Posted on August 23, 2021 at 11:55 AM by Emily Saveraid
Connie Rose had her first experience with Hardin County 4-H as a youth growing up south of Cleves. She was only involved for a few years, but still remembers how excited she was when a dress she sewed went on to the Iowa State Fair. When Connie and her husband Don’s five children were old enough, they joined 4-H as well, and Connie soon found a passion for helping out and becoming an active 4-H volunteer.
Whether it’s at the Hardin County Fair or through club activities, Connie is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asks. One of her first leadership experiences was starting up the Hardin County Home Educators Clover Kids club and being a leader for nearly six years. She has also found enjoyment being a volunteer to club leaders, helping out the Ellis Jackson Ag Stars with many club projects. One such activity was leading a blanket making workshop for many years, with the finished blankets going to children in hospitals through Project Linus. This organization became very dear to the Rose Family after two of their children received homemade blankets during their own hospital stays.
When the Rose children were still in 4-H, the entire family could be found at the fair daily, providing free activities and craft projects for fair-goers to make during fair. The family made and donated the Carpet Ball game and Gaga Ball pit for the fairgrounds, both of which are still favorites the youth exhibitors to play with during the day. Today at the Hardin County Fair, Connie is still an invaluable volunteer on conference judging day, or wherever 4-H needs her. Outside of Hardin County, Connie enjoys being a trained 4-H judge. There are few project areas that she will turn down. She loves talking with youth about what they did and what they learned.
Connie is very proud of everything her kids learned in 4-H, and still sees them use the skills they learned in 4-H today. According to Connie, “4-H is a place to grow, spread your wings, and to try new things. There is a place in 4-H for everybody – you just need a desire to learn. Never give up, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes”.
