2002 East Pottawattamie County - Bernie and Norma Bolton

Bernie and Norma Bolton of Oakland, IA, exemplify the 4-H motto “to make the best better”.  Bernie was a member of 4-H in his youth, and after their marriage, the couple continued to support the 4-H youth in East Pottawattamie County.  All three daughters spent ten years each in 4-H.  Whether it was a beef project or a loaf of bread, Bernie and Norma were by their children’s side.  As leaders of the local 4-H club, the West Nishna 4-H’ers, Bernie and Norma have dedicated over 50 years combined as mentors to the youth in the club.  As the grandchildren began to arrive Bernie and Norma continued to teach the lessons they learned in 4-H so many years ago: responsibility, leadership, and communication.

Always the first to volunteer when the 4-H’ers need assistance, the Boltons have helped to revamp the County Fair Grounds, provided cattle for the Livestock Judging competition, and given trophies and plaques for many years.  The couple has managed to build a strong purebred herd of Shorthorn cattle over the past fifty years while maintaining many volunteer positions in the local community.

Members of the Oakland United Methodist Church, the Boltons have devoted numerous hours to church boards and work.  Bernie is also the Conservation District of Iowa President and spends his days driving to Des Moines or flying to Washington D.C. to encourage conservation and good land stewardship.  Norma works in the Riverside Community Schools and is also an Assistant Commissioner for the East Pottawattamie Soil and Water Conservation District.

The 4-H program has brought any friends into the lives of the Boltons and created a solid foundation on which all members of their family have built.  Without a doubt, Bernie and Norma Bolton have made a significant contribution to the 4-H program in East Pottawttamie County.