Southern Huntingdon's Ag In Classroom Day

April 30th, I got the amazing opportunity to teach 4th graders from the Southern Huntingdon County School District about Farm Safety!  We enjoyed a beautiful day at the Shade Gap Volunteer Fire Company's Picnic Grounds.  The kids learned about alpacas, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, maple syrup, grains, dairy foods and cows!  The Southern Huntingdon County FFA Chapter did a marvelous job on organizing the event, I had a great time!

Blue Juniata FFA Banquet

Yesterday evening (April 16th), I got the opportunity to attend the Blue Juniata FFA Banquet.  It was a great honor to attend this event since I am a past member of this chapter.  I was able to not only watch my brother and sister accept their awards but all the FFA members that I grew up with get theirs. Thank you Blue Juniata FFA Chapter for having me, it was a great time!  Congratulations to all for a great year and good luck to the seniors as you leave this chapter of your life!

Did You Start Gardening? Article- April 16, 2015

“April showers bring May flowers.” This old saying brings great news to everyone knowing that we will be seeing beautiful flowers everywhere and warm weather is on its way.  To our gardeners, this means that it’s time to bring out the gardening tools and seeds to start the season off right!

 By planting your own fruits and vegetables, you’re not only benefitting yourself by saving money and eating healthier but supporting the PA Preferred program!  This program supports many companies that use only foods grown in Pennsylvania.  Purchasing only Pennsylvanian foods supports our neighbors, families, friends and local farmers while restoring pride in homegrown products and helping the economy.  Here in Huntingdon, we have our own farmer’s market starting back up in May at Portstown Park!

                If you are planting flowers, vegetables or fruits this season, consider entering your products at the Huntingdon County Fair in Neary Hall.   It’s a great way to show off your hard work and support the PA Preferred Program.

                So with the April showers coming and going, start your own garden with your family.  Plant items that you use most in celebration of April being National Garden Month while giving small children a project to do this summer!  Next time, you shop at a local grocery store or farmer’s market remember to look for the PA Preferred logo to support PA’s number one industry, agriculture.  Happy Gardening!

Do You Want to Take a Part in Something Bigger?

“It’s an AG-venture!” 5K Run/Walk is coming to the Huntingdon County Fairgrounds on May 17^th at 2pm in support of our youth!  This 3.1 mile race will take you all over the 69 acres of the beautiful Huntingdon County Fairgrounds.

The cost to walk or run is $20 per person and you will receive an awesome t-shirt and a great cardio workout!  All the proceeds from this race will go to the Msgnr. John W. Mignot Scholarship fund.  This scholarship is offered to six college fair participants across the state, thanks to the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs (PSACF). 

If you would like to participate and help out the youth, hop on www.huntingdoncountyfair.com to download your registration form today! Make sure you tell your family and friends about this great race so they can enjoy the fellowship with you!  If you any questions, feel free to email me at sarah15.jefferis@gmail.com. Hopefully I will see you and your family and friends at the first ever “It’s an AG-venture!”  5K!

Tick Safety Article- March 26, 2015

With the sunshine coming out, people and pets both love to be outside but so do ticks!  Everyone knows what a tick is and the damage that it can do to one’s immune system.  When it comes to spreading safety about these insects, everyone focuses on Lyme disease.  But do you know how to prevent yourself and your beloved pets from a tick?

The time of year has come for everyone to be out and about enjoying the Great Outdoors with hikes or bike rides, trips to Raystown Lake and gardening.  When out and about in the woods, it’s very likely to come across numerous ticks. For our avid hikers, wear light colors to clearly identify a tick and you can use DEET on your exposed skin to repel ticks.  If you wear long pants while being outside, you should tuck the pant legs into your socks so the ticks can’t crawl underneath the denim and attach to your skin.  Coming indoors from an adventure is the perfect time to check yourself for ticks.  Remember to always check your entire body especially where your skin folds due to ticks being able to hide easily.  Also throw your clothes into the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to assure that insects hiding in your clothing are killed.

If you are yard lover, there are ways to protect yourself, your family and your pets from ticks.  These insects love to hide in tall grasses, shrubs and even in the leaves that clutter your gardens and yard every fall.  Keeping your yard trimmed and the leaves cleaned up will help tremendously!  Living in area that is surrounded by woods, you can guarantee seeing a tick in your yard.  By building a three foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and the wooded areas, you can restrict tick migration into your family recreational space.  While your pets are soaking up the sun the next couple months, take precautions to ensure that you won’t be pulling ticks off of them when they come inside.  There are various sprays and shampoos that you can use to keep ticks away.

While you are enjoying your time in the sun and warmth, always be aware of your surroundings and be alert for these nasty insects.  If you take these precautions, you will have a tick-free spring and summer!

