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the fce news

OF MICHIGAN FOR AND ABOUT THE

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION FOR FAMILY & COMMUNITY EDUCATION

OUR MISSION

To strengthen individuals, families and communities through education, leadership, and action.

SUMMER 2019

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

By the time this newsletter reaches you the calendar will tell us summer is here. I just hope by then that

the weather has caught up with the equinox. I hope you all enjoyed your local District Meeting. It was

a wonderful opportunity for me to visit all the District Meetings. What a lot of work everyone puts in! The

time that goes into the planning, making centerpieces and other decorations; preparing favors and

activities; and getting the food together is amazing. The afternoon speakers were informative and

covered a wide range of topics from Literacy, to Camp for the “Handicapable”, to Pollinators, to the

History of Extension and the Homemakers Association/Work Study Program for College Credit, plus

Marijuana and Our Youth. Joyce Weiss, our Vice-President of Education did a very thorough job of

talking about sleep and dreaming. There is always some new knowledge to gain. We are truly a group

of life-long learners!

To continue--a lesson on SLEEP HYGIENE—MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY.

Sleep hygiene is the practices you routinely do before bed and setting up the environment for sleeping.

1. Set up a strong routine—drink tea, read a book for 3 minutes, dress for bed. This signals that you

are winding down for the day.

2. Plan for enough sleep—at least 7 hours.

3. Set up a sleep-inducing space—dark, comfortable temperatures, quiet. You may like white

noise or a fan.

4. Make the bed welcoming—invest in good sheets, pillows and a quality mattress for your health.

5. Keep electronic items outside the bedroom—phones, tablets, laptops, and computers create

bright lights and are stimulating to the brain, making sleep elusive.

6. Keep bedtimes the same during the week and weekends—extra sleep on weekends is not

found to be beneficial in recent research. Consistent sleep periods keep you sharper.

7. See you doctor—if you feel you may have a sleep disorder, he may order a sleep study or

suggest further behaviors that may help.

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SLEEPWALKING

Somnambulism is found in adults and children. It is often caused by underlying conditions like restless

leg syndrome, gastric reflux disease, sleep apnea, or migraine headaches in adults. Most sleepwalkers

are children aged four to eight who most often grow out of this. There is a genetic link to sleepwalking.

If parents walked in their sleep, children have a better chance of doing it. Medications can cause

sleepwalking—like Ambien and its derivatives and some antihistamines. Sleepwalking behaviors

include sitting up in bed, opening and shutting eyes, walking around and performing everyday tasks—

like dressing, cooking, or driving! The National Sleep Foundation says that you can and should wake a

sleepwalker. For children you can most likely redirect them back to bed. Usually sleepwalking does not

take place during a nap as sleep is not deep enough then. Most sleepwalking takes place early in the

night, one to two hours after going to sleep, during NREM deep sleep. To prevent sleepwalking try to

minimize stress, listen to music before bed, read a book, take a warm bath—relax. Sleepwalkers need

to avoid severe exhaustion, stick to a bedtime routine, or avoid coffee and alcohol just before

bedtime. Treating the underlying conditions mentioned above may lessen the frequency of

sleepwalking. If there is a sleepwalker in the house, avoid situations that might cause the person injury—

move furniture, keep cords near walls, lock doors, gate stairs. Some medications for anxiety have been

shown to help sleepwalkers. In some cases, hypnosis has been found to work as well. SLEEP WELL!

Applications for the State Board:

We are voting on President-Elect, Vice-President of Education, and Treasurer this year at the annual

meeting. If you would like to run for these offices, you can find an application on the MAFCE website

or get one from your District Director. You need a letter of support from one of the Board members as

well. Applications can go to our Past-President, Kathy Couchene, as she is the current Nominating

Committee chairperson. Her address is in this newsletter. Due July 1st.

50-Year Membership Certificates:

If you have a member achieving 50-year membership, please let me know the person’s name as soon

as possible—and at the latest July 15th. The certificates come from the national office so I need time to

order them before the convention.

Memorials:

I need to know the names of any of your members who have passed away since the last convention.

In addition, I would like a brief bio and a picture of them. This helps me when I put together our

memorial ceremony for the convention.

Applications for State Scholarships:

These are due July 15th to Audrey Warren at 120 Shimon Court, Marquette, Michigan 49855. We have

not had very many applications in the recent past and this money is available for Convention. Please

apply. Application is on the MAFCE website, www.mafce.org. You must not have received this

scholarship in the past three years to be eligible for it.

