The South Central District 4-H Agents met on Thursday, October 28th at the Harnett County Library. Since we had two new agents present, Beth Bruton and Sarah Hardison, President Cathy Brown asked us all to give them some pearls of wisdom. Millie Bruton stated that “when you start worrying about how hard other people in your office are working in comparison to you, it is time for a vacation.” Gene Shutt shared that “It is all about the kids.” The largest pearl was shared by Janine Rywak when she stated that “Things can happen, so be flexible and don’t get upset. Be sincere and ask for help when you need it.”

After our meeting we went to Noah’s Landing, a non-profit nature center in Coats, NC. They have a menagerie of more than 40 exotic animals from around the world. Their philosophy is that children grow to love and protect what they know and understand and understanding starts with learning. And what better ways to learn about the animal kingdom than to see, touch, and smell it? . With an outdoor picnic area, Noah’s Landing is a great place for a field trip or a 4-H club meeting.

Janine getting up close and personal
with one of the snakes

We would like to introduce you to our new South Central District Team Members. They are Beth Bruton, Sarah Hardison, and Lynn Lambert. Beth Bruton started in October and is in Stanly County. She is the daughter of Millie Bruton and grew up in Montgomery County 4-H. Beth is single and enjoys coaching and playing volleyball in her spare time. She is currently learning to knit. Beth says that she is enjoying all of the Stanly County 4-H’ers and volunteers!

Sarah Hardison came to Chatham County from the State 4-H Office in November. She is single and loves to read, shop and is also learning to knit. She is getting to know all the kids and is looking forward to getting more youth and volunteers involved in Chatham County 4-H.

Lynn Lambert is the new agent in Harnett County. She started in December. Lynn and her husband Colby are expecting their first child in June. Lynn was raised on a dairy and poultry farm. Before coming to Extension, she taught school and is looking forward to working with the youth directly once again. She enjoys spending time with her husband and playing softball.

We welcome Beth, Sarah, and Lynn to the South Central District Team and we hope that they will be with us for many years to come!