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Greencastle, PA

In light of recent events, I found it neccessary to make a post regarding growers under the age of 18. Over the years we have seen some hoodwinkers. However, there are many serious and trustworthy younger growers. I consider myself one, and also Alex Noel. Nic Welty started as a teenager, and he is an extremely honest and charitable man. There are more, though it's probably not neccessary to make a full list. It is of great importance that we all remember that and do not succumb to ignorance when judging younger growers.
Inconsideration and deceit are both harmful to our sport and our community. In no means do I condone either. However, I think that some knee-jerk reactions to the actions of a few can be equally harmful to those undeserving of reprimand.
Please, take into account the many young growers who have done nothing to incur your indignation, and remember that it is harder to aim when you shoot from the hip.

Thank you for reading.

Tom Morgan

2/28/2006 9:01:19 PM

Webster, NY

I personally don't just consider all young people untrustworthy, just like I don't just consider all older folks to be trustworthy. I like to start off trusting just about all people. If that trust is broken, it's hard to get back. It's essentially the same thing I tell my kids. If I ask them if they did something and they say no, I believe them. If I find out they lied, it's tough getting that trust back.

Tom, I've only dealt with you once, and so far it's been fine.

Dave

2/28/2006 10:30:54 PM

[email protected]

Well spoken Tom. We don't always agree (politics) but you're setting a fine example in my not so humble opinion.

There are a lot of good young people growing. Kudos to you all.

Steve

2/28/2006 10:31:14 PM

NEPA [email protected] KB3QKV

Tom, I do not know of what events that you are refering to. Therefore I cannot comment on these events. I myself, have not seen any ignorance from BP adult growers to younger growers. I do know that I traveled about 100 miles to visit the Williamsport, PA growers. They showed respect to my teenage son. Docgipe, Scot and the rest took their time with my son. My son liked that group a lot and it appears that they liked him also. Williamsport growers treated my son very well, taught him some things and he appeared to be more comfortable with meeting these wonderful people than I was. He is looking forward to the upcoming growing season and even perhaps another invitation from the Williamsport, PA area growers.

2/28/2006 10:36:13 PM

Eugene,OR

Tom: I wouldn't worry about it being treated unfairly here because you are under 18. I think that the people who do stupid/obnoxious things here get noticed...then people learn that they are "just kids." Be respectful, show a desire to learn, be realistic, and just be one of the growers and you will do just fine here.

2/28/2006 10:46:58 PM

Ri

Tom a responsible and constructive response. When us old guzs and uze young guzs share and learn from each other, all is good. Good Luck Peter

2/28/2006 11:40:03 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Nicely worded Tom. Yes, every year there is a person or two (under or over the age of 18) that just gets under the skin of some people. On an open site, that is going to happen and is just part of it. Sometimes, enough is enough and we are all clearly aware of when that happens. We all have boundaries, and most of us (over and under the age of 18) know when to not cross them. There have been a few persons simply jumping over those boundaries in the past while that have been a bother for many.

Glenn

3/1/2006 12:41:04 AM

Key West, FL

I started under 18

3/1/2006 2:22:57 AM

Colorado

hey you

I personally am very impressed with the posts from yourself, Alex and some of the other young growers. I’ve only been growing for two years. You younger more
experienced growers need to keep posting so this old dog can learn a few new tricks.

Thanks Kirk

3/1/2006 11:14:52 AM

Jaffrey NH

I started at age 14. Now I am 18 years old. I have never had any trouble being "young" in the sport and on this site. I hope everyone respects everyone else regardless of their ages.
DK

3/1/2006 2:52:03 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Tom, As many times as I talked with you I always thought you were older. Very mature for your age.

3/1/2006 3:22:26 PM

Ankeny, Iowa

I started growing giant pumpkins at 11 and I'm now 18. Since the day I found this sight I have been given a large amount of respect from growers both younger and older. I have also given the same amount of respect to everyone on this sight over the years and yes some things have changed a little in the past 7-8 years on this sight and in the sport of giant pumpkin growing. But I would just like to thank everyone who has given and continues to give me the same amount of respect that I give everyone else regardless of my young age and I greatly appreciate it. Thanks everyone.

