Resurrection Lutheran Church Logo

A logo I designed for Resurrection Lutheran Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

December newsletter

The December 2009 issue of The Cranfest Scoop is now online and features information about meeting changes, contest sponsorships, 2010 membership and the upcoming Community Christmas. Also read about what our royalty has been up to, how Warrens was involved in the Christmas tree at the State Capitol and a delicious cranberry fudge recipe!

Have a "berry" blessed Christmas and a happy New Year!

Cranbear Logo

2009 Cranbear logo I designed.

Cranfest Accepting Sponsorships for 2010 Contests

WARRENS, Wisconsin, November 19, 2009- Warrens Cranberry Festival announced today an opportunity to involve local businesses by inviting them to sponsor festival contests for 2010.

The festival brings more than $3 million annually to the Monroe County area. Sponsorships will give locals the opportunity to give back to the festival, as well as become involved in their community.

Contests looking for sponsors include the Wisconsin Cranberry Recipe Contest, Photography Contest, Pictorial Cancellation, Vegetable & Sunflower Contest, Scarecrow Contest, Biggest Berry Contest, Flower Show, Button Design Contest and Quilt & Needlework Contest.

Sponsors of the 2010 contests will receive special recognition, including placement on the contest's entry form and placement on the festival Web site, www.cranfest.com. Sponsors who donate $250 or more will also have their company names in the 2010 festival brochure and signage at their chosen contests.

Sponsorship forms are available online at www.cranfest.com and at the festival office. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or contests, please contact the festival office at 608-378-4200 or office@cranfest.com.

November 2009 Newsletter

The November issue of The Cranfest Scoop newsletter is now available on our website. I currently write most of the pieces and serve as the editor of the newsletter.

Highlights in this issue include:

• Election 2009
• 2010 Button Design
• Cranfest Overview
• Winning Recipes
  

Winning Button Design

Here is the winning button design! Thanks to all who voted, and we're looking forward to a great Cranfest in 2010.

2010 button designs

Each year, Cranfest holds a button design contest, and the winner is used for the year's buttons, patches and t-shirts that are sold to visitors.

This year, they decided to take some time to redo the contest rules. That meant no contest for this year, and they handed the job of designing this year's button to me. I was told to design 3 different buttons, and the membership would vote on the winner.

Here are the designs I came up with. I didn't have access to any Adobe software at work, so all I had to work with was Publisher. Considering, I think these designs turned out pretty well. Let me know which ones you like!

The buttons will be voted on at tonight's membership meeting. I'll post the winner later this week.

"It's Better to Give Than to Receive"

Warrens Community Pulls Together to Help Families in Need During the Holidays

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WARRENS, Wisconsin, October 27, 2009—The Warrens community would like to announce its first annual Hope for the Holidays, a not-for-profit community giving program for Warrens area families who are unable to provide holiday gifts for their family this season.

The program is collecting new or gently used clothing items or toys from people in the community as well as businesses. Donations can be dropped off at the Warrens Cranberry Festival office or the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center until Dec. 4. Monetary gifts are also being accepted and will be used to purchase additional gifts as needed. Checks can be made payable to Warrens Area Youth Assoc./Hope for the Holidays and dropped off at the F & M Bank or mailed to Hope for the Holidays W2359 Cty. Rd. HH, Warrens, WI 54666.

Local families in need this season are encouraged pick up a donation request form at Warrens Elementary School or may request one from Hope for the Holidays at W2359 Cty. Rd. HH, Warrens, WI 54666 or e-mail at hope4theholidays@gmail.com. All names submitted will be confidential, and applications will be accepted until Nov. 20.

Gifts will be distributed at the Warrens Lions log building from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18 or delivered to families’ homes. For more information, contact Selena at 608-378-3093 or Amy at 608-387-9811 or hope4theholidays@gmail.com.

