Addressing Your Inner Critic

 

Join us on Monday, September 19th at 6:30 pm for our next Be WELL event! 

Addressing Your Inner Critic 

Presented by 

Jennifer Shaw 

Jennifer is a Certified Transition, Grief and Loss Coach, who supports adults in the midst of major life changes. On September 19th she will provide a 45 minute workshop on addressing negative thoughts and emotions as they relate to body image and achieving or maintaining a healthy weight. 

The workshop will take place at the Agriculture Resource Building in the Extension Meeting Room, 184 Beasley Rd, Versailles. 

The event is free of charge, but a reservation is required. 

Call 873-4601 to save your spot! 

Be WELL (Workshops for Everyday Living and Longevity) events are held once a month at the Woodford Co Extension Office in partnership with Woodford County Cooperative Extension and the Woodford County Health Department.


Photo by Duncan

6th Annual Backpack Project to Benefit Woodford County Youth

Photo by o5com

The Woodford County Extension Homemakers 6^th Annual Backpack Project is underway. This project provides school supplies to 300 local youth whose families could not otherwise afford them.

Last year Homemakers collected and purchased over 4,000 school supplies from members, businesses, churches and the community to coordinate backpacks for Woodford County students grades K-12.  The project was also featured at the Woodford County Annual Farm Tour where a hat auction and donation table added $2,300 and numerous supplies to the project, doubling the total collection!

Photo by jonathangarcia

Monetary and gift card donations are graciously accepted at the Extension Office where we will pass them on to the Homemaker project chairpersons for purchasing supplies. In addition, supplies are welcome, but the list is specific. More expensive items such as multi-colored 3-prong pocket folders, 5 subject spiral notebooks (wide rule) and blunt-blunt scissors are often the most needed. Please call the Extension Office for a list of specific supplies needed.

The Backpack Project will once again have a booth at the Woodford County Farm Tour on July 25 for accepting supply or monetary donations. The hat auction will also take place! Have a local business or product? We welcome the donation of any new hats to auction off. These can be dropped off at the Extension Office before July 22^nd.

Important dates:

July 15 – Supply and monetary donations due to the Extension Office

July 25 – Woodford County Farm Tour – donation table and hat auction

July 29 – Twilight Festival – donation and information table

August 3 – Volunteers are needed to load and transport supplies to the Simmons/Northside Family Resource Center

We are looking forward to another successful year. Please support our Homemakers in their work to help the Woodford County community!

This project is made successful through collaboration with 4-H members, Kiwanis and the Family Resource Center.

The 40 Gallon Challenge

Photo by sciencehealth

Have you taken the 40 Gallon Challenge?

What is it? Well, this challenge is a voluntary campaign to reduce water consumption. Residents and businesses are called to reduce regional water use by 40 gallons per day. 

This is not only a personal challenge to help the environment and conserve resources; it is a national and regional challenge as well! Through the challenge website, pledges are being tracked by each state and I have some bad news. Kentucky isn’t doing so well!

It is easy to make a pledge. Simply select your state and provide your county and email address. From there you are given so many easy options to conserve lots and lots of water. You select the things that you can do. It might be washing only full loads of laundry, turning off the water while you brush your teeth or starting a compost pile. 

Visit the 40 Gallon Challenge and make your pledge! Let’s represent Kentucky and Woodford Co well!

Join Us and Be W.E.L.L.

Photo by karimian

Introducing the Be W.E.L.L. Series – Workshops for Everyday Living and Longevity! 

Be W.E.L.L.: Conquer Weight Control  - Monday, April 25, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Join us to learn about best practices for weight control and healthy, balanced living. We’ll address nutrition, portion control, physical activity and designing a weight loss plan that works for you. Everyone is different and this workshop will help you determine the best steps to lose or maintain weight and improve your personal health and wellbeing. This workshop is free of charge, but registration is required. Call 873-4601. This workshop is provided through a partnership of the Woodford County Cooperative Extension Service, the Woodford County Health Department and Falling Springs Recreation Center.

