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Texas Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Conference and Professional Development Training

July 29 - 31, 2014 (with pre- & post-activities July 28, 29 and July 31, August 1)

in Downtown Bryan, Texas

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Table of Contents: Conference Objectives 3

Registration Information 3

Schedule at a Glance 4

Golden Opportunities for Retirees 5

Detailed Conference Schedule

Monday, July 28, 2014 5

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 6

Wednesday, July 30, 2014 8

Thursday, July 31, 2014 10

Friday, August 1, 2014 11

Breakout Session Schedule Grid 12

About Our Speakers 13

Breakout Session Details

Diamond (Financial Management) 15

Sapphire (Clothing & Textiles) 17

Amethyst (Health) 19

Emerald (4-H/FCS) 22

Ruby (Food) 25

Amber (More Food) 28

Pre Conference Activity Details (FPM, BLT, Art) 30

Post Conference Activity Details

(FPM, BLT, Finance, Leisure activity) 33

Special Thanks to District 9 Planning Committee 35

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“THE HIDDEN GEMS” Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

Annual Conference Overarching Conference Objectives

1) Provide a premier professional development opportunity for Texas County Extension Agents-

Family and Consumer Sciences

2) Provide a variety of training formats and subjects to increase confidence and skill development

among agents with applicability to both professional and personal circumstances

3) Utilize a thematic structure to encourage exploration and discovery of values derived from

inconspicuous places and situations

4) Celebrate 100 years of Extension and FCS’s contribution to its success

5) Create a positive learning environment that will encourage agent to be their very best

6) Maintain a balance between traditional training and productive leisure activities to foster a

relaxing yet invigorating experience

7) Provide a forum for Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences to conduct

annual business meeting and award recognition

Registration on-line only at: http://teafcs.tamu.edu/state-meeting/online-

conference-registration/ Full Conference Registration: TEAFCS Members: $175 by June 1; $200 between June 2 & July 1; $225 after July 1 Non-members: $200 by July 1; $225 between June 2 and July 1; $250 after July 1 One-day registration: $100 per day Retirees: $175, Lifetime Members $125 Guest Tickets: $20 Opening Luncheon; $45 Mystery Dinner, $30 Treasure Mapping Lunch and Tour, $25 Treasure Hunt, $30 Awards Brunch Select pre and post conference actives will have additional fees Accommodations: (make arrangements on your own) Host Hotel – LaSalle, 120 S Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, (979) 822-2000 Overflow- Best Western Premiere, 1920 Austin’s Colony Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77802, (979) 731-5300 Host Site: Brazos Cotton Exchange, 200 South Main • Third Floor, Bryan, TX 77803

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TEAFCS 2014 ~ SCHEDULE–AT-A-GLANCE~ MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014 Optional (but awesome) Pre-Conference Activities TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2013 8:30 – 11:45 Pre Conference Activities (optional, but amazing) 9:00 – 11:45 TEAFCS Board Meeting in the LaSalle Hotel Conference room 12:00 - 2:45 OPENING SESSION and Luncheon (Brazos Cotton Exchange) “Celebrating our Past; Creating Our Future” Administrative Remarks 2:45 - 3:00 Break - Celebration cake will be served! 3:00 – 5:00 “Texas Treasures” Showcase of Excellence - Round Table Idea Sharing 6:30 - 9:30 Death Bemoans Her – Mystery Dinner (Brazos Cotton Exchange) 9:30 – 10:30 Hospitality (Brazos Cotton Exchange) WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 7:00 Sunrise Stroll (optional, but beautiful) Breakfast on your own (Continental breakfasts offered at hotels) 8:30 – 11:30 MORNING SESSION at the Brazos Cotton Exchange

“Gem Cutting Ceremony”; “Taking the Mystery Out of Effective Working Relationships”; “Polishing and Protecting Your Gems” (Funny Thing Happened on Our Way to Hollywood)

11:45 – 5:00 AFTERNOON SESSIONS in various locations (includes lunch) “Treasure Mapping” Subject Matter Tracks and Tours with Lunch in downtown

6:00 -7:00 “Treasure Hunt” (Downtown area, Meet at Brazos Cotton Exchange to begin) 7:00- 8:30 District Dinners at various locations 8:30 – 10:00 “Hospitality” at the Brazos Cotton Exchange THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014 Breakfast on your own (continental breakfast available at hotels) 8:00 – 9:00 New TEAFCS Board Meeting 8:30 – 9:00 TEAFCS Award Winner Photos 9:00 – 12:00 CLOSING SESSION at the Brazos Cotton Exchange “Gemology: Finding Value in Diversity” (Challenges and Choices in the Circle of Life) 10:00 Brunch served

“Gems on Parade” Awards “Passing the Torch” “Wrap it Up, Put a Bow on It, and Give it as a Gift”

THURSDAY, JULY 31 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014 Optional (but beneficial) Post-Conference Activities

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GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETIREES

TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2014 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Retirees Rhinestone Meet & Greet - LaSalle Conference Room TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2014 ~3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Offsite Tour/Program in downtown Bryan – TBA WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 ~ 9:45 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Offsite Tour/Program in downtown Bryan - TBA THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014 ~8:00 - 9:00 A.M. Retirees Rhinestone Farewell – LaSalle Lobby/Restaurant

DETAILED CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014

Pre-Conference Activities

Conference participants are welcome to come early and participate in pre-planned activities with

registration required and some with additional fees. Or, just come early relax, acclimate, and enjoy!

1:30 - 3:00 Sun Catcher/Ornament workshop at Brazos Glassworks ($10)

2:00 - 3:00 BLT “State of the Union” discussion with Jon Perrott (no charge, 1 hour BLT match)

2:00 - 4:00 Food Protection Management tour of eBeam facility (no cost, 2 CEUs)

3:30 - 5:00 Pendant workshop at Brazos Glassworks ($25)

7:00 - 9:00 Past, present, and future TEAFCS Board Member Social at Painting with a Twist

($35)

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TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2014

Pre Conference Activities

9:00 – 11:45 TEAFCS Board Meeting in the LaSalle Hotel Conference room

9:00 – 10:00 BLT- Attracting Audiences discussion with Jon Perrott (no charge, 1 hour BLT match)

10:00 - 11:30 Sun Catcher/Ornament workshop at Brazos Glassworks ($10)

10:30 – 11:45 Cookie Decorating class at Chocolate Gallery ($25)

12:00 OPENING SESSION and Luncheon at Brazos Cotton Exchange

Suggested attire: Business/Business Casual

Welcome, Opening Statements, and Luncheon

Participants are encouraged to join us as we start the conference off with a bang. Agents arriving by noon and attending the opening session will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. Lunch in included in your registration fee.

Discover Your Gem Color - led by Alexis Cordova Objectives: 1) Provide an icebreaker activity to open the conference on a positive note; 2) Encourage agents to explore personality traits and how those traits affect learning styles and interpersonal relationship; 3) Explore concepts related to acceptance of self and others, and discovering inner beauty

“Celebrating Our Past, Creating Our Future” Smith Lever 100th Anniversary address with speaker Dr. Jan Scholl Objectives: 1) Provide a perspective of Extension History for agents to utilize in evaluating their place in “the big picture”; 2) Identify key strategies that have contributed to Extension success; 3) Focus on techniques that can be carried into future programming for continued effectiveness “Big and Bright” Texas FCS/Extension History - presented by Michelle Allen Objectives: same as above Administrative Remarks Texas A&M AgriLife Extension administrators will share relevant information and insights with agents regarding the current state of Extension, our challenges and victories. 2:45 - 3:00 Break - Celebration cake will be served!

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3:00 – 5:00 “Texas Treasures” at the Brazos Cotton Exchange Agents will participate in “Round Table” discussions by choosing topics that interest you. Discussion groups will have a facilitator who will guide the conversation while agents share their successes and challenges in each programming area. The primary goal is for agents to learn from each other.

