Posted on August 24, 2017 at 9:14 PM by Emily Saveraid
Clara Valen was a 10 year member of the South Summit Sizzlers 4-H club in Steele County, Minnesota. Her projects included market swine, foods, dairy, horticulture/gardening, and home improvement. She really enjoyed baking, especially breads, where she received a blue plus ribbon. Another highlight was when she earned a trip to the Livestock Market Show with her Hampshire barrow and earned 8th overall in the carcass contest.
Clara has been involved as a parent and grandparent for the past 29 years, as leader of the Lincoln Handy Helpers for the past 21 years, and as an active Glow Run sponsor and participant since its inception (and earning 1st place in her age category).
When Clara’s daughter was in middle school, her 4-H club, the Lincoln Handy Helpers, was about to close because they were unable to find a new leader. Clara became the leader and has helped numerous youth grow and be empowered through the 4-H program.
Clara says, “4-H teaches youth many skills that are essential in our world today. It provides opportunities for youth of all ages to explore, learn, grow, and achieve their areas of interest. It also assists them in gaining skills that will be useful later in life. They learn to work together, communicate, and lead. It is such a joy watching them complete an exhibit and the excitement of earning their first blue ribbon, and later, perhaps outstanding junior, grand champion, or representation to the Iowa State Fair. 4-H truly changes them in positive ways that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The youth of 4-H are the growing plants for our future harvest.” She likes knowing that she is contributing to their growth.
Beyond the 4-H program, Clara is a central committee member and active delegate for the Emmet County Republican Party; longstanding member of the Midway Country Club (serving as President for many years); member/advocate for Emmet County Right to Life; parishioner at St. Patrick Parish in Estherville; former counselor for Camp CAYOCA; coordinated fundraisers for youth to attend the Steubenville Summer Youth Conference; and was coordinator for the Estherville Community Christian School wreath fundraiser for a number of years.
