Community offers Patty Huffer best wishes as she leaves the Logan County Extension

 

[May 03, 2021] 

This past Friday, Patty Huffer spent her last day with the Logan County Extension Office in Lincoln. After 29 years as an Extension Program Coordinator and 4-H Youth Development staff member, Huffer is entering the next chapter of her life – retirement.

On the afternoon prior to her last day, the local office hosted a good-bye reception. It was an opportunity for people to stop by and wish Huffer well on her next great adventure.

Among the guests was former extension advisor John Fulton. Fulton hired Huffer 29 years ago when the office was located downtown Lincoln in the Farm Bureau building. Fulton recalled that at the time Huffer was hired as an hourly person who filled the gaps in the office and performed multiple duties. He said that over the years she was a great person to have in the office, well organized and efficient. He added that he was sure that her years of experience would be missed in the office.

Current Extension Administrator Terri Miller echoed that final sentiment saying that she knew that the years of experience and history that Huffer has with the Logan County Extension makes her irreplaceable. Miller said that for the time being, Huffer is not going to be replaced. Staff members Carissa Davis and Amy Hyde will fill in the gaps. At some point in the future another staff member will be hired, but that member will never be Patty. Miller added that Huffer has always been great with the 4-H program and wonderful to have in the office. She said Huffer was a constant professional. Miller ended saying that while Huffer will be greatly missed, the entire staff wishes her the best and hopes that she very much enjoys her time of retirement.

Carissa Davis commented about Huffer as well. She noted that the time she has spent at the extension has given her knowledge and history of the programs that others don’t have. Davis added that she and many others appreciated Huffer’s constant dedication to the local 4-H programs.

Huffer said she was ready to start a new chapter with her husband Jeff, and sons Jack and Ryan. She said that the first weekend as a retired person, they were heading out to go camping, something she enjoys very much. She said that the future includes more exploring of the countryside with travel. At the same time, she said that she felt there would be opportunities for her to help out through volunteerism with the Logan County 4-H, so the county and the Logan County Fair have probably not seen the last of her.

On Thursday afternoon four tables were set up as part of Huffer’s retirement party. One table contained lovely planters and floral arrangements gifted to Huffer in honor of her retirement. A second table held a basket for cards and other small gifts.

The third table was a large banner where guests could write messages for Huffer and sign their name acknowledging her send off.

At the fourth table were sweet chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, made and decorated by one of the staff in the Sangamon County Extension Office.

Guests came and went throughout the afternoon, each one taking time to speak with Huffer and wish her well in the future.

Huffer spoke about the 4-H program saying that over the 29 years, there have been changes, but not when it comes to the fundamentals of 4-H. The agricultural based youth club still holds dear its traditions and its mantra of heart, hands, head, and health. At the same time, the program has evolved to meet the needs of the youth in the area. She noted that with agriculture still the basis, the club has enhanced its offerings following the methodology of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. She said that programs such as rocketry, robotics, digital photography and more have added to the club without taking away what it began as.

Huffer has been a wonderful person to deal with over the years as the one who most often sent information to local media about the accomplishments of area youth. She has been ever vigilant in making sure that her young people were portrayed in the best possible light. She will be missed by a lot of people, including Lincoln Daily News.

Good Luck Patty, and enjoy this next chapter.

[Nila Smith]