Monday, July 27, 2015

Community Christmas classes set for August

In August, parents can take advantage of a variety of educational classes required for Community Christmas participation in December. Parents must attend a total of three approved educational classes before the end of September. Those parents who have completed the three-class requirement will receive child sponsorship from Angel Tags placed on Christmas trees at participating businesses. Those who have not completed the three-class requirement will have the opportunity to select a certain number of toys from the toy room based on the availability of toys received from donations.

Based on the guidelines, which were implemented last year, organizers encourage parents to meet the three class requirement to ensure their child will be sponsored and have Angel Tags placed on Christmas trees. The three-class requirement does not include those who only wish to receive food assistance at Marion Baptist Church.

Call the University of Kentucky Crittenden County Cooperative Extension Service to register or to check for availability at (270) 965-5236.

The following is a list of approved Community Christmas classes for the month of August:
  • Marion Baptist Church/Faith in Action: The program will start at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 2 at the church located at 131 E. Depot St. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a one hour class (that will include budgeting), this class will count as one credit. You will also be able to select food items and school supplies earlier than those who do not attend this class. Presenters will be Bro. Mike Jones, pastor of Marion Baptist Church; 4-H and Youth Development Agent Leslea Barnes and Lisa Holeman of the HANDS Program with the Pennyrile District Health Department. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
  • Survivors Education: The class starts at 1 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Extension service office at 1534 U.S. West in Marion. This informational program is for survivors and victims of domestic violence. The presenter will be Felisha Babb, MS, LSW, a victim’s advocate at Sanctuary Inc. in Hopkinsville. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
  • Safe Infant and Toddler Care: The class will start at 1 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Extension service office. This program is for families and caregivers and will provide infant and toddler information including soothing methods and discipline. The presenter will be Marcie Ellington, RN, CEN, with Crittenden Health Systems. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
  • Crocheting 101: The class will start at noon Aug. 5 and 19 at the Extension Service office. This is a beginner class for those interested in learning to crochet. The presenter will be Becky Zahrte, who serves as support staff with the Extension service. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
  • Back-to-School events: People who attend Sneak-A-Peek at Crittenden County Elementary School or the Back to School Bash at the high school receive one class credit. There will be a representative of the Crittenden County Inter-Agency Council present at each of the events. Participants will need to find that representative to receive a card that will be taken to each of the booths/vendors to be signed. The completed card will then need to be returned to the representative to show proof of attendance. Sneak-A-Peek will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 6 for students whose last name begins with the letters A-M. The program for remaining students will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the elementary school. The Back to School Bash at the high school will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. You do not need to pre-register for either program.
  • My Plate: This presentation will begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 25 in the conference room of Crittenden County Health Department off Industrial Drive in Marion. The presentation will teach individuals how to build healthier diets with resources for dietary assessment, nutrition education and other user-friendly nutrition information. The presenter will be Alissa Shewcraft, RD, LD, a nutritionist with Pennyrile District Health Department in Hopkinsville. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service. The class is limited to the first 20 to register.