Chuck's Chat-Welcome to November!

Well, the voters have spoken; I’m back for another year.  A couple of board members asked if I would continue composing this column if I wasn’t re-elected President.  I said I wouldn’t, so here I am.  It’s funny how things work out sometimes.  Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed leading Montgomery County Farm Bureau last year, and I look forward to the coming year as well.  By the way, if you’d like to help with any of our activities, please let us know.

Thank you to all who attended our annual meeting.  Our fundraiser for Darren Felts was a huge success.  On behalf of the board, thank you to all those who graciously contributed. 

Check out our new website, https://www.mgfarmbureau.org/.  Please be patient, as it is still a work in progress while the administration team gets familiar with all the behind the scenes activities.  We will try to keep it up to date with information regarding upcoming events, contest results, awards, and other fun activities.  There are links to our local Farm Bureau Financial Services representatives, as well as information regarding county and state member benefits.  You can even find this blog, as well as past issues, just in case you missed one.  Sure hate to see that…

Speaking of member benefits, open enrollment time is here for the Kansas Farm Bureau Health Plan.  It costs nothing to get a quote.  Why not schedule an appointment with your local FBFS rep to see how you may be able to save yourself some hard earned cash?  There are many different plans to choose from, including dental, vision, and Medicare supplements.  Don’t delay, operators are on duty, and our knowledgeable and friendly staff is eager and willing to help you.  You may log onto to https://kfbhealthplans.com/ as well for more information.

Remember to turn back your clocks an hour Saturday night, November 2nd.  Don’t worry about the one in the car; it’ll be right in six months.  And yes, it’s going to get dark an hour earlier.  And no, I’m not getting up an hour earlier.

Now that we’ve had our first hard freeze I see that leaf blower season is officially open.  Never mind, here comes the north wind again.  Oh wait, it’ll be out of the south tomorrow.  I think I’ll just chop them up with the lawn mower.

Remember when stores were closed on Thanksgiving so store associates could spend time with their families? And the following Friday was just another shopping day?  Then “Black Friday” sales came along.  Then, soon thereafter, Cyber Monday.  I see now some places are offering Black Friday sales every Friday up to the official Black Friday.  And I also read that Amazon is running specials all month long.  Why don’t these stores just lower their prices a little bit all year long so we can buy what we need when we need it somewhat more affordably?

Don’t forget to vote.  Remember not only the fallen, but the survivors and living heroes as well on Veterans’ Day.  And be sure to give thanks to the farmers for your Thanksgiving bounty.  Every day should be Thanksgiving…

I thought I’d add something new to this monthly mess.  I considered famous quotes, weather folklore, or political happenings.  But I settled on something I can speak freely and openly about:  pet peeves.  I’m pretty sure I can cover twelve of them over the next year, and we’ll start next month.  You see, I suffer from a little known condition called Groms, Grumpy old man syndrome.  I am convinced it is a highly heritable trait, and my own expected progeny difference (EPD) is pretty high.  So, to my children, I’m so glad you’re blessed with your mother’s brains and beauty. But if behavioral problems plague your kids, I’m sorry.  It’s genetic, and I’m stickin’ to it.  Now, get off my lawn.