Tammy Boggs, Warsaw, is standing outside with her Angus cows. Her son Jonathan started out with one Angus heifer to show his last two years in 4-H. Tammy and her husband, Ed, continued buying cattle. Now they have a herd of 60. Photo provided by Tammy Boggs.

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — “The 4-H program is very important to our family,” stated Tammy Boggs, Warsaw. “My two oldest sons, Jonathan and Matthew, were both 10-year members. My youngest son, Thomas, will be a senior this year at Warsaw High School and is starting his 10th year in 4-H.

“For the past 19 years I’ve been the leader of the Silver Lake Rambling Farmers Club and love working with young people. I enjoy watching them discover new things without even realizing it.”

The Rambling Farmers Club meets the fourth Monday of the month. In October the members will be busy choosing their project for the next year. “Our kids range in age from kindergarten to 12th grade. They may be showing animals, doing a cooking project or constructing something out of LEGOs. Some of our kids are from farms. Others live in town. All are welcome.”

Boggs loves the enthusiasm of new members. “They’re like sponges. They have lots of energy and want to try new things.”

She also enjoys watching some of the veterans in the club become mentors and leaders. “Some of our older members will help the newcomers with their projects. I’m privileged to see some second-generation kids come through our program. I’ve had their parents and now their kids are coming to meetings.”

With a smile, Boggs said, “In our family, we had a ‘4-H project go wild!’ My son Jonathan decided to lease an Angus heifer to show his seventh and eighth year in 4-H. Then he took his auction check and bought a heifer to show his ninth and 10th years. My husband Ed and I continued buying cattle. Now we have a herd of 60. We raise and sell calves as freezer beef.

“The 4-H program teaches kids responsibility, determination and perseverance. When they start a project, they need to finish that project.”

Parental support is key to having successful 4-H’ers. “Active parents walk with their kids, helping them achieve their full potential in the program,” Boggs stated.

She enjoys seeing her 4-H’ers become productive citizens in the community. “That’s the goal of our organization. We want to help young people turn into successful adults, leaders who help shape our community.”

Boggs served as an elementary school librarian for 23 years in the Warsaw School Corporation. “I’ve always loved libraries. When I was in high school, I had a part-time job shelving books at the Warsaw Community Public Library, and I continued working there after graduation. Later, I became an elementary school librarian. I enjoyed most instilling a love for reading with kids.”

After retiring three years ago, Boggs decided to turn a corner. “I now work part time as the STEM program assistant at the 4-H office.”