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Rhode Island

a lot of new growers have come to bp.c over the last year so i think a re-introduction and informational posting is in order.

its that time of year to get exposed to your fellow pumpkin heads. show everyone who you really are.

a simple name-occupation-other hobbies will do

thanks

dick wallace, retired production and purchasing mgr, other hobbies are drawing cartoons, woodworking, helping the needy

1/28/2008 7:02:43 AM

Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

Christine DuRoss, Administrative Assistant to CFO, hobbies besides pumpkins, gardening, planting bulbs, flowers, swimming, avid country music fan (favorite artist Randy Travis).

1/28/2008 8:29:35 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

I am Gary J Grande, TheWiZ, System Administrator contracting for the Dept of Interior I have 4 other techs that I guide taking care of over 1000 users, 1200 PC's I love to fix things......I used to tie flys and fish before I started pumpkinating....Other hobbies include photography, woodworking, gardens and beer.

1/28/2008 8:30:30 AM

Ohio

I am Joseph Vunak (vunak05). I live in Middlefield, Ohio
(1 hr east of Cleveland). Mechanic for a Township, certified electrician, ex correction officer (8 yrs for City of Euclid). Gardening ( raising giant sunflowers-3 yrs now), getting into pumpkins for the first time this year, Trout fishing and spending time with my kids!!

1/28/2008 8:58:33 AM

Somers, CT

Rob Trusch, Enterprise Sytems Architect for IT firm. I work from home, type all day and go to useless meetings. Hobbies, skiing, water sports, play guitar and piano only with headphones and am a part time student at U of Phoenix Online. I drive my kids to dance classes and sports. Try to help coach whenever possible, teach Sunday School and am on the church Tech commitee.

1/28/2008 9:00:21 AM

ordinary,VA

Ed Robinette
employed with Coca-Cola last twenty years.
Coach P&R Basketball(2teams)and help with youth groups. My oldest and youngest sons help me coach my 2 basketball teams. my two favorite hobbies Growing giant pumpkins and spoiling my only grandson (Mr.D).

1/28/2008 9:10:52 AM

Claysburg , PA

James Carson
I work at Cannondale Bike Factory in Bedford,PA been here for 19 years.
Hobbies include alot of hunting and fishing in the offseason. Also taking my daughter to everything she can think of to do.

1/28/2008 9:23:53 AM

Frankfort Oh

Rob Hampp,,,,7th year growing aggc ,,,very addicted,,to this stuff,,,love meeting new people ,,,and enjoy,,the fellowship with growers,,comitted to our club,, Southern Ohio Giant Pumpkin Growers,,(P,R) to make sure, it keeps on growing ,,,and to past, this sport along to others, for them to enjoy, long after I`am gone,,,In hopes to grow my own world record someday,,But at this rate ,,Joes makeing it hard on me ,,lol,,1689 going to be hard to beat,,,, Hobbies,hunting,,fishing ,eating good food,going to church,spending time with my children,,hideing money from my wife ,,to buy things for my patch.

1/28/2008 9:41:16 AM

Atlantic Canada

Bill Timmons
I teach at St.F.X.U. in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.(Education faculty/former high school teacher.)I have been trying to grow AG's for 4 years. (still a newbie) I spend a lot of time at the rink (video coach for both the men and women's hockey teams),fishing,geo-caching, gardening and the local credit union. (now have 3 of 4 grandsons growing pumpkins too!!!)...also known @BP.com as "Papa Bill"

1/28/2008 9:49:12 AM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Cliff Warren - Semiconductor Design Engineer, I also have a wife and 5 kids. We're at the peak of our family life you might say, with the oldest at 16 and the youngest at 5. I don't know how I find time for other things! Other hobby, photography. Other people have mentioned church related activities, and you might say that I'm a church going person as well!

I keep a journal/blog of giant pumpkin exploits... new location, same silly commentary can be found at:

http://cliffsgiantpumpkin.blogspot.com/

1/28/2008 9:54:52 AM

Clarence, NY

Jim Kubiak - Business Development Manager - very busy with my three wonderful children - when I find the time I like to Swim, Hunt & Golf.

1/28/2008 10:16:52 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Mark McWilliams, Soil Conservation Technician for USDA-NRCS, fishing and hunting.

1/28/2008 10:17:51 AM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Eddy Zaychkowsky, Owner Operator of 2 company's, a Finish Carpentry company and a landscape company. Married with 2 children, and a grandaughter. Other hobby's are hot wheel collection, HO scale trains, and fishing, the last three have really taken a back seat though. Live and work in southern Alberta Canada.

1/28/2008 10:18:03 AM

Colorado

Joe Scherber,general dentist.Three children.hunting,pool playing and technical advisor for wiz and biz

1/28/2008 10:28:15 AM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Sally Hunt, Community Relations Coordinator for Port Elgin Pumpkinfest and the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce - married, no children - rapidly becoming an avid pumpkin growing fan after attending last year's seminar in Niagara Falls and picking up the "bug".

1/28/2008 10:30:29 AM

Littleton, Colo

Jim Grande....Produce Manager for King Soopers in Colorado. I'm lil bro to "The WiZ" and I'm what cojoe seez in hiz rear view mirror....fishing was my passion until pumpkins......one son and one RAT !

1/28/2008 10:49:49 AM

Netherlands

Brad Wursten - high school teacher (English) and author of school text books, president EGVGA. Married, one son. Other hobbies: growing giant veg, playing church organ, coin collecting.

1/28/2008 10:51:32 AM

Coupeville WA

Phillip Renninger, Physical Therapist
Father of two daughters: ages 5 & 7
Husband to one, 38 days my junior, and boy do I hear about it. I am an avid gardner. I live on Whidbey Island in the Pacific NW so I try to take advantage of the fishing opportunity when the state tells me that it is OK. Golf also takes up some of my time.

1/28/2008 10:57:36 AM

Taber, Alberta

Alan Makarchuk, Jr and Sr high band teacher for 14 years. Married, 3 kids, one dog who follows me around the patch. Besides growing pumpkins, I enjoy gardening. I start all my flowers inside under grow lights. Other stuff includes running marathons, golfing, fishing, camping with the family....anything outside.

1/28/2008 11:14:44 AM

Santa Rosa California

nick gaetano 16 high school student bass fishing gardening
tree pruning etc i have one sibling she is attending cornell universty in ithaca new york

1/28/2008 11:14:45 AM

Grants Pass, Oregon

Cary Polka, I am a teachers assistant with the school district. I have 3 children. I love to grow pumpkins, all other gardening. I love to camp, fish, sew and spend time with my kids..

1/28/2008 11:24:40 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

Captain Cold Weather,
Intel: gathering intel on how to raise the big ones.
My mission:to successfully execute the plan and grow a 500 pluser this yr.

Location: Boulder County Colorado USA

Experence: Growing since 2001
453 pounder in 06
399 pounder in 07

Problems faced: Vadals
Lack of time, I work a lot in the summer.
Lack of knowledge, but am slowly but surely being taught by the veterans.

Casualties in the battle for a 500 pounder
a couple ex's
lost fishing time
being occ late
countless nites worring about pumpkins
a couple hoses

Hobbies: Gardening yep other vegies besidesAG's
Fishing, Bow hunting.
Biking
Rock climbing, Naked pumpkin Run
Polar bear plunge

1/28/2008 11:35:36 AM

Klickitat Washington

Duane Spino happly married just about 10 years 4 kids 16,8,5,1. 3 girls 1 boy. Love gardening,hunting,fishing,camping with the family. First time at trying ag pumpkins have grown giant sunflowers.I live in klickitat Wa

1/28/2008 11:41:17 AM

Klickitat Washington

Oh yea i am a Forest Tech 3. with the Yakama Nation BIA my job is to scale logs,

1/28/2008 11:43:47 AM

South Finland pumpkinfinland@gmail.com

Miika Mantyniemi, BBA-exam hopefully within two years, married, one son who started his "career" yesterday by planting some litschi plum seeds at age under two years;)

Other hobbies: Fishing(too bad that we dont have largemouths here)gardening, basically I try to grow something that other doesnt here, challanging or rarier plants.

1/28/2008 12:01:29 PM

Dayton OH

Paul Palcic; retired software developer and computer department manager. Other hobbies include slow-cook on a ceramic BBQ, photography, pretend chef, minor travel. Heading into my 3rd year growing AGs, have a very small patch (1600ft2) and try to squeeze 4 plants in. Also very addicted to internet surfing and blog reading.

1/28/2008 12:05:09 PM

western Kentucky

Justin Peek, I'm a fourth-year Engineering Physics student at Murray State University in Kentucky. I work part-time as a server at a local restaurant attempting to pay my way through school. I'm not married, and I don't have any kids, but I have a wonderful girlfriend, and three siblings. I've been hitting up Bigpumpkins.com since around 2000, I tried and failed at growing AG's a couple times in highschool, then gave up when I came to college. However, I finally decided to give it another shot, and with a little help from the boys from Ky, I ended up having a bit of luck in '07.