Showcase of Excellence - Round Table Idea sharing - Objectives: 1) Provide a forum for agents to openly share and discuss program challenges and successes; 2) Encourage agents to improve program quality; 3) Explore a variety of FCS program possibilities

6:30 - 9:30 Death Bemoans Her – Mystery Dinner at Brazos Cotton Exchange

Suggested attire: Dress like your favorite gazillionaire! Let your creativity run wild and come in costume fitting to represent one of the richest women in the world! The scenario: It's the quarterly meeting of the Gazillionaire Girls Group, an exclusive club whose membership is comprised of successful women - all of whom made it big without relying upon the other gender. The hostess for this unique gathering is Bertha Brothert, the entertainment guru whose upscale line of products appeals to the nouveau riche. Brothert's yacht, "The Perfection," is the scene of the meeting and a special guest is present to both entertain the Group's members and to predict their futures. Famed fortuneteller, Madame Magda, pulls out her crystal ball and tells the assembled clique of distinguished daughters of destiny that many good things await them. Suddenly, though, a shocked expression crosses the mystic's face as she shudders in horror. The crystal ball, she proclaims, is emphatic in predicting that someone will soon die. The next morning, true to her words, the body of one of the women is found floating nearby the yacht. After investigating the incident, police quickly determine that evidence points toward homicide. Someone's career has been suddenly and permanently halted by a killer. Attendees will participate in a Murder Mystery Dinner event. This interactive crime-solving activity will feature people you know playing the suspects, while the audience forms investigative teams and tries to figure out “who done it?” Presented in an “Agatha Christie” meets “Clue” style, participants will interview suspects, evaluate clues, and use their skills to solve the crime. Dinner is included in this event as part of your registration fee. Guest tickets available.

9:30 – 10:30 Hospitality at Brazos Cotton Exchange

Attendees are welcome to stay and socialize following dinner. Refreshments provided.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

7:00 Sunrise Stroll (optional) Meet in the LaSalle Hotel Lobby Participants wanting to walk along the designated trails in the downtown area will enjoy the morning air while observing the area and learning about the community development effort that made the trail a reality.

Breakfast on your own (Continental breakfasts offered at hotels) Suggested attire for the day: Casual - jeans, capris or walking shorts and your conference t-shirt. Participants will move right into afternoon tours/tracks following the morning session.

8:30 – 11:30 MORNING SESSION at the Brazos Cotton Exchange “Gem Cutting Ceremony”

TEAFCS Business Meeting and Installation of New Officers Members of TEAFCS are expected to attend this annual business meeting and installation of officers. Participants arriving on time and staying through the morning session will be entered in a drawing for a mystery party of your own to be hosted as you choose.

“Taking the Mystery Out of Effective Working Relationships” Objectives: 1) Participate in a hands-on team building activity 2) Practice listening and communication skills; 3) Apply problem solving techniques to achieve a desired outcome; 4) Explore applicability of experiences to effective working relationships As a follow-up to the Murder Mystery Event, we will reveal the secrets to a successful murder mystery plot and explore how those concepts, and inverses, can help you learn to manage effective working relationships with your co-workers, volunteers, and friends and families

“Polishing and Protecting Your Gems” Objectives: 1) Identify “real-life” approaches to financial management; 2) Explore strategies for prioritizing life demands, financially and otherwise; 3) Introduce the “Red and Black” story and consider applicability to FCS programming in Financial Management

“A Funny Thing Happened on our Way to Hollywood” with speakers “Red” & “Black” Sisters Red (Tina) and Black (Mandy) are the authors of What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired!, a book intended to be the basis of a sitcom but which has been approved by the Texas State Board of Education as a Personal Financial Literacy ("PFL") textbook. Most recently, the book is being used as the basis of a "Red & Black Personal Finance & Life 101 Program" at Stringfellow Unit, a men's prison south of Houston, where the feedback has been remarkable and includes the men asking why these lessons are not taught in schools as it could have changed the trajectory of their lives.

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On a more personal note, Red is a warm and fuzzy single mom, with daughters in elementary and high school, who in recent years has transitioned from waiting in carpool line to becoming, alongside her sister, a columnist, public speaker and teacher. Black, the ultimate pragmatic, is not only the first woman to race the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but had been an retired oil and gas executive when she became an entrepreneur – taking her sister's crisis and turning it into a book, a business, a brand. Neither Red nor Black could have known the journey they were about to begin, and where it may ultimately lead them. See more at: http://www.redandblackbooks.com

Participants are encouraged to attend this general session with an inspiring and informative presentation on financial management.

11:45 – 5:00 -- AFTERNOON SESSIONS in various locations “Treasure Mapping” in various locations (see supplemental schedule on page 12)

Suggested attire: Casual – cool and comfortable for walking

Subject Matter Tracks and Tours with Lunch in downtown locations Objectives: 1) Provide experiential learning opportunities for agents to strengthen subject matter knowledge base; 2) Offer a variety of subjects that will allow agents to customize their learning experiences to areas most needed/desired; 3) Spark agent interests in new programming efforts. Lunch included with registration and as part of the afternoon tracks and tours. Agents are encouraged to pick and choose sessions that relate to their interests. Participants can choose to stay on one topic all afternoon, or they can switch around to meet a variety of needs.

6:00 -7:00 “Treasure Hunt” (Downtown area, Meet at Brazos Cotton Exchange to begin)

Suggested attire: Casual – cool and comfortable for walking Objectives: 1) Provide agents for an opportunity to create camaraderie 2) Showcase a successful community development project with the development of the downtown walking trail including Extension involvement in efforts to combat obesity 3) Provide an enjoyable event for agents to learn and socialize while being physically active Evening entertainment similar to the traditional “Friendship Event”, attendees will participate in a friendly competitive scavenger hunt in Downtown Bryan, visiting local businesses and unitizing the Downtown Bryan Walking trail developed through a collaborative community development effort including Extension. Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efYgZ1UAU1U

7:00- 8:30 District Dinners at various locations District Directors will work with the food and facility committee to determine locations for district dinners. Members are encouraged to develop camaraderie within their district and celebrate together. Meal costs will be “on your own”.

8:30 – 10:00 “Hospitality” at the Brazos Cotton Exchange Meet back at the Cotton Exchange for Treasure Hunt awards, refreshments, fellowship with others, and maybe even some karaoke!

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THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

Breakfast on your own (continental breakfast available at hotels)

8:00 – 9:00 New TEAFCS Board Meeting – LaSalle Conference Room

8:30 – 9:00 TEAFCS Award Winner Photos – Brazos Cotton Exchange

9:00 – 12:00 CLOSING SESSION at the Brazos Cotton Exchange Suggested attire: Business/Business Casual

“Gemology: Finding Value in Diversity” at the Brazos Cotton Exchange “Challenges and Choices in the Circle of Life” Presented by Capnote Speaker - Dr. Wash Jones Objectives: 1) Understand common issues working in diverse audiences; 2) Explore own personal bias and the effects on relationships; 3) Develop strategies for effective working relationships in diverse settings 10:00 Brunch served

“Gems on Parade” Awards TEAFCS award winners will be recognized for their outstanding achievements. Objectives: 1) Recognize outstanding agent achievements; 2) Inspire continued excellence among agents

“Passing the Torch”

District 11 will share an invitation to 2015 TEAFCS State meeting in Brenham

“Wrap it Up, Put a Bow on It, and Give is as a Gift” The Guardians of the Gems bid you adieu with these closing comments and conference ceremony (District 9 Agents and Elaine Fries)

~12:00 Adjourn official conference. Post conference activities to follow.

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THURSDAY, JULY 31 AND FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

Post-Conference Activities Conference participants are welcome to stay an extra day or two and participate in pre-planned activities, or just relax, debrief, and enjoy

THURSDAY, JULY 31 1:00 – 5:00 Receptions to further explore financial planning topics (no charge, no obligation) Fries Financial Services 108 E North Ave, Bryan, TX

ING Financial Partners 3608 East 29th Street, Suite 208 Bryan, TX

Personal appointments available at each (sign up with registration and they will contact you to schedule an exact time). Agents are encouraged to take advantage of these free, no-obligation opportunities to visit with financial planners who are trusted by Extension employees 1:00- 2:00 BLT Teaching Financial Management to BLT audiences – discussion with Jon Perrott

(no charge, 1 hour BLT match) 7:30 – 9:30 “You Can’t Take It With You” a comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart

at StageCenter Community Theater (on your own, $8 per person)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014 5:00-ish- 10:00-ish First Friday in Downtown Bryan http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=JXT3YIZO1U8

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BREAKOUT SCHEDULE- Choosing your gems: Each track has a theme. If you would like to stay with one theme (gem color) all afternoon, all you have to do is choose the gem you would like. If more than one interests you, you can pick and choose. To make your own schedule, tell us which gem color you would like to attend in each time block when you register (just don’t “overbook” yourself). Or, the conference committee can surprise you with a winning “quick pick” combination.

