Nolting family named Bernie Heffern Memorial 4-H Family Award winner ...

The family of Faye and the late Gary Nolting of Waukon was honored with the Bernie Heffern Memorial 4-H Family Award by the Bob and late Bernie Heffern family before the 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction held Sunday, July 23 at the close of the 2017 Allamakee County Fair. The award was created by the Heffern family in memory of Bernie Heffern, who passed away in 2008. Bernie was very passionate about all areas of 4-H and its importance in the lives of youth and their families. She and her husband, Bob, were inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2007 for their lifelong dedication to 4-H. Each year during fair week, the Allamakee County Fair Board observes families and selects a family who emulates the Heffern family attitude of helping others, working well with each other, and going above and beyond for the fair. The Hefferns hope that creating this award and honoring a family each year will help to develop the kind of passion and dedication Bernie showed for the 4-H program. They also hope that it will instill the kind of family involvement that was important to Bernie. Pictured above at the award presentation, left to right, are: Gary and Faye's son Chad Nolting, daughter Sarah Anfinson, daughter Amy Opperman and daughter Kati Nolting, Faye Nolting, Bob Heffern, Bernie's twin brother Bernard Welsh, and Bob and Bernie's son Jack Heffern and daughter Sarah Grover. Submitted photo.