This is Family Life Month an appropriate time for all of us to count the blessings of home and family. President Carter has proclaimed the week of Nov. 19-25 as National Family Week. The Utah Valley Area Public Communications Coimcil of the LDS Church expanded on the idea and, for the second year, designated all of November as Family Month in the valley. It’s appropriate that the two observances encompass Thanksgiving Day. Most people, certainly, would rate the family as a prime blessing and would agree that many of the dearest and most-cherished memories center about the home. In all the challenges that beset us in these hectic times, the family remains the anchor, the cornerstone, a pillar of strength aroimd which our society is built. This in spite of high divorce rates, increasing abortions, fewer children, more women leaving home to work, declining parental authority, and the increased permissiveness of our time. The Daily I-lerald’s second annual Family Life Section, part of today’s issue, spotlights many of the strengths of the home and the family. Activities noted in the section reflect, to a large extent, the work of the hundre -member committee of the Communications Council, headed by Dr. Lael Woodbury, with Herbert E. McLean general chairman of Utah Valley Family Month for the second year. The committee invited involvement of all communities and all the area churches. A number of the churches accepted the I-lerald’s invitation to submit articles for the Family Life section. Special events and activities charted for the month include family day at the mall, family film festival, an evening with Symphony West, sports awards, a family entertainment festival, home evenings, and the capstone “family of the year” award. The family physical fitness award will be presented at halftime of the BYU-San Diego State game Nov. 11. The “family of the year” award is to be announced at Thanksgiving time. Last year 51 families were nominated for consideration. Nominations for this year are now open. Noting that the Family Month concept may be uniqlug in the United States, Mr. Mc an said: “We want the world to know that God-centered family life is alive and thriving in Utah Valley.” One major goal is to give positive support go “good, clean, familyoriented entertainment.” Cooperation of theaters and others is solicited in this. Winners of the Heraldsponsored Family Life essay contest are armounced in today’s special section. We were overwhelmed by receipt of entries from 435 high school students who wrote on the subject, “My responsibility for a hadppy and rewarding home life.” Ju ges of the contest caught the spirit and labored many, many hours evaluating the essays. We are deeply indebted to them. Three Ji-ize-winning essays are publish as part of today’s sectlon, along with two honorable m tion winners. Many others will appear in the Herald during Family Life Month. We encouragjgle you to read them and to note e depth of feeling these young people have for their families. It is natural that Utah Valley take the lead in pioneering Family Month. For many years efforts have been made to strengthen family life through a county-wide council and at annual family life conferences here. The goals and activities of Family Week and Family Month are noteworthy. The Herald recommends Jour consideration of an wide participation