April 2024 Edition

Family & Consumer Sciences
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April 2024 FCS Newsletter

DATES
April 1
Don’t be Fooled!
April 1-5
School Spring Break
April 8
Solar Eclipse
April 13
Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market Opening Day
April 16
Cooking with Herbs class
April 22
Earth Day
April 24
Selvage Pouch Sewing Class
April 25
Tree Seedling Giveaway
April 25
Sourdough class at Daviess County Public Library
May 4
Derby Day
May 7-9
KEHA State Meeting
May 12
Happy Mother’s Day
May 21
Extension Open  House
May 27
Memorial Day- Office Closed

FARMERS’ MARKET
Make plans to attend Opening Day of the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market!
April 13th   8:00 a.m. -12:00 noon
1205 Triplett St, Owensboro

COOKING WITH HERBS AND SPICES
Special guest, Merritt Bates Thomas will teach about the basics of herbs and how to use them in delicious dishes. 
Tuesday, April 16   5:30 p.m.
Space is limited, please call 270-685-8480 to sign up by April 10.

Bread-ucation: Sourdough Seminar at the Daviess County Public Library
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Get started on your sourdough journey with this beginner-friendly class. Learn the basics of sourdough breadmaking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Leave with the knowledge and confidence to bake delicious loaves of sourdough bread at home.
Check out the Daviess County Public Library’swebsite to register and for more information:
Bread-ucation: Sourdough Seminar | Daviess County Public Library (librarycalendar.com)

Daviess County Lions Club Fair
The fair is scheduled for July 17-20, 2024. 
Start planning your entries now!
We are finalizing exhibit books, and will let you know when they are available.

EXTENSION OPEN HOUSE-MAY 21
Make plans to stop by the Daviess County Extension Office on Tuesday, May 21st anytime between 5pm and 7pm for our Open House! Come meet the Extension Staff, learn about programs being offered, register for door prizes, enjoy food and have fun!
WBKR will be live on location during this event! Come see us and bring a friend!

Tree Seedling Giveaway
Thursday, April 25, 2024
8 am – 3 pm or while supplies last
Yellow Creek Park
5710 KY-144
Owensboro, KY 42303
For questions, call 270-685-1707, ext 3

HOMEMAKER HAPPENINGS
Lesson for the Month
Handy to Have: Emergency Health Information Cards—A Management and Safety Lesson
Roll Call
April is National Volunteer Month. What is your favorite way to volunteer?
Thought of the Month
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”                    —Helen Keller

Lesson Leader Training
The last Homemaker Lesson leader trainings took place Tuesday, March 19.  Angie Swihart taught the Health Information Cards lesson and Cheryl Witt from UK taught the Understanding Suicide lesson.

The Trinity Homemakers hosted and taught an egg dying class using nail polish, shaving cream, and silk scarves. 
Beautiful eggs were created!

Last day to register for Selvage Pouch Class is Monday, April 22

2024 KEHA State Meeting
May 7-9, 2024
Sloan Convention Center and Holiday Inn University Plaza in Bowling Green
· Discounted early-bird rates are available until April 9, which is also the deadline for ordering a T-shirt.
· Late registration must be postmarked by April 23 at the latest.

Earth Day 2024
Source: Hardin Stevens, senior Extension associate, University of Kentucky,
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, January 2024

Earth Day is held each year on April 22 and has been since 1970. According to the website, www.earthday.org, this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” The focus is to raise awareness of the health risks of plastics and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. The world’s plastic problem has recently been in the news. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds everyone that each day should be Earth Day and that we can make daily choices to protect our environment. Everyday steps that you can take include actions like:

· Reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible.

· Take your own reusable bags when shopping instead of having your items placed in plastic bags each time.

· Plant a tree.

· Save water by not leaving the water running in the sink as you brush your teeth.

· Take shorter showers to use less water.

· Install and use a rain barrel to collect rain runoff to water your lawn and landscaping.

· Drive less. Walk or ride a bike whenever possible.

· Do not run your car while parked. After a few minutes of idling, turn your car off. Save gas and eliminate car exhaust.

· Volunteer or start a community litter or trash cleanup program in your area.

· Turn the lights off when you leave a room.

· Use energy efficient lightbulbs throughout your home.

· Properly insulate your home to use less energy when heating and cooling.

By taking these steps and others, we can make choices that will contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

References:
https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024/ Accessed 1/22/24 Bottled Water is Full of Plastic Particles. Can They Harm Your Health? from the New York Times,
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/live/bottled-water-nanoplastics.html Accessed 1/22/24
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/earthday.html Accessed 1/22/24

Why Laughter is a Must in Relationship
Source: David Weisenhorn, Ph.D.; specialist for parenting and child development           

Laughter is a powerful and often underestimated tool in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Numerous studies have highlighted the positive impact of laughter on relationships, and its benefits extend far beyond amusement. Using humor with your partner fosters a sense of connection, strengthens emotional bonds, and contributes to overall relational well-being.

Less stress. One key benefit of laughter is stress reduction. Shared laughter has been shown to decrease stress hormones, promoting a more relaxed and positive atmosphere. This becomes particularly important in the face of challenges or disagreements, as humor can serve as a coping mechanism, diffusing tension, and easing conflicts.

Better communication. Laughter serves as a social lubricant, enhancing communication and understanding between partners. Couples who share a sense of humor are often more attuned to each other's perspectives and find it easier to navigate through life's ups and downs. Humor can act as a buffer during tough times, allowing couples to approach difficulties with a lighter perspective and a united front.

Better connection. Research has also linked laughter to increased intimacy. Couples who laugh together report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships. The shared joy that accompanies laughter creates lasting memories and reinforces a positive emotional connection. In addition, the ability to find humor in oneself and situations promotes humility, preventing conflicts from escalating unnecessarily.

References:
Cann, A., Norman, M. A., Welbourne, J. L., & Calhoun, L. G. (2008). Attachment styles, conflict styles and humor styles: Interrelationships and associations with relationship satisfaction. European Journal of Personality, 22(2), 131-146.
Gable, S. L., Reis, H. T., Impett, E. A., & Asher, E. R. (2004). What do you do when things go right? The intrapersonal and interpersonal benefits of sharing positive events. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(2), 228-245
Martin, R. A. (2002). Is laughter the best medicine? Humor, laughter, and physical health. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 11(6), 216-220.