Ellen Swallow Richards

  Ellen had been quiet these past few weeks, taking a much needed rest after a busy summer and also in preparation for a hectic travel schedule this fall.  However, Joyce has still been busy finishing up some some projects started earlier.  In working on the history of Home Economics/FACS Education for North Carolina, she met a treasure and repository of great historical information.  Her treasure is Myrtle Stogner from Rockingham.  Myrtle has shared her files, which are extensive, of not only her work with home economics/facs, but also others work, too, in North Carolina.  Myrtle and Joyce have become fast friends and enjoy meeting for lunch and telling stories.  Myrtle is preparing a Centennial Celebration for the Rockingham area and inviting many to share in the history of their profession.  We are eagerly awaiting the results of this wonderful idea and know that many Rich Conversations will occur.

Virginia Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences met in Richmond this past week for a great program of renewal and recharging for a new school year. Ellen met throughout the day in various sessions.  The evening banquet for Scholarship and Award winners also put the spotlight on our FACS history with the Ellen reenactment and the DVD of her Life and Legacy.  Technical difficulties gave us a challenge to complete the DVD showing, so attendees actually purchased their own copy to use in their communities.  Those who missed this session can also purchase their own copies at aafcs.org.All proceeds from the sale of two DVDs on Ellen’s life benefit the AAFCS Centennial Challenge Campaign for Leadership, Scholarship and Public Policy.

Scholarship winner, Chelsea Powers,  and her Mother with Ellen.  Ellen is so excited to see  young students pursuing our profession.  She is attending Liberty University majoring in FACS Education.

Elizabeth Haas is following in her Mother, Debra’s footsteps as she is studying FACS Education at Marshall University in W. VA.

State FACS Consultant, Helen Fuqua on the left with Ellen (Joyce) and VATFACS President, Kelly Thompson enjoyed the evening together.