When women's programs first became available through the Cooperative Extension Service just before World War I (1914), Extension workers encouraged homemakers to form local clubs to study improved methods of homemaking. Today there are more than 30,000 such clubs with over 400,000 members around the United States.
Often, people think that Extension Homemakers is just for women who like to cook and sew, or those who are farm wives who don't work away from home. In fact, Extension Homemakers is right for someone managing a single-person household or a working mother or father of 2 or 3. Research based programs are timely and deal with a variety of topics important to todayâs families. In Extension, we believe that every person is a home maker, and we want to provide necessary skills to do the best job possible!
Boone County has an active membership of 325 participating in 24 neighborhood clubs and mailbox membership.
Club members pay dues to assist with the operations of the organization. They meet monthly, usually in their members' homes. The other source of revenue for Boone County Extension Homemakers is food service during the 4-H fair. This is the only county fund raiser, and everyone is encouraged to be an active participant in this event.
In addition to club membership, Boone County offers a "mailbox" membership. This is primarily for residents who are unable to take part in regular clubs. This form of membership utilized a mailed educational packet which is received 5 times a year by "mailbox" members. These members also receive the Kaleidoscope, the Extension Homemakers newsletter, which is mailed 5 times a year to all B.C.E.H. members. The cost is $8.00 per year.
For more information about the Boone County Extension Homemakers, call
the Extension Office, 765-482-0750, or contact Maureen Buskirk.
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