Why does Santa drink MOO-licious milk?

Submitted by: Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess Brooke Marvin

As Christmas is coming around the corner, children of all ages are moving more and more onto the edge of their seats while waiting for the twenty-fifth of December to arrive. Whether it be the anticipation of the arrival of Santa or the urge to be good to avoid all costs of being put on the naughty list, children count down the days with family and friends.

Brooke Marvin, Susquehanna County
Alternate Dairy Princess ready for
the Christmas season!

As the twenty-fourth of December comes, children race to bake cookies of all kinds as well as run to their local grocery store to ensure a glass of milk is available for Santa. Why milk may you ask? 

Milk, nature’s protein drink, provides nine essential nutrients that give Santa an extra boost in performing his annual trip to deliver presents around the world. The protein, carbohydrates, and fat content assist in providing energy just as it would for anyone. As the Alternate Dairy Princess of Susquehanna County, I have been given the opportunity to interview Santa while enjoying a cold, refreshing glass of milk with the man himself. 

Santa states, “The energy milk has to offer is as unique as I am. Not only does it taste delicious, but also gives me the focus and speed I need. Plus, with how fast Rudolph and Vixen dash through the sky and onto rooftops, I could use all the endurance and strength I can get! Any flavor of milk will do the job, however, chocolate, white, and strawberry are my favorites!”    

On another note, the calcium found in milk aids in providing strong bones for Santa to carry the millions of presents the elves at the North Pole produce throughout the year. In addition, milk is a nutritious drink that is capable of replenishing the fluids and nutrients that are used up within the body of Santa due to his work and efforts.

Last but not least, Santa said, “Hey, let’s not forget about the families and friends that supply us with the products that make us healthy. While elves at the North Pole are creating toys for boys and girls, dairy farmers are producing milk for the world to enjoy. Each and every farmer puts a tremendous amount of effort and care into their 24/7 job.”

So, what do you say? Is it time to receive an extra boost in your Christmas along with supporting our dairy farmers? Don’t forget to add MOO-tastic milk to your Christmas list!

Would you like to start a new holiday tradition?

My name is Dana Nunemacher and I am a Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador. If you're looking to start a new holiday tradition, then here is the recipe for you. "Creamy Crock  Pot Hot Chocolate" is the perfect holiday drink that leave you feeling warm and toasty while giving you a dose of dairy. 

In this recipe, many of the ingredients are dairy based. Drinking milk is a great way to fill up with Vitamin D. There are other important nutrients such as potassium, and Vitamin A that can be found in milk. Also, milk will help with bone growth and development as it is full of calcium.

Happy Holidays from your Susquehanna Dairy Promotion Team!

Dana Nunemacher
Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador

Creamy Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Prep time:  5 mins

Serves: 6-8 servings,

Ingredients

1.5 cups heavy whipping cream

(1) 14oz can sweetened condensed milk

6 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups of milk chocolate chips (can also use half semi-sweet)

Instructions

1. Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a 5 quart crock pot.

2. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally with whisk, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted.

3. Once it is heated through and chocolate is melted, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting. Stir again before serving. (If you have trouble getting the chocolate to melt, turn to high temporarily).

4. Garnish individual cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Recipe source: adapted from mrshappyhomemaker.com

Refuel with Low-Fat Chocolate Milk

Submitted by Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess, Brooke Marvin

“Vroom, vroom!” Is that what you imagine when you think of refueling? As the months of summer are dwindling, students, athletes, and parents are getting prepared to soar through their year of school. When you went school shopping, what did you think of? Was it the endless options of clothes or shoes? To the Alternate Dairy Princess of Susquehanna County, Brooke Marvin, school shopping consisted of dairy products including MOO-licious chocolate milk. Why may you ask?

Brooke Marvin
Susquehanna County Alternate
Dairy Princess

Research has shown that chocolate milk is a great source of nutrients and recovery drink for those who are athletes. Low-fat chocolate milk contains the perfect combination of protein and carbohydrates to help you refuel along with electrolytes that help you restore what you lost through sweat. In addition, it is a great way to hydrate due to the sodium and potassium levels found in milk. Not only does it help quench your thirst, but helps muscles to recover. Dr. John Ivy from The University of Texas found that those who drink low-fat chocolate milk after a workout ended up with a three-pound lean muscle advantage over those who drank a sports beverage or water in the course of four weeks.

Whether it be helping you to recover quicker to train more or helping you replenish your muscles for them to become stronger, chocolate milk is a treat that is capable of improving performance in any exercise. For example, a study in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise showed that those who drank fat free chocolate milk after a workout ran 23% longer and had a 38% increase of building muscle over those who drank a sports beverage. 

