JANUARY 2009 – The Month of FARM SHOW!

“It’s easier to go down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top.”

- Henry Ward Beecher; Social Reformer, Abolitionist and Speaker

It’s no big news that January is one of the most favorite months for every Pennsylvanian. Why? Because of the LARGEST AGRICULTURE EVENT HELD UNDER ONE ROOF IN THE UNITED STATES … FARM SHOW!!! Held in Harrisburg at the well-known, “Farm Show Complex” the Farm Show is known for holding record breaking crowds almost every year and helps build the bridge between urban and rural agriculture.

As for my schedule, Farm Show did take up much of it, but I’m going to break the week down and talk about some BIG things that happened during one of the most active weeks during my year!

January 7

Unveiling of the Butter Sculpture

The butter sculpture has to be one of the most visited displays in the entire Farm Show Complex! The sculpture was crafter by Jim Victor of Montgomery County. It took 1,000 pounds (WOW!) of butter to create and about a month to create. The sculpture is of a dairy cow standing beside a farmer who is pouring milk with the family at the dinner table. What better way to show how agriculture impacts each of our lives daily!

January 8

Birth

Today my family and I were blessed to welcome a beautiful baby girl to our family. Her name is Laurel! (What a week to be delivered in!!) She is the proud little sister of my nephew, Tanner and the daughter of my sister, Shannon and brother-in-law, Jason. What a precious gift God has granted us with! (Notice that I am wearing official dress in my very first picture with her.)

January 11

81^st Mid-Winter Convention

The Pennsylvania FFA Association is lucky enough to use an arena to host our Mid-Winter Convention, our largest event! With nearly 6,000 viewers in the audience, we presented 247 Keystone Degrees (the highest degree the Commonwealth can bestow on FFA members) and watched as the Pa FFA Alumni donated 165 brand new corduroy jackets to first year members! In addition we named our State Stars in the area of Agriculture Business, Agriculture Production, Agriculture Placement and Agribusiness and recognized individuals who are essential the progress of the Pennsylvania FFA! Congratulations to everyone! I am still blown away by the many you things you achieve and the leadership skills each of you possess! You all make me honored to say that I am a member of the Pennsylvania FFA! Thank you!

**Congratulations to all members who competed in Demonstrations and Quiz Bowl! I was able to sit in on a few demo’s and several rounds of Quiz Bowl and I can’t help but be incredibly impressed by the knowledge each of you have to know in order to compete in these events! Well done to all teams!!**

January 29

Birthday / Visit to Ag Choice Farm Credit

After a long week at Farm Show, it was nice to have an event where I didn’t have to walk into the Farm Show Complex. The State Officer team was privileged to visit Ag Choice Farm Credit and both the Mechanicsburg and Chambersburg locations. The employees were kind enough to walk us through each of their positions and how they contribute to the business. Later, we were asked to explain our background, why we joined FFA and what our future plans were. It was great to be able to talk to the employees about agriculture and why education is vital to the strength and growth of the industry!

Until February…

-Alex

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DECEMBER 2009 – The Month of Crackers, Carols, Cookies & Family

“We must overcome the notion that we must be regular… it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre.”

- Uta Hagen

December 1

Oxford Chapter Visit

OXFORD, Pa. — This visit was very exciting for several reasons; 1) I got to drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for the first time. 2) I got to drive in Philadelphia. 3) I was able to spend three days in the beautiful city of Philadelphia! This visit to Oxford was absolutely awesome, unconventional, but AWESOME! It was great to just throw around ideas with the officer team and members about how they can grow membership within their high school. I wish the best of luck to the Oxford FFA chapter as they challenge themselves to meet the goals they set that afternoon!

December 3

Upper Darby Chapter Visit

DREXEL HILL, Pa. — Upper Darby was the last visit I had before I headed back home to Perry County. Brittany and I had the honor of traveling to Upper Darby prior to the school forming its own chapter and joining the Pennsylvania FFA family! In addition to our workshop, we were able to talk to the students and explain the MANY opportunities available and get them excited about future events they will be able to participate in, since they are NOW MEMBERS! Congratulations to Upper Darby High School! I look forward to seeing each of you enter the world of FFA and hope that you take every opportunity that you come across!  GOOD LUCK!

December 4

Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COTY!!!!