Time Diamond (Financial

Management)

Sapphire (Clothing and

Textiles)

Amethyst (Health and Wellness)

Emerald (4-H/FCS)

Ruby (Food)

Amber (More Food)

Time

Noon- 1:00

12:00-1:00 Lunch at “Must Be Heaven”

12:00-1:30 Lunch at the LaSalle

Texas Grow, Eat, Go – Using the garden to grow healthy minds and bodies

12:00-1:30 Lunch at the Village Café

“Localize” Philosophy

Noon- 1:00

1:00-1:30

1:00-2:30 A Book Club Approach To Personal Finance

1:00-1:30 Fabulous Fashion Finds for Under $25

1:00-1:30

1:30-2:00

& Other Life 101 Topics

1:30-3:00 Duds to Dazzle (hands –on activity)

1:30-3:00 Making Healthy the Easy Choice in Your Community - FOCUS: Nutrition

1:30-3:00 The Gems of Parental Involvement

1:30-3:00 Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery Tour and Tasting

1:30-3:00 The Chocolate Gallery Tour

1:30-2:00

2:00- 2:30

2:00- 2:30

2:30-3:00

2:30-3:00 15 Fast Facts for Financial Fitness

2:30-3:00

3:00-3:30

BREAK BREAK

BREAK BREAK

BREAK

BREAK 3:00-3:30

3:30-4:00

3:30-5:00 Stocking and Protecting Your Treasure Chest

3:30-5:00 Brazos Valley Decorative Center Tour

3:30 – 5:00 Making Healthy the Easy Choice in Your Community - FOCUS: Physical Activity

3:30-5:00 The Gems of 4-H projects related to FCS

3:30-5:00 The Chocolate Gallery Tour

3:30-5:00 Royalty Pecans Tour

3:30-4:00

4:00-4:30

4:00-4:30

4:30-5:00

4:30-5:00

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ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS: Tuesday - OPENING SESSION “Celebrating Our Past, Creating Our Future” Exploring the early Extension environment, and contrasting with new technology, Dr. Scholl will discuss and demonstrate the need for Extension programs then and now, highlighting the challenges early Extension educators faced in their efforts and proving Extension’s continuing relevance. Dr. Jan Scholl, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor at Penn State University As an avocation (in addition to her “day job”), she has published more than 15 refereed articles on historical topics related to Extension, including the earliest USDA films, children’s literature that promoted Extension careers, etc. She has also created archival special collections of 4-H and family and consumer sciences (home economics) materials for the National Agricultural Library (Beltsville, MD) and the Penn State University Library. She has a Cornell University fellowship to study Extension home economics films and was the first Centennial Scholar of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Wednesday – GENERAL SESSION Red & Black: A Funny Thing Happened On Our Way To Hollywood Red, a stay-at-home mom, has a crisis. Her sister, Black, a retired business executive who races Ferraris, turns it into a book - a brand - a business. Intended as the basis of a sitcom, the book becomes a personal finance textbook approved by the Texas State Board of Education. But, more importantly it is student-approved. And now is prisoner-approved?! Laugh and learn as Red and Black tell the stories that are resonating with audiences ranging from 8th graders to senior citizens, male and female, across all income levels. As they go through some of the stories from their book, What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired! We bet you will understand why it was intended as a sitcom. Red and Black are sisters. Both born in New York, raised in the same house by the same parents – that is where the similarities end. After getting a degree in Theater Arts from Wake Forest University in North Carolina, Red moved back in with her parents until she married an outgoing Englishman and followed his career around the globe. Her prior “career” had been full time mom, but her husband getting fired was the catalyst which forced her to face reality and take control of her life. Red, who likes to refer to herself as a “mere mortal”, initially thought she was stupid because she was 40+ years old and had managed to avoid learning many important “life lessons,” but she soon realized she had merely been sheltered. Although she considers herself, first and foremost, a “warm and fuzzy” mom, Red is also an author, columnist, public speaker and teacher. Black, on the other hand, is all business. Black has an Economics degree from Wilkes College (now Wilkes University) in Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in International Finance from New York University and London Business School. She retired from the oil & gas industry by the time she was 40 and when boredom sank in started racing cars – first Porsches, then Ferraris – and along the way raised over $1 million dollars for Make-A-Wish. When her sister’s husband got fired, she turned her sisters “crisis” into a book, a brand and a business venture. Besides being the first woman to race the road course at Indianapolis, Black is an entrepreneur, publisher, author, columnist, public speaker and teacher.

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The book Red and Black co-authored, ‘What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired!, was launched by Neiman Marcus, but soon became the basis of a “Personal Finance & Life 101” program the sisters developed and taught at KIPP Houston High School, and which has been approved by the (Texas) State Board of Education as a personal financial literacy textbook. However, nothing prepared Red and Black for the most recent “detour” … their book was piloted as a book study program by the chaplain at Stringfellow Unit, a men’s prison in Rosharon, TX (just south of Houston) and is now being introduced at other units throughout the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system. To learn more about Red & Black, go to www.redandblackbooks.com. Thursday - GENERAL SESSION/AWARDS BRUNCH “Challenges and Choices in the Circle of Life” Presented in a unique and entertaining way, Dr. Jones will use his favorite movie “The Lion King” to help participants understand common issues working in diverse audiences and to explore their own personal bias and the effects on relationships as well as to develop strategies for effective working relationships in diverse settings Dr. Wash Jones, Assistant Professor Prairie View A&M University Wash A. Jones loves life, loves to laugh, and loves to learn. His favorite movie of all times is The Lion King because it provides him the opportunity to laugh and to learn. His goal in life is to help somebody each day. He is a member of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brenham, Texas, where he serves as Minister of Music, a trustee and editor of the church newsletter. His hero in life is his mother, whom he says is the wind beneath his wings. He is a native of St. Matthews, S.C. and resides in Cypress, Texas. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, and is a three-time graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station. His undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees are in agricultural journalism, educational administration and agricultural education, respectively. He is an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences at Prairie View A&M University. We present to you a committed member of The Lion King Fan Club, Wash A. Jones.

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BREAKOUT SESSION DETAILS DIAMOND (Financial Management): 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch at “Must Be Heaven” 1:00- 2:30 – Brazos Cotton Exchange A Book Club Approach To Personal Finance & Other Life 101 Topics Who could imagine a book titled What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired! would become a State approved personal financial literacy textbook? Or more importantly, student-approved? (Or prisoner approved?) This workshop will demonstrate that sometimes “it sounds too good to be true” can actually be true. At least when it comes to the ease in which the personal finance and other “Life 101” topics covered in their book can be “taught” to others. Red & Black will go through the various ways their book and book club approach has been used and will provide specific chapter-by-chapter outlines. But please note - their book and their "Book Club Approach" is not just about personal finance — it is about making smart conscious decisions, regardless of the subject matter, based on your values and priorities. It is about being prepared for life. Speakers: Red and Black See Red and Black bios above under general session information 2:30-3:00 – Brazos Cotton Exchange 15 Fast Facts for Financial Fitness In this power packed presentation you will hear about 15 of the most important things you need to know about achieving and maintaining financial success. A quick and easy lesson, you can give as a presentation or use for your own financial well-being. Speaker: John Galloway John is an Investment Adviser Representative with ING Financial Partners and has worked in the financial industry for a number of years. Many of his clients include Extension employees. 3:30-5:00 – Brazos Cotton Exchange Stocking and Protecting Your Treasure Chest Fries Financial Services is a full-service company specializing in retirement planning and estate conservation. They are the largest provider of ORP’s and TSA’s in the Texas A&M University system. As personal financial professionals, they help clients clarify and define goals; recommend solutions that fit client needs; deliver timely information; explain how changing financial conditions affect clients; and monitor client financial progress. Fries Financial Services is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in their relationships. They endeavor to know and understand personal financial situations and provide clients with the highest quality information, services, and products to help reach goals. Career opportunities for women have expanded greatly over the last couple of decades. Yet during their lifetimes, women still earn less money than men, primarily because they take time off from their jobs to care for children or aging parents. Women also have longer lifespans than men, so they may need to fund additional years in retirement with fewer financial resources. One study found that the average retirement savings for a woman aged 65 to 69 was about 22% less than that of a man of the same age.

