February 2010
Wow! What a month! As a member, I always could hardly wait for February to come. It meant ACES and National FFA Week. It always seemed to take forever to come around. But as a State Officer, I can hardly believe that it is here and gone!
My month started out on the 2nd. I headed to Grantville to meet with the Pennsylvania Young Farmers at their annual Winter Conference. I got the chance to hang out at Molly’s house in the evenings and enjoy some great fellowship during the day with these amazing agriculturalists.
I got to head home over the weekend, but on Monday the 8th, the team got back together and met with Senator Brubaker. He took us on to the Senate floor. Later that day, we got to sit in the Gallery as the Resolution that proclaimed February 20-27 National FFA Week. On Tuesday, we headed to the Capitol once again. Only this time, we meet with other great Career and Tech-Ed Organizations for the opening to the CTE Week. However, with the impending snow storm, the rest of the day’s events were cancelled.
Alli, Heather, Billy B, Brit, and I then got snowed into Molly’s house. Once again, thank you to the Walmer household for having us there, feeding us well, and allowing us to go snow tubing behind Jake’s (Molly’s Brother) truck! Even with the bad weather, we still had an awesome time!
The team feared the elements once again and met at the Department of Ag building once again on the 11th. There we got ready for ACES which started the next day. The team put together over 1,100 folders for members, advisors, and guests. It is hard to believe that we did that many in one day!
The team met on the 12th for ACES Weekend 1! We had a team meeting, checked into our rooms, had dinner, and then set up our rooms. We officially went “All Aboard” on Saturday morning. We ate breakfast as a team and then got the conference started. I loved every minute of it! It was awesome to lead workshops; meet over 600 members, advisors, and guests; do registration; and inspire the members with reflections. The surprise of the unknown helped to lead us to having such an awesome weekend. However, even with knowing what to expect, the next weekend, I had an amazing time once again! This weekend we got to meet with the Second Year Scholars and had 500 other members, advisors, and guests to meet with!
In between the two weekends, Heather and I headed up to Wayne Co. on Monday the 15th. We had a blast at their Dairy Day, and enjoyed being on a radio show.
The week after ACES Weekend 2 was an experience like none other! On Monday, I got to travel with Chase Rose, the Central Region VP from the National FFA. I had a blast as we met with Central Columbia, Benton, State College, and Collegiate FFA. On Tuesday, the team headed to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as we helped to sort food. That night, we split up. I headed to Williamsport to hang out with those members at the Meet Your State Officer Night. Wednesday, Heather and I went to Captain Jack to help with their FFA Quiz Bowl. Let me just say… WOW! WHAT A WEEK!!!! I loved each and every day and had a blast celebrating National FFA Week with the team!
That basically finished out my February. Though it may be the shortest months of the year, it was definitely one of the busiest. It’s hard to believe that ACES is finished and SLLC is right around the corner. As the end of my term draws near, I am reminded each and every day how much of a gift this past month was, as well as the rest of the year. February definitely provided a lot of memories that I will always have.
Until We Meet Again,
Caleb
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January 2010
Happy New Year! The craziness of December definitely carried over to the beginning of January to say the least… the very least!
Though the team didn’t get back together until the 7th, we all had work to do at home over the holiday season. On the 7th the team got together and continued the preparations for Mid-Winter. We also got to attend the Revealing of the Butter Sculpture. Rehearsals for Mid-Winter continued on the 8th. That night though, we had to opportunity to attend the Farm Show Reception. What a cool event! All the officers got to meet many new people and enjoy some great PA Preferred food.
The Farm Show officially started on the 9th. This started the week of sheer madness! The officers dashed from event to event. We helped out at the Foundation Food Booth, attended special breakfasts and luncheons, and even got to listen to the Governor’s Opening Address. Of course, congratulations to all winners at the PA Farm Show!
Of course, my favorite event of the week was Mid-Winter! We got to watch as 165 Jacket Campaign Winner put on their jacket, and were able to award 247 Keystone Degrees. Congratulations to all! Another highlight was being able to listen as the Department of Ag, Department of Ed, HACC, and PCN-TV showed their support for our Association by having saying a few words during our event.
After Farm Show, the team got some well-deserved and well needed time off. We didn’t get back together until January 29th (MY BIRTHDAY!!!!) to meet with Ag Choice Farm Credit. There we learned about their great organization and the loan process.
January was a CRAZY month! The team officially reached our “Half-way point.” If the second half is anything like the first … I CANNOT WAIT!!!