December 8

Lancaster Mennonite Chapter Visit

LANCASTER, Pa. — The Hans Herr FFA Chapter has a fascinating history. For starters, the chapter was not allowed to become a chapter as soon as they would have liked. In earlier times, private schools were not allowed to have Pa. FFA chapter status. Recognizing how important agriculture education was to the future leaders of the commonwealth and nation, a passionate teacher created the, “Future Agriculturalists of America.” With time, Lancaster Mennonite High School eventually gained chapter status and has been named, “Hans Herr FFA.” The banner that read, “Future Agriculturalists of America” still hangs in the classroom in remembrance of the bold teacher who from the beginning knew that in order for a state and country to be strong, it must be able to produce its own food.

Now, onto the visit… of course it was a great history lesson, but the members were more than willing to jump into any activity Sam and I asked of them. We were lucky enough to sit in on a chapter meeting where we conducted fun activities and gave plenty of time for members to ask us or their advisors any questions they have regarding FFA, agriculture education or what Sam and I do as state officers. A, “Well done!” goes out to the class of gentlemen who were determined enough to not give up when they were asked to start the activity, “Snake” over when they broke their chain! Good job guys!! I can’t wait to see all Hans Herr members at ACES, SLLC, State Convention and any other place where we may meet again!

December 10

Line Mountain Chapter Visit / Birthday

HERNDON, Pa. — After Tom-Tom took Sam and I completely the wrong direction, we eventually found ourselves at Line Mountain High School. Upon arrival, we jumped right into our activities and had a blast watching fellow members learn about FFA and agriculture and still have fun. During the late morning, Sam and I headed to a quaint eatery where we had the most amazing breakfast, EVER! Thinking about it now makes my mouth water. We traveled back to the high school during the early afternoon to meet some more great members and share FFA and agriculture knowledge! Thank you all for allowing us to come and meet each and every one of you! We can’t wait to see you at ACES, SLLC and State Convention!

December 11

Birthday & Mifflinburg Chapter Visit

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

MIFFLINBURG, Pa.   — Mifflinburg was a lot easier to find but the roads were snow covered and wet. (Not ideal for a white VW Bug.) Sam and I started the morning with a few activities we have never done before including: Trust Fall and Shoe Hide. It was a BLAST! & we think the classes would agree that they enjoyed themselves as well. I was blessed to have the opportunity to pull a small prank on a student. As I am not one to keep a straight face, I was ecstatic when everything went on without flaw. Tyler, thanks for letting us pick on you … all day long! And of course I can’t forget to mention the class who managed to get ALL of their feet on a very, very SMALL TOWEL! It was about the size of a wash cloth! (The talented class is shown!)  To all the Mifflinburg ag. students, thank you all SO much for your participation. It made the day fun and Sam and I had a GREAT day with all of you! We’ll meet again at your banquet in March!

December 17

Christmas Tree Give-Away Event

HARRISBURG, Pa. — This event has to be one of my favorites out of the year thus far! A Christmas tree farmer was gracious enough to give away many trees to families that have individuals serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard in the Harrisburg area. The Pa. National Guard is the most active guard in the entire United States. Many of those who put their life on the line have served overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq as many as three times! To a family who gives so much to our commonwealth and nation, the least we can do is help provide materials that will make the holiday season more memorable than it may have been.

Each day many of us take for granted the freedoms that we expect. Always remember, freedom is not free and we owe those men and women all the prayers and support we can provide as they provide the greatest gift to people they don’t even know!

December 21

Swearing in of the Honorable Secretary Redding

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Today was one that I will never forget! The State Officer team watched as the Acting Secretary Redding became the Honorable Secretary Redding, the Secretary of Agriculture! Since we were elected in June, we have known Secretary Redding and knew he was passionate about the blue jackets (Fun Fact: He was a former Pennsylvania State Officer!) as well as agriculture. Every time we were near, Secretary Redding always found us to provide a warm smile and handshake. I’m honored to say that I know him and look forward to the innovative ways he will create as he keeps Pennsylvania growing! Congratulations Secretary!

December 22

Chambersburg Chapter Visit

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — TEAM VISIT! As the year progresses, I’ve noticed we’re not together as much as our first few months. Lately, it seems like a privilege to all be together in one place. So, when I found out we’d be together just three days before Christmas for a chapter visit, I was excited! Then, I found out we were headed to Chambersburg and that’s when my enthusiasm just shot through the roof! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some members at conferences such as ACES and MAAC and could not wait to see them again! Brittany and I partnered for the day and had a great time doing different activities with every class. I have to say though, during, “Never Have I Ever” I could not believe how many gentlemen have worn women’s clothing … Hmm… Thank you all for a wonderful day full of learning and laughter!