"Time to Spring Into an AG-venture!" Article- March 12, 2015

     It’s that time of year that we all have been anxiously waiting for!  With Spring on its way that means more time being spent outdoors gardening, attending sport events and being able to run/walk in this beautiful weather!

     Do you want something to do on a beautiful Sunday afternoon while raising money for a good cause?  Then sign up today for the AG-venture 5K run/walk that is being held on May 17, 2015 at the Huntingdon County Fairgrounds!  This 3.1 mile course will take you all over the beautiful, quiet 69 acres that hosts the Bigger and Better Huntingdon County Fair. 

     The cost for participants is $20 with that you will receive an awesome t-shirt and a great cardio workout.  The proceeds from this race will go to the Msgnr. John W. Mignot Scholarship fund.  This scholarship is offered by the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fair (PSACF) to six youth fair participants that are college bound across the state.  We have had many county youth receive this scholarship over the years.

     The youth of our county have done outstanding things over the past years and I have been lucky enough to watch not only myself but my friends grow!  Everyone has been affected from the fair in some way whether it’s for the food, the memories or in many fair participants’ cases, a big family reunion.  I believe that it is time to give back to something that keeps on giving to us!

Come join me and many of our fair members and enjoy a nice afternoon stroll while celebrating our youth’s success!  To get a registration form, hop on the fair’s website (www.huntingdoncountyfair.com) and make sure to print your family and friends one off too!  If you have any questions, you can email me at sarah15.jefferis@gmail.com .  I can’t wait to take part of this ‘AG-venture’ with all of you!

Huntingdon County Holstein Banquet

On March 7, I traveled to Shaver's Creek Community Building with my mom to attend the Huntingdon County Holstein Banquet!  It was a great night to visit with many of county's farmers. Congratulations to all award recipients and thank you to all the farmers that do so much for us!!

Registration Form

‘It’s an AG-venture!’ 5K Race

When:            Sunday, May 17, 2015

Where:           Huntingdon County Fairgrounds

                                    Parking in the lot behind the Grandstand

Time:              2:00 pm (Runners and Walkers)

                                    Registration begins at 12:30 pm by the Main Office

Cost:               $20 per participant (includes t-shirt)

                                   

5K Race Awards:

Medals will be awarded to the top 3 runners in each age group:

            Under 12                    30-39

            12-14                          40-49

            15-19                          50-59

            20-29                          60 and older      

           

My name is Sarah Jefferis, the 2014-2015 Huntingdon County Fair Queen.  As part of my duties, I promote the Huntingdon County Fair, agriculture, farm safety along with connecting our youth of today with the knowledge of becoming leaders tomorrow.  Our fair is very proud of youth and always show it so I would like to do the same.  For my community service project, I chose to organize a 5K run/walk with the proceeds benefitting the state scholarship fund that helps the youth pay for their further education to become leaders of tomorrow.

Your completed registration and check needs to be postmarked by Monday April 20, 2015.  Please mail your information to     Sarah Jefferis     112 Shelton Avenue     Alexandria, PA 16611.

T-shirt size:     Small               Medium                Large                X-Large

           

                                    Walker                                                   Runner

Name:___________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________

Age (on Race Day):______                                 Gender: Male or Female

Phone:___________________     Email:_____________________________________________

Cost: $20     Cash____    Check Number_____    Checks payable to Sarah Jefferis

Waiver: I know that running/walking a trail race is a potentially hazardous activity.  I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly trained.  I also know that there will be hazards, debris, and poor footing on the course and assume the risk for running/walking on it.  I also assume any or all other risks associated with running/walking or attending the race including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, the affect of the weather, getting lost, wildlife and insect attacks and all such risks being known to and appreciated by me.  Knowing these facts, and in consideration of your accepting my entry fee, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executers, administrators or anyone else who might claim on my behalf, covenant not to sue and waive, release and discharge Sarah Jefferis, the Huntingdon County Fair Board, all municipalities in which the event is held, course officials all other organization directly or indirectly associated with the race, any and all sponsors including their agents, employees, assigns or anyone acting for on their behalf or anyone else associated in any way with the race, for any or all claims or liability for death, personal injury or property damage of any kind or in the course of , my participation in the event.  This waiver extends to all claims of every kind or nature whatsoever, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown. BY SIGNING THIS, I ATTEST THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS WAIVER.

Participant Signature:_______________________ Date ___/____/____

Signature of Guardian (if under 18 years of age):__________________________________

Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number:________________________________________

'Go All Out!'

When someone mentions FFA, one knows that they are talking about the Future Farmers of America programs in our area schools.  This program was started in 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri, for only boys that wanted to promote farming as a job and today it’s the largest student ran organization.  These men adopted an official emblem, official colors- national blue and corn gold, and the official dress which consists of the famous blue corduroy jacket.  Throughout the years, FFA became a program that is committed to providing students with leadership skills, opportunity to personally grow and succeed in an area of agriculture.  But through this program, you learn that agriculture is more than just harvesting or planting- it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art!