Cultural Arts:

Cultural Arts will be needed for our display and judging. Nancy Thomas will determine what

classifications that we have and award ribbons accordingly. Your entries may be dropped off at the

time you register for the convention in the Juniper Room off the lobby of the hotel. Cultural Arts items

will be displayed in the Oak Room N on second floor.

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Heart of FCE Nominations:

Please send your nominations to me by August 1st. The application is also on the MAFCE website. The

winner will be announced at our convention.

CHARACTER COUNTS

Character Counts was a new experience for Otsego County this year. We had four entries from

Michigan fourth graders and judged them in April.

This was the first time that Marquette County entered the contest and we encourage them to send

something again next year. Wouldn’t it be great if all counties could find even one fourth grader who

might be willing to enter our Art and Essay contest? The children receive monetary prizes, so they are

missing out, if we don’t make a good effort. Children who attend public or private schools may

participate.

All the entries were excellent! It was difficult to select just one to be sent on for further competition. The

students who wrote about “Trustworthiness” had wonderful ideas and a good grasp of what it means

to be trustworthy. These are very good lessons in life for everyone to consider. Next year’s topic will be

“Respect” and you can find the packet already on the website at www.nafce.org.

The winners in Michigan were First: Jae Poma of Delta County; Second: Alyssa Hitchingham of Bay

County; Third: Evelyn Gruesbeck of Calhoun County.

Jae Poma’s entry was sent on for consideration at National Character Counts.

Virginia Neumann, Otsego County

Michigan Character Counts Chair

MAFCE Tee-Shirt Sale

Tee-shirts were designed for Michigan FCE members who wish to order them. They were sold at District

Meetings. A mock-up was done by the printer for us so that we could see the design. They are navy

with white lettering. “FCE of Michigan” is written on the left chest and the hearth fire logo on the back.

Available in S-XL, XX and XXX sizes, they are $18.00. We are hoping to make several hundred dollars on

them as a MAFCE fund-raiser. Consider ordering one (or more). Wearing the shirts at events your local

group has, on field trips, or to community activities in which you participate will allow us more exposure

and will get our name out there for others to see/hear. We were able to order 67 shirts in the first order

we made. We could wear them on the tour at convention!

Tee-Shirt orders may be sent to Sheri Drake, 4905 Drake Rd, East Jordan, MI 49727. Make checks out to

MAFCE.

Name_____________________________________County_______________________________

Address________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________________ Quantity__________ Size__________________________

Amount Paid_____________ Cash____ Check number______________ THANK YOU!!!!!

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2019 MAFCE CONVENTION AT TREETOPS IN GAYLORD

HOTEL INFORMATION

TREETOPS RESORT, 3962 Wilkinson Road, Gaylord, is four miles east of Gaylord in a beautiful wooded

setting surrounded by a golf course. We will be there at the peak of color season (hopefully).

DIRECTIONS: Take exit 282 off I75. Go east through town turn left one mile from last Main Street traffic

light onto Wilkinson Road, after 3 miles you will see the sign for Treetops on the left, this your turn.

Drive past Jones Cabin and the Golf Academy buildings and turn right to the Hotel/Lodge. Parking is

free. There are directional signs for Treetops along the way. If you are coming from east, turn right

onto Wilkerson Road just before Otsego Ski Club. If you are traveling Old 27 N or South turn east and

continue to Wilkinson Road.

RATES for a Deluxe Queen or King room is $119.00 plus taxes and fees. The Deluxe rooms are large

with a comfortable seating area, refrigerator, microwave, step-in shower and of course coffee

makers.

DEADLINE for this reduced rate is Tuesday, September 10.

RESERVATION NUMBER for this rate is 855-261-8764 and mention MAFCE

CHECK-IN – 5:00 PM (you may get in earlier if room is ready) CHECK-OUT – Noon

It is hotel policy to charge your card for one nights lodging when you make reservation but you will

get a complete refund if you have to cancel. Must cancel 7 days before stay is to begin.

All our meals and general session activities will be on the second floor. If you want to do less walking,

you may want to ask for a second-floor room closer to the OAK rooms.

Treetops does not include a free breakfast. If you are staying Tuesday night, you will be on your own

for breakfast Wednesday morning. You may choose to bring food or drive into Gaylord (5 minutes).

