The Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (TEAFCS) held their annual state conference in Brenham on July 28-31. TEAFCS is an organization that provides professional development opportunities for its members who are in Extension Education. The conference recognizes achievements of members, encourages research and participates in public policy education. TEAFCS is a member of the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences – NEAFCS.

The conference was hosted this year by District 11 TEAFCS which is comprised of the following counties and agents: Kirsten Corda (Aransas), Michelle Allen (Austin), Leticia Guerro (Bee), Tina Trevino (Calhoun), Janis Pffeeer (Colorado), Denise Goebel (DeWitt), Sally Garrett (Fayette), Jenifer Boening, program assistant (Fayette), Hannah Glaeser (Jackson), Meagan Dennison (Karnes), Gayle Blueau (Lavaca), Chinatu Gladrich (Matagorda), Norma Davila (Nueces), Yvette Jacinto (Nueces), Stephanie Salinas (Nueces), Kathy Farrow (San Patricio), Erika Bochat (Victoria), Tanya McGonagill (Washington), Mary Sanders (Washington), and Bethany Jackson (Wharton).  Donnie Montemayor serves as the District 11 Extension Administrator and Advisor. Dr. Elaine Fries serves as the Regional Program Leader and Advisor. 

The conference took place at the Washington County Fairgrounds and Blinn Junior College Student Center. Members were able to tour several places in the area including: Windy Winery, Del Sol Foods-Maker of Briannas Fine Salad Dressing, Festival Hill Herb Gardens at Round Top & Junk Gypsy, Bluebonnet Electric Eco Home, and Ace Hardware Store.  One of the sessions centered on the 4-H Clothing & Textile.  Participants went on a scavenger hunt to find an outfit under $25.  They found their outfits by going to Higgins Branch Resale Shop, Brazos Valley Hospice Boutique, and Forever Young Resale Shop. 

Members enjoyed vendors in the area during the Taste of Texas Hospitality.  They were also able to enjoy dinning at the Ant Street Inn.  All meals were catered by Design II.  Refreshments were provided by TEEA-Washington County, TEEA-Austin County, TEEA-Fayette County, TEEA-Calhoun County, Austin County Grape Growers Association, Texas Independence Wine Trail, Double D Wine, Chappell Hill Chocolates, Lazy Bee Honey Company, Mike Hopkins Distributing, and Stykly Texas Cheese, Inc.

Other sponsors included: Dairy Max, Fuel Up to Play 60, V.G. Young Institute of County Government, Ag Workers Insurance, Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe, Texas Beef Council, Brentex Mills, Texas Rural Leadership Program, A Special Stitch, Books Are Fun, Discount Trees of Brenham, Juice Plus, Learning ZoneXpress, Ryan’s Flowers on Main, Partner’s for Parenting – Fayette County, Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pampered Chef, Food and Health Communications, Inc., NASCO Family & Consumer Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – 4-H Military, Tupperware, “Just for You” – Designs by Estella, Quanna Gourmet, LLC,  Bonnie Hoffmann, Ginger B’s of Cuero, Janice Ohrt, Lydia Fenley, Sue Doehrman, and Multi-County New Landowners Educational Program of Austin, Colorado, Fayette & Washington Counties.

Picture ID

Front Row L-R

Dr. Susan Ballabina, Norma Davila, Janis Pfeiffer, Erika Bochat, Bethany Jackson, Stephanie Salinas, Michelle Allen, Jennifer Boening

Middle Row

Meagan Dennison,  Letty  Guerrero, Yvette Jacinto, Tina Trevino, Denise Goebel, Tanya McGonagill, Chianti Gladrich, Hannah Glaeser , Gayle Bludau

Back Row

Dr. Elaine Fries, Dr. Douglass Steele, Sally Garrett, Donnie Montemayor, Dr. Monty Dossier  

Michelle Allen is Austin County’s Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Science.  You can contact here at:  (979) 865-2072 or by going to the Austin County Agri-Life Website at http://austin.agrilife.org/