Charles & Arlene Jacobs of Monroe County was inducted into the 2007 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 19. Eighty-two Iowa counties had nominees inducted during the ceremony. The award recognizes inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. They were presented a plaque by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they were introduced on stage.
Charles (Jake) and Arlene Jacobs were instrumental Monroe County 4-H volunteers and have been for many years. Both were active leaders in the Mantua Township Area. Jake was a Monroe County 4-H Leader for 17 years and Arlene for 20. Both concluded their leader rein in 1987. Through those years they worked closely with their club members and helped them through many project areas.
Arlene specialized in Share-The-Fun acts and her club performed at the Iowa Sate Fair many times. She also competed in the Yodeling Competion at the Iowa State Fair. Arlene was inducted as a Monroe County 4-H Alumni member in 1970.
Jake was a long time Monroe County Swine Superintendent, Extension Council Member and held the office of Treasurer. He also served many years on the Monroe County Fairboard and was an active director on the Chariton Valley Electric Board. Jake was inducted as a Monroe County 4-H Alumni in 1979.
Jake and Arlene are both still very active Monroe County 4-H supporters. They have served a free breakfast sponsored by a local company to all exhibitors and their families for many years on the Saturday of the fair. They are active members of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Albia. They both are Farm Bureau members where they were inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame in 2004. They have been active square dancers and performed many times in the area.
Jake and Arlene are the parents of three children. Sheila Sample, Mark and John were all extremely active members of 4-H in Monroe County. Both Mark and John are graduates of Iowa State University. Mark serves today as Swine Department Superintendent Chairman and is Vice President of the Monroe County Fairboard. They have 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
"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," Chuck Morris, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development director, said.
The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H.
8/23/2007