New 4-H year begins with new excitement for volunteers at leaders meeting ...

Volunteers guide 4-H members in becoming productive citizens, outstanding communicators, effective leaders and successful learners. Leaders of 4-H clubs in Allamakee County kicked off the new 4-H year with a fall leaders meeting September 25. Seventeen leaders attended and shared in networking excitement about the new 4-H year. Club leaders interacted in activities around the Essential Elements of 4-H. Those attending the meeting are pictured above, left to right: Front row - Greta Rubendall, Michelle Byrnes, Angela Carlson, Teresa Wiemerslage, Kim Waters. Middle row - Deb Hammel, Teresa Schaefers, Amy Bresnahan, Amy Opperman, Laura Mellick, Nooch White. Back row - Barb Thorstensen, Michelle Kiel, Kati Nolting, Nate Gebel, Caitlin Johnson, Dan White. 4-H is the youth education program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO) for youth in fourth through 12th grades that fosters positive youth development based on the needs and strengths of youth, their families and communities. 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop skills they can use now and throughout their life. Clover Kids is a 4-H program for youth in grades K-3. Adults who serve as 4-H volunteers are considered representatives of the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach 4-H Youth Development program. For those interested in volunteering or joining 4-H, more information about the Allamakee County 4-H Program can be found by contacting Morgan Bjerke at 563-568-6345 or mlheim@iastate.edu. Submitted photo.