Student strives to bring suicide awareness to U of L

Article featured in September, 10, 2007 issue of The Louisville Cardinal
By Lindsey Coblentz

Amanda Hill's father was dragged into the woods and shot in the back of the head, or so she was told 24 years ago.

"But things just didn't add up," said Hill, a graduate student in the University of Louisville's psychology program.

"[The police] never had a list of suspects, all the facts were misconstrued and they dropped the case."

When she was older, Hill became curious and contacted investigators to have the case re-opened. It didn't take long for investigators to discover that Hill's father had not been a victim of homicide.

He, in fact, had committed suicide. This is the main reason that Hill became involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

The AFSP funds research and survivor and awareness programs in order to prevent suicide and to help those who have been affected by suicide.

Hill is trying to reach others with her story and is concerned about bringing suicide awareness to college students, many of whom don't realize how big of an issue suicide is among their age group.

When asked how big of a problem suicide posed for college students, Ryan Dougherty, a freshman mechanical engineering major, said, "I believe it's a real problem, a problem that exists, but I don't think it's a very widespread problem."

However, according to the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

In order to try to bring more suicide awareness to the U of L campus and its surrounding areas, Hill is promoting one of the main suicide awareness events in Kentucky.

The Out of the Darkness Walk is a five-kilometer walk which will take place in Louisville at Seneca Park on Nov. 3. Check-in time is 7:30 a.m.

This walk, which has been with the AFSP for three years, raises money for the foundation to help fund its cause. Participants can start a team or walk alone to raise money for the foundation. The money raised from the walk will be used locally and Hill hopes that some of it will go toward Question Persuade Refer Training.

According to Hill, this is the only research-based method that has proven to prevent suicide.

This training, which can be taken by anyone, shows different strategies that can be used to prevent suicide and to persuade someone to seek help. QPR Training could also help improve suicide awareness on campus.

"If other college students were aware of the types of behaviors and possibly what they could do to intervene and prevent someone from possibly even attempting suicide, then QPR Training would be beneficial," said Amanda.

Sarah Schneider, a junior communication major, said having a support group on campus for students who have been affected by suicide could also be advantageous.

In addition to the Counseling Center located between the SAC and the Houchens Building on campus, there is a group in Louisville called Survivors of Suicide.

This group meets twice a month, and is for helping anyone cope who has lost a relative or friend to suicide.

When it comes to preventing suicide, there are certain warning signs to recognize.

Some of these signs include threatening to hurt or kill themselves, talking or writing about death or suicide, increased substance use, withdrawing from friends and family and dramatic mood changes.

If students observe any of these warning signs, they can seek help by contacting the on-campus Counseling Center or a mental health professional.

Students can also call 1-800-273-TALK for a referral or information.

Spreading his love of jazz around the globe

Article featured in September 24, 2007 issue of The Louisville Cardinal
By Lindsey Coblentz

When Michael Tracy was a teenager, he wanted to be a lawyer.

"I was intrigued by the show Perry Mason," said Tracy.

So when his father was called for jury duty, Tracy went with him.

"It was boring, dry. There was nothing happening, so I said 'forget this.'"

Leaving his dream of becoming a lawyer behind him, Tracy set out to find what he wanted to do with his life.

"I liked playing music and I liked interacting with people in that fashion," said Tracy.

Being a saxophone player who had been participating in All-State Band since the eighth grade, he decided that he wanted to look into music as a career.

Tracy obtained his bachelor's degrees in both music and music education and a Master of Arts degree in higher education from the University of Louisville.

Today, he is a professor of music and jazz at the U of L School of Music where he teaches saxophone and acts as the Director of the School of Music's Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program.

"He single-handedly created and grew the jazz program at the School of Music to what it is today," said John LaBarbera, a professor of music at the U of L School of Music. "... an internationally recognized jazz program,"

"I like playing a role in guiding [students]," said Tracy. "You really learn on your own. I can't teach them, they have to teach themselves to learn."

"My role, I think, is to give them guidance on the best way to achieve what they want to achieve."