1/28/2008 12:13:47 PM

Minnesota

Richard Brouillard 44, wife Ginger, two boys Dylan & Gabriel. Perposed to wife at Mn Twins game, it was on the scoreboard, wanted to suprise her and I did. Kids are learning Kung Fu, yellow belts. I'm a airline/cargo worker service technician at the Mpls/St' Paul Int. airport. 8 years army reserve, 7 gallon blood donor. I like exercise, from walking to weights, all sports, fishing, camping, church goer, I invented a game called mallet billiards, you play billiards out on the lawn like you would play croquet, not completely finished, I like comics, would like to learn how to do it, right now I'm a begginer, my cartoons are a Bull, like garfield or a playful animal, and the Coastguardman, like Popeye and G.I Joe, he saves anybody that needs help, drowning. First tried growing giant pumpkins from weekseeds I got at the local hardware store, that was in 94, everyone was waiting to see who would go over 1,000 first, then I stopped, last spring I tried again, I found this site, it has the answer to everything, in 94 there was nothing. 2 cats toonses & towser, hamster, fish, gecho's, can you tell my wife grew up on a farm in wakeman ohio and loves animals.

1/28/2008 12:23:59 PM

Cologne Brescia Italy

I'm Sergio Moretti from Italy 42 years old 18 years married
1 son Davide 3,5 years old (is like to have a Terminator in family!)Hobby grow giant pumpkins Im a growers of ag since 1996 My biggest was 842 in 2003
Im the representative from the Italy to EGVGA
Ciao

1/28/2008 12:43:54 PM

Belgium Europe

Jos Ghaye.
I'm from Belgium.Run my own bussiness. Married, two boys 8 and 10. other hobbies : walking(dog) and running.

1/28/2008 1:13:28 PM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

Jeff Zoellner, live Northwest of Dayton Ohio. I own a small silver jewelry business. Born and raised on a Dairy Farm on the Ohio/Indiana line and also was a dairy farmer/Registered Holstein breeder for a number of years. Married for 20 years with 3 children ages 13 - 18. This will be my second year of trying this. Grew a 585 my first year in '07 with some no name Ebay seeds. My hobbies are gardening, sports, and I like to have the occasional "cold one" with friends. My goal in 08' is to grow a personal best and improve my soil and growing technique. I live in the suburbs now and it makes me appreciate the fine soil I had back on the farm.

1/28/2008 1:21:54 PM

So. Maine

AL Berard , shipyard rigger for the U.S. Navy (retiring this summer) married 34 LONG years, 2 sons ( no they don't grow giants , lol) PB 978.6 in 2003 , been growing giants 18 years. In the summer when I'm not in the garden or pool or on the motorcycle we'll be down the beach crusinnn in the Vette.(Richard B. I've got you on blood donations, 20 gal 6 pints... the past 31 years) Still waiting for my good buddy Jim kuhn to stop in to buy me lunch.

1/28/2008 1:38:15 PM

Woodville,Ontario

Matt Leach
16yrs old, Originally from England but now live in Ontario, Canada. About to start an Apprenticeship as a mechanic.
Pb. 814 2007

1/28/2008 1:56:46 PM

don young iowa im learning to grow pumpkins in my spare time i cut trees in the rest of the time

1/28/2008 2:02:20 PM

Cheyenne, Wyoming

John Stellern
Physical Education teacher and coach

I have a wife and five kids

My kids are very involved in all levels of youth athletics.

Hobbies other than pumpkins - ice fishing and exercising.

1/28/2008 2:02:51 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Jim Gerhardt, pharmaceutical project manager for Thermofisher Scientific. 30 years old and this will be my 3rd year at AG growing with a PB of 502 lbs. My pumpkin patch is dedicated exclusively to orange pumpkins.

1/28/2008 2:05:24 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Eric Petersen, 39, Capital Markets Accounting Controller at Cisco Systems, Inc. In my spare time I am personally adding 1800 sf to our house. Other hobbies include gambling (poker and sports) and gardening. 3 great kids 8, 6 and 6 who love the giants in the backyard. 2 years growing

1/28/2008 2:17:48 PM

Austria

Christoph Schieder
I am 15 and I go to school in austria......
other hobbys: skiing, play football, fishing and(girls)..lol

1/28/2008 2:25:30 PM

Flat Rock, Michigan

john kaminski , 50 , 12 yrs growing pumpkins this will be 1st yr trying seriously to grow ag. 32 yrs. crankshaft manuf. balancing experience. hobbies drag racing , fishing, leader in boy scouts, 2 boys in scouts(1 just got his eagle)and a great wife

1/28/2008 2:31:04 PM

Napa Valley, CA

George Webster, retired salesperson and bs artist. I enjoy spending a lot of time with my children and grandchildren.

My other hobbies include camping, hiking, deep-sea fishing, photography, videography, reading, cooking and gardening.
I would still be golfing if I hadn't wrecked my left wrist.

1/28/2008 2:33:34 PM

Erin,Ontario.

Conrad Wheildon.Retired executive of L'Oreal.Currently selling cars for GM,hence the handle "General".Live with my wife of 33years in a little piece of heaven nestled in the Caledon hills an hour north of Toronto.Love to grow giant pumpkins and sunflowers in my rockpile(lots of stones!)One married son and one beautiful daughter.

1/28/2008 2:38:47 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Mark Fowler, police officer for the past 16 years. This will be my 4th year growing, turned out a personal best of 694 last season. I enjoy hunting, fishing, and reading in my spare time. My wonderful wife Teresa very good naturedly (most of the time) puts up with this crazy hobby nad my 17yr old daughter Lindsey thinks I'm nuts.

1/28/2008 3:09:37 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

John Vincent, 40, General manager of a farm supply Co-operative. Also a certified crops advisor (CCA). Married to Sue. Two kids, Amanda 17 and Ryan 14. We live in beautiful Prince Edward County, which is on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

I run a Giant Pumpkin and Vegetable 4-H club. This will be our third year and will have 20+ youth.

I grow with my neighbour Brian McGill (Bubba). This will be my 5 year growing. Brian has been growing for about 8 years. Our "patch bests" are 995.5 squash and 966.9 pumpkin.

1/28/2008 3:13:27 PM

ordinary,VA

Mark you have the best wife(Teresa your the best) in the world!! and yes Mark you are nutz-----lol.just like all of us!!!!!!!!

1/28/2008 3:50:00 PM

Frankfort Oh

LOL@Don

1/28/2008 3:53:29 PM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

Kirk Chenier, municipal surveyor - construction inspector. third year growing these babies, other hobbies included woodworking, kayaking and camping. Married - no kids. Moving just outside of Peterborugh ont to North Dummer township and building a new patch this spring. PB is 744lbs

1/28/2008 4:15:59 PM

Massillon, Ohio

Christy Dieffenbaugher / Harp / Varsity / Whatever you want to call me.

HS math teacher / Cross country coach.

i had to categorize my hobbies (LOL). starting with winter and morphing into summer:

snow days, ice-skating, sledding, snow-mobiling, ice-fishing, hiking, camping, geocaching (thanks to someone on here that got me addicted), summers off, canoeing, trumpet, tubachristmas, and hand bells.

1/28/2008 4:25:06 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

Mark Raymont,Farmer,Fishing tackle is gathering dust these days,got a new surfboard.

1/28/2008 4:25:16 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Amazing cross-section of society here! Young, old, technical, medical, artistic,... teachers, students, farmers, retired executives,... male, female,... other hobbies, interests and pursuits...

World-wide, and growing.

1/28/2008 5:03:39 PM

Germany

Andreas Wild from Germany, working in a bank, 38 - married - two children Dustin (9) and Emily (5), 2nd year growing, first years pb at 232 lbs, other hobbies are my kids and soccer

1/28/2008 5:09:53 PM

Minnesota

Chad,age 28, Science/Special Education Teacher, Married, one daughter, fishing, hunting, sports, This will be my second year growing AG's, goal for 08 is to not have any splits and a new PB

1/28/2008 5:25:42 PM

Nicholls Georgia

lee taylor from ga i like to grow things hunt and fish i sale cold sandwiches off a truck to conviencs stores age is 29 and next year will be my 3 rd year growing ag,s

1/28/2008 5:46:56 PM

Greene County, Pa.

Buddy Greene,Greene county Pa. grew my first pumpkin from a seed pack in 2003. i did everything you coud do wrong, didnt even have a patch. That fall I found BP, met some nice people and got my first seeds. i grew a 413 #. since been addicted. 1319 is now my PB. I am single love fishing,riding atv's and having fun..

1/28/2008 5:53:05 PM

Roselle, IL GJGEM@sbcglobal.net

George Janowiak owner of GEM PONDS INC. Been building ponds and water falls for the last 16 years in the Chicago area. 40 years old. Married 18 years. I have two beautiful daughters 15 and 12 years old- Lord help me.
enjoyments other then pumpkins - Camping, fishing, gardening, weight lifting and tapping a fresh keg

1/28/2008 6:00:53 PM

Jericho Vermont

John Young from Vermont. I am a grant manager for the Vermont Department of Labor. I have 2 sons that grow with me and a very patient wife. In my spare time I like to fish including hard water as well as golf. We have a small lot with blueberry bushes and fruit trees. And this will be my 12th year growing Atlantic giants.