            Next week, February 21-28, our five county FFA Chapters, along with the over 7,500 chapters in the US, will be celebrating National FFA Week!  In 1948, the National FFA Board of Directors decided that FFA week will be celebrated the week of February 22^nd in recognition of Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and leader.  Since then, chapters across the nation hold various events such as Ag -Olympics, morning trivia questions and service projects to educate the community about agriculture!  The theme, ‘Go All Out!’, couldn’t be more fitting for this special week of activities! 

            Tractor Supply Co. stores everywhere are also joining in on the fun and would like you to do the same!  From February 20^th- March 1st, you add $1 at check-out to support FFA Growing Scholars.  Support our youth of area by donating, taking part in activities held throughout the year and wearing blue and gold this upcoming week!  Happy National FFA Week and don’t forget to ‘Go All Out’!

The Hershey Experience

For one weekend every January, the Hershey Lodge is filled with many advocates of agriculture from county fair boards attending the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs State Convention!  During this convention, fair queens from all over the Keystone state compete for the title of Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. 

                I was given the opportunity to travel to Hershey with my mother, my Uncle Denny, my fair queen moms and some of the amazing people that make up our fair board to compete for the 2015 PA State Fair Queen title!  The competition consisted of an evening gown contest with an introduction, an essay, an interview and a speech contest.  Although I was as busy as I could be, I was blessed to have met 58 amazing, talented young women who made this weekend memorable while attending seminars, the judges’ reception and the Queen’s party!  Those three days, I made lots of memories and friends who love agriculture just as much as I do and learned that just being me can take me anywhere!

                Thank you to the Huntingdon County Fair Board for allowing me to compete in this contest and supporting me!  To my fair queen moms, thank you for the endless hours of scrapbooking, making me practice my speech when I didn’t want to and most of all, making me laugh and smile!  My mom, thank you for riding to Hershey with me, making sure I was everywhere at least 20 minutes early and fixing my hair and sash!  Uncle Denny, thank you for braving the weather Saturday morning to come to the coronation banquet and being part of my journey!  And to you, Huntingdon County residents, I can’t thank you enough for the all the support you have given me!  I may not have won the state title but being the Huntingdon County Fair Queen is the best title I will ever be given!

The Final Day at the Sweetest Place on Earth!

It's hard to believe that this weekend is over! It just flew by so quickly!  I gave my speech yesterday morning and that was my last opportunity to wow the judges! I met so many amazing women that share the same passion as I do and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to have gone.  Congratulations to Alana from York County Fair on being crowned the new 2015 PA State Fair Queen! I may have not made the top 5 but I'm very blessed and honor to be the Huntingdon County Fair Queen! Thank you to the fair board for giving me this opportunity and making it memorable!  To my fair queen moms, thank you for putting up with me, making me laugh and most of all being there for me every step of the way! Thank you to outstanding support from everyone back home it's was amazing to feel the love from everyone!  I'm very blessed to have been given this opportunity and to continue to serve as the Huntingdon County Fair Queen!!

Sweetest Place on Earth Part 2

Well our trip is halfway over and the fun hasn't stopped yet! We started the day off bright and early with the communications breakfast. Our volunteers worked endlessly throughout the year and the hard work paid off!  We received 1st for our 5 minute video (it will be uploaded soon!), 2nd for our website and 3rd for our scrapbook!  Congratulations to our wonderful volunteers!  Later in the day, I finally got to meet the 3 judges for my interview.  I also got to mingle with them, the other queens and some great Fair directors!  To end our busy day, the queens got a pizza party to relax before the big day!  Tomorrow is the last day to dazzle the judges with my speech and our last day at the Sweetest Place on Earth, don't worry I'm eating lots of chocolate!  Check back in tomorrow for the final update of the PSACF State Convention!!

Welcome To The Sweetest Place on Earth!

Day one is in the books of the 2015 PSACF State Convention!  This afternoon, my mother and I made the trip to Hershey to start the weekend of a lifetime.  Upon arrival, we attended an orientation that explains everything that will happen in the next three days.  With only a short amount of time, I quickly put on my evening gown and did my makeup to prepare for the evening gown/introduction portion of the competition.  Being number 26 in the competition, you get to listen to all the introductions in front of yours and pray that you don't forget yours!  As I approached the stage, I didn't get nervous until I stepped on my dress walking up the stairs.  I made it to the middle of the stage when I noticed my mouth was dry and I was afraid that my introduction would be a disaster! Much to my surprise my introduction went great which was such a relief!  Off to bed for this fair queen tomorrow since she has a busy day consisting of breakfast, an interview, and time spent with the 58 other contestants!  Make sure you stop back tomorrow evening to check out the happenings here in Hershey!