Farm Show activities illustrate Penn College's hands-on magnetism

Penn College’s inspiring majors made their customary splash throughout the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg (Jan. 4-11), as a rotating regiment of subject experts satisfied each day's crowds – intellectually and nutritionally – at the nation’s largest indoor agricultural expo. In addition to the photo gallery below, the college's involvement was covered by the Pennsylvania Cable Network and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, which featured the schools of Nursing & Health Sciences and Business & Hospitality in its editions.

– Photos provided by Philip G. Berry, coordinator of matriculation/academic operations, School of Construction & Design Technologies;
Kimberly R. Cassel, director of alumni relations; Chefs Mike J. Ditchfield and Christopher R. Grove;
Matthew D. Krepps, instructor of aviation maintenance; Ashley R. Murphy, enrollment management projects specialist;
Tonja R. Pennycoff, instructor, nursing programs; and Sarah R. Yoder, coordinator of admissions operations

The ConCreate Design Club created and donated 350 pendants, rune stones used in a necklace-making activity for children (and sometimes adults!) attending the Farm Show. "The creation of jewelry made out of concrete showcases the versatility of the most used building material in the world," club President Joseph F. DiBucci said. "Penn College's new concrete science program gives students the general knowledge of multiple aspects within the industry, exploring the endless uses for concrete."

Among dignitaries stopping by the Farm Show booth was U.S. Rep. Frederick B. Keller (second from left), who joined in a group photo. From left are Williamsport City Councilman Adam J. Yoder, whose three Penn College degrees include a 2011 bachelor's in building automation technology; Philip G. Berry; Aaron J. Marsh, a concrete science technology major from Centerville; 2019 nursing alumna Danielle K. Rothra; and Sarah R. Yoder.

Matthew D. Krepps busily attends to a boothful of people fabricating souvenir airplanes with industry-standard tools and aluminum.

June (right) and culinary arts technology major Madison P. Erb, of Montgomery, on set with former Penn College Visiting Chef Walter Staib

Representing their alma mater are Michael A. (2007, heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis) and Patricia A. Cyphers (2008, health arts: practical nursing emphasis), with daughter Olivia.

Brad H. Lyon, assistant professor of civil engineering technology, and Bret A. Yetter (seated), a surveying technology major from Liverpool, knowledgeably staff the "Surveying Your Future" demonstration.

A young woman, multitasking with friends, signs her V-for-virtual painting prowess at the collision repair display.

Sons of Rep. Clinton D. Owlett, who represents the 68th legislative district in Pennsylvania's Northern Tier, watch as Dad "sprays" automotive paint from a simulator.

Harry W. Hintz Jr. (left), construction technology instructor, helps staff the School of Construction & Design Technologies table.

Cai Cassel (right), a son of the college's alumni relations director, so enjoyed a science activity that he stayed on to demonstrate for other youngsters.

Instructor James C. Tanner guides a guest in a virtual reality welding challenge.

Instructor Timothy S. Turnbach coaxes a visitor to try the arc-welding trainer from Lincoln Electric.

Grove (center), joined by Christopher M. Bashaw and Scatamacchia, shows the audience how to make Spring Vegetable Mac and Cheese. Bashaw is a culinary arts and systems student from Jersey Shore.

Student teams go over their respective game plans before the cooking competition begins.

From left: Abby E. George, of Harrisburg; Kaitlyn M. June, of Muncy; and Alexa D. Scatamacchia, of Fleetwood, are all business during the students' culinary competition. George is a baking and pastry arts student, June majors in culinary arts technology and Scatamacchia is enrolled in applied management.

As celebrity chef and judge Jet Tila looks on, "Chef Frank (M. Suchwala)'s Little Pirates" work on their dish for the judges.

With students busily preparing for competition, Chefs Mike J. Ditchfield (left) and Christopher R. Grove dish out some of the many samples provided to the public throughout the Farm Show's opening weekend.

Sixth-graders from Fleetwood Area Middle School in Berks County proudly show off their keepsake aircraft, some of the 70 or so built at the college's booth that day.

Joel Brooks, learning laboratory coordinator for nursing education, was among the accommodating School of Nursing & Health Sciences personnel at the Farm Show on Jan. 7.

Wearing Penn College attire, Pennycoff's children join friends (in Miss Agriculture sashes) – all involved in 4-H Club – at the Farm Show Complex.