January 2026

State Newsletter Coming Soon! – Watch for the 2026 State Newsletter, which will be mailed to KEHA member households in mid- to late-February. It will be posted on this website once the mailing has gone out. The state newsletter has the registration form and details about the State Meeting in May. It also has information about upcoming deadlines, state officer elections, and more.

Member Recognitions – Area Membership Recognition Reports (including 50-year member and deceased member lists) should be sent to KEHA 2nd Vice President Martha Colley by Jan. 31. County results should be compiled into only one area form. See KEHA Manual Appendix page 19.

Contests, Scholarships, and Grants – March 1 is the deadline for most KEHA contests, scholarships, and grants. For questions regarding any of these opportunities, contact the officer or chairperson listed in the KEHA Manual.

• Contests – Please see Manual Appendix pages 4-5 for a summary of contests and awards, complete with contact information for each.
• Scholarships – Now through February is the perfect time to promote KEHA scholarship opportunities within your counties. Encourage eligible members to apply and continue the tradition of support and empowerment through education. For more information on scholarships, including application forms due March 1, visit our Scholarships and Grants page.
• KEHA Grants – Applications for both KEHA Mini-Grants and KEHA Development Grants are due March 1. KEHA mini-grants (KEHA Handbook page 107) are awarded to KEHA members, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension agents, or Family and Consumer Sciences Extension state staff for research and study that will provide a benefit to KEHA. KEHA Development Grants (KEHA Handbook page 110) are awarded to counties or areas for implementation of projects to benefit the membership. Applications must be prepared by KEHA members and outline the role of members and FCS professionals. Development grant applications should be sent via certified mail to the KEHA 2nd Vice President.

Nominate a Candidate for KEHA State Board – April 10 is the postmark deadline for state officer and chairperson credentials (see KEHA Manual Appendix). Up for election this year are:

• First Vice President
• Treasurer
• Environment, Housing & Energy Chairperson
• Leadership Development Chairperson
• Food, Nutrition & Health Chairperson
• Marketing & Publicity Chairperson

Qualified candidates should apply! Additional details and forms.

Last Chance to Register for the Kentucky Volunteer Forum – The Kentucky Volunteer Forum, Feb. 26-28, 2026, is a developmental and educational conference geared towards 4-H and Extension volunteers from all program areas. A special Homemakers track will take place on Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The final deadline for registration is Jan. 16. For more information or to register, visit https://4-h.mgcafe.uky.edu/core-program-areas/kentucky-volunteer-forum.

Bakers May Want to Attend Grain Gathering – The Southeastern Grain Gathering returns in 2026, bringing together farmers, researchers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and partners from across the region to continue building a regional grain economy. Hosted by the Ohio Valley Grain Exchange and held at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, the 2026 Southeastern Grain Gathering brings research, farming, and markets together in a hands-on working session, including baking classes. Details on programming, registration, lodging, and on-site camping, and sponsorship opportunities are coming soon. Contact Katie Ellis with questions at elliskatier@gmail.com.

Consider Joining the KEHA Choir – Do you love to sing? Consider joining KEHA’s choir! The choir rehearses and performs during the KEHA State Meeting (registration required). Choir members get a rehearsal CD and music to practice prior to the event. For questions, contact Choir Director Wendy Hood at wendy8hood@gmail.com. To join, send $10 payable to Wendy Hood, 202 Park Avenue, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.

Forms Due for Homemaker Showcase at State Meeting – Showcase forms are due March 15 to 1st Vice-President Ann Porter (see KEHA Manual Appendix page 34 for the form). Several people or groups can submit a display:

• Each area can have up to two displays, featuring club, county, or area projects.
• Each state educational chairperson can submit one display.
• KEHA Development Grant winners may submit a showcase display to highlight their project.

2026 KEHA State Meeting Room Block Open – Next year’s KEHA State Meeting will take place May 12-14, 2026, at Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The theme is “Hooray!! KEHA!” and Bluegrass Area is the host. Reserve your hotel room now in the KEHA group block! Find details.

Dates to Remember

• Jan. 16 – (Agents/staff) County membership database/updates due via the web-based system.
• Jan. 16 – KEHA Newsletter content deadline – Information due to KEHA 2nd Vice-President and KEHA State Advisor.
• Jan. 16 – Final registration deadline for the Kentucky Volunteer Forum.
• Jan. 31 – Area Membership Recognition Reports (compiled in one form) due to State 2^nd Vice-President Martha Colley (see KEHA Manual Appendix page 19).
• February – KEHA State Newsletter coming soon!
• Feb. 26-28 – Kentucky Volunteer Forum in Lexington, KY.
• March 1 – Deadline for KEHA scholarships, grants, and most contests.
• March 4-6 – KEHA Leadership Academy at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.
• March 16-17 – Spring Board Meeting, Lexington.
• March 15 – KEHA Showcase forms due to the 1st Vice President (see KEHA Manual Appendix page 34).
• April 1 – (Agents) Area lesson schedules for 2025-26 due to KEHA State Advisor.
• April 10 – Postmark deadline for state officer and chair credentials.