Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association Holds 91st Annual Meeting
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) held the organization’s 91st annual State Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington, Ky., from May 6-8, 2025. More than 500 attendees from across the state, including 106 first-time participants, took part in the three-day meeting celebrating the theme “Discover KEHA – A Hidden Treasure.”
“I thought this was the best state meeting in several years. We had a lot of first timers and they said such positive things about the classes, the sessions, and the overall meeting. Several mentioned what an inspiration (guest speaker) Heather Renee French Henry’s talk was,” said KEHA President Brenda Hammons, whose term of office concludes in June 30. “I had made friends with the members all across the state. They came up to speak to me and were so nice to me, so appreciative, and said they would miss me. I was touched. It's hard to put into words what these last three years have meant to me.”
This year’s event kicked off with an opening luncheon May 6. The keynote speaker was Heather Renee French Henry, a veterans advocate and Miss America 2000. KEHA also celebrated 48 years of support for the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program with the presentation of awards. Dr. Edward Pavlik, Ovarian Cancer Screening Research Director, was presented with a check for $43,077.40. KEHA’s lifetime contribution to the program is more than $1.71 million.
During the May 7 general session, the KEHA Choir performed six songs. Three of the songs had special lyrics that paid tribute to KEHA’s state educational chairs, county Family and Consumer Sciences agents, Area Extension Directors, and University of Kentucky advisor. The 35-member choir includes KEHA members from 25 counties and is under the direction of Wendy Hood, Mercer County KEHA member. This was the eighth year the choir performed as part of the conference.
The Master Farm Homemakers Guild conducted their annual meeting in conjunction with KEHA’s State Meeting. MFHG inducted two new members this year: Carmela Ballard of McCracken County and Jackie Courts of Grant County. The Kentucky Guild is composed of a select group of outstanding farm women from across Kentucky.
KEHA conducted three fundraising activities as part of State Meeting that yielded more than $8,000 to support designated projects. A raffle generated $2,927 to help fund the 2026 KEHA Leadership Academy. A silent auction raised $2,759 to benefit the 4-H Foundation. Additionally, 301 handmade quilt squares were displayed and auctioned, providing $2,328 to help offset the cost of hosting the state meeting.
Again this year, the homemakers participated in a service project benefitting the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Ky. At least 10 counties donated 64 twin-sized bed quilts, including some that were handmade. The popular Cultural Arts and Heritage contest included 741 entries that meeting attendees could view and enjoy.
“We had a large attendance, a great keynote speaker, and wonderful workshops. It was full of opportunities for our KEHA members,” said 1st Vice President Ann Porter. “We are getting started on next year’s program and looking forward to another great meeting.”
The annual state meeting provides a time for training, networking, recognition, and celebration. Attendees participated in 30 educational seminars addressing topics ranging from technology skill building to cooking, and from leadership to health topics. A health fair screened 122 attendees. Additionally, a series of concurrent workshops provided training in each of KEHA’s eight educational program areas of emphasis. State officers also hosted training workshops for local, county, and area officers who attended. The KEHA State Meeting concluded with an awards luncheon and the installation of newly elected officers.
KEHA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to education, leadership, and volunteer service. To learn more, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officialKEHA or visit www.keha.org.
Photo by Sharon Fields
Keynote speaker Heather Renee French Henry concluded her inspiring remarks by temporarily “crowning” KEHA’s State President Brenda Hammons with her 2000 Miss America crown. Ms. Henry also gifted KEHA 1st Vice President Ann Porter with a superhero cape in keeping with her speech theme about how your superpower equals your talent plus your heart.
Photo by Kelly May
The Cultural Arts Viewer’s Choice was “Crochet Curtain” created by Kathy Ford of Union County. In 2025, there were 741 entries displayed in Cultural Arts.
Photo by Mechele Arnold
The Quilt Square Auction Viewer’s Choice was “Luna Moth” created by Jamie Childress of Calloway County. In 2025 there were 301 quilt squares displayed and auctioned to help offset the cost of hosting state meeting.
Photo by Sharon Fields
KEHA’s incoming officers were installed on May 8 after being elected May 7 during the 2025 KEHA State Meeting business meeting. Their new terms begin July 1.
Photo by Wendy Hood
During the May 7 general session, the KEHA Choir performed six songs. The choir includes KEHA members from 25 counties and is under the direction of Wendy Hood, Mercer County KEHA member. Their performance is linked from the KEHA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKEHA/posts/pfbid06E5F6T5fdbVbbWq1KGYj92acDQ23NfH9abQHqav66UA2dCZaF1hT5LoQ9gMMFYjEl.