Until We Meet Again,
Caleb
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December 2009
What a month! December started off busy, and stayed that way through the whole month, but I’m certainly not complaining.
My month started off on the 1st. Sam and I met with Mr. B in State College and headed to ZedX Inc. in Bellefonte. There, the three of us learned about some new and upcoming technology that is helping to change the Agricultural Industry. The next day, I picked Sam up while on my way to Harrisburg, met Mr. B, and the three of us headed to Pittsburgh. There we met with two different organizations that are both involved with the Marcellus Shale Project. Range Resources and IOGA were both awesome meetings that were very informational and productive.
The team all then got back together on the 4th to celebrate Coty’s Birthday… and have a Board of Directors Meeting! Often times, these meetings seem boring and unproductive, but everyone on the board has the outlook to use their voice for the better to help make the Association the best it can be.
On Monday the 7th, Heather and I met up again and headed to Northern Bedford. There we met up with members we were fortunate enough to of met at their banquet! That night, I headed to Mercersburg to meet up with Tyler. That night we prepared for the Shippensburg visit, which we headed to the next day. It was great to see that awesome Ag Ed program and meet some cool members.
The next day, I left my house bright and early, even with the recent snowfall, and headed down to Britney Marsh’s house. From there, she and I headed to the airport to meet up with the Young Farmers’ members with whom we were traveling with. Where you may ask? ALABAMA!!!! One of the perks of being on that Board is being able to head to the National Institute with the Young Farmers’. This year it was in Alabama. Once we got there, after an interesting flight down, we met up with Casey Trexler and Jordan Rice. These two are Kutztown FFA members who applied for the stipend to go down to Alabama with us. Once we were there, he had a blast taking tours, competing in the Communication Program, and having a blast at the Y.A.L.E. program.
I got home from Alabama on the 13th, and got back on the road on the 14th. Once again, Heather and I had a chapter visit. This time though, we both knew a majority of the people we were going to be meeting with. We were at Heather’s home school Captain Jack. That night, Coty came up to my house. Together, we headed to the rest of the county schools. On Tuesday, Standing Stone; Wednesday, we headed to my home chapter, Blue Juniata; and Thursday, Southern Huntingdon. I had an amazing time! Not only did I love working with Coty, but it was amazing to see a majority of all the FFA members who I have basically grown up with!
After our visits that week, Coty, Heather, Tyler, and I headed to the far eastern part of the South Central Region to visit Kennerd Dale. This was a cool visit because we had the same students all day. It was great though because we got to know them really well, and the officers felt they got the most of what our Chapter Visit Workshops had to offer.
I was lucky to have the weekend off to sleep, but moved right into the next week full force. On Monday, I headed to Harrisburg with some of the officers to attend Secretary Redding’s Oath of office. It was an amazing event. Not only did we get to have this once in a lifetime experience, but the officers got to meet the Secretary’s family.
The next day, the whole team headed to Chambersburg. There we split and half of the officers headed to the High School and half the team went to the Middle School. Afterwards, we all met up and got to see representatives from all the county chapters as they treated us to Hoss’s.
As schools were closing for Christmas break, we kept going full force. The team had a team meeting on the 23rd to start preparations for Mid-Winter Convention. Though we had off from then till after Christmas, we all had work that needed to be done. The team then got back together on the 29th to go over the script for Mid-Winter a couple more times.
December was AMAZING!!! It flew by, but I loved it. It was amazing to be on the road almost every day serving all 8,000 members. As our “half-way point” draws near, I can’t believe it is soon January. I feel as if I will wake up tomorrow and it will be August again.
Until We Meet Again,
Caleb
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November 2009
As time goes on as a State Officer, you think you understand what it is all about… and then the next month comes and goes. November was no exception.
My first event was on the 3rd. A group of us went to Chief Oil and Gas to visit a natural gas rig. Chief Oil and Gas is one of the forerunners in the Marcellus Shale Project. Our visit was to help the officers get more acquainted with this fast growing part of the agricultural industry.
Heather and I then headed to Williamsburg for a chapter visit the next day. It was nice to be able to work with members in the area. That night was the Huntingdon County Degree Ceremony at the Hoss’s in Huntingdon. Congratulations to all the Degree Recipients!
On the 6th, Alli, Heather, and I headed to Wilkes-Barree to head to the Columbia-Montour Leadership Conference. It was great to meet members from so many different schools and to see this great part of the state. On the way home we had one of those great moments that State Officers learn to come to expect. As we drove home, we got stuck behind a wide load that took up both lanes. With five police escort cars, we were unable to go around it. As we drove, we put our windows down because of the beautiful weather. Next to us were two gentlemen who served our country in the Air Forces. As we drove, we had a short conversation with the gentlemen about FFA and agricultural education. To that I say…Welcome to State Office!
