WILLIAMSPORT (Lycoming Co ) “Fun and Fashion for Fall” is the theme this year for the annual Fall Family Living Day to be held September 29, at the Grace United Methodist Church in South Williamsport. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. (Continued from Page B 12) age area. A two-story building was replaced with a one story. We did all the ripping down and building by ourselves with wonderful peo ple who helped. We have been insured by the same company for 50 years so we arc hoping they will treat us fairly,” Mertz said. Although media reports claim that federal funds were sent to the area for tornado victims, the Mertz family knows of no property own ers who have received any money. “We started out with nothing 35 years ago, but I don’t think we could do it again,” Larry said of the farm he and Carol lived on since their marriage in 1963. The handsome stone house and property had been in disarray when the Mertz family first obtained it. “The house was in bad shape, termites were in the beams. We put in steel beams, replaced windows, ceilings, walls, and rewired the house. We remodeled a bank bam and milkhouse. P Great Plains NO-TILL DRILLS • Utilizes proven coulter/opener no-till system. • Compact, well-balanced design transports easily. • Heavy-duty coulters cut through tough ground and heavy residue. • Dry fertilizer, small seeds,, and and fluffy seed box options. • Lock-out hubs disengage drives for transport. See The Dependable Great Plains Dealers Listed Below: C.B. Hoober & Son, Inc. Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8231 Hines Equipment Rt. 28 West, Cresson, PA 16630 814-886-4183 and Rt. 220, Bel wood, PA 814-742-8171 The program will include Trooper Michael Knight speak ing on Protection from Scams. Several organizations will dis cuss the role of volunteers for their programs. Lunch will be catered by Ray and Randy Crouse and will Tornado Clean Up Overwhelming “Dairy farmers can do any thing,” Carol said of her husband’s ability to transform the place. Although not raised on a farm, Carol learned fast. She and Larry’s mother milked 130 cows, until her mom passed away about three years ago. Later, the family erected a free stall bam and milking parlor. Most of the crops raised on 385 acres are used for their own stock, but some is sold. The Mertz’s son Mike lives on the original family farm, which, adjoins the one Carol and Larry live on. Michael, his wife Melanie and three boys work on the farm. Another son Steven, his wife Stacy and children live in a modular home erected on the property and also work on the farm. Daughter Michelle lives at home and works for Bell Atlantic. Carol said, “We don’t know what normal is anymore, but we don’t want to complain. We have a 10 ft. 8t 12 ft. _ . _ , Lancaster Farming, Saturday, August 29, 1998-815 Fun And Fashions For Fall include their famous coconut cake along with homemade chicken salad, green bean casse role, molded gelatin salad and beverage Wilma Smith will again be the mistress of cere monies with her storytelling and bell ringing. lot to be thankful for. Everyone is Some days the Mertz’s just want do> - Mertz of Ws attachmc „t ahve and together and we really to give up. “But we can't let it like t 0 die farm, which has been in the appreciate that. this. We love it here. This is what I fami i y for several generations. D & E Equipment 307 Edgar Avenue, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 717-784-5217 Carlisle Farm Service 260 York Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 800-447-6829 Lone Maple Sales & Service RD #2, New Alexandria, PA 412-668-7172 This is one of the scenes the family faced when they walked out of the basement on that fateful day, May 31. I^* * Great Plains We lead because we listen. After lunch guests will be entertained with a unique fash ion show featuring wonderful creations by members from the Homemakers clubs. There will also be a demonstration of four The Most Comprehensive Set of Time-Proven No-Till Drill Features In The Business Chambersburg Farm Service 975 South Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 Inquire About Great Plains Acceptance Corp. FINANCE Programs 717-264-3533 C. B. Hoober & Sons, Inc. McAlisterville. PA 17049 717-463-2191 Lehigh Ag Equipment, Inc; 6670 Ruppsville Road , Allentown, PA 18106 610-398-2553 new crafts These will include picture frames, fabric flowers, Christmas card boxes and pine needle hot pads Registration fee of $6 50 is due m the Extension office by Monday, Sept 21