Alva Review-Courier -

Grow and Share OHCE met for its regular monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2024, at the home of Carol Erikson, who served as hostess. President Janet Cunningham called the meeting to order. Members joined in the flag salute. Erickson gave the devotion using James 5:13-16, “Praying for other people.” Nine members answered roll call to: Do you keep unopened food past the “best if used by” date? No guests were in attendance. Jean Moore read the minutes for the January meeting with Carol McDaniel moving that the minutes be approved as corrected. Motion passed. Moore gave the treasurer’s report, and Cunningham presented two bills to be reimbursed to her for the Etiquette First event.

There were no communications received.

Under committee reports, Cunningham stated that the Etiquette First event was successful with 12 4-H members in attendance. She thanked those who prepared food and/or served at the event. She also reported that Grow and Share might use the dishes on hand at the Runnymede for next year’s event. The report was approved.

Unfinished business included signup for hostess for unfilled months. Discussion continued with the Woods County Fair items. Members discussed the West District Meeting in Laverne with several members indicating they would be attending. The Woods County Achievement Night was discussed with Jean volunteering to make cookies and McDaniel volunteering to bring crackers. Six members attended the Mini Barn Quilt and Cupcake Cakes Workshop on Feb. 1: Cunningham, Erikson, Mary Hamilton, Doris Marcus and McDaniel.

Under new business, Cunningham reported that there will be a Freezer Meals Workshop in Major County on March 5. She also reminded members to attend the Leader’s Training (Stain Removal) for March on Feb. 11 at 1:30 at the Woods County Courthouse and (Butterfly Gardens) for April on March 28 at 1 p.m. at the Courthouse.

Erickson presented the lesson on product dating. She gave the definition of food product dating. She stated that product dating is to help consumers decide when food is of the best quality, not to indicate a product’s safety. Members were interested to hear that infant formula is the only product dating required by Federal regulations. Moore presented a mini-lesson on the history of the Mason jar. Members exchanged secret sister gifts and enjoyed refreshments.

The meeting adjourned to the next regular meeting to be held Monday, March 11, at 6 p.m. Cheryl Diefenbach will host. Several members stayed to participate in a Valentine Craft Workshop.