Gerry and Kelli DeDina of Hampshire each earned special honors at the annual 4-H Appreciation Dinner in St. Charles. Gerry was named Friend of 4-H and Kelli earned a 4-H Alumni Award. CREDIT: 4-H

Kane County 4-H and University of Illinois Extension staff honored dozens of 4-H program volunteers last month at the annual 4-H Appreciation Dinner in St. Charles.

“We thank 4-H volunteers for sharing their time and expertise to develop generous, independent and skilled young people,” said Doris Braddock, 4-H Youth Development Program coordinator. “Our amazing volunteers lead our community and special interest clubs, give time at the annual county fair, provide positive learning opportunities throughout the year, and so much more. This annual appreciation night allows us to recognize the volunteers, alumni and supporters who make our 4-H program a success.”

At the event, University of Illinois Extension named the annual 4-H Alumni and Friend of 4-H Award recipients for 2015. 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 – Norm Skala of Elgin and Kelli DeDina of Hampshire.

A Cook County 4-H alum, Skala has been a fixture at the Kane County 4-H Horse Show, where he serves as the ring announcer. “He is willing to help each year and always has a smile and a warm greeting for 4-H members, parents, and leaders,” Braddock said.

DeDina, who serves as one of the poultry superintendents and helps with annual rabbit show preparations, is a McHenry County 4-H alum and has been a volunteer in Kane County since 2008. “She is a hard-working individual who is willing to lend a helping hand anywhere it is needed,” said Braddock.

Each year, 4-H members and leaders also may submit nominations for the Friend of 4-H Award.

This year, Gerry DeDina of Hampshire earned the honor for his work at the Kane County Fair. “He and his family coordinate the set-up of the barn, check-in, and judging day in the poultry barn.  In addition, he offers his time to conduct poultry testing each year prior to the fair,” Braddock said.

During the evening, Braddock also recognized individuals who have reached volunteer milestones with 4-H. Marking 30 years were: Ron Alms of Maple Park, Rosemarie Krause of Hampshire and Marvin Straub of Elgin. Celebrating a silver anniversary as 4-H volunteers were Bonnie Kararo of Elgin and Rosalie McCafferty of Geneva.

Extension honored for 15 years of service include Darlene Hankes of Maple Park, Scott Horton of St. Charles, Carol McKellar of Elgin and Michelle Ochs of Carpentersville; and for 10 years – Melissa Daufenbach of Elgin, Stephen Haas of Elburn, Diana Holmer of Hampshire, Matthew Kararo of Lafayette, Ind., Michael Ochs of Carpentersville, and Tina Wackerlin of Hinckley. 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: Mark Einwich of St. Charles for the pork chop dinner, Anne Carson of Maple Park for beef weigh-in and the pork chop dinner, Kim Halverson of DeKalb for the pork chop dinner, Mary Herra of Elburn for the Japanese Exchange Program, and Melissa Daufenbach of Elgin, Sandy Klinkey of St. Charles and Amber Wesner of Hampshire, all for coaching the Horse Bowl teams.

“With the help of our outstanding, trained volunteers, 4-H provides youth an opportunity to explore many areas, including animal science, horticulture, robotics, visual arts and more,” Braddock said. “Around the state, 4-H Youth Development programs provide hands-on learning, and build leadership, citizenship and life skills.”

About 4-H

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. For more information on the 4-H program in Kane County, visit the Extension Illinois web page or contact Doris Braddock at 630-584-6166 or at dbraddoc@illinois.edu.

SOURCE: University of Illinois Extension