As a Pennsylvania resident and West Virginia University employee, it is hard for Franny King to become involved in organizations, because her time for meetings is scarce.

However, a new Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) club will present the opportunity for any WVU faculty or staff member to be a part of the service organization at a convenient timelunch.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12 there will be an informational meeting for those interested in joining CEOS .The meeting takes place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Shenandoah Room of the Mountainlair.

King, a senior employment specialist at the Office of Student Employment , is excited to join the new CEOS club.

King said she is most excited about thelearning and social aspects and volunteerismthe club will provide.

I think it will help develop a network that will have a meaningful purpose,she added.

The organization provides educational lessons in activities of interest its members, such as health topicslike walking and nutrition, canning and gardening.

Sometimes people are curious to learn, and WVU Extension Service has wonderful resources to help them further their education,King added.

Extension resources will be utilized for different educational topics as needed.

Club members also will be able to participate in functions hosted by the Monongalia County CEOS . The Monongalia County WVU Extension office will supervise the organization.

Some of the projects the CEOS club has in mind are providing literacy volunteers and forming a welcome party for WVU students whose relatives are involved in CEOS .

A few other ideas include crafting Project Linus blankets for local hospitals, building the International Student Closet with kitchen supplies and adding to the Career Closet at Christian Help.

Organization leaders also hope the club will cook for the Rosenbaum or Ronald McDonald House. Other events may include and working with WVU s Mountaineer Week on heritage events.

Hannah Fincham, WVU Extension agent, said the organization will also benefit from new members and fresh ideas.

The CEOS organization has an important role in serving our communities. By recruiting and involving new members, the CEOS will strengthen their ability to serve our communities in a variety of ways,Fincham said.

It only costs $10 annually, which covers the dues for the state and county. Fincham said new members pay dues in December 2009 for the 2010 club year.

Having the meetings during the lunch hour once a month also means it is convenient for those working individuals that may find it hard to meet in the evenings due to family or job-related commitments,Fincham added.

The Extension organization was started in 1914. Until 10 years ago, the group worked under the title of the Extension Homemakers. CEOS has continued to grow and shape communities with service across the state over the decades.

For more information about CEOS in Monongalia County, please contact Hannah Fincham at Hannah.Fincham@mail.wvu.edu .