Marshall, Ill. – At the upcoming 4-H show scheduled for July 15-23, Clark County 4-H Program Coordinator Cartha Gustafson will find herself in a new role. Rather than overseeing the many projects, judges, and 4-H’ers, she will just be Nana to her 4-H grandchildren Kyla, 11, and David, 7.
Gustafson is retiring at the end of June after 23 years working for Illinois Extension and the 4-H’ers of Clark County. A reception and card shower is planned for Tuesday, June 29 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Clark County Extension Office. The public is invited.
“When we go to events, she knows every single child by name,” Stacy Woodyard, Illinois Extension County Director, said. “Cartha personifies 4-H having been a member, leader, parent, staff member, and now a grandparent. She has touched the lives of countless youth in her career.”
Known for her outgoing personality and open-door policy, Gustafson has coordinated countless seminars, after-school “fun shops”, and 4-H Federation trips. She rebuilt the Clark County 4-H horse program and assisted volunteers with starting the annual 4-H Tack Auction where 4-H’ers and the public could sell their horse gear.
Gustafson was also the organizational leader for the region's 4-H Extension Program Coordinator meetings for many years and served on the board for 4-H Memorial Camp for several terms.
“One of my most memorable experiences was taking a group of 4-H’ers to Bucks County Pennsylvania on a 4-H State Exchange trip, and then having the Pennsylvania kids come to Illinois later that same summer,” Gustafson said. “I have enjoyed so many wonderful leadership trips with the 4-H'ers during my career.”
Another project she created, along with her husband Dick, was the 4-H Jazz Band SPIN, or special interest, Club. She and Dick both play the trumpet and direct the band and have enjoyed performing at the Illinois State Fair on three occasions for over 1,000 people. The group also had the privilege of playing for the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences Dean, Kim Kidwell, when she toured every Illinois Extension office in 2018. The 4-H jazz band has played for nursing homes and other organizations as well.
Gustafson says her family is a four-generation 4-H family, starting with her mother Helen Wernz. “I grew up in 4-H and began as a shy little girl. 4-H changed my life then, and I know it can change the lives of kids anywhere; it is a place to grow, learn life skills, and become a leader in your community.”
In the position of 4-H program coordinator, Gustafson found it “very gratifying to watch young people start 4-H at the age of 5 or 8, then become completion members at the age of 18.” She says, “Seeing them through all of the different stages and watching them grow is very special.”
In her retirement, Gustafson plans to spend plenty of time riding her mule and traveling with her family. She plans to get back into quilting and dig into her family history. She also plans to drive a bus as needed for Marshall Schools, something she has done for the past 31 years.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.