FREDERICK, Md -- A $30,000 endowment has been granted to Maryland 4-H Foundation to support Frederick County 4-H sewing art and crafts projects in memory of Rose Bahl Golski, long-time 4-H Leader and volunteer in Frederick County.
The $30,000 endowment was granted to the 4-H Foundation by Dr. John Golski and his family to carry on his late wife’s legacy of sewing craft appreciation.
Rose Bahl Golski, who was born in Baltimore and grew up in Dushore, Pennsylvania., returned to Maryland in 1973 with her husband John and quickly became the face of his Frederick County periodontal office, while also raising their two children, Stephanie and Ken.
Her passion for sewing and designing clothing for her friends and family made her the “go-to” house in the neighborhood for special handmade outfits, including wedding dresses for her daughter and daughter-in-law and countless bridesmaids’ dresses. Her love of sewing led to a natural fit with the local University of Maryland Extension 4-H clubs, where she was able to share that skillset as a volunteer and club leader in Catoctin. Golski was known for her creative costumes and amazing decorated cakes for seasonal holiday celebrations. In an interview following the donation, her husband noted that “She could look at a bolt of fabric and see something there that no one else could see. She had such an innate ability to create such amazing works of art.”
"Hearing Dr. Golski describe his wife's passion for working with 4-Her's in the clothing project was inspiring,” said Gail Yeiser, President of the Maryland 4-H Foundation Board. “We appreciate every donor who creates an endowment that will serve youth into the future."
Frederick County 4-H Educator Anna Glenn notes how excited she is to have these funds to be able to create new opportunities for youth here in Frederick. “4-H is all about helping kids find their “SPARK” so that they can develop the skills and the confidence that they need to THRIVE later on in life. We strive to offer a wide variety of programs to our youth because we never know which one will spark their interest and become the start of a life-long passion or career.” Glenn mentioned that although interest in sewing has not been as strong as it was two or three decades ago, the 4-H program here in Frederick has observed a renewed passion for the art over the last couple of years as more and more people are focusing on locally made products, so this donation could not have come at a more perfect time. She shared that these funds will be used to provide support for sewing workshops, Fashion Revue competitions, and other professional development opportunities for youth related to sewing.
The Maryland 4-H program strives to provide youth development opportunities in sewing, agriculture, leadership, STEM, cooking, arts, archery, and much more, to over 5,000 kids participating across the state. The Maryland 4-H Foundation welcomes similar conversations about establishing endowments to support the Maryland 4-H program across the state or right here in Frederick. Contact Lauren Mohler, Executive Director, at Lmohler@umd.edu and visit http://www.mymaryland4hfoundation.com/ for more information.