Estill County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences
March 2024 Edition
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Estill County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences
March 2024
Hi everyone,
Spring is getting closer and closer. I don’t know about you all but I’m ready for it.
Extension Homemaker planning for next year is taking place and we have the ballets for the potential lessons for next year in this newsletter. Make your voices heard by voting for the lessons that interest you.
We have had a lot of exciting things going on in the office. We have hired a facilities manager that is taking care of the building. The office, conference rooms, and the hallway will be getting a fresh coat of paint soon. He is working on quoting new flooring, as well as taking care of the regular maintenance. A new 4-H agent has been hired. It is Erin Leach. She is a familiar face around here already because she has worked as a 4-H volunteer.
Emma and I have had some fun and informative classes going on. We try to advertise them in the newsletters, but occasionally we will throw an extra one in. The best way to keep up with these is to follow our Facebook pages. We have a general Estill County Extension page and then one for each of the program areas.
I hope everyone has a wonderful March.
If you have any questions or program ideas, you may contact me at my e-mail judy.vaughn@uky.edu or by calling the Estill County Extension office at 606-723-4557.
Judy Vaughn, County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences
Homemaker News
Hello Estill Homemakers,
Hope everyone is looking forward to spring.
Not Your Momma’s group met in February and assembled Birthday kits to help a 4-H youth with a service project. We also had breakfast themed food in honor of the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” memorial day of giving that Erin Leach does each year in the memory of a classmate. We had a short business meeting and discussed upcoming meetings and service projects for this year.
For their March meeting (Thursday, March 7 at 4:45p.m. at the Estill County Extension Office) Not Your Momma’s Homemaker members will be bringing bingo prizes for the Irvine Nursing / Rehabilitation Center.
The Homemaker plant group met in February and had a lesson. If anyone has an interest in plants it is a very interesting group to join. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday evening of the month.
Bluegrass area is working on items for KEHA state conference. The state conference in May will be held in Bowling Green this year. Hopefully some of you will be able to attend. More details in the coming months.
Our county meeting is scheduled for May 2nd. We will be discussing the details and planning during the Not Your Momma’s March meeting. We are thinking of Appalachian/Kentucky Proud theme. Any homemaker that wants to help please join us in that meeting. We will also have the cultural arts fair April 30th – May 2nd.
There is a trip planned to Wilson Greenhouse in Frankfurt for July 9th. If you would like to join us please call the office to sign up once it has been advertised.
Hope to see you all at many of our exciting events!
Rebecca Lamb
Estill County Homemaker - President
2024-2025 Bluegrass Area Homemaker Leader Lesson Ballot
Please choose the top 8 lessons you would like taught in the 2024-2025 homemaker lesson year. Return to the Extension Office no later than March 29, 2024.
Inspiring Grandchildren to Become Grand Cooks
Learning cooking skills early in life improves skills and confidence in the kitchen, which can lead to higher diet quality to support health later in life. The decrease in kitchen skills over generations means grandparents are an important resource for helping grandchildren navigate the kitchen. We'll have ideas for bringing different generations together in the kitchen in ways that build confidence, share knowledge and traditions, and create lasting memories.
Creating Welcoming Communities
All societies experience shifts in culture and modern America is no exception. Have you wished to be more confident in navigating unfamiliar cultural experiences? With this lesson, become a more prepared community volunteer by understanding how culture makes all of us unique. We will examine our own culture, understand culturally related strengths of both ourselves and of others, and gain an understanding of oppressive experiences and their effects. As we seek to build a stronger Kentucky, KEHA volunteers can lead the way in making the state more welcoming to all newcomers in the Commonwealth.
Gardening Safely
Gardening is a great way to be physically active, enjoy the outdoors, and beautify your home or yard. There are added health benefits to growing your own vegetables, fruit, and herbs, as well. As with any activity though, it is important to know how to move prudently, use equipment properly, and interact with nature responsibly. This lesson focuses on the health benefits of gardening, using proper motions for repetitive movement, and appropriate tools for the job at hand. If this lesson does not sound exciting at first, maybe it will grow on you!
Using Your Air Fryer
The air fryer has increased in popularity over the last few years and has become a staple in many kitchens. This small countertop appliance offers a healthier alternative to frying food and also is popular for reheating leftovers. This lesson will focus on what air fryers are and how they work. We'll discuss the pros and cons, and consumers will feel informed when purchasing an air fryer.
Composition in Photography
Looking to take photographs that not only capture the memory, but also enhance it? Participants will receive a handout with suggestions for successful composition in photography.
How to Get Out of a Mealtime Rut
When you or a family member find out what is on the menu for dinner, is the typical response, "Again?" If you dread the thought of cleaning another dish or you just can't think of the last time you were excited by your own cooking, you may be in a cooking rut. The goal of this lesson is to share creative strategies that can be used to overcome mealtime ruts and prepare meals at home. Participants will be able to explain why it is important to prepare home-cooked meals, describe several creative strategies to come up with meal ideas, and identify ways to reduce barriers related to preparing meals at home.
Understanding Your Credit Scores
Does one number define you? Find out about the meaning behind credit scores, what makes a good one, and how you can improve yours.
Understanding Medicare and Medicaid
Understanding the in and outs of government health insurance plans can be difficult. With this lesson, we hope to help you navigate details and answer any questions you may have regarding these programs and make the best informed decision of what is the best option and plan for you.
Savy Online Grocery
You can buy food from a variety of locations - grocery stores, convenience stores, discount stores, and restaurants. A quickly growing option for food shopping is the online marketplace. Although online grocery shopping has been around for decades, it is gaining momentum with more online options and more technology in our everyday lives. Consumers are interested in or choosing online grocery shopping, but may not understand benefits, drawbacks, or important considerations of buying food this way. This lesson will help consumers feel informed when using online grocery shopping platforms or deciding if online grocery shopping meets their personal needs.
Nutrients: Supplements and Macronutrients
Macronutrients are the foundation of our diet. However, information about macronutrients and their role in a balanced diet can be confusing. By establishing a basis of nutrition knowledge about macronutrients, you can better understand their impact on health and wellbeing. Come learn the educational gaps related to macronutrients and their role in a balanced and nutritious diet.
A Bad Deal in Disguise: Types of Scams
Fraud can happen to anyone at any age. Learn how to avoid being a victim by recognizing common scams.
Movement Breaks
As we grow older, our bodies age with us. Healthy lifestyle habits, like regular exercise, can slow the aging process. Studies suggest that adding exercise to your daily routine will improve joint health, physical function, and emotional well-being. This lesson focuses on modified movement to help improve balance, posture, muscular strength, and ability to perform daily living activities.
