SAIFD in Session
FORBES CHAPTER – Kishwaukee College
At Kishwaukee College, the weather is turning cold rapidly and that means the student club is getting ready to decorate the college for the holidays. It also means that we will be selling pies and flowers for Thanksgiving. Our student group is a bit small this year, but we are out in the community doing the 25 grand centerpieces for the Kishwaukee College Foundation event, decorating the historic Ellwood House in Dekalb, Il. The students have been privileged to take a few field trips and one was to Anthony Gowder where they were able to spend part of the day with Howard Silver AIFD and Walter Fedeshyn AIFD. I think the students were very impressed to meet the president of AIFD and work on some arrangements that were going to the Art Institute. Thanks Howard, for the tour and the time you spent with us!
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Gallagher AIFD, advisor
GATEWAY CHAPTER – Gateway Technical College
The Gateway Chapter of SAIFD started off with a fantastic Post Care & Handling program. Our presenter was Bruce Ecker from the Smither’s Oasis and Floralife Companies. Bruce’s presentation was more than I could have asked for. He really had the attention of the students and helped them to understand the need for such care and the products available to us. There were prizes awarded for good answers and wrong answers. It was a fun way of learning. His program included the breakdown of how much it really costs to use preservative products. He was awesome. We thank Smither’s Oasis and Floralife for allowing him to make this presentation for us. Our chapter is busy once again in fundraisers so we can go to the symposium. We have had a few plant sales and are now in the wreath and turkey sales. In spring we are planning to have our AIR program.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Edwards AIFD, advisor
SCOTT CHAPTER – University of Illinois
Eldon Haab AIFD visited the University of Illinois in October. He spent the afternoon as a guest lecturer for the floral design class and in the evening he presented an AIR program for SAIFD. He displayed many samples of fall designs for students to get ideas. He showed how to create different levels of design and how to incorporate novelty items as well. After his presentation, students were able to create a design and have it critiqued by Eldon. His program was wonderful. The Scott Chapter will soon be making Thanksgiving centerpieces to sell as part of their fundraising efforts. The proceeds help students with costs associated with AIFD National Symposium.
Respectfully submitted,
Trisha Locke AIFD, ICPF, SAIFD co-advisor