4-H Needs Help With Cabin Repairs

The roof leaks and the windows are drafty, but the 4-H Log Cabin at the Middlesex County Fair Grounds is the beloved “home” to hundreds of 4-H members.

“It’s a phenomenal building,” said County 4-H Agent Laura Bovitz. “We love it, but there’s wear and tear on it because we use it.”

While the 4-H Center is used for dancers and dinners, 4-H events and is rented out for people who want to use it, Bovits says the building is in serious need of repair and could use new windows and doors (both are drafty), a new roof (the current one is at least 25 years old), a new ceiling to replace the one that fell down during Hurricane Irene, and possibly a new floor, which takes a beating because of all the events held in the space.

Bovitz is hoping that fundraisers like the upcoming “I Love 4-H” Spaghetti Dinner Benefit  on Feb. 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the cabin and a Craft Fair on March 3 will help pay for some of the cost of repairs. They’re also hoping for donations of supplies that would replace some of the broken fixtures.

Built in 1988, Middlesex County’s 4-H Center serves as headquarters to many of 4-H’s Youth Development Clubs and programs. Not only is it a hub of activity during the Middlesex County Fair, but programs such as “Explorations Week” in the summer, Favorite Foods Festival and 4-H Open House during the fall and winter take place at the center.

While they are looking for help, the 4-H’ers haven’t been sitting idly by. The club is constantly holding fundraisers for the cabin and to fund other events. Unfortunately, with the cost of insurance and other programs, it never seems to get ahead enough for a new roof or windows.

“All of our money is from fund raising,” said Bovitz, “we’re, doing OK. But unfortunately, the money we're raising goes to ongoing maintenance. Heating and cooling is a big cost because our windows are leaky, doors and windows are leaky.”

Club members also hope to see an increase in money generated by renting the building out,

“Rentals are picking up, that’s one source of funding for us. People are using it on weekends but due to economy that's difficult,” she said.

If you would like to make a donation to help the cabin contact Laura Bovitz at 732-398-5264 or email her at bovitz@njaes.rutgers.edu.