The South Dakota Community, Family and Extension Leaders state convention was held Sept. 22-23 in Aberdeen, with 66 members from across the state attending. 

“CFEL Gives a Hoot!”  was the theme for their convention.

State President, Lynette Culver, called the meeting to order. She recognized any past presidents in attendance. Beth Hulm, State Secretary, read the minutes of the 2022 State convention. Mary Froning, State Treasure, presented the proposed financial report, which was later accepted.  State officers gave their standing committee reports. 

The state had an increase of five members from last year. It was also reported that there was an increase in members checking out the Facebook page for CFEL. 

SDSU adviser Karla Trautman welcomed the members and gave a report from the state office in Brookings. Becca Tullar, SDSU Extension 4-H Your Program adviser, also gave a report.   

Tiffany Hoeft, speech-language pathologist, gave a presentation on “Minds Matter,” one of the Issues for 2024. She encouraged everyone to do some exercises such as Suduko, Word Search, Crosswords, and other games to keep their minds active.

A Chef talked about his travels all over the world to use his profession. He provided a fruit tart for one of the breaks.

Some of the members attended a craft class, where they made a little flower, using flower petals and a tea light.

A Memorial Service was held to honor those members who have passed on. There were four state officers up for election, and all of those members will hold the same office next year.   

State President appointed a committee of Deanne Ness, Skip Meisenheimer, and Ellyn Eddy to revise the Cultural Arts form. The committee met, and proposed some additions and changes.

The proposed suggestions were accepted by the members and will be in effect next year.   

Members donated to the Susan Wilder Scholarship, where a student is chosen to help further their education. Leadership collections were also taken, and that money goes to help pay speakers, and to support the State Board of Officers.

A 4-H Ambassador for South Dakota, Oliver Moeckly, spoke on social media, and answered any questions that  members had about Internet, Tic Toc, Facebook, FaceTime, or cell phones.
Merriam Mellick, 93, gave a workshop on another issue for 2024, “Aging Gracefully.” She explained what she ate, that she leads a yoga group twice a day, does numerous mind games, takes naps, has social contacts, laughs, has a purpose in life, is true to herself and others, and has Faith in God.

These are a few things she does that has allowed her to reach the young age of 93. Many had questions for her, too.

Numerous awards were given to members during the luncheon.

Awards for 50-, 60- and 70-years of membership were given, as well as the oldest club award, Spirit of CFEL, Public Issues awards, volunteer and reading awards and Presidents award. Officers were also installed.

Beadle County, Area IV, gave the invitation to the 2024 State Convention to be held Sept.  21-22, 2024 in Huron at the Crossroads Event Center.  “Christmas in September” will be the theme for the event.

The Cultural Arts committee gave the results of the exhibits, with 107 Blue ribbons, and 29 Red ribbons. The Silent Auction brought in $561,  the book sale, $261.30, and the raffle brought $309. These funds will go to the state organization to help with expenses and future meetings.