2012 Carroll County- Julie Eich

In August of 2003, Tom and Julie Eich, along with Tom’s sister Tracy, decided to revive Tom and Tracy’s childhood 4-H Club, the Arcadia Energetics.  Since that time, their membership has grown from just a few kids to being the 2^nd largest club and at times the largest club in the county with their membership near or exceeding 30 members.  Tom and Julie have always strongly encouraged members to participate at a club level, but also at the county and state levels.  Many times their members would be the only club present at a county workshop or training.  The majority of the members that serve on County Council and attend the State Youth 4-H Conference come from the Arcadia Energetics club.

Both Tom and Julie serve on the youth committee and have been actively involved with both of their kids’ 4-H events.  They helped several years with the delivery and distribution of our fruit and butter braid fundraiser.  Through their efforts on the Youth Committee, scholarships for camps and conferences have been established.  Through the family business, Arcadia Limestone, Tom, Julie and Tracy have partnered with and supported the 4-H program more than once through contributions and volunteer time.

Tom served as co-sheep superintendent for many years and now serves as head superintendent.  He worked to start a Share-a-Lamb program for first year sheep exhibitors, providing a co-op ownership opportunity for the new members using some of his own lambs to help the members get started with their sheep projects. 

Besides helping with the 4-H program, Julie volunteered in the office with paperwork and served as a temp when staff had programming outside of the office, ensuring that our doors stayed open to the public.  Julie also helped with registrations at both PAT and Crop Advantage programs.  Tom and Julie were at the Extension Office bright and early on April 1, 2007, when the Carroll County office moved ready to help move boxes, filing cabinets, desks, hang publications racks and help unload and organize as we needed.  Tom also contributed to several school enrichment programs helping us to raise ag awareness throughout the county.

Tom and Julie are the true definition of dedicated volunteers and we will forever be indebted to them for their service to the 4-H community in Carroll County.