Imagine if you were to put low-fat chocolate milk head to head with water or a sports beverage for a post workout drink, nothing would compare due to low-fat chocolate milk packing double the carbs and protein. Plus, what is better than absorbing all the nutrients you need to refuel up at your local grocery store? 

So, what do you say? Is chocolate milk going to be an item on your shopping list? It surely is on mine! 

Strawberry Banana Smoothies, So Good for You

Submitted by Katrina Vidota, Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador

While at the Harford Fair several members of the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Team served over 300 strawberry banana smoothie samples. At times it was hard to keep the trays filled with smoothie samples. We had many people comment how good they tasted.

Left to Right: Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess
Brooke Marvin with Dairy Ambassadors Katrina Vidota and
Dana Nunemacher. 

           

Our smoothies contained just four ingredients, YOGURT and MILK, strawberries and bananas. All very good for you.

            

It’s back to school time and a smoothie for breakfast is quick, full of nutrition and will give you one of your “3 Every Day” of dairy servings.  MILK and YOGURT contain calcium, protein, vitamins A, B2, B12 and vitamin D, potassium, niacin, phosphorus and riboflavin all important for everyone’s health and wellness?

            

Try my recipe and see for yourself how delicious a smoothie can be for breakfast or anytime.  Make your SMOOTHIE with your own choice of fat content in the MILK and the YOGURT. Works fine with whole, 2% or fat free. Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE

1 cup frozen for fresh Strawberries

1 fresh or frozen Banana

1 Cup Strawberry YOGURT

1 Cup MILK

Cow Mask Creations at Local Daycare

Written by: Alivia Hughes, Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador

My name is Alivia Hughes, Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador and my job is to promote the dairy industry. Recently, joined by our Dairy Princess Taylor Sebring, I did one of my favorite promotions by visiting Treasure House Daycare. After reading the children a storybook about cows we all sat down at tables make cow mask.

Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador Alivia and
Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Taylor with
children at Treasure House Daycare in Montrose.

I chose Gogurt as a dairy snack for the kids because calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for building strong bones. Kids can get the calcium they need by enjoying Gogurt or any other yogurt product or a serving of milk or cheese.

Any daycare or preschool in Susquehanna County wanting a visit from our dairy promotion team to make cow mask and hear about dairy farms and dairy products can contact Evie Goff at 570-278-1212 to set up a date.

I would encourage everyone to enjoy “3 Every Day” of milk, cheese or yogurt.

I Scream for Ice Cream

Written by: Brooke Marvin, 2015-16 Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess

On a warm, summer day, what do you think of? I, Brooke Marvin, think of my favorite treat or in other words, ice cream!

Brooke Marvin
Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess

As the Alternate Dairy Princess for Susquehanna County for 2015-2016, I uphold the opportunity to inform you about July being National Ice Cream Month! I am more than delighted to be involved within the community to promote and support the dairy industry. I am proud to say I live next door to my uncle’s farm in Jackson, Boman’s Dairy. It is a joy to be able to inform those in the public about the importance the dairy industry has in our community and the benefits it has to offer.

Back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July to be “National Ice Cream Month.” Did you know ice cream was the first meal served to those who arrived on Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954?

The benefits ice cream has to offer are countless! Not only is it a treat on a hot, summer day, but a great source of nutrients. Ice cream is created by a process that churns and chills mixtures of milk and cream with other ingredients such as fruits and syrups. Any flavor of ice cream contains a vast amount of calcium and phosphorous as it offers a blast of energy due to the number of carbohydrates it obtains. Whether it be chocolate or vanilla, vitamins like A, C, D, and E can be found in the delicious treat as well! Although it does contain a rather high content of sugar and fat, ice cream does have a selection for every type of consumer. Stores carry low-fat or low-sugar ice cream products within their selection. There is surely a flavor and type for everyone.

So, how about we all MOO-ve on over to support our dairy farmers during National Ice Cream Month! What do you say, is it time for a tasty treat?

June is Dairy Month

Written by: Taylor Sebring, Susquehanna County Dairy Princess

Hello, my name is Taylor Sebring and I have recently been selected as the 2015-16 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess. I attend Abington Heights High School and live with my parents Cindy and Brad Sebring, my twin sister, two younger sisters, and an older brother. We live on a farm with cows, sheep, pigs and chickens.

 

Taylor Sebring
2015-16 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess

I lease Brown Swiss dairy animals from Rogers Dairy owned by Jim and Tina Rogers. A year ago I started being thoroughly involved in the dairy industry by leasing my 4-H dairy project animals' and giving a helping hand when it was time to do chores at the Rogers farm.

Being involved in the dairy industry has opened my eyes to things that often go unseen or unheard by many. One big thing is how the importance of dairy farms are often forgotten. “June is National Dairy Month” and it would be a great time to put out the effort to thank a farmer! Farmers do so much for the community every single day; so go out there and tell them thank you!

