CVAEMA 2020 Winter Banquet

Another year’s flown by and it was time again for the CVAEMA’s Winter Banquet. We all gathered at Solomon’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 25th. Although the sign-up sheet said doors open at 5:30, by that time the gym was already filled with chatting people. Seems like the engine/tractor crowd is always very early for their events. Alex Baker started the evening promptly at 6:00 p.m., thanking everyone for coming. A blessing was given by Joel Nupp and off to the food tables we went.

As always, the ladies and gentlemen from the church provided a delicious meal; chicken, meatballs, potatoes, green beans, creamed lettuce, pies and ice cream. A comment was heard from one member that the reason they come to the banquet is for the chicken! By 6:30 the last of the people were passing through the food lines.

After dinner, President Alex presented club highlights of the past year along with coming attractions which include a new construction project behind the “C. V. Engine House” engine building in the woods. He also put the word out for the upcoming elections in March and made an invitation for nominations to the various board positions including vice president and two board members at large. He recognized Joe and Cindy Pyles for the multitude of jobs they perform for the club. The Bill Swailes “gadget” mentioned in the last newsletter turned out to be a potato peeler, although someone suggested that it was Bill’s school project from 1917.

Entertainment provided by the Chambersburg High School Steel Band was quite a hit! They had the audience members throwing their hands up in the air to the music. The evening ended with giving away the centerpieces. Thanks to everyone for a great evening of fellowship and fun. See you next year! (the ladies are serving that chicken again, right??)

Click here to check out the photo gallery from this year’s Winter Banquet.

CVAEMA 2019 Winter Banquet

CVAEMA’s annual Winter Banquet was held Saturday, January 26th at Solomon’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chambersburg. The gymnasium was noisy as everyone was socializing while waiting for the program to begin. At 6:00 pm President Jack Horner got the banquet underway and after the blessing by Pastor Joel Nupp, a delicious meal of chicken, meatballs, potato casserole, peas, carrots, creamed lettuce, pie and ice cream was served by the church.

After everyone had eaten their fill (someone was seen eating three bowls of creamed lettuce…you know who you are!), President Horner reviewed this past year’s projects at the club grounds. Vice President Alex Baker recognized the leadership, board of directors and the many other people who make the shows run smoothly. Treasurer Cindy Stratton spoke on the financial highlights of this past year. She noted that Doc Stratton was the clubs treasurer from 1995 until this past year. Much appreciation for all the work and time he gives to the club.

Carl and Lily Fahnestock providing entertainment for the evening

A group from the Chambersburg FFA gave a nice presentation of their tractor rebuild of a MF65. Historian Stephen Piper encouraged everyone to check out the Agricultural and Industrial Museum in York, PA. He also presented anniversary walking sticks to two more founding members that hadn’t received one last year.

Carl and Lily Fahnestock provided the entertainment for the evening. A very nice evening was had by all and it was great to see so many members attending.

Click here to check out the photo gallery from this year’s Winter Banquet.

CVAEMA Annual Winter Banquet

124 people attended CVAEMA’s annual banquet on January 27, 2018. Solomons Church prepared an excellent meal, as always, followed by homemade pie and ice cream for dessert. President Randy Geist emceed the evening welcoming everyone and cracking a couple jokes.

After dinner, Randy & Edie Gimby, new owners of Twin Bridge Campground, shared a bit about the future of our neighboring campground. They have exciting plans for the property and invite everyone to a meet and greet on March 3, 2018 at Crider’s Church. For years families attending our shows have camped at Twin Bridge’s. It’s great to know the Gimby’s will continue the tradition.

Doc Stratton, treasurer, shared a bit about our year financially. More building improvements were made. Equipment purchases include a new French fryer and new ice cream storage freezer.

Stephen Piper, “The Old Historian”, shared stories about how the club came to be. Each founding member was presented with hand carved walking sticks carved by Stephen himself. The club’s celebrated its 35th year. Each stick read “CVAEMA 1983-2017” in honor of this anniversary.

Bill and Anna Swailes brought a feed bag display and shared stories of Anna and her sister running to meet the feed man. Each wanted to be the first to pick out the patterns they liked best. Farm ladies of those times used the feed bag fabric to make things like dresses, bonnets and aprons. Bill talked too about club members helping club members and this is one of the things that knit us together as a family. By the way, if you happen to see Randy Geist or Clarence Dice, ask them about the day the barrel of sand rolled off the truck!

We enjoyed some great county music by Shayne Carmack after which Perry Tressler wrapped up the evening with a story about growing up on their farm with a crazy rooster.

Check out the photo gallery to see pictures from this year’s banquet.

Founding members present for this evening:

LeErin Plasterer
Stephen Piper
John Bricker
Al Good
Stan “Doc” Stratton
Bill Storms
Denny Piper