Lines to the Ladies
Pam Hessler, WVFB Women’s Leadership Committee Chair
I’m sure everyone has been
busy now that summer is here
to stay for a while. Kids are out
of school, we’re working in the
hayfields or gardens or the toonumerous-to-count other duties
we manage daily. I want to update
you on several contests and activities that many of you
have been handling in your counties.
Agriculture in West Virginia Poster Contest
We received some outstanding posters this year.
They have always been good, but this seemed to be an
exceptional year for some talented 4th grade artists. The
first place winning poster was by Ellie Groves from
Fayette County; second place went to Bryn Tronco
from Monongalia County and Kate Gorrell from Tyler
County won third. Congratulations to those three
students and their teachers. And thanks to all the county
Women’s Leadership Committees who participated in
this year’s contest.
Safety Day Activities
WVFB ranks among the top states holding Safety
Day events. County farm bureaus have been busy
planning and/or holding their events. The following
counties have held or scheduled theirs: Tyler, Taylor,
Preston, Monongalia and Grant/Hardy (in May); Wood
and Monongalia (in June); and Wetzel scheduled in
September. Please let me know if I’ve forgotten any so I
can include these in my reports to AFBF.
Photo Contest
Get your cameras out and keep them handy. I want
to see even more photos this year at the Annual Meeting
– November 7-9, 2014. There are no excuses – the new
cameras are digital so unless the battery isn’t charged, you
don’t need to worry about film any longer. Also, some of
us “dummies” are carrying the “SMART” phones these
days that take high resolution pictures. For those who
aren’t familiar with the contest or need a refresher – let
me give you the 411 on the Photo Contest:
Any current WVFB member can submit one photo in
each of the three categories: 1) Farm Bureau Activity;
2) Funny, Comical, or Whimsical; 3) Rural Scene. The
photos must be 5x7 only (color or black and white) and
be mounted on any color poster board or picture frame
matting. Mail them to the state office before the Annual
Meeting or bring them with you. All photos must arrive
by 5 pm on Friday, November 7th. On Saturday morning
during the Annual Meeting, attendees can vote for their
favorites and the lucky winners in each category win
cash. First place wins $50; second place wins $25; and
third place wins $15. Please include your name, address,
WVFB membership number, and category on the back
of your photo. Rules for the contest are available at the
state office or on the website in the near future. If you
enjoy taking those rural scene photos, you can enter the
photo contest and perhaps see your picture on the cover
of WVFB magazine. High resolution digital photos
required, and you cannot use a smartphone. The photos
can include farm animals but no people please.
Social Networking Info Session
Just want to give you a heads up on just one of the
info sessions scheduled for the annual meeting. Joan
Harman will be conducting a session entitled, “Social
Networking: What is it and how can it help me with
our farm operation?” Consider signing up for this info
session and surprise your family with what you learn.
Heartfelt Notes
Helen Hardman, Mobile Ag Science Lab Coordinator,
retired May 31. Helen put her heart and soul into the lab,
traveling all over this state educating our children on the
importance of agriculture. We will miss you Helen, but I
know we will still see you representing and working hard
for Lewis County. God bless you and thanks for making
the Mobile Ag Lab dream become a reality!
Now, it saddens me to close with news of the passing
of Jeanne Carter’s husband, Ted. Jeanne was a member
of the WVFB Women’s Committee for years and some
of us have been guests in their beautiful historic home
in Wheeling. Please keep her and her family in your
thoughts and prayers. Jeanne – we love you and may
God continue to bless and give you peace.
Blessings from my home to yours! Pam
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 13