Joan Hart has been involved in 4-H for more than nine years, either as the mother of a 4-H member or as volunteer leader of a 4-H Club.

This nurse practitioner, home school mom and 4-H volunteer leader was honored in the Volunteer Spotlight for devoting her time and talents to help “Make the Best Better”

Before she and her family moved to Marengo County seven years ago, Hart led a volunteer home school club in Butler called the CaTch club. Since moving to Marengo County, she has worked with the Marengo Rangers, a home school club and a horse club. The 4-H 4 Life club was begun by her two years ago for Marengo County home schooled senior high students to assist them in developing life skills and performing community service. The club is beginning their third year doing volunteer work for Comfort Care Hospice in Demopolis. The group of approximately 20 youth meets once a month at the hospice facility in Demopolis to perform a service project.

Hart is a cheerleader for 4-H and what it stands for. “I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world,” is the 4-H pledge.

“My children have been involved in 4-H for years, and their 4-H experience has helped them tremendously,” she said. “Participating in the competitions had helped them with their socialization and leadership skills.”

Hart is married to James “Rick” Hart, and they have three children: Ben, 22; Elizabeth, 17; and Sam, 14. The Harts are active members of the Gallion Bible Chapel.

In addition to their community service to Comfort Care Hospice, the 4-H 4 Life club has had a financial management seminar, CPR program, budgeting, planning, and cooking a meal and career planning.

The 4-H members are very involved in planning and implementing their own 4-H programs. They have planned a trip to the Huntsville Space Center in March, an activity at Woodhaven Nursing Home in April and an end of the year party at Alabama Adventureland. Hart is also signed up to participate in a junior master gardener training scheduled for April 28 at the Marengo County Extension office. She wants to include gardening skills into the club’s programs.

Those who would like to be a 4-H volunteer and make a difference in a child’s life should call the Marengo County Extension office at (33) 295-5959 or regional extension agent Susan Thompson at (334) 790-3870.