1/28/2008 6:03:07 PM

Bulgaria

Hristo Hristov, I live in Bulgaria. Growing AG's since 2003. Current occupation - farmer (or something near that). Other hobbies - seed swapping and growing of unusual edible plants, plant breeding, fishing, photography and few others

1/28/2008 6:05:30 PM

Pembroke, New Hampshire

Robb Stidwill, age 48, originally from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. Now living in New Hampshire for the last 11 years and calling it home....beautiful contry.
Dad to 3 teenagers that are aging me fast.
Family Doc for 23 years now (Pap, are you still smoking? Put that out right now.....)
Personal best...1240(uow)(dmg) in 2004
...988 solid in 2007.
Pastimes...snowmobiling, hiking, gardening,fishing and hot tubbing with a Pear Williams, Autereo Fuente and my wife, Laurie (does it get any better?)

1/28/2008 6:09:15 PM

Port Alberni, BC, Canada

Jake van Kooten, retired papermaker. Married to Elaine for 43 years, my best friend and confident. Two daughters, one who has become a nut like me, and four grand sons. I wish I had all these great genetics when I started growing AG,s in the early 1990,s. Love my garden and annually start around 300 dozen bedding plants each spring for the ladies at my church for their plant sale. Other hobbies include golfing, cruising, camping and generally loving life.

1/28/2008 6:15:31 PM

oooh this is the first intro since I graduated!

I'm Brigitte, I'm 22 and I just finished my Bachelor's of Science in Horticulture. I'm from Wisconsin but I'm currently interning at a plug and liner producing greenhouse in southern Michigan. I've grown giant pumpkins for 5 years, some years not as serious as others, and I don't think I'll be growing this summer! I'm the secretary and webmaster for the Central Wisconsin Pumpkin Growers. I also like to deer and turkey hunt. I crochet and sew and quilt a little bit, and a huge pet peeve of mine is when people don't clear the timer on the microwave. Ha ha ok I'm done.

1/28/2008 6:19:38 PM

East Lyme CT.

John B. Williams, Nuclear Fuel Handler (my secret ammendment) Winner of the most esthetically challenged pumpkin at the Frerich Farm weigh-off, awarded a beautiful painstakingly made trophy from Pap himself. (It was really a beautiful pumpkin) because it was my PB. 1125

1/28/2008 6:23:01 PM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

Marty Schnicker age 47...27 years at MackayMitchell envelope llc. this will be my 5th year growing Ags. I also grow about everything in the garden.I live on 5 acers with my wife Mary and kids Anne 7, Thomas 5, Clare 4, and one on the way on April 26. I use to fish,bowl and golf but this hobby has taking those away.

1/28/2008 6:24:04 PM

North Smithfield, RI USA

My name is George Duval and I'm 62 yrs old and still working. In a warehouse in Esmond RI. My hobbies are keeping my wife happy, Red sox , Patriots, reading and last but not least gardening ( AGs # 1 )

1/28/2008 6:26:30 PM

Farmerville, Louisiana

John {Bo} Kilcrease. I live in Farmerville,Louisiana. Construction worker and farmer, have grown just about a little of every thing LEGAL to grow! Married with 6 kids but 4 are step children ,39 years old in April and my wife is a nurse, but not real understanding when it comes to giant pumpkins or giant watermelons!Love to fish and garden and gonna give it my best to set a new state record in both watermelon and pumpkin!

1/28/2008 6:27:31 PM

No Place Special

Mike Frantz just turned 33 yrs old. I live in Walcott IA and have been growing giant pumpkins (some not so giant... ha ha) for 7 years. Im married and have two great kids. I work in a steel mill.

1/28/2008 6:57:57 PM

Powhatan,virginia

DOUG CALDWELL TRUCK DRIVER 14 YRS EDYS GRAND ICE CREAM HOBBIES HUNTING,FISHING,AND NOW VERY ADICTIVE HOBIE OF GROWING ALL PUMPKINS AN GOURDS MARRIED WITH 8YR OLD DAUGHTER AN A 18 YR OLD SON AN WIFE WHO PUTS UP WITH ME "THANKS LISA"

1/28/2008 7:02:46 PM

Utah, brysterz11@hotmail.com

Bryson Ensign! I will turn 15 years old in july and I am a 9th grade student. I live in Salt lake city, Utah

1/28/2008 7:06:33 PM

Wilmington.Ma.

George Caron 76 years young married 35 yearg 1 daughter 2
great grandkids. Growing for 8 years.I teach at a technical
high school,{diesel mechanics],striper fish,also grow Dahlas.

1/28/2008 7:32:48 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

My name is Wayne Moore (no, my first name is not Peace!!!) LOL I live approx. 15 miles SW of Owensboro, KY. I currently work for a construction company that builds ICF houses. Other than AG's...I like fishing, camping, and all aspects of gardening. I grow more edible veggies, fruits, and nuts, than any 50 folks can eat each year, and enjoy giving the edibles to those who need them!! 5th year with AG's with limited (due to my own errors) success. Hoping for a biggun in 08!!! Peace, Wayne

1/28/2008 7:53:55 PM

Eugene,OR

Russ Pugh, age 42. Owner of Vineman, Inc. an event production company which puts on Ironman triathlons. I used to swim and ride my bike a lot, but don't have much time for that anymore because I spend too much time growing pumpkins. I like to cut firewood, work on old houses, officiate high school basketball, obsess about the stock market, and avoid doing any real work. I'm married and have a six year old son.

1/28/2008 7:54:42 PM

Port Elgin Ontario Canada

Lisa Irwin, Coordinator for Port Elgin Pumpkinfest and for the Giant Vegetable Growers Convention... I'll be 30 this year. I've never grown a pumpkin, but will keep a close eye on Sally this year, and send the fork lift to her house to get it when it's time to weigh in!

1/28/2008 8:01:08 PM

Sophia WV

Robert Treadway retired married to the best wife a guy could have Sandy.Two children 3 grandchildren.Pumpkins are my obsession.

1/28/2008 8:23:15 PM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

Ray Leonzi, 31 years old. Have a great wife and 2 great kids. I earn my living in Corporate Finance for a bank in CT. Obsessed about growing pumpkins and the stock market. I also collect autographed baseballs. Largest pumpkin I have grown is 1,107 lbs.

1/28/2008 8:37:55 PM

Middleton, WI

Hi. My name is George Poirier and I'm a pumpkinholic. I'm blessed with a smart, beautiful & patient wife Becky, and two great sons ages 18 and 22. Been growing AGs for three years. I'm an Engineer and work for the US Department of Transportation. We are moving to CT. Hope to get to know the many fine growers there. Personal goal: breed heavy orange AGs.

1/28/2008 8:39:43 PM

Goffstown,nh

Jim Beauchemin from Goffstown NH. Owner and operator of a mid sized Landscaping and Irrigation business.
Four grown children, (one son is in the US Army and is currently serving in Iraq).
Besides Ag's i enjoy skiing, snowshoing, ice fishing 4- wheeling, and driving my corvett down Hampton Beach Blvd.
Love the Patriots, Red Sox and the Celtics!
Personal best 1314lbs 2005...see you in Niagara!

1/28/2008 8:59:17 PM

milford, CT,

Mark Lombardi, 43 years old from Milford CT. 8th grade Algebra Teacher. I've been growing since 2003. I have 3 kids (Elizabeth, Mark and Gina). Personal Best is 769 lbs.

1/28/2008 9:20:48 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

I'm really torn about doing this LOL
But I've noticed that Brooks hasn't posted on here yet, Could it be that he took the Exposed part the wrong way and is trying to get a picture of himself on this thread.

Still laughing because I had a visual

1/28/2008 9:43:19 PM

Crossett Arkansas

Mike Cooper, I have one of the most important JOBS in the world !!!! I make Toilet Paper ( angel soft )!!!! I started growing Giants last year, thanks to Tom Privitera. I did everything wrong, but still grew a 400 lber. Going for the state record this year (684)!!! I've been single about 8years and I have two teenaged girls . Hobbies are remodeling the house I live in and intiminating teenaged boys.

1/28/2008 9:53:31 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Doug Wallace. I've been a nursing assistant for 18 years. My hobbies include vegetable and fruit gardening(especially trying uncommon tomatoes and apples varieties). Hiking, canoeing, fishing, and reading. My PB is 1041 lbs., and I like my pumpkins orange...so far.

1/28/2008 10:15:06 PM

Woodburn, Indiana

I tried but G filtered the pic....Kelly Klinker, Woodburn, IN. Annual Fund and Class Gift Coordinator Purdue University. 25 yrs old. I have been growing since 2002 with a PB of 814 lbs in 2003. Also Seed and Site Coordinator of the Indiana Pumpkin Growers Association >>>> home of the ALL TIME TOP TEN www.ipga.us.