The next day, Billy B., Heather, and I headed to Bedford to rake leaves at the Best Western Bedford Inn. It was great to be able to go do some manual labor for these great PA FFA supporters!
On Monday the 9th, Heather and I headed down to James Buchanan High School or the Conococheague FFA. I had a blast meeting some of the members Tyler and Coty had been talking about.
On Thursday the 12th, Heather and I met up again and headed to Tyrone for a Chapter Visit. Though we were only there for two periods, I think the members had a blast. I know we sure did! It was great to see their John Deere inspired float for the upcoming parade in Tyrone.
On the 13th, or the next day, Heather and I once again headed out to a chapter visit. This time we headed down to Forbes Road. We enjoyed our day spending time with the members there, and had a great time with them as they sorted the items to be recycled.
The week of the 16th was a crazy one! On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the team was at the Hershey Lodge for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Convention. There, we were microphone handlers for the delegate sessions and enjoyed some great meals with the members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. On the 19th, Heather and I headed home and did Central Cove’s Chapter Visit. We had an amazing time! We had great food, including home-made ice cream. That night we headed to Northern Bedford’s Banquet. This was our first banquet to attend and loved the Pot-Luck food and desert table. On Friday the 20th, Heather and I left her house at 3:30 am to head to Harrisburg to meet up with the team to head to Philadelphia for the first ever Farm City Day! The team had a great time talking to venders, meeting Philadelphians, and discussing agriculture with everyone!
The next week, Heather and I had one chapter visit. We headed to meet up with the members of Bellwood-Antis FFA and had a great day. I know Heather and I still talk about that Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
The next day was Thanksgiving. When we made the commitment to be a State Officer, we committed to attending any and every event we could… including one on Thanksgiving Day. I woke up at 1:30 in the morning, got dressed, and headed towards Harrisburg while picking Heather up on the way there. We met part of the team at the Pennsylvania Department of Ag building and headed down the Turnpike towards Philadelphia. There, we walked alongside the Campbell’s Soup Float that was in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. I got home at about 2:30, just in time to eat desert with my family.
We were given the option to miss out on the Thanksgiving Day Parade, but as a team we decided to all go. We made the commitment to serve our members and have lived each day to do just that. Each event I went to in November reminded me of why I wanted to serve, no matter what that reason might have been. Thanksgiving Day even did that. Although I missed out on eating dinner with my family, I got to spend the morning with my new family… all eleven of them.
Until We Meet Again,
Caleb
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October 2009
October came and went like every other month. It started out a lot slower than the rest though.
The team all went to the Blue and Gold Ball, which was also the location for the 1st Annual PSO Reunion. We had a blast talking to the former State Officers and proud partners of the FFA Alumni.
On the 6th, Tyler and I traveled to Gettysburg for the Battlefield FFA Visit. I had a blast while I was there, but had to hurry home to make sure I was able to go to dinner with my family to support the Alumni with their Hoss’s Night.
After the Hoss’s Night, I was able to work and save up some spending money for National Convention. But before we headed out to Indy, the team took a tour of the Penn-National Race Course. That was a cool experience! We got an awesome behind the scenes tour of the track. Everyone had a blast and I think we all got some cool pictures!
On the 17th, the team met and headed out for one of the biggest events of the year… NATIONAL CONVENTION!!!! Saturday night, we spent the night in a hotel made out of Silos. That was neat! On Sunday, we made it out to early because Mr. Brammer had a meeting. This gave us time to look around the city. A few of us went and saw a movie, but everyone enjoyed the time to relax. On Monday, the team participated in the Day of Service. We, along with the help of one of Vermont’s State Officers worked on putting siding on a house for Habitat for Humanity. Believe it or not, I had a lot of fun and all the work was well worth it because we were able to help someone out! You could tell Maryann, the lady whose house we helped out, really appreciated all we were doing for her. Plus, we got to meet some other State Officers from Texas and a few other states while we ate lunch. Tuesday and Wednesday were the days where we really had to work hard. These were the Delegate Sessions. We all had a blast meeting with other State Officers discussing and debating issues that affect our Organization. Finally on Wednesday night, I got to experience the National Convention I always knew as a member. I loved the Toby Keith concert. Our Thursday and Friday were full of sessions and having a blast at the FFA Shopping Mall. Finally on Saturday, we went to the American Degree Ceremony and then to the final session where the National Officers retired and the new ones were elected. That night, we headed out of the city, leaving the city that made itself our home for a week. We spent the night in an interestingly designed hotel in Ohio, and made the rest of the trip home on Sunday.
