“Rewriting History” to Benefit Franklin County 4-H

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

Iowa’s first 4-H camp for girls was held in Mayne’s Grove in June 1923. It was attended by 135 girls and 28 leaders from 18 clubs.

At the start of a new year, Americans often reflect upon the past and prepare for the future. One of my 2013 resolutions is to print a coffee table book that provides interesting stories about Franklin County farm families, as well as historical accounts of the 4-H organization. Proceeds from this book will go toward a permanent scholarship for county 4-H’ers who are interested in pursuing higher education.

Getting this book to print is going to be a “project,” no doubt! I put skill that I gained through 4-H to use in early 2013 by developing this project outline:

Goal: Print a coffee table book by December 2013 that will benefit the Franklin County 4-H Scholarship

Objective: Collect stories from 25 county farm / 4-H families

Tactics:

Conduct a communications workshop
Feature 12 county farm families on TheFieldPosition.com
Feature “Franklin County 4-H Facts” each Friday this year
Recruit each county 4-H club reporter to submit one story
Invite residents to submit stories about their Century Farms or in honor of their loved ones.

A team of Franklin County farm boys, coached by V. B. Hamilton, was named the 1930 Iowa Champion Judging Team. Team members were Wilbur and Willard Latham, Earl Shaull and J. Verald Brown.

Tactic #1 will take place on Saturday, Jan. 12. 4-H club reporters and anyone interested in exploring communications careers are invited to attend this workshop, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, at the Franklin County Extension Office in Hampton.

Tactic #2 begins tomorrow when feature April Hemmes and Ruth Kazmerzak on TheFieldPosition.com. Be sure to “tune into tomorrow” for their story.

Tactic #3 involves sharing 4-H facts. Although it’s only Thursday, I couldn’t resist sharing a few facts today:

Cooperative Extension in Franklin County began with the organization of the Franklin County Farm Bureau in 1918. Extension work was a service offered through Farm Bureau.
The first 4-H club formed was a countywide Purebred Sow and Litter Club.
Because of the success of the first club, the next year they started a Pure Bred Short Horn Calf Club.
Girls clubs were organized with an emphasis on home furnishings, music appreciation and health.
Until 1955, girls who wanted to raise and show livestock could only do so by belonging to a boys’ club. This was also the year they began a county girls livestock 4H club and the Livestock Queens were formed.

We hope you’ll join our efforts, too! “Like” Franklin County Extension on Facebook and watch for “Fun Fact Friday.” Watch for “Friday Farm Family Features” on TheFieldPosition.com. Share your own family’s farm and/or 4-H story. Click here to download a form and to learn more about the donor levels. Feel free to contact me directly to see how I might help tell your story.

Twenty-eight baby beeves were exhibited at the 1925 Franklin County Fair. 4-H members sold each for $150 and netted $30/animal.

Gala Nets $36,000 for Iowa 4-H

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

The “My 4-H. My Commitment.” gala on Feb. 19 at the Sheraton Hotel in West Des Moines raised more than $36,000 for the Iowa State 4-H University Extension 4-H Youth Development program.

Former 4-H’ers and WHO-TV Channel 13 news anchors Erin Kiernan and Sonya Heitshusen served as emcees for the event, which included a plated dinner, live entertainment, as well as silent and live auctions.

An auction of 10 decadent desserts raised more than $4,000, and the purse auction raised more than $2,000. Thanks to help from Latham’s own Amy Rohe, I’m the proud new owner of that black Coach® purse I had been eyeing! I justified the purchase because it was a “charitable contribution.” As a 4-H alum, I considered this purchase to be part of my “commitment” to the organization.

Alumni and friends of 4-H were recognized by the theme of this year’s gala, “My 4-H. My Commitment.” The gala was part of the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s year-long “My
4-H. My Commitment.” campaign focused on alumni fundraising and on collecting 4-H stories.

From August 2010 through January 2011, teams of former 4-H’ers from throughout the state and across the country participated in the first “My 4-H. My Commitment.” Campaign. Top fund-raising honors went to the 1989-90 State 4-H Council, which raised $11,170.94 and earned a table at the gala, as well as a retreat at the 4-H Camping Center in Madrid. Yours truly is proud to have served on the 1989-90 State 4-H Council, and I’m looking forward to reuniting with fellow council members.

What youth activities and experiences had the most impact on shaping your future?

My 4-H Story

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

Like many people who have chosen a career in agriculture, my decision was shaped largely by my 4-H experiences. That’s why I whole-heartedly agreed to share my story as part of the campaign, “My 4-H. My Commitment.”

The rich experiences I gained through my 11 years as an active 4-H member also made me a life-long supporter of the organization. I recently finished my third year as a 4-H Foundation Trustee and am happy to remain involved with some of the organization’s marketing and fund-raising efforts including the upcoming My 4-H. My Commitment. 4-H Gala.

You’re invited to join me for a night in West Des Moines on Feb. 19. It would be helpful if registrations were made in advance, but you can register at the door. There are so many great auction items. Even if you can’t attend in person, you can bid online.