4–H honoured its best last Friday

Ken Johnston
Editor

About 100 people were on hand to honour the Rainy River District 4–H Association’s best Friday evening at the Stratton Hall.
After a hearty dinner Master of Ceremonies Kim-Jo Bliss started the program by inviting Ontario 4–H Council Director Ellen Chojko-Bolec to report on her activities over the previous year.
Chojko-Bolec reported that 4–H Ontario has created a new and exciting category for clubs to form around. “Farm Machinery is the single most important piece of equipment on the farm.” With that in mind she encouraged district 4–H members to form clubs focusing on knowledge of tractors or safe operation.
Chojko-Bolec also held a candle lighting ceremony Friday, asking people from the audience to come up and help her. Jo Bragg represented the parents, Wanda Heyens the leaders, Hailey Heyens the 4–H senior members, Rebecca Cornell the 4–H members past, present and future, Laura Morrish the 4–H junior members, Jay Neilson the friends of 4–H and Carol Angus-the 4–H District.
All of them said a pledge and lit a candle. Chojko-Bolec said, “Each candle symbolizes the potential of our youth. The flame their enthusiasm.”
Next the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club presented the 4–H Association with a cheque for $500 in their continued support since 1925 of the organization.
The awards ceremony then began by honouring the district 4–H volunteers and leaders. Carol Angus, Louise Bliss, Kim-Jo Bliss, Tony Bliss, Susan Boersema, Vicki Calder, Helen Cates, Ellen Caul, Ellen Chojko-Bolec, Pat Clysdale-Cornell, Denise Donaldson, Peggy Dorrie, Ken Fisher, Margie Gemmell, Wanda Heyens, Tracey Hyatt, Susan Irvine, Loretta LeBlanc, Simone LeBlanc, Kari Lemelin, Bud McQuaker, Shirley Morrish, Joanne Neilson, Cindy Nielson, Wilma Sletmoen, Becky Steele, Jason Teeple, Deb Zimmerman and Laura Zimmerman all received a round of applause for their dedication in 2003.
Dist. president Kari Lemilin and Pat Clysdale-Cornell received first time leader pins and youth leaders Nathalie Donaldson, Aaron Kuorikoski and Logan Donaldson were thanked for their contributions.
RR Dist. 4–H welcomed 29 new members to its fold. Peter Atkinson, Jessie Baker, Carlee Bosma, Nelson Bragg, Kelly Brown, Kailey Curtis, Brita Degroot, Alicia Desserre, Nicky Dorie, Samantha Jewit, Emily Lougheed, Kelsey McLean, Tegan Miller, Laura Morrish, Rebecca Mosbeck, David Nussbaumer, Lucas Nussbaumer, Karlene Pollard, Kelsey Quibell, Adam Sharp, Natalie Sliworsky, Michael Sopotiuk, Zack Sopotiuk, Mary Soucy, Katelyn Soucy, Nikki Smith, Jolen Stahn, Brandy Strachan and Kali Wieringa all received plaques as first year members.
Due to changes in the regulations form 4–H Ontario, the following kids had to wait until they were in their second year to get their first year plaque:Tess Galusha, Julie Johnson, Kyle McTavish, Louise VanzWol, Kelsey Jolicouer, Sarah McTavish, Peter Sopotiuck, Matthew Beacham, Jennifer Carmody, Sarah Caul, Jessica Engles, Mitchell Gallinger, Alisha Langlais, Brianna Shortreed, Ashe Woolsey, Brittney Caul, Jared McQuaker, Andrew Morrish, Andrew Veldhuisen and Mike Wilson.
Special Awards
Anthony Boersema, Chantelle Bragg, Hailey Heyens, Matt McQuaker, Jay Neilson and Katelyn Nielson all received pins for completing six 4–H projects.
Matt Neilson and Nathalie Donaldson received a pen/desk set for completing 12 projects.
Jeff Hyatt received a travel alarm clock for completing 18 projects.
Greg Haglin received a Limited Edition Print for completing 24 projects.
Two long time 4–H members, Melinda Teeple and Sheila Teeple received specially made blankets with a retirement seal on them. Both are retiring form 4–H. Melinda completed 34 clubs and Sheila 15.
Ellen Caul, Joanne Neilson and Wilma Sletmoen received certificates for being leaders for five years (awarded in 5 year increments). Vicki Calder and Carol Angus received theirs for 10 and 15 years respectively.
Breed Awards
Ontario Blue Water Angus Club recipients were Anthony Boersema, Erika Boersema, Chantelle Bragg, Tegan Miller, David Nussbaumer, Joe Sletmoen, Matt Smith and Nikki Smith.
Ontario Charolais Association recipies were Riley Caul, Hannah Firth, Jeff Hyatt, Kerry Hyatt, Jared McQuaker, Matt McQuaker, Jay Neilson, Matt Neilson and Melinda Teeple.
Canadian Galloway Association recipients were David Donaldson, Andrew Morrish and Jolene Stahn.
Easter Gelbvieh Association recipient was Lucas Nussbaumer.
Ontario Hereford Assocation recipients were Peter Atkinson, Jock Gemmell, Kevin Gemmell and Aaron Kuorikoski.
Ontario Junior Limousin Association recipient was Greg Haglin.
Ontario Simmental Association recipients were Kelsey McLean, Jeff Teeple, Linda Zimmerman, Sheila Teeple, Sarah Truelove, Michael Wilson and Laura Zimmerman.
Special Awards
Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association Award for first time Beef Club Members went to Peter Atkinson, Chantelle Bragg, Kelsey McLean, Tegan Miller, David Nussbaumer, Lucas Nussbaumer, Nikki Smith and Jolen Stahn.
The Degagne Award, perhaps the most prestigious local 4–H award, went to Jock Gemmell. It is awarded for the beef club member who accumulates the greatest number of points during the past three years of beef club work. Gemmell was not present to receive the trophy, which dates back to the early 1960s, and the $100 prize.
Barb Cournoyer of the Toronto Dominion Bank presented the Rainy River District 4–H Leader’s Association and Toronto Dominion/Canada Trust Award to Matt McQuaker and Kari Hyatt. They had to write an essay on what 4–H means to them as well as be nominated for the award by a leader. They each received $100.
McQuaker said that 4–H enriched his life with friends, taught him to live healthy, given him leadership skills, and, “Made the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary.” He read his essay to the audience. Hyatt was absent but Emcee Bliss read her essay. Hyatt said 4–H has given her confidence and drive to attain goals. “It taught me that nothing is beyond my reach.”