CULTURAL ENRICHMENT 2014
Focus: Our goal is to enrich our lives and lives of those around us by being more involved in our
culture and preserving our past.
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Community Projects
o Volunteer as a reading prompter for children in schools
o Organize and/or work with an adult literacy organization in your community or
county
o Promote enrollment in and assist 4-H Clubs with specific project areas
o Emphasize patriotism. Some examples: voting, reviewing flag etiquette,
providing voter registration information.
o Locate a historical building/site in your area in order to identify areas that could
be enhanced with historical or period specific items, i.e. kitchen items, quilts,
antique/period appropriate furniture etc.
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Explore Oklahoma
1. OHCE exchange with another county for overnight visit of points of interest within
the host county, staying overnight in OHCE member’s homes or in bed and breakfast
facilities.
2. Visit a museum or park in your district; for example, city, county, state, or national
parks, preserves, or memorials (Secure information on senior discounts and group rates
and share
information with other groups)
3. Attend festivals of another culture, i.e., Red Earth, Pow Wow, Germanfest, Cinco de
Mayo, Kolache/Czech, Strawberry Festival, Watermelon, Peach, Bluegrass, Pecan, etc.
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Heritage Skills
o Record oral and written history of family and community
 Organize or attend workshops to learn methods for gathering history of
family and community life
 Interview and record older family members, community leaders, retired
educators, etc.
o Preserve family recipes from parents/ancestors in computer files to be collected
for a statewide website. Include a short paragraph and picture, if possible,
about each recipe.
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3 Learn new quilting techniques, such as, hand quilting techniques, paper piecing, crazy
quilting,
hand appliqué techniques, Stack ‘n Whack, Bargello4.
4. Organize needlework workshops within the county, i.e., crochet, counted cross-stitch,
candlewicking, needlepoint, Swedish weaving, knitting, counted thread stitches, sew
days for individual projects.
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5. Organize antique shows within the county. Approach local antique dealers, local
historians and other appropriate persons to come in and appraise the items.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
o Secure donations for Norma Brumbaugh Scholarship for County FCS Educators
o Student 4-H Scholarship
o Collect change.
 Pennies for Friendship (Associated Country Women of the World
projects)
 Nickels for Leadership (Leadership Training Conference)
 Dimes for “Water for All” (through ACWW)
Encourage those who have traveled in other ethnic areas to share their experiences.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place County Award Book $20, $15, $10
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Local Group Award Book $20, $15, $10
Anita Springer, Chairman, NE
Charla Posey Member, SW
Dorothy Rapp, Member, NW
Charles Thurber, Member, SE
HEALTHY LIVING 2014
Slogan – Community Awareness for Healthy Living
Health Issues
Suggested Emphasis
A. Safe water resources.
B. Healthy eating and active living.
C. Information and assisted technology/ AgrAbilty for independent living.
Suggested Projects:
Safe water resources
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Collect funds at local, county and state events to help fund “Water for All” project.
Promote annual testing of private water wells.
Increase awareness of importance of maintaining water resources so they are sustainable
and available to all citizens.
Healthy eating and active living
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Support “Farm to You” interactive exhibit when in local community.
Continue to support and implement the “Drive by Fruiting” project in community. (Local
families or 4-H member adopt a senior citizen and provide $5 or less of fresh fruits and
vegetables monthly).
Increase awareness of local food sources – farmers’ markets, community gardens, and food
banks.
Educate on effective and safe food preservation.
Mentor and support others in safe, healthy, and active living.
Assistive technology for independent living
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Increase awareness of “Agribility” resources that support healthy living and aging in place.
Safety Issues
Suggested Emphasis
A. Safe places to be physically active.
B. Disaster preparedness.
C. Home safety.
Suggested Project:
Active transport
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Support bicycle safety programs when in community (e.g. 4-H bicycle safety programs).
Promote safe walking routes to schools, bus stops, and for community walking.
Disaster preparedness
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Increase awareness of isolated residents who may be overlooked in time of emergency
situations.
Promote community and home preparation and awareness to have a plan in place in an
event of any disasters/emergencies.
