Alva Review-Courier -

Grow and Share OHCE met for its regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Homestead. Amanda Jones served as hostess. President Janet Cunningham called the meeting to order and led the group in the flag salute. Seven members and one guest, Riecyn Jones, answered roll call to: What is your favorite form of self-care? Minutes for the September meeting were read by Mary Hamilton in the absence of the secretary/treasurer. One correction on a fair category was made. Ruth Welborn moved that the minutes be approved as corrected with the motion passing. No treasurer's report was given.

No communications were received this month.

Under the Cultural Enrichment Committee report, Janet stated that the Leadership Development and Communication and Citizen Engagement grant had been submitted by the deadline of Oct. 15. The grant, if funded, will help pay for the etiquette workshop for 4-H members to be held in February.

Unfinished business included discussion of the county fall association meeting. The membership approved the bylaws change for more inclusive wording in the membership section. County officers were elected with Janet Cunningham as president, Mary Hamilton as vice-president, Maureen Thomas as secretary and Paula McMurphy as treasurer. Susan Holliday, extension educator, announced that there will be a planning meeting for the 2023 District Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at the Glo Hotel in Enid. She also requested help for the Reality Check event to be held at Alva High School on Nov. 8. Her last announcement was the Holiday Happenings event to be held at the Alfalfa County Fairgrounds on Nov/ 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration of $40 is due on Nov. 1.

Under the new business, the Thanksgiving dinner and meeting to be held Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. in the home of Janet Cunningham was discussed. Members chose items to bring for the potluck dinner. A project to celebrate Kindness Day was also discussed. At the November meeting, members will bring and sign cards for nursing home residents to be delivered on Kindness Day, Nov. 18.

Ruth Welborn gave the lesson on, “Self-care and Managing Grief After Loss.” She handed out lesson materials and went over the five stages of grief. She gave tips for dealing with grief. She emphasized the importance of healthy eating, physical activity and sleep. As an extra demonstration, Amanda gave a demonstration on Chalk Couture. She brought supplies for all in attendance to make their own Chalk Couture pumpkin. Amanda served refreshments and secret pal gifts were exchanged.

The meeting adjourned to the November regular meeting to be held on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at the home of Janet Cunningham.