The Area IV South Dakota CFEL/Beadle County Spring Council meeting was held April 12 at the Huron Area Senior Center following the theme, Hop to It.
Members who plan to attend the state convention in September registered for the drawing for the $50 scholarship. Table favors were donated by Tootie Stahl (crocheted crosses) and Julie Boomsma (Easter Bunny Bait snack bags). Centerpieces were coleus plants donated by Theresa Horn.
Diana Barton, Beadle County CFEL president, greeted the group. Dianne Perry, Area IV president, introduced guests Lynette Culver, South Dakota CFEL state president, and Edith Harmon, Area II director. She also introduced Alison Dennis, Area IV director; Deanne Ness, State Marketing/Membership Coordinator and also Beadle County treasurer; Lynette Spanbauer, Area IV secretary; Diana Barton, Beadle County president; Julie Boomsma, Beadle County secretary, and the club presidents. Maggie Cameron, Beadle County vice-president, was not able to attend.
President Dianne Perry called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance, South Dakota State Pledge, and CFEL Creed and Mission Statement were recited. The Star-Spangled Banner and That is Why We Are Here were led by Julie Boomsma and Dianne Perry.
Alison Dennis mentioned that the Issues Reports are in the program for members to read.
Lynette Culver presented the state presidents report. She said that the state CFEL membership has continued to decline. The state had 240 members in 2024; this declined to 191 members in 2025, which also results in a decrease in dues paid. The state board is trying to reduce expenses and also raise more money. The state newsletter, Rays of Sunshine can be received by e-mail. The deadlines to submit news items for Rays of Sunshine are May 1 and Oct. 1.
Lynette Culver told about plans for the 2025 state convention, which will be held Sept. 19-20 in Spearfish. She displayed a beautiful quilt that is being raffled off by Area II to raise money to help pay the expense of renting the convention center for the convention. The queen size quilt features bees, in keeping with the theme of the state convention, Bee Yourself.
The price of the tickets is $5 each or 5 for $20. One of the issues presented at the convention will be Save the Bees with Bob Reiner telling about the value of bees and the problems with them dying off. Another issue will be South Dakota History.
Barb Uhrig will demonstrate some heritage crafts, including felt art and spinning. Entertainment at the banquet will be Wanda Blair, giving a humorous presentation about farm life. Each county should provide two door prizes for the convention. The used book sale will continue, but donations are limited to one box of books per member.
Suicide and mental health
The issues topic of Suicide was presented by a speaker from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She stated that no one is immune to suicide; everyone is affected by it families, churches, communities. There is a stigma about suicide; and we can help by how we talk about it be kind and compassionate!
In South Dakota in 2022 there were 192 deaths by suicide; suicide was the 10th leading cause of death. There are 25 reported suicide attempts for every death. South Dakota ranks eighth in the number of suicides per capita. Most people who commit suicide have a mental health condition (depression, bi-polar, PTSD), but most people with mental health conditions do NOT commit suicide.
Mental health care is an important ingredient to preventing suicide. There are not enough mental health providers in South Dakota, so mental health care is not readily available in rural areas.
Some things that can help prevent suicide are proper use of medication for mental health conditions, good health habits including proper nutrition, exercise, and enough (but not too much) sleep, carbon monoxide detectors, pills that need to be popped out (giving a person more time to think), and securing firearms and ammunition. Call 911 or 988 if you or someone you know is thinking of suicide. Several pamphlets about suicide prevention were given out.
Membership
Alison Dennis conducted membership recognition. Members recognized for years of membership were:
Opal Houck and Cheryl Moody 35 years
Dianne Perry and Tootie Stahl 50 years
Theresa Horn 55 years
Ellen Halter 60 years
60th anniversary
The Country Neighbors Club was begun 60 years ago by Ellen Halter and Sue Gose. They told about the early years of the club. At one time it became so large that they considered dividing into two clubs, but decided to continue as one club. The club had a display of their scrapbooks and several quilts they had made over the years.
A memorial service was led by Alison Dennis. A candle was lit in memory of Laura Smidt, long-time member of BCNU club. Laura was the Beadle County treasurer for many years.
Dianne Perry and Julie Boomsma led the group in singing some Easter songs. Theresa Horn led the group in dancing the Bunny Hop.
Deanne Ness reported Lynette Spanbauer is the winner of the $50 scholarship to the state convention. Alternate is Diana Barton.
Deanne Ness reported that the meeting was attended by 17 members and two guests. There were six members from the Country Neighbors club, three members from the BCNU club, six members from the Busy Fingers club, and two members-at-large. Lynette Culver and Edith Harmon were the guests.
Cultural Arts Report was given by Diana Barton. There were 100 entries, with 11 members exhibiting. The Peoples Choice Award was given to Alison Dennis for a knitted coat.
Theresa Horn distributed door prizes, which were the table centerpieces and items donated by the county and area officers.
A 60th Anniversary cake was served by the Country Neighbors club.
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