Extension Communications
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8-2-02 Release: Immediate Contacts: Kids to hear the 4-H ABCs at State Fair |
(A high resolution version of the ABC Book cover suitable for printing is available here.) |
AMES, Iowa -- "I is for Iowa, C is for Clover and H is for Head, Heart, Hands and Health." 4-H history will come alive during the Iowa State Fair as selected readers present the new book, "A 4-H Story, Helping Hands, Caring Hearts."
The 4-H Story Time is sponsored by First Lady Christie Vilsack's Iowa Stories 2000, the State Library of Iowa, and the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Readings will be daily Aug. 8-17 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the main stage in the 4-H Exhibit Building except Aug. 11 with one reading at 3 p.m.
Two Iowa 4-H alumni volunteered their services to write and illustrate the book. Carol Larson, a retired kindergarten teacher from Stratford, wrote the text, which is an ABC presentation of 4-H history. When not writing, Larson spends time as Tokalena the clown, as a community volunteer and as owner/operator of Valkommen House, a bed and breakfast at Stratford. She was a seven-year 4-H'er in Webster County.
Carol Faber, a visual arts instructor and gallery director at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, illustrated the book. Faber painted 26 original quilt blocks depicting each letter and the birth and growth of 4-H. Youngsters can search each quilt block to find a symbol for head, heart, hands and health. Faber, who grew up in Woodbury County and was a member of the Leeds Leaders and 4-Leaf Falcons 4-H clubs, still works in 4-H as a volunteer and judge for visual arts.
"The book is meant for children of all ages," Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director Florine Swanson said. "It can be read by elementary school youngsters and is well suited for adults reading to children. It gives a wonderful opportunity for 4-H alumni to share their 4-H memories with children and grandchildren."
Production of the book was timed so it would debut during the 2002 national 4-H centennial observance. The 56-page, full-color, hardcover book was published by the Iowa 4-H Foundation and will be on sale in the 4-H Exhibit Building. Cost is $10.00. Proceeds go to the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Many early 4-H developments have ties to Iowa, but the entire nation is responsible for the 4-H movement. An Iowa schoolteacher from Clarinda, Jessie Field Shambaugh, is called the "mother of 4-H." She started before- and after-school clubs for boys and girls in 1901 to educate them in raising better crops and keeping better homes.
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