After the visit, the officer team headed to the local Hoss’s (YUM!) with members to enjoy a very nice dinner. (Seriously, who doesn’t LOVE Hoss’s?!?) I have to admit, I had a GREAT time telling my (not-always-funny) jokes to two poor gentlemen. But, I will bet they remember the George Washington one forever, right?

December 25

Holiday

LIVERPOOL, Pa. — Merry Christmas everyone! For Christmas morning, my parents and I went down to my sisters to watch my nephew play with his new toys and open some more presents. Later we had Christmas dinner at home and I was able to try out Christmas Crackers for the very first time. If you don’t know what they are (I didn’t), I strongly advise picking up a pack and start cracking! The joke inside of mine read, “Why do cows lie down in the rain?   - To keep each udder dry!”  And for those of you who know I am a fan of corny jokes, you must know that I laughed hysterically… BEFORE I even read it out loud to my family!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!

December 27

Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MRS. BRAMMER!!!

Until January…

-Alex

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NOVEMBER 2009 – The Month of, “Where has the time gone?”

“Imagination has brought mankind through the dark ages to its present state of civilization. Imagination led Columbus to discover America. Imagination led Franklin to discover electricity.”

- L. Frank Baum

November 4

Elizabethtown Chapter Visit

ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. — Billy Saylor, Brittany, Sam and I headed to E-town (home of some delicious chocolate) for one energetic visit. Brittany and I paired up to introduce members and students to the wonderful activities of, “Ninja” and, “Captain’s Coming.” I can honestly say, I’ve never seen members go completely wild while playing, “Captain’s Coming” like the Elizabethtown students! (Diving over one another, racing around the room to find a partner and making the best, “Sea sick” sounds ever!!!) It was great to be able to sit down with the officers for a pizza/sundae party (YUM!) and be introduced to their furry, little friends they take care of. Thank you all for an awesome day!

November 6

Cumberland Valley Chapter Visit

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — I have to say, it was pretty intimidating walking into a school that has its own store filled with school apparel! & I’m pretty sure CV also takes the title for the largest school district I’ve visited! Students were wonderful as we discussed agriculture diversity, teamwork and communication. Kudos go out to the three gentlemen (show in picture) that provided the most humorous answer during 3-Headed Monster! The question was, “3-Headed Monster, where would you take a girl on the first date?” Their response, “We would take her to dinner and then to the barn!” (You can tell these guys are FFA members!) At the end of the day, Sam and I also had the pleasure of seeing some projects that students were creating. It was absolutely amazing to see the imagination and creativity that was used! Well done to all of you!

November 12

Central Columbia Chapter Visit

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. — Central Columbia was also a first for Sam and I. It was the first school where both of us were able to talk with middle and high school students! We had a great time watching the seventh graders lead one another under the row of desks (hopefully your bruises and bumps have healed up) and learn about what the National FFA Organization has to offer! Afterwards, it was time for the high school students. It certainly was entertaining to watch both groups attempt to count to 25 as a team without planning anything in advance. But, eventually a system was developed and the task was (after a great deal of time may I add) completed! (& no I will not disclose how they did it! That is for the rest of you to figure out!)

November 16-17

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Annual Convention

HERSHEY, Pa. — Welcome to the, “Sweetest Place on Earth!” (FYI, Pennsylvania is the, “Junk Food Capital” of the world!) The team was blessed enough to spend several days at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Annual Convention. It was really cool to see how the members their discussed and voted on issues that were affecting the agriculture industry. It reminded me of how FFA members debate and vote on bills during SLLC! It was an absolute pleasure meeting ladies and gentlemen from all over the state and discussing certain issues that they are facing around their areas and what they propose as a solution!

November 19

Lenape AVTS Chapter Visit

FORD CITY, Pa. — My very first visit in western Pennsylvania (the Christmas Tree Capital of The World!), how cool?! It was great meeting the members, introducing them to FFA and having them test their trust with one another in, “Trust Fall.” (I’m proud to announce we even had Mr. Misera falling into the arms of his students!) Seeing the tilapia in the greenhouse and hearing the students explain the process was interesting as well as impressive. Thank you all for showing a south-central girl how sweet the west is!

