In a year celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer, it feels especially fitting to honor a woman whose life has been defined by service, stewardship, and a steadfast commitment to the next generation. Jane Smith, a beloved member of the Frederick County agricultural community, turned 100 years old this February—yet her legacy continues to ripple through farms, families, and youth programs across the region.
Jane and her late husband, Charles, spent their early years volunteering with the March of Dimes and 4‑H. As they approached their 50th year with both organizations, they wanted to do something meaningful—something that would both support children and make a lasting impact. What began as a simple idea for a “wake‑a‑thon” fundraiser soon blossomed into what would eventually become the Frederick County Farm Bureau Safety Camp.
The original wake‑a‑thon was humble but joyful: games, snacks, fellowship, and a chance for local kids to support a cause. In one of the stories Jane loves to tell, she reached out—boldly—to Orville Redenbacher himself, asking if he might donate popcorn for the event. She left a message and thought little more of it until the phone rang days later. When asked how much popcorn she needed, Jane simply replied, “Whatever you can send.” Shortly afterward, the equivalent of three UPS truckloads of popcorn arrived. The gift sparked a lasting friendship, and Jane made sure the children wrote thank‑you cards. Those notes meant so much to Redenbacher that he personally called Jane to express his gratitude.
As the wake‑a‑thon grew, Jane and Charlie envisioned something even more impactful: a camp dedicated to teaching children the fundamentals of farm safety. With the help of Farm Bureau members and community volunteers—including Dr. Ray Edigar sharing livestock safety stories and Dr. John George delivering nighttime ghost tales—the Safety Camp flourished. Jane organized the event for 20 years, and securing a medivac helicopter for the children remains one of her proudest accomplishments. Others had tried without success, but Jane’s persistence made it happen.
Reflecting on the 30th year of Frederick County Farm Bureau Safety Camp, Jane shared, “Amy Poffenberger took over leading Safety Camp and has done a great job. I am very proud of Farm Bureau and the new board that has kept it going all these years and sends me a group photo of the kids each year.”
Jane and Charlie farmed 160 acres in Jefferson, milking a couple hundred cows. Though they sold the herd 33 years ago, their commitment to the community deepened. Proceeds from the sale of the farm helped shape- their local community in a variety of ways. Jane also pioneered the Brunswick Community Show—an effort now carried forward by Sally Arnold. She is proud that one of the county’s smaller schools now offers one of the most robust scholarships. Additionally with Sally’s help, Jane published a cookbook honoring Charlie, with all proceeds donated to 4‑H and the March of Dimes—another example of her lifelong generosity.
Her advice for women in agriculture is simple, strong, and lived through example: “Join boards. Say yes. Give back. Learn more about agriculture than you knew before.” Farm Bureau, she says, helped her understand the industry’s diversity and the importance of developing future leaders. She and Charlie always championed Farm Bureau conventions and the volunteers who make the organization thrive.
At 100 years old, Jane Smith remains a remarkable reminder of what one determined woman can accomplish: stronger communities, safer farms, and generations of young people inspired by her example.