Source: NCSU COLLEGE OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES, 6/29/16

During her 46 years with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at NC State University, Melinda Houser founded an apple festival, a child abuse prevention coalition and a cross-county transportation system for seniors – and still could find time on a Christmas Eve to help save your failed lemon meringue pie.

“People call on Saturdays and Sundays, and that’s all right,” Houser said. “It’s important. People out there need help, and we’re here to go the extra mile.”

Houser’s first day with the Lincoln County Extension was June 1, 1970. Her original office was in the basement of the courthouse, next to the HVAC system. Her retirement party will take place at 6 p.m. June 30 at the James W. Warren Citizens Center in Lincolnton, near the new building where she finally got an office with windows a couple decades ago.

To the residents of Lincoln County, Houser’s name has become synonymous with Extension, County Extension Director Tom Dyson said.

“You’ll have people who don’t know what Extension is, but if you say 'Melinda Houser,’ their face lights up right away and they know exactly what you’re talking about,” Dyson said.

Thinking big
During her time with Extension, Houser became known for her ability to accomplish a lot with a little. She founded the Lincoln County Apple Festival at Boger City United Methodist Church in 1972. About 300 people showed up, and Houser was pleased with the turnout. Now, the annual festival draws upwards of 80,000 attendees each year.

In 1991, Houser organized the Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse, which has since opened a Child Advocacy Center to coordinate investigative and treatment efforts for more than 600 children since 2007.

“Melinda is knowledgeable, a good listener and a stickler for details,” said Lucille Johnson, who works with Houser at the Extension and Community Association. “She’s special to us.”

“Be passionate about what you do”
For whoever succeeds Houser, she emphasizes empathy and compassion as key tools for Extension work.

“You can’t do everything for people, but you’re helping them by teaching them,” she said. “You have to go the extra mile.”
And that’s a true story about the pie, by the way. Houser’s phone rang at 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve about ten years ago, and she didn’t hesitate.

“I questioned her about what she did (with the pie) prior to the call, and we came to a conclusion,” Houser said. “I don’t even remember now how the pie turned out, but I was happy to help.”