By Jane Smith
01/07/07 — CONNEAUT LAKE — When Mary Janis Chapin Hanek was a young girl, she joined the Conneaut Lake Ag 4-H Club.
That was more than two decades ago and she’s still involved in the club today — as its leader.
Chapin Hanek is one of many women across Pennsylvania and in Crawford County who have been involved in promoting agricultural — be it through small business or activities in 4-H clubs.
As a 4-H member years ago, she raised sheep. “Mom wanted me to do horses, but found out I had to take my horse to every meeting. She said ‘enough of that,’ ” Chapin Hanek recalls with laughter. She switched to sheep.
So, for Chapin Hanek (and so many others across the state), this is a week to take love of farming to an even higher level. She and her family are in Harrisburg to participate in the Pennsylvania Farm Show.
The eight-day show opened Saturday, with people competing for prizes and ribbons; and 4-H members can sell their animals in livestock auctions.
Many of the participants automatically advance to the state farm show after winning a blue ribbon at their county fair. Others include school students who submit entries for judging — be it in sewing, crafts, livestock, competitions or cooking.
And the show is educational, featuring many exhibits and displays related to agriculture and the many assets of the state’s number one industry.
This trip will be a family affair for Chapin Hanek as her two children, Ben Weaver, 14, and Mary Sara Weaver, 17, also are going and animals they have raised.
Joining them will be 11 other club members as well as a lot of parents and other supporters, such as grandparents. Ages of those going range from 5 to 65. “We have multiple generations. We have a very cohesive group. All the students
stand behind each other. They support each other.”
Chapin Hanek’s husband, Gary, who is “assistant leader to me,” is also going, she said. “I inherited him from FFA,” she laughed.
Some of the members are taking their animals for the show and, afterward, those animals will be sold at auction.
Asked why she is so dedicated to 4-H, Chapin Hanek said it is more than about raising animals.
“It teaches them about life. It teaches skills and teaches them to be better persons all the way around,” she said of the 4-H organization.
For example, members learn to do public speaking and social skills. They develop those skills by interacting with others, meeting new people and participating in new activities.
Another aspect of 4-H is all members must perform community service. The experience they gain throughout the year and then competing at the Crawford County Fair provide skills they otherwise might not gain on their own.
And Chapin Hanek is confident that the members will gain from even more valuable experiences by competing at a major event like the state farm show.
It’s the joy of seeing young children grow into responsible adults and give back to their community that makes all the work and all the hours seem so worthwhile.
IF YOU GO
Facts about the 2007 Pennsylvania Farm Show:
When: Through Saturday, Jan. 13.
Directions: The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex is located just off exit 67 of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg. To alleviate traffic congestion on I-81, message boards and signs will direct visitors to alternate routes, including Elmerton Avenue and routes 39, 22/322 and 230.
Admission: Free.
Parking: $5, including shuttle bus service to and from off-site lots.
CRAWFORD COUNTY PARTICIPANTS
In addition to the Weaver children, other Crawford County 4-H members attending the Pennsylvania Farm Show this week are:
–– Lelsie Pavolko of Albion.
–– Morgan, Mackensie and Matthew Miller of Conneaut Lake.
–– Amanda Roberts of Conneautville.
–– Tiffany Mosier of Cambridge Springs.
–– Justine and Christine Yoder of Conneautville.
The list was provided by the Crawford County Cooperative Extension Office.