November 20

Farm City Day

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.   — How cool is it that we took Farm City Day to Philadelphia for the first time ever? Pretty awesome if you ask me! The day was chilly but the knowledge that was spread that day made the cold bearable! Nothing makes a day better than having someone walk up to you, ask what you’re wearing, what the FFA is and then walk away thinking you’re the coolest group of kids on earth! What an AWESOME day!!!!!

November 24

New Holland Business Visit

NEW HOLLAND, Pa. — Sam and I had the pleasure of visiting the headquarters of New Holland with Mr. Brammer. I had NO idea how big the company was and how passionate they are regarding international agriculture. It was mind boggling to hear the company has plants on all but one continent (Antarctica being the loner) and that the headquarters is located in Pennsylvania! It was an honor to meet some of the individuals who make this company what it is and to see the passion they have for agriculture as well.

November 26

Thanksgiving Day Parade

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — That’s right ladies and gentlemen, not even a week later and the State Officer was back in Philadelphia to celebrate Thanksgiving with the city! We were honored enough to walk with the Campbell’s Soup float and for that we were very thankful! The day was a bit chilly, and if you looked closely you could see teeth chattering, but it was a memory that none of us will ever forget!

Until December…

**My apologizes to Miss Brittany Wilmer who I forgot to mention in Last month’s edition. Her Birthday was October 22! May this year be full of laughter and memories that will last a lifetime!**

-Alex

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OCTOBER 2009 – The Month to, “LEAD OUT LOUD!”

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…to leave the world a better place…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

October 1

Big Spring Chapter Visit & Ag Olympics

NEWVILLE, Pa. — What a day! Billy Saylor, Molly, Sam and I headed to Newville (home of Twang) for one amazing chapter visit. We had a great time watching students carry a balloon through an obstacle course using only a straw, engaging in the debate of which community member is the most important and my personal favorite, students lead their blindfolded partners under desks and over chairs. For lunch the State Officers had the pleasure of eating in the cafeteria with Big Spring FFA members (and I’m not sure if we actually found anyone who was willing to entertain the lunch table with some acrobatics).

Later, that evening, the State Officers participated in Ag Olympics with members from both Big Spring and Shippensburg. It was a fierce competition, but all participants had a great time! Now I may not be the fastest milk chugger, but I can honestly say, I’ll start working on it!

What a wonderful, fun-filled day!

October 3

Blue and Gold Ball

CAMPHILL, Pa. — Beautiful women in gowns, handsome men all dressed up and one common interest: FFA! With past and present state officers reminiscing on fond memories and dancing all night long, it was surely a night to remember! (Did I mention we even got to play dress up?!) & the best part is, it was ALL for the members of the Pennsylvania FFA!!

October 6

Alumni Hoss’s Night

SHAMOKIN DAM, Pa. — FFA members from across the state went out to Hoss’s (a partner of the Pennsylvania FFA Association) to raise money for the Pa. FFA Alumni! The benefit took place all around the state to make sure all FFA members were able to reach a location. All proceeds that were raised went to the FFA Alumni who give all funds that are raised to the Pennsylvania FFA. We couldn’t be more grateful! The evening was filled with fun and laughter between friends.

October 8

Sun Area Greenhand Leadership Conference

Beaver Community Fair Grounds — Sam and I headed to the Beaver Community Farm Grounds bright and early to talk with members from the area on the benefits and opportunities within the FFA organization. It was great to meet everyone and Sam and I had a blast watching students run as they were wrapped in plastic wrap! To the group who fell over and could not get up, I am very sorry for your misfortune but it did provide many with some laughter pains! 

October 13

Dover Chapter Visit

Dover, Pa. — Sam and I had a great day at Dover High School! With some entertaining activities, (yes, plastic wrap was involved yet again) it seemed that all had a great time. Miss Lauffer provided some amazing lasagna and it was great to be able to talk with the chapter officers!! (They had some good jokes!!)

October 15

Penn National Race Track Tour

HARRISBURG, Pa.   — The day may have been dreary but in no way was this visit! The team was able to tour the Penn National Race Track, which included seeing the horses, meeting employees and learning about the industry. We were even greeted by several naughty horses who believe that corduroy is a food group! (No worries, no harm came to the horses nor the jackets during the making of this event!) I never realized how much goes into a race track and what all is needed. It certainly is impressive!

