PULLMAN, Wash. — Two 4-H workers represent Island County in the newly created Washington State 4-H Hall of Fame.
Inducted were: Janice Coffman, 503 N.W. 4th St., and Frank Stowe, 655 S. Engle Road, both Coupeville.
Coffman was employed by Island County for 34 years, most of that time as a 4-H program coordinator. She retired in January 2001, but continues to volunteer with 4-H.
Don Meehan, Island County Cooperative Extension chair, said Coffman’s life revolves around 4-H and making the Island County program successful. “She is considered the ‘Mother of 4-H’ in Island County,” Meehan said.
Stowe served WSU Cooperative Extension in several different counties during his career. His career began as county extension agent-at-large in Pullman, in 1954. He worked in King and Stevens counties and finished his career in Pierce County, where he served as extension’s chair. Frank was instrumental in promoting the urban 4-H program in Western Washington.
Induction of the first one hundred people was announced at a State 4-H Forum in Ocean Shores. The hall of fame was created as part of the 4-H centennial celebration.
More than 93,500 Washington youths are enrolled in 4-H programs; over 20,300 are enrolled in 1,733 clubs. Another 73,000 participate in a variety of other 4-H activities, such as the school enrichment program, day camps and overnight camping.
More than 10,300 adult volunteers support 4-H, which is Washington State University Cooperative Extension’s informal, educational program for today’s young people. The program combines the cooperative efforts of youth, volunteer leaders, WSU faculty, federal, state, and local governments, and businesses.
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FOR LOCAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:
(360) 679-7327 for Donald Meehan, 4-H Agent