McArtor family inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

For the McArtor family, 4-H is more than just a youth organization − it's a family involvement that has spanned over five decades. Their recent induction into the Henry County 4-H Hall of Fame is, according to Erin Heaton, the county 4-H youth coordinator, more than well-deserved.

'I couldn't just nominate one or two,” Heaton, who works under the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office, said. Counties are generally encouraged to identify a couple individuals to be recognized. From the McArtor family, Heaton named nine members to receive the award: Ron and Jeryl McArtor, Joni McArtor, Jeanne Mulford, Kenneth and Brooke McArtor, Tanner McArtor, Katelyn McArtor and Allie McArtor.

Brooke McArtor, who was part of the program as a member, continued the tradition with her three children, Tanner, Katelyn and Allie, and has been involved with the program in almost every capacity. She now co-leads a group of 4-H'ers with Katelyn.

'It's very exciting and nice to know that people noticed our work and involvement. We were surprised but really happy,” Brooke said about receiving the award.

Brooke, alongside her husband Kenneth and their children, represented the McArtors at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Des Moines on Aug. 18 where inductees from across the state were recognized.

Heaton, who has worked extensively with the McArtors, is thankful for the family's commitment and loyalty to the program. 'The whole family is everywhere. No matter where you turn, there's a McArtor there.”

In her nomination of the family, Heaton wrote, 'For the McArtor family 4-H has been a way of life for several generations. Many of them have grown from being club members to club leaders and livestock exhibitors to livestock committee members. Whether you are at the dog show, in the livestock arena or in the barns, at exhibit or open class judging day, in the fair board office, or just around the fairgrounds in general there will always be a McArtor there lending a helping hand.”

Currently, three generations of McArtors have gone through the program and the family is looking to continue with their streak, bringing in nieces and nephews into the program. Brooke proudly noted that as of July 2018, for 50 straight years, at least one McArtor was in the Henry County Fair showing livestock.

The family has worked mostly with the Mt. Pleasant 4-H chapter, and continues to do so as Old Thresher's nears, by helping to set up the Pork Producer's tent the weekend before the event and volunteering with exhibits during. The family was out on the grounds early Sunday morning to lend a helping hand.

'We're happy to be out here, helping out however we can,” Brooke shared.

The family's involvement with 4-H is not only out of loyalty and service, but also from a sense of community.

'It's not just for the kids,” Jeryl McArtor, who runs Henry County's dog obedience program, said of the organization. '4-H parents always get involved. They don't just drop their kids off at events. It's a whole community.”

'I think it's a learning experience not only for the kids, but us as adults too that are helping them. And it's fun watching them every year, the way they change and responsibility [they learn] is amazing, and they're so polite,” she added.

'For me, being part of 4-H is really about giving back to the community and staying involved,” Katelyn said.

The McArtors are a household name in the county and around 4-H offices because of their involvement. Traci Venghaus, who has also worked closely with the family through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office said, 'The whole family has stuck with us and even after graduating from the program, they all come back to volunteer.”

'The program is a great way to build skills that are used later in life. It provides a network and friends and the [McArtor family] see the value in that,” Venghaus added.

The McArtors also noted the impact 4-H has had on their family, crediting the organization for inspiring them to be leaders in their communities: 'It really teaches you about responsibility and respect and being good communicators. It's been great to give back to new 4-H members and encourage them to get more involved with the program,” Jeryl said.

Ultimately, the McArtors see their volunteer efforts with a program as a way to help the youth in the community grow.

'It's been because the program gives these kids opportunities to do things they never would get a chance to do otherwise,” Brooke said of her experience as a club leader.

'Last year, we got to take our group to Six Flags, which is something most of them wouldn't get to go to if not for the program. And when a kid comes up to you to ask you to go on a ride with them, you know you're building a deeper connection. It's just something really special.”