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Bethlehem CT

I can't believe I hadn't seen this before. I happened to come across this on the internet. My Good Pumpkin growing buddy Brooks worked as a correctional officer for his occupation. He sadly passed away far to young at age 54, but his memory lives on in an unlikely place... Prison. Check this out
https://wtov9.com/news/local/belmont-correctional-institution-to-make-history-with-giant-pumpkin-entry-at-barnesville-festival

7/10/2024 8:07:08 AM

Bethlehem CT

What a great way to get people interested in something positive and agricultural. Although the prisoners are probably not pruning pop up tertiaries with knives! LOL.

7/10/2024 8:12:39 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Very cool, Brooks was a good dude. I was wondering the correlation and didn't know he was an officer there.

John, do you remember the typo Brooks made on here probably 10 years ago? He meant to say he just got back from a 16 hour "shift". It snowballed from there and he had fun with it. He liked to talk Smallmouth too.

7/10/2024 8:37:07 AM

Nova Scotia

Thanks so much for sharing such a nice story. I had no idea and it's always amazing to see how the ATLANTIC GIANT has touched so many lives over the years. We corresponded with Brooks for many years back in the day. His mail always stood out.

7/10/2024 11:02:47 AM

Bethlehem CT

Luke I do remember that post. In fact it was the second most funny response I have ever read on here. You have my first place vote, with a response you made on the melon growers forum. I wonder if you remember it? I won't bring up the link, because I am sure there are those who are still trying to forget about it. LOL. Your response was just what the doctor ordered, it reminded me of the type of thing I used to say when I would come across my kids arguing about the dumbest thing ever.

7/10/2024 1:08:15 PM

Bethlehem CT

Danny I agree you would feel like you knew Brooks for years, just from exchanging emails.

7/10/2024 1:08:52 PM

Putnam Ct.

Great Guy, I still remember his seed pack was ti dye or something like that? I think it was 1402 ? Big for back then.
Thanks for sharing, John.

7/10/2024 3:41:00 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I miss that guy. Funny stuff Luke, good memories.

7/10/2024 7:35:03 PM

Colorado

I remember meeting him at Niagara.I think eddie z gave him a 1068 wallace seed-could of been Ron.They dropped the seed envelope in front of him onto the floor and yanked it away when he reached for it. Had a piece of sowing thread attached.Very likeable person.

7/10/2024 9:39:38 PM

Grittyville, WA

They did something like that at the military detention center (I forget the name, but its its own justice system). They would bring a pumpkin to the fair. That kind of discipline... would cause me to want to get into trouble!

7/11/2024 4:10:48 PM

Grittyville, WA

https://www.army.mil/article/228878/giant_pumpkins_from_jblm_put_scare_in_competition

7/11/2024 4:19:38 PM

Jericho Vermont

Brooks was a great guy with a big personality. Friend of all!

7/11/2024 5:21:35 PM