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Furthermore, with longer lifespans more women are outliving their spouses, left to settle an estate on their own. So, what key estate planning tools should you know about? Wills and trusts are two of the most popular estate planning tools, and trusts differ from wills. While trusts offer numerous advantages, they incur upfront costs and ongoing administrative fees. Wills and trusts are not mutually exclusive. A durable power of attorney is a legal agreement that avoids the need for and a health care proxy is a document in which you designate someone to make your health care decisions for you if you are incapacitated. And, a living will, also known as a directive to physicians or a health care directive, spells out the kinds of life-sustaining treatment you will permit in the event of your incapacity. “Stocking Your Treasure Chest” will help agents prepare personally and professionally to live and teach sound financial practices, focusing specifically on women and retirement along with estate planning. Denise will equip agents with tools to help others as well as themselves though sound educational advice and provide a useful workbook that “If Something Happens to me”, agents can use as a whole or in parts to help other women prepare and succeed. Speaker: Denise Fries ‘84 Denise Fries’84 opened Fries Financial Services after interviewing with, and being disappointed in, several brokerage firms which were industry giants. Her goal was to provide the best possible financial products delivered by a team of caring competent professionals. Denise is a sought after public speaker and has won countless community awards including The Newman 10 Business Performance Award, the Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact Award and numerous recognitions from charitable organizations. Denise is married to a Milan County cattle rancher and has a 20 year old daughter. She’s constantly seeking to enhance her involvement with the charitable organizations that she is passionate about. You can reach Denise at denise@friesfinancial.com, 800-324-4875 and learn more about their services at www.friesfinacial.com

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SAPPHIRE (Clothing and Textiles): 12:00-1:00 Lunch at “Must Be Heaven” (with the Diamond Track) 1:00-1:30 at StageCenter Fabulous Fashion Finds for Under $25 Update your look! Take time to explore resale shopping so that you look great and still have some money left over to have fun! Learn about resale shopping from a local Plato’s Closet retailer. During this session you will learn about what happens behind the scenes in a resale store, current trends and see example for fantastic fashions under $25. Speaker: Dawn Fedora, Dawn has been the owner of Plato’s Closet in College Station (since 2003) and Waco (since 2012). Dawn is originally from Friendswood, TX. She is a graduate of Texas A&M. She had her husband John, live in College Station with their 4 beautiful children. Plato’s Closet is a leading national teen retail store focusing on the buying and selling of gently used, brand-name apparel and accessories for girls and guys! Both stores have received the Gold Star Seal for achieving the highest standards in product, quality, operations and customer service. 1:30- 3:00 at StageCenter Duds to Dazzle 4-H Clothing & Textiles contest: It is time to put some pizazz into your 4-H Clothing and Textiles project! This session will introduce you to the newest 4-H contest, Duds to Dazzle. This hands-on contest gives 4-Hers the chance to shine as each team works to create a new product from an existing item using only their sewing supply kit, sewing closet and their previous sewing and design skills. Attend this session to be part of the groundbreaking introduction of finding out what the newest craze will be at the 2015 Texas 4-H Roundup. Speaker: Angela McCorkle, Extension Program Specialist I, Family Resource Management – Adult and Youth Programs Angela McCorkle joined the Family Development and Resource Management (FDRM) unit as an Extension Assistant in August 2007. She has her B.S. in vocational home economics from the University of Nebraska, and she is pursuing her master’s degree at Kansas State University through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA). In her position, Angela provides support for FDRM adult and youth programs, with a major focus on resource management. Her responsibilities include working with the 4-H Clothing and Textiles Advisory Board, providing support for the 4-H Clothing Project, serving as a liaison between Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and the 4-H and Youth Development unit, and delivery of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) program in schools. In addition, she works with Extension specialists to develop or modify, and manage agent and volunteer leader training on family resource management-focused 4-H project guides, including 4-H FCS 101 training. She assists with other resource management programs, such as Money Smart, and the development of the resource management website. For eight years prior to Angela’s current employment with Extension, she was a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in Bryan I.S.D. She worked for the FDRM unit previously as an Extension Assistant and managed the Strengthening Our Capacity to Care program, which brought 4-H project involvement to first-time juvenile offenders. She was previously a county FCS Extension agent in Kansas.

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3:30-5:00 - On Location Brazos Valley Decorative Center Brazos Valley Decorative Center serves interior home needs for those who appreciate a high level of quality, service, and creativity. The center includes 4 businesses: *Ambrose Furniture Works- creating new or reupholstering quality and heirloom furniture, Ambrose Furniture Works provides expert advice and direction. *Mia's on Main adds drama and color to your windows with custom treatments. *Hob Knob Interiors adds the finishing touches to interior hardware. *And, Alyson Jon Interiors specializes in unique furnishings, case goods, and accessories. The Texas Downtown Association awarded BVDC with the “Best Renovation/Rehabilitation” award in 2009. This award recognizes excellence in rehabilitation (i.e., renovation or remodeling) of interior or exterior of an existing building. The rehabilitation of the 1947 modernist International Harvester Building , that houses BVDC, is example of the public-private investment that continues to preserve buildings and revive business activity in Bryan's central business district. Since the building has had few owners throughout its history, many original elements and details remained in place. The metal canopy was in good shape and brick facades only required minor repointing and cleaning. A historian and paint specialist were brought in to help return the true International Harvester colors to the building. Signage for the new tenant mimics the style of 1950s International Harvester dealerships. The new building owner researched mid-century landscape design and incorporated it with eco-friendly landscaping. The rehabilitation of this building at the south end of downtown helps enhance one of downtown's gateway corridors. The building was financed in part through the city's Downtown Improvement façade grant program. Judges noted this project for keeping the interior industrial feel and effective use of space. The of BVCD tour will cover information on the historic building that houses the Brazos Valley Decorative Center, design styles and trends, as well as current textile development and trends. Speaker: Joshua Ortiz Joshua Ortiz, is a Texas native with a BA in Finance and have acquired all of his design experience in the field under Ray Jezisek, the principal at the Brazos Valley Decorative Center. Brazos Valley Decorative Center specializes in full service interior design and new construction as well as remodels.

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AMETHYST (Health): 12:00-1:30 Lunch and Grow Eat Go presentation (combined with Emerald) at the LaSalle Texas Grow, Eat, Go – Using the garden to grow healthy minds and bodies A garden can be good for the mind, body, and soul! Come to this session and cultivate an awareness of how gardening can be used as a tool to educate children and families about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. Using the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program as a platform, participants will learn about the size and scope of the international Junior Master Gardener program, and review existing positive research related to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduction of overweight and obesity in children, increased science achievement scores, and improvement in leadership/life skills in youth. Participants will learn about the Texas, Grow, Eat, Go program and its integration of two existing Extension programs, Junior Master Gardener and Walk Across Texas, to improve the health of children and their families. Presentation will highlight on program components including curricula, garden, cooking demonstrations, journals, and family engagement activities to reach targeted youth and parent audiences. Participants will see how this program can support BLT match hours, utilize Master Wellness and Master Gardener volunteers, and see overview of research highlights related to obesity reduction for schools participating in the program. Speaker: Lisa Whittlesey Lisa Whittlesey is an employee of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She received her bachelor and master’s degree from Texas A&M University in horticulture with an emphasis in education/curriculum development. Her professional work experience includes teaching/coordinating horticulture training program at a Federal Prison Camp for female offenders, training with the horticulture programs through Texas Department of Criminal Justice, coordination of horticulture therapy programs at 2 drug treatment facilities and youth gardening curriculum development. For the past 13 years, she has served as the program director for the JMG(sm) International Junior Master Gardener program which currently operates in all 50 states and has expanded internationally through collaborative partnerships with the Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, JMG Korea, and expansions through US Military and National Guard projects. She is the author/co-author of nine award winning youth environmental curriculums and her horticulture work and expertise has been featured in over 120 popular press/newspaper articles including Saturday Evening Post, Southern Living, Better Homes and Garden, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, Family Life, 7 national children’s magazines, and on HGTV. She has been an invited speaker to over 140 regional and national conferences and has generated in excess of $8 million dollars in external funding and grants to support the Junior Master Gardener and other Extension programs. Lisa has been recognized with the Award for Superior Service for Texas AgriLife Extension Service and was the recipient of the 2011 Texas A&M University Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Extension, Outreach, Continuing Education and Professional Development. Lisa was selected as the recipient of the 2011 National Excellence in Extension Award for the Southern Region through the Association of Public and Land Grand Universities. Lisa is a guest lecturer for the Benz School of Floral Design, Texas A&M University Horticulture Freshman Seminar and Cultivating Global Leaders courses. Lisa provides Master Gardener training in the areas of floral design, botany, and children’s gardening. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys singing/playing piano, volunteering with the local 4-H theater and performing arts program, and teaching women’s ministry and youth classes with her local church. Lisa is married to Randel Whittlesey and has 2 children Taylor (20 years) and Cole (16 years).

