Optimism about Durant’s future, expressed in a ribbon-cutting and a report on sustainability, highlighted the regular meeting of Bryan County Federation of Democratic Women last week.
Four representatives from the Durant Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Bryan County Democratic Party (BCDP) as a new Chamber member: CEO Kara Byrd, Director of Marketing and Membership Chloe Hughes, Chamber Board member Mike Cook and Ribbon-Cutting Committee member Susan Edelen.
BCFDW is a part of the Bryan County Democratic Party.
Byrd spoke about ways that chamber membership can benefit businesses and organizations, as its members also support the chamber’s efforts to promote the city and all that it offers.
“As local Democrats,” BCDP chair Pat Notley said, “we love and appreciate this community, and we’re happy to make our support of it ‘official’ by joining the Durant Chamber of Commerce.”
Speaker for the meeting was Ryan Jones board member of the Durant Sustainability Coalition. He told of activities in which the coalition has recently been involved, such as supporting the recently opened Crooked Smile Trail near the Visual & Performing Arts Center at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and working with the City of Durant Parks & Recreation Department to hold the community’s second Earth Day event, an educational celebration of conservation efforts in the region.
The coalition’s current project is supporting a “walking safety” check list in Durant neighborhoods.
BCFDW Vice-President Pat Bley presided at the meeting, which included reports about the Oklahoma Federation of Democratic Women’s recent conference in Oklahoma City. Seven BCFDW members attended from Bryan County.
Notley was honored during the conference with Congressional District 2’s True Blue Award, which “recognizes outstanding and dedicated grassroots members who demonstrate our Democratic values.”
Barbara Nicholson and Charlotte Young received a dual honor of induction into the OFDW Hall of Fame, which recognizes longtime and dedicated service by members. The mother-daughter “team” both live in Bokchito.
BCFDW meets each third Tuesday at noon at Donald W. Reynolds Community Center and Library. BCDP meets each fourth Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. currently meeting at El Kanelo Restaurant. Further information on both organizations is available by contacting bryancodemocrats@ gmail.com.
