The Magoffin County Extension Office was without a Family and Consumer Sciences agent for a little over 3 years, after an agent transferred.  Even though local homemakers made every effort to keep the county homemaker’ clubs active and vital, the numbers in each of the clubs dwindled away considerably.  The total enrollment in homemakers got down into the 30’s for countywide membership.  After the hiring of a new agent, many efforts have been made to increase the membership and to draw new people into the organization.  

              At the request of several homemakers, the family and consumer sciences agent planned a baking series, involving a local chemistry teacher to assist.  The premise of the class was that the chemistry teacher would teach the principles of chemistry involved in baking, and that together, he and the agent would incorporate that science into a baking project.  This six-week course was held every Monday from 5:30-8:00 PM in the extension office.  When the post was made on Facebook, advertising the classes, in less than twenty-four hours, there were twenty-five people enrolled in the class, with a 35 person waiting list for people to participate. .  There would be six classes involved in the program, including:  Pie crusts and pies, Quick Breads, High Ratio Method of Mixing Cakes & Depression Cakes, Pound Cakes, Yeast Rolls & Loaf Breads, and Cinnamon Rolls and Sweet Breads.  It was an overwhelming success in many ways.  There has been a significant gain in homemakers membership, (now with over one hundred members), and lots of new faces showing up for other educational programs offered by the cooperative extension service.

              A spring class is being planned to offer the opportunity to people who were on the waiting list from the fall class.  The cooperation of the chemistry teacher has been a tremendous asset, as he brings the knowledge of the science behind the baking, in addition to his talent in baking and cake decorating, and his reputation as a baker all around Eastern Kentucky.  It has been a great way to draw people back into the office for the family and consumer sciences and other programs.  During each meeting announcements were made and flyers handed out about other programs being offered in the extension office and in the community.  The “Flour Power” Baking class has been a springboard for many successful meetings and programs for the new family and consumer sciences agent.