By Toi Degree
For the Salisbury Post
Rowan County ECA members attended the 2012 NCECA West Central District Day on Tuesday at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Center in Lincolnton. The theme for the meeting was “ECA Reminiscing: The best is yet to be.”
The keynote speaker for the occasion was Daniel Barefoot, a writer and historian. Barefoot was an attorney for 35 years and also served three terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Wilma Hammett, executive director of the North Carolina ECA Foundation, gave an update on the upcoming ECA Centennial Celebration planned for 2013.
During the morning leadership workshop, counties were asked to share unique, high impact ideas relating to programming, fundraising or membership recruiting.
The District Cultural Arts contest featuring creative writing, heritage crafts, photography and various handmade items was held. First place winning items from county contests were entered for competition in the district contest. First place winners from the district will advance to the contest to be held at the State ECA meeting in October. Cultural Arts Contest winners from Rowan County were as follows:
• First place sewing — Coat, Rebecca Lyerly
• First place Christmas decorations, Santa — Rebecca Lyerly
• Second place flower arrangement, wreath — Rebecca Lyerly
• Second place embroidery, sweater — Rebecca Lyerly
• Third place home decorations, calendar — Rebecca Lyerly
• Third place miscellaneous, glass block — Rebecca Lyerly
Rebecca Lyerly also won Best of Show for her Coat in addition to first place.
The following ECA members from Rowan County attended the meeting:
Rebecca “Becky” Lyerly and Sarah Goodman, both members of the St. Paul’s ECA Club. Currently, there are four ECA Clubs in Rowan County: Liberty, Locke, Southside and St. Paul’s Clubs.
The purpose of the Extension and Community Association is to strengthen families through education, leadership and community service. For more information about ECA or to become a member, contact the local Cooperative Extension at 704-216-8970.
Toi N. Degree is Family and Consumer Education Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension — Rowan County Center.