Convention begins with lunch at 11:45 AM on Wednesday and ends after breakfast on Friday

morning.

The hotel has one wheelchair but if you need to rely on one, you might want to make your own

arrangements.

Bring your swimsuit to take advantage of the unique indoor/outdoor swimming pool, open all year

round.

There is a Spa and Salon on site. The specials for the time we will be there are: $20 off a 50-minute

facial and $20 off an 80-minute massage. You have free time on Tuesday, Wednesday morning or at

end of convention Friday to take advantage of these services. You will have to make an

appointment ahead of time by calling 989-731-8556.

If you might want to stay on for golf after convention, call the resort for special golf packages.

CHOICES FOR THURSDAY DINNER: You will have a choice for your entree for dinner Thursday night.

Pacific Rim Salmon-Baked salmon filet topped with primavera vegetable, finished with light spicy

Asian glaze OR Hunter-Style Pork-Roasted pork loin with a rich mushroom tomato demi glaze. Circle

your choice on your registration form (Note from June Owen, I had the salmon and it was delicious.)

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GAME OF CHANCE: We will again be doing The Game of Chance on Wednesday night. Each

county is asked to bring 2 or more items for prizes. These should be new or home crafted with a value

of $5.00 or more. You may bring slightly used items but they should be clean and in good shape,

something you would want to bring home. The setup crew may decide to combine some like items

to make a more attractive package. “Tee off” in the registration area by buying your tickets for

Game of Chance. Tickets will be same as last year, 3 for $1.00, 18 for $5.00, 40 for $10.00. Tickets will

be available throughout the day and during the event before the drawing begins. Have some “FCE

Fun” and support our great organization.

EARLY REGISTRATION: There will be one chance for early registration on Tuesday, October 8. It will be

at 5:45 to 6:45 PM in hotel lobby area. No drop-offs will be accepted at this time. Registration, ticket

sales, drop off for Game of Chance and Cultural Arts will be Wednesday morning 9:30-11:00.

DON’T FORGET TO BRING TO CONVENTION:

Items for Game of Chance

Items to exhibit for Cultural Arts

Educational Displays

Wrapped gift of $5.00 value for Mystery Game Night plus $2.00 to play

County and District Banner

Swim Suit

Cash for Trade show, Cash Raffle, Game of Chance

Address labels for Game of Chance tickets, will save a lot of writing

TRADE SHOW and DEMONSTRATIONS

The trade show is held to allow members/clubs/counties/districts/alumni the opportunity to sell their

handmade/project items to convention participants. To reserve a space, please complete the

following form and send it and a check ($10.00 for each table desired) payable to MAFCE. Mail to:

Virginia Neumann

1423 Thumm Road

Gaylord MI 49735

***************************************************************************************************************

Your Name__________________________________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

County______________________________________________________________________

Items you will be selling: _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Phil Alexander. Phil had a long career with MSU Extension as an International

Tourism Director and later as Extension Director. He will be speaking on The Otsego County T’s.

PRE-CONVENTION TOUR: Tuesday, October 8. We will meet in the hotel lobby to board the trolley

promptly at 12:30 PM...We will travel about 15 miles to the National Weather Station south of Gaylord

We will have a one hour guided tour of the facility.

We will take a historical tour of Otsego County as we travel back into town. We will be making some

stops for photo opts. We should have some time in downtown Gaylord before boarding the trolley at

3:45 for BJ’s Restaurant. They have a wonderful buffet or you may order from the menu. Dinner cost is

NOT included in cost of tour. We will be back at the hotel by 5:30 PM, in time to check into your rooms

with ample time for Mystery Game Night. There will not be a lot of walking on this tour. You may be

standing at the weather station but there are lots of places to sit in Gaylord if you chose not to shop.

THE TOUR IS LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE. THESE WILL BE DETERMINED BY POST MARK OF RESERVATION FORM.

If you purchased a tee shirt, this would be a great time to wear it.

WORKSHOP DISCRIPTIONS:

A. Dangers of E-cigarettes/Vaping. Everything we need to know about E-cigarettes, are they a safe

alternative to tobacco, is there age limits to protect children, etc. Trooper Cory Hebner will answer

these questions for us.

B. Monarch Magic - Learn about the Monarch Butterfly’s magical life cycle. Threats to the Monarch

are putting it at risk in recent years. Joan Milhoan, FCE member from Southwest District, presents how

she raises these important pollinators in her home.

