LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) — The Greenbrier County Community Educational Outreach Service held its Annual Achievement Day on May 19 at the State Fair of West Virginia. Carol Sue Miller led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Mary Dameron presented the devotions for the meeting. A moment of silence was held for club members Janet Johnson, Virginia Hanna and Colleen Walton, who had passed away.
Josh Peplowski, West Virginia University agriculture and natural resources agent, presented a program on “Beautify with Bulbs.” Members learned about the different kinds of plant bulbs, when to best plant their bulbs, how to care for their bulbs and flowers, and had their gardening and insect questions answered.
Greenbrier County submitted 16,500 volunteer hours to the state CEOS program. Volunteering is one aspect of the CEOS program. Members perform many acts of service to their community, from raising funds for local organizations to supporting local food banks and helping their neighbors whenever possible. The following clubs were recognized for their volunteer hours: Tri-City CEOS (1,000 hours); Tranquil Trail CEOS (1,000 hours); Fort Springs CEOS (1,500 hours); Rupert CEOS (2,000 hours); Renick Northern Lights CEOS (2,500 hours); Williamsburg CEOS (2,500 hours); and Organ Cave CEOS (5,000 hours).
Three CEOS members were recognized for being 50-year members. Members with 50 years of membership not only receive a pin and certificate in recognition of their achievement but also become honorary members who are not required to pay state dues. This year’s new 50-year members were Cassandra Perkins (Williamsburg CEOS), Janet Johnson (Organ Cave CEOS) and Mary Ellen Raines (Tri-City CEOS).
Patty Gray of Progressive CEOS was awarded a certificate for submitting the winning entry in the Greenbrier County CEOS Short Story Contest. Gray’s story, “Mrs. Cashew’s Revenge,” also won first place in the WVCEOS Short Story Contest.
CEOS clubs have four main committees that shape club activities and service throughout the year. The Family Issues Committee studied family heritage by sharing genealogy, recipes and stories. Members donated school supplies and made childcare kits to help youth, ensured club members had their yearly wellness exams and supported Greenbrier County 4-H Camp, the Children’s Home Society, West Virginia Helping Hands and local nursing homes. They also incorporated WVCEOS Health Motivator activities into their meetings. The Greenbrier County CEOS Family Issues Committee recognized Tri-City CEOS (tied for third), Fort Springs CEOS (tied for third), Williamsburg CEOS (second place) and Organ Cave CEOS (first place) for their efforts.
The Continuing Education Committee focused on stories, history and learning. Members learned about Appalachian heritage and shared skills learned from others, including the history of Mail Pouch Barns and West Virginia state parks. The Greenbrier County CEOS Continuing Education Committee recognized Renick Northern Lights CEOS (third), Rupert CEOS (second) and Organ Cave CEOS (first) for their hard work.
The Marketing and Membership Committee focuses on club growth and promotion. Last year, Greenbrier County CEOS gained three new members and seven members with 50 or more years of service. Members volunteered at the State Fair of West Virginia, submitted news articles, posted updates to Facebook and made club displays to spread the word about CEOS. The Greenbrier County CEOS Marketing and Membership Committee recognized Organ Cave CEOS (third), Tri-City CEOS (second), Progressive CEOS (tied for first) and Renick Northern Lights (tied for first) for promoting CEOS.
The Purposeful Reading Committee focuses on not only reading for self-improvement and enjoyment but also reading to others. This year, members read a total of 1,664 books and short stories and donated 485 books to others. The Purposeful Reading Committee recognized Organ Cave CEOS (third), Fort Springs CEOS (second) and Rupert CEOS (first).
The Greenbrier County CEOS also elected and installed officers for 2026: Tracey Brownell, president; Laura Ann Tiller, vice president; Lois McCutcheon, secretary; and Lucy Bell, treasurer.
Following the program, members enjoyed lunch prepared by Robin Haynes, 4-H youth development agent.