1/28/2008 10:19:45 PM

Parker, Co

Pete and Cindi Glasier...retired farmer and retired farmer's wife. We have been growing giant pumpkins since the 1980's. We earned our "tumbleweed" nickname by moving from Colorado to Washington state to Oregon and then to California and back again. These tumbleweeds are now well rooted in the Napa Valley. We are vegetarians and environmentalists and animal lovers. cindi is an avid tennis player. Growing Giant pumpkins has opened many doors for us. We have won trips to Disneyland, been taken to The French Laundry (one of the finest restaurants in the country), met many great friends. There is nothing like growing AG's!!!!!!

1/28/2008 10:36:30 PM

Rhode Island

should anyone ever think giant pumpkin growers are not motivated people they need only read these posts.

a lot of very intelligent people have responded.
very interesting indeed

thanks
pap

1/28/2008 10:56:15 PM

porterville, calif.

Greg Chadwell porterville Ca.
Day Custodian Westfield School 21yrs.
Master Gardener( still trying to Master these Giants.)Someday i will. My offical PB is 347.This will be my 5th yr. at this.
Gardening has been my first love.No the Lord is my first Love. Growing giant pumpkins is about 4th.
Being around working with kids and helping them to be the best they can be is very important to me. .
Love to hunt, fish, camp, travel , baseball. I love to write too. I collect coins. I can cook anything and make it taste good. I love to BBQ, also dutch oven cooking I have 8.
Have 3 grown beautiful daughters. They have blessed me with 6 grand kids the last 3 years. 5 boys , 1 girl
Been single for 6 yrs. This is getting old!! But someday that will end. Also being able to be around great peolple like I meet here in BP. is fantastic.

1/28/2008 11:46:24 PM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

my name is keith barrett im just a gentleman farmer who works on his own, im obsessed with growing ags, i have two girls and a boy and my better half katie who allows me to chase these orange monsters across the country and back! cant ask for more than that!

1/28/2008 11:57:04 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Steve Jepsen, 43 years old, with my wife for 22 years, one son age 11 (good grower!)
Seed, Fertilizer & pesticide sales.
Certified Arborist & Commercial 3A pesticide applicator.
Town Council & Constitutional Conservative
Cub Scout Cubmaster
BSA District Training Chairman (adult Leader training)
President of CT Giant Squash & Pumpkin Growers Assoc.
GPC Executive Committee member (New England)
PB 853, BigPumpkins.com photo screener & general website addict
Fishing, camping & learning to manage personal mobility (MS)

1/29/2008 12:22:30 AM

federal way WA

Jeff bellinghausen 45 years old I am a Lieutenant in South King Fire and Rescue (a suburban fire dept south of Seattle) 22 years 5 yaers of growing ag's this will be my 3rd of being serious abut it. 2 kids in college and a wonderful wife...
my oldest is in the hospital and Im seeing to her needs right now. heres her story if you are interested www.caringbridge.org/visit/whitneybellinghausen
its great to have constants like pumpkin growing and BP to keep a fellow grounded

1/29/2008 1:27:32 AM

Monrovia, CA

Hi!! Michelle Lofthouse,44. I design floats for the Rose Parade (a family business)and live about 17 miles NE of Los Angeles. I'm crazy about animals, with cats, dogs, pheasants, chickens, horses and a goose. I started 'seriously' growing giant pumpkins four years ago and enjoy growing field pumpkins, sweet corn, ornamental corn and several other veggie types. I also love to build models and am an avid WW2 aircraft enthusiast (my favorite plane is the B-25 Mitchell) and I seem to be addicted to Fitz and Floyd (a decorative ceramic ware). This is my all-time favorite website and I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed everyone's comments and company here.

1/29/2008 3:20:03 AM

Waitakere New Zealand

hi Fred van Lier 55years old pigeon racing is my main hobby also show standard bred poultry [black rosecombs-partridge wyandotte bantams-black and white leghorns -barnevelders and pekin ducks] have grown AGs this is my third season have two children son 21 daughter 19 [great kids] partner is Fleur who is growing giant water melons and i work for a rose breeding company who breed glasshouse rose varieties

1/29/2008 4:02:28 AM

nOVA sCOTIA

Carl Graham,Donkin,CapeBreton NovaScotia.Employed 15 years at a local dairy industry.Married 15yrs to a very understanding wife.Two children 14and10 years of age.Next to growing these giants my other passion is bowhunting.

1/29/2008 5:53:51 AM

Rocky-r@stny.rr.com

Rocky Rockwell, Mailman and US Postal Service ambassador, poster child for the USPS food drive in 2005 and 2006. 43 yrs old, wife ANn and 2 kids, Alex(15) and Sam(10). I coach small fry football which is where I had my acute myocardial infarcation last year (heart attack). Recoverd and doing well. Growing AG's for 12 years now, every year is my first 1000 pounder. I have traveled to the Pumpkin mecca the Wallaces pumpkinhouse) in torrential rain/thunderstorm and survived to tell about it. Thx Dick for the tour. I also am webmaster for the PGPGA and created online seed auctions (ran the first one back in 1998) that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for every club/cause imaginable.

1/29/2008 6:54:44 AM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

Bill Rodonis, 64 years old, former farmer ( 500 acres vegetables),worked after school and summers from age 5. Five children, 12 grandchildren. Married 44 years to Linda, the squash grower in the family. Growing from 03, PB 1566#. Hobbies AG growing, NASCAR, and touring the rivers on paddlewheel steamboats.

1/29/2008 6:57:04 AM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Ned Sandercock, 46 years old, wife Dane'; she is younger than 46 :) children Alex and Lauren, twins. Occupation; Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts of Wayne County Pennsylvania... Yeah I am an elected official. I think giving away free giant pumpkin seeds helped me get elected. Love the hobby and the people that I have met along the way. Haven't heard of the fans of tulips organizing a Cruise for its members. Other interests are spending time in the outdoors with the family and coaching baseball and all that good stuff that goes along with being a dad. My goal is to always have a heavier pumpkin than my PA. growing mentor Rocky Rockwell and to one day hit that elusive 1000 pound pumpkin (current PB 992).

1/29/2008 7:33:58 AM

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

I'm Kenny Wamhoff we live in Wood River IL which is a suburb of St.Louis MO. I'm 47 years old. I have been blessed being married to my wife Patty for 18 years, after 8 years of trying we have 2 beautiful daughters Madison is 6 & Lindsay just turned 3. I work for a radiopharmacetical
manufacture. I work in the waste management dept. which means I'm a glorified trash man, only difference being I handle radioactive waste. I'm a huge St. Louis Cardinal fan
and my other interest are raising my girls, fishing, hunting, travel, genealogy, gardening, and church activities. This will be my 3rd year trying to grow AG's. My pb is 260lbs. Orangeneck said it best "my patch is dedicated exclusively to orange pumpkins".

1/29/2008 7:44:04 AM

derry n.h u.s.a.

John Girgus 44,have been growing ag's for 13yrs.Married 18 yrs to my better half Cathy,two great kids,katie&Greg.I'm a carpenter/roofer working for myself.My hobbies are gardening growing ag's Ice fishing.hunting,guitar(electric&acustic)camping,snowmobiling.

1/29/2008 8:51:44 AM

Johnston, R.I.

Norm Gansert 58, I have been growing these things for the last 10 years. The first 5 with no coaching and the last 5 I received coaching from people by the names of Castellucci, Sperry, Jutras and Rondeau. I have been a factory worker for the last 39 years, I make nails for a living. Other hobbies are skiing, which I never seem to have enough extra time for and fooling around with an old mustang which may run again soon.

1/29/2008 9:15:52 AM

Northeast

David Garrell, Married 12 years. Woderful son age 11. Physician in Fairfield CT for last 17 years. Still age 43. Fishing for stripped bass. Goal in life is to better Ray Leonzi.

1/29/2008 10:03:53 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Andy Hamilton, police officer ( RCMP ) for 16 years, 43 years old.Work mainly with serious crashes/reconstruction although we're likely to get acquainted if you get up to 80 mph. Wife Barb and two daughters- youngest Melissa 15, a complete angel, very polite and hard working, oldest daughter- Andrea 19, prompted me to start making my own booze to save money. Trying to balance work and family and also trying to grow an AG of size and color.

1/29/2008 10:19:19 AM

Georgia

Jason D I work for a tractor company selling parts and shipping. Been gardening for years and growing Big Maxs and prizewinners to give away to kids and co-workers. Last year I decided I wanted to try growing Atlantic Giants and fell in love with it. I found this site just looking for big pumpkin seeds and still cant believe all the people that are willing to help out. Im basically just a country boy redneck who enjoys riding 4-wheelers,shooting Guns,Drinking cold beer. I used to practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other Martial arts. My favorite sports are Cage Fighting,kickboxing,boxing,wrestling. But my favorite hobby is trying to grow big pumpkins.

1/29/2008 10:29:02 AM

ipswich, ma usa

John Doucet 36, maried four years with a baby (girl)do in late April. Work government security for a defense contractor. Been growing AG's for 8 years now with a PB of 1002 UOW in 2005 (split one week before Topsfield). One of the directors of the NEGPGA. I live on the coast so striper fishing is another hobby of mine along with camping and generally anyting outdoors. Also in spare time I play the drums (anything metal!)

