The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) held the organization’s 90^th annual State Meeting at the Sloan Convention Center and Holiday Inn University Plaza in Bowling Green from May 7-9, 2024. More than 450 attendees from across the state, including 61 first-time participants, took part in the three-day meeting celebrating the theme “Blazing the Way with KEHA.”

“I saw so many people from across the state that I had met over the last year. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Many commented on what a great meeting it was,” said KEHA President Brenda Hammons. “Cultural Arts outdid themselves with items that were outstanding and arranged beautifully. Many people told me they had learned so much from the classes they attended and couldn’t wait to get home and tell the rest of their club members. It was an outstanding week!”

This year’s event kicked off with an opening luncheon May 7. The keynote speaker was Ryan Eichler, director of marketing and communications for the National Corvette Museum. KEHA also celebrated 47 years of support for the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program with the presentation of awards. Dr. Edward Pavlik, Ovarian Cancer Screening Research Director, was presented with a check for $47,011.27. KEHA’s lifetime contribution to the program is more than $1.67 million.

During the May 8 general session, the KEHA Choir performed seven songs. One of the songs had special lyrics that paid tribute to KEHA’s state educational chairs and county Family and Consumer Sciences agents. The 27-member choir includes KEHA members from 19 counties and is under the direction of Wendy Hood, current Fort Harrod Area President. This was the seventh year the choir performed as part of the conference.

Three fundraising activities conducted as part of the meeting yielded more than $7,000 to support designated projects. A raffle generated $3,300 to add to the contributions to the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program. A silent auction raised $1,906 to benefit the 4-H Foundation. Additionally, 225 handmade quilt squares were displayed and auctioned, providing $1,849 to help offset the cost of hosting the state meeting.

Again this year, the homemakers participated in a service project benefitting the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville. At least 14 counties donated about 90 twin-sized bed quilts, including some that were handmade. The popular Cultural Arts and Heritage contest included 677 entries that meeting attendees could view and enjoy.

“I thought our meeting was a success in carrying out the theme of ‘Blazing the Way with KEHA.’ Our speaker from the Corvette Museum was tremendous. All the workshops were interesting and educational. People got great information out of our meeting this year,” said 1^st Vice President Ann Porter. “We’re looking forward to next year. I’m excited that it will be in Lexington and I hope that it being more centrally located will draw more people from all over the state. We’re looking forward to getting some good speakers, so submit ideas for workshops soon!”

The annual state meeting provides a time for training, networking, recognition, and celebration. Attendees participated in educational seminars addressing topics ranging from technology skill building to cooking, and from leadership to health topics. Additionally, a series of concurrent workshops provided training in each of KEHA’s eight educational program areas of emphasis. State officers also hosted training workshops for local, county, and area officers who attended. The KEHA State Meeting concluded with an awards luncheon and the installation of newly elected officers.

KEHA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to education, leadership, and volunteer service. To learn more, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officialKEHA or visit www.keha.org.

The Cultural Arts Viewer’s Choice was “Girl in Frame” created by Paula Wade of Fort Harrod Area. She entered this creation in the winter subcategory of holiday decorations. In 2024, there were 677 entries displayed in Cultural Arts.

The Quilt Square Auction Viewer’s Choice was this 3-D picnic basket with ants, created by Margo Couch of Wayne County. In 2024 there were 225 quilt squares displayed and auctioned to help offset the cost of hosting state meeting.

KEHA’s incoming officers were installed on May 9 after being elected May 8 during the 2023 KEHA State Meeting business meeting. Their new terms begin July 1.

Voting delegates hold up their voting cards during the May 8 business meeting. More than 450 attendees from across the state took part in the three-day KEHA State Meeting celebrating the theme “Blazing the Way with KEHA.”

During the May 8 general session, the KEHA Choir performed seven songs. The choir includes KEHA members from 19 counties and is under the direction of Wendy Hood, current Fort Harrod Area President. Their performance is linked from the State Meeting webpage at https://keha.ca.uky.edu/content/state-meeting-information.