FCS May 2023 Newsletter
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May 2023 FCS Newsletter
Dates
May 6
Derby Day
May 9-11
KEHA State Meeting in Louisville
May 13
Farmers' Market
May 14
Happy Mother’s Day!
May 15
Tune in to WBKR
May 15
Retirement Reception
May 18
Calendar Recipe demo on Facebook
May 19
Year-end reports due to Extension Office
May 29
Happy Memorial Day
June 3
Farmers’ Market
June 15
Calendar Recipe demo on Facebook
June 17
Food + Art + Health at Farmers’ Market
June 18
Happy Father’s Day!
June 19
Juneteenth—Office Closed
June 22
Fruit Bouquet Class
June 30
Homemakers County Annual Meeting
Be sure to stop by and wish Beth Horn well on her retirement!
We will have a retirement reception for Beth on Monday, May 15th from 4 to 6pm at the Daviess County Extension Office. We all wish Beth a happy and enjoyable retirement!
Be sure to check out the Daviess County Extension Facebook page on the 3rd Thursday of the month for a cooking demonstration of the monthly recipe from our SNAP Nutrition Calendars!
May will feature Easy Tortilla Breakfast Pizza and June will feature Blueberry Cheesecake Bars!
Also be sure to tune into WBKR 92.5 every 3rd Monday around 8:10am to hear our SNAP assistant, Catherine Dowdy, talk about the monthly recipe while Chad samples that month’s delicious recipe!
Spring Cleaning in the Kitchen
Don’t forget about the kitchen this year when you start your spring cleaning. Bacteria can hang around kitchen surfaces, the sink, and even the refrigerator. Bacteria like moisture and keeping your kitchen clean and dry can help protect you from foodborne illness.
· Clean countertops with hot, soapy water. Start by moving everything off the counters: small appliances, storage containers, utensils, knives, etc. Physically remove dirt and bacteria using soap (or detergent) and hot water. Follow by sanitizing with a disinfectant made from diluted chlorine bleach. Combine 1 tablespoon unscented liquid bleach with 1 gallon water. Wipe over clean surfaces and allow to stand for several minutes. Rinse with water and allow to dry.
· Wash dishcloths and towels often. Dishcloths, towels, and sponges provide a moist environment for bacteria to grow. Disposable towels are a great option for use in the kitchen. They are single use and when you’re done, the towel goes in the trash. Wash cloth towels and dish rags often in the washing machine using hot water and detergent. If you use sponges in the kitchen, replace them frequently. If they have an odor, throw them out.
· Clean your refrigerator regularly. Remove spills and any mold or mildew. Use hot water and soap (or detergent) to wipe down the inside of your refrigerator. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a clean cloth. Experts say not to use chlorine bleach inside the refrigerator because it can harm seals, gaskets, and interior linings.
· Disinfect your sink, drain, and disposal often. Food particles can get lodged in your sink drain and disposal, which is a perfect spot for bacterial growth. Clean sinks, drains, and disposals at least once a week with warm water and soap (or detergent). Follow by disinfecting with a solution made from ¾ teaspoon chlorine bleach per quart of water.
Reference: https://www.fightbac.org/spring-clean-your-way-to-a-safer-kitchen/
Source: Annhall Norris, Food Preservation and Food Safety Extension Specialist
Cleaning Reusable Bags
As the weather turns warmer, we know it’s time for many of our seasonal farmers’ markets to open again! Reusable bags are an environmentally friendly way to cart your farmers’ market finds. These bags often hold more than disposable plastic bags do and are more durable. But because we use them repeatedly for so many things, they are prone to collecting dirt and germs. A simple washing will keep them clean and ready to use again! The American Cleaning Institute offers some simple advice on how to care for these handy helpers.
To prevent food cross-contamination and mold from growing, try this:
· Clean – Wash bags after each use (see cleaning tips, below).
· Separate – Use different bags for raw meats, seafood, and produce; use other bags for non-food items.
· Store – Keep in a cool, dry place. To prevent bacteria growth, avoid storing bags in your car trunk.
Follow these cleaning tips for best results, or check the product’s care tag instructions:
· Cotton – machine wash (hot water and laundry detergent); machine or line dry
· Polypropylene – machine wash (gentle cycle, cold water and laundry detergent); line dry
· Nylon or polyester – hand wash (warm water and laundry detergent); line dry
· Insulated bags – hand wash (warm water and soap) or clean with disinfecting wipes; line dry
For all types of bags, turn inside out before washing and be aware that some printing or logo designs on bags may fade or bleed with washing.
Source: Jeanne Badgett, Senior Extension Associate for Clothing, Textiles, and Household Equipment
Fruit Bouquet Class
Learn how to make a fun and edible gift. Thursday, June 22nd at 2pm.
The class is limited so you must call to sign up. Sign-ups begin June 1st
June is Dairy Month!
Come visit the Owensboro Regional Farmers Market on Saturday, June 3rd from 8am to 12pm and visit the Daviess County Extension Booth (look for the red and yellow Charlie Cart)! We will be reading “Tales of the Dairy Godmother” and making ice cream in a bag to celebrate Dairy Month!
HOMEMAKER HAPPENINGS
Lesson for the Month
Entertaining Little Ones
-This is a Family & Individual Development lesson
Roll Call
In May we celebrate mothers. Share a favorite Mother’s Day memory.
Thought of the Month
“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary—it’s an act of infinite optimism.” —Gilda Radner
FOYER DECORATIONS
Homespun helped us look forward to spring in April.
Southern Belle, you are up for May.
County Annual Meeting
Cupcake Celebration!
Friday, June 30th 2:00 p.m.
Daviess County Extension Office
Please call 270-685-8480 to RSVP by June 23rd.
Thanks to all who came out to the Homemakers Cookie Tasting/Recipe Swap!
“Handling Assets in our Senior Years”
A presentation from The Green River Area Homemakers’ Association.
At the Daviess County Extension Service Office on May 25, 2023 at 5:30pm.
A local second-generation financial advisor will give a short presentation and answer questions.
Homemaker Club Year End Reports are due to the Extension Office by May 19.