C. PFAs /Contaminates in our water – What are PFA’s, why should we be concerned, what can we

do? Christiaan Bon, specialist with the DEQ will be answering these questions and more.

D. Hospice 101 – What is Hospice, what benefits do they offer? Kathy Lietaert will explain what you

need to know to make important decisions if you or a loved one may be faced with needing these

services.

E. St Helena Lighthouse - Lighthouse Keeping - A Woman’s Perspective: St. Helena Lighthouse, located

on an island west of the Mackinac Bridge, has a fascinating history. Mary Ann Moore, member of the

Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, lives and works at the lighthouse during the summer,

managing the day-to-day operations that go on there.

F Edible Ornamentals - Enhance your gardens with a variety of plants that are colorful, add texture

and dimension, and are edible to boot. See where to place them to make the most of their natural

beauty. Join Sarah Rautio from MSU Extension, Tawas City, who can tell you all about having your

ornamentals and eating them too!

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STATE CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM – 2019

Treetops Resort, 3962 Wilkinson Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735

Oct. 9-11, 2019 Telephone: 989-732-6711

Complete this form and send Check payable to MAFCE

TO: Faye Lipinski, Treasurer

51 Markel Rd., Munger, MI 48747

Name (please print)______________________________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________________________________________________

City______________________________________Zip Code_____________County___________________________

Phone______________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY, OCT. 10th

Indicate your 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice for each session. Placement is based on first come, first served. If you wish a

confirmation, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with this form.

9:15 – 10:30 am, Workshop #1 10:45 – 12:00 am, Workshop #2

_____ A. Dangers of E-Cigarettes _____ D. Hospice 101

_____ B. Monarch Magic _____ E. St. Helena Lighthouse

_____ C . PFA’s/Contaminants in our water _____ F. Edible Ornamentals

Registration Fees: FCE Member

_____ Early Bird – postmarked by Sept. 4th……………$150

_____ One-Day – postmarked by Sept. 4th………….....$ 80

_____ Regular – postmarked by Sept. 15th…..……..$170

_____ One-day – postmarked by Sept 15th….……..$105

(One day option is for Thursday only and includes morning events, lunch, afternoon workshops, evening meal

and entertainment.)

Registration Fees: Non-Member

_____ Whole Convention – postmarked by Sept. 15th………………….$190

_____ One Day (Thursday, Oct. 4th) postmarked by Sept. 4th …..…..$105

_____ One Day (Thursday, Oct. 4th) postmarked by Sept. 15th……..$125

Pre-Conference Tour (tour sign up deadline Sept. 11th)

_____ Tuesday, Oct 8th – In and around Gaylord………..$ 35.00

Choice for Banquet (Please circle one):

Hunter-style Pork or Pacific Rim Salmon (see description of meals in newsletter)

TOTAL ENCLOSED:_$_______________ (registration fee and/or tour,) ck #__________

Circle all that currently apply: First Time to convention Co. President Alumni Non-FCE Member

50 yr. Member State Board Would like to be a Hostess Guest (title) ___________________

Do you have any food allergies? Yes or No If yes, what items are you allergic to:____________________________

(If you transfer your reservation, please contact Faye Lipinski ASAP. You may cancel your registration for a full refund until Sept. 15tth. After

that deadline, requests for MAFCE refunds due to emergency situations will be considered by the financial committee, after all convention

expenses have been paid.)

Room reservations are made separately by calling the Hotel at 989-732-6711. It’s good to register early! Be sure to mention that you are

attending this convention to get the discounted rate.

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MYSTERY GAME NIGHT!!!

We want to continue in the tradition of a fun evening event after the tour is completed. Once again

we are hosting a "Mystery Game Night". Upon completion of the tour, you will have time to get into

your rooms then hurry down to the lower level by 7:30 pm SHARP for what will surely be a fun

event. The cost is $2 at the door (yes, this event is a convention fundraiser). To participate you MUST

HAVE A $5 GIFT WRAPPED to play. Everyone who plays will also leave with a gift. Let’s make this a

success! See you there.

"ATTENTION ALL SONGBIRDS!!"

The convention will once again enjoy the lovely sounds of our MAFCE choir. Practice will take place

Wednesday from 4:15 – 5:30 pm in the Juniper Room near the hotel lobby. I have 3 songs planned.