October 17-25

National FFA Convention

INDIANAPOLIS, In. — The team headed in Indy to, “Lead Out Loud” with members all across the country including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The 54,000+ blue jackets in one city excites me every year and this year definitely was no different! With the mesmerizing laser shows, great music and incredible keynote speakers it was an event that couldn’t be missed!

Congratulations to all teams and individuals who competed! We are very proud of all of you!!

October 30

W.B. Saul Chapter Visit

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — What would you say if I told you there was a farm in the grand city of Philadelphia? Don’t believe me? Well, many don’t, but there is no way you can miss W.B. Saul as you drive down Henry Avenue. The high school is dedicated to agriculture education;  in fact, everyone who attends this school is an FFA member. In case you were wondering, that is over 500 students! (W.B. Saul is one of the largest single chapters in the country.) And yes, the school does in fact have a farm, including a milking parlor. There is no doubt that the facilities are incredible, but the best apart Saul is the students!

I never realized how excited a group of members could be about blind folding one of their classmates and leading them around, under and over some crazy items. We played a pretty cool game known as, “Moo” for a good laugh in several classes and I even held a rat! Pretty cool, indeed!

Until November…

-Alex

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SEPTEMBER 2009 – The Month That Flew By

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”

- Sam Ewig

September 16

Bermudian Springs Chapter Visit

YORK SPRINGS, Pa. — What a day!  Sam and I left my house at 5:30 a.m. for a full day at Bermudian Springs High School. Upon arrival, we were given a tour of the AMAZING ag. Facilities! The team was then given a small amount of time to set up for workshops and then the day began! I had a great time partaking in several workshops and meeting members and non-members from Bermudian Springs FFA! It was also wonderful to see members who I first met at MAAC. (Nicole, Kyle a.k.a. “Ken”, and Amanda) A special thanks goes out to Mr. Wardle, Ms. Dellinger, school staff and students who made our visit such a WONDERFUL experience!

P.S. The café food was delicious!

September 17-20

Eastern States Exposition

SPRINGFIELD, Ma. — The team departed from PDA (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) at 9 a.m. to head up north to Massachusetts for the Big E. Pennsylvania members competed in CDE’s from Parliamentary Procedure to Ag Mechanics. Congratulations to ALL who qualified to represent Pennsylvania at this prestigious event. (The only one of its kind in all regions of the U.S. if I may add) Each and every one of you made the commonwealth proud! During the conference, the team was able to catch up with other SO’s we had previous met at NLCSO (The MD State Officers and the Virginia Crew)! It was also wonderful to meet other teams from around the eastern region! After a lovely (& stressful for some) banquet on Saturday night, we headed home Sunday morning to rest for the upcoming week!

September 21-24

All-American Dairy Show

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Introducing, “The World’s Largest Dairy Show!” I had a BLAST during the dairy show! Some of my teammates handed out ribbons, showed cows, assisted in food booths and helped sonogram udders while I assisted the public at the information booth. I’m not sure how much of a help I was (thank goodness for Mr. Bob, Ms. Rita, Ms. Lolli and Mr. Gene!) but I did my best! I did learn some, “Dairy Lingo” that I like to show whip out every now and then.  =)  Throughout the event we saw some FFA members from around the commonwealth and ran into old friends as well. It was GREAT to see EVERYONE! Congratulations to all who showed!

September 22

Greenwood Ag Olympics

MILLERSTOWN, Pa. — Where do you go for an egg tossin’, creamer drinkin’, hay bail throwin’, Whip Cream eatin’ and bubble blowin’ good time? The Greenwood Ag Olympics of course! The evening was filled of all those events plus a relay race that involved a farmer waking up, eating breakfast (a doughnut and cup of milk), completing his chores (stacking hay bails, dumping water and hammering a nail) and eating dinner (a McDonald’s burger)! I never realized it was possible to stuff an entire burger in your mouth in less than 10 seconds (compliments go out to Miss Emily Griswold!). The night ended with a sundae party, YUM! It was great to see everyone!

September 24

Adams, Franklin, York Leadership Conference

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — The Adams, Franklin, York (AFY) Leadership Conference is held for FFA members within the three counties. I had a blast getting to meet new members and seeing others who I have met previously. The event was split into three workshops; 1) Office Workshop
(Go REPORTERS!!!!)    2) Chapter Workshop  3) National Officer Candidate Workshop  (led by PA’s own, Britney Marsh).  After the workshops we all enjoyed a pizza party together and took advantage of the time that was given to mingle with one another. 

