Friday, March 1, 2013


PENNSYLVANIA FASHION REVUES BEING PLANNED—VOLUNTEERS WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Every 4-H’er in Pennsylvania who sews a wearable garment will have a Regional Fashion Revue to participate in again this year.  Also, the 2013 State Fashion Revue is being planned for August 7, during State 4-H Achievement Days.  Thanks to the many volunteers (and paid staff) who are stepping up to continue this important part of our 4-H Clothing Program!
On a recent conference call, representatives of every region in Pennsylvania confirmed their plans.  Hooray!  The Fashion Revue Regions are aligned like this:

2013 Pennsylvania State Fashion Revue Organization                                     

Region name, chair and included counties                                                                         

Northwest--Paula Lucas-- Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Forest, Warren, Clarion, Lawrence, Butler

Southwest--Pam Paletta, Mary Fidler—Allegheny, Armstrong, Indiana, Westmoreland, Washington, Greene, Fayette, Beaver

Central--Dotty Bartek, Donna Kirby--McKean, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Blair, Somerset, Cambria, Bedford, Huntingdon, Fulton                            

Northeast South--Linda Hendricks--Mifflin, Juniata, Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, Columbia, Lycoming

 Northeast North--Jan Cohen, Karen Bracey--Bradford, Tioga, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Wayne

Southeast Capital--Martha Gregory--Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Adams, Franklin, York, Lancaster, Lebanon

Southeast- Del/Val--Patti Colby--Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Schuylkill, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia

 
There will be one regional event for each of the above, with the possible exception of the Southeast Region where they are still working out the details of one or more events so that all counties can participate.
For those of you who do not have a lot of experience with Fashion Revue, you may want to know the official objectives of the State 4-H Fashion Revue.  They are:

4-H Members Will:


  1. Select colors and silhouettes to enhance personal coloring and body type.
  2. Coordinate and accessorize an ensemble suitable to an occassion.
  3. Acquire poise, practice good grooming, and improve posture.
  4. Recognize good fit and quality construction.
  5. Enhance personal development through modeling and stage presence.
  6. Broaden interaction with youth from across the Commonwealth.
  7. Acquire new ideas and helpful suggestions and make improvements.
  8. Sharpen written application skills.
  9. Acquaint themselves with faculty, services, and facilities of The Pennsylvania State University.

Maureen and I both particpated in Fashion Revue in the 1960's and 70's (boy, we sound old!).  We proudly watched as our daughters gained experience and skills during their Fashion Revue careers.  We know that it is a strong program that benefits the participants.  We hope you'll join us in making Fashion Revue available for the current generation of 4-H boys and girls who are learning by doing in 4-H Fashion Revue!
Planning has already begun for many of the regional events plus the state event, but we can use more help.  If you are a parent or a bona fide clothing leader, please contact your regional chair (or us) and we’ll find a job that you can do. 
Fashion Revue will continue well into the future if we work together as volunteers to make it happen.  Yes, we know that there have been staff cuts, but the Clothing program in Pennsylvania has long depended on clothing leaders at the club level who do the teaching of skills, career guidance, and clothing selection advice.  Fashion Revue is a culminating activity that allows our kids to test their limits, see others’ quality work, learn from workshops about the sewing industry and techniques and so much more. 
There are some good resources for preparing your kids for Fashion Revue here and here and  here and here and here .  For help on writing commentaries, go to this site.  Maureen and I highly recommend these sites to get you more informed and help your kids before the event.
If you have any questions about Fashion Revue or any other aspect of being a 4-H clothing leader, please comment below or send us an e-mail.  We would love to hear from you!
Happy sewing!

Linda