TEEA conference rated as superb

Linda Kegerreis with her “Vintage Valentine” quilt. Contributed photo Superb! That is the word to describe the 2009 Texas Extension Education Association (TEEA) State Conference held September 15-17, 2009 in San Angelo, TX. Leon County had eight members from their five clubs represented at this event: Barbara Hankins and Leslie Maciel from Buffalo EE Club, Mamie Bell, Donna Ellis, Linda Kegerreis and Michaelene Perry from Jewett EE Club, Lynn Birran from Leona Centerville EE Club, and Nyanza Price from Oakwood EE Club.

A big congratulations goes out to Linda Kegerreis of Jewett EE and Barbara Rodgers of Buffalo EE for winning 1st place ribbons in the state competition of Cultural Arts. Linda made a beautiful quilt entitled “Vintage Valentine.” Her quilt was in competition with 8 other quilts in Category 18 for this 1st place prize and many of the attendees of the State Conference remarked on the exquisite sewing done by Linda. Barbara compiled a wonderful scrapbook from her extended trip to Alaska. She had 4 other competitors in her category, and hands down with the work she put into that scrapbook, it truly deserved 1st place. We have such great talent in many areas here in Leon County!!

The three-day conference was packed with business, education, fun and food. Members were able to attend two of the three programs and were they ever good! In our economic slowdown we all could use tips on ways to make gifts stretching our dollars yet giving quality gifts, cook smarter with herbs, and have time to read to/with someone.

Much business was accomplished during the conference with election of officer and changing of By-Laws. Phyllis McMakin was voted for President-Elect, Cathy Hansik for 1st Vice President for Leadership and Sheila McCormick for Treasurer. Four hundred and eight-two members, delegates, board members, past presidents, guests and Texas Extension personnel attended this year’s conference.

Leon County Association won two awards this year: Outstanding County for Education Programs presented to club members and the community, and EE Clubs with the most new members. Our goal this year is to add more education programs for community and to recruit more members to this worthwhile organization.

TEEA along with the 4-H Foundation help provide scholarships for the youth of the future. It is the work and fund raising of all TEEA members across the state of Texas that makes this happen. This year the total number of volunteer hours was 673,591. The total dollars awarded in 4-H and other scholarships was $60,048. That makes the total hours/ donations/scholarships totals of $13,407,640.19. This is an amazing gift from the grassroots members all around Texas.

We want more members in our local clubs so we can continue the good work we do for the family and community here. Please consider joining our organization. We learn important information on health, reducing stress, creating art in its many facets and provide a good future for the next generation. Come join us! You may contact the Chamber of Commerce in Buffalo, Jewett, Leona/Centerville, Oakwood or Normangee for the club near you. We hope to see you. And next year’s State Conference will be held in Wichita Falls, so be ready to “boot-scoot” your way up there next September.