2012 Jackson County - Vern & Cindy Poll

Vern and Cindy Poll live in Maquoketa and are the nominees for the 4-H Hall of Fame for Jackson County. They have been involved with 4-H for many years. Cindy started in 4-H in the Buckhorn Busy Bodies 4-H club. While in that club she exhibited in clothing and food and nutrition. Then she became a member of the Southfork Stockmen so she was able to exhibit Purebred Angus cattle.     

In 1976, Cindy became a leader of the Buckhorn Busy Bodies 4-H club and has served as a leader, to this day, for a total of 37 years. Vern became a leader of the same club in 1991 and has served for 22 years. During their time as leaders, Vern and Cindy have continued to be involved with the members of the club, doing everything from answering questions about how to do certain indoor projects, to teaching on safety of being around animals and power tools, to giving tips and advice on record books and write-ups on exhibits.

Not only have Vern and Cindy been leaders for numerous years, they have also been members of several 4-H committees. They both have been a part of the Food Stand Committee for several years as well as the Youth Committee. Vern served as President of the Youth Committee in 1993. Cindy has been a member of the Endowment Committee for 3 years. The nominees have been indoor exhibit judges for several different counties with Vern judging woodworking and Cindy judging food and nutrition. There have been a few years that the couple volunteered their time to take exhibits, from the Jackson County Fair, to be judged at the Iowa State Fair.

Vern and Cindy have three children: Lindsay, Josh and Andrea. All three children were involved with 4-H their whole lives, from before they were able to join 4-H all the way through to their senior year of high school. During this time, their kids exhibited indoor projects as well as showing livestock at the county and state fair level. All the kids were involved with Share the Fun at the County Fair. Andrea and Lindsay were also involved with County Council. Vern and Cindy Poll, along with their children, were awarded the 4-H Family of the Year in 1993. Vern and Cindy continue to contribute their time and knowledge to the 4-H program. They are looking forward to seeing their grandchildren join and be involved in 4-H as they become old enough.