Chamber Honors Mocks with ACE Award at Annual Dinner

Approximately 200 people attended the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and Farm-City Committee's annual Farm-City dinner Nov. 6 at the Freedom Township Fire Hall, East Freedom.

The event started with a milk punch meet-and-greet. Serving the punch were Vannika Rice, present Blair County Dairy Princess and Pennsylvania State Alternate Dairy Princess, and Elizabeth Frederick, alternate Blair County Dairy Princess.

Joseph Diamond, chairman of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees. A turkey meal was served by FFA from Central High School and FFA from Tyrone.

Rice talked to those in attendance about anxiety isolation and depression among farmers.

"It is time to end the stigma of mental health," Rice said. "I encourage you to share beliefs and be a part of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health."

Dave Grazier of Kunzler & Co. Inc., Tyrone, was the keynote speaker. The company originated from Lancaster in 1901. In 1984 the company purchased Juniata Packing in Tyrone and employees 35 people. The company is best known for its bacon.

Darin Tornatore, chairperson of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, presented the Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) Award to this year's winners, Jack and Peggy Mock of Williamsburg.

Jack and Peggy Mock have been involved in production agriculture for many years, raising beef and sheep. Although farming isn't their primary occupation, the Mocks have continued to serve as a positive influence to the agricultural community.

For the past 24 years, Jack and Peggy have selflessly dedicated countless hours to the 4-H program where Jack currently serves as president and Peggy as treasurer. Their passion in promoting agriculture is obvious when hearing how Peggy spends hours contacting buyers and sponsors, keeping accurate financial records, and organizing much of the junior livestock shows and sales. Jack works behind the scenes to make sure the show and sale operate smoothly.

Their experience in raising sheep has been valuable with their leadership and service to the Blair County Lamb Chops 4-H club. Many 4-H and FFA members have been inspired by the Mocks to exhibit lambs at the county shows.