Larry and Karla Pals live in Belmond and have been dedicated to the 4-H program for many years.
Florence Ferden’s long time dedication to Worth County 4-H began as a young Home Economist in 1954 when she was hired to serveFlorence was recognized for her efforts by being named the coveted R.K Bliss State Extension award winner in 1979. Two years later in 1981 she was named as Worth County Extension Director and served in that role until her retirement.
Marilyn Engle grew up in a farm family in southern Iowa and became a member of 4-H in the club led by her mother. At Iowa State University she earned a degree in chemical engineering. With her husband Richard she moved to Sioux City where she became active in the Woodbury County 4-H Program. She started the Morningside Mini Maids 4-H Club where eventually her four daughters were members. Marilyn nurtured and taught the girls in a way that they became expert seamstresses and enjoyed and excelled in food and nutrition projects. She encouraged them to participate in demonstrations in the club setting and to later polish their education presentations on the county and state level. Marilyn did this for her own daughters and for every youth in her 4-H club.In recent years Marilyn hosted a tea for Nancy Franz, director of ISU Extension Families and 4-H. Other “pioneers” of Woodbury 4-H were invited along with staff to discuss the new trends of Iowa State University Outreach & Extension including 4-H. Marilyn is active in her church and has served in leadership roles on the local, district and state levels.
Ann Moen began working for Iowa State University Extension in Winneshiek County in 1980 serving as an office assistant. She was instrumental in the production of materials for the county fair often working far into the night to make sure everything was ready. She was also good at calling and finding answers to people’s questions when they came into the Extension Office. Ann retired from ISU Extension-Winneshiek County in 2010. She also served as a 4-H leader for the Washington Prairie Peppers for over fifteen years.
Dan and Lou Ann Garst have been active with the Webster County 4-H program for over three decades.This team has been a part of the Webster County 4-H program and is truly appreciated.
Donna Morgan’s interests in 4-H started on a school bus as a 10 year old. Another girl on the bus, Sue Baker, was a 4-H member and answered her questions about 4-H. After a lengthy campaign to gain her father’s permission, Donna joined the Decatur County Leroy Merry Makers 4-H Club.All of these contributions, because another 4-Her encouraged and inspired her to join 4-H when she was 10 years old.
Jim Frier’s involvement with 4-H began as a 4-H’er in Grundy County. He showed Berkshire hogs and fed cattle. He was on the Livestock Judging Team for three years and his last year earned 2nd high honors in the state. He attended ISU and was a 4-H summer trainee in Greene County. He worked for four years in Boone County as a 4-H/Youth assistant before moving to Washington County.
Monty Freeman of Warren County was a member of the Belmont Go-Getters 4-H Club from age 9 until he graduated from high school in 1976. During that time he showed Charolais cattle raised on his family farm, as well as sheep, at the county and state fair. He participated in the annual Junior Charolais Field Day, was a member of 4-H County Council/Sr. 4H, and was also a member of the American International Junior Charolais Association and held the office of president.
Doug Glosser has served as a 4-H leader and supporter for many years. In fact, Mr. Glosser was the founder of the Cornhuskers 4-H club, which is still active today. He spent countless hours mentoring young 4-H members who looked up to him. He and his wife instilled the 4-H values into their four children as they grew up in the 4-H program to become future leaders and community members. His contribution to 4-H is still strong today because of his impact on young lives to make the best better.Doug was always available to lend a hand to help in anyway during 4-H events. Doug continues to donate time to 4-H events when he is not busy judging Meat Goat Shows across the nation.
In 1972 Kenneth Gilchrist started a boys’ 4-H club in the Douds area, which was named the Douds Livewires with 10 boys joining that first year. The year before this club began, only one animal had been entered in the Van Buren County fair from the area and that was from the girls’ club. Eventually, there were 35 head of cattle entered from the two clubs.
After starting the 4-H club in 1972, Kenny remained as 4-H leader until 1980. After 41 years, the Douds Livewire 4-H Club is still going strong impacting the community by the ideals which it teaches. Kenny and his family are thankful for the opportunities 4-H provided
