By Brian Sterling – Special to the Sydenaham Current
The Essex-Kent Junior Farmers have had a great start to 2017. Elections were held and this years President is Nic Willemsma, Vice President Annemarie Struhar, Past President Brian Sterling, Treasurer Alex Richardson, Secretary Graham Smyth, Provincial Director Matthew Clark, and Assistant Provincial Director Andrew Mason.
Other enthusiastic members include Kris Rivard, Meghan McLean, Joel Wilson and Colin Chinnick.
On March 25, 2017 at the Best Western in London, the club attended the first provincial event of the year called March Conference. March Conference is a Junior Farmers Association of Ontario weekend event in which they hold their Annual General Meeting, have guest speakers and hold a banquet and dance. This years theme was “The Amazing Race” which focused on activities for team building.
It was at March Conference that Essex-Kent Junior Farmers received the exciting news that after their fist year as a new club they are now officially an affiliated club with Junior Farmers Association of Ontario(JFAO).
The club has held a few meetings recently in which they have focussed heavily on their own strategic planning. This planning includes new and innovative ideas to get youth interested in Junior Farmers and involved in giving back t their community. The club plans on attending the Thamesville Threshing Festival Parade and Harrow Fair Parade this summer.
Plans to host exchange delegates from other countries through the Junior Farmer exchange program were confirmed for the week of July 16- 23.
The Junior Farmers organization welcomes anyone between the ages of 15 and 29. Members tend to be rural youth, but contrary to the name many are not farmers at all. Members come from all walks of life, occupations and backgrounds.
Members participate in a variety of activities in their communities and with other clubs from across the province.
They compete in sports and cultural events, fundraise for charities, take road trips for events around the corner or hours from home, travel abroad and so much more! Essex-Kent Junior Farmers is always looking to recruit new people to join their club. If you would like more information about Junior Farmers visit their page on Facebook or jfao.on.ca or feel free to email at essexkentjf@gmail.com
The Essex-Kent Junior Farmers will be holding a Car Wash and BBQ at the Home Hardware Building Center in Essex on Saturday May 13 from 10am til 2pm. This is a great opportunity to get the car all shined up for Mothers day and grab lunch all while supporting a great organization.
– Submitted photo
