February 2023 Edition

Family & Consumer Sciences
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Thoughts from Ronda…

Hello All,

This month has always been a favorite because of Valentine’s Day.  It is the month for Love.  And as we all know, there are many ways to show Love toward one another.  Ways that express love toward others that come to my mind are: showing kindness, not judging, being respectful, a simple compliment, gentle words, a smile, lending a helping hand, etc.  This is what I see in the Gallatin County Extension Homemaker Organization each day. 

The Gallatin County Extension Office, Family & Consumer Sciences, 4-H, and Agriculture is kicking off a “BE Kind”  campaign.  As part of this campaign, we are challenging our volunteers, leaders, and community to perform acts of  kindness.  Examples are: 

• Smile.
• Be polite.
• When kindness is shown to you, pay it forward.
• Give someone a genuine compliment.
• Let someone out in traffic or let them go ahead of you.
• Open the door for someone.
• If you have the resources, buy someone’s lunch or something as simple as a coffee.
• Treat others how you want to be treated.
• Show empathy toward others.
• Be grateful.
• Show respect towards others.
• Thank a teacher, veteran, and other service workers.
• Ask if you can help.
• Be kind and pay it forward! 

Join us in this campaign.  Showing kindness not only encourages others but will also encourage the one showing it!  Remember to register for classes coming up.  4-H is offering another great painting class (see the flyer enclosed).  We look forward to seeing you at the Extension Office.

Most Sincerely,

Ronda Rex
County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences

 

Upcoming Dates to Remember for February

February 2—4:00 pm—Adult Painting – 4:00 pm
February 2 —9:00 am-4:00 pm—The Embroidery Club will meet at the Extension Office.
February 8—10:30 am—The Cross County Homemakers will meet at the Extension Office.
February 14—Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14—9:00 am to 4:00 pm—The Fun Time Quilters will meet at the Extension Office.
February 14—1:00 pm—Candlemaking – 1:00 pm
February 14—6:00 pm—The Back to Basics  Homemakers will meet at the Extension Office.
February 17—7:00 pm—The Scrapbooking Club will meet at the Extension Office.
February 18—2:00 pm—The Napoleon Homemakers will meet at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant at Dry Ridge.
March 10—1:00 pm—Charcuterie Boards (See Enclosed Flyer

Set a Good Example for Youth

As a parent or caregiver, you are the single most important influence on the lives of young people. It is so important that we teach our youth empathy and respect by modeling it in our daily lives.

Sometimes it is hard for us to empathize with others who have different backgrounds and viewpoints, but it is crucial for us to consciously practice empathy and respect. This way our young people will learn appropriate behaviors, particularly for public settings. Empathy and respect are behaviors that can be learned and nurtured, and they help promote kindness. Kindness is one thing our world is in desperate need of right now.

While it is important to feel firm in our beliefs, it is equally important to understand the feelings of others. Here are some tips to help you teach young people how to be more empathetic, respectful, and kind.

Develop their emotional awareness by sharing your feelings throughout the day. We can all feel a wide range of emotions each day. We can help young people understand and identify their emotions, so they can recognize these same emotions in others. Use everyday situations to show your young person examples of what it means to be caring, cooperative and fair.

Be courteous and respectful in your daily interactions with others. When you show real interest in the feelings of other people, use manners, and spend your time and energy on them, it teaches youth about caring, compassion and unselfishness. Explain your motives for your behavior and respecting others to young people.

Acknowledge when they have been kind to others. Compliment youth and show that you are proud of them for their positive behaviors.

Expose them to diversity. Exposing young people to different perspectives is a great way to promote empathy and respect. You can expose your child to diversity in several ways such as reading books, eating at restaurants with ethnic cuisine, attending different religious or ethnic group activities, and being involved in community events.

It is ok to admit to your child when you have made a mistake.  Everyone has bad days. That is just a part of being human.  Specific, simple apologies go a long way to show your young person that is ok to admit when you are wrong and are sorry.

For more information, contact your Gallatin Co. office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service at (859) 567-5481

Source: David Weisenhorn and Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialists

Recipe of the Month

Cajun Season Fish with Wild Rice

1 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. butter
1 pkg. ( 10 oz.) frozen vegetable blend with onions, celery, peppers & parsley
3 cups cooked brown rice
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 lbs. thawed fish fillets, any type
1 lime (optional)

Directions:

Combine paprika, oregano, garlic powder, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.  Melt butter in a medium sauce pan. Add frozen vegetable blend. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Add cooked rice and 1 teaspoon of prepared seasoning mix. Cook and stir until rice is heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to very low. Cover rice mixture and keep warm while preparing fish. Spray fish fillets on all sides with cooking spray and coat with seasoning mix. Remember to wash your hands after handling raw fish. Place a large cast iron skillet or other heavy, nonstick skillet on the stop top over medium high heat. Let the pan preheat until it’s very hot but not smoking. Place fish fillets in a single layer in the pan. The pan will smoke a little. Cook fish over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.  Use a spatula to carefully turn the fish over. The seasoning mixture will make a dark brown crust on the fish. Cook fish on the other side for 3 minutes or until it is solid white and flakes easily with a fork, or registers at least 145 degrees F when tested in the thickest part. Divide the fish into six portions and serve each piece over 1/2 cup of cooked rice.

Optional: Sprinkle fish with juice from one lime. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Variations: Add 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicier mix.

Makes 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 fish fillet and 1/2 cup rice
Cost per recipe: $11.44
Cost per serving: $1.91

Nutrition facts per serving: 260 calories; 5g  total fat; 2g saturated fat;  0g trans fat; 60mg cholesterol; 460mg sodium; 28g total carbohydrate;    3g dietary fiber; 2g total sugars; 0g added sugars; 26g protein; 20% Daily Value of vitamin D; 4% Daily Value of calcium; 10% Daily Value of iron; 10% Daily Value of potassium.

Source:  Martha Yount, Nutrition Education Specialist, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service