Arkansas County Extension Homemakers Celebrate EHC Month

Arkansas County Extension Homemakers celebrated their contributions and service to the community during May as Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council Month at the Spring Council Meeting. “Create Your Own Sunshine & Be Happy” was the theme. Alta Lockley, CEA-4-H/FCS encouraged members to start the new EH year to use their time and talents to brighten someone’s day, engage with fellow members, attend events, and be a part of a network that uplifts and inspires.

As part of the celebration, Arkansas County Judge Eddie Best officially proclaimed May as Extension Homemakers Council Month in Arkansas County.

An Annual Wellness Visits Brochure, provided Mid-Delta Health, highlighting what to expect at annual wellness visits, was shared with everyone. 

Alta Lockley, brought the Food Preservation program “Electric Jelly Maker.” Volunteers enjoyed assisting with reading the recipe and making a batch of grape jelly.

Following a delicious potluck meal, the afternoon community service project was stuffing pillows. A summer workshop will be scheduled to complete the pillows. Pillows will be distributed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital and local healthcare facilities as needed.

EHC is delivered through the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Arkansas County has three local Extension Homemaker Clubs with 32 members. 

The mission of EHC is to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of life through continuing education, leadership development, and community service. 

Through Extension Homemakers Clubs, the Cooperative Extension Service connects trusted research to the adoption of best practices in Family and Consumer Sciences including culinary skills, financial management, sewing and the latest nutrition recommendations. 

Arkansas Extension Homemakers began in 1912 as Home Demonstration Clubs. The clubs, organized by the Cooperative Extension Service, were essential for sharing critical information for managing family resources and food safety at a time when many rural households were isolated by distance and lacked modern tools such as electricity, phone service or access to libraries or other sources of life-saving knowledge.

Visit the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council page at https://uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/extension-homemakers/default.aspx to learn more about the organization or contact the Arkansas County Extension Office at (870)659-2058.