Please send your news item to Jean Borgeson at jeanb@iowatelecom.net
July 18, 2016
Washington Winners 4-H Club 1946-2016, by Jean Borgeson
From the 1970 Rippey History Book, it states, “On September 20, 1945 all boys and interested in forming a Boys 4-H Club in Washington Township met at the Rippey School house. Although there were only seven eligible boys and their fathers present, they were enthusiastic about forming a club. They did not proceed to organize at that time, feeling they should have more members. Their efforts proved fruitful, when in January of 1946, fourteen eligible boys met to form a Washington Township 4-H club. The boys elected A. H. (Albert) Farley as their first leader. The boys of the first club and all boys who have participated in 4-H to the present time are appreciative of Mr. Farley’s efforts in forming the framework of a successful Washington Township 4-H program.
The following were members of the first 4-H club: Marvin Harris, president; Dale Neese, vice president; LaVere Derry, secretary-treasurer, Lyle (Bobby) Heater, reporter; Charles Derry, John Owens, Jr., Charles Terrill, Dwight Muir, Walter Wilson, Duane Harris, Eugene Muir, Paul Linn, Jack Brown, and Jim Linn. The members chose the name of “Washington Winners” and continue the winning tradition to the present time.
In November, 1987, the Washington Winnerettes joined the boys club and all members were encouraged to take many, varied projects to the fair. It has been interesting over the years, how many interests are now represented when the list of winners are announced. All are well rewarded for their efforts.
Family affair: The list of members over the years indicates just how family oriented 4-H is. Most of the parents and grandparents were members of 4-H and probably served as leaders or assistants, at one time or another while their children participated.
One family has had a member in the club continually for over 54 years. The nine children of Eugene and Phyllis Gannon were all Washington Winners. Eugene and Phyllis were leaders and very involved for many years. Tom Gannon, the youngest grandchild of Phyllis, is still participating. Phyllis, who will be 90 in November, still enjoys watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue this tradition. Ben Gannon is one of the club’s leaders in 2016, following in his grandfather’s footsteps. Phyllis says, “The fair was the family vacation they took every year!”
Three generations of Washington Winners 2016: The grandchildren of Eugene Muir, (a charter member), (C. J. and Kayla); Ralph Borgeson, (Kane and Kale); Hugh Gannon, (Bryce, Brandon, Caleb, and Emma Hoyle, Paige Heaning and Kaylee Rankin), and Dale Thompson, (Mackenzie, Clint, and Brent Dennhardt) are still participating in the Washington Winners 4-H Club.
Time marches on and many changes have been observed over the years. However, the friendships gained through the common bond of 4-H is special.
Yoga classes offered: Yoga classes are being held every Wednesday morning at the Rippey Community Center beginning at 7:15 and running thru 8:15. Judy Tomenga, a rural Rippey resident and certified yoga instructor, leads the class. Persons with various levels of skills are participating in the class, but individuals are encouraged to “make their workouts their own” according to Judy.
Yoga mats are available, and no special clothing is required, other than comfortable non- restrictive clothing.
There is no charge for the first class. Subsequent class fees are determined by the individual, and is a private donation to the instructor, with the range being from $1-4.
Rippey public library: Librarian, Katrina Buttler; phone: 515.436.7714; website: www.rippey.lib.ia.us; E-mail: rippeyli@windstream.net
HOURS: Monday 1-6 pm; Tuesday 2-6 pm; Wednesday 3-6 pm; Thursday 2-7 pm; Friday 3-6 pm.
Another great week at the library! Paper footballs were flying through the air and several field goals were made by our competitors. Thursday, we went to Europe with Madagascar 3.
Rippey United Methodist Church: PO Box 286, 103 West Main St. Rippey, IA 50235. Pastor: Paul Burrow, Pastor Rosa Soto. Phone: 515-436-7731
Adult Sunday school at 9:45 am; worship at 11 am. Every Tuesday, quilters at 9 am, coffee and fellowship at 10 am.
Children’s Sunday school, ladies aid and Lions Club will resume meeting in September.
We are collecting backpacks and goodies for inside. Back to school sales have started. Backpacks will be blessed in August.
