LAKE COUNTY — Three generations of active 4-H involvement adds up to 106 years and recognition as a 4-H Century Family for the Alexander-Jones family of Lakeport.
The 4-H club is an international, nonprofit youth development organization.
Paul Alexander (1918-98) racked up 44 years of service starting in Texas in 1945, according to daughter Peggy Alexander, Lake County 4-H centennial committee chair.
Paul moved to Fort Jones, where he founded a 4-H club in 1947, Peggy stated.
In 1950, he relocated to Upper Lake and became a 4-H project leader and long-time volunteer at the Lake County Fair and the Jr. Livestock Committee.
His wife Otha Alexander (1916-2005) was also involved and acted as a project leader in California and Texas, acquiring 32 years of service, Peggy stated. All four of their children became Lake County 4-H members and one a 4-H All Star.
In 2006, Peggy took a part in chartering a new club in Lakeport ? Blue Heron 4-H ? and enrolled her own children, Ethan and Asia Jones, she stated. Ethan was a 4-H Emerald Star and Asia was a 4-H All Star. Together, they claim 30 years of participation.
The grand total of these five individuals is 106 years of 4-H, earning them the honorary title of 4-H Century Family.
Families who qualify as a Century Family can visit the 4-H centennial website by searching “Lake County 4-H Century Family,” calling Peggy at 263-1733 or visit www.celake.ucanr.edu.
To honor the 4-H organization and its members, past and present, there will be a celebration on Oct. 6 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport. For more information on 4-H contact the area”s office at 263-6838.