Home Safety
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Increase awareness of testing homes for potential health and safety problems and solutions
(carbon monoxide monitor/alarms, fire extinguishers, radon detection, and indoor air
quality).
Increase awareness of home design for aging in place.
Annual testing of public resource water.
Awards
1st, 2nd, 3rd County Award Book $20, $15, $10
1st, 2nd, 3rd Local Group Award Book $20, $15, $10
Rebekah Williams, SE/Chair
Marcy Lee Hurd, NW
Ronda Frech, NW
Sabrina Buxton, NE
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
State Goals 2014
Leadership Development refers to any activity that develops and enhances the quality of
leadership attributes, leadership abilities and leadership attitudes of an individual or organization.
Leadership Skills are based on leadership behavior. Skills alone do not make leaders—style and
behavior do. For effective leadership training and development, start with leadership behavior.
Goals:
1. Establish a county chairman for Leadership Development
2. Offer classes for OHCE members, 4-H groups and community organizations on these
suggested topics:
a. Fundamentals of Leadership & Leadership Styles
b. Importance of Communication Channels
c. Knowledge of Proper Parliamentary Procedure
d. Conducting Effective meetings
e. Use of Power Point and other audiovisuals in presentations
f. Managing and Coping with Changes in group membership and Revising plans in
line with progress.
3. Encourage OHCE members to apply for the Leadership Development and Citizen
Engagement (LDCE), Ambassador or other available grants to implement leadership
projects.
4. Participate in community forums to address local issues through public deliberation.
5. Encourage OHCE involvement in the education of citizens on their voting rights and
privileges.
LEADERSHIP PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD
County Awards
First Place - $25
Second Place - $15
Third Place - $10
Local Awards
First Place - $25
Second Place - $15
Third Place - $10
Rules:
1. Report must be on a LEADERSHIP project and be submitted by a county or local group
and written in story form in 500 words or less and include:
a. OHCE members and group involvement
b. How did the project network with non-members and/or groups
c. Type of leadership exhibited
d. List the objective, action taken and results
e. Photos and news articles are optional, but helpful
Committee Members:
Lesyle Owen, Chair
Linda Burcham
Frances Doyal
Lisa Percy
405-964-2097
580-683-4365
405-382-0392
580-236-0110
MEMBERSHIP 2014
Emphasis: To Increase Overall Membership and create a passion for OHCE in current membership
Goal: Recruit new members, focusing on people who are under-represented in our current membership,
emphasizing age, different ethnic and religious groups, genders and those with disabilities; instill a
renewed interest for OHCE in current membership.
Marketing and Promotions
1. MARKET OHCE Take every opportunity to make OHCE and its logo visible, labels,
iron-on and decals. Use the decal on personal correspondence, as on the envelope seal.
These items are available through OHCE promotional sales.
2. Emphasizing recruitment of younger members through one on one invitation and through
participating in school and other activities. Consider forming evening groups.
3. Promote membership and participation with information on how OHCE members are involved
with local communities. Develop a brochure describing local, county, and state activities and
projects. See website www.ohce.okstate.edu for brochure.
4. Encourage OHCE members to wear OHCE item, i.e., name badges, t-shirts, etc., to non-OHCE
functions, as well as OHCE functions.
5. Place articles in newspapers periodically. In advance, advertise upcoming events, special
interest workshops, and local group meetings in community calendars. Research their
availability. Collect information from county and local groups about upcoming activities,
include website information.
6. Encourage prospective members to visit OHCE Membership Recruitment interactive tab on the
website, www.ohce.org.
7. If your community has a "Welcome Service", be sure to make OHCE brochures available to be
included in their welcome packet, or make OHCE Welcome Baskets or packets.
8. Check with local Chamber of Commerce about displaying brochures and listing upcoming events.
Awards and Recognition
Membership Recognition Award Books
1. Opportunities to recognize former, current and future members
2. New members induction teas/brunches
3. Promote membership recruitment events appropriate to the season, holiday, or special occasion,
etc. Example, May is an excellent opportunity, because of Mother's Day.