Be W.E.L.L.: Healthy Cooking – Monday, May 23, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

During this workshop we will put nutrition and healthy eating into practice! Come prepared to cook as we will explore a variety of healthy recipes made with fresh, nutritious ingredients. Did we mention they will also be quick and easy to make? You will  receive plenty of tips for make-ahead meals and cooking on a budget that will save you time and money! The cost of this workshop is $5 per person to cover supplies. The workshop is limited to 15 people due to kitchen space so register today! Call 873-4601. This workshop is provided through a partnership of the Woodford County Cooperative Extension Service and the Woodford County Health Department.

More workshops are being scheduled for the coming months and we welcome your suggestions for topics! 

Upcoming Area Events

Excellent informative and fun events are taking place all over central Kentucky through Family & Consumer Sciences Extension. Check out the events below. Call the County Extension Office where the event is located to register.

Woodford County - Take the Challenge: Be a Loser

An informational meeting about this 10-week wellness and weight loss program will take place Monday, April 11 at 6:00 pm at the Extension Office. No commitment or fee is required for this meeting, but it is necessary to attend on Monday if you plan to participate in the program. Call 859-873-4601 to reserve your seat. 

Photo by jasleen_kaur

 

Boyle County – Health Fair

A health fair will be held at the Boyle County Extension Office on April 16 from 8:00 am to 12:00pm. Free health screenings will include cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, kidney, skin damage and more! Also learn more about nutrition, fitness, stress relief and healthy recipes. Appointments are required for screenings. Call 859-236-4484 to register and make your appointment. 

Franklin County – Planning for Long Term Care

This educational program for baby boomers nearing or in retirement, or children of parents in need of long term care, will take place on April 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Franklin County Extension Office. Pre-registration is required. Call 502-695-9035 by April 15.

Anderson County – Heirloom Wool Banners

A class will be held at the Anderson County Extension Office on April 19 featuring Heirloom Wools. Workshop participants will learn to turn these wools into a decorative banner. The workshop will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and the cost is $25. Call 502-839-7271 to register.

Photo by orchidgalore

Anderson County will also offer a Basic Technique Quilting Class on April 30 and May 7. Cost is $30. Call 502-839-7271 to register.

Mercer County – Free First Aid and CPR/AED Certifications

Classes will be held at the Mercer County Extension Office. First Aid will be 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and CPR/AED will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Dates include April 30, May 20, June 17 and July 16. Six students per class must be registered to avoid cancellation. Call 859-734-4378 to pre-register.

New Opportunity School for Women Accepting Applications

Free program that provides boost, inspiration for Appalachian women taking applications

Photo by Video4net

 

Berea, KY - For 24 years, nearly 600 women across Appalachia have been learning they have the strength and courage to finish their education and to build the self-esteem they need to find their potential.   At no cost to them, women who find themselves in transition and are seeking to be inspired and build their confidence are doing just that through the New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW) in Berea, KY. 

"For me, the NOSW was a chance of a lifetime.  I wish every woman could attend.  I feel more alive now.  I feel like myself again.  Before the school, I had gotten so depressed because I felt like my life was over because I couldn’t work.  Now I feel like I may be able to work again with the education that I’m now getting.  Before the NOSW, I felt I was too old to go to college and begin again.  Now I know that I’m not – I see a future in my life again,” said a NOSW graduate from Norton, VA.

Now is the time to submit applications for the Summer, 2011 session.  Applicants who are selected and complete the three-week residential program will find themselves to be more self-sufficient, more confident, and will be an inspiration for their families and community.  Additionally, the New Opportunity School staff and alumni provide a strong support system for graduates.

The New Opportunity School’s unique program has received national recognition on Oprah and in People magazine.  The 2011 NOSW Summer Residential Session is June 5 –25.  The deadline for application is April 15, 2011. 

Requests for applications and/or additional information should be addressed to The New Opportunity School for Women, 204 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403, or by calling 859-985-7200.  Our website, www.nosw.org, provides additional information regarding our no-cost program and a printable application. 

