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 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.
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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] |