4. 5/10/15 etc. year local and county member recognition
5. Involve former members, groups and prospective members, using their pictures in newspaper
articles. Use as many individual pictures as space will allow and spread the coverage out over
the course of several weeks to allow more exposure in your community.
Awards:
County awards
1st Place $20
2nd Place $15
3rd Place $10
Local awards
1st Place $20
2nd Place $15
3rd Place $10
C.
Membership Recruitment Growth
1. Awards will be given to the county and local groups with the greatest percentage of growth. This
percentage is the number of new members in a calendar year divided by the number of members
reported at the beginning of the calendar year. Also, awards for actual number growth based on
calendar year will be awarded for county and local groups.
2. Use the Membership Recruitment Award form and submit this to the State Awards Chair by
February
1, 2015. Submit one for county and one for local. A short paragraph or summary must
accompany the report, telling a little about how some new members were reached.
Awards:
County Awards
Local Awards
1st Place $20
1st Place $20
2nd Place $15
2nd Place $15
3rd Place $10
3rd Place $10
Awards for percentage and actual number growth will be awarded
D.
OHCE --May 5-11,2014
THIS REPORT IS NOT AN AWARD BOOK AND WILL
BE JUDGED FOR YOUR 2014 OHCE WEEK EVENT
1. During this week we encourage members to distribute OHCE brochures in any creative way you
desire. Go to OHCE website for instructions on creating brochure.
2. Ask each local or county group to write an article about activities they plan to do or have done
differently from their regular meeting, &/or write a Feature Article for the local newspaper etc.
3. Please send, in a 3 brad folder with pocket, including a one-page report of your activities, be sure
to use 1 inch margins, in Times New Roman Font 12. Pictures are limited to one page, can have
9 pictures, shingled if needed, and 1 page of newspaper articles, etc. Please include a short
paragraph summarizing the project(s), and place in pocket of folder.
4. These will be shared in some form at the OHCE State Meeting, July 13,14,15,-2014
5. Send report Madaline Kropff,26350 S. 570 Road, Afton, Ok, 74331, by June 1, 2014.
County awards
1st Place $20
2nd Place $15
3rd Place $10 Week
E.
Local awards
1st Place $20
2nd Place $15
3rd Place $10
County Photography
1. Photo must be an OHCE activity and member(s), in color with photo no larger than 5 x 7 inches.
Photo must be by an OHCE member. Please mount photo on mat board and do not attach to a
folder. LABEL should be placed on back of mat board and include name, county and district.
Also, place a label briefly describing the activity pictured and place on front of matting.
2. Each county may submit 3 entries (may or may not be taken by the same person).
3. Photos become property of OHCE for promotional purposes.
4. Photos are due to the Awards and Reports Chair,Madaline Kropff,26350 S. 570 Road, Afton, Ok,
74331, by February 1, 2015.
Awards
1st Place $20
2nd Place $15
3rd Place $10
F.
50, 60 plus -year Members and Groups
1. 50, 60 plus-year members and groups should submit forms for recognition to the State 50Year Chair, Sherril Whitlow, P. O. Box 292, Jet, OK 73749 by May 1, 2015. If you have
questions you can call 580-626-4439.
2. Please include personal story or remembrance of individual.
Committee Members:
Darline Ruyle, Southeast Chair
Donnita Hall, Southwest Member
Sherril Whitlow, NW 50-60 plus-Year Member Chair
Betty Rutledge, Northeast Member
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
AWARD ENTRY FORM
Entry Deadline: February 1, 2015
Send entries to: OHCE Reports and Awards Chair
Name of County__________________________________
Name of local group (if applicable) ___________________
a. Number of current members as of Jan 1, 2014 ________
b. Number of new members gained from Jan 1, 2014 to Dec 31, 2014
________________________________________________
Percentage of growth (b divided by a) ________________
Person submitting entry ___________________________
Address ________________________________________
Phone _________________ E-mail __________________
This award will be given to a county and to a local group.
