Three local volunteers recognized for service to Illinois 4-H
The Illinois 4-H Foundation annually recognizes 4-H volunteers for exemplary service, and this year, three volunteers from the western suburbs were inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.
DuPage County
Steven Ford of Elmhurst has been an active volunteer for DuPage County 4-H and University of Illinois Extension for nearly a decade.
"We are grateful that Steven is always willing to lend his time and expertise in the success of efforts, such as International Night, the county fair, the 4-H Shooting Sports program, and spring break workshops," said Christine Birns, 4-H Program Coordinator, DuPage County. "He truly believes 'many hands make light work,' which also is an important 4-H tenet."
Also a 4-H parent, Ford has served in multiple volunteer roles, including as a contact leader for the Trinity Trailblazers 4-H Club, as a member of the DuPage County Expansion and Review Committee, and as a member of the local Tri-County Extension Council.
Kane County
Mark Einwich of St. Charles is a longtime supporter of 4-H, serving in various roles over the years.
"Mark's involvement in 4-H continues to be a great asset to the youth, the 4-H program as a whole, and Extension," said Doris Braddock, 4-H Program Coordinator, Kane County. "His leadership and dedication is admired by staff, fellow volunteers and 4-H families alike."
Einwich currently serves as a member of the Kane County 4-H Foundation, on the Blue Ribbon Sale Committee, and as a county fair 4-H superintendent. He also chairs the ticket sales for the annual Kane County 4-H Foundation Pork Chop Dinner and Fundraiser, which has garnered more than $200,000 in 10 years.
Kendall County
Sandra Davis of Newark serves as the County Director for University of Illinois Extension of DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties, but she also is a 4-H alum and past 4-H volunteer.
"Sandra is well deserving of this award since she has served in every facet of 4-H - starting as a 4-H member, continuing on as a club leader and finally as a mentor to her grandchildren today," said Kim Eisnaugle, 4-H Program Coordinator in Kendall County. "She also has been an integral part of University of Illinois Extension for more than 45 years."
Following in her father's footsteps, Davis was involved in 4-H when she was young, and later, her children participated as well. She led the Coy Park Critters 4-H Club and, due to her example, one member grew up to lead her own 4-H Club.
Ford, Einwich and Davis were among 67 new members named to the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, and the group was celebrated at a special event at the Illinois State Fair in August.
"These longtime volunteers fully embody what 4-H strives to instill in youth," said Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director. "They are caring, dedicated, generous leaders, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation is extremely proud to be able to provide this honor to each and every one of them to thank them for their service to this wonderful organization."
The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.
"As a result of these volunteers' years of service and leadership to Illinois 4-H," Barnard said, "the program they love will continue to create wonderful opportunities for the young people whose lives it touches."
"The foundation provides avenues to continue to support the work of Illinois 4-H by accepting financial gifts specifically directed to the program you wish to support," Barnard said. "Estate planning services are available to those wishing to continue their 4-H legacy."
Others honored include Josh St. Peters, Bond County; Robin Kindberg, Boone County; Karl and Beth Schultz, Bureau County; Terry Bocker, Carroll County; Evelyn Anderson, Cass County; Kathy Mullins, Champaign County; Bill and Wendy Harmon, Christian County; Bob and Angela Zellers, Clark County; Brad Rudolphi, Clay County; Sheila Lueking, Clinton County; Mary Carben, Cook County; Shanna Alexander, Crawford County; Vivian Hallett, Cumberland County; John Boesche, DeKalb County; Dave Ferguson, Dewitt County; Angela Hamilton, Edgar County; Norma Hamilton, Edwards County; Cleo McManaway, Effingham County; Roger Wycoff, Ford County; Cathy Eathington, Fulton County; Karen Zelko, Grundy County; Mary Ruth Bryson, Hamilton County; Robert Fecht, Hancock County; Russell Campbell, Henderson County; Barb Schumacher, Iroquois County; Rick and Beth Nethery, Jasper County; Mary Ann Dagg, Jefferson County; Jack Stork, Jersey County; Marvin Schnitzler, Jo Daviess County; Margaret Cote, Kankakee County; Mike Hennenfent, Knox County; Terri Sancken, LaSalle County; Carol Vaessen, Lee County; Marge Dunham, Livingston County; John and Annie Coers, Logan County; Joann Wolff, Macoupin County; Jim and Elaine Thurnau, Madison County; Albert (Larry) Hill, Mason County; Bud and Deb Hobbs, McDonough County; and Denise Woolridge, McHenry County; Brian Bastin, McLean County; Bill Boruff, Mercer County; Ron Mueller, Monroe County, Denise Kistner, Montgomery County; Nancy Etnyre, Ogle County; Daniel Keyt, Peoria County; Thomas Batts, Piatt County; Rhonda Downey, Putnam County; Charlene Stewart, Randolph County; Terry Fleming, Richland County; Pamela Berenger, Rock Island County; and Demara Albert, Sangamon County; David Tiedemann, St. Claire County; Tamara Rouse, Stark County; Patricia Yeagle, Stephenson County; Kelly Stuber, Tazewell County; David and Annie Winans, Vermilion County; Vicki Still, Warren County; Charlie Meier, Washington County; Janet Schumm, Wayne County; Jennifer Carter-James, White County; Lisa James, Whiteside County; Lisa and Kevin Vancina, Will County; and Brian Lyons, Winnebago County.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private funds that are invested in Illinois 4-H programs that provide meaningful, positive development experiences for Illinois youth to develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. To learn more, visit www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu.