In 2025, the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation celebrates its 70th anniversary!
The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to the enrichment and advancement of 4-H youth development programs throughout the Commonwealth. Established in 1955, the Foundation generates and provides resources to help expand the 4-H program in Massachusetts.
If anyone has had a fascinating life with an interesting story, you know it has to be someone named Dick Tracy.
Back in the 1957-58 time frame, Dick of Westhampton (not the comic strip character portrayed by Warren Beatty in the 1990 film) traveled to Washington D.C. as a college student to participate in National 4-H Conference. There, he met President Dwight Eisenhower, who exalted the 4-H’ers as “the cream of the crop” when he addressed them in the Rose Garden.
Not only that, Dick also met a young Senator named John F. Kennedy and sat in his senate seat.
For a man who mingled with presidents, Dick had a simple upbringing. He grew up on a farm in Westhampton. His family were dairy farmers at Intervale Farm. Between the ages of 9 and 20, Dick participated in 4-H. He attended Camp Howe in Goshen each summer. “4-H was such a vital part of my life when I was young,” said Dick. “It had a big impact on my growing up and my belief system.”
As an adult, Dick continued his 4-H involvement as a maintenance person at Camp Howe, as a 4-H club leader, and with the 4-H All Stars, with whom he attended a national conference in the early 1960s.
Dick and his wife, Janice, married on September 27, 1958, and raised four children who all participated in 4-H. Their son Rick now raises vegetables at Intervale Farm for farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups, and restaurants.
Dick’s only regret is that he didn’t share with President Obama his belief that 4-H belongs in cities as well as rural areas. “4-H is just as valid a thing today as it was 100 years ago,” he said. “I still believe in it so strongly.”
We were honored to meet Dick Tracy. We thank Dick for sharing his story with us and for supporting the Foundation for so many years.
The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation elected two new Foundation Corporators in 2024. Their nominations were approved in May at the Annual Meeting.
Mateo Rull Garza
Mateo Rull Garza was raised in Mexico but immigrated to Massachusetts in 2016. He graduated from UMass Lowell with a B.S. in Biology and is pursuing a master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences at UMass Amherst. As part of his Agricultural Extension research, Mateo works with dozens of fruit growers across the state to develop sustainable pest management practices. Since May 2023, Mateo has served as president of the only New England chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), a national student development organization. Mateo also serves on the Extension Board of Public Overseers and is a Fellow of the National Association of States Department of Agriculture. Mateo’s involvement with 4-H began with the Urban Extension program at UMass Amherst. Having met dozens of urban youth who benefit from 4-H, Mateo is excited to advocate on their behalf as a 4-H Foundation Corporator.
Michael Williams
With a career spanning nearly 37 years, Michael has provided IT support to a diverse range of businesses, from small firms to large enterprise clients. His 14-year tenure at an independent school in Brookline was marked by the implementation of a pioneering technology program.
The impact of this program was profound, not only altering the delivery of education but also empowering students and teachers to steer their own personal development. The design of this program was inspired by Michael’s years of experience in nurturing the personal growth of his colleagues and clients.
Michael is thrilled to explore new opportunities within the 4-H programs and eager to build upon his past achievements. He is enthusiastic about initiating new technology programs and outreach efforts as a corporator to further the objectives of the 4-H youth program. His vision is to enable and empower the youth, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
The Shirley Kane Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament was played on September 11th under mostly cloudy skies. However, a large rainstorm held off until play was complete and the (indoor) barbeque began, as if ordained by fate.
The level of play was high this year. The winning team, comprised by Dave McCabe, Jeff Morse, Pat Bean and Steve Freitas, shot an outstanding 16 under par! he winning women’s team, comprised of Sandra King, Tracey Neret, Danielle Degnan, and Mary Bures Fitzpatrick, had a score of +3. The Kent Lage Longest Drive winners were Anuj Puri and Suzanne Turner.
The tournament raised $65,197 for 4-H programming. This event remains the Foundation’s largest single-day fundraiser.
Thank you to the sponsors, players and volunteers who make the tournament possible!
The 68th Annual Meeting of the Corporators was held at the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in Westboro on May 9. 2023 featured a slate of speakers from the Foundation and 4-H. This meeting represented the Foundation’s first in-person Annual Meeting in four years. There, the trustees, corporators, and invited guests:
Trustees had the opportunity to see animal science and STEM 4-H clubs in action, with several clubs attending and demonstrating their skills, including the Upton Hoofbeats 4-H Club, Sutton Preservationists 4-H Club, Cottontails 4-H Club, Great Scott’s Rabbit & Cavy 4-H Club, and STEM Ambassadors from Holyoke and Springfield.
See you next year!
Hannah Denison
Hannah Denison is the recipient of the 2022 1st place, $1,000 Kent Lage Leadership Award. Hannah will attend the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst in the fall.Andrew Zeng
Andrew Zeng is the recipient of the 2nd place, $500 Kent Lage Leadership Award. Andrew plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, where he will major in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences.1661 Worcester Road
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