Leon County EEA spring activities

Lt. to Rt.—Front Row: Donna Ellis, Jerri Bottoms, Ethyl Horn, and Michaelene Perry; Back Row: Judy Thomason, Sandra Botard, Geraldine Ivy, Peggy Bloomer, Shelley Moen, Beth Jones, Mamie Bell, Kitty Sorenson, Barbara Hankins, Lynn Drake, Lynn Birran, Linda Kegerreis, Leslie Maciel, Mary Greer and Joan Bing. Conributed photo Leon County Extension Education Association (EEA) has really been busy the past two months. First, they hosted their annual Cultural Arts competition on March 23, 2010. Decorations for the event were made by Oakwood EE club. They had spring and Easter in mind with the tables draped with lavender, pink and yellow tablecloths. Handmade centerpieces of white branches and artificial flowers in painted flower pots were on the luncheon tables. Scattered along these tables were chocolate eggs which gave the Easter look to the table arrangement.

Many members presented arts and craft items in 20 different categories to earn ribbon awards and a chance to compete at the District and State levels. All first and second place ribbons advance to District 8 competition. The member with the most entries winning one first place goes to J.P. Borah from Normangee. She had five first place entries. Wow, what talent we have in Leon County!

On April 15, 2010 when most people were struggling to get their tax returns done, twenty Leon County club members took a fun trip to Georgetown, TX for the annual District 8 EEA Spring Conference. It was held in the fellowship hall of Christ Lutheran Church. The facilities were outstanding.

Millie Barrow, District 8 Director, opened our meeting with the posting of the colors by Leander High School ROTC, led by Bill Jones, Master Sgt. U.S. Army-Retired. The invocation was given by Rev. Dan Wooldridge and the welcome by Ron Morrison, Williamson County Commissioner. There were 144 members, guests and Extension agents present from 13 or the 17 counties in District 8. Marsha Bruhm presented entertainment with her beautiful singing.

Una Kunkel, TEEA State President, spoke about the positive work all District 8 clubs do in the community. In 2008-2009 our district provided more than 37,700 volunteer hours and activities. Speaker, Dr. Toby Lepley, 4-H & Youth Development Specialist, gave a summary of the involvement of 4-H in our district, stating that 620,000 kids are reached per year in part to the Texas Extension Education activities.

Also, during this meeting three $1000.00 scholarships were awarded to 4-H High School students: Jessie Felps of Williamson County, Katlin Smith of Erath County, and Jason Burn of Johnson County. Congratulation to all three winners and good luck with your college endeavors.

Cultural Arts competition was completed with winners announce in the afternoon. Leon County was well represented by 5 first place ribbons: J.P. Borah, Ethyl Horn, Geraldine Ivy (who won 2 ribbons) and Jan Poston. All will advance to the State competition in September. Congratulation goes to Ethyl Horn of Jewett EE for winning “Best of Show” for her handmade and hand painted China Tea set.

Leon County also won the Traveling Plaque for having the most new members again this year.

The meeting ended with the Silent Auction which raises funds for the 4-H Scholarships. This State and District 8 project, along with local and county events, provides more than $75,000 worth of high school scholarships each year.

Hopefully, we will have even more club members in Leon County this next year. If interested in more information call the Leon County AgriLife Extension Office in Centerville, TX.