Meet our volunteer of the month, Paulette Brock!  Paulette and her husband, Lyle, raise corn and soybeans on a farm north of Champaign.  Paulette plays an active role on the farm, tilling ground in the spring and driving the auger wagon in the fall.

   Paulette is a product of the Midwest.  She grew up on a dairy farm one hour north of Minneapolis.  In 1968, Paulette moved to Illinois to attend the University of Illinois School of Social Work.  Paulette’s career led to the VA in Danville where she worked for 39 years with a focus on the homeless population.

   Following retirement, Paulette became active in the Champaign County Farm Bureau.  She says that articles in the Farm Bureau newsletter always made things sound interesting and she wanted to get involved and enlarge her scope.  Brock’s involvement with CCFB shines through on the Women’s Committee.  Currently the vice-president, Paulette has been active at Playin’ It Safe days, computer workshops, and Harvest Days at Curtis Orchard.  She has also attended the Lady Landowner meetings and finds them very interesting.  She believes it’s important to let your voice be heard.

   Brock continues to make her mark on CCFB.  Paulette and Lyle have attended Farm Bureau district meetings.  “I like the idea of attending legislative events and participating in a call to action,” she says.  The couple also participated in the 100^th Anniversary Tractor Drive and Family Picnic. 

   Paulette says she likes to assume a supportive role in her volunteer efforts.  “You don’t need to be in the limelight to be a good volunteer,” she says.  “If you see a need, you can step up to the plate and make a difference.”

   She is very active at the First Baptist Church of Champaign in Savoy.  Paulette has provided leadership in Sunday school, participates on a team that visits shut-in’s and those who are ill, and is also serving on the Growth Board.  She coordinates a program called Apples of Gold, which mentors young women in a six-week session, providing homemaking and spiritual lessons.

   It doesn’t sound like Paulette is going to slow down anytime soon.  She still goals to complete more community work that will allow her to utilize her social work skills.  When possible, she enjoys reading, sewing and gardening. 

   The Brocks also enjoy spending time with their four children and six grandchildren.  They enjoy people, their friendships and connecting with others. 

   A special thanks to Paulette Brock for all the time and talent she dedicates to the Champaign County Farm Bureau!