Did you know there are over 536,000 cows in Pennsylvania alone? Pennsylvania is also the 5^th ranking dairy producing state in the United States. On average, a dairy cow will produce seven gallons of milk per day over the course of a year.

What did you eat for breakfast today? Maybe a bowl of cereal, with MILK on it? How many different types of dairy products do you actually include in your daily diet? MILK, YOGURT and CHEESE are excellent sources for everyone’s’ nutritional needs. Without consuming those dairy products you will be lacking calcium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, vitamins D, A, B12, B2, niacin and riboflavin.  How will you let dairy influence you diet this month?

If you would like to learn more about dairy products, the dairy industry or the farmers that make up the industry, Susquehanna County residents and organizations may contact me to attend or speak at an event of yours. You can reach me at 570-290-0605 or by email at tescakes@aol.com.

Taylor Sebring Reigns as Susquehanna County Dairy Princess

Written by Evie Goff, Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Chairperson

Rachael Grosvenor, 2014/2015 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess passed her reign on to Taylor Sebring on May 22^nd at the County Dairy Princess Pageant held at the Episcopal Church in Montrose.

Taylor Sebring, Susquehanna County Dairy Princess
& Brooke Marvin, Susquehanna County Alternate
Dairy Princess. 

Taylor is the daughter of Brad and Cynthia Sebring of North Abington Township. Taylor attends Abington Heights High School with future plans of attending Delaware Valley University, studying dairy and animal science. As a Susquehanna County 4-H member she has a dairy project, leasing Brown Swiss heifers from Rogers Dairy Farm owned by Jim & Tina Rogers. Taylor and her brother and three sisters along with her parents attend the Peckville Assembly of God church. She loves everything agriculture related and plans to have a connection to the land and animals her entire life.

Alternate Dairy Princess Brooke Marvin daughter of Earl and Sandra Marvin of Susquehanna attends Blue Ridge High School. Brooke gets her dairy background living next door to her Uncle Bill Boman’s dairy farm where he milks over 60 cows each day. She is active in her church and enjoys volunteering her time to programs, such as Special Olympics and Be a Hero as well as taking part in softball, volleyball and basketball cheerleading at school.

The new Dairy Princess Taylor Sebring and Alternate Dairy Princess Brooke Marvin will fulfill their duties with support from Dairy Maids Kendra and Kaelynn Brant and Megan Johns and Dairy Ambassadors Emory Bewley, Katrina Vidota, Alivia Hughes and Dana Nunemacher all working together educating the public about the importance of dairy products in their diets and being advocates for Susquehanna County dairy farmers.

Once again the evening program was presented by former Susquehanna County Dairy Princesses, Olivia Mitchell-Zawiski, Callie Curley, Allison Kiefer, Mercedes Spickerman and Kelly Diaz-Young. Also taking part in the program were Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess Ashley Mohn and Pennsylvania Dairy Princess and Promotion Administrative Director Laura Daubert.

Olivia Mitchell-Zawiski 2010/2011 Dairy Princess welcomed everyone to Pageant followed by 2011/2012 Princess Allison Kiefer introducing each member of Susquehanna County’s dairy court as they took their place on stage.

Dairy Maids Kendra Brant, Kaelynn Brant and Megan Johns each stepped forward making comments about their relationship to dairy and spoke a bit about how they will be fulfilling their responsibilities as Dairy Maids. Next to speak were Dairy Ambassadors Katrina Vidota, Alivia Hughes and Dana Nunemacher each with promotion plans they will be carrying out. Crown Bearer Chelsea Empet made a few comments about her families’ farm. Emory Bewley was unable to attend however Callie Curley 2012/2013 Dairy Princess read a speech prepared by Emory outlining her experiences as a Dairy Ambassador. Alternate Dairy Princess Rachel Johnson then spoke of her year’s experience promoting the dairy industry.

Dairy Princess candidates Brooke Marvin and Taylor Sebring each gave excellent speeches related to the dairy industry and their promotion work plans during the year ahead.

Pennsylvania Dairy Princess and Promotion administrative director, Laura Daubert presented and an award to Peggy Empet for her 25 years of service to the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Program. Peggy spoke of her enjoyment being involved with the county program.

2013/2014 Dairy Princess Mercedes Spickerman presented outgoing Princess Rachael Grosvenor with a scholarship award provided by the county dairy promotion committee to use as she continues her education as a nursing student at Misericordia University.

Mercedes also commented on the importance of the promotions the girls have done this past year mentioning the many school promotions done to encourage children to include three servings of dairy in their diet each day. The 2014/2015 girls completed over 240 promotions around Susquehanna County.

