Clubb, Hanshaw named to Jefferson County 4-H Hall of Fame

Julie Clubb and Teresa Hanshaw have been an important part of the Jefferson County 4-H program for many years. They began their involvement in 4-H as members of Country Daisies 4-H Club (co-led by their mother Marilyn), which later merged with Walnut Ridge Workers (co-led by their father Dennis), in Lockridge for almost 10 years as children. They participated in rabbits, poultry, beef, sheep, visual arts, food & nutrition, woodworking, and home improvement. They also participated in the 4-H teen county council while in high school.

4-H has been a huge aspect of Julie and Teresa’s lives, as they are part of a generational family. Not only were their parents co-leaders, but they also had several family members involved in 4-H, including multiple siblings, children, and grandchildren. 4-H is a way of life for Julie and Teresa, it’s in their blood and county fair week is a special family bonding week for them and their families.

When Julie’s children and Teresa’s children and grandchildren joined 4-H, they served as co-leaders of the Walnut Ridge Workers and Lockridge Clover Kids for the last 16-17 years. Their children and grandchildren continued in the rabbits, poultry, beef, and static exhibit project areas, as well as bottle lamb and bucket bottle calf. Julie and Teresa have also been superintendents for the last 4-5 years in the rabbit and poultry barn, aka “Denny’s Barn” named after their father, Dennis Thomes. Additionally, they have received their pullorum certification so that they could perform poultry pullorum testing in Jefferson County for the last 2 years for county and state fair.

Julie and Teresa are quick to lend a helping hand in the animal barns and had a big part in the implementation of getting bigger cages for the rabbits and poultry. In addition to being actively involved in 4-H, Julie also served in her community as a Girl Scout leader and helped with school concessions.

The aspects of 4-H and Clover Kids that Julie and Teresa enjoy are being mentors to the youth in 4-H that might not have support elsewhere and want them to know their own potential. Some advice they would give to 4-H’ers is “anything is possible, you must put in the hard work to reach your goal and to be proud of yourself for going outside your comfort zone and doing awesome things. Learning is growing.”

They continue to carry on their father’s legacy. They have made a great team and have volunteered countless hours to Jefferson County 4-H over the years. Their dedication, commitment, and leadership show how much they care for the 4-H program and Jefferson County youth.