Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers of Adams County recently attended the annual Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers Conference at Mississippi State University in Starkville.

Eight members from Adams County attended the conference, President Lillian Clark Edney, Vice President Lee J. Braxton, Secretary Birdie Wade, Bonita Reed, Mae Stanton, Ernestine Stanton, Ruby West and Josie McClorine. The activities of Adams County volunteers have been many. The objective is to make a difference in the quality of life for those we serve. Some of the activities include: sitting with the home bound, Christmas shopping for the elderly, making lap throws and bibs for local nursing homes, walking with a Parkinson disease patient, collecting toiletries for local shelters, tax counseling with AARP for seniors, shopping and sewing for the Children’s hospital, reading to primary students, supporting Washington Breast Cancer Foundation, working with the God’s Angelic Warriors Annual Survivors tea, volunteering for St. Jude and Ronald McDonald House and many more things. The members contributed 1,798.50 in volunteer hours, a dollar value of $32,463.

Two members attending the conference participated in the cultural arts competition. Their projects were on display for viewing. Ernestine and Mae Stanton won ribbons in the crochet category, first and second places respectively. Other projects were turned in that had been completed in February. These projects were judged and prizes were given to winners at the awards breakfast. Among the winners from Adams County were, Edney, first place for home environment and first place for public relations, best feature article and Wade, first place for educational special issues.

We were entertained at the breakfast by Kay Bain of Tupelo, who sang several songs. It was enjoyed by all present.

On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon we attended workshops. The available workshops were, container gardening, floral design, napkin folding, holiday decorating, paper flower making, digital cameras, scrapbooking, will making, tai chi, club president training and plants of the Bible. The workshops were informative for all attendees.

Those who chose not to attend a workshop went on tours. The possible tours were, The Rose Garden and the Cheese Store.

Later Wednesday evening we attended “Dancing with Crayton and Karaoke with Bobbie.” All that wanted could participate. We had a great time.

The conference was a rewarding experience for all.

We, the members of the Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers of Adams County, extend invitations to one and all to join this distinguished group of volunteers.

If you are interested in becoming a member contact the Extension Office at 601-442-8201, myself at 601-442-4172 or Bonita Reed at 601-442-5648.

We offer a special thanks to the staff of the Extension Office and especially our director, Dr. David Carter, for all of the encouragement and assistance that he provides for the volunteers.

Bonita Reed is a member of the Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers of Adams County.