Living Well 12/26/24
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Redwine receives FCS Program of the Year during the MSU Extension Northeast Regional Meeting Pamela Redwine, MSU Extension Agent and County Coordinator in Yalobusha, was awarded the FCS program of the Year on Friday, December 13th during the MSU Extension Northeast Regional meeting held in Verona. Pamela received the award based on her “FCS After 5” series which she began in October of 2023. Redwine took a proactive approach to revitalize and expand the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program in Yalobusha County. Recognizing the need to reach more community members, especially those who work during the day and can’t attend daytime Extension programs, she launched an innovative evening series called “FCS After 5.” The goal was to offer at least one FCS-themed class each month in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, with the added convenience of evening scheduling. Pamela thoughtfully designed the program to eliminate common barriers for participants. While Pamela leads most of the sessions, she also collaborates with local experts for special topics like canvas painting and cake decorating, enriching the program’s diversity. The “FCS After 5” series has been a tremendous success reaching many new clients who have never attended Extension FCS programs. Pamela is shown with Lance Newman, MSU Extension Northeast Regional Coordinator and Dr. Angus Catchot, MSU Extension Director. Special thanks to Bank First for sponsoring the awards during the Northeast Regional Meeting.
The MSU Extension office will be closed December 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025 to celebrate the Christmas and New Year Holiday. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2 at 8 a.m. On behalf of Missy, Ginger and I, we hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Prosperous New Year. 4-H Monthly Cooking kit – It’s time to register for the January kits. The cost is $12 per kit. Please pay with a check made out to Yalobusha County 4-H or exact change. The last day to register for the kit is Friday, January 10th. You can also pay now for the first quarter (January, February and March kits – $36). The distribution date will be Thursday, January 16th. The kit will include a recipe, all of the ingredients to make the recipe, a cooking tool and educational information about the featured food and an activity evaluation. For more information contact the Extension office at 662.675.2730 or email [email protected] Healthy You Exercise Class – The month of January we will continue with our Chair Exercise Program. We will be using The Stronger Seniors workout program which is designed to help seniors develop strength and enhance the ability to function in daily life. We are excited to be adding an additional day for January (This is on a trial basis. Our goal is to have at least 10 participants each day). The classes will meet every Wednesday and Friday, at 9 a.m. at the Extension office. Join us for up to 40 minutes of physical activity. If you would like, you can bring a one-to-three-pound weight for the strength part of the program. Looped with Love Crochet MHV Club will meet on Thursday, January 2 at 10 a.m. at the Extension office. Please bring yarn and a crochet hook. The ServSafe Online Exam I have two spots available, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., to take the ServSafe Online exam. This exam is taken on a computer, and you will receive your scores immediately after you complete the exam. If you are interested, you will need to contact the Extension office by Tuesday, January 21st to schedule your online exam (this includes no class instruction, you will need a 7th Edition book to study on your own prior to taking the exam) please contact the Extension office at 662.675.2730 or email [email protected] to find out how to get registered. Mark your Calendars! Countywide Yard Sale. Saturday, March 8 – 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Countywide Yard Sale will be held in the arena of the Multi-Purpose Building in Coffeeville. The Yalobusha County 4-H will have 12×12 booth spots for individuals to rent for $25. We will also be accepting donations of items (no clothing please) to be sold at the 4-H Booth. All proceeds go to support the Yalobusha County 4-H program. The Extension office will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1st. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. The Yalobusha County Extension Staff wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Mississippi State is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. Veteran, or another status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662)325-5839. Try It! Family Meals On A Board A grazing board dinner offers flexibility, variety, and a fun dining experience. With an assortment of proteins, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, nuts, and spreads, it allows everyone to create their own balanced meal, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. This style of dining encourages social interaction, as guests can sample and share different combinations. It’s an excellent way to introduce new foods, reduce cooking stress, and minimize the need for elaborate meal prep. Plus, its beautiful presentation adds an elegant touch, making any evening feel special. Serving a grazing board for family meals can make for a fun and engaging dining experience. Here are some tips for putting together and serving a family-friendly grazing board: 1.Start with a Base: Use a large cutting board or even a few smaller ones grouped together with bowls of more fixings, too. 2.Incorporate a Variety of Foods: Include proteins (like sliced meats, boiled eggs, or tofu), cheeses, raw and roasted vegetables, fruits (dried and fresh), nuts, crackers, and breads. You can also add spreads such as hummus, yogurt dips, and nut butter. 3.Balance Healthy Options: MyPlate recommendations can guide your selection, offering plenty of vegetables, whole grains, proteins, fruits, and dairy or dairy alternatives. 4.Make It Kid-Friendly: If serving children, include some of their favorites and bite-sized options. Consider favorite meals like burgers, pizza, chili, pasta, or sandwiches. Don’t be afraid to embellish with more slices of fruits and veggies with dips to keep it fun. 5.Offer a Range of Sauces and Garnishes: Think about the toppings and offer cheese, cut up onions, dressings or dips, and side dishes to fill up the board with fun options. 6.Keep Food Safety in Mind: Ensure perishable items, like cheese or meat, stay at a safe temperature. Cover leftovers and refrigerate promptly. 7.Serve with Utensils and Plates: Provide small tongs, spoons, and forks to make serving easy and hygienic. Have plates, napkins, and hand wipes nearby. 8.Get Creative with Presentation: Use bowls for dips and spreads, arrange foods in clusters, and consider adding garnishes like fresh herbs or edible flowers for an appealing visual effect. 9.Engage the Family: Encourage each family member to build their own plate and try new combinations. This makes mealtime more interactive and enjoyable! Article Source: https://www.foodandhealth.com/blog/family-meals-on-a-board
