The Bethel Generators 4-H Club has been busy making improvements and repairs to the South Tile Barn at the Fayette County Fairgrounds this spring and summer. The group worked hard to raise over $80,000, which was used to renovate the structure. Members shown here in front of the barn are (l-r) Molly Niewoehner, Torrie Getter, Jessica Boess, Kassie Getter, Macy Niewoehner, Justin Kueker, Megan Niewoehner, and Megan Kueker. (Brian Smith photo)

Bethel Generators turn impossibility into reality

Brian Smith
bsmith@fayettecountynewspapers.com

Accomplishing something that people say can’t be done is just the kind of challenge the Bethel Generators 4-H Club likes to take on. This group of youngsters didn’t bat an eye when faced with the project of refurbishing the old Tile Barn at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. It was an undertaking that many thought impossible, particularly for a small group of kids.

“Proving people wrong and showing that kids can do something that maybe even adults can’t was part of the fun of this project,” said Macy Niewoehner of Hawkeye, one of eight members of the Bethel Generators.

The biggest hurdle in any large renovation project is raising the necessary funds to purchase the necessary materials and labor. In October 2014, the group began the daunting tasks of planning and fundraising to accomplish their goal.

“We began going out together up and down just about every road in the county to knock on doors and ask for assistance with funding the project. We actually enjoyed going out, meeting people, and had a lot of fun together in the process,” smiled Megan Niewoehner, secretary for the Bethel Generators.

The group worked hard and made numerous contacts across the county. By the time they finished fundraising, they had accumulated 117 donors (both businesses and individuals) and raised a total of $80,094 for their project.

“We want to extend a big thank-you to all of our donors because without them, the project couldn’t have gone forward. We didn’t have to do any other type of fundraising, like selling candy or hosting a dinner, because all of our donors were so generous,” noted Megan.

Once they had raised enough money to get started with some of the work, the Bethel Generators began putting their plan into action. There was much to be done, including a new roof, siding, doors, and windows. Some posts on the inside of the structure were removed, while others were reinforced with concrete to strengthen the building. Concrete walls with new framing, new wiring, vented soffits and peaks, and polycarbonate panels to allow for natural light were also part of the plan.

“We used some of the same colors as the beef barn so that this building would match. Usually they use this barn for goats, dairy, and some overflow from the beef barn. We hope those who use it will notice and appreciate the improvements that have been made,” Megan added.

Whenever you are a part of a project like this, you can’t help but learn a few things along the way. That certainly was the case for the Bethel Generators as well.

“I didn’t realize how much work there was to be done here. Once we got started, you could see how big a project it was and how much work we were going to have to do,” said Justin Kueker of Eldorado.

“We had to learn how to work together to accomplish such a big project. That wasn’t always easy, but we were able to get it done and had some fun times together as well,” laughed Torrie Getter, another member of the club who lives in St. Lucas.

How to deal with people was a skill that each member had the opportunity to learn and improve upon as they made contact with people and businesses that were an integral part of what they were doing.

“I would say that learning how to interact with businesses in a professional manner was one of the most important things that I learned. That is a skill that we all can use now and later in life as well,” added Hawkeye resident Jessica Boess, another member of the Bethel Generators.

The group continued fundraising into early April while also enlisting the help of several local professionals to help with the renovation. They are grateful for the support they received from those businesses and individuals as well.

“Pete Built Construction in Ossian, Rolling Hills Concrete from Waukon, and Walvatne Electric in Hawkeye all played a huge role in making this project a success. We also want to thank Phil Solheim from Spahn and Rose just down the road, who was always there to help when we needed something,” said Megan appreciatively.

The Bethel Generators held an open house on Tuesday, July 21, inviting all of their donors and those who helped with the work to come and view the finished product. Though it may have seemed impossible to some, this group of dedicated youth has shown otherwise and is now beginning to look forward to its next goal. What might that be you ask?

“We are looking at the sheep barn, pig barn and the fence behind them. They look like they could use some improvement,” suggested Macy with a sly smile.

Don’t doubt them. Or, go ahead, and then the Bethel Generators will set out to prove you wrong.