It is appropriate that National Family Week, proclaimed by the President of the United States, comes in November, the Thanksgiving month. in fact the observance, the week of Nov. 24, encompasses Thanksgiving Day. Most people, certainly, would rate home and family as prime blessings for which they will be forever thankful. Here in Utah Valley, the local Communications Council of the LDS Church has taken the initiative to extend the familyoriented observance into Family Month beginning tomorrow evening. The committee has invited the involvement of all Utah Valley communities- and all local churches. Contents of the special Herald Family Life section published Friday were illustrative of the warm response the idea is receiving. The projected Family Month activities and events were detailed in the Family Life section and in the official schedule appearing on Page 22 in Friday’s Herald. They are oriented around the home, for the most part, but include such events as family films at the theaters, family day at the mall, family physical fitness, health-giving activities, etc. In the meantime, nominations are coming in for the Family Physical Fitness award (deadline Nov, 11) and the Family of the Year Award (deadline Nov. 15) programs designed to spotlight families .which do worthwhile from happiness. That is home. God bless it.” things together. National Family Week at Thanksgiving time stresses a reflective, spiritual tone and a time to “count our blessings? The Utah Valley mon -long observance strikes a responsive chord and we hope families will take occasion to share the events, programs, and competitions offered. Certainly the sponsors are to be commended for their initiative imagination, and efforts, The essay contest for high school students on the subject of home and family-a sidelight on the observance-attracted good response (230 entries). The messages of these young people are inspirational and motivating. The three prize essays were published in the special section Friday ; 26 honorable mention essays will appear in the Herald in forthcoming issues. Through the years, many treatises have been written on the home. One which really strikes at the heart of the blessings of a good home life was penned by Madame Ernestine SchumannHeink (1861-1936), famous American-Czech contralto. We reproduce it here to conclude this editorial: “A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out the cold. Yes, but home is more than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of loving hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. “Home is the first school, and the first church for yoimg ones, where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. There they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is eamed. Where money is not so important as loving kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is home. God bless it.”