Brooke County CEOS cap off club’s service with donations

Through the years, a local woman's group has sewn lap robes for military veterans and burp cloths for infants at Weirton Medical Center and planted flowers and wreaths to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention, among other tasks.

But the Brooke County CEOS have come to an end, but not without first providing aid to several local causes.

Members of the group recently split $5,000 remaining in its funds among the Osiris Shriners, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Bernie's Kids toy drive, Salvation Army and the Holy Family Catholic Mission food pantry.

"It really was a pleasure to deliver it to them," said Naomi Amos while fellow member Susan Fodor noted the group wanted the money to be used locally.

They and fellow CEOS Janice McFadden, Dorothy Lancaster and Martha Isinghood reflected on their last endeavor and past projects recently at the Brooke Hills Park clubhouse.

Fodor noted Linda Greathouse, Luella Tokas, Carol Donohue and Beverly Miller also had been active in the group in recent years.

In recent years the group represented a merging of women's civic groups from various areas of the county who, once affiliated with the West Virginia University Extension Service, were known as the Homemakers or chapters of the Community Educational Outreach Service.

Under the extension service, other Community Educational Outreach Service chapters continue to operate in the state.

Involvement in the Brooke County group declined as members moved, were hindered by health problems or died.

Nonetheless, the group maintained a Christmas tree at local libraries decorated in changing monthly themes, including hats, gloves or school supplies young visitors were welcome to take.

Members also took part in an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Brooke County Courthouse to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month, often under the direction of the late Ruth Blaskovich, a longtime president.

And several of the group's remaining members said they continue to be active in other groups, their churches and personal causes.

McFadden added they plan to keep in touch, with a get-together lunch planned around Christmas.