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1:30-3:00 at the SEAD Gallery in the Federal Building Making Healthy the Easy Choice in Your Community - FOCUS: Nutrition “Making Healthy The Easy Choice”: Impacting Access to Nutrition and Physical Activity in your Communities Effectively impacting a community for better health involves transforming the way people look at their environment. Recently, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report found that there are 5 solutions for changing the health of our communities. This session will discuss the 5 areas of impact and share examples of how Extension can play a key role in counties to help “Make healthy the easy choice”. The session will illicit discussion and provide take home ideas for changing the food and physical activity environments in your counties. This first session will focus on nutrition aspects. Moderator: Alice Kirk, Extension Program Specialist II, Child Health and Wellness Alice Kirk joined Extension 18 years ago and currently is a State Health Specialist II with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Family Development and Resource Management (FDRM) unit. Alice, a former 4-H’er, began her professional career with Texas Extension as a Better Living for Texans (BLT) Assistant in Brazos County where she did outstanding work with the Puente de Salud/Bridge to Health program. Prior to joining FDRM in 2005, Alice served five years in the Food and Nutrition unit as the state program coordinator for the Better Living for Texans (BLT), Food Stamp Nutrition Education program. Currently, Alice focuses much of her effort in the areas of childhood overweight and increasing physical activity among children and their families. Alice serves as a conduit between researched best practices and county based educational programs. She serves as program director to the Walk Across Texas (WAT) program and has program oversight of the Balancing Food & Play program. She also supports various grant initiatives including the Friend to Friend program and most recently the Transforming Texas and Texas Grow Eat Go projects. Alice’s educational background includes a B.S. degree in Health from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree, with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Health, from the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System. Alice also serves on various local, state, national and international committees to support collaborations with colleagues from various universities, other state Extensions, agents, and schools. Alice is the current State chair for the Texas Action for Healthy Kids Alliance (TAHKA) state steering committee and serves on Texas PTA Leadership Healthy Lifestyles Board, HEB Healthy Initiatives Advisory Board, Michael and Susan Dell Childhood Overweight Consortium, the National Rural Health Diverse and Underserved Populations Committee and the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Alice’s work in Extension is not possible without the support of her terrific husband of 16 years, David and their 2 sons, Michael 10 yrs. old (1st year 4-Her) and William, 5 yrs. old. Speaker: Barbara Storz, M.S. Barbara Storz is the Hidalgo County Extension Agent for Horticulture in south Texas. She assists communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in improving their health, horticultural skills and economic circumstances. She has over 16 years of expertise in project development, management, guidance and training in horticulture as a community-based educator. Ensuring a sustainable, profitable and competitive food and fiber system in Texas is her focus but her approach is practical. Community gardens, involving children and adults growing together, provide an

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opportunity to introduce youth to quality nutrition at a young age and establish the vital link to healthy food choices for the entire family. Over 11,000 school children, in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties, have graduated as Jr. Master Gardener’s through Barbara’s annual Edible Classroom Workshop for Teachers. This program, begun in 2000, utilizes the curriculum, Health and Nutrition from the Garden©, with practical, hands on activities that combine vegetable gardening, health and nutrition, cooking and healthy snacks, and obesity and diabetes awareness. Barbara Storz has a B. S. in Agriculture (1995) with majors in agronomy and horticulture, from Sam Houston State University, and a M.S. in Plant and Soil Science (1998) from Texas A & M University in Kingsville. Her office is located at Texas A & M AgriLIFE Extension, 410 North 13th Avenue, Edinburg, Texas 78541. She can be reached by e-mail at: b-storz@tamu.edu and by telephone at (956) 383-1026. 3:30 – 5:00 at the SEAD Gallery in the Federal Building Making Healthy the Easy Choice in Your Community - FOCUS: Physical Activity Continuing along the same line, this second session will focus on physical activity components, including “Scanning and Planning to play” and how to host a 5K. Moderator: Alice Kirk, Extension Program Specialist II, Child Health and Wellness Speaker: Chelsea Stevens, CEA-FCS Williamson County has hosted successful 5K events in her county and will share her tips for success. Speaker: Jamie Rae Walker works for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Urban and Municipal Park Programs. Jamie Rae’s emphasis areas include: planning processes, community building and citizen input, environmental psychology, positioning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Texas AgriLife Extension’s Urban and Municipal park programs provide technical assistance and continuing education for community leaders, community boards, park practitioners, volunteers, and friends groups. Extension faculty use relevant, unbiased research methodologies to assist communities with park practices such as: the master planning process for parks and trails, citizen input processes, needs assessments, park and trail user surveys and park and trail user counts, and park and open space policies. Faculty also provide materials and programs on relevant issues such as: engaging citizens, density and open space concerns, GIS and mapping, diversity issues among staff and constituents, constraints to park use, park accessibility and trail linkages, green practices in parks, and user conflicts. Speaker: Mike Lopez

Michael Lopez, MUP, joined the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Family Development and Resource Management (FDRM) unit in May 2011. As an Extension Health Program Specialist, Michael focuses much of his effort on human populations and the effect of the environment on health planning for active living and healthy communities. His main role is to provide communities the resources to make healthy living the easier choice by determining non-traditional techniques to identify areas to increase physical activity and exposure to fresh produce. Michael’s educational background includes a B.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Urban Planning (MUP) degree, with a concentration in Active Living and Healthy Communities, both coming from Texas A&M University. He also earned a certificate in Environmental Hazard Management. Michael is a member of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA), National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the American Planning Association (APA).

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EMERALD (4-H/FCS) 12:00- 1:30 – at the LaSalle Lunch and Grow Eat Go presentation (combined with Amethyst) at the LaSalle Texas Grow, Eat, Go – Using the garden to grow healthy minds and bodies A garden can be good for the mind, body, and soul! Come to this session and cultivate an awareness of how gardening can be used as a tool to educate children and families about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. Using the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program as a platform, participants will learn about the size and scope of the international Junior Master Gardener program, and review existing positive research related to increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduction of overweight and obesity in children, increased science achievement scores, and improvement in leadership/life skills in youth. Participants will learn about the Texas, Grow, Eat, Go program and its integration of two existing Extension programs, Junior Master Gardener and Walk Across Texas, to improve the health of children and their families. Presentation will highlight on program components including curricula, garden, cooking demonstrations, journals, and family engagement activities to reach targeted youth and parent audiences. Participants will see how this program can support BLT match hours, utilize Master Wellness and Master Gardener volunteers, and see overview of research highlights related to obesity reduction for schools participating in the program. Speaker: Lisa Whittlesey Lisa Whittlesey is an employee of Texas AgriLife Extension Service part of the Texas A&M system. She received her bachelor and master’s degree from Texas A&M University in horticulture with an emphasis in education/curriculum development. Her professional work experience includes teaching/coordinating horticulture training program at a Federal Prison Camp for female offenders, training with the horticulture programs through Texas Department of Criminal Justice, coordination of horticulture therapy programs at 2 drug treatment facilities and youth gardening curriculum development. For the past 13 years, she has served as the program director for the JMG(sm) International Junior Master Gardener program which currently operates in all 50 states and has expanded internationally through collaborative partnerships with the Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, JMG Korea, and expansions through US Military and National Guard projects. She is the author/co-author of nine award winning youth environmental curriculums and her horticulture work and expertise has been featured in over 120 popular press/newspaper articles including Saturday Evening Post, Southern Living, Better Homes and Garden, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, Family Life, 7 national children’s magazines, and on HGTV. She has been an invited speaker to over 140 regional and national conferences and has generated in excess of $8 million dollars in external funding and grants to support the Junior Master Gardener and other Extension programs. Lisa has been recognized with the Award for Superior Service for Texas AgriLife Extension Service and was the recipient of the 2011 Texas A&M University Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Extension, Outreach, Continuing Education and Professional Development. Lisa was selected as the recipient of the 2011 National Excellence in Extension Award for the Southern Region through the Association of Public and Land Grand Universities. Lisa is a guest lecturer for the Benz School of Floral Design, Texas A&M University Horticulture Freshman Seminar and Cultivating Global Leaders courses. Lisa provides Master Gardener training in the areas of floral design, botany, and children’s gardening.

