Extension members attend state event

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ABERDEEN — The South Dakota Community and Family Extensions Leaders (SDCFEL) held its 89th State meeting in Aberdeen on Sept. 22-23, with 93 members attending opening ceremonies. “All Aboard for CFEL” was the theme for the convention.
Adviser Karla Trautman, SDSU, reported on the After School Gardening Program that the SDCFEL donates to. Vicki Holley lead the group in Strengthening and Laugh Yoga.
Joni Larson, a licensed professional mental health counselor, gave an issues workshop on “Anxiety and Depression.”
Some members participated in making a bottle cap flower.
Members brought items for a silent auction that everyone could bid on. Members brought 203 cultural arts items that were entered in their county and area meetings. These items were judged. Books were also brought and sold at the convention.
The Sunshine Singers, a group of 20 women, performed for the group. They sang many songs, and have been entertaining for many years.

A memorial service was held honoring members that passed away this year and previously.  Election of officers was held.
Entertainment was provided by Pat Daschle, a chalk artist, who drew a picture honoring the troops, using special lighting to give a beautiful effect.
The Pheasant Canteen was a presentation and movie talking about the home of the WWII troops who would stop at the railroad station in Aberdeen where they were fed a meal.
Numerous awards were given, including the oldest CFEL club, and recognizing 50-, 60- and 70-year members. The Presidents award was given to State Treasure Julie Moes. Also presented were public issues award, certified volunteer award and reading awards.
Another Issues Workshop, “From Farm to Table,” was presented by Kari O’Neill, SDSU Community Vitality Field Specialist. She spoke about the numerous Farmers Markets in the state.
Entertainment for the afternoon was “Magic Joe,” a magician from Aberdeen. He performed numerous magic tricks that the ladies tried to figure out. Everyone enjoyed his presentation.
Area IV, which includes Beadle and Jerauld Counties, gave the invitation to the 2018 SDCFEL Convention that will be held in Huron in September 2018, hosted by Area IV.
Some members enjoyed making  a burlap pumpkin.
The Saturday evening banquet finished out the convention. Results were given from the cultural arts, silent auction, book sale, raffle and registration. Members from the local 4-H group gave various speech presentations, slide presentations and vocal entertainment.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Beadle County Extension members who attended the State Convention in Aberdeen are, from left, Rose Husted, Deanne Ness, Leann Blasdel, Tootie Stahl, Dianne Perry, Ellen Halter, Diana Barton and Alison Dennis.