North River woman honoured with 4-H Volunteer Award
“This isn’t just my award … “I’m only as good as the leaders around me. We’re a team that makes this happen.”
Lisa Patton
NORTH RIVER, N.S. – Her own roots with the organization brought 4-H back into Lisa Patton’s life when her children were young.
Patton first volunteered as a leader in the dog program and went on to become a general leader for the Truro-north River (TNR) Club. She’s now serving as president of the Colchester County 4-H Council and has been chosen as the 4-H National Volunteer Leader of the Year.
“It’s exciting and humbling at the same time,” said the North River resident. “No 4-H leader expects a reward like this. I was nominated by the co-presidents of the TNR Club, and that means a lot to me.
“I truly believe in the program and my reward has been watching members grow to become communityminded people.”
She grew up in Onslow where her father, Ed Lorraine, who served as provincial minister of agriculture at one time, had a cattle farm. She was a member of the Onslow-belmont 4-H Club, taking part in goat, horse and beef programs. That led to her having a herd of 11 does she milked when she was a teen.
“When my oldest daughter wanted to show her chocolate lab I suggested 4-H,” she said. “She joined, and I became a leader in the dog program for Truro-north River. I later became a general leader. I enjoyed it and I believe 4-H and horses kept my daughters on a pretty good path. They kept them busy and showed them the importance of volunteering.”
Her daughter Sidney is now 21 and Camryn is 19. Both remain involved in 4-H activities.
“My father coined a phrase: 4-H members today, leaders tomorrow,” she said. “I’m a firm believer in that.
“It’s exciting to see so much growth. We support sustainable farming, but it’s not just about farming. There are a lot of life skill projects. There are also many opportunities available to members and leaders, including exchange trips.”
When Patton first began volunteering, TNR had 33 members. There are now about 75 members, with three general leaders. Most 4-H volunteers are parents of members, and one of her goals is to attract more retirees to the programs.
She will travel to Ottawa to accept her award at the National Arts Centre on Feb. 10.
“This isn’t just my award,” she added. “I’m only as good as the leaders around me. We’re a team that makes this happen.”