The South Dakota Community and Family Extension Leaders, SDCFEL, met for their state convention in Spearfish on September 19-20. Bee Yourself was the theme of the convention hosted by Area I and Area II. Registration began at 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning along with members entering their cultural arts exhibits, silent auction items, and books, movies and puzzles for the book sale.
Opening ceremonies started with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the pledge of allegiance, SD state flag pledge, singing of Hail South Dakota, Homemakers Creed, Mission Statement and SDCFEL State Song.
State President Lynette Culver called the meeting to order. Greetings and introductions were made and standing rules were read. Roll call was taken, minutes of the 2024 convention were read, and treasures report were given. Standing committee reports were given. Deanne Ness, Marketing/Membership Coordinator reported there were 191 members in the state.
Bob Reiners, SD Dept. of Agricultural and Natural Resources gave an issues workshop on Save the Bees.
Members could take craft classes of a playing card holder made out of CDs, a magnetic friendship heart and a bee pen.
Wanda Blair, Ranch Life Humor was the entertainment for the Friday evening banquet.
Saturday morning, the meeting reconvened with roll call taken, a memorial service of those passed on before us, and elections of officers. Vice-President/Program Coordinator was Darlene Meyer; Historian, Dawn Johnson; Area III Director Kate Hoisington; Area V Director, Kathy Wolf.
President Lynette Culver asked for old business and new business. Discussion was held on whether to invest some of the monies into a CD to receive some interest. Collections were made to Susan Wilder Scholarship and Leadership.
Professor Emeritus David Wolff, BHSU gave an issue workshop and showed slides on SD history, The Gold Rush.
The awards luncheon was held Saturday at noon. Awards were given to 50-60-70 year members, (Ellen Halter from Huron was given a 60 year membership award, Dianne Perry and Tootie Stahl from Huron were give 50 year awards), the oldest club, (Beadle County Country Neighbors was honored for 60 years), Spirit of CFEL went to Darlene Meyer, and Presidents Award was given to Edith Harmon. Certificates were handed out to members for Public Issues award, (Area Directors report on what their counties have done the past year), Volunteer Hours (members have to log 50 hours to qualify), and Reading awards.
Area directors from Area 6 and Area 7 gave the invitation to the 2026 State Convention to be held in Mitchell, September 18-19. The theme for the convention will be Oh, The Things You Will Learn in CFEL!
The convention finished up with the registration committee giving a total of 44 attending the meeting. The Cultural Arts Committee gave the Peoples Choice award. The silent auction, book sale, and raffle committees gave their monetary amounts. Alison Brunner was the winner of the quilt raffle.
President Lynette Culver adjourned the convention.
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