Debbie Brubaker, a Franklin County beef and dairy farmer, has been honored with the 2019 Agriculture Advocate Award by the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization and the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.
The award recognizes Brubaker’s dedication to advancing agricultural literacy in her community for more than 10 years. In partnership with the Franklin County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, Brubaker has provided information about agriculture to an estimated 60,000 children.
Over the years, Brubaker expanded a one-day dairy event at her children’s school to include 20 learning stations that teach students about topics like milking cows, gardening, making healthy food choices and supporting pollinators. She also has designed resources and activities to engage students in hands-on learning using agricultural concepts.
Her peers say Brubaker stands out as a volunteer not only because of the positive impact she has had in her community, but also because of the design skills she brings to the table.
“Debbie’s creativity in reaching children makes her remarkable,” said Tammy Maxey, senior education manager for the Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom program. “Her off-the-farm work as a graphic designer has paid dividends in her volunteer projects.”
Thanks to Brubaker’s talents, many students in the rural county have learned more about milk production by interacting with a cow replica that shows its digestive system, or one that demonstrates how cows are milked.
“Agriculture in the Classroom’s strength lies in its grassroots network of volunteers like Ms. Brubaker who are passionate about spreading agricultural literacy in schools,” noted Will Fett, NAITCO president.
Brubaker and the Franklin County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee joined forces with local schools and organizations to broaden the reach of agricultural literacy in their community. They participate in annual STEM events, read in schools during Virginia AITC’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week, and host hundreds of students at the Franklin County Fair’s Dairy Days.
“We are thrilled to see Debbie receive this honor,” Maxey shared. “She has been an exceptional spokesperson in her community, and we have been fortunate to have her engagement as a board member for the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. Her passion for agriculture and children is evident, and we are so pleased to see her accomplishments celebrated.”
The foundation is a nonprofit organization that receives financial and administrative support from Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
Source: Augusta Free Press: https://augustafreepress.com/virginia-farmer-named-2019-national-agriculture-advocate/Read more Volunteer Stories!Submit a Story!
Richmond CASA
Story of Service: Richmond CASA
As one of the January 2024 Serve Virginia Honor Roll honorees, Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) works to ensure that children don’t face the courts and foster care system alone. CASA volunteers (CASAs) advocate for what is in the child’s best interest and help to reduce the time a child spends in the court system and/or in foster care. They advocate for children to make sure their preferences and needs are being heard by those who are responsible for making decisions. CASAs spend time with the child and speak to relatives, service providers, teachers, and social workers to gather...
CrossOver Health Ministry
Story of Service: CrossOver Health Ministry
Congratulations to CrossOver Health Ministry of Richmond - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Community Organization! COVID-19 has magnified the dramatic healthcare disparities existing in communities across the country. CrossOver Healthcare Ministry has not only stepped up to provide outstanding medical care, but has gone above and beyond to be there in incredible ways. CrossOver operates two charitable healthcare clinics – one in the City of Richmond and one in Henrico County. Founded in 1983, the clinics provide healthcare to approximately 5,500 uninsured and medically underserved individuals each year. Many of CrossOver’s patients (60%)...
Rachel Haines
Story of Service: Rachel Haines
Rachel Haines
Blazer Heating, Air, & Plumbing
Story of Service: Blazer Heating, Air, & Plumbing
In Hanover and King William counties, Blazer Heating, Air, & Plumbing has become a champion for Habitat for Humanity. For more than two years, the local business has worked to share their unique skills and expertise to directly change the lives of community members. Blazer Heating, Air, & Plumbing has become a valued partner in every aspect of Habitat’s organization and “sets the standard for what it means to be a business that cares about its community,” according to nominator Debbie Preston. In the Critical Repair program, the Blazer team provides no-cost HVAC replacement or repair for low-income homeowners who...
Pepicelli’s Pizza LLC
Story of Service: Pepicelli’s Pizza LLC
Congratulations to Pepicelli's Pizza of Ashland -- winner of the 2017 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Small Business! For residents in the Town of Ashland and Beaverdam, there’s no such thing as a special event or community outreach effort without Pepicelli's Pizza. Lisa and Tom Checkosky’s restaurant is not only the best place to go in town for a slice, it is an outstanding example of giving back to the community. The list of organizations and causes supported by Pepicelli’s goes on and on – from the Hanover Humane Society to the Ashland Police Foundation. Pepicelli’s...
Lucy Cummins
Story of Service: Lucy Cummins
Congratulations to Lucy Cummins of Richmond - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer! The Health Brigade, a free clinic in downtown Richmond, became a vital resource for many as COVID-19 infections began to rise in Central Virginia. Lucy Cummins may have originally stepped into her role as a patient navigator to assist with Spanish interpretation and translation services, but quickly pivoted to address and overcome a number of challenges presented by the pandemic. Putting aside her own academic needs in developing her translation skills, Lucy got to work helping to get...