WV Farm Bureau Magazine September 2013 | Page 5

Something to Think About Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs HAPPY TOGETHER – Hooper when he taught Vocational Agriculture and My wife and I recently had the advised the Future Farmers of America at St. Marys. In opportunity to spend a few days 1967 he joined the WVU Extension Service, continuing in Louisville to enjoy the sites his commitment to serve youth and adults in our state. and sounds of the city, including Ed retired in 2003, having touched countless lives the Kentucky State Fair. We through his distinguished record of service. Thanks Ed, enjoyed some great food and and thanks to all who made me feel right at home for fellowship, experienced our my first annual meeting in Marshall County, including first World’s Championship local president and WVFB board member Mike Horse Show (featuring 1.2 million in prize money), had Merinar, Glenn and Patti Crow, Roy Earnest, Delegate a delightful excursion on one of our favorite historic Mike Ferro, Joe Komorowski and John McCombs. river steamboats – Belle of Louisville (oldest of her Shifting to the political those priorities will likely kind still operating in the scene, several members include legislation to protect USA), etc. But the driving of the West Virginia Farm West Virginia’s longstanding force for our trip was the Bureau leadership team Happy Together Tour 2013, recently met with Agriculture trespass laws, continued a baby boomers’ treat of Commissioner Walt Helmick funding for predator control, sixties rock music featuring and Chief of Staff, Chris and working against any the vocal talents of Flo and Ferro. The two-hour meeting Eddie(The Turtles), Chuck touched on Department legislation that would have Negron(Three Dog Night), initiatives, budget challenges, a negative effect on private Gary Puckett(Gary Puckett and legislative priorities, with property rights.” & the Union Gap), Mark focus on working together to Lindsay(Paul Revere & the improve agriculture in West Raiders), and Gary Lewis(Gary Lewis & the Playboys). Virginia. Following the meeting Farm Bureau leaders Boomers from all walks of life were united for one joined House Speaker Tim Miley to discuss agriculture night, “happy together” through their passion for music. issues and legislative needs relative to the 2014 Regular In reflecting on the experience, I was reminded of Session. As the Session approaches, grass roots efforts how Farm Bureau is responsible for creating so many through the policy development/resolution process “happy together” opportunities throughout the year. will clearly identify our legislative priorities. Based on discussions with members across our state, it would The following Monday I attended the Marshall appear those priorities will likely include legislation County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting that offered to protect West Virginia’s longstanding trespass laws, a striking parallel to our Kentucky experience, with continued funding for predator control, and working approximately 100 pre-boomers, boomers and postagainst any legislation that would have a negative effect boomers from various walks uniting not by music, but on private property rights. by their passion for agriculture, for a wonderful evening – “happy together.” Farm Bureau members and guests In closing, let me share one of my favorite summer enjoyed an excellent catered meal, special treat from messages (a message for all seasons) featured on a country comic Uncle Doofus (fictional character played church marquee in northern WV – “Looking for a by Tom Butterfield, Pursley, WV) of Booger Hole, lifeguard – Ours walks on water!” Until next time, take updates from various guests, and best of all, exceptional care FRIENDS, God bless and KEEP SMILING. fellowship. It was great to see Edgar Hooper in the crowd. I had the good fortune to get to know Mr. “ West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5