On January 7, 2026, members of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education met in the Clay Jones community building to review the happenings of the Bryan County Fair and to make preparations for new projects in the future.
President, Phyllis Bond, called the meeting to order and minutes of the December meeting were reviewed and approved.
Treasurer gave the financial report and informed members that an audit should be made. The was done following this meeting and conducted by the President and vice-president.
Cards were requested for those who were in need of being uplifted or in need of prayers. Jack and Pat Accountius were mentioned and Mary Knight gave an update on Elaine James’ son.
Cultural Enrichment chairman, Family Issues chairman: Healthy Living Chairman, Resource Management chairman, had no report Jana Crawford, Scholarship chair reported an up grade of new applications and indicated a discussion on the date counselors will receive hand delivered copies. The quilt raffle fundraiser netted a grand total of $942.74. Mary Knight made the suggestion that the group provide and donate an item, with whatever their talent is, and sell these items at the Library’s Holiday Sale. A motion was made and passed.
Nominations for the new County OHCE Officers presented by the nominating committee are: President: Mary Knight— Vice-president: Phyllis Bond—Secretary: Sue Meyer— Treasurer: Donna Collins a motion was made and seconded and passed.
This is the month that members honored some of their members and for the OHCE Members Awards, for Rookie of the year, Jeanette Valenicia was the nominee: for OHCE Member, Mary Knight was the nominee, and for the Heart of OHCE: Pat Accountius was chosen.
Southeast district 2026 meeting is to be held in the McAlester Expo Center on March 10. Registration is $2.00 and due at the February 4th County Executive meeting.
The five counties planning for the 2027 SE District meeting was held on January 13th at the Johnson Co. OSU Extension to obtain ideas for items and gift baskets for silent auction fundraiser. Bring items for a “Sewing Basket” to the February meeting. A member has indicated she has 3 baskets..
Phyllis Bond presented 2 projects for “Show and Tell”: a pad cover for stove and pillows fashioned from her late husband’s shirts to present to her children on a special day.
The Leader Lesson was the Benefits of coloring for Adults. Members were given a coloring assignment & fact sheet to be turned in at the February meeting.
The Bryan County OHCE meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 am at the Clay Jones Community Center Building in Durant. The public is welcome to attend. For additional information, contact, Tommie M. James, FCS & 4-H Extension educator, Bryan Count OSU Extension office at (580)924-5312.