More than 150 Harrison County Community Educational Outreach Service members, their family and friends gathered at the Harrison County Recreation Complex and 4-H Center on June 15 for the annual picnic and County Council meeting.

 

Prior to the dinner, Melissa Skidmore of the West Virginia Miniature Horse Championship gave a presentation regarding the history of miniature horses in and around West Virginia. She told of how the small horses were often used in the Appalachian coal mines and received the greatest of care from the miners. The miniature horses were also used to train young riders in horsemanship or to pull small carriages. After the presentation, Skidmore showed two of the miniature horses, allowing children and adults to pet them and pose for pictures.

 

The County Council meeting also served as a collection point for cleaning supplies. Those supplies, which filled more than five long tables, were donated to local food pantries and other charitable organizations.

 

The winners of the CEOS’ annual photography contest were announced following the picnic. Jennifer Nay of the Sardis Sunflowers CEOS won first place in the Animals category, while Karen Blocker of the Sardis Sunflowers CEOS and Helen Warner of the Friendly Neighbors CEOS took second and third respectively.

 

In the Scenery category, Linda Cross of the Laurel Park CEOS took top honors. Arlene Edgell of the Anmoore CEOS and Scott Blocker of the Sardis Sunflowers CEOS were second and third place winners.

 

Saundra Boley o the Quiet Dell CEOS won the blue ribbon for her photograph in the Flowers category. Scott Blocker and Nay were the second and third place winners.

 

Millie Young of the Laurel Park CEOS won the People category. Barb Young of the Quiet Dell CEOS was second, and Nay was third.

The Sycamore CEOS organization was recognized as the evening’s attendance winner.

 

The Harrison County CEOS organization is made up of 22 clubs throughout the county and has more than 240 members. For more information on the CEOS or to join a local club, contact the West Virginia University Extension Service office at 304-624-8650.

 

Editor’s Note:  Children were allowed to pet some of the miniature horses at the annual picnic of the Harrison County Community Educational Outreach Service organization. The horses were part of a presentation put on by the West Virginia Miniature Horse Championship. Boxes of cleaning supplies were gathered and donated to several local food pantries and other charitable organizations as part of a community service project done by the members of the Harrison County Community Educational Outreach Service organization.