Report for Sunshine OHCE-February 2021; More than 1000 Red Ribbons made

Sunshine OHCE had their first meeting of 2021 at the Stephens County Fairgrounds. The January meeting was cancelled due to COVID concerns. There were 14 members in attendance, with Brenda Gandy-Jones, Extension Educator present as our guest. Donnita Hall conducted the installation of new officers with the theme of card games and each office was represented by a game. Installed were: President, Flo Stuckert; Vice President, Vicki Zimmerman; Secretary, Jane Mitchell; Treasurer, Linda Heilman; Historian, Barbara Leverett; Reporter, Sue Smith-Raska.

Linda Heilman informed the group that long time member and Past State OHCE President, Barbara Cox died on 2-3-2021 after a lengthy illness. Our condolences to the family of our beloved member. A card was passed around for all to sign.

Gina Flesher shared communication the group received. Charis sent their appreciation for donations of clothes, diapers, hygiene products, totes, quilts and blankets. The Wichita Area Prevention Network also sent a thank you note for 1005 red ribbons made by Sunshine Members for Red Ribbon Week. Sandy Grabman also sent thanks for a blanket and cards sent to Buzz.

Linda Heilman advised that since Sunshine contributed to Camp Walahiyi that the group is now considered a member of their organization and as such is invited to attend meetings.
Toni Bess encouraged all members to submit a one page paper for the Cultural Enrichment State Project by 5-12-2021. The project is entitled "The Way it Was-The Pandemic of 2020". Guidelines were distributed and the final product can be turned in to Brenda Gandy-Jones at the OSU Extension Office.

Flo Stuckert, Vicki Zimmerman and Sue Smith-Raska volunteered to review the By-Laws for the group and present any suggestions for revisions.

Sandy Pogue announced that this year's state OHCE project is "Hunger". In keeping with that theme it was voted to support the "Blessing Boxes" in Duncan this year. Members are to bring non-perishable foods to each monthly meeting which will then be taken to restock the boxes.

February 23[rd] is the County Council and Sunshine is the host. Members are to meet the day before the meeting on the 22nd at 1:00 pm at the Fairgrounds to decorate the tables.

The program was presented by Sue Smith-Raska entitled "Keys to Embracing Aging-Positive Attitude". The next meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2021 to be held at the Stephens County Fairgrounds. Anyone interested in more information about the Sunshine Group or OHCE is encouraged to call the OSU Ext. office: 580-255-0150 or 580-467-3065. Prospective members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

SUE SMITH-RASKA

REPORTER-SUNSHINE OHCE