By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
An organization that is focused on strengthening the family unit is being celebrated this week across Canadian County.
“Oklahoma Home and Community Education Week” will be observed May 7-13.
Canadian County Commission Chairman Dave Anderson read a proclamation declaring this week during the commissioners’ regular meeting May 8.
“We believe the family is the catalyst of our society,” said Anderson, the District 2 commissioner. “The stability of the family is the primary purpose of society.”
OHCE’s areas of focus are healthy living, leadership development, resource management, cultural enrichment, and family living.
A dozen Canadian County OHCE members brought home-baked goodies as a thank-you to the commissioners, who shared them with others after the meeting.
“Thank you for the wonderful treats,” District 1 Commissioner Tom Manske said.
Canadian County OHCE is a continuing education program in all aspects of home and community life. Their slogan is: “Working Together to Build Better Communities Through Leadership and Service.”
The organization’s ultimate aim is to educate its members to be well-informed and able to guide change in their homes and communities.
Canadian County has six OHCE groups – Friendly Circle, Frisco, Katies, Lamplighters, Sunshine, and Underwood.
“They used to be called home demonstration groups, home extension groups,” said Donna Jung, Canadian County’s OHCE advisor and an OSU extension educator for family and consumer science.
“We have 69 members, and they’re from Mustang, Yukon, Union City, Calumet, and El Reno. They stay very busy. … I appreciate all my members being here.”
OHCE groups “will strive to continue to focus on significant betterment of strong family life for communities across our state,” according to the Canadian County resolution presented Monday morning.
Through a partnership with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, OHCE presents research-based information to its members and the public through monthly leader lessons and district and state meetings.
Leadership development and community service projects provide OHCE members with further opportunities to apply this research-based information to practical use for their homes and communities.
COUNTY FAIR SUPPORT
Local OHCE members stay especially busy each August preparing baking, sewing and other projects for the Canadian County Free Fair in El Reno.
“I do enjoy the work you do for our county during the fair and other times during the year,” Chairman Anderson told the group. “Your emphasis on the family is very much appreciated.”
Jung invited county officials and citizens to the attend the OHCE Spring Council at 10 a.m. this Thursday, May 11 inside Mustang Town Center, 1501 N Mustang Road.
Attendees will learn about judging standards for county fair entries in categories like baking, food preservation, clothing, and quilts. Awards will be presented.
Annual OHCE dues are $17.50. For more information, call the Canadian County OSU Extension Center at (405) 262-0155.
