January 2022

New year. New beginning. New experiences. How is it that we often wait until a "new year" to start a healthy habit, or begin a project, or complete a task we have been putting off?

While the year may be just beginning, it doesn't mean we can't take control and make changes throughout the year. This time of year is often when people will make new years resolutions, which for some work, for others it doesn't. I encourage you to to find what works for you.

Remember the SMART goal outline- specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time sensitive. Also, write it down! Whatever you goal is, write it down and put it where you can see it. Lastly, don't be afraid of starting over if you slow down or loose progress. Change takes time and truthfully, can be hard. So give yourself and those around grace as we begin this new year.

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FACS in Crawford County
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EHC Update
Best Care 2022 Training
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FACS in Crawford County

December proved to be a busy month as well!

I kicked off Food, Fun, and Reading, a six week program with Cedarville Elementary. So far we have learned about the 5 food groups in general, grains, and protein. We will finish the rest of the food groups in the new year.

I attended training on a new curriculum, Teen Cuisine. This program will be offered in grades 6-12th.

Finally, I participated in a live broadcast food demonstration. This experience allowed me to learn about food demonstrations as well as all the technology and prep that goes into a successful broadcast.

I have several programs scheduled for the beginning of the year, so I am ready for 2022!

Tristin with Emilee Moody and Jessica Angel

MyPlate Cracker Stackers for Food, Fun, and Reading!

Oats-January Grain of the Month

Each month the Whole Grains Council recognizes and celebrate a different grain. The month of January, focuses on OATS.

Oats have not always been a trendy food, such as they are now with overnight oats, oat lattes, and more. However, they have always been a good hardy food.

Today Europe is the largest producer of oats in the world. When discussing the different forms of oats, there are "old-fashioned", instant oats, and steel-cut oats. Oats are in their whole grain form almost always. We know that we need 1/2 our grains to be whole grains, so oats fit in perfectly.

Oats are a good source of many nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron, zinc, manganese, and more! So next time you are at the store, pick up a container of oats and enjoy the healthy benefits.

Source: Whole Grains Council

https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/grain-month-calendar/oats-%E2%80%93-january-grain-month

Best Care Classes Offered

Sometimes it can be a challenge to find quality resources that are close to home and affordable. The University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) offer 10 hours of professional development training for educators or caregivers of young children. Trainings are verified through the Arkansas Professional Development Registry (formally known as TAPP) and supports the Better Beginnings quality rating system.

Crawford, Sebastian, and Scott County Extension Services will be offering training for childcare providers. Trainings will be offered on February 5^th and March 5^th. Each class will offer 5 hours of professional development for a total of 10 hours of training. Classes will begin at 9 a.m. at the Crawford County Extension Office.

The following is a list of the 2022 Best Care topics to be covered:

Growing Young Gardeners
STEAM in Outdoor Learning
Music in Early Learning
Child Care Prepared- Disaster Preparedness
Playground Safety
Healthy Habits: Nutrition and Fitness
Infant Care and Self-Regulation
Making a Clean Sweep
Effective Communication
When Accidents Happen- First Aid

To sign up or for more information about The Best Care classes for early childhood professionals contact the Crawford County Extension office at 479-474-5286 or email Tristin Bolton at tbolton@uaex.edu.

Extension Homemakers Club Update

EHC has been busy! Thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas Council Meeting. We enjoyed learning about the EFNEP program from Chelsea and Cathy. If you would like more information or have questions, please let me know.

Tracy Hudson also held the terra-cotta candy jar class. It was a success! Please call the office if you would like to register for the January or February class.

Please make sure you are submitting your efforts and your club efforts for the state wide Food Insecurity Project. Those hours, dollars spent, and pounds donated, are all reported to Roberta to be added to the state impact.

Club Secretaries, please make sure you are sending the meeting minutes and/or recap sheets to the Extension Office.

Crawford County EHC Upcoming Events

January 7th- 10 a.m.- Leader Training
January 12^th- 10 a.m. – Painted Board with Embellishments - $13
February 4th- 9 a.m. -- Board Meeting
February 4th- 10 a.m. -- Leader Training
February 9^th- 10 a.m. – Gnomes -$12
March 1st- 9:30 a.m. -- Spring Council
March 4th- 10 a.m. -- Leader Training

SAVE THE DATE: March 9, 2022

EHC Education Workshop at Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock.

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

6 Servings

189 Calories per serving

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (thawed)
1 cup cooked chicken (cut-up)
1 can cream of chicken soup, low-fat (10-3/4 ounce, condensed)
1 cup baking mix, reduced-fat (example: Bisquick)
1/2 cup milk (non-fat)
1 egg

Directions

Wash hands and any cooking surfaces.
Pre-heat oven to 400°F.
Mix vegetables, chicken and soup in ungreased, 9-inch pie plate
Stir remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl with fork until blended. Pour over vegetables and chicken in pie plate.
Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.

Source: What's Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl.

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