Minnesota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference in review...It was a good one!



We got to assemble an arrangement at the floral wholesaler Koehler and Dramm

We toured Caldrea and Mrs. Meyer's

Although I have retired I chose to attend the Minnesota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences conference.

It was great seeing so many familiar faces and those faces have become my friends over the years.

I went to the pre-conference tour and had a lovely time despite the snow storm and the stress of driving across town in that storm. 

I want to list some of the speakers, especially those they stayed in my mind.   Dr. Verna C Price, a very positive motivational speaker, from the Power of People Consulting Group.   She has published some great, simple books, that inspire young people to take care of themselves first to create success in their lives.

Susan Turgeson from Wisconsin spoke on incorporating STEM into FACS programs.

Susan J. Crockett spoke on food issues and trends in society.

My own former student teacher is now a wardrobe consultant (A LA Mode) and did an educational session on getting the most from your closet. Carly Gatzlaff.

Ashley Davis (also part of the planning team) did two wonderful technical sessions for the classroom.

Dr. Jill Conlon was so interesting, she spoke on current textile trends and incorporating this knowledge in your classroom.

Trudy Landgren and Anu Pasricha both discussed textile work that they are doing with their students at St. Catherines in St. Paul.

Karen Smith and Alyssa Ambrosius spoke on their farm to school programs in Monticello, MN

There are so many more great folks that did educational sessions.  If I did not mention your name it is not because you were not fantastic.....it is because I didn't attend them all. 

I just loved the energy and the thoughtfulness that went into the planning of the conference.  I am so grateful for the 3 young (And by young I mean under 30.  YES!) teachers that took this conference on with gusto and made a positive impact on the field of Family and Consumer Sciences.  It is not easy to produce a good conference with very little for a budget and they did so.

Of course we must thank the wonderful Rachel for her constant effort in coordinating us and keeping us together. 

As a group the association discussed the coming changes they are being talked about for the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.  Change is always difficult for a group that has been around for over 100 years.  Personally I think that change is important to progress with time.  There are many questions about the proposed academy and I hope that our association can answer some of the questions that have been brought up.  It is important for members to feel secure and understand what the future brings for their group.

Minnesota was one of the first FACS Affiliate conferences in the United State and I hope those that follow are as successful in their planning as ours. 

With love, your retired FACS teacher, Jane

 Our 3 planners with our keynote speaker Dr. Verna C. Price

1. Shawna Wilson 2. Dr. Verna 3. Ashley Davis 4.Sarah Schuppenhauer