Willing Workers of White Hall’s Extension Homemakers Club met Jan. 26 at Sam’s Eatery. Ten members were present and followed safety guidelines including social distancing and wearing masks, according to a news release.
President Sarah Payton welcomed everyone. Jim Wilson asked the blessing. Elizabeth Wall read the thought of the month: “Think of your family today and every day thereafter, don’t let the busy world of today keep you from showing how much you love and appreciate your family.”
Marnette Reed presented the program called Loneliness and Social Isolation: Guarding the Mental Health of Older Adults.
Reed said loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is the lack of social connections and can lead to loneliness in some people.
She said people should seek out ways to interact with others, safely. People can find online groups with shared interests such as crafting, travel or the outdoors. People can learn to use technology that allows for video calls or chats with family and friends.
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People also can call friends and family regularly or ask them to call. Advice included volunteering with an organization.
Reed distributed handouts with more information on this subject and passed along a handout titled Keys to Embracing Aging — Social Activity.
Meanwhile at the meeting, Kathy Wilson, community service chairwoman, reported on items collected at the December meeting and the money collected for the White Hall Food Pantry. A thank you letter was read from the pantry officials for the monetary donation. She also encouraged members to continue making caps and dolls for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and caps for cancer patients.
Donation items for the next five months were selected: Salt, pepper and spices for February; shelf milk for March; cooking oil for April; canned meat for May and cereal for June.
Dee Kindrick, continuing education and history chairwoman, gave the origin of Valentine’s Day. She also told members they could find daily copies of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette at service stations locally and that the White Hall Library is now open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
During the business meeting, Vice President Karen Needler recognized members Jo Ann Carr, Sarah Payton and Marnette Reed as being county member achievers and presented them with awards. Cheri Aronowitz was also an honoree, but wasn’t present.
For information on Extension Homemakers Clubs or for handouts on the Loneliness and Social Isolation program, people may contact Mary Ann Kizer, family and consumer sciences agent at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, at
(870) 534-1033.