Extension Homemakers Council Month observed in May

Extension Homemakers in Carroll County celebrated their contributions and service to the community during May as Extension Homemakers Council Month in Arkansas.

As part of this celebration, Judge David Writer has officially proclaimed May as Extension Homemakers Council Month in Carroll County.

EHC is delivered through the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Carroll County’s EHC clubs are among the 320 clubs statewide, with more than 3,000 members.

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

“If you would like to help our community, while making lifelong friends, come join one of our EHC clubs,” said council president Charlene Guidotti. “The clubs have monthly meetings where we have timely lessons on life skills, health information, financial management and more.”

“It is a wonderful experience to be a part of this service organization,” said Torrie Smith, Carroll County Extension agent. “Together, we love to give back to our community, learn from each other and form lasting friendships.”

Carroll County has three clubs: Domestic Divas, Cove EHC, Country Chicks and Roosters.

Writer signed the proclamation declaring May EHC month in Carroll County on Tuesday, May 19, at the Carroll County Extension Office.

The Carroll County Extension Homemakers Clubs have a rich history in Carroll County. EHC started the first hot lunches at Grandview School and started the first library and first farmers market in Carroll County. Currently, clubs host Christmas Gifts Galore to raise funds for a scholarship. They also have the Kountry Store at the County Fair to raise funds for activities and provide support to local charities like Loaves and Fishes, The Free Store, Cup of Love, Carroll County Historical Museum, the hospice program and the Purple Flower.

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, yoga and the latest nutrition recommendations. Members have years of experience with skills and often teach quilting, knitting, crocheting, canning and more.

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.