Local FCE members gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and service for the past year. The annual Awards and Recognition Day was held at the Warren County Administrative Building with the Lucky Homemakers Club serving as hostess, and the Midway Club preparing the meal.  Supporters of the event were Ben Lomand Connect, Homeland Community Bank, and Security Federal Savings Bank.
Guest speaker Russell Watson presented an interesting talk on growing iris. He grows over 500 varieties of iris on his land in neighboring DeKalb County. He spoke of when and how to transfer/plant iris bulbs and when to expect blooms.
Brenda Clark read a brief poem and members lit candles in memory of seven members who passed away in 2014.
The awards program featured 54 FCE members from six local clubs.
A partial list of awards follows:
Perfect Attendance – This award was given to members who attend all twelve monthly meetings or made-up missed meetings by attending another local club meeting within the month.  Those who received the awards and the number of years of perfect attendance are listed below:
Bonner:  Donna Dunlap, 6; Faye Hickey, 1; Vita Gulley, 18 and Linda Nixon, 2
Hickory Creek:  Brenda Clark, 5; Terrie Clark, 1;  Crystal Davis, 1; Vicki Gibbs, 24; Clata Groves, 4;  Cassy Hillis, 1; Phyllis Hillis, 1; Marian Jacobs, 6; Ann Whitman, 4 and Carolyn Womack, 10
Lucky Homemakers: Dima Craddock, 1; Elsie Fugate, 5; Ramona Smith, 1; Brenda Woodlee, 19
Lucky-Northside:  Paula Barnes, 2; Irene Fuston, 15; Sandra Griffith, 31; Linda Schlimmer, 13
Midway:  Elva Dean Bell, 26;  Sharon Bennett, 13;  Irene Fuston, 29; Dian Greene, 1;  Betty Grissom, 12; Mary Rubley, 1;  Linda Schlimmer, 15;  Jean Smith, 3; Melba Watts, 2
Vinson’s Crossroads: Alda Bandy, 4; Sandra Blair, 12; Wilma Davenport, 28; Diane Grove, 2;  Frances Hobbs, 14; Sue Shetley, 1; Naomi Smith, 7
50 Year Member – Elva Dean Bell was honored for her service to the organization for 50 years. 
She has been a member of the Midway Club since 1965 and has received numerous awards and recognition.
Secretary Book – First, Midway; second, Lucky-Northside, and third, Hickory Creek
FCE Scrapbook – First, Hickory Creek; second, Midway, and third, Vinson’s Crossroads
Most New Members – The Midway Club received this award for recruiting six members during the past year.
Most Members Present – Hickory Creek and Lucky-Northside tied for this award as 100 percent of their respective members in attendance at this year’s A&R Day.
Master Clubs – Local clubs received this recognition if they earned a minimum of 375 points for educational programming, club projects, volunteer service, club participation and membership recruitment.  All six clubs earned this award.
Mrs. Warren County FCE and Best of the Best – This prestigious award is voted on by each of the clubs.  The winner is Vita Gulley of the Bonner FCE Club.  She received a beautiful vase and bouquet of flowers.  Her nomination and credentials will be sent for regional competition which will be announced later this year.
Service and attendance awards were presented in the form of Gold Star recognition.  Member receive ‘gold stars’ for attendance and participation at local club meetings and local-county-region-and state FCEC events.
Receiving 100 -195 Gold Stars were:  Faye Hickey, Crystal Davis, Clata Groves, JoAnn Ballard, Dima Craddock, Elsie Fugate, Ramona Smith, Linda Hillis, Jean McFall, Jean Smith, Melba Watts, Sandra Blair, Carolyn Greenwood, Lois Self and Sue Shetley.
Receiving 200- 295 Gold Stars were: Lucy Eastman, Sarah Kell, Gladys Little, Linda Nixon, Becky Surles, Phyllis Hillis, Ann Whitman, Carolyn Womack, Melissa Jenkins, Kathy Neal, Brenda Woodlee, Paula Barnes, Sandra Griffith, Linda Schlimmer (2 clubs), Elva Dean Bell, Jean Cantrell, Mary Rubley, Alda Bandy, Wilma Davenport, Diane Grove, Naomi Smith and Lori Yates.
Receiving 300 – 395 Gold Stars were:  Vita Gulley, Connie York, Brenda Clark, Terrie Clark, Vicki Gibbs, Cassy Hillis, Marian Jacobs, Irene Fuston, Sharon Bennett, Dian Greene, Betty Grissom, Sharon Satterwhite and Frances Hobbs.
Receiving 400 or more Gold Stars were:  Donna Dunlap and Irene Fuston.
Other events of the day were the Books for Newborns service project and a silent auction. Members provided books for newborns to be taken to River Park Hospital to be given to newborns born there.  The silent auction was held to help secure funds for FCE council projects and activities.