September 26

Dairy Princess Coronation

Coty, Caleb, Billy S. and I enjoyed a lovely evening at the Dairy Princess Coronation. The mission of the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess and Promotion Service, Inc. is: “To work with local county committees in their promotional efforts and their dairy princess programs to promote the sale and consumption of milk and dairy products at the grassroots level throughout the state of Pennsylvania. To plan and conduct the training of young people to serve as dairy industry promoters now and the agricultural leaders of the future. To coordinate the selection and activities of the State Dairy Royalty.” At the event, three young women were chosen to serve as 2009-2010 PA State Dairy Princess Royalty. After the three day long competition, Krystal Wasson, Karla Stoltzfus and Crystal Hitz were selected. Congratulations to all county PA Dairy Princess’s who competed in the event!

September 30 

West Perry Chapter Visit & Volleyball Night

What a day! Chapter visit during the day, volleyball/soccer (Who’s ready for the World Cup?!) night during the evening, add in FFA members and you have the formula for an AWESOME day. Sam and I started the day early at West Perry and had a great time hanging out with officers, members and those who are enrolled in an agricultural education class. And may I add that it NEVER gets old watching boys put on high heels during one of the activities! After leaving in the afternoon, we returned that evening to attend a fun-filled evening of pizza, volleyball and soccer! After a couple of hours running off all that pizza, I was definitely ready to hit the sack!

Until October…

-Alex

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AUGUST 2009 – The Month of New Friendships

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” 

- Nelson Mandela

August 8-12

National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO)

State Officers from Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania came together in Gettysburg, PA to experience NLCSO. The conference was prepared by Riley Branch and Regina Holiday. Throughout the five days, the team made new friends, took a tour of the battlefield, met some AWESOME Gettysburg FFA members and learned the art of karate through the game, “Ninja.” A special thanks goes out to the hotel staff who made the event so enjoyable! On the last day of the conference, several states went to visit Mason Dixon Farms. I had no idea how incredible that farm was until I got a little peak!

August 17-20

Ag Progress Days

Introducing: Pennsylvania’s Largest Outdoor Agricultural Exposition! What a great four days we spent in Rock Springs, PA. I think the only thing that would have made the even perfect was if we didn’t have to struggle with the multiple heat waves and down pours!

The State Officers set up a booth that allowed children (and some adults) to put their creative hand forward by drawing on a paper plate to create a mask (and fan!). Afterwards, they were encouraged to take a sticky note and place it upon the large map of PA to learn where they live but also, see where other kids come from.

Also, congratulations to the various chapters who competed at Quiz Bowl (one of my favorite events)! Good luck to those who advance!

August 24

Ag Committee Meeting

Billy S. and I had the pleasure of traveling to York County to attend an Ag Committee Meeting held at Brown’s Orchard. We had the pleasure of meeting various members of the committee who are directly affected by agriculture. Throughout of afternoon we spoke to the committee members regarding what the FFA is and what our organization does, received a tour of the facilities, and were served PEACH SUNDAES! YUM! The day was beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to meet!

August 25

Birthday Celebration

Happy 18^th Birthday Allison!!!

August 26

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Job Shadow

Today the officer team had the pleasure of shadowing wonderful PDA employees in various offices. I was able to follow Mr. Fleming in the Press Office as well as the lovely ladies who work alongside of him! I had a great time being able to sit down and discuss their responsibilities as well as mine. After our morning together, Mr. Fleming and I ran across the street (literally) to meet up with the rest of the team and their partners to discuss the top agriculture issues that are state and nation is facing daily.

A special thanks goes out to everyone at PDA who made our day so special!

-Alex

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JULY 2009 – The Busy Month

“All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal, or purpose.” 

- Brian Tracy

July 9-10

Western Pennsylvania Leadership Conference

The team headed out to Crawford County to meet chapters from (mainly) the Western Region at WPLC (Western PA Leadership Conference), however, we were able to meet some other chapters from other regions as well! The theme for the conference was, “Hooked on FFA”. On the first day of arrival we split up into groups for various workshops. The evening brought one AWESOME beach party (including a DJ, hula-hoop contest, a bonfire, swimming and of course FOOD!) and reflections put on by the State Officers. The following day, SO’s (State Officers) created several small workshops for all attendees to enjoy! By the afternoon, everyone was packed and ready to go home. It was a pleasure to meet those who attended and hopefully we will see each other again throughout the year!!!