According to his students, Tracy's honesty is one part of him that is appreciated.

"Mike is an amazing teacher, not only because he makes you think," said Graeme Gardiner, a freshman jazz studies major with a focus in saxophone, "but because he really is not afraid to tell you how it is."

"[He] has always let me know where I am, whether good or bad, and I've always really appreciated that."

Besides teaching at U of L, Tracy spends a lot of time abroad performing and working with students in other countries.

In fact, Tracy has visited about 40 countries performing and teaching.

The experience he has obtained with jazz overseas continues to be helpful to his students.

"He has so much experience and has had so much involvement in today's jazz world," said Gardiner.

"The knowledge I have available to me through him is immeasurable."

A project Tracy had been involved with while working overseas was helping to establish a jazz studies program at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in Estonia.

The country borders the Baltic Sea and lies northwest of Russia.

Being granted a Fulbright award, Tracy was able to spend some time in Estonia helping to develop the program, especially helping to develop the Academy's library.

Prior to the development of the jazz studies program, the library had no CDs or jazz material.

"Its tradition was definitely classical, and they wanted to embrace the West more," said Tracy.

When he is not teaching, Tracy often performs around the world in places such as Argentina, Brazil and Italy, as well as locally, where he can be seen at the Galt House almost every Friday evening.

During his down time, Tracy enjoys photography, reading and spending time with his 14-year-old twins.

"That's my real job," Tracy said.

"I enjoy watching them grow up and seeing how they both interpret things."

Tracy feels there is more to being an instructor than just teaching the music.

"I feel like most of my job is almost like a psychiatrist where you're using music as a vehicle for the individual to find out who they are."

Dollars and $ense: Financial savvy valuable for students

Article feature in February 18, 2008 issue of The Louisville Cardinal
By Lindsey Coblentz

It's almost that time again. Time for spring: the season of budding trees, blooming flowers, and filing taxes. Taxes? That's right. The April 15 deadline is looming over some students' heads along with midterms and papers.

"My parents fill out my taxes," said Emily Wortham, a freshman secondary education major. "I'm pretty ignorant on that kind of stuff."

Like Wortham, many students still have their parents file taxes for them, while others are experiencing their first tax season. Either way, taxes make several students aware of their newly found financial responsibility.

"Before college, finances seemed less overwhelming. A paycheck seemed like a lot more money than it does now," said Wortham.

Amanda Fiedler, a freshman secondary education major, agreed that coming to college makes students realize how tough it can be to manage money on their own. "I have always valued the money I have, but now I have gotten to the point that when I'm at work I will not eat because I don't have the extra money to go to McDonald's," said Fiedler.

For students who are planning to file their own taxes, there is help available. Jeff Kennedy, Kentucky's taxpayer advocacy member, said that there are many resources that college students have at their fingertips.

"Any computer-savvy taxpayer who earned less than $54,000 can take advantage of free online tax filing through the IRS' FreeFile Alliance," said Kennedy. This service allows qualified taxpayers to file for free without purchasing any add-ons.

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, there is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The service is free for anyone who earns less than $40,000 and offers trained volunteers who will do visitors' taxes while they wait.

"I have personally been a VITA volunteer for many years and am always encouraged by the genuine gratitude that folks have after they receive this free tax service and see how much money they will be getting back," said Kennedy.

U of L students in the military can find tax help at the Fort Knox Tax Center or the Fort Campbell Community Tax Center.

If students need help with finances in general, to whom should they turn? According to Wortham, their parents.

"When it comes to money, let your parents help you. I try to be self-sufficient and not take spending cash from my parents, but the bottom line is that is part of what they are there for."

Fiedler agreed, saying that she appreciates her dad's help, especially when it comes to taxes. "I usually do my taxes with my dad, but because I won't be at home to do it with him this year, he will be doing it for me so I don't fill it out wrong."

