Mockonema 4H lands grant

Mockonema 4H Club members now can stay warm during the meetings thanks to a grant.

Club leader Eric Appel said the club received a $1,700 grant from the Colfax branch of the AmericanWest Bank, the Washington State 4H Foundation and Harry Burcalow Grant. The club will purchase a new pellet stove and install it in the Wilcox Grange hall where the club holds its regular meetings.

“We were looking for a heat source for the grange and we were told about the grant,” Appel said.

WSU 4H Extension agent Janet Schmidt said she informed Appel about the grant. She said 4H clubs can apply for the state-wide grant twice a year.

The club applied for the grant in December.

Wilcox Grange hall has older heating stoves that need a lot of repairs, Appel said.

“I was tired of fixing the old stove and the Grange didn’t have the money for a new one,” he said.

“We’re really excited about getting the grant and being able to get the new stove,” Appel said.

Mockonema 4H Club was established in 1942 by Wayne and Mary Doty, according to long-time club leader Dick Appel. He said he got the club from his father, Don, who took over leadership in about 1960. Dick took over in 1969.

Dick Appel was leader for 18 years and then handed the reins to Eric, who has been leader for the last 17 years. Eric said his wife, Shannon, assists him with the club.

The club used to meet in Dusty, but changed locations to the Wilcox Grange. Appel said he does repairs on the furnace in exchange for meeting there.