July 11

Birthday Celebration

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!

July 13-16

Pennsylvania Association of Agriculture Educators

PAAE was also held in Crawford County (in fact, we stayed at the same hotel as WPLC)! The conference allows teachers from across the commonwealth to partake in various workshops that will help them help their students! Pretty cool, right? Who would of thought that their advisors went to conferences to learn?! The officers were able to sit in the different workshops and get to know the different advisors. (For all of those who are wondering, we DID have fun with them! I know, another BIG surprise!) Oh, and I did get some GREAT photos of all of them! During one of the evenings, the SO team and several advisors decided to go on a ghost tour that was being held in our hotel (Hotel Conneaut). Let’s just say I won’t be participating in those types of events willingly any longer! After a fun-filled four days, it was time for me to head back home to Perry County!

July 17

Picnic at Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

This afternoon the team had the honor of traveling to Harrisburg for a Department of Agriculture picnic. We met MANY new people from all aspects within the Department, ate great food (just like all other Ag events) and even received a tour of the PA Vet Research Lab (located beside the Department). It was a great afternoon for all!

July 20-21

Birthday Celebration, Lancaster Farming, Wenger’s of Meyerstown & Monsanto Fore FFA Golf Tournament

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER! On July 20 the team headed to Ephrata for a tour of Lancaster Farming Headquarters. It’s unbelievable to see such a popular/widespread newspaper come from such a small town! Later that day we were privileged enough to receive another tour, Wenger’s of Meyerstown. The day ended when the group traveled to Fox Chase Golf Course to set up for the Monsanto Fore FFA Golf Tournament.

The following morning, we once again gathered at the golf course to make omelets, distribute food and beverages and take pictures! The evening brought the second auction where once again, the SO’s were sold! Thanks to all of those who donated items as well as bought the items!!!

July 26-30

PANTS (Pennsylvania Atlantic Nursery Trade Show)

PANTS! PANTS! PANTS! First, the show was absolutely beautiful and those who worked there were ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! To add the cherry on top, ALL of the vendors were great and didn’t mind conversing with a couple of crazy kids dressed in a corduroy jacket!

The team assisted wherever help was needed. This included: MAMMOTH plants being moved, supplies being carried in and displays being set up. I never realized how fast a Nursery show could come together!!! In 24 hours an empty building made up of three large halls was transformed into a paradise for any green thumb!

A special thanks goes out to ALL those who made PANTS such an enjoyable event for the SO’s! I hope to continue this partnership for many more years!!

Until next month…

-Alex

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JUNE 2009 – The Month of the Beginning

“Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny.” 

- Tyron Edwards

June 9-11

State Activities Week

In a three day period, I saw FFA members be recognized for all of their hard work, listened to a knock out speech by Hannah Crossen, watched an irreplaceable State Officer team retire and witnessed the birth of the 2009-2010 FFA State Officer team! Hardly was there time to breathe, but the memories and friendships created within that time will forever be cherished. Good luck to all of those who advance onto the Big E and Nationals!!!

June 15-19

BLASTOFF

On the first Monday after election, the eleven state officers headed to Wenger’s Cabin where we were forced to survive off of the wilderness! Ok, not really, but with some of the officers cooking, I’m sure some of us would have preferred eating berries and grass. On the other hand, there were some officers who can cook for me anytime!

During the week, the gang traveled to the Holiday Inn to partake in training that was led by Jesse Eller. We danced, laughed, played hacky-sack, but most importantly, we learned how to serve. The 08-09 State Officers came to visit us for a day full of fun, laughter and food. The following day brought those who have been there through every bump in the road, our family! That same night we packed up and headed to Huntingdon County for the HOSS’s Fore FFA Golf Tournament.

June 20

HOSS’s Fore FFA Golf Tournament

The officers arrived the night before to help set up for the event. A group of us discovered the MANY ways to hang sponsor banners. Let’s just say, for the next tournament, we have a plan! The following morning Heather, Brittany, Billy S. and I became omelet-making professionals! It took some bravery and confidence but within an hour we were flipping eggs into the air! A special thanks goes out to Mr. Ken Fisher who had the courage to teach four wild state officers the art of omelet making!

The afternoon brought sponsors, school representatives and Ag. Advisors to the golf course for a beautiful day! The evening ended with an auction and delicious supper!

-Alex