Whether or not students are filling out their own tax forms, all students are faced with financial responsibility. Some of the most important advice is also the simplest, according to Fiedler. When it comes to money, she said, "Make sure you know how much you have and that you don't spend what you will later need."

History unfolding: fundraising is vital for ag heritage center

Article featured in August 2008 issue of Kentucky Farm Bureau News
By Lindsey Coblentz

A sign along Highway 127 in Harrodsburg serves as a symbol of things to come for the Kentucky Agriculture Heritage Center (KAHC).

The facility hopes “to create the environment where we can maintain the agricultural heritage of this state,” said Virginia Flanagan, the executive director of the project. “It is so much a part of who we are.”

The idea of an agriculture heritage center is not a new one, said Sam Moore, the past KFB president and vice chairperson of the KAHC board.

“We’ve talked about it for 25 to 30 years in Kentucky,” he said.

Today, the project is in the planning stages, with most of its focus geared toward fundraising. “We are just at the beginning of the activities,” Flanagan said.

The state legislature allotted a $10 million bond issue for the venture and Governor Steve Beshear last month presented a check for that plus an additional $1 million for a marketing study. The KAHC board plans to work with Global Advancement of Lexington to create a comprehensive campaign to collect private funds for the facility.

The board’s other priority is creating an enjoyable visitor experience, said Flanagan.

KAHC has hired Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. (PGAV), designers of Bass Pro Shop and the St. Louis Science Center, to design the 300,000 square feet facility.

Future visitors to the center will be able to tour a museum featuring agriculture artifacts and interactive exhibits as well as a working farm.

Plans also include an auditorium, meeting facilities and a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

The building itself will be unique because of its sustainable, or “green,” design. The structure, the first of its kind in Kentucky, will produce 100 percent of the energy required to power itself by using wind turbines and solar panels.

While it will initially cost more to build such a structure, KAHC will save money in the long run, said Flanagan. “Within seven years or so, we will recoup the additional cost. Plus, the money factor and sustainability factor goes way, way down.”

Flanagan hopes the center’s use of renewable energy sources will inspire Kentucky farmers to utilize these resources to decrease their own energy costs. “If that (renewable energy) can work for us, it can do it particularly for agriculture.”

The KAHC board hopes to have parts of the facility open in time for the World Equestrian Games in 2010, but that date is tentative. For more information about the KAHC, visit www.kyagheritage.org or call (859) 733-0701.

Farm markets bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables

Article featured in July 2008 issue of All Around Kentucky
By Lindsey Coblentz

Fresh fruits and vegetables bursting with flavor and colorful blossoms are ripe for the picking at the 82 Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Roadside Farm Markets located across the state.

There is something for everyone at these markets, with everything from mouthwatering peaches to festive Christmas trees available throughout a season that extends to the holidays at some locations. Entertainment for visitors of all ages is offered at some with hayrides and seasonal festivals scheduled in addition to food items to make each trip special.

One thing visitors will always find at a Kentucky Certified Roadside Farm Market is value, as a requirement of participation is that a majority of each market’s product must be produced locally.

That is a key ingredient in what makes the Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside market special, said Jeremy Hinton, who co-owns Hinton’s Orchard and Farm Market in Hodgenville with his wife Joanna. “We want to make sure we provide a fresh, quality product.”

Hinton, who has been a member of the program since opening the orchard in 2002, said the publicity Kentucky Farm Bureau gives its farm markets has kept his business booming at minimal expense to him and other participating operations.

“Farm Bureau publications go to a lot of people, and that gives us a lot of exposure,” he said, adding “there’s no way” he could afford the other promotional space that Kentucky Farm Bureau uses to publicize the program.

Sweet, crunchy apples, juicy peaches and festive pumpkins are currently the staples of the Hintons, who also offer homemade jellies and apple butter and are in the process of growing their merchandise.

“We’re trying to expand all the time. This is the first year we’ve had flowers and bedding plants,” he said.

The orchard is a hit with children during the autumn season. “We see 1,500 to 1,600 kids in the fall,” said Hinton.

