Checking Your Wisdom at the Straight Fork CEOS meeting

Secretary Fern Watson presented the minutes and treasurer Jane Metzgar the financial report. Imogene Wimer, president, presented an activity called “Checking Your Wisdom”. It was a group of 15 questions and all the answers started with the letter A. Can you guess why? That’s easy. This is the

April meeting.

Two examples — “What A is the last word of the Pledge of Allegiance”? All

What is called Jamacia Pepper and has the flavor of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg”? Allspice Health Motivator Miral Gibson gave the details of healthy lunches. She emphasized that they needed to include the five food groups which are protein, fruit, vegetables, grains, and dairy.

She stated that it is better if you can plan ahead and if possible, choose foods that are preferences of the individual.

The president shared a thank you note from Our Neighbor thanking us for our donations. The educational lesson was entitled “Pollinators” and was taught by Jane Metzgar.

She started the lesson by telling us that the world depends on pollinators for one-third of the food we eat and that we need to recognize how vital bees are to our food production. Almost all flowering plants need to be pollinated.

The number of bee population and the number of native pollinators is declining. This is happening because of a loss of natural habitat, chemical pesticide usage, disease, poor nutrition, and weather.

To positively influence pollinators, we need to provide the necessary habitat, including the basics of food, water, shelter, and enough space to grow their young.

Simple steps can be taken to support pollinators. One being reduce the use of pesticides by finding safer alternatives.

Pledge to continue to promote pollinator health and well-being by participating in National Pollinator Week in June.

Reports were given by all committee chairs. Connie Cutright, Marketing and Membership chair asked a member to share The Collect and gather statistics for her yearly report.

She announced that May 5 is the date chosen to work on the flower beds at Jacksons’ Mill and May 15 as the date of the Salad Luncheon.

She also announced that we needed to choose a Tip of the Hat Honoree. After a brief discussion, Debra Law McCabe was chosen.

Family Committee Chair Fern Watson announced that the date of the state Arbor Day is April 14 and the national one is April 28.

The date for Earth Day April 22. She briefly discussed each one.

The other part of her report was entitled “Humble Bumblebees”, It coincided perfectly with our lesson.

It listed 7 important facts about bumblebees. Two of them — There are about 250 species spread around the globe and each colony contains from 5 to 500 individuals. Their wings beat about 200 times per second. Each member received handouts of all her material.

Reading Committee chair Debbie McCabe gave an interesting report.

She first announced that in 2021, Americans read roughly 12 books per year. That number is the lowest it has been since Gallup began tracking American reading habits in 1990. She stated that the brain needs exercise to help keep it working at its best. Reading is one way to help keep your mind sharp. It associates with better brain health.

Whether the decline in reading books is the result of busy lifestyles or the latest series on television, the time has come to get back on the book bandwagon. She told the group she hoped her report would motivate them to read more books.

Continuing Education chair Velva Walton gave us information from a little paperback booklet entitled “Hardesty’s 1883 Encyclopedia of West Virginia” that was published in 1998 by The Upshur County Historical Society.

For her discussion she chose Banks District in Upshur County where many of our club members live.

In 1863, the state legislature appointed men to divide the counties into districts. Four men were appointed from Upshur County. This group met in Buckhannon and with the help of the surveyor divided the county into six districts. Our county, Banks, is the most southern in the county and is the largest. At that time, the community of Rock Cave was called Centerville.

The first house in the district was built in 1810 in Frenchton and the first church organized in 1815 near Frenchton.

A gigantic walnut tree grew in Banks District. When cut, it measured across the stump 7 feet one way and 8 feet the other. The body of the tree was 75 feet in length and at the top measured 3 ½ feet in diameter. It sold on the ground for $600.00 and it is said to have been the largest walnut tree ever cut in United States. For our members, this was interesting information.

During the business session details pertaining to Show How Day were discussed. The individuals of the group attending offered to help with the various jobs.

There was a repost pertaining to the recent County Council meeting and it was announced the Easter bags had been delivered to the Roanoke Preschool group. At this time, we don’t have a report pertaining to Energy Express.

Jane Metzgar won the door prize. Debbie McCabe was hostess for the evening. Sonnie Anthony, the other member of the committee, could not be with us but she helped Debbie provide the needed materials.

We enjoyed tasty refreshments from a buffet decorated for Easter and the meeting was adjourned.