Linda Nelson Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
Courtesy of the Dallas County ISU Extension Office:
Linda Nelson of Dallas County was inducted into the 2015 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 23rd, 2015.
Ninety-two Iowa counties participated this year and selected 126 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H.
Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4‑H Foundation President, Bob Butcher, and State 4-H Program Leader, John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas, as they were introduced on stage.
Nelson began her 4-H career as a member of the Frankfort Clovia Clan in Montgomery County where her fondest memories are of 4-H camp and skating parties. As county director for ISU Extension and Outreach, she put admirable efforts into passing the referendum in Dallas County to expand funding for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Dallas County.
During this time she often thought outside of the box to keep the 4-H program growing and strong. She worked with the county board of supervisors to provide money for 4-H and also with Dallas County Conservation to create a shared position to teach youth programming.
A previous Dallas County 4-H member said, “Whenever something needed to be done Linda was always there helping to get it done.”
Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County Youth Coordinator, Aleta Cochran.
Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa’s 4-H program,” said Jay Staker, stakeholder and partnership development manager for ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2015 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University.
Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select “Recognition” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”
Those interested in being a 4-H volunteer or signing their youth up for 4-H in Dallas County should contact Cochran at aleta@iastate.edu or (515) 993-4281.
ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County
28059 Fairground Road
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4281
Fax: (515) 993-1027
Website: www.extension.iastate.edu/dallas
E-mail: xdallas@iastate.edu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ISUExtensionDallasCounty
