UACES Facebook Howard County Extension Homemakers Observe National Volunteer Month
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Howard County Extension Homemakers Observe National Volunteer Month

Information about the Howard County Extension Homemakers and how you can join in the fun by volunteering.

Nashville, Ark. -  April is National Volunteer Month, a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes.

Arkansas Extension Homemakers Clubs (AEHC), with a membership of 3,700 people in more than 320 clubs, are a premier volunteer organization in the state. Howard County Extension Homemakers participate in community service projects throughout the year benefiting nonprofits and service organizations such as Arkansas Children’s Hospital, The CALL, citizens battling cancer, UAMS, local schools, blood drives, food pantries, and more.

The local soup kitchen and area church food pantries have received food donations and monetary donations as members are participating in the statewide EHC food insecurity project in Arkansas. The state goal is to provide one million meals. By focusing on food insecurity, EHC members hope to make a difference by working together and lowering the number of people who do not have access to food.

In addition to providing a great service to those in need, volunteering increases the happiness of the person volunteering. Volunteering enables you to help others and improve your overall well-being in the process—it can't get any better than that!

The mission of AEHC not only includes community service but empowers individuals and families through informal education in Family and Consumer Sciences and facilitates leadership development.

Recently, a group of Extension Homemakers came together to spend one day a month learning the techniques of piecing quilts. During the Covid pandemic, many people stated they wished there was something they could do to stay busy and learn new skills while staying socially active. Quilting is a great activity that can be done at home, and it has gained new popularity!

Extension Get Fit is a weekly program where many EHC members come together keep in shape through weight training. This group meets twice a week, and the health benefits are amazing! Staying active and independent is the goal of this program.

Sharing what you learn is one of the main objectives of EHC. Once a month, members learn new skills to help improve their lives. These programs focus on meal preparation, nutrition, health and wellness, financial management, improving mental health and much more. Programs are planned by the members. The Extension Agent assists in researching and program delivery. Members take what they learn and share it with other members, family, or friends. The recent “Chocolate Affair” is a great example of sharing what they learned in a monthly program.

Howard County is very fortunate to have four clubs. They are Hillcrest EHC, New Horizon EHC, Moonlighters EHC and Twilight EHC clubs. They are also fortunate to have the Howard County Extension Homemakers Educational Center which is located directly behind the courthouse. Most educational programs are held at the center, which is owned and maintained by Extension Homemakers.

If you are interested in making new friends, learning new skills and giving back to your community, then consider joining one of the four Howard County Extension Homemakers Clubs or form a new club in your community. Contact the Howard County Extension office for more information on Extension Homemakers Clubs at 870-845-7517.

The University of Arkansas 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.

Recipe of the Week

            This recipe is favorite from Dana Newberg, a member of the Twilight EHC Club. I have been fortunate to try it many times. Great for Spring or anytime of the year.

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring
  • 2 teaspoons butter flavoring
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package German sweet chocolate
  1. Cream sugar and shortening.
  2. Add the eggs, flavorings and buttermilk.
  3. Sift together flour, soda and salt.
  4. Add to the creamed mixture. Mix well.
  5. Add German chocolate that has been softened in warm oven or double boiler.
  6. Blend together well.
  7. Cook in greased and floured tube pan at 300 degrees for 1 ½ hours.
  8. Test with a toothpick.
  9. Remove from pan and put under a tight-fitting cake cover while still hot and leave covered until cold.

 

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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