submitted by Emma Curtis, Communications Assistant 4-H Ontario
4-H Ontario is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 4-H Ontario Arbor Award, sponsored by Bayer Crop Science, a prestigious honour recognizing exemplary volunteer service with 4-H Ontario and with the community. In 2021, the following three volunteers were recognized with this distinct award: Carol Williams (Peel 4-H Association), Joe Krol (Stormont 4-H Association) and Jean Morris (Perth 4-H Association).
Joe Krol was a 4-H Glengarry participant growing up, participating in dairy, veterinary, leadership and tractor clubs. Currently he is a 4-H leader and has been for the past 26 years. Joe has also worn many hats within his association and region, serving as a Stormont and Region 2 Representative, and continues as a member of the Region 2 Livestock Show Committee.
“Joe has dedicated hours and hours to instill the “Learn To Do By Doing” motto with the club members, fellow leaders and volunteers,” says Barbara-Ann Glaude, 4-H Stormont Volunteer. “Seeing 4-H members learning how to care for livestock and perfecting the showmanship skills is a reward for Joe”. He is very enjoyable to be around and is an excellent role model for today’s youth.
Additionally, Joe has been involved in a variety of other initiatives in his community, including being President and Regional Director of the Stormont Holstein Club, East Gen Director for 15 years and Stormont Federation of Agriculture Director.
“This year’s winners have all been tremendous ambassadors and leaders within the 4-H program and their communities for many years,” says Evelyn Chambers, Senior Manager, Volunteer & Community Engagement, 4-H Ontario. “It is a great honour to present them with this award for their passion and dedication for all that they do for the youth of 4-H.”
Established in 2001 during the International Year of the Volunteer, the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award recognizes a select group of 4-H Ontario volunteers who have served the organization for over 10 years and have positively impacted 4-H and their local community. This is 4-H Ontario’s most prestigious volunteer award.
To be eligible to receive the award, 4-H Ontario volunteers must be nominated by their local 4-H Association. Nominees must have shown significant leadership, initiative and made a positive impact on 4-H at various levels. In addition, nominees must have other involvement within their community or other volunteer organizations. The selection committee consists of representatives of 4-H Ontario, Bayer and previous Arbor Award winners.
“The long-serving commitment and dedication to Ontario 4-H by the Arbor Award recipients represents what it truly means to be a volunteer,” said Trish Jordan, Senior Business Partner, Government and Industry Affairs with Bayer Crop Science. “Their tireless dedication to living the 4-H pledge and helping build the next generation of leaders is truly inspiring. Thank you for building better people and communities through giving of your time and experience to the 4-H program”.
Due to COVID-19, the 2021 recipients will be honoured provincially, alongside the 2020 recipients at the 2021 4-H Ontario Virtual Volunteer Gala on March 26th, 2021.
Additionally, they will receive an award featuring a hand-crafted metal sculpture of a tree and their names will be displayed on a specially designed plaque that hangs in the 4-H Ontario office.