On Thursday the 29th, I headed to Carlisle for the Pennsylvania Young Farmers Board Meeting. We discussed a lot of opportunities for them to work alongside FFA to help promote both organizations.
On Friday, the team headed to W.B. Saul for their FFA visit. It was neat to see the farm and the awesome resources those students have to use. I also met some cool members who I’ve been seeing a lot as we travel through Philadelphia with the FFA.
The months keep ticking by and as we see more and more schools, I have decided more and more that I love this year and I am even gladder each time I am at an event that I did run. It’s an experience I am glad I took.
Until We Meet Again,
Caleb
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September 2009
Another month that was here and gone before I knew it!
It all started on the 11th when the team met at PDA to talk about some upcoming events. The next day, Alli, Billy B. and I all went to the Grand Opening of the new J.B. Zimmerman store in Gap, PA. It was awesome to see some members from Grassland FFA and help have an amazing day for the store. On a side note… I think Billy and I cooked a little over 600 hotdogs that day!
The 16th was the next event for the month. It was our first Chapter Visit! It was AMAZING!!! Everyone on the team had a blast hanging out with the members of Bermudian Springs. Plus, it was cool to finally put a lot of our training to use!
The next day, the team left for Big E. Up there I had an awesome time helping out with the Tractor Driving contest and hanging out at the fairgrounds.
On Sunday the 20th we made the 6 hr. trek back home in that lovely 15 passenger van. I went straight to the Farm Show Complex because I was an exhibitor at the All-American Dairy Show, but a majority of the team went some place to chill and relax! From the 21st to the 24th I split my time between being an exhibitor and being a State Officer.
After our duties finished up on the 24th with the Dairy Show, we went to Gettysburg High School for the Adam Franklin York (AFY) Leadership Conference. I had a blast working with all the Secretaries and then spending some time with Littlestown FFA and working with them on goal setting. It truly hope their Ag Olympics works out!
I barely was home long enough to catch up on some well needed sleep and then I was back on the road with Alex, Coty, and Billy Saylor to go to the Dairy Princess Pageant held in Camp Hill. Once again, Congratulations to Crystal, Krystal, and Karla. I can’t wait to see you all at some FFA events as well as Dairy Princess events! It’s awesome that all three of you are FFA members!
Well, that’s September! Crazy, wasn’t it! During All-American Dairy Show, I had a realization though. As much as I had loved showing my cows and working with them to get ready and all the work that was involved with the show, when I saw one of my teammates in their Association Jacket, I felt like I was missing something. I missed being with them all and standing amongst them all. To anyone who is consider running for State Office, not only is it an amazing experience, you make friendships that will last for a long time and get to be part of a family that cannot be described with words. The only way to truly know what it feels like is to experience it, and I would not want to change what we have for the world!
Until We Meet Again,
Caleb
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August 2009
August was another month full of fun times and awesome travels!
It all started out on the 1st when the Ag Progress Days Committee met at Sam’s to work on our booth for APD. After working for about 6 hours and only cutting out about 900 of the 2600 masks that were needed, we decided to call it quits.
We had a bit of time off until August 6th when we had our first FFA Board of Directors meeting. Thanks once again to the Adult Board for working along with us until we got the hang of things! That was definitely an interesting experience.
NLCSO (National Leadership Conference for State Officers) was just around the corner. On the 8th, Alli picked up Heather, Molly, Brittany, and I at Heather and I county fair. This was a sad day for me because I can’t remember missing a day of fair for as long as I can remember. But, NLCSO was a blast. I felt honored to host five other amazing states. VA, WV, DE, NJ, and of course MD all came to the great state of Pennsylvania to learn about being on the State Officer team and learned a whole bunch of info to help make our team better. Riley Branch and Regina Holliday flew in to put the conference on. NLCSO ended on the 12. Although I was excited to get back to fair, I was sad to leave so many new friends.
On the 15th, a majority of the team, along with most of Maryland, some PSOs, and Beth from West Virginia all got together to hang out. Some of us started the evening watching Tyler Funk play in a band at the Mercersburg Fair. After that everyone met up at Twang in Newville. After Twang, we all watched a tractor pull, a first for Brittany Wilmer. What an experience, but what an awesome night!