Hayrides, a grain bin play area, and the ever popular corn maze keep youngsters flocking to Hinton’s every year.

In honor of the nationwide celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday 200 years ago near Hodgenville, this year’s maze will be a Lincoln penny. How is Hinton making the special bicentennial maze? “It’s a secret,” he said with a smile.

For Hinton, the farm market business is all about people. “There are a lot of really great people we get to work with everyday and get to see their kids grow up, and they get to watch our kids grow up. It’s a lot of fun.”

The newest addition to Kentucky Certified Roadside Markets is the Roadside Rewards program. Market visitors can pick up a rewards card at any of the certified markets throughout Kentucky and collect stamps to earn a free gift. For every $20 customers spend at a certified farm market, they will receive a stamp that can be redeemed after 10 stamps are collected.

“Quite a few folks have already turned in those cards, so we believe that it’s working,” said Jeff Harper, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s commodity director.

The Certified Roadside Farm Market program was started in 1996 to help Kentucky farmers in the transition from tobacco production to other sources of income.

“Kentucky agriculture is diversifying,” Harper said. “We believe that this program does provide producers a service.”

In striving to increase farm income, he said, consumers benefit from easier access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables and a pleasant excursion to a colorful world of flowers and fun.

Certified markets are listed in an annual directory brochure and distributed at state parks, tourist sites and other locations throughout the state. A map and information about each certified farm market are included to guide visitors to the market that is right for them.

For more information about Kentucky Certified Roadside Farm Markets or to request a brochure, contact Harper at roadside@kyfb.com or visit www.kyfb.com online and click on the Roadside Market link.

Loretta Lyons named Kentucky Farmer of the Year

Article featured in July 2008 issue of All Around Kentucky
By Lindsey Coblentz

The first woman to ever be nominated for Southeastern Farmer of the Year is a Kentuckian.

Loretta Baxter Lyons of Monroe County is a contender for the honor as the Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year for 2008. She is the only woman Kentucky Farm Bureau has selected for the honor in the three times the organization has taken part in the 10-state competition.

Lyons is taking the distinctions in stride. “Not too many women farm, I guess,” she said.

The contest recognizes farmers’ dedication to agricultural excellence. Contestants are judged on efficiency in farming practices, quality of their financial management and leadership in community organizations. The winner receives $1,000.

Lyons began farming in 1961, when she and husband Hade Lyons bought their first 150 acres from a neighbor in the Sand Lick community. They purchased their first tractor for $3,100 and borrowed relatives’ equipment to raise their first crops of tobacco and hay.

At the same time, both were pursuing their college degrees to become teachers.

In 1965, they built a dairy farm and began milking about three dozen Holstein cows. The operation had grown to 120 cows before the herd was sold in 1999.

She faced a difficult choice in 1976 when Hade died after suffering a heart attack. “At age 34, I was faced with a major decision - whether to sell the farm and continue my teaching career or become a full-time farmer.”

In the end, the young mother and widow decided to keep the farm.

Lyons said the hardest part was making all the decisions herself. “We had always discussed all the major decisions that we made,” she said. “I would go to bed at night and wonder what I was going to do.”

Lyons now manages a contract dairy heifer raising program named Hade’s Triple K Dairy Inc. after her husband and their three children, Kerry, Kevin and Kela. Kerry is the president of the operation. Kevin is the Monroe County Extension Service agent for agriculture and natural resources, and Kela is a physician in Bowling Green.

Triple K purchases Holstein calves from a farm and sells them back to the same farm about 20 months later, when each cow is seven month’s pregnant, weighing in at about 1,150 pounds. The operation began with about 110 calves and now fluctuates between 800 and 900 animals.

The farm also started a cash grain enterprise after leasing a 300-acre grain farm in the spring of 2007. The Triple K operation covers 1,140 acres; the family owns 695 and leases the additional land.

