Women attend HCE conference
By Panzi Blackwell
Representing Fayette County HCE (District 6), Flo Allen, Panzi Blackwell, Anna Jean Rhodes and Debbie Segrest attended the three-day 89th annual conference of the Illinois Association for Home and Community Education at the Keller Convention in Effingham on March 12-14. Blackwell and Segrest were also voting delegates. Also representing Fayette County for part of the conference were Debbie Swain, Phyllis Pryor and Elizabeth Kasten.
A packet containing conference information, needed ticket/coupons, delegate and first-timer ribbons and gifts were given at the registration table.
Following the theme “The Many Hats of IAHCE,” many wore hats designed to represent the office, jobs, volunteering, etc., in which the person is involved, which provided a lot of fun and interest during the conference, along with the many attractive, clever and well-crafted county banners displayed along the hall.
The opening ceremony was held Tuesday morning, March 12, followed by lunch. A welcome was given by the mayor of Effingham.
This occasion kicked off three days of informational classes; meals, with special attention for those on restricted diets; a silent auction, a Best of Show competition and many various displays by vendors (a great opportunity for gifts of all descriptions).
Among other activities and presentations were: a business meeting Wednesday morning, at which time delegates Blackwell and Segrest voted on raising the dues from $3 to $5.
Following intelligent discussion on pros and cons, the motion passed to raise the dues to $5.
The conference included: a speaker, Norm Bauer, on the Foreign Youth Exchange Program; a slide show on agriculture in other countries, including Turkey; an evening awards banquet; and the Elsie Mies Banquet, during which IAHCE officers were installed.
A highlight of the Elsie Mies night was the appearance of Barbra Fairchild, whose warmth and sincerity touched the whole banquet room as she introduced her “Teddy Bearchild” teddy bear and the accompanying book that she wrote to help raise funds for children with autism. An added bonus was her rendition of her popular 1972 recording of “The Teddybear Song” as she walked amid the tables.
Another entertainment highlight was the dynamic and nostalgic performance of Scott Wattles as he sang many of Elvis Presley’s songs, often focusing on special HCE ladies in the room. He also talked of his late mother, his wife and Elvis, and charmed the room of ladies. His presentation of the songs was beautifully and tastefully done.
The many, various share classes offered were informational and interesting, and it woud have been even better if more time was allowed to attend more of them. Some comments were heard praising “Laughter Works,” Cherokee Indians,” “Quilts of Valor,” Flesor’s Candy Kitchen,” both “Fresh and Silk Flower Arranging” classes, “Barn Quilts Heritage Trail” and “Pork, the Other White Meat.”
The Sefton Unit participated with two entries in the Best of Show competition. Shirley Klitzing entered a quilt and Panzi Blackwell a book of poems.
District meetings were held Wednesday morning. Marilyn Schaefer , director of District 6, conducted an interesting and informational meeting , during which there was a good rapport and communication among the members.
Elvis impersonator Scott Wattles is shown with Debbie Segrest of the Vandalia Day Unit of HCE.
Shown with the Fayette County HCE banner at the HCE conference, from left to right, are Panzi Blackwell, Debbie Segrest, Debbie Swain, Phyllis Pryor, Flo Allen, Elizabeth Kasten and Anna Jean Rhodes.
Shirley Klitzing displays the Fayette County HCE quilt entry at the HCE conference.