Shelby Sale and Kelly Ivey enjoy the speed and cool breeze of the tilt-a-wheel ride. The midway was a popular place, especially on reduced-price wristband nights.
Caroline County oozes with talent. It only took a moment to recognize the vast array of accomplished skills and knowledge displayed by area residents last week at the Caroline County Agricultural Fair in Ruther Glen.
One of the best places to have witnessed these abilities was at the L.J. Moyer Home Goods/Shirley Flagg Green Multipurpose Building. From 3-D printing to homemade canned goods, if something can be made, it’s likely someone in the area knows how to make it. For some it’s a hobby, for others it’s a way of life. For 4-H Club Leader Jessie Rollins, it’s for love.
“As a 9th grader my mom wanted me to take Home Ec,” stated Rollins. “I was not interested in sewing, and I already knew how to cook.”
Goldie Garlic, Rollins’ mom, won that battle.
Kasie Teague pets a cow among the popular 4-H animal displays in Caroline’s Barn. Below, a vendor makes cotton candy. (CP photos by Nick Liberante)
Just past the history of butter making display, and near the gardening table and ribbon-laden photography displays sat multiple tables piled high with fabric with young girls laughing and working at sewing machines making colorful patchwork pieces. This working display showcased the abilities of Sew Cool Needle Nerds 4-H Sewing Club of Promise. Rollins is their leader and has been part of 4-H for 40 years.
“I bleed green,” stated Rollins.
Rollins loves to teach sewing and has taught hundreds of children, boys and girls alike, how to make items such as pajama pants, dresses, and blankets. The blankets are a community service project that involves all her young needleworkers. When completed, the handmade creations will be donated to the Department of Social Services for distribution to children who need to stay warm. Rollins is hoping to have 50 blankets ready to donate by September.
Youngsters take a spin in one of the Kiddie Karz hot rods. Looks like this little man doesn’t quite trust women drivers. (CP photo by Nick Liberante)
In a time when many electives in school are being squeezed out of course schedules, the Sew Cool Club learns skills once taught in school, such as button replacement and mending holes, basic skills taken for granted. Sewing also helps with proficiency in math and problem solving techniques. Kids are no longer receiving traditional home economics skills in school, and as a result, are graduating without the practice and knowledge of essential life skills.
“Little did I know that everything I learned in Home Ec such as public speaking and table setting, were skills that I would use to be successful, not just at the 4-H conference, but in life,” stated Rollins.
Rollins continues to teach sewing and pay it forward in honor of her mother who passed away in 2011.
“She saw the value of learning and how it had an impact on my life,” stated Rollins. As a result, Rollins instilled these values on to her daughter and granddaughter, who are also accomplished in sewing and in 4-H.
No fair would be complete without blue-ribbon winning produce. (CP photo by Lisa Gattie)
Rollins’ club survives primarily on generous donations by people in the county. All the sewing machines, patterns and fabric used are from donations. Rollins rents out space in an office building where she meets with her kids and teaches sewing.
“My mission is to introduce enough children to sewing to get a fashion class back on the school schedule,” stated Rollins. “I know what a Home Ec program does.” As a Parent Involvement Coordinator with Caroline Public Schools, Rollins has seen the direct impact that this program can have on its students.
Regardless of the field, 4-H is a youth development and mentoring program, one that Rollins, as well as other club leaders present at the fair, take seriously. Children who are part of 4-H are more likely to be active in the community, participate in science and technology programs out of school and in general make healthier choices. Coupled with the 4-H mantra, Rollins is dedicated to fulfilling Colin Powell’s America’s Promise of providing for children caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others.
“Anything you want to do, you can do in 4-H,” stated Rollins.
The Home Goods exhibits showcase clear reminders of the sheer depth and breadth of talent this County has to offer, and the impact that talent has on others.