Club News 11-8-15

FCE Fall 2015 District Meeting

The fall 2015 meeting of the Southeast District of Family, Community and Education was held Oct. 13 at the Brazeau Hall in Brazeau, Missouri. It was hosted by Perry County FCE. The theme of the meeting was "Growing and blooming at 79."

The meeting was called to order by JoAnn Hahs, director of the Southeast District. Lois Fritsche, Perry County, welcomed the 56 members from 11 clubs who were in attendance. After a get-acquainted activity led by Butler County, introductions of guests were made by Hahs. The group was pleased to welcome Edna Crain, new state president of MFCE, and Lynn Maples, president of the National Organization of FCE. Other state officers introduced were June Romine, 2016 state treasurer, Betty Schalk and Mary Klaproth.

The devotions, "The day before tomorrow" and "The present," were presented by Judy Herbst, Cape Girardeau County. Roll call was answered for each county by relating one highlight from their club's activities from spring 2015 to now.

Under new business, discussion of scholarships to the state and national conventions resulted in motions that the competition be opened to include members other than first-timers, with preference given to the first-time convention attendees. Both motions passed.

It was announced that to encourage new clubs being formed, each new club would be given a set of Hearthfires, a set of flags and $100 as an incentive to start up the club.

The morning session on cognitive stimulation therapy was presented by Janice Lundy and Deborah Hayden, CST co-facilitators. They discussed differences between Alzheimer's disease and dementia and gave information about causes, lifestyles and ways to help those afflicted by these diseases.

After lunch was served by the host club, a program on making gardening easier was presented by Katie Kammler, horticulture specialist from the University of Missouri Extension.

Silent auction winners were announced, as were door prizes and the winner of the 50-50 drawing.

2015 Missouri Association for Family and Community Education

The 79th annual conference of the Missouri Association for Family and Community Education was held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach, Missouri. Six members of the Cape Girardeau County FCE were in attendance: Barbara Barks, Oak Ridge Homemakers, current recording secretary and president-elect for 2016; Peggy Barks, Oak Ridge Homemakers, current vice president and recording secretary for 2016; Betty Dellinger, Oak Ridge Homemakers; JoAnn Hahs, Lamplighters club president and Southeast District director; Mary Klaproth, Town and Country, state recording secretary; and Darlene McCain, Town and Country Club president. The theme of the 2015 conference was "FCE Shines at 79." Presiding was the new state president, Edna Crain, Butler County.

The conference was attended by approximately 61 people, with 50 full-time attendees, 11 guests and a one-day attendee. Seven past presidents were in attendance, as well as four first-time attendees.

New state officers were elected for 2016, including vice president Liz Fish, Butler County; secretary Georgia Reid, Butler County; and treasurer June Romine, Butler County.

In other business, it was announced that membership is declining in some areas and current members were encouraged to initiate activities to increase membership.

Programs were presented during the conference, including those on leadership training, violence against women, allergies versus food intolerance, organic gardening, Afghanistan and one on how to protect your online identity from being compromised.

The 80th annual convention date and place has not yet been chosen, but clubs will receive the information as soon as it has been set.