Please join me! All are welcome.

EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER at convention will be FCE member, Marion Eagling from Alpena. Her talk titled

“Kenya Missions” will be taking us along on her adventures in Africa.

HOSPITALITY ROOM will be available on Wednesday and Thursday evening following planned

events. It is located on the lower level (The Aspen Room) of the hotel. This is a large room with a pool

table, TV and lots of room for games and fun.

EUCHRE TOURNAMENT! Following Wednesday evening’s festivities, anyone who is interested can meet

us in the hospitality room on the 16th floor for a late-night euchre tournament. The cost is $3 with prizes

to be rewarded. Come on down and try t beat last year’s champ, ME! This will be loads of fun. We

hope to start by 9:30 but no later than 9:45 PM. Joyce will have a sign-up sheet during the day and it

is important for the tournament that you attend if you sign up. Game starts PROMPTLY.

HEARTHFIRE CHALLENGE: The focus for your challenge this year will be on Hearthfire #23 regarding

Skin. If you attended district meeting you learned a little bit about this issue.. As VP for Education, I

am challenging you to bring a single poster board display depicting what your county learned about

diabetes.

BANNERS

For those carrying banners, meet and get in order at Oak Room N at 12:45 on Wednesday. You may

bring your banner at lunch time and leave it in the Oak Room as we will be eating in the adjacent

room.

MESSAGE FROM YOUR TREASURER

I am sorry to say I will not be able to attend the state convention this year as I will be on a long-awaited

trip with my husband that we tried to do last year but vehicle problems cancelled that trip. It has been

a goal of ours to take a trip on Route 66 and we hope to accomplish it this year. If anyone has a

problem about registration, Sharon Rajewski has been good enough to offer her assistance. I will be

home until September 20th but after that please contact Sharon at 989-697-3460 (home) or 989-450-

8853 (cell). I will miss seeing all of you and hope you all have a great time at Treetops in Gaylord.

Sincerely,

Faye Lipinski

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EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS AND GUIDELINES I hope everyone takes the time to enter one or more displays

for convention. How else can we learn what other groups are doing? The displays might encourage

other counties to try your project! You may enter all categories. The Hearthfire challenge is structured

a bit different that the Educational Displays. Below are the guidelines for entering. Be sure to read

carefully. Also included is the registration form to enter 1 or all 5 displays. Be sure to write on the back

of the form or on a separate piece of paper the title of each of the displays you enter. A display may

be entered by an individual, club or county.

GUIDELINES FOR EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS

1. Choose a project from your county or club and assign it one of the following

categories:

A) EDUCATION

B) ACTION

C) LEADERSHIP ***YOU MAY ENTER in each category once.

2. Design your display board on your chosen topic. It should include somewhere

on the board the following:

A) Title of project (EXAMPLE: CHARACTER COUNTS)

B) Type of project (from above three choices)

C) Photographs

D) Any media coverage articles or pictures

E) Goal, description and actions taken

F) Name on the back of the board of the person in charge, club/county

** Display board may be single, double or tri-fold fashion

3. Handout/pamphlets not a requirement but may enhance your display and would be

allotted 5 bonus pts toward your total score.

4. A one-page typed summary (you may use front and back) to include the following

criteria:

A) Title of project

B) Category

C) Club/County submitting the display with name of contact person in

case there are questions by judges

D) Simple description of goal

E) Simple description of steps taken to reach goal

F) Were other groups or agencies involved in the project? If so, who?

G) Results of project (goal reached or not)

H) Approximate number of persons reached and approximate volunteer

Hours involved

JUDGING WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

30 pts - All criteria met on display board

40 pts - All criteria met on summary page

10 pts - Overall neatness

5 pts - Use of color

5 pts - Overall “pleasing to the eye” effect of poster

5 pts - Spelling, punctuation, etc.

5 pts - Addition of handouts/pamphlets

HEARTHFIRE GUIDELINES

A SINGLE POSTER board ONLY may be used for your entry. Judging shall be on the following: Single

Poster Board ( 10 pts); Neatness (15 pts); Use of Color (15 pts);Information Content (20 pts); Proper

Grammar/Spelling (20 pts); Pleasing to the Eye (10 pts); Title and Name of County Submitting (10 pts)

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EDUCATIONAL DISPLAY REGISTRATION FORM

CLUB/COUNTY : ___________________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON -

ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ PHONE : ___________________________

TITLE OF EXHIBIT: _____________________________________________________________________

CIRCLE ONE: EDUCATION LEADERSHIP ACTION HEARTHFIRE CHALLENGE # _____

*Please use this form for Educational display and Hearthfire Challenge displays

** if you are entering more than one display, circle all that apply…ON BACK OF REGISTRATION LIST TITLES OF EACH DISPLAY YOU ARE ENTERING!!!

