White Hall Willing Workers Extension Homemakers Club met Feb. 24 at the White Hall Public Library.
President Sarah Payton welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order. Special guests were Susan Wolff from the White Hall Food Pantry and Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Family & Consumer Sciences agent.
The Thought of the Month was read by Melissa Earnest. The Homemakers Creed was led by Vice President Dee Kindrick. Jim Wilson shared the inspiration message. Roll was called by Tonia Dalby.
Minutes of January’s meeting were read and approved. Jim Wilson led the food blessing, and members and guests had a meal provided by Dalby, Jo Ann Carr and Elizabeth Wall, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The treasurer’s report was from Marnette Reed.
The program was provided by Elizabeth Wall on “Smartphone Smarts: Guide to Healthier Scrolling Habits.” She shared that the brain works on the burst of dopamine people receive each time they see something new. It responds with curiosity and interest, making people want to “do it again.”
Smartphones are designed to keep people coming back for more. All the bright lights, games and apps give people enough rewards to keep them playing. There are now billions of devices worldwide and lots of misinformation, according to the presentation.
“Don’t let your phone be your life,” the spokesman said.
SPECIAL LEADER REPORTS
Community Service: A check donation and cash from the holiday raffle and games were presented to the White Hall Food Pantry. Wolff reported they have 782 families they help each month. This equates to 2,572 people. They provide nonperishable foods, and the club’s donations of flour, sugar and oil are essential ingredients for families in need.
The pantry is open the second Thursday of the month from 10 am. to noon. Pursuit Church can provide fresh foods as well, and is open on the third Wednesday. The pantry also provides high school students weekend backpacks of food.
Continuing Education: Kathy Wilson shared craft ideas using burlap for a club craft day. Mary Ann Kizer announced the Willing Workers Club was No. 2 in the Walk Across Arkansas Fall 2025, Top 5 in the Delta District and No. 1 in the Top 5 Delta EHC Teams.
She also provided the club updates on county dates:
Walk Across Arkansas Spring 2026 registration and walking/exercise reporting began March 9 and goes through May 3.
Listen to Grown-Up Podcasts at www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/grown-up-u-podcast/default.aspx.
Nutrition & Mediterranean Cooking are held monthly at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service conference room.
Best Care Training for child care providers will be held on April 11 for five hours at St. Joseph Parish Hall. Call (870) 534-1033 to pre-register.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2025 pecans, chocolate-covered peanuts and cookbooks are available for sale at the Extension Service, 500 Idaho St.
NEW BUSINESS
Jefferson County Master Gardeners plan a Home and Garden show April 17-18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center and volunteers are needed.
St. Joseph Catholic Church will conclude the Lenten fish dinners from 5-7 p.m. Friday for $16. The meals can be eaten there or carried out.
The meeting was adjourned by Payton after members recited the Homemakers Prayer.
If you are interested in joining a Jefferson County Extension Homemaker’s Club, contact Mary Ann Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or visit their website.