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1:30-3:00 – at the LaSalle The Gems of Parental Involvement Session Objective: Research has clearly established that positive parental and family involvement in both educational and extracurricular settings is related to many positive outcomes. This session will present effective strategies for building positive and effective parental and family involvement in both school and out-of-school settings. A working definition of positive family involvement will be presented, and relevant professional literature will provide the framework for the methodology discussed. Additionally, practical applicability of strategies will be emphasized. Speakers: Dr. Chris Harrist and Dr. Diane Taylor Dr. Harrist currently serves as the Coordinator for the Sequor Youth Development Initiative as well as a faculty member in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University. The Sequor Youth Development Initiative conducts collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects, provides ready access to youth development best practice and research information, and produces various trainings and train-the-trainer programs for youth development agencies. Dr. Harrist has taught courses on positive youth development principles, theories and philosophies of youth development, applied marketing in recreation services, research methodology, organizational behavior and recreation administration, among others. He has presented at various state, national, and international conferences including the American Camp Association National Conference, Texas Recreation and Park Society State Conference, International Conference for Parent Education and Parenting, American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance National Convention, and the National Recreation and Park Association Congress. Select topics of his research and best practice presentations include engaging under-served populations, sport-based positive youth development, specialized camps for marginalized youth, positive parental involvement, parenting youth with disabilities, and socialization's role in youth outcomes. Dr. Taylor is an associate professor and assistant provost at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. She received her Ph.D. in special education and early childhood education from the University of North Texas in Denton. Dr. Taylor currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in learning disabilities, inclusionary practices with exceptional learners and assessment and evaluation of students with learning difficulties. Her research interests include effective teacher preparation practices, learning disabilities, and distance education in teacher preparation. 3:30-5:00 – at the LaSalle The Gems of 4-H projects related to FCS Participants will gain an understanding of the opportunities available to support nutrition and healthy living program efforts for youth and will acquire resources that can be used to teach youth about nutrition and healthy living through school enrichment programs, with SPIN clubs or community clubs. Speaker: Courtney Dodd, Extension Program Specialist – 4-H Courtney Dodd began her career with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in 1999 as a County Extension Agent in Calhoun County. Over the next six years, she also served in county agent positions in Navarro and Bell Counties. In 2004, Courtney assumed the role as an Extension Program Specialist for 4-H and Youth Development in District 11, headquartered in Corpus Christi. She then transferred to the State 4-H Office in College Station, assuming the role as the 4-H Volunteer Specialist, in 2007.

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Currently, Courtney serves as an Assistant Professor and Extension 4-H & Youth Development Specialist, in which she provides leadership to volunteer development for the agency and the 4-H and Youth Development Program, as well as the 4-H healthy lifestyles program. In her specialist roles, Courtney has provided leadership to the creation and implementation of the 4-H Food Challenge, Healthy Lifestyles Invitational, 4-K for 4-H, 4-H Volunteer Conference, 4-H Leadership LIVE, and the 4-H FCS 101 training program for new employees. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Texas State University, a Master of Science Degree in health education from Texas A&M University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications from Texas A&M University. She lives in Bryan with her husband, Fred, and two children, Carson and Lainey.

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RUBY (Food) 12:00-1:30 at the Village Café (combined with Amber) Lunch and “Localize” Philosophy presented by Kristy Petty “Localize” The Village Cafe is at once a restaurant, a coffee house, an art gallery, and a live music and special event venue. Since opening in 2008, their mission has been to promote local farms and food vendors of the Brazos Valley and to give all forms of art a stage to be enjoyed as a community. They proudly serve farm fresh eggs, locally roasted coffee beans and seasonal produce when available. The Village Cafe is open 7 days a week. The focus of the cafe is to provide you with what we see as the highest quality in dining available. They are currently working with more than 15 local growers and businesses and are working towards using as much local products as possible. As they become more in tune with the growing seasons of the area, the menu will rotate based on local availability. This means the food you experience here is extremely fresh, healthy, tasty, and often picked the same day you eat it. Everything is house-made and prepared in ways that maintain flavor and nutrients. The cafe is trying to minimize our footprint on the earth by recycling, reducing, conserving, and working to make a positive impact in the community. With patronage they will continue to grow the local economy and food systems. Speaker: Kristy Petty, owner and manager of the Village Downtown Café. Kristy is very active in the local art and theater scene in Bryan and College Station. She has been involved with the Village since its inception. 1:30-3:00 - On Location Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery Tour and Tasting (Limited number of participants- REGISTRATION REQUIRED) Taylor Made Gluten Free bakery is a wholesale bakery that is on a mission to create delicious baked goods using only the highest quality ingredients to help you eat what you love and love how you feel. They are dedicated to nourishing both the mind and the body by raising awareness about gluten-intolerance and offering consumers many decadent, gluten free baked goods. Several grocery stores and restaurants carry Taylor Made products. Cream Puffs, Banana Bread, Pumpkin Bread, Garlic Rosemary Pizza Crust, Multigrain Rolls, Cornbread and Hamburger Buns can be found at all 9 Central Market locations in Texas and in select HEB locations. Other places like Village Foods Grocery, Brazos Natural Foods, Grub Burger Bar, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, C&J BBQ, Napa Flats, The Village Downtown, cake Junkie, J Cody’s Steaks and BBQ, Flip and Peel, Chicks, Buppy’s Catering. Stover Bros Café, Chef Tai Mobile Bistro & Veritas Wine Bistro also serve Taylor Made Products. The tour of the bakery will take agents on an exploration of how gluten free products are made and marketed, as well as provide important information about gluten intolerance; why we are seeing more and more gluten free products and why gluten free products are one of the fastest growing markets today.

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Speakers: Denise Fries, Chelsey Russell, and Marisa Winking Denise Fries A story of a mother’s love… Most charitable organizations and many businesses have been founded in response to a family’s personal experience or a loved one’s special needs. These entities exist because someone was touched personally … and profoundly… by their own experience. Taylor is the Fries family’s much loved daughter and once very sick child. After countless trips to a series of doctors she was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease. During her illness Denise prayed for answers and promised that she would do everything she could to help other families find the answers and solutions that they needed. They started a support group to help increase diagnosis rates and to help families find healthy ways to eat. It became evident that what they really needed was a healthy and delicious source of foods to enjoy both at home and at their favorite restaurants. Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery’s commitment is to treat you like family with foods from our dedicated gluten free bakery. The trip would not be complete without sampling the wonderful treats. Chelsey Russell - Bakery Manager Chelsey Russell is the Bakery Manager at Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery. She was born in Dallas, raised in Austin, and found her way to College Station to attend Texas A&M University. She graduated from TAMU with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and used her degree to ensure the safety and quality of the delicious gluten free foods created at Taylor Made. She has been allergic to wheat and chicken since she was young so she remembers how unpleasant gluten free foods were 10-20 years ago. The gluten free world has come a long way in the recent years and she is glad they are creating gluten free treats that are so delicious. She says she finds herself often saying, "I can't believe this is gluten free!" The goal of the bakery is to make tasty gluten free foods available to restaurants and grocery stores around the country. Marisa Winking-Executive Baker Chef Marisa Winking left New Mexico with her family in 2008 to settle in Aggieland. She earned her diploma as Sous Chef de Patisserie from the Culinary Institute LeNotre in 2009 and then spent three years as a pastry chef in some of the best fine dining restaurants in the Bryan/ College Station area. She became interested in gluten-free baking while working in these kitchens and began experimenting with the mission to create gluten-free recipes that don’t just mimic gluten-full foods, but surpass them! She is very excited to bring great tasting gluten free baked good to our growing list of customers. 3:30- 5:00 at the Chocolate Gallery (Limited number of participants- REGISTRATION REQUIRED) The Chocolate Gallery Tour The Mission of the Chocolate Gallery is to provide premium pastries and confections and to showcase the art of pastry and confections through education and experience while maintaining Christian values and sustainable practices and supporting the community.

