Home and Family Information

Local News

VDay Brownies

Valentine’s Day “From Scratch” Brownies
(Posted on 2/8/2012)
February is known for two holidays, Ground Hog Day and Valentine’s Day, but only one of these tempts our sweet tooth (and our pocketbooks). Valentine’s Day is known for its expensive indulgences: eating out, flowers, alcohol, and chocolate. For this Valentine’s Day, try some low-cost and healthier ways to celebrate like opting for a romantic homemade dinner rather than eating out or baking low-fat chocolate treats instead of buying expensive chocolate candy.

Just a Bite

Just a Bite – Managing Food Allergies in Childcare is March 1
(Posted on 2/8/2012)
Iowa State University Pocahontas County Extension and Outreach is offering training for child care providers that helps to identify signs and symptoms of food allergies and common food allergens for children. The incidence of food allergies is on the rise, increasing the chances that childcare providers will have a child with food allergies in their care.

vanheel

EXTENSION CONNECTION - "Tis the Season of Chocolate
(Posted on 2/8/2012)
Valentine’s Day and chocolate seem to go hand in hand. But can you be “Heart Healthy” and still have chocolate? The answer is a resounding “Yes”. Chocolate isn’t all BAD.

Pesticide Applicators

Pocahontas County Private Pesticide Training, February 15, 2012
(Posted on 2/2/2012)
February 15th is Pocahontas County Private Pesticide Training with Paul Kassel.

quilts

Barn Quilts of Pocahontas County
(Posted on 1/31/2012)
The Barn Quilts of Pocahontas County committee are proud to share their progress throughout Pocahontas County. Enjoy your driving tour!

MyPlate

Use MyPlate to Make a Better Pizza
(Posted on 1/31/2012)
One food with the potential to include all the food groups is pizza. But can this well-loved entree that is notoriously high in fat, sodium and carbohydrates fit on MyPlate? Yes it can, with a few modifications,says an ISU Extension and Outreach nutrition specialist.

Money Talk

Pocahontas County to host Money Talk: A Financial Guide for Women
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Plan today to participate in Money Talk: A Financial Guide for Women series at ISU Extension & Outreach, Pocahontas County Office!

Plan to Attend the Garden Extravaganza
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
The Pocahontas County Master Gardeners and ISU Extension & Outreach will sponsor a Garden Extravaganza April 14 at the Expo Center in Pocahontas.

Dare to Excel

"Dare to Excel" Newsletter Helps Parents Help Kids Become Better Learners
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
When weekends, school breaks and summer are added together, kids spend many hours outside of school walls. How this time is spent affects their growth and development, as well as their success at school.

Getting Organized

Financial Getting Organized
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
You know how good it feels when your house is clean? It feels just as good when your personal financial and business papers are well organized.

ServSafe

ServSafe
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
Did you know that there are estimated 76 million food borne illnesses each year and 225 to 300 million cases of acute gastroenteritis? That figures out to be once a year for each of us. How do you know the food you are being served has been handled and prepared with safety in mind? ServSafe is arguably the most recognized and renowned certification a food service manager can acquire to verify a complete knowledge of food safety practices. Research shows that training employees in safe food handling practices significantly improves food safety. Sign-up for a class today!

News from Iowa State University Extension
Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University associate professor and state nutrition extension specialist.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Connect to Nature at February Virtual Eco Family Conference
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
“When we love the place where we live, we take better care of it,” said Kristi Cooper, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She will discuss how to develop a sense of place and build communities that connect people with nature during the Virtual Eco Family Conference on Feb. 2.
Parent-Child Cell Phone Debate Continues
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Parents can exert a measure of control over their child’s mobile phone use by limiting use, checking its contents and using it to monitor the whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few exceptions, these activities by parents do not seem to impact patterns of cell phone use by teens, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialists.
Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.
Science of Parenting: Using Technology to Help with Parenting
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
From podcasts to text messages and Skype, many parents are adding technology to their parenting toolkit. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes a closer look at how parents can use information and communications technology for parenting.
Virtual Eco Family Conference Connects Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/22/2011)
Iowa families throughout the state will be getting together — virtually — once a month from January through June for an Eco Family Conference from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. It’s an opportunity for families to improve the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and create community close to home.
Extension Offers Free Monthly Parenting Newsletter
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Any parent, new or seasoned, may have questions regarding his or her children. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free monthly newsletter, Just in Time Parenting, with helpful information on parenting young ones.
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Bullying
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
Relational aggression in children is another way of saying that kids can be mean to one another. Parents may not be able to stop this bullying, but they can help their children learn how to deal with the behavior, says Kimberly Greder, an extension specialist and associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University.

Events


Families
More Families events

View the complete ISU Extension events Calendar

Staff

Jan Burk - Family Finance Program Specialist
Phone: 712-336-3488
Fax: 712-336-3498
Email: janburk@iastate.edu

Lori Hayungs - Family Life Program Specialist
Phone: (712) 737-4230
Fax: (712) 737-3590
Email: lhayungs@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension