Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:02 AM by Global Reach
4-H alumni Jim and Ann Sage are known for their dedication to Black Hawk County 4-H. They have been club leaders and served on the Mt. Vernon township 4-H sponsoring committee. They have also helped with numerous county activities, always eager to volunteer whenever and wherever there is a need. With encouragement and support from Jim and Ann, countless youth and adults have developed life skills and achieved beyond their potential.
Jim served on the Fairboard from 1980-1994 and held additional leadership roles at County Fairs between 1953 and 1993, helping in six different departments over that time. He was on the County 4-H Youth Committee from 1981-1988 and was part of the “Strengthening the Local 4-H Unit” training team that guided volunteers in “making the best better.” The couple was also involved in arranging the restoration of a 50-year-old film in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Black Hawk County Fair.
Jim and Ann are outstanding promoters of agriculture. For twenty years, Ann taught monthly “Ag in the Classroom” lessons, which received the Iowa Farm-City Council Award in 1988. She has been a tour guide for the “Discovery” agricultural education program at National Cattle Congress and helped on the planning committee for numerous Farm Safety Days. The family was featured in a section of the 1974 film strip “People Who Work” by Scholastic, Inc. and emphasized the life-changing value of 4-H. Additionally, the couple has welcomed visitors from six continents to tour their farm. When school groups and 4-H clubs come, Ann gives each child a pig-shaped pink frosted sugar cookie.
Their community service goes beyond 4-H. Ann has been a member of the Allen Hospital Foundation Board. Both have held offices in the Black Hawk County Farm Bureau. Jim was president of the Waterloo Community School Board, where he played a key role in integrating the schools. He has also been a member of the Hawkeye Institute of Technology Board of Directors, Black Hawk County Cattlemen’s Association and Black Hawk County Pork Producers.
Both Jim and Ann have received the County 4-H Alumni Award. In 1988, Jim received the prestigious Iowa 4-H Alumni Award.
Jim and Ann’s four children were very involved in 4-H, and their grandchildren now continue the tradition.
Categories: Black Hawk
