BOONE, Iowa—Volunteers are the backbone of the Boone County 4-H program. Adult 4-H volunteers were recognized at 4-H Awards Day held on Sunday, November 10th at the Community Building at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Dennis Lynch was the recipient of the 4-H Alumni Award. Dennis Lynch has made a large impact on the Boone County Swine Department as a Committee Superintendent over the past 26 years. Each of these years, he would find a show judge, facilitate weigh-ins, coordinate show volunteers, track show results, and help make improvements for the following year. Dennis has also played an integral role in the success of the 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction. Each year, he donates his services as an auctioneer, helping encourage bidders to support the young livestock exhibitors. The time and talents he has offered this event have allowed it to impact a large number of Boone County youth, and recognize the hard work they have put forth in creating a quality meat product. While growing up, Dennis was a member of the Jackson Willing Workers 4-H club and United Community FFA chapter.

The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to Kelli Noland. Kelli has dedicated more than twenty years to the program, over ten of which she served as a club leader of the Peoples Guys and Gals 4-H Club. She also spent twelve years as a 4-H mom–selflessly helping her kids learn and grow. As a 4-H volunteer, she continued to devote herself to bettering the world around her. She is a person of integrity and kindness, who frequently impacts others with her positive morale and caring heart. She uses her intuitive nature to ensure 4-Hers in her club feel welcome and comfortable. Boone County 4-H was lucky to have her and grateful for her continued commitment to make the best better.

The Meritorious Service to 4-H Award was presented to the Leonard A. Good Trust. The Leonard A. Good Trust has given a lot to the 4-H program in Boone County over the years. Many of the opportunities we are able to provide were made by possible by their generous contributions. Their sponsorship allowed for the start of our Beef, Sheep and Swine Carcass Contests, and also enabled the purchase of a new sheep and swine scale. Back in 2012 when we started offering Dog Agility, the Leonard A. Good Trust sponsored the purchase of the supplies to build all the needed equipment including the A-Frame, Dog Walk, See Saw and jumps. We still use this equipment today and our agility program has grown. To help create a safer environment for horse exhibitors and their horses while at the County Fair, the trust sponsored the purchase of 10 new box stalls.

When Boone County ISU Extension and Outreach outgrew their office, the Leonard A. Good Trust helped them purchase and make improvements to their new building. Now, half of the 4-H Clubs in Boone County use the new office to hold their meetings and additional educational programs have been possible at the new office. In addition to the Extension Office, the Trust has helped fund many Boone County Fair building renovations.

A highlight of the 4-H Awards Day program is the presentation of the Fran Thompson Memorial Outstanding Leader Award. This year’s recipient was Robyn Reece. Robyn Reece has been a club leader

for the Montana Miners for the last 13 years. Robyn is passionate about the 4-H program. Her son, Kenton and daughter, Landra were very active 4-H’ers at the county, state and national level. Kenton and Landra both served on the State 4-H Council, attended National 4-H Congress and as alumni, they both still volunteer with the 4-H program. Robyn has a very generous heart and she encourages others to give back to their community.

In 2009, Robyn completed training to be the certified Coordinator of the Shooting Sports 4-H Club in Boone County and she still holds that certification. She coordinates the Shooting Sports Club meetings and activities with the certified Shooting Sports instructors in our county. This year, she helped facilitate a partnership with the Greene County Shooting Sports Club to combine the 4-H Clubs. This partnership benefits both counties since we are sharing resources and instructors so that we can increase our overall participation and help ensure that the kids have a good experience.

During the awards ceremony Vicki Heiller, representing the Iowa 4-H Foundation, presented Award of the Clover pins to sixteen 4-H volunteers. Three twenty year Diamond pins were awarded to Melody Bethards, Jeremy Gustafson and Mindy Moeller. Three fifteen year pearl pins were awarded to Vicki Heiller, Connie Sturtz and Cheryl Tevis-Lingren. Two ten year gold pins were awarded to Cory Christensen and Lori Weyhrich. Eight five year silver pins were awarded to Lisa Burke, Pam Baumgardner, Deann Barnes, Sara Bryan, Jenny Cook, Kim Grell, Skyler Rinker and Shari Redies.

During the Awards Day program, members of the Boone County 4-H Youth Committee presented 4-H member awards as well and recognized 4-H club leaders. Fourteen youth were installed as members of the 2018 – 2019 County 4-H Council.

If you are interested in learning more about how to volunteer with the 4-H program, please contact the Boone County ISU Extension & Outreach office at (515) 432-3882.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(contributed article and photos, Boone County 4-H)