MAIL TO: JOYCE WEISS

2283 E. N. UNION ROAD

BAY CITY, MI 48706

PROGRAM SHARING - “WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU”

“What’s New with You” is an important part of our state convention. It gives counties and study clubs

an opportunity to share ONE event making a difference in your local area during the past year. Your

presentation should be no longer than 3-5 minutes. If you are willing to share, please fill out the Event

Sharing form below:

**************************************************************************************************************

Event Sharing Form: State Convention 2019 Deadline, September 25, 2019

Name_________________________________________________________________

County/Study Club_______________________________________________________

Address (Contact Person)_________________________________________________

Phone Number__________________________________________________________

Topic You Wish to Share__________________________________________________

Mail or e-mail this form to: Marion Eagling

8731 Dietz Road

Alpena MI 49707-9735

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SOMETHING NEW TO LOOK FOR AT CONVENTION

It will be easier to spot certain people this year at convention. Remember gold cords worn during

graduation by the honor roll students? Well, we are going to borrow the concept this year. Our state

officers will be wearing blue cords; our convention committee will be wearing red cords and our first

timers will be wearing gold cords. So, if you see any of these cords on attendees, stop them and say

hi. And especially talk with our first timers and make them feel welcome.

ALUMNI FUNDRAISER

As president of the FCE Alumni, I wanted to announce the fundraiser we are sponsoring this year at

convention. We have purchased 300 illuminated ink pens both blue and green to sell for $2.00 each.

100 of them say our name “Michigan Association for Family and Community Education” and 200 of

the say “LAUGH, LIVE, LOVE”. They will make wonderful gifts. We encourage you to buy several to

support our alumni. The profit we make goes to sponsor four $50 scholarships which we give away at

convention. Anyone present can win a scholarship, even me! Please, please support our cause.

ALUMNI

The Alumni held their annual Spring Meeting on May 21 & 22 in Owasso. The following picture shows

some of the members attending lunch at Abiding in the Vine Tea Room. Shown starting on the left

are Betty Goldammer, President Sheri Drake, NC District Director June Owen, VP for Education and

Alumni President Joyce Weiss, Alumni Sec/Treasurer Edna Bell, Gloria Crandall, and Julie VonLinsowe.

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VOTING DELEGATES

As your state secretary, I want to remind al the county presidents attending the convention to stop at

the registration table to receive your voting packet. If the county president cannot attend, she can

appoint someone attending the convention to sit in as her county’s voting delegate. I must be

notified in advance of who this voting delegate will be so I can have her/his voting packet ready. If

you have any questions whatsoever, please contact me. My number or email is in this issue.

Mary Lou Wisniewski – State Secretary

From the Vice President for Education

The 2019 District meetings are now behind us. Before I go into information regarding them, I

wanted to tell you what happened before they began. I was involved in an auto accident on April

25th. I was not seriously hurt, but I did injure my right wrist. The ER called it a serious sprain. But six weeks

later I am still having issues with it and I have to see the orthopedic surgeon to make sure there is not a

tear. Never a dull moment! My car went into the shop and I drove a rental to all the meetings. But I

made it to all safe and sound and once I returned, I got my car back all shiny and new.

I would like to take the time to thank all the host counties for providing me with dinners, and a

place to sleep. The program for this year’s meetings was “NIGHT, NIGHT!” – all about sleep and

dreaming. The program seemed to be well received.

I want to share attendance to this years’ meetings. I began at East Central with 24 present, then

drove to Hillsdale county for lasagna potluck and sharing. There were 23 present at South East district.

I left Hillsdale and had a horrendous drive through downtown Detroit right at 5 pm rush hour to arrive

in St. Clair County, where eight members joined me for a lovely dinner. I met a new member who

housed me for the evening, and on Friday the South East district had the largest attendance with 34

present.

The following week I met with our state president and she drove us to Escanaba for the West UP

district where 14 members attended. Then back to Gaylord where I spent the night with an old

neighbor friend and had a great time. In the morning, it was off to Manistee County and the North

Central meeting where 20 members attended. We had a total of 115 paid attendance. Not too bad

for state membership of less than 200.