On the 17th, the team met back up to prepare for APD. Ag Progress Days was hot, exhausting, and long… but we all had a blast! It was awesome to work the display and sell food at the Foundation Food Booth. It was a great way to see some of the booths for some of our large supporters.
The 26th was a very interesting day for the team. Mr. Brammer and Miss Lonie from PDA had put together a Job Shadowing Day for the State Officer team. I was fortunate enough to job shadow Mr. Doug Kilgore. He is the recently appointed Deputy Secretary. It was amazing to see how one person supervised such totally different aspects of Pennsylvania Agriculture. After a round table discussion with all of the State Officers and officials from PDA, the team headed over to the FSA (Farm Service Agency) office to meet with Mr. Bill Wehry, State Director. Here we learned more about FSA and what they have to offer for Pennsylvania Agriculture.
August came to an end a bit slower than what it started at. On the 30th, Billy Boring came to my place to work on our chapter visit. Plus, on the next day, Billy, Heather, and I headed to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell’s, the founder of Hoss’s, to “pay off our debt.” The Campbell's were gracious enough to “purchase” us at the Hoss’s Fore FFA Golf Tournament. Here we washed windows and did some other cleaning… and not one light fixture was broken!
August was another amazing month! As I saw all my friends head to college or go back to High School, I came to realize how excited I am to serve the Pennsylvania FFA Association. As each day passes I know I am closer to retirement, but I become excited to know that with each day comes a different opportunity to serve. I cherish each moment I have, but can’t wait to see what’s around the corner!
Until the blue and gold brings us together again,
Caleb
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July 2009
I thought June flew by. I was wrong. July went twice as fast and I think I had twice as much fun!
My month started out in Ohio at a sheep show. Just about as soon as I returned, the team met at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on the 7th. Here we met with Secretary Wolff, Deputy Secretary Redding and his assistant Ms. Lonie, as well as many more important individuals we will encounter throughout our year of service. While at PDA we also talked about our plans for WPLC, which was to come about two days later.
For WPLC which was the 9th and 10th, Sam and I were to man the Tall Tower workshop. Congrats to all the members who were there. You had some great ideas and had some awesome looking towers! I had more fun than I could imagine meeting the members. The following weekend we stayed around Lake Conneaut and had some fun with some of the teachers from the area. I know I had an amazing time and enjoyed spending time with the team. It was a great way to relax to help prepare for PAAE.
PAAE rolled around quickly. I had a blast meeting the teachers and getting to know them on a more casual level. I enjoyed watching the workshops with them and seeing them be in the student’s seat for a change instead of the teacher’s! At the one dinner, we also announce our theme for the year! Prepare yourself… drum roll please… Beyond the Blue! There was a lot of compromising from all parts of the team with this and I think we have a theme we will enjoy using the whole year!
After PAAE was done on the 16th, Tyler, Coty, Heather, and I all headed back to Alli’s house to stay because we had a Picnic at PDA. The picnic on the 17th was awesome! The food was great, the people were social, and seeing all the people who make agriculture in Pennsylvania what it is was truly a sight to see. Thanks again PDA for having us attend.
Our month ended at PANTS which was in Philly on the 26th through the 30th. Yes, PAFFA has SOCS and PANTS! PANTS (Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show) is put on by one of our new partners (formerly known as sponsors) the Pennsylvania Landscape Nursery Association. I had a blast welcoming people at the door and helping the ladies at the registration table. Anyone interested in the landscape business, I now know why! The show was beautiful and I had fun networking with other business and meeting new people.
All in all, July was an amazing month. As my time of service continues on, I am reminded of why I ran for State Office. If the 10 remaining months continue like these two have, I will remember the feeling of being a state officer for the rest of my life. I love what I am doing and am glad I did it more and more every day.
Until the Blue and Gold brings us together again,
Caleb
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June 2009
June was certainly an amazing month! Elections, graduation, and two excellent sheep shows!
Activities week came and flew by. Once the convention, or first adventure as a team was Blast Off. Blast Off certainly came quickly enough. After spending an amazing week with my new “family” at training with Jesse Eller, we had an amazing weekend full of picnics with the Past State Officers on Saturday and our families on Sunday. After our families left on Sunday, we headed back to my area where the Hoss’s Fore FFA Tournament was held.
Once the tournament was over, we had some time at home.
Our time as state officers sure has been flying by. Every day, I wake up and am even gladder I was selected to serve the Association. State Office has been everything and more than I could have expected.
Until We Meet Again,
Caleb