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May Is Extension Homemaker Month

Howard County Extension Homemakers celebrate Extension Homemaker Month!

Nashville, Ark. – Extension Homemakers in Howard County will celebrate the contributions of their organization to the community during May as Extension Homemakers Month in Arkansas. As part of the observance, the group will be hosting the Chamber Coffee on Thursday, May 18 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Howard County Extension Homemaker Educational Center in Nashville.

The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is a volunteer organization associated with the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Howard County’s EHC clubs are among the 321 clubs throughout the state, with more than 3,200 members. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to improve their lives through continuing education, leadership development, and community service.

Howard County has four clubs. Hillcrest EHC Club meets on the first Thursday. New Horizon EHC Club meets on the second Monday. Twilight EHC Club meets on the second Thursday of the month. All three clubs meet at the Howard County Extension Homemaker Educational Center in Nashville. Moonlighters EHC Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Center Point Community Center. Our newest group meets the last Friday of each month to learn how to piece quilts and/or crochet.

 Through Extension Homemakers Clubs, the Cooperative Extension Service connects trusted research to the adoption of best practices in Family and Consumer Sciences including health, nutrition, money management, and personal development.

Arkansas Extension Homemakers began in 1912 as Home Demonstration Clubs. The clubs, organized by the Cooperative Extension Service, were essential for disseminating critical information for managing family resources and food safety at a time when many rural households were isolated by distance, and without modern tools such as electricity, phone service or access to libraries or other sources of life-saving knowledge.

This past year, Howard County EHC members assisted with financial programming delivered to Junior High students. They help lead exercise programs through Extension Get Fit. One EHC club helps conduct a local blood drive on a regular basis. They helped host the recent 150 Year Howard County celebration. EHC members volunteer countless hours at county fairs, whether helping with entries or judging other county fairs. They have made and donated numerous crocheted items for nursing homes and hospice patients. Plus, collected and distributed needed items to foster parents through the CALL. Not only in Howard County, but across the state, they collectively raised enough money to provide over four-million meals to food-insecure Arkansas families.

 Currently, EHC clubs have adopted a statewide project titled “EHC Cares.” This project aims to raise awareness for mental health and educate their communities on the importance of one’s mental well-being.

According to County Extension Agent Jean Ince, “We are always looking for new members and invite anyone interest to visit one of our meetings. It’s a great way to continue learning, to serve your community, plus we have a lot of fun along the way.”

To learn more about Extension Homemakers in Howard County, be sure to come to the coffee they will be hosting next week. Or call the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I decided to pull out one of my Mamaw’s recipes to share with you. These tea cakes are easy to make, do not require a lot of special ingredients, and are delicious.

                                                                              Mamaw’s Tea Cakes

  • 3 ½ c. app-purpose flour + ½ c. for rolling out dough

  • ½ tsp. salt

  • 1 tsp. baking soda

  • 1 1/2 c. sugar

  • 1 c. real butter, softened

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp. vanilla

  1. Mix flour, salt, and baking soda together and set aside.

  2. Cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together.

  3. Add flour mixture and blend until it forms a ball.

  4. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

  5. Roll dough out to 1/4 -inch thickness on a floured pastry sheet.

  6. Cut out cookies with a 2-inch cookie cutter.

  7. Place on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.

  8. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

    Yield: 3 ½ dozen

    *You may substitute almond or lemon extract for vanilla for a springtime treat. *

      

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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