March 2024 Edition

Family & Consumer Sciences
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Thoughts from Ronda

Hello All,

Spring is coming and I could not be happier.  I am sure you all are looking forward to some nice sunny weather as much as I am. 

 I have a few reminders for you this month:

 The Gallatin County Homemaker Council is April 1st at 11:30

 The Northern KY Area Homemaker Council is April 24th at the Owen County Extension Office.  Lunch is 11:30 with the meeting beginning at 1:00. 

 Look for the Peony Festival 5K Fun Run/Walk, flyer/application in this newsletter. 

 The KEHA Homemaker Convention will be in Bowling Green, KY May 7-9 at the Sloan Convention Center and Holiday Inn University Plaza.

 And, last but certainly not least, as many of you know, Cindy Sullivan, our Administrative Staff  Support, will be retiring in April.  On April 26th, there will be a retirement celebration for Cindy here at the Gallatin County Extension Office.  It will be an open house celebration from 2:00—6:00 p.m.  Please stop by the Extension Office during this time to wish her well as she begins a new chapter in her life.  Let her know how much her   37 years of service has meant to Extension and   to our community (an invitation is enclosed in this Newsletter).

 See you at the celebration.

Ronda 😊

 

Upcoming Dates to Remember

 March 7—9 am—4 pm—The Embroidery Club will meet at the Extension Office
March 10—Daylight Savings Time Begins—Spring forward!
March 12—9 am—4 pm—The Fun Time Quilters Club will meet at the Extension Office
March 12—12 pm—The Back to Basics Homemakers will meet at the Extension Office
March 12—6:30 pm—The Napoleon Homemakers will meet at Zalla Lodge
March 13—10:30 am—The Cross County Homemakers will meet at the Extension Office
March 17—Happy St. Patrick’s Day
March 19—First Day of Spring!
March 31—Happy Easter!

 

Clean Up Your Financial Apps

     This year, there’s a new item to incorporate into your spring-cleaning ritual: thoroughly examining your financial applications.  
     Right now is an opportune moment to sift through your financial apps, checking for any lingering balances. If you discover surplus funds sitting idly, consider moving this money to a high-yield savings account. Such accounts often offer more favorable interest rates and increased safety, allowing your money to grow.  
     Additionally, extend this routine to include any rebate or coupon applications you regularly use. It's easy to accumulate rewards and forget, but periodically checking these apps can reveal significant redeemable value. Converting these rewards into cash or depositing them into a savings account provides security and potentially earns you interest. This practice tidies up your digital financial footprint, enhancing your financial security and growth.  
    The decline in cash usage underscores a broader shift in consumer payment preferences. According to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center, 41% of Americans reported not using cash for any purchases within a typical week. This trend highlights a pivot towards alternative payment methods, including debit and credit cards, digital wallets and money transfer applications. Such statistics reflect a changing landscape where digital transactions are becoming the norm, underscoring the importance of managing digital finances wisely. 
    Digital payment platforms like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App are on the rise. These apps offer convenience and flexibility, making them popular choices for a wide range of transactions.
     A survey conducted by Nerd Wallet, in partnership with the Harris Poll, found that about two-thirds of mobile payment app users keep funds in their accounts. Notably, nearly half of these users have more than $100 in their account at any given time, suggesting a significant level of trust and reliance on these platforms for financial management. 
     However, this trust may be somewhat misplaced regarding the security of stored funds. While these apps excel at facilitating quick transfers, they are not designed with the same protective measures as traditional banking institutions.  
     Banks and credit unions provide insurance through organizations like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – more commonly known as the FDIC – ensuring that customers' deposits are protected up to certain limits. Unfortunately, many mobile payment apps do not offer this level of security, leaving users' balances potentially exposed.  
     This distinction is crucial for users to understand, as it affects the safety and security of their funds. In the digital age, being vigilant about where and how money is stored is more important than ever, prompting a need for greater awareness and careful financial management. 
Source: Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management 

 

Cooking Through the Calendar, March—Veggie Egg Rings

Ingredients:

• 1 large bell pepper of any color, tomato, or onion
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 eggs (1/2 egg per ring)
• Pinch of Salt
• Pinch of Pepper
• 4 Tbsp. grated cheese of  your choice (1 Tbsp. for each ring)

*Optional Ingredients: tomato, chopped spinach, herbs such as parsley, chives or dill, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chopped onion, salsa, mushrooms, leftover chopped bell pepper

Directions:

1. Wash hands with warm water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Rewash hands after handling eggs.
2. Gently scrub vegetables under cool running water and dry. Slice into 1/2-inch round rings trying to make straight cuts to better hold the egg. Be sure to remove seeds and centers of peppers and tomatoes.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Sauté the vegetable rings until the rings are slightly soft. Bell peppers may take longer (5 to 10 minutes) than over veggies.
5. While the vegetables soften crack eggs in a small bowl and lightly beat with a fork until well mixed.
6. Spoon or slowly pour a small amount of egg mixture into veggie ring, allowing a seal to form. A small amount may leak out of the sides. Continue adding the mixture to the other vegetable rings.
7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cover.
8. Cook covered for about 2 to 3 minutes, slipping the ring to finish cooking if needed.
9. Top with optional ingredients of your choice, add cheese, and let melt.

Serve while hot and enjoy! Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Makes 4 servings—Serving Size: 1 veggie egg ring; Cost per  recipe: $1.94; Cost per serving: $.49

Nutrition facts per serving: 60 calories; 3.5g total fat; 1.5g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 85mg cholesterol; 115mg sodium; 4g total carbohydrate; 0g dietary fiber; 0g total sugars; 0g added sugars; 5g protein; 0% Daily Value of vitamin D; 6% Daily Value of calcium; 6% Daily Value of iron; 2% Daily Value of potassium.

Source:  Benita Wade, Christian County SNAP-Ed Program Assistant