3/1/2006 4:13:03 PM

Webster, NY

I heard this once:

Respect cannot be learned, purchased or acquired - it can only be earned

For 99% of the people on this site, you have my respect.

Dave

3/1/2006 4:23:56 PM

Mn

Hi my names alex. I'm almost seventeen in may i will be. And i'm ADDICTED TO GIANT PUMPKINS. My addiction started when i was a young boy and saw my first giant pumpkin at about 8-1o yrs old. I first started growing a few 2yrs back. I joined PA (pumpkinohlics Annaymous) When i was 15(I bileive). LOL...

3/1/2006 8:36:31 PM

Norton, MA

I am 15 now, I started when I was 12 (11 if you count an 8 lb.er that year). I don't know, but from what I see, Tom is not posting this as a response to any specific critisizm any of us have faced, just as a precautionary statement. I believe that this is not a new thing to most if not all growers, but it is worth reminding the community as a whole right now, as Tom said "In light of recent events". I have never faced any opposition or problems because of my age in this sport. It is easy to see why this is: The entire group, young or old, internet or not, personally known or just known to exist, RATES all other growers only on their behavior and personality. A grower is then EVALUATED and CATEGORIZED, NOT JUDGED, on their pumpkin related qualities. These include how hard you try, and what you weigh in; how serious you are, and how far you get with that. Finally: A seasoned grower recently mentioned to me during a conversation, give it 60 more years and you'll be getting a GPC lifetime acheivement award. The fact is, we have alot more seasons in us, and, please do not consider this boasting, WE ARE THE FUTURE. What we experience now IS the sport for the next three quarters of a century or more. My experience has been one hundred percent positive, I am amazed at the way this sport unites us. This will be carried on by us, into the future, for all.

P.S. This is a big word and I don't know what it means so I will say it: Antidisestablishmentarianism! AleX Noel.

3/1/2006 8:39:06 PM

Mn

Oh yeah i'm avry responsible grower so please be kind. I'm a nice guy. ....Most of the time as long as i'm not antaganized for long periods of time.

3/1/2006 8:40:12 PM

Greencastle, PA

Thanks for all of your great responses. There are even more teenagers on here than I thought there were... I guess I won't be that far ahead of everyone in 2050. My original post here is a precautionary statement. Steve, I don't even remember the last issue we agreed on something(at least politically), but we do so without being disagreeable. That's another area worthy of dicussion. Thanks again for your responses.
Tom

3/1/2006 10:10:24 PM

San Diego, Ca.

Tom, good post and very well put.
Vince

3/2/2006 12:15:19 AM

ditto, good post. a mature conversation for once. I'm 20, started when I was 17.

3/2/2006 12:56:55 AM

Rhode Island

if more young people could get interested in a hobby such as gardening these giants then the world and our communuties would be better off for it.
i have said it before and it bears repeating. " bad people dont grow giant pumpkins ".
i never met a giant pumpkin grower i did not like. young or old.
when you consider our hobby is enjoyed by a very small group of people compared to those that grow roses ,dalias,etc. you cant be to judgemental.we all need to support one another.
pap

3/2/2006 8:30:39 AM

huntsburg,ohio

I started when i was 11 now i'm 36 never missed a season.Jerry

3/2/2006 8:40:48 AM

Massillon, Ohio

i grew a 95 lber when i was 13. but gave it up for a lack of contacts of where to find better seeds. started back up when i was 19.

3/2/2006 9:29:40 AM

[email protected]

Tecnically I was 7 when I started & now I'm 41. YIKES!!

But I did miss a few season & didn't start with AGs until 5 years ago.

Value these years well.

3/2/2006 1:20:43 PM

Massachusetts

Started giant pumpkin growing when I was 10, I'm 13 now. I'm addicted, having a great time, and hopefully will grow for a long time to come.

Jamie Cummins

3/2/2006 3:51:04 PM

Mocksville, NC

Good posts! i'm alway's willing to help if i can. Young or older grow'em big

3/2/2006 4:06:55 PM

Ashville, Ohio

started at 15 now 20 just got competitive this last year.

3/2/2006 9:25:00 PM