Willing Workers of White Hall Extension Homemakers Club arrived with boxes of cookies for the Club Cookie Distribution to first responders in White Hall.
The meeting was held Feb. 25 at the White Hall Library, according to a news release.
A box of cookies was immediately prepared for the White Hall firefighters and delivered as they were having a work night at the fire station off U.S. 270. Other batches of cookies will be delivered soon.
President Karen Needler welcomed everyone. Jim Wilson blessed the food, and members had slider sandwiches, hash-brown casserole and strawberry cake furnished by Marnette Reed.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Kathy Wilson read the Thought of the Month: “Know thy self means this, that you get acquainted with what you know and what you can do.” Dee Kindrick led members in the Homemaker’s Creed. Sarah Payton read the Handy Hint: “Remember personal development is a lifelong journey and takes time and effort to see progress.”
Jim Wilson read the Inspiration from Philippians 4:13. Jo Ann Carr called the roll with members answering the question: “Do you set personal goals?” Eight members and two guests were present. Karla Via was a guest of Kindrick’s, and the other guest was Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent.
Payton presented the program “It’s OK to Talk about Mental Health: Tips for Tough Conversations.” She said when deciding whether, when and how to talk to someone you are close to about their (or your own) mental health, it is important to ask yourself a few questions.
Payton asked the question: “How can I start a conversation?” Why me? Why now? Why not? Are you an appropriate person to start this conversation? When answering this question, think about your relationship with the other person.
Why now? What have you noticed that is causing concern? Why not? Do you have time and space to have a thoughtful conversation right now? If not, schedule a time to meet when you do.
Use “I” statements to state in a nonjudgmental way what you have noticed that has caused concern. Do not diagnose them. Unless you are a mental health practitioner, you do not have the education, training or experience to diagnose someone with a mental illness.
If you are concerned they may be showing signs of mental illness, encourage them to seek help from a professional.
There is a lot more information on mental health in the handout. If you are interested in one, contact Kizer at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service.
Community Service
Carr read Kay Cromwell’s report that 15 items and $77 in cash were delivered to White Hall Food Pantry in January. She asked that members bring oil, sugar and flour to the March meeting for the food pantry. Cromwell had also expressed her appreciation for a teenage volunteer at the food pantry for her help unloading items last month.
Continuing Education
Kathy Wilson showed a wreath for a suggested craft project. A date and time for a workshop will be set later.
A birthday dinner was planned for March 22 at the Mammoth Orange at Redfield to celebrate the birthdays of Jim Wilson, Tonia Dalby, Penny Scholes and Elizabeth Wall.
Kindrick reported on the upcoming Jefferson County Mental Health Walk to be held on May 3 at White Hall City Park. Kindrick encouraged members to participate and to solicit other groups or businesses to join in as well.
The next Willing Workers’ meeting will be on March 25 at the White Hall Library. If you are interested in visiting or learning more about the Jefferson County Extension Homemakers, contact any member or Mary Ann Kizer at (870) 534-1033.