John retied as Youth Development Educator in Will County in 2008. John’s programs attracted 24 4-H Clubs and over 400 4-H Members with large State Fair outcomes. He was especially active in conservation areas in dozens of classrooms. On his watch, a team of Will County 4-H’ers captured the State Forestry Contest title in 2006, and the elusive National Invitational Forestry Contest Championship in 2007. He empowered leaders, sat on Camp Shaw-Waw-Naw-See and Francis Field Boards and hosted annual conservation workshops. After retiring John became Project Judge in 4-H Shows, and scored year-end Record Books. Currently he serves the Kiwanis Club of Joliet as President, improving the world one child at a time. John is board secretary of the Community Services Council and Project Acclaim-honoring civic pride (grassroots recognition organization), and chairman of Neighborhood Hero committee for curb appeal awards.