County will receive: 1st, 2nd 3rd place $20, $15, $10
Local group will receive: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place $20, $15, $10
This award report will be 2 pages only:
Page 1: Entry form (this sheet)
Page 2: Description of projects or activities, which lead to this growth.
If you have county and local groups to submit - you MUST submit each one as a separate award entry.
CRITERIA FOR JUDGING OHCE WEEK REPORTS
__________________________
___________________________
County/Group Name
District
Judge
#1
Items needed to complete report:
0-10 points
3 brad folder with pockets
1 page story
1 page pictures/limit 9 pictures (may be shingled)
1 page news paper articles/other
Folder label must include; OHCE Week,
Local Group (if applicable), County and District
Story
a. Describe situation
0-10 points
b. Objectives
0-10 points
c. Describe process
0-20 points
d.Result of project(s)
0-25 points
Pictures/ clippings/ other(e-mails, thank you’s) related to
activities of OHCE Week
0-20 points
Include Summary paragraph (Plus or minus)
5 points
{No summary – minus 5 points, summery included 0-5 points}
Total points [100 points possible]
Suggestions or comments:
Judge
#2
Judge
#3
State Project
State Goals - 2014
“Raising Young Readers”
Emphasis: Promote appreciation of reading and develop comprehension skills in young
children through primary grades.
Mission Statement
 To encourage early childhood literacy skills reading to and supplying children and
families with books and activities supported by OHCE members.
 To recognize and promote the value of reading to young children.
 To become aware of diversity in your community by promoting and understanding and
accepting others.
YEAR TWO EMPHASIS
Suggested audience: Second and third grade students
New reading level mandates in Oklahoma public schools require third grade students to be
reading at or above grade level before being promoted to the next grade. So this age group needs
special attention in reaching this goal.
For information on the mandate, review it in the State Department of Education’s website:
www.ok.gov/sed In the home page, click on search “Reading Sufficiency Act”.
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Obtaining entry to classrooms by offering to serve as a reading aid or tutor.
Seek out opportunities for one on one reading. Ask the teacher for guidance.
Offer to prepare a reading corner. Examples: Beanbags, pillows, stuffed animals, dress in
character.
Above information edited from: “7 Keys to Comprehension” by Susan Zimmerman and
Chryse Hutchins, Three Rivers Press, 2003 ISBN: 0-7615-1549-6
Resources for Year Two:
Kohl’s Department Stores offers books and related activity application products, monthly at
reduced rate books. See store registers for details.
Grant applications can be obtained for readers in this age group from:
Walmart: www.walmartfoundation.org/grants
Early Childhood Grants from Target: www.corporate.target/corporate-responsibility/grants
Early Childhood Development for Raising Young Readers
 Introduce OHCE members to “Growing Strong Bodies and Minds” curriculum and tool
kit located in each county Extension office. Contact your local FCS Educator for more
details.
 This program tool kit promotes literacy skills with emphasis on nutrition and physical
activities through 9 lessons. Materials are divided into two age groups, appropriate for
children ages pre-school-7 years.
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Suggested Activities for use of the kit:
Make contact with Head Start Programs, day care centers and schools to arrange for
OHCE members to present a time of reading and other related programs to students and
families.
Develop an award for “most books read by families” an example might be to provide a
pizza party and present ribbons to the children.
Tips for reading to students:
Before story time begins, encourage imagery, have children use a “motion picture camera”, hand
held to the ear as if turning a crank. Remind to use their ears, and minds to envision the story
about to be told.
1. Read for meaning. Slowly unfold the story. Use of dramatic props, a simple costume.
2. Children sit in an attentive position. Example: criss-cross applesauce sitting on the floor.
3. Include a “post” exercise. Discussion is good, 8-10 minutes.
4. Reinforcement drawing session, if age appropriate.
5. Ask how does the group relate the story to their locale?
Future State Project efforts may include:
 Encourage members to purchase books to be donated to underserved groups,
i.e., Women’s Shelters, substance abuse recovery centers and prison system incarcerated
parents to read to their visiting children.
 Indentify programs that encourage adult literacy skill development.
Libraries, G.E. D. and other adult education programs.
