So, I’ve been reflecting.
The Roots Grow Deep and Strong column has a history: its archives now include nearly 80 commentaries published over three years.
A pattern of themes has emerged, somewhat neatly. The commentaries are about local people, past and present, singular events, literature, travel, education, seasonal reflections, South Dakota childhood memories, local and regional history, but never the weather.
There is always plenty to say about the ‘roots’ of a community, region, nation, family, or an individual.
Always, there is something new to celebrate or to learn.
Last week, for example, I enjoyed sharing what I learned about Charlotte Koopman, the 70-year proprietor of Bob’s Café in Belle Fourche.
Unfortunately, the heading should have been, “Charlotte Kooper’s Lasting Legacy” not “Celebrating Censorship”. My apologies Charlotte, for the unfortunate oversight. I really enjoyed sharing the span and depth of Charlotte’s contributions to society, and the community.
This week I had the opportunity to visit with Cindy Riley, whose ten-year tenure as director of the combined Butte/ Lawrence County 4-H Extension Clubs will soon come to a satisfying close. Her appointment began on July 25, 2016.
Coincidentally, October 5-11 is National 4-H week. For more than 100 years, 4 H has been an important pillar of education and community involvement for American youth. The 4-H’s stand for head, heart, hands and health.
Cindy described her role as 4-H Director, “I love to meet new people, so this job is great for that.” Cindy thrives on meeting the public and helping people with information they need for both outdoor and indoor household projects.
The Butte Lawrence County Extension office offers an impressive range of information. “It seems that everyone thinks the Extension office is the place to find out everything.” Cindy noted with certainty.
“I feel that this position has been a boost to honing skills that I didn’t know that I had.” For ten years Cindy has helped everyone who calls or who comes through the door with whatever they needed to know. She has assisted many people obtain pesticide certifications. She has helped people find specialists for their questions about livestock, agronomy, pest control, and land rent to name a few. She has also helped people choose a 4-H club and suggested projects for them.
Cindy described the evolution of changes that have occurred during her directorship. “The traditional County Agent is a thing of the past.
We now have specialists not county agents.” These experts are housed in various locations in South Dakota. “Our nearest regional office is in Rapid City. We also depend on the specialist in Lemmon SD.” Cindy explained. The administrative hub of State Extension Services is located at South Dakota State University in Brookings.
“There have been many changes with 4-H personnel at the state level. The director’s position has changed several times since I have been here.”
The world of information today moves quickly and changes with dizzying speed. Additionally, Cindy explained that each new director brings policy changes.
Management of online registration access is one of the technologies that has changed how things are done. Registration for the fair and registering the animals is all online that is perhaps quicker and more efficient, but still needs to me managed.
The 4-H organization has served as a pillar in Cindy’s life. “My great-grandfather and my grandparents were on the fair board.”
Cindy’s 4-H career began at the age or 8 or 9, she reflected. “I was a member of the Newellettes 4-H Club. In those days we only did static exhibits.” A static exhibit is a traditional display that does not move such as art and sewing projects or anything that might be grouped, displayed, and judged in one of the fair buildings.
There was no livestock shown in those days.
However, Cindy reminisced about her first year in 4-H. “I learned to sew that year. My mom taught my sister and me. She also taught my friend Dawn. Mom was a perfectionist! We quickly learned the term, “not fair quality”.
Cindy has had a sundry and interesting career history all of which seems to have prepared her for 4-H directorship. She started working in Belle Fourche as a cosmetologist in 1979. She spent a few years staying home with her children. Then in 2003 she started substitute teaching in the Spearfish Schools. In 2004 she was hired as a preschool/Kindergarten Special Ed classroom paraprofessional. Cindy loved the job and later worked as paraprofessional at North Park in Belle Fourche.
One of the joys of being the 4-H director is seeing how the members accomplish their goals. “They are proud of their projects and the look on their face tells the whole story.”
Cindy looks forward to retirement. First and foremost is that an 8th Grandchild in expected in November. The arrival involves a trip to Wisconsin and potentially a somewhat extended stay.
Cindy loves to sew, knit, and crochet. She explained that a substantial stash of crafting supplies is waiting for her. Recently, Cindy has spent time learning about Ancient Grains and how they might be cultivated on the family farm. She will have plenty to keep her busy. Thank you for your service Cindy and Happy National 4-H week!
See more pictures and read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
