Posted on August 18, 2014 at 9:32 AM by Global Reach
Linda Heflin’s lifelong involvement in 4-H began in 1962 as a member of the Bingham Hustlers 4-H Club in Sheridan County Nebraska. She moved to Harlan Iowa in 1967 and continued her involvement in 4-H as a parent, project leader, and judge of small pets and dogs at county fairs. She has served as the dog superintendent at the Shelby County Fair for over 35 years and continues to be a dedicated volunteer for the Shelby County 4-H program as a county dog project leader. It is always clear that her main goal is to ensure the kids develop the proper love and respect for their animals, and do the best they can while having fun and learning something from their project experience.
As the Shelby County dog project leader, she conducts weekly obedience classes beginning the first week of May each year until the county fair for those 4-H members with dog projects. She works tirelessly giving ‘hands on guidance’ to ensure the kids receive all the instruction they need with their dog project which includes working on show techniques to helping with proper care and security of their animals. She takes pride in the work she does and watched as several exhibitors over the years have taken their dogs on to further accomplishments such as the Iowa State Fair, AKC dog shows, and therapy dogs. Also a few have been 4-H dog project leaders themselves. Throughout the years, Linda has been a thorough and dedicated 4-H leader with the knowledge necessary to oversee the animals in her care while imparting needed knowledge to the participating 4-H’ers. 4-H families enjoy working with Linda because she takes the time to work with each child individually from the beginning of their project until the end of the fair and beyond as needed.
Linda was recognized in 1997 when she received the 4-H Alumni Award for her membership and leadership in the 4-H program. She was also inducted into the Shelby County Fair Hall of Fame in 2003. She would be the first to say she could not have dedicated herself all these years without the enthusiasm of the kids and support from the parents, and the help from her best friend who has been with her every step of the way as a project leader.
Congratulations Linda and thank you for your dedication.
Categories: Shelby
