University of Illinois Extension Thankful for Volunteers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2009

Thanksgiving is around the corner and with it comes a special time for family and friends to gather and reflect back on the past year. These unique gatherings offer an opportunity for each of us to share time together while recognizing and appreciating the special people in our lives who have made a difference.

University of Illinois Extension in Jackson County recently took the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding community volunteer leaders who have impacted so many. In late October, the annual Extension Volunteer Banquet was held to thank the volunteers who give so much of themselves to help others and make our community and our world a better place. The community volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, enthusiasm, and resources enable the organization to continue to offer life enriching educational programming to diverse audiences on a wide array of topics.

A highlight of the evening was the induction of Marilyn Gannon, Murphysboro, into the 2009 class of the Illinois 4-H Foundation's Hall of Fame. This honor is reserved to celebrate extraordinary and exemplary 4-H service. Miss Gannon was a 10 year 4-H member in the Dry Hill Puellas before becoming a founding leader of the G.J. Beaver's 4-H Club in Jacob. Miss Gannon also served as the Jackson County 4-H secretary for 36 years. Marilyn touched generations of 4-H youth and families during her many years of service to the citizens of our county. Miss Gannon received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion and has been added to the virtual Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame listing at: www.4hdoundationalillinois.edu/hall_of_fame.

The Jackson County Homemakers Extension Association, Jackson County 4-H volunteers, Jackson County master gardeners and University of Illinois Extension Council members were also recognized for their service. In addition, the Neighborhood Co-Op in Carbondale, JC Penney at University Mall in Carbondale, and Green Retreat were thanked for their commitment to supporting 4-H youth development programming.

As all organizations and businesses try to navigate through the challenging times we face, University of Illinois Extension in Jackson County is counting our blessings for the many dedicated, caring, compassionate, volunteers who step forward to be agents of change and is truly thankful for the volunteers who dedicate countless hours to our programs.

Photo Caption:

Pictured are the Illinois 4-H Foundation's Hall of Fame 4-H Volunteers from Jackson County (L-R) Ruth Mueller (2007), Lawanda Fager (2005), Marilyn Gannon (2009), Mary Huseman (2008) and JoAn Bollmann (2006). U of I Extension is honored to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals for their legacy of 4-H leadership.