814-Lancaatar Fanning, Saturday, January 17, 1998 Leading the Society of Farm Women of Pennsylvania with Its 2,772 membership are, from left, Lois Hughes, president; Catherine Schott, first vice president; Becky Swallow, second vice president; Dorothy Caskey, secretary; and Baibara Nissley, treasurer. Farm Women ‘Mooove’ Ahead With Acts Of Kindness LOU ANN GOOD Lancaster Fanning Staff HARRISBURG (Dauphin Co.) A Gum womam’s life has changed dramatically since the founding of the Society of Farm Women Of Pennsylvania in 1914. Then many farm women had no income, no social life, and little education. Today’s farm wife is often edu cated, has her own income, and is swamped by social activities and family responsibilities. The state organization has attempted to adapt to the time con straits upon its 2,772 members by reducing the two-day annual con vention to a one-day affair, held the first Monday of Farm Show week. Instead of gowns (once the required dress for the evening ban quet) comfortable shoes and slacks are acceptable mode. The by-laws have been slightly modified, and members are no longer required to live on die farm, although they must agree to uphold the dignity of farming. But some things never change. The organization continues to work tirelessly to make their com munities a better place to live and to contribute to those in need. “Acts of Kindness,” is the pro ject implemented by stale presi dent Lois Hughes from Cambria County to be the focus of her three year term. The 79th annual state conven tion was a time to recount and encourage each other in the thou sands of ways to carry out acts of kindness. The state society is composed of individual societies, which raise From left, Janlne Cesare, president of Pennsylvania Spe cial Olympics, and Beth Greenawalt, special olympian, Inspire the group with stories of how the organization makes a difference In participants’ lives. thousands of dollars for charity by holding food, garage, craft sales and other fundraisers. Project chairman and state director Janet Schlegel from Berks County handed out certificates to the counties participating in the project. In keeping with tradition, morn ing and afternoon sessions are held in the auditorium of the state For um and culminates with a banquet at the Penn Harris Hold in the evening. Evidence that the society upholds the sanctity of God, coun try and family prevails throughout the three sessions, which opens with devotions, pledge of alle giance to the flag, and singing songs such as “Pennsylvania” and the theme song “Brighten the Comer." In a world that seems largely preoccupied with “getting ahead” and “watching out for oneself,” the Farm Women’s Collect seemed refreshingly jolting as they recited “Keep us, O Lord, from petti ness. . and let us not forget to be kind." It hardly seems possible that kindness could be omitted in an organization that is so committed to providing needs for the home less, victims of Ore, of illness, and other disasters. Members continu ally lend support to such organiza tions as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Mom’s House, Meals on Wheels, Make-A-Wish, commun ity libraries, fire and ambulance services, and numerous other ser vice organization. Another predominate effort of Farm Women is to provide scho- larships to students pursuing agricultural- and home economical-related careers. Reci pients must be the child or grand child of a living or deceased mem ber. The 1997 scholarship winners who received $l,OOO each included Jere Wingert. Franklin County; Amanda Wingert, Frank lin County; Janice Youse, Berks County; and Cory Meyers, Frank lin County. Five students received $5OO scholarships: Elizabeth Hannon, Dauphin Cbunty; Michael Miduri, Dauphin County; Daniel Heller, Lancaster County, and Bryan Pearson, Cambria County. The Flora Black Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1960, but the fund was given a financial boost when former state president Naomi Bupp oversaw the printing of the organization's cookbook in 1991. The cookbook is expected to go into its tenth printing this year. In addition to about $22,000 designated to scho larships. another $lO,OOO was placed in special trust fund with the shares reinvested. The fund has now grown to $43,978. In addition, treasurer Barbara Nissley also reported that the balance in the checking account is (Turn to Pago B 16) Former state presidents attending the 79th convention, from left, are Dorothy Stiickler, Naomi Bupp, Marie Baughman, Edith Diehl, and Aliens WHman. Celebrating the installation of 99 new members, second vice-president Becky Swallow, right, congratulates Farm Women Society presidents for the largest Increase in coun ty memberships: Nancy Jackson, Somerset County; Sha ron Strlte, Dauphin County; and Emma Spencer, Hunting don County, Patti Sheffey and Judy Allwein thara highlights from their Involvement in the Appalachia Service Project, which works to improve existing housing.
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