1/29/2008 10:38:12 AM

Ri

Peter Rondeau 47, this is my 10th season growing Atlantic Giants here in Rhode Island. The first five years growing for neighborhood bragging rights, the last four with the help of BP.Com and a grower or two here in RI that have done OK. I am married and have two daughters who are supportive. Although they consider me a "Pumpkin Geek" during the season, they really enjoy growing around Halloween, LOL. I earn a living providing Emergency Response training to state and goverment agencies as well as private industry.

1/29/2008 10:44:42 AM

Minnesota

Joe Jensen, Chaska Minnesota. Own a Wireless phone dealership that sells and services Sprint/Nextel. Married for 13 years to my wonderful and tolerant wife Theresa. Bought a "Cabin" 4 years ago that included a barn and 3 acres of land which led me to this wonderful sport of Pumpkining. I used to Fish.. PB 757 Year 2 with goal of 1k. Also want to whoop Dean C, Bill F and Doug W this year!! With an outside longshot at our State Record.. Love to Hunt Ducks,Deer,Pheasant as well as hang out with my wife and dog Wally..

1/29/2008 11:09:27 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Phil Hunt here. I'm a retired material handler. I'm married to a wonderful wife (Jane) that loves to grow as well. I'm currently President of the GVGO & Jane (Certified General Accountant) serves as our Sec/tres. We have no kids, only our beloved Golden Retriever, Casey. Our personal best pumpkin is 1093#, while our biggest watermelon is 207.6#. We love to spend our free time in the outdoors. We've met many wonderful people because of this great hobby of ours. We wish all of you, all the best in 2008. Hope to see you in Niagara.

Phil

1/29/2008 11:48:25 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Glenna Rea
Age: Grandma. Married one long time with 2 kids and 5 grandkids. Previous school teacher. We have a construction company, building approx 25 custom homes a year. Some previous hobbies have taken a back seat to the grandkids & their activities - that is cheerfully at the top of my list. Followed by photography, gardening & cooking - desserts are my speciality! Michelle, I also collect Fitz & Floyd. I've grown pumpkins for years - the highlight is our annual fall "Punkin Pickin' Party". This will be my 3rd year for AG's and being a part of this wonderful BP family!

1/29/2008 12:36:31 PM

Ont (jjb22hornet@hotmail.com)

Well it seems the giant pumpkins have lured me in. My name is Justin Barr from Renfrew Ontario. I am in Grade 10 and this will be my first year growing BIG. For the past 2 years I have growen thousands of small pumpkins for pies and decorations. I've growen red, white, grey, orange, striped and of corse orange pumpkins. I was going to try and grow big last year with store seeds but the very first day when I returned home the plants were eaten by bugs! Can't let that happen again. I've always loved pumpkins for some reason and I always will. Some other hobbies include hunting, fishing, woodworking and alot more.

1/29/2008 1:33:15 PM

New Salisbury IN

Tom Speaker retired sr.vp Bank of Louisville have grown Apples Peaches Pears commercially. Now run greenhouse Apple-Valley.com

1/29/2008 1:57:30 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

Chuck Veader, 51. Married to "pumpkin widow" Kathy and we have 2 daughters ages 13 and 19. My income comes from being a partner in an insurance adjusting firm and managing my stock portfolio. I was an avid fan of the Grateful Dead before Garcia died and they stopped touring. My heros are Warren Buffett (I am a long time stockholder of Berkshire) and Howard Dill. I prefer big & orange over big & ugly, but I will plant some non-orange seeds to give my fellow Santa Rosa growers something to worry about.

1/29/2008 3:08:18 PM

Knopp, Germany

as pap requested...

a simple name-occupation-other hobbies will do

owen olsen---system administrator at an army hosptial in germany---i love europe and representing our country as an ambassador (you do not need to be elected to do this)

1/29/2008 3:12:12 PM

Western NY

Andy Wolf , 28. Inspector for the local health dept. for almost 6 years now. Been growing about 10 years or so, fishing when i get time, which hasn't been much the last few years.

1/29/2008 3:35:25 PM

kamloops, BC, Canada

Cheryllee McKenny, mom of two beautiful girls ages 4 and 7. Wife to a wonderful husband of 7 years. Growing giants for 2 years and getting more serious every year. got a 200 pounder last year. Stay at home mom who coordinates elementary school lunch kitchen and also a Sparks (Girl Guides ages 5 & 6) leader. Love being in the outdoors weather in the garden or out hiking, fishing, camping or rock climbing. Also throw knives and axes.

1/29/2008 3:40:23 PM

Mn

alex G

Hobbies- GPgrowing...Fishing and outdoors stuff

PB 729.5 lbs

1/29/2008 4:04:58 PM

Marshfield, Ma, USA

Ed Pappas 54, married for 32 years to my lovely ( and very tolerant Pumpkin Widow)Nancy. Three daughters, ( AKA the fashion police) ages 31, 27, 23, and two grandchildren. Recently sold my business, and now I am an unemployed bum, at least till next week when I begin to prepare tax returns for a small financial company.My personal best is 1095 DMG and 1053 official.In my spare time I enjoy scuba diving, skiing, and striper fishing.

1/29/2008 4:05:18 PM

Ohio

Brooks Bosworth, I'm 40 years old from Ohio(born and raised In West Virginia) and have been married for 15 years. I have worked for the State Of Ohio as a Corrections Officer coming close to 13 years now. I'm was also part of the SRT (special response Team) for any emergency's that arise, such as riots, hostages, cell extractions, ect. This covers every prison in Ohio.
I love to bow hunt, and fish and I'm obsessed like everyone else on here in growing Giant Pumpkins!

1/29/2008 4:11:46 PM

Ohio

I also have two wonderful kids, Brooke age 14, and Brandon 12.

1/29/2008 4:13:59 PM

Elk Grove,Ca USA

Ken Mitchell 40 (feel like 60)
aka Turkeyman, 5th generation farmer. Contract turkey grower (100,000 annually), hay, club lambs ( 4h,FFA). 14th season growing, still know very little. Married, two boys 7 and 9. Hobbies incude, big game hunting, fishing and very involved in Farm Bureau and the Ag community.

1/29/2008 5:36:32 PM

Ashville, Ohio

Bryan Reeb, 21 yrs old. go to The Ohio State University majoring in plant health managment. work for my father on our family farm raising vegetables and bedding plants. other hobbies fishing, landscaping and playing various sports.

1/29/2008 6:15:25 PM

Iowa

Steve Krug 38, I work at PMX Industries where we make your money,Canadian too. Amy is a great wife and we have three kids Kayla 14,Kassie 13 and my little side kick Karsten 2. I have been growing since 1996.Went to school for Horticulture. Hobbies-fishing,hunting,camping and seeing the sun come up.I grow them (pumpkins) simply for the love of it.

1/29/2008 7:16:25 PM

Ann Arbor, Mi

Bob Wells 40, raised on family owned farm since 1868. Married for 14 yrs, 2 boys 7 and 9 years old. 23 years as union commercial carpenter. I've been growing giants since '97, field pumpkins since '78, grew 12 acres of field pumpkins in '07 which were sold at road side stand. I enjoy wood working, camping with family and NASCAR.

1/29/2008 7:29:10 PM

Denver, CO

Greg Hopson, 37. I stock vending machines. I have a wife Charlene, who works serving luches at the local middle school and who shares the excitment of giant pumpkin growing with me. We have two kids, Morgan 10 and Olivia 2 and a whole damn zoo of pets. We like to golf in our spare time and enjoy raising the kids. So far our personal best is a 477 lbs pumpkin last year.

1/29/2008 7:32:49 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Jim Sherwood, age 46, Sales manager, certified arborist, licensed pesticide applicator, licensed pesticide consultant for a Plant Health Care company in Clackamas, Oregon. I am happily married to my wife Lori for 25 years (also a grower)and have one son, Andrew age 9. I've been growing AG's since 2000 with a personal best 1343 lbs officially. I used to fish,camp,hunt and golf but since AG's these things get done sparingly. I am one of the founders of the PGVG and am also currently the President. (I hope that's more credentials than Tremor!lol)I love to travel and meet fellow growers. It's the best!

1/29/2008 7:53:53 PM

Dorval,Quebec

Mike Strange,52,elementary phys.ed.teacher,coach of a city track and field team,11th year growing.Seemed to have convinced my wife Gail to compete in pumpkins this year.She certainly wins enough baking ribbons at the fair.

1/29/2008 7:56:13 PM

Georgetown, Ontario

John Nieuwenhoff, age 39, Georgetown, Ontario, My wife, Susan and I are owners of a Lawn & Tree Care Company. We have a beautiful daughter 18 months old. First grew a "giant" pumpkin in early 80's after reading a story about Howard Dill. I wrote him a letter asking for a seed (I did'nt have an address, just town and province). He sent me three seeds and I grew a 60 lb whopper! I now finally own a large enough property to grow some giants again. I have an 1173 Companion and a 1388 LaRue for this year.

1/29/2008 8:12:31 PM

Apple Hill. CA.

