Annual program focuses on fall

Amid a collage of pumpkins, candles and fall colors, the aroma of cooking food filled the air during the annual extension program presented by Roosevelt County Home Economist Connie Moyers.

Happy Fall-i-days was the theme that featured ideas for foods made from harvest vegetables, decorations to adorn your home for both the fall season and the upcoming holiday season. Ideas were also presented by Moyers for items that could be made and given as gifts.

“I’m always always excited to find something new for the program,” Moyers told the audience.

This year that new and unique item was purses made from duct tape. During the program, Moyers showed the audience the many purses she had created. They ranged from those made from bright-colored, fall-colored and camouflaged-colored duct tape. The purses were embellished with leaves, boas and other decorative adornments.

“We’ve had a lot of fun with them,” Moyers said of the purses.

Lala Barnes and her daughter and family friend all traveled from Clovis to attend the annual program. Barnes, who is nearing 90 years of age, stated that she attended all of the programs that Moyers presented while she was the home economist with Southwestern Public Service in Clovis. She continued to attend Moyer’s programs in Portales and has only missed one or two, she said.

“I just like to decorate myself. I like to come and get ideas and see what’s current,” Barnes said.

Today, Barnes still uses many of the items that Moyers presents in her programs, she said.

“It’s always interesting to see what new things she comes up with,” said Norma Nagel.

During the program, Moyers incorporated many things found in and around the home into a craft project. She used a roll of toilet paper and a fat quarter square of material to make a pumpkin. Once the roll was covered with the material, she used a stick from her yard for the stem.

“She always comes up with such creative things out of nothing,” said Vivian Lake.

A portion of the program also focused on preparing meals using fall vegetables, many of which could be prepared in a slow cooker.

Items such as Southwestern Breakfast, Octoberfest Skillet, Glazed Fall Vegetables and Dinner in a Pumpkin were prepared and served to those in attendance. For punch, Moyers demonstrated how to make Pumpkin Party Punch, which features pumpkin pie mix as one of the ingredients.

“The program gives me a reason to do a lot of things I normally might not do. I love teaching people things and I love all the people,” Moyers said.

At a glance:

What: Happy Fall-i-days

When: Today

Time: 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Where: Memorial Building

Tickets: $5 and may be purchased at the door or at the Roosevelt County Extension Office before 5 p.m.

Information: 356-4417