Oct. 14-20  is Kentucky Extension Homemakers Week. Of course you’re probably wondering who Kentucky Extension Homemakers are and what they do. As the contact advisor to the Boyle County Homemakers Association, I’m happy to share more about this all encompassing organization.

When you hear the word “homemaker,” you immediately think of a certain set of words — housewife, cook, mother and maid could be used to describe a homemaker, but they are much more than that. Homemakers are strong leaders, willing volunteers, skilled educators, family and friends. 

The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service and education. Boyle County Homemakers has been an active part of KEHA since before it was officially founded. 

For many years, Boyle County Homemakers have been actively serving this community through volunteer service work. They find ways to give back every year, such as sewing pillowcases for Hospice or lap quilts for the hospital. They also support Ovarian Cancer Research by donating $1 of each member’s dues every year. 

Homemakers also annually award $500 scholarship to a college-bound student seeking a degree in agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences or any extension-related field. As a matter of fact, the scholarship award has increased from $500 to a solid $1,000.

Boyle County Homemakers highly value family, friendship and fun. Each year, they participate in different social events, such as the County Annual Meeting, providing fun opportunities for fellowship. They also attend educational programs each month that address universal topics such as food, health, money management and family life. Homemakers are always learning new skills and sharing them with others. 

Heritage skills such as knitting, sewing and quilt making barely scratch the surface of what Homemakers are capable of. They compete in annual cultural arts contests with many members winning blue ribbons at the state level. They also enter handmade items in Floral Hall in the County Fair. What a wealth of talent there is in this county.

KEHA welcomes members, no matter what their age, race, color, national origin, creed, marital status or sex. The program is of interest to all income levels. Any full or part-time homemaker, male or female, rural or urban, teenager or senior citizen and in-between, may belong to KEHA. The Boyle County Homemakers consist of five clubs that meet monthly. Anyone is welcome to join. 

Upcoming events

• Tasting Party, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 14 at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church. Silent auction from 6-7:30 p.m. Any member may submit up to five items; but be brought to church by 5:30 p.m. 
• Painting Class, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 17 at A Gathering Place (Boyle County senior citizens center). Cost is $35
• Button Bracelet Craft Class, 10 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Boyle County Health Department. 

Events are a great way to learn more about the organization, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call (859) 236-4484.