This year has truly been defined by the word “bittersweet.” The Alan-Dee Dairy 4-H Club started the year strong with five new members, taking on the challenge of adopting a family for Christmas, transforming the barn at the Morris Farm into a “Country Christmas,” and donating the $850 raised to the family in the form of Christmas gifts, toys, clothes and food. The 4-H club learned the act of kindness.

In May, they raised $200 for the F.A.R.M.S. kickstart program, again giving in community service. The rest of the spring was spent learning everything they could about raising a show calf and the responsibility of caring for a life. By late spring, we were down to a total of five members. This takes a huge commitment from parents, sometimes it doesn't work out for all.

On June 10, we unexpectedly lost Alan. The rock of our world. I made a promise to my 4-H club to get them through the fair season. At the end of summer, it was all going to end, in many different ways. I am moving back home to Missouri to be with my family. Saoirse Bogart's family was moving to Washington state, Ben and Evan Willertz's family is moving to Nova Scotia, leaving two members.

But before the bitter comes the sweet. The Lincoln County Fair will leave them with great memories (all kids should have the experience of staying at the fair). Saoirse Bogart won Holstein Jr. Champion in two shows, Ben Willertz won Res. Jr. Champ in the Jersey show with Spice, Lily Souza won 1st Spring heifer Jersey and 2nd in showmanship with Sugar.

Evan and Peaches placed 2nd in the Jersey spring heifer class. Caitlyn Spear placed 2nd spring heifer, 1st Jr. 2 yr. old, Senior Champion, Grand Champion and Best Udder in the Holstein show with Rosie. Evan won the Jr. division of the Skill-a-thon and won a pig in the pig scramble. Awards were also won by Lily and Ben in the Rabbit show.

The promise that I made to these kids was hard to keep, but watching them out on the wash rack at 4 a.m. on show day was worth my effort, many times over. The Windsor fair was next with lots more hard work and more experiences. I ended the summer with Caitlyn at Eastern States and the Maine State 4-H Dairy Team.

I am proud to have been part of all their lives. There's a few very special people I would like to thank. All the parents, for being there for me and keeping me going. To all the supporters of the 4-H club over the last two years. To Robert Leash for making the beautiful show box for Caitlyn to take to Eastern States and a special “thank you” to Sonny Barry for his never ending support, friendship and hay. I'm going to miss you all.