Longtime Volunteer of Virginia Beach Cooperative Extension's 4-H Program Honored

When Rose Talbott first enrolled her daughters in the 4-H Youth Development program, she never imagined it would spark a lifelong legacy of service for her family. What began as an opportunity for her two daughters to learn and grow soon became a calling that would inspire multiple generations of her family. 

Helping 4-H Youth Thrive

For more than 35 years, Talbott has faithfully served as a 4-H volunteer, contributing more than 8,400 hours to mentoring and empowering young people throughout the community.  

The 4-H program is the youth development program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service conducted by Virginia Tech and Virginia State Universities. It is an informal, hands-on education approach focusing on building lifelong learning skills that develop youths' potential through community clubs, special-interest groups, camps and in-school programs. 

Today, she continues that mission as the adult leader of the 4-H Craft Club alongside her sister, Jean, who has also served as a volunteer with 4-H since the 1990s. Together, they lead kids in making anything from cool noodle rockets to keychains and sock puppets. Over the years, Talbott’s daughters and her grandson have followed in her footsteps, volunteering and giving back through the program that inspired them.

Her impact reaches far beyond a single club. She has served in numerous leadership roles with the 4-H Leaders Association, 4-H Clubs of Virginia Beach Inc., the Livestock Show & Sale Committee, VB Craft Club, Southeast District/Airfield Volunteer Leaders Association, and both the local and state 4-H All Stars chapters.

Among her most treasured contributions, she said, is her work with the 4-H Ham Project, where she has helped coordinate and maintain records since the program began in 2001. Through the Ham Project, young participants experience every step of the ham curing process firsthand, from salting and weighing the hams to smoking them twice daily with the help of adult volunteers. Carrying on a tradition started by her late husband, Talbott owns one of only four smokehouses in Virginia Beach.  

“It’s fun. The kids learn a lot,” said Talbott. “They’re required to keep records, track weights, take photos, and document the process from beginning to end. It teaches them responsibility and pride in their work.”

Spirit of Virginia Beach Award

In April, Talbott was for her embodiment of volunteerism in the City with the 2026 Wayne McCoy Spirit of Virginia Beach Award. 

The Virginia Beach Rotary Club has been recognizing outstanding City service for decades as a way to highlight the many critical functions City employees and volunteers perform every day. The Spirit of Virginia Beach was named for the late Rotarian Wayne McCoy, who was a dedicated volunteer for many years for the City of Virginia Beach.  

“I was totally shocked. There are so many deserving people in this city, but I was truly honored and thrilled to be selected,” she said.

Those who know Rose say her recognition comes as no surprise.

“Rose’s many years and hours of 4-H experience are invaluable to our 4-H program,” said Sue Doyle, volunteer resource manager for the Virginia Cooperative Extension. “She is a meticulous record keeper and proficient “numbers” person! She never hesitates to jump into a project or area of need in support of our 4-H programs. She always has a positive spirit and a willingness to share her time, talents, insight and endless energy. Rose always makes herself available and has touched countless lives through Virginia Beach 4-H.”

Volunteer Today!   

Ready to serve your community? Virginia Beach has several opportunities for you to donate your talents. Learn more and find your own volunteer opportunity at VirginiaBeach.gov/Volunteer.  

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