The Elmwood FFA has taken on a new venture in the form of a pumpkin planting project. After some
encouragement from a board of education member, the chapter planted a little over three quarters of an
acre of the vine fruit.
The project was kicked off the second week of June when 12 chapter members provided two hours to hand
plant the pumpkins. A period of dry weather that immediately followed the planting meant the chapter had
to water the seeds to aid in germination. Nearly 90 percent of the seeds germinated and weed elimination
is presently taking place.
The plan is to raise the pumpkins up until the middle of October. At that time elementary students will
have the opportunity to take a hayride to the patch and pick their own pumpkin.
The pumpkin picking will merely be a small part of a fall festival that may include face painting,
crafts, educational activities, a petting zoo, and numerous traditional fall oriented activities.
Plans are to involve a number of clubs and organizations with the proposed event.
In other news, five members will be attending the third session of Ohio FFA Camp which began Saturday and
ends today. While at camp, members have the opportunity to meet FFA members from all over Ohio,
experience numerous recreational activities, interact with Ohio’s state officer team, and become
educated in outdoor education. Each member that is attending camp was partially sponsored by
scholarships from the Elmwood FFA Alumni.
Another upcoming activity that will take place in early July is the Washington Leadership Conference.
Seven chapter members will embark on the nearly week-long adventure which includes five days of
leadership training and development in our nation’s capital.
The members that will be attending were also sponsored with scholarships from the alumni group.