Scott Stamp, 53, Painting Contractor, Folsom,California. Married for 21 years to "The Laur" with no kids. I love to grow vegetables and my other hobby is collecting casino chips.
I tried for years and years to grow a giant pumpkin in a small suburban backyard in Folsom, Ca. without much success. In 2004 we bought a second/vacation home on 2 1/2 acres 35 miles away in Camino, Ca. aka Apple Hill at the 3000 foot elevation level pretty much to grow giant pumpkins. Had a lot of problems with critters and deer the first few years. I think I have that fixed and with the help of all the growers who share their tips here and my SNGPG promo seeds I am looking forward to my break out year in 2008.
While I am rambling, I would like to thank the owners of BigPumpkins.com for this wonderful site.
Good luck to all this coming season!

1/29/2008 8:34:38 PM

West Chazy,N.Y.

Randy Stromback,49 I live in west chazy ny. Wife,Bonnie and I have been married 25 yrs. 2 boys Kyle 10 and Craig 7.
Worked at Georgia pacific paper mill for 30 years as a
level VI Electrical and Instrument tech. Hobbies are
Deer Hunting,fishing,snowmobiling,scuba diving,water sking,Goose Hunting, and going to car shows,working in the garden and now growing giant pumpkins (with my wife).
OH Ya and I have a black Lab. Named MAX

1/29/2008 8:42:12 PM

New Castle, Pa.

Tim Lockley,age 55, married for thirty years with two grown children. I'm a "Building Trades Instructor", at a Western Pa. facility for incarcerated youth. With over twenty years of teaching the bad boys to pound nails and lay bricks I'm looking forward to retirement. This will be my third year of growing big pumpkins. Personal best 638.

1/29/2008 8:45:55 PM

Porterville, Ca.

i exposed myself in the patch once. all the plants died and i got arrested.

1/29/2008 9:29:37 PM

van isle b.c. canada

craig sandvik 58 pulp and paper mill machinist. hobbies = beach fly fishing for coho salmon and camping. retirement in 1yr 5 mths :o)

1/29/2008 10:51:11 PM

Meadville, PA

Ron Gage...ditto of Brooks B. Age 33, PA State Corrections officer, also member of CERT (corrections emergency response team - Chemical Munitions Specialist). Married 10 yrs to Janyelle - patch assistant, 2 kids Kaity 7, Logan 5. We own numerous critters from cats & dog, to rabbits & cows. This was my first year growing AGs. Was successful at growing a 958# with lots of advice and help from folks on BP. Hoping to avoid the "sophmore slump" this year! Love to bowhunt as well.

1/29/2008 10:57:18 PM

Ohio

Rogo, we need to go to Eddy Z's house and take him out, we need to do a search for that 1068 Wallace he has. Bring the Chemical and rubber bullets.

1/30/2008 3:47:26 AM

Bristol, ME (stunner906@roadrunner.com)

Bill Clark, Age 43, Bristol, Maine. My wife Jen has kept me around for 21 years. We have 3 boys, the younger of which are twins. We have 3 Shar-Pei's. I am a Human Systems Analyst and Simulation Engineer and we build Destroyers for the Navy. I am co-founder, President and webmaster of the Maine Pumpkin Growers Organization. This will be my 6th year growing and my PB is 1266 DMG and 1099 Official. I still find some time to icefish, hunt and am always playing with a computer somehow.

1/30/2008 5:12:31 AM

Berlin,mi.(zuhlke2@hotmail.com)

Steve Zuhlke,age 47,married for 18 years,our son is 11 and our daughter is 14.I am a tooling manager.I do cad cam and run a wire edm machine for a large screw machine company. I design and make the tooling for all of our jobs. I coach our kids in baseball and softball in the summer months along with growing pumpkins.Growing is my only hobby now. My son and I do a little hunting and fishing when we get a chance. 1302 is my pb and still the state record. I am going to try to break it this season. I am the seed distribution person for the MGPG group. It keeps me busy in the winter months.

1/30/2008 6:41:11 AM

Rhode Island

UNKNOWN GROWER HERE, AKA ABBYPAPPY AND PAP

66 YRS YOUNG, MARINE VETERAN, PRANKSTER. LOVE ORGANIZING PUMPKIN EVENTS THAT GIVE BACK TO THE GROWERS, LOVINGLY REFERED TO BY MY SON RON AS " MR. HELPER FRIEND " LOL

NEVER MET A PUMPKIN GROWER I DID NOT LIKE.

1/30/2008 6:54:08 AM

Belmont, NH

Bruce Hooker, 55, married 28 years to a VERY understanding woman, two sons and one daughter. First grandson last year. Drive truck for Roadway Express, Property Manager for the Audubon Society at Prescott Farm, and I have my own business of antigue clock repair. Add to all that growing pumpkins and it makes for a full week. This will be my 6th year growing. PB is 950 lbs grown in 2006. Love to turkey hunt and chase the whitetails around in the fall with the bow, muzzleloader or rifle. I follow Nascar, Red Sox, and of course the Patriots.

1/30/2008 6:57:34 AM

West Bridgewater /Brockton Ma. USA

Bill Gibson : Night Computer Operator , Age 48 , Currently Seperated ,Two Kids , age 10 and 12 . I run a small pumpkin patch to wholesale supply Prizewinners to a local Farm operated on the small 20 acre family Farm in West Bridgewater Ma. Enjoy Fishing , boating , Hunting , and many other interest that I do not have time or enough money to do justice to Major gold in life is to grow that 1000 lb'er that will make the scales at an offical weight-off . Until than Just as happy to be able to talk to the real Pro's like the Wallaces and Current Champ J, Jutras ...PB-434lb Spencer Fair 2007 to take 4th

1/30/2008 7:08:00 AM

United Kingdom

Peter J Bragg. 41, married for almost 9 years with one great son, age 7. Mechanical engineer in the nuclear industry. I grow lots of other veg as well as growing pumpkins, also like to golf (hence the nickname) fish, and follow rugby league. I have also gained professional status on Nintendo Wii tennis !!!
What a proud day that was !!!

PJ

1/30/2008 7:36:42 AM

Dundee Michigan

John Harnica,43, married 20 years with four kids, two boys two girls ages 18 to 13.My youngest has the pumpkin bug as bad as I do.Am a full time farmer and site coordinator for southeast Michigan. I've coached baseball 15 years and just gave up coaching football last year. Love just about all hunting and fishing seasons and outdoor activities.Set state record in long gourds in 2007. Thankful for all friends I've made in this fun hobby.

1/30/2008 8:06:49 AM

Choctaw, OK

Casey Neuville, 25...not married. Graduated from St. Cloud State University in MN with a degree in Meteorology. I am a floor trainer at a fitness center/health club and have a part time staff meteorologist position with the Great Lakes Weather Service that is run out of Central WI. Was the President for the Central WI Pumpkin growers for 3 years. Have been growing since i was 12.....huge adventure guy here...hiking (like 14000 foot mountains in colorado), skiing, hunting, any sports...you name it. Love to be outside at all times if possible. 1,058 in 07 - 1,186 dmg in 05

1/30/2008 8:36:31 AM

Georgia

Great reads and I just realized after seeing everyones occupations Im the poorest pumpkin grower on this site...lol

1/30/2008 8:42:08 AM

Minnesota

I doubt it, I'm pretty poor, imagine my wifes face when I say this little extra money we have should be used on pumpkins.

1/30/2008 8:58:31 AM

North Branch NY 12766

Richard Vogler-65, divorced, 5 children. Own electronics service business, semiretired.Lived all my life in NY, now winter in Tennessee. I have grown AG pumpkins for 20 years,seriously the last 10.PB 1354.5 in 2007. I enjoy gardening, travel(civilwar battlefields), photography and woodworking.

1/30/2008 9:06:34 AM

Talllula, IL

Kyle Winkelmann-27 Farmer (That means I am the poorest) in Tallula IL, close to Springfield. Have been growing pumpkins for several years, but only been growing giants for 3 years
Interesting fact: Illinois is the largest pumpkin producing state in the USA. Thought they are mostly pie pumpkins
Hobbies: fishing, fishing, and fishing

1/30/2008 9:31:42 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Wheres LongBeard? and remind me never to Pi$$ of Brooks.....
CoJoe which general are you the dentist for?

Great folks are listed above......Nice Post Paps.

1/30/2008 10:02:03 AM

Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

And also married to the best husband who will help anyway I need in the patch with the heavy duty work for 15 years. The pressure is on for growing a big pumpkin, ie, more than 500 pounds this year, hubby has raised the bar.

I also work for a company that does Government Contracting for the Department of Labor, specifically for Job Corps. We operate Job Corps Centers across the country. It keeps us busy. Been working for the same boss for 10 years now.

1/30/2008 10:40:39 AM

Hensler North Dakota

Dean Scheetz-44 Hawkins Water group we sell all the chemicals needed for Municipal drinking water and swimming pools. 3 kids 17 and 11 year old twins. We show 4-h/FFa show pigs during the summer. I like to hunt geese and ducks. Founder and current Pres of the Ndgpa group.