I want to throw my hat in the ring and say that I will be running again for this position. I feel

education is an important part of us all, and it is a joy for me to be able to share different topics of

interest with you all.

At this time, I also want to encourage your club or county to enter some educational displays

to be judged at convention, it is wonderful thing for members to be able to see what you are doing in

your county. Make the effort to enter. There are 4 categories: EDUCATION, ACTION, LEADERSHIP AND

HEARTHFIRE CHALLENGE ON SKIN. Enter one or all!

Joyce Weiss

V.P. for Education

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Blanche Lodden of Morley, Mecosta County, passed away on April 11, 2019. She was an Extension

member for 60 years. She was 89 and is survived by her husband, three children, six grandchildren

and seven great-grandchildren.

Kathleen Smith of Gratiot County passed away the first week in May. She was a member for over 50

years. She was in her early 90’s and was mother-in-law to Renee Smith.

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DISTRICT NEWS

MANISTEE COUNTY, NORTH CENTRAL

Three members attended the 2018 Convention.

Herring Hill & Dale meets every Wednesday during the summer months to make quilts. These quilts are

given to fire victims and for health reasons.

Herring Hill & Dale hosted the North Central District meeting on May 9th. Twenty members and two

guests attended. Our program was on “Pollination” presented by Emily Cook from “the Envasive

Species” and works as their “Out Reach Specialist”. Our theme for the program was on ”Bee’s”.

In July we raffled a quilt at our “Arcadia Daze Festival”. Proceeds are used for scholarships for students

from Arcadia and this year there were four students. We also give a quilt to each student. Between

Herring Hill & Dale and Arcadia Women’s Club, $500.00 was given to each student.

Our group consists of only 5 members.

Submitted by Mary Ann Lowe

NORTH CENTRAL

On Wed, Dec 28, 2018, 19 members from NCD met at BJ’s in Gaylord for our annual Christmas Party.

We have food, fellowship, games, craft, education and gift exchange; all packed into about 3 hours.

After the 2018 Convention, Manistee County sent handmade quilts to The House of Promise in Lansing.

This is a non-profit involved in rehabilitation of female victims and survivors of sex-trafficking. Shari

Montgomery, organizer and developer of this home and organization was the Educational speaker at

our 2018 convention in Battle Creek.

The Manistee members prepared a delicious luncheon for our District meeting held at the historic Trinity

Lutheran Church. The theme for the day was “Honey Bees”. The bee themed decorations and favors

were educational and also delicious. The speaker for the afternoon was a DEQ educator. She

presented a slide presentation on bee homes and habitant and how we can help. As always when

we go to Manistee County, a side trip to Gwen Frostic’s was on the agenda.

The North Central District will be awarding a $100.00 scholarship to State Convention at Treetops Resort

in Gaylord, October 9-11. If you are a member in the North Central District and need an application,

please contact your county chairman or me. Deadline for application is July 30.

Mark your calendar for the 2019 North Central District Christmas Party, Wednesday, December 4, at

BJ’s Restaurant in Gaylord beginning at 11 AM.

Submitted by June Owen, North Central District Director

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Six members of Calhoun County attended the SW District meeting. Hillsdale County did a great job

planning the program and decorating. The theme was “FCE Is My Cup of Tea.” They had very nice

items in their Game of Chance. One of their members put together planter for decorations/door

prizes. We started the day with a get acquainted game. I won the prize. It was a pretty cup with

pictures of birds on it and contained chocolate candy, a packet of chocolate and a tea bag. I did

not do well on the quizzes that Joyce gave us. Joyce also gave a lesson on sleep and dreams. Joyce

Weiss, our Vice President for programming. She did a lesson on sleep and gave us a quiz. Hearth Fire

Series #23 is what the poster contest is about for our state convention.

In the afternoon we had a teacher, John Coakley, who entertained us with playing his guitar and

singing to us. We also had a speaker, Laurie Brandes, coordinator of Substance Abuse Prevention

Coalition of Hillsdale County who talked about “Marijuana and Its Effects on Our Youth.”

We were supposed to have an election for the SW District Director beginning January 1, 2020. I have

chosen not to run again due to my age and my husband’s health. If no one volunteers, Sheri will try to

find someone to take the position. I have served for six years. If no one is found to take this position,

we will not have a District Director.

