Rose and Arnold McMahon, of Oconto County, were recently inducted into the new Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame.
The University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program inducted 100 laureates Nov. 15 as the last statewide event celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Wisconsin.
Arnold, or “Arnie,” passed away in 2007. Rosie continued her involvement in 4-H through 2013, when she retired after 60 years of leadership. They began their 4-H involvement when they were in grade school. Rosie was a member of Klondike 4-H in Brazeau, and Arnie joined Clover Nook 4-H in Maple Valley.
“We both enjoyed being with other youth and learning by doing things in our project,” Rosie said.
Shortly after their marriage in 1950, they were invited by Herb and Sally Buseman to be assistant leaders of Maple Valley 4-H Club. Later, they became general leaders of the club, remaining leaders for 43 years.
“4-H always meant a lot to both of us. We enjoyed working with the kids in many, many areas,” Rosie said.
They got involved in older youth programs, including the interstate exchange program, traveling throughout the U.S. and and hosting teens and chaperones in return.
“It was quite an experience going to homes of people we didn’t know,” Rosie said.
It was the same situation for the visiting 4-H members.
“It was a great learning experience,” she said.
The youth of those days have long since grown to adulthood.
“Today, I’m proud of who they turned out to be,” Rosie said.
She said her life was enriched by her leadership in 4-H.
“We found 4-H youth to be a plus in our lives,” she said.
Their son, Dennis, was involved in 4-H, as was one of their grandsons.
The McMahons also have been active in civic and community service activities, including maintaining county roadside property and Boy Scout leadership for five years.
Arnie led electricity and dairy programs and served on the Oconto County Fair Board for 25 years.
Rosie led the gardening project and served as the fair gardening superintendent for 40 years. She began the county Fairest of the Fair contest.
The Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major contributions to 4-H at the local, state and national levels. The honorees represent 4-H in the broadest sense, said Dale Leidheiser, Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development state program director .
“We are inducting volunteers, supporters and UW-Extension employees who had an impact on the lives of children, their community or state through significant contributions of time, energy or financial resource to 4-H and its members,” Leidheiser said.
Since 1914, Wisconsin 4-H has helped youth grow the leadership, critical thinking and communications skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing world.
To learn more about the individuals who supported 100 years of growing Wisconsin leaders, visit http://fyi.uwex.edu/wi4hhof/.
Categories
