Farm Bureau donates children’s books

WAYNE AND PIKE COUNTIES, PA — The Wayne/Pike Farm Bureau recently donated the children’s book, “From Seed to Plant” to all public libraries in Wayne and Pike counties.

Written by Gail Gibbons, the book features colorful illustrations, which explain the parts of plants, the variety of seeds and how the seeds grow.

In simple language, the processes of pollination, seed formation and germination

are clearly explained for young minds in kindergarten to third grade.

The book presents a plant-growing experiment for students to try at home.

This book can also be found in all elementary school libraries in Wayne and Pike counties through a continuing donation by the Wayne/Pike Farm Bureau.

Scholarships available from Pennsylvania State Grange

PENNSYLVANIA — Educational costs and inflation are rising. So the PA Grange, through several scholarships, will support grange members who are planning to study agriculture and related fields.

This will further support rural communities and bolster local granges, according to a statement from the grange.

The following scholarships are available:

The Pennsylvania State Grange Foundation

Established in 1996, the scholarship is available to students entering their junior or senior year in college. Financial need must be demonstrated. Applicants are eligible to apply for a $500 scholarship each year, for a maximum of two years. ​Up to four scholarships will be awarded.

Deaf interpreter​

The Pennsylvania State Grange has a long relationship with the deaf community, and this scholarship supports the deaf and hard of hearing. Applicants must be enrolled in a credible program leading to certification as an interpreter for the deaf. The grange will award a $250 grant each year.

The Grange Scholarship Endowment at Penn State University

The scholarship recognizes the outstanding work of an undergraduate student enrolled in their sophomore, junior or senior year at any campus of Pennsylvania State University. Students must demonstrate financial need.

The recipient of this scholarship will be selected by the scholarship committee of the Penn State Office of Student Aid. Nominees are named by the Pennsylvania State Grange scholarship committee. The $1,500 scholarship will be awarded for one academic year, and could be renewed for subsequent years, providing that the recipient continues to meet the conditions of eligibility, and no other eligible students are identified.

Rhone Grant

The Rhone Grant is given in honor of Leonard Rhone, the third Master of the Pennsylvania State Grange.

This grant is available to students pursuing a degree in agriculture or human development and family services at Penn State University. One scholarship in the amount of $300 will be available each year. An eligible candidate must be a member in good standing, and must secure a recommendation from both the masters of their subordinate and pomona granges.

Santee student loans

Ellis M. Santee, an active grange member and rural doctor, established this loan fund to help grange members obtain an education.

Grange members or their children can apply for one of five $2,000 loans, as long as they are full-time students at any institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

If selected, students will be required to sign a promissory note to receive the loan. Repayment of this interest-free loan shall begin within six months of graduating or leaving school. The minimum repayment requirement is $30 per month per $1,000 borrowed, payable over a three-year period.

The application deadline for all scholarships and loans is Monday, May 1.

For more information, call the state office at 717/737-8855, or visit pagrange.org/grange-foundation.html for an application.

Learning yoga can help a child stay engaged, increase their strength, flexibility and mobility, and build their focus and concentration.

Yoga for young kids, from Cornell Cooperative

LIBERTY, NY — Yoga in the Classroom is one of the many practices early childhood education teachers can use to keep their students engaged, increase their strength, flexibility and mobility, to build students’ focus and concentration, and implement teachers’ own self-care to avoid burnout.

To learn more, join Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County for a six-hour professional development training taking place on Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Extension Education Center, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd. in Liberty.

This training is intended for anyone spending time with toddlers and preschool-aged children, including those who have attended the Yoga & Mindfulness for Children teacher training, and need a refresher or additional content.

Through interactive discussion and lots of playful, experiential practice, a press release stated, participants will learn developmentally appropriate breathing activities, yoga postures, song and movement sequences, and games and relaxation techniques that support social, emotional, cognitive and physical health and well-being. Refreshments will be provided, as well as two 15-minute breaks, and a 30-minute lunch break.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events.cfm.

Learn more at sullivancce.org/events, email srb46@cornell.edu, or call 845/292-6180 ext. 117.