By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
With more than 100 years of history in the Barren County area, “A trip down memory lane” was the perfect theme for the Barren County Homemakers Association annual dinner at the University of Kentucky Extension Office. The dinner welcomed all members from the seven active chapters.
Justin Cole entertaining the Homemaker members. Gage Wilson/Glasgow News 1.
As members began finding their seats, Justin Cole, a local musician, performed “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” After Cole finished, Elaine Chenoweth, president of the club, took the podium to welcome attendees.
President Elaine Chenoweth welcomes members at the Barren County Homemakers annual dinner. Gage Wilson/Glasgow News 1.
Chenoweth said she was happy to see so many representatives from the county’s chapters, but as she turned the microphone over to Cynthia Rowland, the vice president, a somber air filled the room as they recognized members who had passed away. As the names were read, a member of the deceased’s chapter came to the front to accept a single white rose in memory of the late member.
Once the remembrance ceremony ended, members were instructed that the dinner, provided by Diane’s Cakes and Catering, was ready. As members enjoyed the roast beef, conversations about the club’s history and past fundraising events were a popular topic. These fundraisers are a large part of what the Homemaker’s purpose, helping charities raise money for ovarian cancer research, and assistance for low-income and unhoused residents.
Deborah Grey (center) finishes her treasurers report. Gage Wilson/Glasgow News 1.
Deborah Grey, the treasurer for the association, was next to take the podium. She spoke about budgetary line items approved by the members attending without much discussion.
Guest speaker Sam Terry talks about the history of the area. Gage Wilson/Glasgow News 1.
Sam Terry, a local historian, was the guest speaker this year. His talk fit the theme of the evening perfectly, as he went through various time periods in Barren County and how the Homemakers have a shared history with many important milestones in the county’s life.
The Homemakers, while still doing as much as their volunteers can (which this year totals around 11,000 hours), has noticed a decline in new members. Like many businesses and non-profits, the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the decline. Chenoweth who has been with the association for 44- years, said that membership was halved post-pandemic.
“It has been challenging to get younger people involved,” she said. “We do have multiple membership drives, and all the events that we attend we hand out literature about our organization. I just want to see us grow, so we are better able to do what we do best, to help the community. ”
Membership dues are $10 annually. For more information on the Homemakers, their contributions, or to join, residents should contact the U.K. Extension Office at 270-651-3818.
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