Adult Life

To Peggy, being part of the CCE community now means giving back. “In the 4-H pledge, we promise to be active and contributing members to our community and our world, and I have loved the opportunity to continue to practice these values as an adult volunteer.”

The 4-H program has always been at the forefront of her volunteering efforts. It holds a special place in her heart because she was enrolled from the age of five until she aged out at nineteen. “I am proud of our 4-H program because we have a lot of dedicated volunteers who offer a wide variety of learning opportunities for children of all ages,” she says. “Youth are encouraged to explore their interests and try many different things. They learn responsibility and how to work cooperatively with others through participation in club and committee meetings.”

Opportunities That Opened Doors

Peggy has had many amazing experiences through 4-H. She visited Cornell University several times and participated in the Career Exploration program held every June. “When I attended that award trip, I was able to sample different college and career choices that helped prepare me for my college career and my future job,” she says.

She also visited the state capitol in Albany. “This trip helped me learn about how our state and local governments are structured and how we can work to advocate for ourselves and our communities.”

One of Peggy’s most valuable experiences in 4-H was learning to work with children and adults. Still a youth member at the time, she began volunteering at events like Holiday Workshop. “Helping at this event taught me to be a mentor for younger 4-H’ers and guided me toward my current job of teaching,” she says. Working with younger members taught her patience and flexibility, especially when things did not go as planned. “These are skills that I use almost daily when I am at work.”

A Fair Like No Other

Peggy believes the Orleans County Fair is truly special. “It is one of the few fairs in New York State that focuses on and is run by the 4-H program,” she explains. “I have always appreciated that it keeps the projects and work of the 4-H youth at the forefront.” To her, fair week is the climax of the 4-H year. It is when youth can display what they have been working toward throughout the entire year and engage with the public.

Today, Peggy remains an active part of fair week. She helps with many of the community engagement events, including the hay bale rolling contest, the pickle eating contest, and several others that take place throughout the week. “I have loved having the opportunity to continue being an active part of fair week by being a volunteer,” she says. “Growing up in 4-H, participating in fair, and taking part in all the opportunities that 4-H had to offer helped me develop in so many ways. Because of this, I want to help in some small way to keep offering those opportunities to others.”

A Legacy of Giving Back

Peggy’s lifelong dedication to 4-H and CCE shows in every memory she shares and every youth she encourages. Her story is one of learning, leadership, and giving back — a perfect example of what it means to be a face of Orleans County CCE.