Richmond County Clerk of Court Kathy Gainey said it.

County Extension Director Clinton McRae said it.

The vote Monday night was unanimous: From turnips and greens to coconut cake, it’s hard to beat the food you’ll find at an Extension and Community Association gathering.

Monday’s annual event honored the work that the Lakeside and Ruth Deaton ECA club members have done throughout the year to further their association’s overall mission of “strengthening the family though leadership development, volunteerism, educational support, and research-based education from North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T University.”

The ECA is perhaps best known for keeping the flame of traditional homemaking burning bright. Local ECA club members know how to do things like can their own vegetables and knit their own baby clothes. They participate in educational programs, enter their handiwork in competitions and learn new things from guest speakers and lecturers.

As Monday night’s keynote speaker, Gainey taught ECA members about the importance of some personal legal matters that many people fail to take care of until its too late - a living will, last will and testament, funeral instructions, power of attorney and an inventory of assets. According to Gainey, these documents go right along with the ECA’s primary goal - strengthening the family.

“So many times, when we pass away, our children don’t know what we want,” said Gainey. “I’ve seen family members never speak again, and all over ‘stuff.’

“You’re not going to be there; this (documentation) is going to make it easier on your loved ones.”

What some would consider a somber topic was made lively as Gainey swapped stories with her audience - from who wants the gospel classics of Elvis Presley played at her funeral to the Clerk of Court’s own ability to “hold a nickel till the buffalo squeals.”

Certificates of achievement were presented at the end of the night to the following clubs and members: County Fair Booth Winner - County Council; Club Lesson Leader - Faye Hasie, who had her award accepted by Abby McDonald; Outstanding Club Project - Ruth Deaton Club; Club Woman of the Year - Darlene Lisk; Club of the Year - Lakeside.

Cultural Arts Winners: Faith Ford won first place in the knitting, sewing, quilted wall hanging and hand needlework divisions. Betty Wilson won first place in the heritage division and second place in the needlework division. Sylvia Green won first place in the miscellaneous division for crafted gift bags and cards.

As the evening came to a close, ECA County Council President Betty Wilson summed it all up.

“I hope the younger generation can pick up on some of these traditions.”

For more information on the Extension Community Association contact North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Richmond County Center at 997-8255.