Lyons’ interest in farming extends beyond Monroe County; she is a charter board member of the Kentucky Agriculture Heritage Center and is involved with Kentucky Women in Agriculture.

A gospel music fan, she also plays the piano at her church.

As the winner of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year competition, Lyons will represent the state in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest, which is sponsored by Swisher International and the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition.

Lyons will be competing with farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia for the top honor.

Swisher International will award $2,500 to each state winner. The company also will cover $250 in travel expenses and three nights lodging for each state winner to travel to the Sunbelt Expo in Moultrie, Ga., in October, when the winner will be named and presented with a $14,000 check.

Love on the farm has Farm Bureau ring to it

Article featured in July 2008 issue of All Around Kentucky
By Lindsey Coblentz

Love can bloom in the oddest places - school, work, dairy farm …

For Sarah Huff, 25, and Colby Guffey, 28, it was the latter. “I had stopped out at his family’s dairy one evening. We just got to talking and decided, ‘Hey, why don’t we go to dinner?’ It just kind of moved on from there,” she said.

Five years later, Sarah and Colby are engaged and still helping each other on the farm and supporting each other in their Kentucky Farm Bureau activities. Colby is president of Clinton County Farm Bureau, and Sarah currently heads its women’s advisory committee.

Sarah and Colby grew up together in the small town of Albany. “We’ve basically known each other forever,” said Sarah.

Colby said the friendship continued through college at almost opposite ends of the state; him at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green and her at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond.

After he graduated, Colby said, “She’d come over and help me on the farm. It was pretty neat.”

Colby works at his family’s dairy farm and also is employed as a broiler technician at the nearby Equity Group poultry company. Sarah is a deputy clerk at the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk’s office.

They have shared many special moments since that first day at the dairy, said Sarah. There was the summer soon after they started dating when Sarah had to return to EKU for the Governor’s Scholar Program, where she served as a resident assistant.

Her first night away, Colby drove to campus with a bouquet of flowers and waited in the parking lot to surprise her. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him in that parking lot. It still makes me smile to this day.”

While that time was unforgettable, Sarah said, nothing could hold a candle to their engagement. She and Colby had gone to this year’s Kentucky Farm Bureau President’s Conference in Louisville on Valentine’s Day, where Colby had a special evening planned. “To my surprise, he took me out on a dinner cruise,” said Sarah.

Colby’s original plans were to propose to her on The Spirit of Jefferson riverboat. “He had prepared to propose to me on the observation deck, but he decided not to because it was too dark,” said Sarah.

He changed course, Colby said, because “I sure didn’t want to drop the ring in the river, that’s for sure.”

After the dinner cruise, Colby took Sarah on a carriage ride, his next pick for the proposal. However, the carriage driver talked the entire ride, and Sarah said Colby couldn’t get in a word amid the chatter.

Finally, the ride ended. Colby wasn’t going to let the moment pass. “He told me you need to just
stand right here,” Sarah recalled.

He told her to close her eyes. “When I opened my eyes he was down on one knee. It was a
total shock.”

Colby was pleased with the outcome. “It turned out pretty good,” he said.

The couple has plans for a church wedding on July 12 with a reception at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. They will honeymoon on the sunny beaches of Cancun, Mexico.

Colby said he is ready for married life. “I’m not nervous,” he said, “just excited.”

Sarah and Colby plan to keep Farm Bureau in the family. Both sides of the family are members, and Colby’s father is a former member of the state board of directors.

Colby said working with the organization has been a great experience. “I really enjoy getting to meet people around the district.”

They have dreams for their future, too. “I like to think of us 10 years down the road as a happy family, enjoying rural life,” she said.

“I’d like to see some children in there,” Sarah said, with Colby adding that he hopes they will be able to own their own farm one day.

Today, they are just thankful to have each other. “She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Colby.

Sarah looks forward to their wedding day with a smile. “He is the love of my life, and I knew it from the very beginning of our relationship. I am the happiest I have ever been, and it’s all because of him.”