Four members of the Harrison County Community Educational Outreach Service organization traveled to Martinsburg July 13 to attend the annual National Volunteer Outreach Network conference. Harrison County CEOS president Connie Wolfinger, vice president Karen Blocker, board advisor Cynthia Wotasek and Family Committee chair Cheryl French represented the local CEOS organization at the four-day event. 

The conference began with a board meeting led by NVON president Lylene Scholz of Manitowoc, Wisc. Vice president Wanda Denning of North Carolina announced that the 2016-18 NVON Project in Common will be “Eat Local, Eat Healthy.” All states were asked to support the project, and West Virginia’s CEOS clubs will continue with their initiative of educating their membership and the public about domestic violence, and the clubs will continue to support agencies working with persons affected by domestic violence issues. 

More than 200 members and their guests were offered the opportunities to tour Washington, D.C., historic Harper’s Ferry, Charles Town and other local attractions throughout the conference. In addition to the tours, a variety of seminars and craft classes were available to conference attendees. 

West Virginia weaver and folklorist Jane Gilchrist spoke at one gathering about the state’s heritage. West Virginia writer Lyn Widmyer entertained the audience with her stories about growing up on a farm, and Appalachian storyteller and musician Adam Booth also provided an evening of entertainment. 

The CEOS organization is a program sponsored by the West Virginia University Extension Service. There are 21 clubs with more than 300 members throughout Harrison County. For more information or to join a local club, contact the Extension office in Harrison County at 304-624-8650. 

PHOTO – From left, Chuck Gruber, Karen Blocker, Cynthia Wotasek, Cheryl French, Connie Wolfinger and West Virginia University Extension Agent Pat Gruber attended the July 2015 National Volunteer Outreach Network convention in Martinsburg.