October 5-11 is National 4-H Week, so club members and alumni across the U.S. will be sharing their success stories and encouraging others to “join the club.” Even if you were never in 4-H – and you’re past the age of joining – you can still get involved locally.
Join us Wednesday, Oct. 8, for a $5 lunch at the Fareway parking lot. Our goal is to have burgers grilled and ready for pickup almost as fast as any fast food drive-thru! Special thanks to the Franklin County Pork Producers and Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds, as well as Fareway grocery store, for their support of this fundraising event that supports scholarships in our county. We’ll start serving at 11 AM and will serve until 1 PM – or until we run out!
We’ve guaranteed 600 burgers with the option to purchase more, so I’m praying that Mother Nature cooperates and we have another strong turnout to support this important cause.
While there are many important causes being celebrated this month, 4-H is near and dear to my heart. (Yes, I’m still pledging my hands to larger service for my community and my world.) I have first-hand experience with the program as a 10-year member of the Coldwater Country Cousins 4-H Club in Butler County; as a state 4-H award winner; as a former member of the Iowa 4-H Council; as a former trustee for the Iowa 4-H Foundation; and as a current member of the Franklin County 4-H Foundation.
Through 4-H, I made friends with other 4-Hers who shared my same interests. Twenty-five years later, I’m still networking with 4-H friends from across the state! 4-H made a positive impact on my life and help me discover my love for journalism. Because of that, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy every job I’ve ever held.
I want others to have the opportunity to discover their passions through 4-H. I also want them to let 4-H lead them to career success. For example, recently I had the opportunity to serve on a panel with other distinguished 4-H alumni and area business owners. We talked about how 4-H helps you prepare for the future. Business owners shared what they’re looking for in employees, and students were encouraged to ask questions. Following our discussion, students participated in mock interviews. Putting yourself in an interview situation takes you out of your comfort zone, so I commend the students who participated in this event. Experiences like this are also why I’m proud that both of our children are 4-H members, too.
Join @LathamSeeds in showing pride and support of the 4-H program this week through social media using the hash tags #Iam4H and #4HWeek.