The New Opportunity School for Women, Inc. (NOSW) was founded in 1987 by Jane B. Stephenson to assist women of Appalachia and Kentucky in their pursuit of employment, education, and personal growth. The NOSW accepts women over 30 who have completed high school, have a GED (or actively working on a GED), and do not have a college degree.

 The program provides educational opportunities through classes in building self-esteem, computer basics, leadership development, Appalachian literature, self-defense, understanding violence against women, public speaking, learning how to become enrolled in further education, and cultural field trips and art related events.  Job search skills will be identified and participants will learn to write resumes and practice interview techniques.  Participants will intern in a field of interest, either on the Berea College campus or in the community.  Health screenings include mammograms, pap tests and dental exams.  Lodging and meals are provided; grants for travel and childcare are available. 

Spring Cleaning and Organizing at the Midway Library

 
Join me for Spring Green Cleaning & Organizing next Monday, March 21 at 6:30 pm at the Midway Library!

Photo by the trial

We'll be learning about ways to clean smart, get organized and keep your home spotless and healthy for you and our environment. Recipe cards for making your own cleaning supplies will be provided!

I hope to see you at this fun and informative workshop. Call the Midway Library at 859-846-4014 so we can count you in!

Find Your Fit!

Have you ever wanted to try a new exercise class at the gym but you were scared to? Are you afraid to join a group or buy an exercise tape?  Join us for a great opportunity to discover the best “fit”ness for you!   

Photo by Rance Costa

On April 8 at the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office, Motivational Fitness speaker and State Representative Kim King will start off our morning. Physical activity sessions will get you moving and a Dance, Dance, Revolution will begin!  

Participants can choose from breakout sessions that will include Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi and self directed exercise. Presentations will include Matter of Balance by UK Get Moving Kentucky Coordinator, Nicole Peritore and Nutritional Support by UK Extension Nutrition Specialist, Janet Mullins.  

Photo by gigi.cinesebianco.

Date: April 8, 2011

Time:  9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Cost:  $15.00, includes lunch and gift

Location:  Mercer County Extension Office, 1007 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, (859) 743-4378 

Print your Registration Form. Mail the completed copy and payment to the address listed on the form. 

We hope to see you there!! 

Photo by Trailnet

State Homemaker Meeting Update

Agents received a few updates today regarding the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association State Meeting to be held this year in Bowling Green Kentucky at the Sloan Convention Center May 9 - 12.

• The KEHA newsletter was posted to the website in mid-February and began arriving in mailboxes last week.  Details regarding state meeting are included, along with the registration form.  
• The room blocks at both the Holiday Inn and Hilton Garden Inn are both currently filled. The KEHA newsletter includes information about a special KEHA rate for rooms at the Hampton Inn.  The hotel is located just off Scottsville Road a short drive from the Sloan Convention Center and Holiday Inn.  The rate offered is $74.99 per night plus tax.
• For the Tuesday evening banquet, attendees are encouraged to wear attire celebrating their favorite era or genre of music.  On Wednesday, everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite international dress or outfit.

If anyone from Woodford County plans to attend please let us know here at the Extension Office. 

Quilter's Day Out

Photo by buckle1535

 

Quilters' Guild of the Bluegrass will be hosting Quilter's Day Out on March 19, 2011 at the Fayette County Extension Office. This free program celebrates National Quilting Day and runs from 10:00 am-3:00 pm.  Doors open for registration and shopping at 9:00 am.  

The morning program features Karen Witt and her daughter Erin.  They will talk about their new book Like Mother/Like Daughter-Two Generations of Quilts and present a trunk show of their work.  The afternoon program includes the Square in a Square Technique and quilts presented by Rita Hardman. 

 The Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society challenge quilts will be on display.  There will be refreshments, vendors, door prizes, quilt raffle, and lots of show and tell.  Non-perishable food items will be collected for God's Pantry.  Anyone who brings in three or more non-perishable donations for God's Pantry will receive an extra door prize ticket.   

Everyone is invited to bring up to three quilts to show and share.  Lunch is bring-your-own-brown-bag, or choose one of the many restaurant options nearby.  Car pooling is encouraged.

The Fayette County Extension Office is located at 1140 Red Mile Place in Lexington, KY.