Battling Mosquitos, Part 2
Ruth, at right, giving a presentation on mosquito control
Ruth received the Superior Service Award of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for her part in establishing mosquito control districts throughout Rockingham County. Here is Ruth's account of the proceedings.
"I drove to Washington, D.C. to the USDA Honor Awards Ceremony. Secretary of Agriculture, Bob Bergland, presented Superior Service Awards to 96 personnel from all over the country. There were 9 from the Extension Service nationally (3 women, of which I was privileged to be one).
"This 32nd Annual Awards Ceremony took place at the Sylvan Theater on Washington Monument grounds on June 1, 1978 at 10:30 a.m. The U.S. Air Force Band played as the colors were presented by the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard. Then the band played while everyone sang the national anthem. There was an invocation and introductions followed by remarks by the Secretary of Agriculture, Bob Bergland.
"Vice President Walter F. Mondale, in a bright blue jacket, gave the main address. The awardees sat on a stage in rows behind the Vice President. I was with a group of men.
"The awards were announced and presented by Secretary Bergland. Each awardee left his or her seat to shake hands and accept a citation from him. Mine read: 'For developing a community action program resulting in significant improvement of the environment through citizen participation in Rockingham Mosquito Control Project.'
"Dr. Ava Rodgers of the Federal Extension Office and Beatrice Judkins, former NH State Program Leader in Home Economics, graciously hosted Mother. It was a gorgeous June day for an outdoor ceremony, and a major event in my professional career. At 2:30 p.m. Mu Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the honorary Extension fraternity, hosted a Recognition Program for Extension awardees.
"On our way home Mother and I stayed overnight in a motel. When we left I forgot my blue Dacron, awardee dress in the closet. So I had to phone to have it mailed home. Too much excitement!!!"
