Ellen Swallow Richards

This week has been an exciting one as we have been with the North Carolina FACS Teachers in their Summer Conference.  Over 450 FACS teachers are here to learn new strategies and new ideas for their  school year of teaching.  We are all part of the NC CTE Conference.  This is a very special, special conference, as a month ago it appeared that we might not have a conference at all.  The state budgets for education are in jeopardy and teachers have lost their jobs all over the state.  However, State DPI Staff worked diligently to make this happen for thousands of CTE Teachers.  As important as this conference is, we are fearful that this one may be our last—at least until the financial situation in the state improves.  We will be challenged to provide professional development activities through innovative technologies.

The conference theme has been

“LEAVING A LEGACY FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS.

Ellen has been busy with many appearances. She has shared the stage with two bright young professionals, Shannon Braxton and Oney Jones as they have led us through the various segments of the program.

Our State FCCLA Officers are ever present reminding us of our true legacy that we leave to lead in a time that we won’t see.  They are impressive.

The lovely 100th Anniversary Cake that served the AAFCS Centennial Celebrations in Knoxville last month has found a true home and a second life in our NC FACS family.

Early Childhood Teachers were treated to a special presentation by state staff, Janis Meek.  Oh, the places we go and the things we do in the name of professional development.

Marilyn Swierk, CFCS is the first AAFCS President in the new century and will lead the Board of Directors and the Association  for the first year in the second century of the profession.  Standing with her is Ellen Swallow Richards (aka Joyce Miles) who was the very first President of the American Home Economics Association in 1909—100 years ago.

As always, Pacesetter Dinner was a highlight of the conference.  This year, all past DSA winners were recognized as well as this year’s  New Achievers and Leaders.  Ellen Richards made an appearance in conversation with two young professionals, Theresa Glasheen and Cheryl Empey.  She helped them understand the concept of sustainability and how we could make sure that our profession as well as our organization lasted long into the second century. The audience agreed with their philosophy and responded with a standing ovation. 

President, Shelly N. Richardson then surprised Ellen (Joyce) with an award for her work in bringing our history alive and telling the story of our remarkable founder, Ellen Richards.  For once in their lives, both Ellen and Joyce were speechless as they tried to thank the audience and explain in a few words how the journey together had made an impact on their professional as well as personal lives.

After days of meetings and educational sessions, all of those  in attendance were eagerly anticipating the long-awaited Centennial Celebrations planned by the Tennessee Local Arrangements Committee. Light refreshments were served in the areas outside the Grand Ballroom. Guests waited patiently in a long line for their photo opportunity in front of the lighted Anniversary Cake (a gift from the North Carolina Affiliate.)

This was our 44th Wedding Anniversary and we celebrated with 900 of our closest friends!

We finally were invited to enter the Ballroom and what a gala greeted our eyes.  Pictures do not adequately tell the story of the grandeur and all that we beheld.  Nearly 900 people shared in a wonderful trip down memory lane as our Tennessee students told the story of 100 years and also why they were currently in a study path to enter our profession.

Guests were treated to a lovely piece of lead crystal as a commemorative of our 100th Anniversary Celebrations.

After the Opening Session for the Centennial Meeting, Ellen ( and Joyce) rushed to be in position for the DVD signing at the Exposition and Exhibit Grand Opening.  We were in position just signing away when who should appear but our featured Keynote Speaker, Doris Christopher, Founder and Chairman of Pampered Chef.  We quickly asked her to pose for a photo opportunity which we enjoyed.  Earlier in the day, Doris had been given a set of the DVDs about Ellen’s Life, so we added to this the promotional piece which is a print of the cover of the Ethlie Ann Vare book about Ellen, the Adventurous Spirit. Joyce quickly signed Doris’ DVDs and encouraged her to enjoy the Exposition.

One of our faithful Exhibitors, Nancy Bock with Soap and Detergent Association always finds time for a photo op.  She takes these herself by holding the camera at arm’s length—fabulous photos. 

As if the Opening Session hadn’t been exciting enough, the Grand Opening of the Exposition and exhibit Hall brought a happy reunion.  Joyce (Ellen) and LynDee Lombardo of Olympia, Washington came together for the first time since AAFCS in Milwaukee a year ago. Since Milwaukee, they have both been quite busy.  LynDee has been in her sewing studio fashioning Ellen’s dress and shipping back and forth across the country several times so the proper fit could be assured.  We know you will agree that LynDee did a splendid job as Ellen already has traveled many miles in this dress.                           

The 101st meeting of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences opened on Thursday, June 25, 2009 with Keynote Speaker, Doris Kelly Christopher.  Doris is a member of our organization as well as the founder of Pampered Chef.  She shared with the audience her focus on family and how this was the driving force to found her company.  She wanted to improve home life of others as well as spend time with her own family. Nearly 30 years later with many tales of success, Doris is an inspiration to many in our organization.