1/30/2008 10:50:47 AM

Ontario

Drew Papez 43 Pit Manager(Pit Boss, Poker Room Manager)Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls. Growing 10 years married, two kids 11 and 13. Hobbies camping playing poker, watch out at the poker tournament at seminar lol.

1/30/2008 11:06:51 AM

Warszawa Poland

Artur Konrad,

Im 15 and I go to school in Poland, no brother and sister but my brother will born next week or in 2 weeks ......I think ( lol ) Hobbies: ride on my motorbike, collect models of cars especially Hot Wheels ( I have nice collection ) play football and the most important gardening.

1/30/2008 12:09:30 PM

maine USA

Kathy Truong married almost 20 yrs, 2 children, 4 step children, 7 grand children. I am a Medical Laboratory Technician. I own and operate a small daylily business, where I am creating my own hybrids. I am the Treasurer of the Maine Pumpkin Growers club. I have been growing for 3 years, and my PB is 812 lbs

1/30/2008 12:11:32 PM

Poulsbo, WA

Kris O'Donohue, School Nurse Secretary, Nursing Student, Marathon Runner, Mother to a teenage daughter and Wife to my husband Tom, who works for the Fire Department here in Poulsbo, WA. We enjoy spending alot of our free time gardening, cooking & remodeling our home. This will be my second season growing Atlantic Giants and my first year growing seed with LOTS of potential!

1/30/2008 12:31:09 PM

Ontario

Frank Catapano 48. Dentist( specializing in dental implants)Married to my beatiful wife Pat with 2 wonderful boys 11 and 14. Hobbies beside growing giant pumpkins and tomatoes are, working out,camping,golf,fishing, skiing, reading.
The latter 6, only after hobbies one and two are completed.

1/30/2008 12:45:44 PM

London, Ohio

Dan Kirts 31 paint cars for Honda been there 11 years.
married and have 2 beautiful pumpkin loving daughters age 4 and 7. my youngest ones favorite color is even orange.
hobbies include giant pumpkin growing and thinking about pumpkins around the clock. deer hunting,mushroom hunting, manure hunting, and fishing with my girls.

1/30/2008 1:32:11 PM

Stockbridge, MI

Jeff Clark, 40 yrs. old, I am a journeyman tool and die maker and have worked for the same company for 19 yrs. I have been married to my lovely wife Sue for 19 yrs, we have 2 great children. My son is 18 yrs old and is attending Eastern Michigan University, my daughter is 15 yrs old and a sophomore in High School. I enjoy the outdoors very much and have a lot of hobbies including muscle cars, bowhunting, bowfishing, walleye and salmon fishing. I have been growing AG's since 2000 with a couple of years off in '02 and '03 to build my house. My personal best was in '07 at 1160 lbs. This site has really fueled my obsession of growing these giants. Good luck to all in '08.

1/30/2008 1:33:10 PM

Streator ,Illinois

Gene McMullen , 49 yrs old , factory worker 29 yrs.
husband to Sandy for 29 super yrs.
father of 2 boys , 28 & 26
slave for 2 granddaughters Anna 4 , Charli 2
Master to 2 basset hounds Payton , Annie
Thats my credentials
Hobbies : fishing ( walleye & crappies )
coin collecting (morgan and peace silver dollars)
hunting , golf , stocks and horse racing

1/30/2008 1:53:25 PM

Dan Bowles, 57, self employed landscape designer/installer, father of 2 great adult daughters Leslie and Meghan. 2 years growing AGs, PB of 1290. Current president of the CWPG, hard water fisherman, bow hunter, new hobby of "health care" forced upon me for not paying attention, lol.

1/30/2008 2:23:19 PM

Michigan

Nathan Kampf, 26, Oil Field Mechanic 7 years. I'm also an inventor of small implements for lawn mowers. I've been growing field pumpkins for many years. I raise a few acres of sweet corn and pumpkins to sell at a local farm market every year. Have been growing these giants several years, just got serious about in the last couple. Hobbies include, Hunting, restoring old cars,trucks, creating werd stuff.

1/30/2008 4:26:07 PM

Putnam Ct.

Gene Lariviere, 43 from north eastern connecticut. wife , kids,2 labs ,8 chickens, 4 peacocks, 4 pheasent, I have been growing AG off and on for 7 years. more serious last year,going to give 100 percent 2008,I have my own floorcovering buisness,22 long years! hobbys include ATV,GOLF,FISHING,GARDENING,I also am the coach for my towns junior league baseball team, for the last 7 years.

1/30/2008 6:03:53 PM

Riverton, WY

Ron Hoffman, 51 with 2 stepdaughters 19 & 23, one son age 5, and 3 17/18 grandchildren. (1 more due in 2 weeks lol). I work for the Wyoming Dept of Transportation...mostly construction surveying & related tasks. Not much time for hunting, fishing, skiing, camping etc since giant pumpkins took over, but still get to do some of those "secondary" hobbies once in a while.

1/30/2008 6:56:57 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan (michiganpumpkins@sbcglobal.net)

Frank Edwards.
40 years old. Married 17 years, two boys ages 12 and 10.
I'm a graphic designer by trade. When I'm not in the patch, I'm doing something with my wife and/or kids, something for the Michigan Giant Pumpkin Growers, or maybe kayaking. Most other hobbies, like genealogy, or a childhood obsession with collecting baseball cards, have been surplanted by you know what...

1/30/2008 7:50:51 PM

Hanover,Ontario,Canada

David McCallum,64 and wife Barbara from Hanover, Ontario, Canada. Three children and six grandchildren. I am currently selling New Holland and Kubota farm equipment. I have been growing for 16 years with PB of 989.5 lbs. for pumpkin and 943.5 lbs. for squash. King Grower of 9 Different Giant Vegetables at Port Elgin Pumpkinfest two years. Still in search of my first 1000 pounder. Growers Director for Port Elgin Pumpkinfest and Vice President of the GPC. Winner of local Grey-Bruce Weigh-off several times. Originator of PE Pumpkinfest membership in the GPC. One of the originators of first the Provincial growers Seminar and then the International Growers Seminar of today. Planned and organized the program part of these seminars including the logistics.
Helped encourage new sites to join the GPC. Helped to conduct local hands on growing and composting for elementary grade 5 and grade sixers. Learn something every year about growing plants.

1/30/2008 7:52:41 PM

Hillman, MI

Jeff Kala-33yrs old. Full-time farmer/cattle ranch manager in NE Michigan. I'm just starting to learn how to (try) to grow these beasts. Hobbies: Fly Fishing, aquatic entomology, hunting, and trapping.

1/30/2008 8:03:03 PM

Utah

Gordon Tanner, 45, married to my lovely wife 17 years, 3 children, aerospace/mechanical engineer, been growing pumpkins since I was 5-6 years old, giant pumpkins off and on since the early 1990's (can't remember exactly when), formed the UGPG and am the current president, PB is 963.5 lbs, I like fishing, camping, hiking, going to the theater. In my younger days I also did snow and water skiing, rock climbing, softball, basketball & volleyball, and terrible speller, and never really learned proper sentence structure.

1/30/2008 8:06:29 PM

Colorado

Pete Mohr, 31, this will be my third year growing. Personal best of 640. Married 1+ years to gina, champion herb grower. Future pumpkin grower due the week before the weigh-off this year, LOL. not sure what that's going to look like... will be growing orange this year.

1/31/2008 12:25:01 AM

Riverton, WY

Whoops, I didn't mention my 11 year marriage to Connie. Sorry honey!

1/31/2008 7:06:35 AM

Minerva,ohio

Michelle Verhoff, 36. married for 14 years this June to the most supportive
husband ever, Curtis.
No kids yet, unless you include our cats and a dog.
current job- housewife, past professions- dietary aide,
and floral designer.
growing giants this will be my 3rd year.
personal best 691#, looking to break 700+
my hobbies include - sketching, painting,
interior decorating, tearing my house apart
and trying to put it back together.
and kinda hooked right now on on playing
games on the computer, I know bad habit,
but it's my outlet until spring :)

1/31/2008 9:11:44 AM

Delaware, Ohio

Chriss Cawley...40ish. Bartender at local Eagles #376. Mother of two teenage girls, 13 and 16. This will be my 3rd year growing with 442.5 my personal best. Grow with my patch partner and friend, John Kidwell, 57 He is a CICS Specialist with Huntington Banks. We are going to try to grow a giant watermelon this season along with the pumpkins.
Other hobbies include taking care of my girls and cleaning house, doing laundry and cooking dinner!

1/31/2008 9:53:49 AM

Western Pa.

