Janet R. Wendland

Janet R. Wendland, former Bay County 4-H member, has been a 4-H volunteer in Bay and Saginaw counties since 1958. She has been the Saginaw County 4-H program associate for 21 years, serving six years as the county’s primary 4-H staff person. She has frequently instructed sessions at Kettunen Center 4-H workshop and works with the Saginaw City schools teaching 4-H programs such as Rivers to Ridges, Character Counts! and Natural Helpers. Wendland chaired the State 4-H Global Awareness Committee for four years, co-chaired the State 4-H Awards program for three years and co-chaired the East Central Region Leader Meet for four years. Additionally, she helped organize the Saginaw County 4-H Proud Equestrians Program (PEP) and has coordinated numerous statewide trips to Washington, D.C. for Wonders of Washington and Citizenship Washington Focus.Wendland is also active in her local community serving as a member of the Saginaw PRIDE (Postitive Results in Downtown Environment) committee for 15 years serving as chairperson and organizer of the children’s activities area at the PRIDE Ethnic Festival. She was a member of the steering committee to build the Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw and organized a partnership between the Master Gardeners and South Middle School youth to plant a garden at the Saginaw Geriatrics Home. Wendland has received the National 4-H Distinguished Service Award and many state 4-H awards including the Presidential, Team and Distinguished Service awards.