Onarga, IL, August 28, 2009 — Two long-time 4-H volunteers in the Ford-Iroquois Extension Unit were recently inducted into the Illinois 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame. Don Reitz (Iroquois County) and Barb Steidl (Ford County) were nominated by Ford-Iroquois Extension staff for their dedicated service to the 4-H Youth Development program in the Unit. Don and Barb along with 45 other 4-H honorees were recognized during the fifth annual 4-H Family Picnic at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 15.
Don Reitz of Gilman
Don Reitz has been active in the Iroquois County 4-H program for over 40 years. He began as a 4-H youth member and the family tradition and passion “to make the best better” continues even until today. Don’s daughter was an eleven year 4-H community club leader in Iroquois County. The third generation from the Reitz family (Don’s grandchildren) were also active 4-H’ers and have now moved into adulthood using the life skills they learned as active youth members during their 4-H careers.
Don is a long-time member of the Iroquois County 4-H Swine Committee. He also coordinates the Iroquois County 4-H Pork Premiere at the fair each year. He carefully plans the details of tattoo dates to fit the criteria so that county and state swine exhibitors can excel. He has served as a project leader and mentor for many years and has offered his assistance to those who are interested in getting started exhibiting swine and or building their herd.
“No matter what the task, we know that we can count on Don Reitz in support of 4-H Youth Development in the Ford-Iroquois Unit” said County Director Karen Moore. “Now that is true picture of dedication!”
Barb Steidl of Forrest
By her mailing address, the casual observer would expect to find Barb actively volunteering in our neighboring county to the west. However, distance-wise, the Ford County Fair & 4-H Show is actually closer and more convenient for Barb and her family.
Barb was recognized as a thirteen year 4-H community club main leader before retiring from the Clover Patch 4-H Club in 2001. During this time, many of her club members excelled in a variety of 4-H project areas. Some of these members received state awards for their efforts, traveled to Club Congress, as well as participating in the Citizenship Washington Focus trip to learn more about our nation’s capitol and legislative process. Record-keeping was also a high priority in Barb’s club.
As Barb’s two daughters “outgrew” 4-H as youth members, she has continued to “bleed green”. She served on the Ford-Iroquois Youth Committee as well as our Expansion & Review Committee for many years. In addition, Barb has been a loyal 4-H Superintendent in three project areas — Personal Development, Cats, and Small Pets. In past years, the annual clean-up day prior to the fair found Barb busy helping Extension staff and other volunteers prepare the 4-H building for exhibits. On judging days, Barb works diligently with judges as they complete conference judging with each youth. Barb finishes her day by making sure that projects are displayed securely, ribbons and score sheets are attached, and grades are recorded in the notebook.
County Director Karen Moore states “the entire Steidl family has been a strong 4-H advocate in all aspects of their everyday lives. They continue to encourage other youth and adults to reap the benefits of the program and improve the future of their club, community, country, and world.”
Ford-Iroquois Unit’s 4-H Hall of Fame honorees from previous years include:
2008 – Lynne Brown of Danforth and Mike Pilcher of Paxton
2007 – Marvin Perzee of Ashkum and Kevin Runyon of Piper City
2006 – Jean Hiles of Watseka and Casandra Jacobs from Thawville
2005 – Pat Orr from Watseka and Cyndi Punke of Paxton
For more information about 4-H Youth Development opportunities for youth and adults, contact the Ford-Iroquois Extension Office in Onarga at 815/268-4051 or visit our website at www.extension.uiuc.edu/ford .