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The Chocolate Gallery in Downtown Bryan is a popular destination for tours and school field trips. The tours and field trips usually consist of a short video on how chocolate is made, as well as, a hands-on presentation about chocolate and candy making and how chocolate relates to specific subjects that the such as: Math, Science, Chemistry, Health, Geography, Literature (The Candymakers) and History (Europe or Americas). http://www.bcschocolategallery.com/ Speaker: Chef Joshua Neubauer, Executive Chocolatier Executive Chocolatier Joshua Neubauer is a California native who has been in the baking and pastry industry for 11 years. He began his culinary career as a cake decorator in a large grocery store chain in Southern California. For the next eight years, Chef Josh became one of the premier cake decorators of the chain. He was called upon for demonstrations at special events and decorating wedding cakes all over Southern California. Chef Josh decided to further his career by attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. During his seven month internship at Harrah’s Rincon Resort Casino in Valley Center CA, he found a new interest in chocolates and confections. He received his Bachelor of Professional Studies in Baking and Pastry Management with High Honors in 2011. Chef Joshua is a member of Central Baptist Church and The Brazos Valley Chapter of Texas 4WD. He enjoys kayak fishing when he is not busy in the bakeshop. Speaker: Chef Ciana Neubauer, Executive Pastry Chef Pastry Chef Ciana Neubauer was born in California – but got to Texas as quickly as she could at the young age of 3 and considers herself a definite Texan at heart. Chef Ciana was raised by her wonderful mother in a single parent home and credits her love of baking as a direct result of helping her mother with this ‘chore!’ Chef Ciana graduated from A&M Consolidated H.S. and attended Texas A&M University for 3 years and then transferred to The Culinary Institute of America and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts Management where she was an active member and president of the schools chapter of the Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society . While attending the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Ciana met Chef Joshua and the rest is history – they were married on September 8, 2012! Chef Ciana has been a member and enjoyed the fellowship of her church family at Central Baptist Church for the past 15 years.

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AMBER (More Food): 12:00-1:30 at the Village Café (combined with Ruby) Lunch and “Localize” Philosophy presented by Kristy Petty “Localize” The Village Cafe is at once a restaurant, a coffee house, an art gallery, and a live music and special event venue. Since opening in 2008, their mission has been to promote local farms and food vendors of the Brazos Valley and to give all forms of art a stage to be enjoyed as a community. They proudly serve farm fresh eggs, locally roasted coffee beans and seasonal produce when available. The Village Cafe is open 7 days a week. The focus of the cafe is to provide you with what we see as the highest quality in dining available. They are currently working with more than 15 local growers and businesses and are working towards using as much local products as possible. As they become more in tune with the growing seasons of the area, the menu will rotate based on local availability. This means the food you experience here is extremely fresh, healthy, tasty, and often picked the same day you eat it. Everything is house-made and prepared in ways that maintain flavor and nutrients. The cafe is trying to minimize our footprint on the earth by recycling, reducing, conserving, and working to make a positive impact in the community. With patronage they will continue to grow the local economy and food systems. Speaker: Kristy Petty, owner and manager of the Village Downtown Café. Kristy is very active in the local art and theater scene in Bryan and College Station. She has been involved with the Village since its inception. 1:30-3:00 at the Chocolate Gallery (Limited number of participants- REGISTRATION REQUIRED) The Chocolate Gallery Tour The Mission of the Chocolate Gallery is to provide premium pastries and confections and to showcase the art of pastry and confections through education and experience while maintaining Christian values and sustainable practices and supporting the community. The Chocolate Gallery in Downtown Bryan is a popular destination for tours and school field trips. The tours and field trips usually consist of a short video on how chocolate is made, as well as, a hands-on presentation about chocolate and candy making and how chocolate relates to specific subjects that the such as: Math, Science, Chemistry, Health, Geography, Literature (The Candymakers) and History (Europe or Americas). http://www.bcschocolategallery.com/ Speaker: Chef Joshua Neubauer, Executive Chocolatier Executive Chocolatier Joshua Neubauer is a California native who has been in the baking and pastry industry for 11 years. He began his culinary career as a cake decorator in a large grocery store chain in Southern California. For the next eight years, Chef Josh became one of the premier cake decorators of the chain. He was called upon for demonstrations at special events and decorating wedding cakes all over Southern California.

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Chef Josh decided to further his career by attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. During his seven month internship at Harrah’s Rincon Resort Casino in Valley Center CA, he found a new interest in chocolates and confections. He received his Bachelor of Professional Studies in Baking and Pastry Management with High Honors in 2011. Chef Joshua is a member of Central Baptist Church and The Brazos Valley Chapter of Texas 4WD. He enjoys kayak fishing when he is not busy in the bakeshop. Speaker: Chef Ciana Neubauer, Executive Pastry Chef Pastry Chef Ciana Neubauer was born in California – but got to Texas as quickly as she could at the young age of 3 and considers herself a definite Texan at heart. Chef Ciana was raised by her wonderful mother in a single parent home and credits her love of baking as a direct result of helping her mother with this ‘chore!’ Chef Ciana graduated from A&M Consolidated H.S. and attended Texas A&M University for 3 years and then transferred to The Culinary Institute of America and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts Management where she was an active member and president of the schools chapter of the Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society . While attending the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Ciana met Chef Joshua and the rest is history – they were married on September 8, 2012! Chef Ciana has been a member and enjoyed the fellowship of her church family at Central Baptist Church for the past 15 years. 3:30-5:00 at Royalty Pecans (includes travel time to and from) (Limited number of participants- REGISTRATION REQUIRED) Royalty Pecans Tour Royalty Pecan Farms™ is a family owned and operated working pecan farm that also features a gift shop, event venue, and tourist attraction. They use sustainable farming practices to grow, nurture, and harvest quality pecans. Their blog regularly features recipes, updates on farm activities, upcoming events, and more. The gift shop and tour center is located on Texas Highway 21 between Bryan/College Station and Caldwell, one mile west of the Brazos River. Tours of Royalty Pecan Farms include a guided exploration of a true working pecan farm, where you’ll learn about the history of the farm and the inner-workings of the pecan industry, a Texas staple. You’ll have fun cracking pecans and don’t forget to taste some samples! http://www.royaltypecans.com/ Speaker: Amber, Royalty Pecans Rep

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PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES (optional)

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014 2:00 - 4:00 – at the National Center for Electron Beam Research

Food Protection Management Tour of eBeam facility

(no charge, 2 FPM-CEUs, pre-registration strongly encouraged, guests welcome)

The National Center for Electron Beam Research (NCEBR) is the leading academic and research

organization in the world that is focused on the research, development, and commercialization of

Electron Beam (eBeam) and X-ray technologies. Their goal is to exploit these technologies for improving

the quality of life of peoples and economies around the world. Their vision is to exploit eBeam and X-ray

technologies to clean, heal, feed, and shape this world and beyond. This 2 hour tour will count for 2

FPM CEU’s

1:30-3:00 - at Brazos Glassworks at 202 W 26th St, Bryan, TX

Sun Catcher/Ornament workshop

($10, pre-registration and pre-payment required, guests welcome)

Brazos Glassworks specializes in custom stained glass, and leaded glass, as well as repair and restoration

work on stained and leaded glass. They also work in hot and warm glass and mosaics!

The owners of Brazos Glassworks and Off The Beaten Path, Inc. are Barbara Peevey and Debbie Jasek.

They can design and build special piece of stained glass to create a unique and elegant piece of art for

your home or as a gift for that special someone. In this class you will be welcomed to the wonderful

world of glass. You finish a basic sun catcher/ornament project that you can hang it in your window and

watch the sun's rays make your glass come to life. All materials and supplies to create your own

masterpiece are provided.

2:00- 3:00 – at the LaSalle Conference room

BLT “State of the Union” discussion with Jon Perrott

(no charge, 1 hour BLT match, pre-registration strongly encouraged, guests welcome)

The Better Living for Texans program (BLT) is one of AgriLife Extension’s efforts to build communities

and impact generations in a positive way through teaching on the topics of making healthy food choices

within a limited budget, practicing food safety, and choosing active lifestyles consistent with the Dietary

Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate. In this session, BLT Program Coordinator, Jon Perrott will discuss

the latest developments in the program and answer your questions about program management and

direction.

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3:30-5:00 - at Brazos Glassworks, 202 W 26th St, Bryan, TX

Pendant workshop at Brazos Glassworks

($25, pre-registration and pre-payment required, guests welcome)

Brazos Glassworks specializes in custom stained glass, and leaded glass, as well as repair and restoration

work on stained and leaded glass. They also work in hot and warm glass and mosaics! The owners of

Brazos Glassworks and Off The Beaten Path, Inc. are Barbara Peevey and Debbie Jasek. They can design

and build special piece of stained glass to create a unique and elegant piece of art for your home or as a

gift for that special someone. In this class you will learn to make a pendant that looks like fused glass

using a UV–cured resin, glass confetti, and Swarovski crystals on a tumbled beach glass base. This

workshop is suitable for all ages. All materials and supplies to create your own masterpiece are

provided.

