Volunteers are Valuable: Kane County 4-H says thank you
Kane County 4-H and University of Illinois Extension staff honored dozens of 4-H program volunteers at the recent annual 4-H Appreciation Dinner at the Kane County Fairgrounds Prairie Events Center in St. Charles.
"The Kane County 4-H program would not be successful without the amazing volunteers," said Doris Braddock, 4-H Program Coordinator, Kane County. "They lead our clubs, give time at the annual county fair, and provide other positive learning opportunities throughout the year.
"We thank them for sharing their time and expertise to develop generous, independent and skilled young people. This annual appreciation night allows us to recognize the volunteers, alumni and supporters who make our 4-H program a success."
University of Illinois Extension also named the annual 4-H Alumni and Friend of 4-H Award recipients for 2014.
Each year, 4-H clubs are given the opportunity to nominate an individual for the Kane County 4-H Alumni Award. This year, two winners were recognized - Amber Wesner of Hampshire and Mary Coffey of Batavia.
"Amber was a member of the Central Wranglers and Solid Gold 4-H Clubs, and began her volunteer role in 2009," Braddock said. "Since that time, she has served on the Horse Committee, judged the county public presentations contest, helped coach the Kane County Horse Bowl teams, and provided guidance for 4-H horse project members in preparation for the State Horse Speech contest. She is a hardworking young woman who is willing to lend a helping hand anywhere it is needed.
"Our second recipient has been a 4-H volunteer for more than 25 years," Braddock said. "Coffey serves as a club leader, fair superintendent and a member of the University of Illinois Extension Council. She was inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame in 2012. She jumps in to help when needed and always has a smile and a warm greeting for 4-H members, parents, and leaders."
Each year, 4-H members and leaders also may submit nominations for the Friend of 4-H Award. This year, Kane County 4-H recognized a group of individuals, the Kane County Fair Association.
"These group members work hard to plan and oversee the Kane County Fair, giving 4-H youth a venue to showcase their projects, skills and achievements each year," Braddock said. "They also provide use of facilities for other 4-H events and activities throughout the year. We are grateful for this great working relationship and thank them for all they do to support Kane County youth through 4-H."
During the evening, Braddock also recognized individuals who have reached volunteer milestones with 4-H, including Nick Hankes, of Maple Park, who has marked 45 years of service.
Other volunteers with 20 or more years of service include: Gerald Monkemeyer of Elgin, 35 years; Gayle Wede of Elgin, 30 years; and Robert Keck of St. Charles and Joseph McCafferty of Geneva, 20 years.
Marking 15 years are Nancy Heine of Hampshire and Denise Zierer-Wehrhan of Rockford, and with 10 years of service are: Teresa Byerly of Yorkville, Judith Childress of Sugar Grove, Angie Einwich of St. Charles, Jeff Engel of Marengo, Steven Gustafson of Hampshire, and Jeff Wehrhan of Rockford. Five-year and first-year volunteers also were recognized.
Each year, several Kane County 4-H volunteers also take on large countywide events or programs, and devote time and effort to making them successful. Acknowledged for these projects were: Kay Bornemann of Sugar Grove for the pork chop dinner, Anne Carson of Maple Park for beef weigh-in and the pork chop dinner, Jean Fabrizius of Maple Park for the pork chop dinner, Mary Herra of Elburn for the Japanese Exchange Program, and Sandy Klinkey of St. Charles and Amber Wesner for the Horse Bowl team.
"With the help of our outstanding, trained volunteers, 4-H provides youth an opportunity to explore many areas of study, including animal science, citizenship, horticulture, robotics, visual arts and more," Braddock said. "4-H Youth Development programs provide hands-on learning, and focus on building leadership, citizenship and life skills."
For more information on the 4-H program in Kane County, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/ or contact Braddock at (630) 584-6166 or dbraddoc@illinois.edu.
4-H is part of University of Illinois Extension. It is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.