UT Extension Sevier County

💙 **Welcome to Family Friday!** 💙

Strong families build strong communities, and sometimes the greatest support comes from knowing where to turn when you need help.

At **UT Extension Sevier County**, we're committed to connecting individuals and families with research-based education **and** trusted local resources. Whether you're looking for food assistance, housing resources, mental health services, parenting support, senior services, financial assistance, or other community programs, our **Community Resource Page** is here to help you find the support you need. https://sevier.tennessee.edu/resources/

Take a few minutes today to explore what's available—you never know when a resource may benefit you, a friend, or a neighbor. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more connected Sevier County. ❤️

💬 **Question of the Day:** What's one community resource or local organization you're thankful for? Give them a shout-out in the comments!

💚 **Welcome to Thrifty Thursday!** 💚

Saving money starts with a plan! Whether you're packing for a camping adventure, preparing for a day hike, or simply looking for convenient homemade meals, a little meal planning can help you save money, reduce food waste, and eat well wherever your adventures take you.

🥾 Join us to learn how to make **freeze-dried taco rice bowls** and **homemade granola bars**—two delicious, budget-friendly options that are perfect for camping, hiking, or stocking your pantry for future adventures. If you are interested, join our interest list for more information using this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vUpscftAR2

What's your favorite budget-friendly camping meal or snack? Share it in the comments below—we'd love to hear your ideas!

💙 **Wellness Wednesday** 💙

Wellness isn't just about staying active—it's also about taking time to care for your mind and body.

🎵 Every Wednesday at **10:00 a.m.**, our amazing group comes together for **Cardio Drumming at the Senior Center!** This fun, upbeat class is a great way to improve balance, coordination, strength, and cardiovascular health while enjoying music, laughter, and fellowship.

🧘 Looking for a way to unwind after your workout or a busy day? Take a few minutes to relax with our guided **Body Scan Relaxation Walkthrough** on YouTube. This simple mindfulness exercise can help reduce stress, release tension, and leave you feeling refreshed.

🎥 Watch the relaxation video here: https://youtu.be/9mEZDzgk7O8?si=fXynfueV-8tA-OI2

Whether you're moving to the beat or taking a quiet moment to breathe, every small step counts toward a healthier, happier you.

How are you prioritizing your wellness today? Share your favorite healthy habit in the comments! 💚

🌽🍅 **Tasty Tuesday: Fresh Market Salsa!** 🫑🌶️

Nothing says summer quite like fresh salsa made with locally grown ingredients! ❤️ This week's **Tasty Tuesday** recipe is a simple, colorful **Market Salsa** that's bursting with fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, herbs, and flavor.

Every trip to your local farmers market is an opportunity to support local growers, enjoy produce at its peak freshness, and bring home ingredients that taste as good as they are for you. Plus, buying local helps strengthen our community!

🥄 Pick up your favorite fresh ingredients at your local farmers market, mix up a batch, and enjoy it with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled chicken, burgers, or your favorite summer meals.

What's your favorite ingredient to add to homemade salsa? Share your answer in the comments! 🌽🍅🌶️

✨ Did you know it’s UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Week? ✨

Family and Consumer Sciences is research-based education designed to help individuals, families, and communities build practical life skills that strengthen everyday living. From cooking and nutrition to financial wellness, relationships, parenting, and more, FCS helps people gain the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive.

As your Sevier County FCS Agent, I am passionate about sharing these opportunities and finding new ways to connect our community with the resources, programs, and education available through UT Extension.

💛 Hello! My name is Kaysie Adkins, and I fell in love with FCS when I was in middle school. During that time, I learned skills that I still use today—how to create a budget, safely use an oven, and even sew on a button. More importantly, my teachers showed me that FCS is where creativity meets science, and that these skills can empower people to feel more confident as they navigate life.

Today, I have the privilege of helping others discover those same skills and experiences right here in Sevier County. Whether it’s learning a new recipe, preparing for the future, building stronger relationships, or gaining everyday skills, FCS is here to support you and your family.

To learn more, check out our newest Keeping Up with FCS Extension Newsletter for August. Hope to see you at a class soon!

https://mailchi.mp/utk.edu/sevierfcsaugust2026

Happy UT Extension FCS Week! 🎉

The Outdoor Enthusiast Expo is a family-friendly event that celebrates all forms of outdoor recreation while connecting people with the organizations, businesses, and educational resources that make Tennessee's outdoors so special. Whether your interests include hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, paddling, wildlife conservation, gardening, birding, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there is truly something for everyone.
Throughout the day on Saturday, attendees can choose from dozens of educational seminars, interactive workshops, and outdoor excursions led by experts from across Tennessee. Activities include fly fishing 101, mountain biking, paddling, habitat management, wilderness survival and first aid, wildlife conservation, archery, fishing skills, birding, mountain challenge activities, and the popular Gun Dog College, where participants can learn about hunting dogs, retriever training, hunt tests, and sporting dog breeds. Families can also enjoy the Kids Fun Zone, youth duck and turkey calling contests, live demonstrations, conservation exhibits, vendors, and opportunities to connect with organizations dedicated to Tennessee's outdoor heritage.

To learn more about everything the Expo has to offer, view the full schedule of activities, explore our exhibitors and educational sessions, and register to attend, please visit our website:
https://naturalresources.tennessee.edu/outdoor-enthusiast-expo/

The last day to drop off state canning entries is August 5th at 10 am.

I hope that you consider entering your canned goods! :)

NEW Program starting next week on July 31st at 9 am.

Our sessions will be every Friday from 9 am to 10 am until August 21st at the Mountain Hope Good Shepard Clinic on Winfield Dunn Parkway (2310 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville)

If you are interested, please follow this link to get on our interest list: https://forms.office.com/r/eZ5Pj9reYq

Here is the latest edition of the Keeping Up with FCS Email Newsletter!

UT Extension FCS July Newsletter July is the heart of summer—a time for sunshine, fresh air, and staying active outdoors! It’s also a great time to focus on protecting our health while enjoying everything the season has to offer.

Help us showcase Sevier County's homemade talent at the Tennessee State Fair!

Have you made a delicious jam, jelly, preserve, conserve, or marmalade this year? Let us take care of the paperwork and transportation—you simply bring us your entry!

🎉 BONUS: The person who submits the most entries through our office will win a canning-themed door prize!

Here's how easy it is:
✅ Bring your labeled jar(s) to the UT Extension Office.
📍 752 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37862
✅ Complete a simple one-page entry form.
✅ Leave one jar per entry with us—we'll handle the rest!

🏆 If your entry wins a ribbon at the Tennessee State Fair, we'll contact you. We'll also notify the winner of our countywide door prize!

Questions? We'd love to help!
📞 865-453-3695
📧 [email protected]

Let's fill the State Fair shelves with the best homemade jams and jellies Sevier County has to offer! 🍓🍑🫐