Want to know what is going on with the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program over the next month? For more information or to be on our email list about upcoming programs, send me your email or mailing address at jennifer.brown@ncsu.edu

• Join us virtually on Tuesday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) as we learn how to “Fry It Up: Air Fryer Essentials”. Air fried foods have fewer calories from fat than foods cooked with traditional methods, such as frying. Air fryers use circulating technology to produce crispy foods. They have many benefits, such as easy to use and clean, energy efficient, cooks a variety of foods, fits into any kitchen, and quick, healthy meals. Register at go.ncsu.edu/fryitup
• Learn how to stretch your food budget in 30 days. On Thursday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the South Granville Public Library in Creedmoor, we will host a workshop on how to “Eat Right When Money’s Tight”. We will discuss meal planning, shopping tips, supermarket savings, and other strategies to help reduce your food costs all while purchasing healthy foods. 
• Many older adults have a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Throughout the rest of June, the Person County Senior Center and Extension Office is finishing up the last 5 weeks of our 8-week “Matter of Balance” series on Monday afternoons from from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• We still have spots in our Diabetes Prevention Program, which is scheduled to start in July. On Thursday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m., and Wednesday, June 18 at 10:00 a.m., we will be hosting more Information Sessions to help provide more information on this program and to see if you qualify. You just need to attend one of the sessions and you will learn about what is involved with the next Diabetes Prevention Program that starts in July. If you want to learn more, register for one of our Information Sessions at   go.ncsu.edu/diabetesinfo or call (336) 597-2204 x2277.
• Spending time in nature can benefit mental and physical well-being. From creating a sensory experience while growing vegetables and fruits in a garden, to hiking and exploring a forest preserve, even a short amount of time spent in nature can improve overall health. Explore the health benefits of being present in nature and discover simple activities to foster experiences in the natural world. The workshop, held on Tuesday, June 10th at 11:00 a.m., will be taught virtually  by Illinois Extension but the Person County Extension Office will be hosting a live viewing of this workshop. Register at the Extension Office by calling 336-599-1195 or emailing jennifer.brown@ncsu.edu
• Being physically active can help you stay strong and independent as you grow older. Join us on Tuesday, June 10th at 12:00 p.m. for our monthly Lunch N’ Learn to learn more about the benefits of physical activity, different types of physical activity, and how to get started today. A $5 registration fee is due by Friday, June 6 to Room 123 of the Extension Office.
• In the aftermath of a devastating disaster, entire communities are left in need of urgent assistance. Join the Extension Office at their booth at the Disaster Recovery Expo held on Thursday, June 12th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Vance Granville Community College. This event, held by the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments is a great opportunity to receive resources and materials, such as pamphlets, business cards, preparedness guides, or other informational materials that can help you before and after a disaster.
• Join the Kerr Tar Council of Governments for their “Prevent Elder Abuse Awareness & Prevention Walk!” The Extension Office will have a vendor booth set up at this event. Let’s stand together to protect our seniors and raise awareness. There will be workshops, vendor booths and an awareness walk held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warren County Armory Convention Center. Wear silver and purple to show your support!
• Not a gardener? No worries! Microgreens are a great small-scale, low commitment step to getting started growing regardless of the season or weather since they can be grown indoors and they take up very little space! What are Microgreens? They are flavorful, nutrition-dense, young seedlings of vegetables or herbs that you can typically harvest within only 1-3 weeks of sowing the seeds! They make great additions to salads, sandwiches, and elevate any dish when used as a garnish. Join us on Tuesday, June 17 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) to learn how to start your own microgreen trays by reusing materials that you likely already have around the house. Register now at go.ncsu.edu/microgreen
• For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us for this virtual workshop on Thursday, June 19 at 12:00 p.m. (EST) to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Register online at go.ncsu.edu/fcsregistration
• Let’s face it, most of us have at least one space (or several) that we’d like to have more organized. In fact, a recent survey about clutter found that 84 percent of Americans are concerned their home isn’t organized or clean enough. And more than half of them reported that it causes them stress. Tackling clutter can seem overwhelming and sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Join Jennifer Brown from the N.C. Cooperative Extension on Wednesday, June 25 at 10:45 a.m. at the Person County Senior Center to learn some simple steps you can take to begin to tackle areas of clutter that may be bothering you. No guilt, just ideas!
• Join the Extension Office on Tuesday, June 24th at 3:00 p.m. at the Person County Public Library in Roxboro for our workshop on the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s”. Participants will learn about:
  » The difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s.
  » Common warning signs.
  » The importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis.
  » Next steps and expectations for the diagnostic process.
  » Alzheimer’s Association resources.