Happy 75th birthday FCE! A visit to the web site of National Association for Family and Community Education shows such a positive organization; one that cares about families and communities. The organization has gone through several name changes in its seventy-five years; some of you remember the Home Demonstration Units and Extension Homemaker Units of the past. Through all of this the mission to strengthen individuals, families and communities through continuing education, developing leadership and community action has remained the same.
We have six active FCE units who meet monthly in Barton County. Whenever I visit the groups I am always amazed at their passion for community service. From helping with bloodmobiles, to placing books in the local libraries, to donating time and food for the local food banks, our units are determined to change their communities for the better. As an advisor to the countywide FCE program, I encourage unit members to volunteer and lead by example.
As we celebrate Family and Community Education week I hope you will join me in saying “Thank You” to all of the Barton County FCE members. Many have been members for well over 50 years, yet the projects and programs they share are relevant to issues faced by today’s families.
FCE units meet monthly from September through May. Anyone who would like to learn more about joining a FCE, group, should give me a call. If you are new to town joining an FCE unit is a great way to meet people. Perhaps you are newly retired and want to give back to your community, or you are a young mother who wants to enrich your own family. Whatever your age or stage in life, consider joining FCE this fall!
Mark Calendars for Upcoming Election
With all of the media attention on the upcoming election you may not remember that every fall Extension Council elects people to serve on our various Program Development Committees. The 2011 election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 8th, 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office meeting room. The theme for the day will be “Go Green with Extension.” A trailer for e-waste (electronic devices) will be parked in front of the Extension office at 1800 12th street during the day so that Barton County residents and businesses can participate. Over the noon hour I will present the program “Cook Once, Eat Twice.” With the help of the Family and Consumer Science PDC, ideas and recipes about using planned leftovers will be shared. Sampling will be enjoyed at the conclusion of the program. From 3:30 – 5 p.m. the program, “Kids Go Green” will be held for school aged kids. Recycled art projects as well as eating a green snack will be part of this fun activity. The class is free, but limited to the first 18 students who register. The final educational program of the day is set for 5:30 p.m. Join Master Gardener Trainee, Julie Peterson, and Extension Board member, Kathie Rondeau, as they share the program “Composing Yard and Food Waste.” All of the programs are free and open to everyone.
More information about those individuals who will be on the ballot will be shared in a future column. In the meantime, mark November 8th on your calendars and drop by the Great Bend Recreation Center to cast your ballot.