Rural Neighbors OHCE



Rural Neighbors OHCE met on Wednesday, August 15th, at the OSU Extension office at 1:30 p.m.  President Joyce Stockton called attention to Donna Gillenwaters, Scholarship Committee Chair, to make a presentation of awards. We received six applications from extremely qualified students. Based upon the number and quality of the applicants, it was decided to give two $500 scholarships rather than just one. The recipients were chosen by the highest class ranking and GPA. Present to receive the awarded scholarships were Brittany Bush and Renee Williams, mother of Kylie Williams, who is already on campus at OBU. Rural Neighbors congratulates both of our winners.

After we enjoyed delicious refreshments prepared by Charlotte Kennedy and a visitation time with our guests, Stockton called the meeting to order. Margaret Scott led the flag salute and Gladys Schrimsher gave the thought for the day.  She shared the words to a favorite hymn, “Give Us More Grace”,  and talked about how we are given strength in difficult times.

Stockton presented the lesson on Hints for Healthy Living and distributed informative handouts to members. Secretary Gail Morris called the roll and 20 members responded with answers to the question, “Do you try to add healthy foods to your diet every day?”  An account was given of healthy fruits and vegetables shared with others by our members. We were very happy to welcome our newest members, Beverly McAdams and Mary Spurlin, and are proud to have them in our OHCE group.

After the financial report was given by Treasurer Letitia Bugner, we moved on to committee reports. Gillenwaters handed out the Scholarship Committee Report and Willie Jackson, Healthy Living, told about our “Water for All” booth for the county fair. Betty Auld will be helping her  and a sign-up sheet was passed for additional volunteers. Thelma Polk took up contributions to our scholarship fund and also encouraged members to continue to educate themselves about the candidates running for positions in the upcoming elections. Members shared concerns for several of our group who need our encouragement and support. Rosalie Bush gave updates on cultural enrichment issues.

Unfinished Business was dominated by preparations for the Grady County Fair. Food items, work days, and exhibits were discussed and finalized.  Members displayed many of their completed exhibits at the meeting.  Margaret Scott gave a brief report on the 4-H Awards Banquet and the ones that we had sponsored.

New Business included the newly formed 4-H Sewing Club, the Max and Barbara Thomas fund, and the Firefighters’ Fundraiser to be held in Ninnekah.  Upcoming events, in addition to the fair, were the leader’s lesson on September 18th, and those who are preparing for our next meeting on Wednesday, September 19th.  The meeting was adjourned by Stockton.



Spring Creek OHCE



By Pat King, reporter

Spring Creek OHCE met the end of July at the Grady County Extension Center with Pat King and Elaine Drennan serving as hostesses for the meeting.

The president, Evelyn Tankersley called the meeting to order. The flag salute was also led by Tankersley. The song “Ain’t we got fun?” was led by sisters, Judy and Sharon Courtney.

The lesson on Fair Food Safety was presented by Drennan who elaborated on several points of food safety such as cooking temperatures of certain meats, positioning foods in the refrigerator (raw meats on the bottom), allowing cooking utensils and pots and pans to air dry, the use of gloves when serving, and always wear closed toed shoes (no sandals) in the kitchen and keep hair tied back or pinned up. Short cropped hair is allowed. Members answered roll call with a kitchen safety tip they use themselves. Some of which were, be careful of steam burns, keep all knives in a separate drawer and wash knives in soapy water by themselves, put left over food in the refrigerator as soon as it has been cooled, etc..

One important task for the meeting was to elect new officers for the coming year 2013. The roster is as follows: President Beth Kessler Erwin, Vice-President Evelyn Tankersley, Secretary Sandra Grodecki, Reporter Pat King, and Statistician Dorothy Clowdus.

Spring Creek members were busy making their final preparations for the Grady County Fair Exhibits: clothing, canning, wooden accessory item, scrapbook, and educational exhibit. Members also volunteered for work times for the fair in the kitchen, concession stands, cookbook booth, and clean-up days.

Spring Creek members were saddened by the loss of long-time member, Barbara Brand. She died Aug. 8. Barbara lost her battle with cancer. She will be missed by all who knew her. Condolences to her family. The meeting was adjourned with plans for the next meeting at the fairgrounds to enter exhibits on Aug. 21st at 1 p.m. All exhibits will be entered after the meeting and clean up of the south concession stand area that Spring Creek operates during the fair.