Officially the Summer Begins as AAFCS conference ends, and rub recipe!

For me summer starts after the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Conference.

This year was particularly a rush because I had one day between leaving for the conference and the "Nation Festival of Breads" contest.

As a person that will no longer be in the FACS classroom I am still very much in touch with Family and Consumer Sciences and will continue in many of the roles that I have in the organization. 

I have been a member of the Obesity Prevention Community this year.  The team, lead by, Dr. Ingrid Adams,  put together a pre-conference that was rather successful.  (That is Ingrid at the podium)

We also initiated a connection with the HBO team that produced the DVD set "Weight of the Nation".  The company generously donated 500 copies of the series to partner with members to help prevent the obesity crisis.

I am also actively involved with the Public Awareness and the Elementary and Secondary Educators communities. 

Both groups are active in promoting the work that Family and Consumer Sciences professionals do in their field. 

As a FACS professional I am personally concerned about the elimination of FACS in my community (Woodbury and Cottage Grove) and others across the United States, at the Junior High School level.  Although many have the attitude that health and food preparation can be learned outside of school it has been evident that this is not taking place in today's ever changing society.  I hope that parents and families begin to realize that basic education that will be used in daily life is as important or even more important than developing brain power for a future career.  Sustaining family through proper food and communication will never be out dated or go away.  I hope to begin offering at home courses to help these families educate their children about healthy food preparation.

Below is a picture of some (there are more) of the dedicated, hard working Minnesota professionals that attended the AAFCS conference in Houston. 


I always attend the textile exhibit.  We get to see outstanding work done by students and professionals.  The picture below is a recycled project, done by a student, using feed sacks.  I love it!

 

This photo is my conference roommate and friend, Kathy.  She is a very dedicated retired professional who donates her time and effort passionately to AAFCS.  This year she worked with the mentoring team with the new group the "Leadership Academy".  These seasoned professionals will be guiding new professionals in their careers.  An outstanding program for everyone.   

I am off to "enjoy" summer.  Baking, canning, grilling, riding motorcycle, vacations.  I can't wait. 

Here is a rub recipe that I got from the T.V. show "The Chew" by Carla Hall.  Of course it has been modified with my own twist.  I really like using the coffee as a flavor enhancer.   We make this in large batches and use it all summer long.  So easy and saves so much money.  Those prepared rubs you can purchase are very expensive and very easy to put together.

Rub Recipe:  Place on meat and poultry ahead of time for great flavor

1/4 cup finely Ground Coffee
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
1 Tablespoon ground Pepper
1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
2 Tablespoons Salt
2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Mix together and store in container.  Use as needed.

We start with the 4th of July and no real plans.  I know what ever it will be it will include family and fun.  Then we are off on our annual motorcycle trek.  This year it is Yellow Stone National Park.

Fun, fun, fun. 

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane