Farm products guide published

by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc

Helicopter musuem to host activities

The Chester County Ag Council has published the new edition of “The Chester County Farm Guide.” This publication features the county’s diverse array of farms and locally grown products from artisan cheeses, flowers, and wine to heirloom tomatoes, meats, and eggs. The guide, highlighting over 125 familyowned farms and markets, includes a map and farm addresses, plus a chart that indicates what is currently in season.

In this year’s guide, Farmer of the Year Jamie Hicks of Hicks IV in Cochranville cites sustainability and innovation as his primary business drivers. He sees opportunity in new markets and customers, including the hemp industry and partnering with online retailers looking for environmentally friendly packaging materials. But first and foremost, Hicks focuses on the soil health of the thousands of acres he leases.

The “Chester County Farm

Guide” also celebrates the vibrant network of Chester County farmers and service providers who serve as the backbone of the local food system. Among the featured entities is Avon Grove Charter School’s Micro-Farm, which is making a big impact on over 1,000 students a year from the Avon Grove, Oxford, Coatesville, Kennett, Octorara, and Unionville regions. MicroFarm manager and agriculture teacher Krista Lauterwald works with her fellow teachers and school administration to weave farming into everyday curricula with hands-on experiences like caring for the school’s livestock, “Bee Academy,” and hydroponic garden systems in the greenhouse.

The Chester County Farm Guide is available free of charge at libraries, township and county offices, Kimberton Whole Foods locations, and select farm stands across the county. Readers may also access the guide at www.chescofarming.org.

Romeo Softball Tournament planned

The annual Romeo Softball Tournament will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24, at Paradise Community Park, 6 Londonvale Road. This year’s event will be the last Romeo Tournament due to the death of Raymond, also known as Romeo. Softball games will be played both days. Food will be available, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, cheesesteaks, fries, smoothies and frappes.

On both days, music will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. Daniel and Emma Glick will be featured on Friday night, and Aaron Stutzman will play bluegrass country gospel music on Saturday night. Attendees should bring lawn chairs.

The purpose of the tournament has always been to offset the medical bills of Romeo and others.

For more information, call 717-629-6674.

DCA students

frompg 2 which is presented to a senior student who most demonstrates the qualities of Christian leadership through example and service. This student is a role model of note for others to follow. This award is accompanied by a scholarship to be applied to the fall semester.

Dayspring Christian Academy also awarded honors diplomas from the Honors High School. Honors High School graduates are Arctura Diffenderfer of Marietta, Caroline Hostetter, Jonathan Moynihan, Austin Myers, Daniel Opala, Cole Ployd, Zachary Smoker, and Jackson Stone.

Falcons banded in educational event

In collaboration with the biologists from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, all three of Harrisburg’s young peregrine falcons (eyasses) were fitted with identification bands.

Banding provides biologists the ability to identify a specific, individual bird. It also can provide information on where the bird was banded, how old it was at banding, and its sex. Each young falcon was banded, weighed, and given a physical exam. All three had clear eyes and a clear throat, indicating they are free of trichomoniasis.

There are two males and one female. The males were banded 04/BZ and 23/CA, and the female was banded 05/BZ.