7:00 – 9:00 –at 1643 S Texas Ave, College Station, TX

Past, present, and future TEAFCS Board Member Social at Painting with a Twist

($35, pre-registration and pre-payment required, guests welcome, adults only)

Painting with a Twist is a nationwide “paint and sip” franchise based in Louisiana. The concept is a

mixture of social event and art class where an instructor leads a room full of dabblers in the creation of a

painting, stroke by stroke. Everyone paints the same painting. Attendees are welcome to bring their

own snacks and even bottles of wine to sip while they paint. The current TEAFCS board invites anyone

who is interested in joining them for this informal social event to kick-off the conference by painting a

souvenir picture together.

TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2013 9:00 – 10:00 – at LaSalle Conference room BLT- Attracting Audiences discussion with Jon Perrott (no charge, 1 hour BLT match pre-registration strongly encouraged, guests welcome ) The Better Living for Texans program (BLT) is one of AgriLife Extension’s efforts to build communities and impact generations in a positive way through teaching on the topics of making healthy food choices within a limited budget, practicing food safety, and choosing active lifestyles consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate. In this session, BLT Program Coordinator, Jon Perrott will discuss ideas and strategies for reaching the target audience effectively and increasing participation in BLT classes.

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10:30 – 11:45 -at Chocolate Gallery, 211 N Main St, Bryan, TX Cookie Decorating Class ($25, pre-registration and pre-payment required, guests welcome) Chef Meagan Bruley, Pastry Sous Chef at the Chocolate Gallery, has always had a passion for baking and decorating. Raised in Montgomery, Texas, and a former 4-H member, she always dreamed of the day she would get to do what she loved for a living. After graduating Le Cordon Bleu in Austin with honors, her dreams have finally come true. Chef Meagan has been working in the field for the past 3 years, working on honing her skills and attention to the details. In her free time Chef Meagan enjoys singing, and hanging out with her friends and family, as well as taking the time to enjoy the little things in life. Chef Meagan is also a member of Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society and an active member of the community. Meagan will lead a cookie decorating class teaching unique techniques that bring sweet rewards. Each student will receive 5 shortbread cookies: One Clover, One Diamond Ring, One Shoe, One Crown and One State of Texas Outline to decorate and take with them (snacks to get you through the week?)

10:00-11:30 -at Brazos Glassworks, 202 W 26th St, Bryan, TX Sun Catcher/Ornament workshop ($10, pre-registration and pre-payment required, guests welcome) Brazos Glassworks specializes in custom stained glass, and leaded glass, as well as repair and restoration work on stained and leaded glass. They also work in hot and warm glass and mosaics! The owners of Brazos Glassworks and Off The Beaten Path, Inc. are Barbara Peevey and Debbie Jasek. They can design and build special piece of stained glass to create a unique and elegant piece of art for your home or as a gift for that special someone. In this class you will be welcomed to the wonderful world of glass. You finish a basic sun catcher/ornament project that you can hang it in your window and watch the sun's rays make your glass come to life. All materials and supplies to create your own masterpiece are provided.

9:00 – 11:45 - the LaSalle Hotel Conference room (board members only) TEAFCS Board Meeting Current TEAFCS Board member will meet at the LaSalle for regular board business meeting.

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POST CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES (optional) Conference participants are welcome to stay an extra day or two and participate in pre-planned activities, or just relax, debrief, and enjoy THURSDAY, JULY 31 1:00 – 5:00 –Fries Financial Services, 108 E North Ave, Bryan, TX OR ING Financial Partners, 3608 East 29th Street, Suite 208 Bryan, TX Receptions to further explore financial planning topics (no charge, no obligation, pre-registration strongly encouraged, guests welcome) Personal appointments available at each (sign up with registration and they will contact you to schedule an exact time). Agents are encouraged to take advantage of these free, no-obligation opportunities to visit with financial planners who are trusted by Extension employees

1:00- 2:00 – LaSalle Conference Room Teaching Financial Management to BLT audiences discussion with Jon Perrott (no charge, 1 hour BLT match, pre-registration strongly encouraged, guests welcome) While you’re thinking about financial management, why not squeeze in another hour of BLT match time and learn strategies to incorporate financial management education in your BLT program? In this session, BLT Program Coordinator, Jon Perrott will discuss how techniques for BLT and budgeting lessons that “count”. The Better Living for Texans program (BLT) is one of AgriLife Extension’s efforts to build communities and impact generations in a positive way through teaching on the topics of making healthy food choices within a limited budget, practicing food safety, and choosing active lifestyles consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate. 2:30 - 3:30 -at Rosenthal Meat Center Food Protection Management Tour of Rosenthal Meat Center (no charge, 1 FPM-CEU, pre-registration strongly encouraged, guests welcome ) The purpose of the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center (RMSTC) is to provide a facility to conduct teaching, research, and public service activities of the Department of Animal Science. As such, it is the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the USA, devoted to the development of science and the application of that science to the solutions of problems in animal and meat science. Tour the facility and learn about the food safety principles they use. Maybe even purchase some meat to take home with you. 7:30 – 9:30 -at StageCenter Community Theater, 201-B W 26th St, Bryan, TX “You Can’t Take It With You” a comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart (on your own, $8 per person, guests welcome) At first the Sycamores seem mad, but it is not long before you realize that if they are mad, then the rest of the world is madder. In contrast to these delightful people are the unhappy Kirbys. Tony, the attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore house on the wrong evening. The shock sustained by Mr. and Mrs. Kirby, who are invited to eat cheap food, shows Alice that marriage with Tony is out of the question. The Sycamores find it hard to understand Alice's view. Tony knows the Sycamores live the right way with love and care for each other, while his own family is the one that's crazy. In the end, Mr. Kirby is converted to the happy madness of the Sycamores after he happens in during a visit by the ex-Grand Duchess of Russia, Olga Katrina, who is currently earning her living as a waitress.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014 8:00-5:00 -in the Bryan/College Station area Informal tours and activities (on your own) Take this opportunity to relax and see some of the things you never get a chance to when you are in town. Visit the Carnegie Museum and do some genealogy research. Visit the Children’s Museum, or the African-American Museum, or the George Bush Library. Or, take care of some work by scheduling an appointment with that specialist you’ve needed to talk to. Take a look around the A&M campus to see the Bonfire Memorial and the century tree. Take pictures of the kids on the steps of the Administration building. Maybe even take in a Brazos Valley Bombers Baseball game. 5:00-ish- 10:00-ish -in Downtown Bryan First Friday (on your own) First Friday is a monthly event held on the first Friday of each month in the Downtown Bryan area. The

event is hosted and coordinated by the Downtown Bryan Association (DBA). It is a fantastic opportunity

to come out and enjoy a variety of arts & culture related activities and demonstrations. First Friday is a

free event open to the public. http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=JXT3YIZO1U8

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Special Thanks to our District 9 Agents for working like jewels to plan a sparkling conference! Fralonda Anderson: Ways& Means; Sponsorship; Evening Entertainment

Alexis Cordova: Marketing; Registration, Chair; Evening Entertainment

Sonja Davis: Ways & Means; Sponsorship; Key Notes

Barbara Evans: Marketing; Registration; Decoration/Hospitality

Jennifer Garza: Marketing; Registration; Decoration/Hospitality

Dianne Gertson: Programming; Food & Facility; Decoration/Hospitality

Leticia Hardy: Marketing; Food & Facility; Evening Entertainment, Co-Chair

Meredith Henry: Marketing; Food & Facility, Co-Chair; Decoration/Hospitality, Co-Chair

Courtney Latour: Ways & Means, Chair; Registration; Evening Entertainment

Tonya McKenzie: Marketing, Chair; Registration;

Ashley Moore: Programming; Food & Facility; Key Notes, Co-Chair

Lindy Pitre: Ways & Means; Registration; Decoration/Hospitality

Te’Anna Reed: Programming; Food & Facility; Evening Entertainment

Tonya Poncik: Marketing; Food & Facility, Co-Chair; Decoration/Hospitality, Co-Chair

Amy Ressler: Programming, Co-Chair; Food & Facility; Key Notes

Tina Roehling: Programming; Sponsorship; Key Notes

Elizabeth Trejo: Programming; Registration; Key Notes, Co-Chair

Sharon Trower: Programming, Co-Chair; Registration; Decoration/Hospitality

Flora Williams: Marketing; Food & Facility; Decoration/Hospitality

Tanner Williams: Marketing; Sponsorship; Decoration/Hospitality

Lynna Wright: Ways& Means; Sponsorship; Evening Entertainment, Co-Chair

Alma Fonseca: Retiree committee

Linda Mock: Retiree committee

Elaine Fries, Regional Program Leader and Advisor

Dale Fritz, District Extension Director and Advisor

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Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people

without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information

or veteran status.

The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County

Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating