Chuck's Chat-Welcome to August 2021!

In case you missed the recent news release, the Montgomery County Farm Bureau board of directors has announced the creation of the FFA & 4-H Advocacy, Service and Education Grant. It is intended to financially assist 4-H clubs and FFA chapters located in Montgomery County. Up to five grants, each valued at one thousand dollars or less will be awarded annually to qualifying applicants. The purpose is to provide funding that otherwise can be difficult for youth organizations to obtain. The grant monies are to be utilized for enhancements in technology, educational resources, occupational tools and/or equipment. Applications can be found online here: FFA/4-H Grant — Montgomery County Farm Bureau (mgfarmbureau.org) and are due by 5:00pm, September 1.

And speaking of youth, did you have an opportunity to visit a local county fair? I always enjoy seeing the results of young creative minds. In fact, I will be judging some exhibits at a couple of upcoming area fairs. Some projects I am very familiar with, and some may not necessarily be within my comfort zone. But then, sometimes we need to step across that boundary to experience another person’s craft, desires, or passion.

Here’s another opportunity to support some local youth. The Southeast Kansas Power Catbackers is hosting an online auction to help raise funds for some local kids that will be attending Kansas State University for the first time this fall. Now, I realize there are a couple of you out there that don’t appreciate all the fine attributes of this award winning land grant institution, but nevertheless, there are some very nice items up for sale. You can find more details here: https://www.benefitbidding.net/auct.../listings/index.cfm...

Have you been watching the drama and pageantry of the Olympics? I’ve only seen bits and pieces of it thus far. It truly is a worldwide event, complete with a British speaking announcer at an event in Tokyo being broadcasted by an American company and made visible on my Panasonic television made in Russia.

God Bless America

Until next month,

Chuck Voelker