LeeAnn Blevins - Baxter County Family & Consumer Science

06/12/2026

🍫 What a delicious evening at the Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County!

Melissa, the library's very own sourdough enthusiast, showed us how to make a Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cobbler. Everyone enjoyed a taste, and it was even better topped with vanilla ice cream!

LeeAnn shared sourdough starter with those ready to begin their own sourdough journey. Fun fact: Melissa's sourdough adventure started nearly 3 years ago when she attended the very first sourdough class taught by LeeAnn and Anna at the library.

06/08/2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in two calves in Zavala County, Texas. While there are no detections in Arkansas at this time, livestock and animal owners should stay alert and take preventative action. Movement of animals into Arkansas from the affected area in Texas will be restricted according to established federal NWS response guidance and a state entry permit will also be required for those animals.

Find full guidance here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/public-notice/notice-usda-confirms-presence-of-new-world-screwworm-in-the-united-states-new-requirements-for-entry-of-animals-from-texas/

06/05/2026

June is National Safety Month. FCS is the people-centered science that keeps communities safe.
From food safety to financial literacy, FCS professionals equip individuals and families with the skills they need to make informed, confident decisions. Safe choices start with education, and education starts with FCS.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4e2oxzI

06/05/2026

06/03/2026

Everyone rolled up their sleeves at the Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County last night for a fun, hands-on strawberry jam workshop! Participants worked together to learn the art and science of making homemade strawberry jam while gaining valuable food preservation knowledge. By the end of the evening, each participant went home with a jar of delicious homemade jam, practical food preservation skills, and the confidence to safely preserve foods for their families in the future.

06/02/2026

The red, white, and blue smoothies were a refreshing reminder that healthy foods can be colorful, flavorful, and fun at any age. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
These colorful smoothies were made with nutritious ingredients such as fruit and yogurt, providing important nutrients that can benefit older adults:

🍓 Strawberries provide vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body heal and maintain healthy skin.

🫐 Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage and support brain health.

🥛 Yogurt offers calcium, protein, and probiotics, which can help maintain strong bones, support muscle health, and promote digestive wellness.

💧 Smoothies can also help increase fluid intake, an important consideration for older adults who may not always feel thirsty but still need adequate hydration.

In addition to the nutritional benefits, preparing and enjoying food together encourages social interaction, stimulates the senses, and creates meaningful opportunities for engagement. Activities like this combine healthy eating with fellowship, making nutrition both enjoyable and memorable.

05/26/2026

Celebrated National Bee Day with the residents at Care Manor Nursing & Rehab! 🐝🍯
Residents learned about the bee life cycle, explored a bee hive display, and examined preserved bees using educational tools provided by the Baxter County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee. We ended the day with fresh baked biscuits and honey plus a fun bee charm bracelet and necklace craft!

05/21/2026

Are you 50 or older and living in Arkansas? 📍

The Center for Human Nutrition is looking for adults 50 and older to participate in a FREE, 4-week virtual nutrition education program, all from the comfort of your home.

05/21/2026

Come join us at the Community Resource & Volunteer Fair at The Sheid from 11 to 3.
Free lunch while supplies last.

05/19/2026

National Pizza Party Day at the Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County was a delicious success! 🍕 Participants got their hands doughy learning how to make their own sourdough pizza crust to take home and enjoy with their families. They also enjoyed sampling homemade sourdough cheese pizza prepared by LeeAnn Blevins, FCS Agent.

Anyone needing a sourdough starter received one to take home and begin their own sourdough journey!

I always enjoy partnering with the library and appreciate the wonderful crowd they help bring to these classes. A big thank you to the library staff for all of their hard work making programs like this possible for our community!