Our County Extension Council asked that we provide programs that would work to bridge the generational divide and connect our youths with the older generation. Local homemakers also expressed interest in passing down their knowledge of our unique heritage on to the next generation.

In response, we created an Appalachian Culture club with the goal of connecting generations and preserving practices from our region. The club meets monthly to learn various Appalachian practices such as "chicken scratch" or "depression lace" and corn husk doll making. Each lesson is led by local homemakers and includes the history behind each of the practices. So far we have met three times in the month of September to learn chicken scratch. We will meet this month to learn how to use left over scrap fabric. 

Our first meeting was hosted by three homemakers. They took turns teaching the history and the steps of how to chicken scratch while assisting when anyone struggled. The meeting was offered to anyone in the community ages 9 and up. We made an exception for 2 8 year old's to attend. The class had 2 attendees that were over the age of 18. The rest were between the ages of 9 and 17. The class was mostly attended by females with 3 male attendees.

By the end of September's lessons, 100% of participants felt like they had a better understanding of Appalachian practices. A survey will be provided to all attendees and the homemakers to establish data on what changes have occurred because of these classes. The goal will be for both the homemaker volunteer and the participants to gain something from this experience.