 Suggested to identify and work with other literacy oriented organizations.
 Observe national reading days. January 23 is National Reading Day. Google for more.
Reporting:
The committee encourages those local groups and counties who prior to July 10, 2012 had an
existing literacy projects to also report their projects in 2012 reporting.
Awards:
County Awards:
1st Place $20, 2nd Place$15, 3rd Place $10
Local Awards:
1st Place $20, 2nd Place $15, 3rd Place $10
Committee Members:
Debra Stevenson, Terrie DeShazo, SW District, Co-Chairs
Connie Bradstetter, NE District, Connie LaGrow, NW District
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT2014
A) Focus Area I: Resource Management
Objective: Increase positive consumer and community practices and actions that protect family
finances, homes, and communities. Take measures to protect personal assets.
1) Action
a) Provide lesson on methods for protecting assets including: reviewing insurance policies,
being aware of appropriate coverage, and checking credit reports to avoid identity theft.
b) Educate OHCE members and consumers about how behaviors relate to personal savings
and spending and how simple behavioral changes can increase savings and decrease
spending.
2) Resources
a) Annualcreditreport.com – The official website for receiving your free annual credit
reports.
b) Protecting Your Assets – A lesson designed to educate members about the kind of review
and planning needed to protect assets including: insurance, inventories, and the role of
checking credit in avoiding identity theft.
c) I’ll do it if…Members will identify five behaviors they would be willing to change if they
would either increase personal savings or decrease spending. At the end of the year they
can assess how well the practices have led to accomplishing goals.
d) Extension educators and specialists.
e) Local Insurance agent.
f) Oklahoma Insurance Department.
g) FDIC website: fdic.gov
h) NICU website
i) FTC.gov website
j) Consumerfinance.gov
B) Focus Area II: Environmental
Objective: To increase and promote actions of individuals, families and communities to promote
attractive and safe home and community environments.
1) Action
a) Provide information on what happens to recycled materials.
b) Educate consumers about ways to make environmental impacts in the home and
community.
c) Provide lesson on low-cost, environmentally sensitive, home-made products.
d) Recognize impacts that individuals may have on personal and community environments;
these impacts play a critical role in personal and community development.
e) OHCE clubs will develop a community planting project by working with city officials
and other partners
f) Encourage member and community efforts to plant Oklahoma proven trees and
landscaping
2) Resources
a) See green, love green and save green – A program that helps individuals and
communities understand how actions affect economic development. Identify ways that
communities “Can do” what is necessary to make the environment more attractive to new
businesses and consumers and increase sustainability.
b) Healthy homes – Teach consumers no and low -cost healthy homes practices.
c) Fact sheets related to fruit, vegetable, plant, and tree varieties that grow best in
Oklahoma.
d) Encourage community beautification.
e) Healthy Housing: A program that is designed to teach consumers the seven principles of
healthy housing. By maintaining a healthy home, consumers will reduce risk while
maintaining or increasing well being.
f) Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
707 North Robinson; Oklahoma City
(405) 745-7120
g) County Commissioners.
h) OSU County Educators and 4-H Environmental Stewardship Team members.
i) Public Libraries and Internet.
j) Legislators.
k) OSU Specialists.
l) US Ag Recycling Inc. 1-800-654-3145.
m) Goodwill Industries (for recycling).
n) OK Environmental Management Authority, 1505 Rock Road, (405) 262-0161.
o) Water Resource Board, 3800 North Classen Blvd., (405) 530-8800.
p) Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Project - For flyers, presentations, and information (405) 5211044.
q) Beautification Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT); 200 NE
21st, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, (405) 521-4037.
r) Master Gardener programs.
s) Local Nurseries and Landscapers.
3) Observe Special Days
a) Earth Day.
b) Observe National Safe Drinking Water, month of May.
c) Adopt-A-Highway program.
d) Organize and/or support “Household/Farm Hazardous Waste” Collection.
e) Arbor Day, last full week of March.
Awards:
1st, 2nd, 3rd County Award Books $20, $15, $10
1st, 2nd, 3rd Local Group Award Books $20, $15, $10
LeAnn Smith, SW Chair
Connie Bouziden, NW Member
Mildred Taylor, NE Member
Karen Robbins, NE Member
2014 FAMILY ISSUES
Slogan: Educate families to promote individual character and community service for present and
future generations.
Objective: To help families unite and improve community life.
1. Oklahoma Family Fundamentals
A. Increasing family skills across all generations-with Character First, Take a Stand ,and
Manners Manner programs
B. Helping parents and grandparents with family skills
C. Financial Education for limit budgets
1. Teaching children how to budget
2. “Money Munchkins” Increase financial planning practices across the lifecycle (curriculum
available through District Extension Office thru OHCE Advisor/FCS Educators)
3. “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate” Teach estate planning, and transfer ownership of
personal property and objects (available same as #2 above)
D. Adopting a Single Parent or Grandparents raising children
E. Organizing a fun night or movie night for parents or grandparents
F. Helping to develop home life skills: such as canning, sewing and manners
G. Preparing to Care for older adults.
2. Developing Community Outreach
A. Mentoring another OHCE group in your community
B. Assist in developing Community Coalition, alliance with other community and county
organizations.
C. Small community service projects: “Examples” Tooth Fairy Pillows, Cool Ties, Nursing
Home Projects, recruit DHS Foster Parents, identify & volunteer or donate to Abuse Centers,
organize a book drive for local needs.
D. Neighborhood Community Social event such as: Potluck Supper, Ice Cream Social
E. Volunteer to read to, tutor or mentor community children or adults
F. Support and develop stronger alliance with youth groups such as 4-H youth, School, & Youth
and Family Services and Libraries.
3. Protecting Your Family
A. Family Emergency Planning & Response Training from the Office of Homeland Security
B. Neighbor Watch Party
C. Internet Protection Safety Education
D. Identify signs of bullying
1. Protecting from bullying
2. Reporting Bullying
A. How to follow-up
4. Military Support
A. Continue to send packages and letters to troops overseas. Save coupon to be sent to Europe
countries to use in their commissaries.
B. Encourage support to the spouse and children by forming support groups and including them
in group and county activities.
c. Help in forming support groups for wounded veterans, and service personnel in communities:
d. Become involved with Home Of The Brave quilt project, (homeofthebrave.com), Quilts of
Valor (quiltsofvalor.com). Contact Terrie DeShazo (405) 794-1426 for ALL project
requirements prior before beginning quilts.
5. Life Essay
a. Each county conduct a life essay contest according to the state guidelines as listed. County
winners should be submitted to the state awards chair for judging.
b. Write about ONE EVENT OR TIME IN LIFE, for the purpose of providing future generations
a written picture of life. Spelling and punctuation are not judged, but clarity of ideas is important
c. The goal is to compile the best stories as deemed by the family committee members into a
possible future publication as a fundraiser for OHCE.
Rules of the Life Story Essay Contest
a. Two entries per county
b. One entry per person
c. Entry must be written by an OHCE member in good standing.
d. Entries will only be judged if they are placed in a 3 brad folder with pockets for 8½ x 11
paper. The information needed in the following order; Life story, name of the author, address,
county, district and year written on the upper right hand corner of the label affixed on the folder.
e. The essay must be on a typewriter or computer using Times New Roman font 12 size and
double-spaced with a 1 inch left hand margin. It should be one to three pages .in length.
f. Do not include photographs, clipart, or news clippings
g. All life essays submitted for state judging must include the signed Life Essay “Release Form”
statement by the author giving OHCE the right to read publicly and publish without further
financial compensation to the author.
h. County winner essays must be submitted to the OHCE Awards Chair before February 1, 2014.
Awards:
1st, 2nd, 3rd County Award Book $20, $15, $10
1st, 2nd, 3rd Local Group Award Book $20, $15, $10
1st, 2nd, 3rd Life Essay $20, $15, $10
Marie Jones, NE Member /Chair
Viola Allen, SE Member
Dottie Gatz, NW Member
NE Member Nancy Oglesby