[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY 4-H FAIR

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                          HON. MICHAEL PAPPAS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, as we begin to gear up for Congress' annual 
August district work period, I rise today to recognize the 50th annual 
Somerset County 4-H Fair. As a member of 4-H for many years, an annual 
attendee, active supporter and volunteer, as well as fair manager, I 
have maintained close ties to this organization and it holds a very 
special place in my life.
  As one of many 4-H Fairs in the State of New Jersey, it is the only 
fair that does not charge admission. The Fair exhibits a variety of 4-H 
youth projects for public observation. The Somerset County 4-H Fair is 
located at the County Fairgrounds at North Branch Park on Milltown Road 
in Bridgewater and attracts more than 75,000 people annually.
  I am pleased to be part of the 4-H program that gives the youth of 
our county the tools and knowledge to succeed in life. Today's children 
represent the future of our nation and it is gratifying to know that 
this program exists throughout New Jersey and especially in Somerset 
County.
  Throughout my time as a Somerset County Freeholder, I sponsored 
County Government Career Days for 4-H participants and have continued 
the tradition as a Member of Congress beginning a Twelfth Congressional 
District Day. Over the past two years, 4-H participants from around the 
12th district have spent a day in my district office in Flemington and 
then in Washington learning about congressional operations.
  4-H has been and continues to be a model program in our nation. It 
offers our nation's youth an opportunity to learn the values and skills 
that are needed to succeed. The 4-H should be commended for its on-
going efforts to educate the youth of our country and instill in them a 
sense of community service and awareness. As Congress continues to 
emphasize the need for service organizations and volunteers to assume a 
greater role, it will be creative programs like 4-H that year after 
year continue to bring about positive change.
  Make no mistake about it--4-H makes a positive difference in the 
lives of so many children. When they are learning to choose between 
right and wrong--4-H is there to show them the right thing to do. And 
the skills that they learn stay with them for life.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to spending a great deal of time at the 
Somerset County 4-H Fair over the district work period and spending 
time with participants, volunteers, and parents that make this program 
and this fair such a great success.

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