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Celebrating Indiana Extension Homemakers

Members of the Huntington County Homemakers Extension Board flank Huntington Mayor Brooks Fetters (seated), as he prepares to sign a proclamation naming Oct. 20 through Oct. 26 as Indiana Extension Homemakers Week in the City of Huntington. Celebrating the occasion are (from left) Carla Rice, Stephanie Jerabek, Rita McCabe and Nancy Vickery.
Members of the Huntington County Homemakers Extension Board flank Huntington Mayor Brooks Fetters (seated), as he prepares to sign a proclamation naming Oct. 20 through Oct. 26 as Indiana Extension Homemakers Week in the City of Huntington. Celebrating the occasion are (from left) Carla Rice, Stephanie Jerabek, Rita McCabe and Nancy Vickery. Photo by Rebecca Sandlin.

Indiana Extension Homemakers Week is Oct. 20 to 26, celebrating the 106th year of the state organization, founded to bring educational lessons from research-based programs at Purdue University to rural women across the state.

The goal was, and still is, to improve the quality of life of rural women and their families, note Extension Homemaker officials.

A recent display at the Huntington Branch of the Huntington City-Township Public Library highlighted some of the activities of the Huntington County Homemakers. A sampling of open class winners’ projects was on display for the month of August. This display contained work from both members and non-members.

Educational programs are presented at various times throughout the year for members to take back to their clubs or use as a meeting presentation. This year’s lessons have included programs about bullying and CBD Oil as well as a combined educational program day with other county members of the Fort Wayne District Homemakers.

In addition to educational programs, Huntington County Extension Homemakers are involved in many community service projects. The Homemakers sew tote bags and purchase books, reading four times a year to preschool students.

Pop tabs, tote bags and other items are collected for Riley Children’s Hospital. The organization has provided turbans and pillows for cancer patients, tied blankets for social services aiding women and children, fidget quilts and lap quilts for nursing home patients. Quilts are made for the pediatric unit at Parkview Huntington Hospital, various social agencies and for community members in need. Additional community service projects include donated items to Love INC, Salvation Army, Youth Services Bureau, Angel Tree projects, Boys & Girls Club and backpack programs.

This month members will read to the preschools at Head Start. In preparation for this first reading, Extension Homemakers made book bags to give the children at the first reading. The Homemakers will read four times this school year, with the children receiving a book to take home at each reading.

Also, in October, the Paper Artisans Extension Homemakers Club will sponsor its annual crop at Hier’s Park. Scrapbookers get an opportunity to work on their own scrapbook pages as well as enjoy mini-lessons, vendors and lunch.

On Dec. 6, the county organization will sponsor its annual holiday cookie and candy sale at the Huntington County Fairgrounds. Cookies will be sold by the dozen and candy will be sold by the pound. Trays may be preordered closer to the date of the sale. Various clubs will offer handcrafted gift items made by members. Proceeds from the sale will be used to support homemaker programs and community service projects.
Extension Homemakers submit recipes to The TAB weekly for the community.

The Extension Homemakers are involved in the 4-H fair by sponsoring Ladies Day at the fair on the first Monday. They present educational programs for fairgoers. The organization sponsors the open class exhibits for adults. All entries are judged and given a ribbon. A Best of Show is chosen at the discretion of the judge.

Extension Homemakers also help with the 4-H royalty contest by providing lunch or snacks for the contestants and judges during the contest. Homemakers also help sponsor the Ag Day program for elementary and homeschooled students.

The Homemakers Association is also involved with the National Volunteer Outreach Network and the Country Women’s Council, national organizations that promote friendship and understanding between member organizations for the betterment of conditions for all people. All of these organizations are members of the Associated Country Women of the World, an international organization with membership of 9 million members worldwide. The purpose of this organization is to raise the standard of living of rural women and families through education, training and community development programs. Funded projects include greenhouse farming, sanitation and personal safety instruction and clean water programs. The ACWW has consultative status with the United Nations and works to promote the UN Sustainable Goals.

For more information about the Huntington County Extension Homemakers Organization call the Huntington County Extension Office at 358-4826.