Jim "kilr" Kilbert
Back in the day I used to post on this site almost daily, life's gotten too complicated since then. I'm 52, married, two girls in college (IUP &PSU),son age 14, working on his Eagle project. I'm a Union steamfitter but work has been slow lately. Last year I was forced to take a job 100 miles away all summer, my wife Terry ended up with a 561# and a 602# pumpkin. I've grown for 10 years now, PB was 809.5#, desperately seeking that elusive 1000# mark, come on Stelts, help me out! Live on 20 acres, grow most of my food, love growing exotic things like cranberries,bamboo, and shitaake mushrooms. Achieved Master Gardener status a few years back. Love hunting,camping fishing, and riding my Harley, if I can find the time. Also am an Assistant Scoutmaster. We'll be leaving tomorrow to sleep in 20 degree snow in tents, wake up at 4:30, hike 1 1/2 mile to gobblers knob, just to see a groundhog! (If only they new about my mass groundhog grave by the patch!) Ain't life grand???

kilr

1/31/2008 10:38:51 AM

Massachusettts

Craig Fitzgerald, Rutland, MA, I'm 8 years away from being 40. I've been a GIS Analyst for the State for 13 years and have been growing AGs for 4, PB = 923(dmg). I most enjoy spending time with my wife Jane and daughter Marnie.

1/31/2008 11:26:20 AM

Maryland

Andy Edger I live in Southern Maryland I am a computer analyst. I am 42 and married with 4 kids I like boating, fishing and gardening. I also have taken up a new hobby I step on squash bug!(I really like it!) I hope to have a pumpkin in triple digits this year.

1/31/2008 3:17:21 PM

Brittnau , Switzerland

Roger Rüegger from Switzerland 38 , i cooking in a Restaurant , Maried since 8 years 2 sons 8 and 5 year old , growing pumpkins since 1 year pb:800 lbs other hobbys ,fishing , gardening , help my brother on his farm

1/31/2008 5:18:36 PM

Kalamazoo, MI (zemmie640@yahoo.com)

Kelly Zemsta, 28, Kalamazoo, Michigan, retail manager, other hobbies include gardening/farming, old tractors, fishing, hunting, and classic cars & trucks. I like to cook and bake, and I also try to find time every weekend for garage sales :)

2/1/2008 12:08:43 PM

Western New York

Mark LaPort, Telecommunications Specialist, split 24 years between AT&T and EDS.
Married for 16 years to Carol, with 2 kids Steph & Jake, 15 & 14. Was born and raised on my Grandfathers beef farm, so being out in the fields or in the garden has always been in my blood. This will be my 11th year growing, and with all the helpful information gained here, I expect much better results this year. Hobbies besides growing BP are hunting, fishing with the kids, four wheeling, restoring old tractors, and the garden. Bills Football, Sabres Hockey, and NASCAR when I can watch, and listen when I’m out working.

2/1/2008 4:47:40 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Ron Rahe, 45, carpenter, 5 year grower, beer brewer, beer drinker

2/1/2008 4:50:06 PM

Marion,IN

Mark Goodman, physical therapist assistant & certified athletic trainer, just finished my second season growing the giants, other hobbies: coin and baseball card collecting and reading the daily comic strip "The Life and Times of Brooks Bosworth" lol!!

2/1/2008 8:51:51 PM

New Hampshire

David Radun, 34, law enforcement, northern new hampshire.
Two years of growing under my belt, pb is 632 lb last year.
Many GREAT people on the site!!!!!!!!!!!

2/1/2008 10:17:45 PM

Southeast Texas

paul fiedler,48,growed up right here in raywood texas started working on rice farms at 13 yrs old,18 started working on drilling rig's did that for 24yrs.now work for schlumberger logging oil and gas well's in texas and louiania and in the gulf of mexaico,married to my wife of 25 yrs sheila,we have one son kody he'24. hobby's are fishing for anything,and hunting for just about anything,but huntin coon's with dog's my favorite,growing my own food is what i like to do and now try to grow these bigo pukins with all the help of these good folk's on bp.

2/1/2008 10:30:00 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

Gary van Den Bergh, Union Electrician 45yo lovely and patient wife Sandy i have 2 "kids" 25 and 21 she has one 18 in college at Mount Holyoke in Mass, love gardening and building, fixing and figuring things out, used to ski, dirt bike, play duplicate bridge, and square dance

2/1/2008 11:10:05 PM

Taylorsville, California

Auston Linford,30..proud father of 2 strong boys and a beautiful girl,7,5 and 3. Rancher, farmer and occasional forestry worker. Married to my gorgeous, wonderful wife Tara for 7 years. Love to hunt, fish, ride quads, golf, and just have fun! My son and wife are both growing this next year also so AGs are becoming a family affair. Thanks to all the wonderful people here on BP, good luck everyone!

2/2/2008 12:23:24 AM

South Harrison , N.J.

Willis Graham (50), Married 20 yrs, 3 sons. I design houses on a computer for our shop to build. I coach Baseball Spring, Summer, and Fall...same as pumpkin season.I grow other Fruits and veggies, but Pumpkins have become an obsession.

2/2/2008 1:26:35 AM

Germany (Bavaria)

Raimund Burghardt (33), married, two kids (girls)13 and 7 years old. I live near munich in germany, two years growing ags.PB 627lbs last year. If there is any time left, I like skiing, fishing and motorcycling. Wish all growers an new pesonal best in 2008. Good luck!

2/2/2008 12:46:09 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Erin Huff (who will only state her age for money) I work with my husband as his insurance and patient billing manager (yes, I do show mercy from time to time). Love growing my pumpkins and gardening as well as script writing for my church's outreach events. In the process of raising a 21 y/o son, a soon to be 20 y/o daughter, a 58 y/o husband and of course 4 y/o Edgar.

2/2/2008 2:07:46 PM

Newmarket, NH USA

Matt Mongeon 44 CNC Machinist married 23 years 2 kids son 19 daughter 17 Newmarket Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Likes Coaching Hoop. Any good High School Basketball or Soccer game. Growing Ag Pumpkins and gardening when time permits. ROLLER COASTERS Cedar Point is the best for that. Goal to finnaly break the 1000 pound mark after 12 years of trying. Maybe this year will be the year. Look how long it took the Red Sox to win the WS. I hope it dont take me that long LOL.

2/2/2008 3:09:45 PM

Portsmouth, RI

Bob Singleton 43 I'm a printing press operator, with the same company for 28 years. My hobbies are gardening, boating, computer repairs and woodworking.

2/2/2008 6:39:52 PM

Washington

Sherry LaRue Married to Jack for 34 years. 4 daughters - twins 30, 28 and 22. I teach 1st and 2nd grade. I also have a special education degree and a Master's degree in Educational Technology. Jack works for the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture as a grain inspector/ supervisor/ scale specialist. We have been growing giants for competition since 1994. Other likes Disneyland (me), traveling and Cruises - had our first on the Caribbean pumpkin cruise, went to Alaska this past summer and are heading to the Mexican Riviera in April!

2/3/2008 4:23:59 PM

Bethlehem CT

John Ciesielski, Married to Christine for 10 years, I have 3 kids ages 5,7,8. I manage a large estate, I am responsible for all of the gardens and all other maintenance on the property. My interests are Horticulture, fishing, basketball. I am a second year grower, I like the big and orange ones!

2/7/2008 10:26:22 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

Glenn Peters married 5 kids, growing since 1988
pb 1011lbs enjoy fishing,snowmobiling and beer.

2/8/2008 9:12:11 AM

Westford, MA

Kevin Kearns, 50 married 25 yrs,"...it seems like only yesterday, and you know what a sh--ty day that was!!"
Rodney Dangerfield. just kidding Anne. 2 boys 14/19.Capt Nemo yellow lab. 2nd year growing AGs 268 Kearns 07.
Have gardened for years, NEVER w/this much chemistry.
Started growing Big Max's 82# (scale)3 years ago, it wiped out my reg.garden.Started separate patch 2yr ago BM 113# (scale).Last year i learned that amendments aren't just to the Constitution.
Hoping to grow a boat this year for Goffstown.QA Inspector Lab equipment manufacturer,coach soccer,Ski Instructor, enjoyed fishing and biking until I started growing Ags and talking to compost piles. AGs haven't cut into my beer time.
Good Luck to everyone in 08.

2/8/2008 2:58:07 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Jordan Rivington, married last Saturday. No kids. 2 cats. 1 dog. Sessional professor of computer science at University of Windsor and full time instructor at ITT Technical Institute in Troy, Michigan. Probably spend at least 3 days a week fishing musky on lake St. Clair too.

Good luck next year.

2/10/2008 2:40:33 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Oh yeah, love mountain biking too. Hey JCarson, I ride a Prophet, cheers to Cannondale.

2/10/2008 2:41:13 PM

Circleville ,OH.

Darryl Crosby, proud father of 6 yr old triplets, only one shares my love of growing pumpkins for now.(2 boys and 1 girl).I've been growing pumkins for 9yrs now. Married for ,oh my 15yrs now and she still puts up with me. Past time after pumpkins consists of all types of hunting, Fishing, large garden and training hunting dogs. I work in a steel mill as a technician for the largest steel manufacture in the world at its Columbus plant,I've worked here for 18yrs now.

2/25/2008 12:42:02 AM

Seattle

I’ve been following this thread with big interest — your pumpkin stories and tips are great. Last fall, I visited a friend’s farm and we took a long drive with Seattle Black Limo to a local giant pumpkin patch. Seeing those huge pumpkins up close got me curious about soil blends and feeding schedules. What soil mix and nutrients do you find work best for building massive growth early in the season? I’d love to hear what’s been most successful for you.

2/10/2026 9:47:00 AM