March 12 & 13 2022
Submitted by Rhonda Lynn-Moeckel AIFD – South Central Regional Chapter President
The South Central Regional Chapter was beyond thrilled with the response of those wanting to attend our Shining Through a Pandemic Event, held the weekend of March 12 & 13 2022. We were able to meet live and in person for first time in two years! It was so wonderful to be with our AIFD® Family, and with others who share the same enthusiasm for the floral industry.
Saturday afternoon March 12, kicked off with the Frankie Sheldon AIFD Cup Competition. This year we have a few changes. We had seven designers signed up to compete for the Frankie Sheldon AIFD Cup. Bill Hattel AIFD and Lenzee Bilke AIFD Co-Chaired the Competition, and they were a fabulous team! Three handmade quilts in honor of Marie Ackerman AIFD were hung in front of the competitors, giving inspiration to complete their design. The quilts were created and donated by Alan Master AIFD, Bill Hattel AIFD and Mitzi Alexander AIFD. These quilts were numbered one through three. A number between one and three was placed on each table, along with flowers in colors to complement their quilt. No one knew going in what their inspiration would be until they entered the staged area. Each competitor did a fantastic job.
Frankie Sheldon Cup Winners
- First Place: Nicola Parker AIFD
- Second Place: Matt Douglas AIFD
- Third Place: Lesleighan Cravens AIFD
We also had five students competing at the student level.
Student Competition Winners
- First Place: Hannah Owens
- Second Place: Brenna Heavin
- Third Place: Lesleighan Cravens AIFD
The beverages and delicious snacks for the Saturday night Meet and Greet were sponsored by Absolutely Flowers, owned by Karen Maness and Mitzi Alexander AIFD
The evening ended with a dinner in a private room at the Larkspur Restaurant. It was so nice to have some quite time to visit with each other. Our honored quests were Janet Black AIFD, National President, Todd Sweeden AIFD, National President Elect, Thaddeus Servantes AIFD, National Board of Director, Shane Cranford AIFD, Representative to the National Board, and last but not least, the incomparable Chris Norwood AIFD.
Sunday morning started with a Hands on Workshop – Embracing the Boho Trend. We planned for twenty five attendees and ended up expanding to thirty one. Mitzi Alexander AIFD, was a phenomenal teacher, and everyone left with a beautiful Boho bouquet. Tips and techniques were shared by Mitzi along with a head table piece, and a faux version of a Boho bouquet.
Sunday afternoon, Chris Norwood AIFD took the stage and gave 110% percent of himself! Chris’s southern charm, drew everyone in to watch as he created one incredible floral design after another. Some of Chris’s designs were show stoppers, large and breathtaking. Some of his designs were created in armatures. Chris used design techniques binding several small vases in an artistic manner with curly willow. Chris spoke about the art of substitution and the development of his daily live Facebook videos. Chris Norwood has a phenomenal following. Through the Pandemic when so many people were shut in, Chris developed his live videos and still continues them today. Chris actually shared one while on stage. Chris has reached so many people across the country, teaching them about the importance of flowers, and bringing joy in uncertain times. Chris is a master of not only designing live, but reaching out and engaging the audience.
Chris spoke on the memory of Marie Ackerman, how she touched and inspired so many of us. When we contacted Chris and told him that the South Central Regional Chapter was honoring Marie Ackerman during this event, he said that if his calendar was clear, he would be there. We are so glad that he came! The main stage program Shining Through a Pandemic had just under seventy in attendance.
What do Frankie Sheldon AIFD, Marie Ackerman AIFD, and Chris Norwood AIFD all have in common? They may not have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but they are Shining Stars to the South Central Regional Chapter and to AIFD®.
A Special Thank You – to the following
AIFD® National Board Members in Attendance
AIFD® South Central Board Members in Attendance
AIFD® South Central Fundraising Committee
AIFD Foundation for the Regional Grant
Accent Décor – Containers and Tote Bags
Syndicate Sales – Containers for the Competition
Absolutely Flowers – Saturday Nights Meet and Greet
Baisch and Skinner Wholesale both the Saint Louis Team and the Wichita Team
(Their generosity of sponsorship, their fantastic fresh product and their efforts to assist and host the South Central Event.)
I would also like to thank all of Chris Norwood’s Vendors who donated fresh product to his program.
