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CEOS Lessons

2025 CEOS Lessons

Features ten topics to explore.

Lessons are provided to CEOS Clubs and made available for download as 508 accessible PDFs for two years following publication. Then they are archived as a group Zip file by their year of publication.

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Your Grandson's Not in Jail - How to Avoid Being Scammed

In a world where clicking, swiping and digital transactions are the norm, it is unfortunate that seniors often find themselves particularly at risk. In this Lesson, learn different types of scams to identify and avoid.

Backstitch: A Brief History of Needles, Bobbins and Stitches

Learn and explore the evolution of sewing technology, techniques and how and when to use different stiches.

Cup of Comfort: Coffee and Its Uses

Learn the rich history of coffee and discover the many uses of coffee and the grounds. And then explore the rising health benefits associated with coffee.

A Guide to Conquering the Houseplant Jungle

Increase your knowledge of proper houseplant care, common problems and the best remedies.Then also identify easy to care for and pet-friendly houseplants to have in your home.

Echoes of the Past: Creative Writing for Legacy Building

Brainstorm ideas to generate a list of potential stories to write and learn to apply writing techniques to capture your memories. Then learn the importance of preserving your life stories and create a plan to share your memories with family and future generations.

Mail Pouch Barns

Learn how national advertising campaigns began in West Virginia. Then we will talk about the last of the barn partners, Harley Warrick. And last, learn how these structures survived federal regulations.

Home Grown: West Virginia Made Products We Love

First, You will explore popular West Virginia products. Then you will be introduced to some hidden treasure products you will want to check out. Finally learn about the importance of supporting local vendors and producers.

Christmas Cookies: History and Sharing of Baked Goods

In this Lesson you will be introduced to the background of common holiday traditions. Learn tips for successful cookie baking. Then discuss and share holiday heritage traditions.

Make it! Decorating for the Holidays with Handmade and Natural Décor

In this Lesson you will learn new ways to create holiday decor for your home. Save money and conserve your holiday budget by using found or inexpensive items for decor.

Emergency Preparedness 101:Plan, Prepare, Prevail

In case of an Emergency at home, you will learn topics to discuss with family, what items are needed to have on hand for a disaster kit, identify measures to take when evacuating your home, and many other useful tips in this Lesson.


2024 CEOS Lessons

Features eleven topics to explore.

Lessons are provided to CEOS Clubs and made available for download as 508 accessible PDFs for two years following publication. Then they are archived as a group Zip file by their year of publication.

Teaching Appalachian Heritage Cooking to Children II

Part two: A fun way to teach children about our Appalachian heritage is to make traditional recipes together and talk about the connection with history, family and the community.

Bridging the Gap – Involving Younger Generations in Service

This lesson will explore generational differences and the potential barriers faced by the younger generations to volunteer and get involved! Additionally, it will provide best practices related to recruiting new members and engaging them in both community and service!

Dancing for the Health of It,

Dancing is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Learn dance moves from the decades and how the movements help with heart health, diabetes, weight control. Learn dance moves to improve balance mobility, for all ages! Learn how dancing will improve mental health and brain activity Learn how dancing can add FUN to your daily life!

The Art of Afternoon Tea

Learn about the history behind afternoon tea, the traditional foods that accompany a tea meal, and how to serve simple or elaborate afternoon tea party. Recipes for scones, tea sandwiches and cookies will be shared.

Preventing Suicide in our WV Communities

This lesson will focus on raising awareness of suicide prevalence and learning ways to recognize warning signs of suicide. Often times people feel that they aren't equipped or trained to help in a crisis situation but the reality is anyone can help in a crisis situation. We will detail steps everyone can and should take to help prevent suicide.

Take Me Home, Country Roads

The popular John Denver song, "Country Roads," has been around for 50 years and has become a staple of West Virginia culture. This lesson will trace the origins of the song and how it has grown in popularity over the last 50 years.

Beverly, WV: Small Town, Big History

First known as Edmundton, Beverly is a small rural town in Randolph County, West Virginia. Learn the big history of this small town.

The Bloom Room: Floral Design Basics

Floral design is the art& of creating arrangements that convey meaning and emotion with flowers, leaves, ornaments and other objects using design principles.

Home Grown: Appalachian Crafts from the Past

In Appalachia, crafts were created for necessity. Handmade quilts, coverlets, pottery, wood carvings, and woven baskets were beautiful and supported the region's self-sufficient people. This lesson explores Appalachian craft history and ways individuals can preserve and teach the next generation.

Restoring and Refinishing Furniture

In this lesson you will explore a few different levels of ease in restoring furniture. From a quick clean up to make it usable, but "antique"; to chalk paint; to full on restoration.


2023 CEOS Lessons

Features thirteen topics to explore.

Lessons are provided to CEOS Clubs and made available for download as 508 accessible PDFs for two years following publication. Then they are archived as a group Zip file by their year of publication.


Download all 2023 lessons in one ZIP file


CEOS Lesson Archives
2017
  • Addiction, A Community Crisis
  • Canning Jars - The Test of Time
  • Cooking for One
  • Eating Outside Your Comfort Zone
  • How to Say No With Grace
  • Living Frugally, Simple Ways to Save Money
  • More Meat for Your Money
  • Seven Natural Wonders of W.Va.
  • Sleep from A to Zzzzz
  • Welcome to Cameroon
  • West Virginia Quilt Trails
  • W.Va. Women Who Made History
  • You Can Have Your Cake and Eat it, Too
  • Download 2017 CEOS Lessons
    2016
  • Find Balance by Boosting Energy
  • Healthy Aging
  • Healthy Eating
  • Homemade Cleaning Products
  • Household Organization
  • How Glass Molded W.Va.
  • Leadership That Inspires Others
  • Mother’s Day
  • Rethink Your Drink
  • Staycationing in W.Va.
  • Stretch Your Dollars
  • Train Your Brain
  • Yoga
  • Download 2016 CEOS Lessons
    2015
  • Apple a Day
  • Dehydration
  • Financial Plans and Updates
  • Folk Dancing
  • Food Dates
  • From Britain with Love
  • Ideas, Club Projects and Special Interest
  • Know Your Numbers
  • Taste of the Mediterranean
  • Welcome to Libya
  • Download 2015 CEOS Lessons
    2014
  • Bread-tastic
  • Exploring W.Va. through Geocaching
  • Laugh a Latte
  • Mining Historical Treasures
  • Start a Book Club
  • Staying Positive
  • Story of Chocolate
  • Taking Care of Your Spirit
  • Winter Blues
  • W.Va. Fairs and Festivals
  • Download 2014 CEOS Lessons