Allison Kiefer presented top scrapbook awards to Emory Bewley, Alivia Hughes, Katrina Vidota, Rachael Grosvenor and Rachel Johnson.

Rachael Grosvenor gave a very emotional farewell speech complementing the members of her court on the excellent job they did working with her during the past year. Rachael felt very blessed to have had the opportunity delivering the message around Susquehanna County of the importance of the dairy industry and reminding folks everywhere she went about including dairy products in their diet. Susquehanna County dairy promotion team members were very proud when Rachael received the honor of becoming a PA State Alternate Dairy Princess in September of 2014. Rachael now had the duty of promoting the dairy industry not only in Susquehanna County but throughout Pennsylvania. 

The program continued as 2014/2015 Alternate Dairy Princess Rachel Johnson crowned the new Alternate Dairy Princess Brooke Marvin and Dairy Princess Rachael Grosvenor crowned the new Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Taylor Sebring assisted by crown bearer Chelsea Empet.

The evening concluded with a reception to meet and congratulate Susquehanna County’s dairy promotion team and browse the scrapbooks on display.

Any school or organization wishing to have the presence of members of the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion team at an event please contact County Chairperson Evie Goff at gofffarm@epix.net or 570-278-1212 or the new Dairy Princess Taylor Sebring at tescakes@aol.com or 570-563-8277.

Enjoy your “3 Every Day” of dairy!

Once a Dairy Promoter, Always a Dairy Promoter

Written by: Rachael Grosvenor, Pennsylvania State Alternate Dairy Princess

In just a few short days my time as the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess will come to an end.  I cannot believe that it has been a year already since the crown was placed on my head.  It feels like it was just yesterday when I was at my very first dairy promotion - I was so nervous!  Now here I am at the end of my reign.

Rachael Grosvenor
2014-15 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess
Pennsylvania State Alternate Dairy Princess 

I have learned much and have had many incredible experiences.  Speaking at schools or meetings, giving demonstrations on all things dairy, or serving dairy products at different banquets were just some of the events I had the pleasure of participating in.  My favorite part of this past year, though, was meeting and talking with members of our community.  I have always believed that our community is more than just a community.  We are a family, and my year of interacting with hundreds of people solidified that belief in my mind.  Thank you for being so supportive of me, our local farmers and businesses, and the dairy industry.  Promoting dairy products would not have been as easy, or as fun, if the people in Susquehanna County were not behind me. 

I have heard the phrase, “Once a princess, always a princess,” dozens of times, and though this may or may not be true, I would like to say “Once a dairy promoter, always a dairy promoter.”  Even though my time as Susquehanna County Dairy Princess is almost through, my support and promotion of the dairy industry is only beginning.

As I continue on with my State Dairy Princess duties, I hope to continue growing the relationship that I have with many of you.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent the amazing dairy industry in Susquehanna County this past year.  I wish the next princess the best of luck in her coming reign.

3rd Annual Blue Ridge Pre-K Farm Field Trip

Written by: Kendra Brant, Susquehanna County Dairy Maid

My Name is Kendra Brant and I am in 5^th grade at Blue Ridge Elementary School and also I am a Susquehanna County Dairy Maid. For the past three years my family has sponsored a field trip for the Blue Ridge Pre-K students to our family farm, Brant’s Dairy Farm.

Blue Ridge Pre-School visits Keith and Pam Brant's Dairy Farm.

​This year my entire family was involved. My sister Kaelynn and I spoke to the students about raising dairy calves. We emphasized what they are fed and how as they grow they get moved to different areas of the barn to meet their needs.

My brother Kyle was one of the Pre-K students that attended from Mrs. Whitehead’s class.  My Dad, Keith, and some of his staff were at various stations in the barn including how the cows are milked and what they get to eat throughout the day.  My Mom, Pam, helped with snacks for the children and helped to get the event organized. 

Rachael Johnson, the Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess was stationed in the milk house. She talked to the kids about the process of cooling and storing the milk and how it gets shipped it to the milk plant.

Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess Rachel Johnson and Dairy Maid Kendra Brant serve a snack of Go-gurt to all of the Pre-K children.

Michelle Kowalewski, Educator at Susquehanna County Penn State Extension and Evie Goff, Susquehanna County Dairy Princess and Promotion Chairperson both helped by providing education to the students along their journey through the barn. 

​At the end of the tour the children were offered a healthy snack of Go-Gurt, yogurt snack. The dairy promotion team spoke to the Pre-K students about the importance of getting 3 healthy servings of dairy products every day. 

My family and I plan on continuing this educational trip on an annual basis as many young children have never experience a visit to a dairy farm. It was fun for me and the kids appeared to have a great time as well.