It was a fun day. Thanks to our hostesses, Hillsdale County

14

2019 STATE BOARD

PRESIDENT PAST-PRESIDENT

Sheri Drake Kathy Couchene

4905 Drake Road 5240 17th Road

East Jordan MI 49727 Escanaba MI 49829

231-582-3577 906-786-3876

dsdrake527@gmail.com davidcouchene@charter.net

VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION SECRETARY

Joyce Weiss Mary Lou Wisniewski

2283 E North Union 7187 N Portsmouth Rd

Bay City MI 48706 Saginaw MI 48601

989-415-0533 989-893-2086

Juicem2000@hotmail.com cherry_bmj@hotmail.com

TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP CHAIR WEST U.P. DISTRICT DIRECTOR

Faye Lipinski Judith Gereau

51 E Markel Rd 4735 18th Road

Munger MI 48747 Escanaba MI 49829-9552

johnlipi@tds.net gereaujudith@yahoo.com

NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT

June Owen Lorraine Rice

617 W Stewart 3799 State St Road, Apt #105

Gaylord MI 49735 Bay City MI 48706

989-619-2764 989-686-1616

wjowen@voyager.net

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Kristine Mueller Arlona McCallum

2072 Kendra Street 18440 29½ Mile Rd

Lapeer MI 48446 Springport MI 49284

810-356-5497 517-857-2531

worshoperkmm@charter.net arlona@springcom.com

EDITOR & APPOINTED WEBMASTER APPOINTED HISTORIAN-GRATIOT

Sharon Rajewski %Renee Smith

730 S Huron Road 345 S Olson

Linwood MI 48634 Sumner MI 48889

989-450-8853

serajewski@charter.net

www.MAFCE.org REMINDER: If you are

interested in running

for a Board position, contact the

nominating committee for details.

15

REMINDER: If you are interested in being appointed for a state committee chair,

Contact your State President. She would love to hear from you.

2019 STATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS

BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIR CHARACTER COUNTS CHAIR

Faye Lipinski Virginia Neumann

51 E Markel Road 1423 Thumm Road

Munger MI 48747 Gaylord MI 49735

989-659-2567 989-705-1963

CULTURAL ARTS COMM CHAIR EDUCATION COMM CHAIR

Nancy Thomas Joyce Weiss

3100 N Morse Rd 2283 E North Union

Fountain MI 49410 Bay City MI 48706

231-462-3146 989-415-0533

Juicem2000@hotmail.com

INTERNATIONAL COMM CHAIR - UP INTERNATIONAL CHAIR-LOWER MI

Paula Badder Marie Haas

4066 S Ranger Road 72 Edgewood Drive

Brimley MI 49715 Lapeer MI 48446

906-437-5374 810-728-1187

pebadder@jamadots.com haasfull@yahoo.com

NOMINATIONS COMM CHAIR SCHOLARSHIP COMM CHAIR

Kathy Couchene Audrey Warren

5240 17th Road 120 Shimon Court

Escanaba MI 49829 Marquette MI 49855

906-786-3876 906-249-3083

davidcouchene@charter.net audreywarren@juno.com

NATIONAL FCE HEADQUARTERS

Suite 106

73 Cavalier Blvd.

Florence KY 41042

859-525-6401

FAX 859-525-6496

Email nafcehq@fuse.net

Website www.nafce.org

16

Michigan Association NON-PROFIT ORG

For Family and Community Education US POSTAGE

Non-Profit Organization PAID

51 E Markel Road WAM

Munger MI 48747

2019 DATES TO REMEMBER June 1 - FCE newsletter deadline

Selling of Raffle Tickets

July 1 - Application for State Board due to President

July 15 - State Scholarship applications due to Audrey Warren

July 15 - 50 Year Member names due to President

July 18-22 - NAFCE Convention - St Louis, MO

July 31 - Raffle ticket deadline to State Treasurer

Oct 8 - Convention Tour, Gaylord

Oct 9-11 - 2019 MAFCE Convention at Treetops in Gaylord

Nov 1 - Fall FCE Newsletter deadline

Dec 1 - 2020 Membership due State Treasurer

County Newsletter rotation for reports: Feb 1 – deadline for Southwest and East Central Districts June 1 – deadline for North Central and West U.P. Districts Nov 1 – deadline for Southeast District