Cape May County 4-H Fair Presentation Recognizes Joan Lehberger for 50 Years as 4-H Volunteer

COURT HOUSE — Linda Horner, Cape May County 4-H Program Coordinator, along with Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program presented Joan Lehberger with the 4-H Award of the Gold Clover in recognition of 50 Years of service as a 4-H Volunteer. The award was given at the Cape May County 4-H Fair Opening Ceremony.
In 1967, Joan started her 4-H career in Gloucester County as many parents do when her children needed a volunteer leader for their 4-H Horse Club. Joan served as assistant leader along with Gerry Leonarski for many years as her children grew up.
Later, Joan and her husband, Ken moved to Cape May County where she continued her 4-H career as both a volunteer and as a 4-H Consultant for the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program. Here she established the very successful and long-standing Ocean Academy 4-H Club Program bringing 4-H to children with special needs, which still thrives to this day. Joan also conducted Cape May County Public Presentation Workshop for years and she led the County’s 4-H Cloverbud Club for youth in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. She will long be remembered for hosting the “Teddy Bear Tea” for years at the Cape May County 4-H Fair.
Statewide, Joan has judged NJ State Public Presentations for many years. She jumped in to help her daughter, Sue Lehberger Makres, former 4-H Program Associate in Atlantic County, whenever she needed an extra pair of hands. Joan continues her volunteer work for her granddaughter, 4-H Program Associate Brittany Rigg , in any capacity needed.
Joan has instilled her love of 4-H in her children, grandchildren, who have all been or currently are active in 4-H. Two have gone on to become 4-H Professionals. She has touched many lives through her 4-H work
We are honored to celebrate Joan’s 50 years in 4-H with a very special 50 year Ruby volunteer pin, a special plaque and a 4-H Superhero Cape, because Joan truly is a 4-H Superhero.