Marriage Education and Master Wellness Volunteer Training Offer Winter Opportunities

With the approaching Christmas season, I’m also getting geared up for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s winter workshops.  Two fabulous opportunities are available for anyone wanting to participate, and I wanted to get the word out in plenty of time for you to write it on your calendar!  Here is a summary of the upcoming events:

     Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop – As one of the certified providers in the area, this is one of my favorite events to lead!  The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 8:30 a.m., at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs (former Chamber of Commerce building, next door to the Southwest Dairy Museum).  There is no charge to participate, but engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license at the County Clerk’s office. (By the way, a Texas marriage license is now $82, so couples will only have to pay $22 for their marriage license!)

This fun, interactive workshop is designed to equip engaged couples with skills to be able to communicate and solve problems before they become major issues.  Topics covered are: Marriage Expectations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Money Management, and Goals & Dreams.  I’ll have a pot of coffee brewing, along with other goodies to munch on throughout the day.  We’ll take a break for lunch, then wrap up around 3:30 p.m.  I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to learn all you can before your say “I do!”  This workshop will help you appreciate your future spouse in a different light and will bring to mind the qualities that attracted the two of you in the first place.

To register, simply contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443.  I already have one couple signed up with room for more!

  Master Wellness Volunteer Training – The Master Wellness Volunteer program is an initiative of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service providing volunteers with 30 hours of training in health, wellness and nutrition education, and in return, volunteers agree to give back 40 hours in wellness-related community service.  Master Wellness Volunteers are required to attend five classes to reach the minimum 30 hours of training.  Classes will take place on five consecutive Tuesdays at the Hopkins County Extension Office.  Dates are February 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3, starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m.

The training will focus on nutrition and wellness, making healthy choices, and food safety.  Volunteers will be provided with necessary tools and information to facilitate or assist in the implementation          of a physical activity program called ‘Walk Across Texas,’ a variety of nutrition/wellness programs,  and a nutrition program called ‘Better Living for Texans.’  Opportunities for volunteers are diverse and no previous health or wellness training is required to become a Master Wellness Volunteer.  The only requirement is an interest in living healthfully and helping instruct others on how to do the same.

While volunteer opportunities are coordinated through the AgriLife Extension office, volunteers are also welcome to use their training at their own selected community sites or within their own organization.  Volunteer activities include assisting with programs, health fairs, 4-H foods project meetings, and other events, in addition to providing nutrition and wellness instruction in small community venues, such as churches, schools, community centers and businesses at their own choosing.  Current Master Wellness Volunteers for Hopkins County include retired individuals, dietitians, businesswomen, and homemakers.

A fee of $50 will cover the cost of instruction and materials, as well as a couple of lunches and refreshments (the other days, lunch will be on your own). Each participant receives a binder with copies of all training presentations.  Being a Master Wellness Volunteer doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get up in front of people and teach a class. It can also mean helping with administrative tasks, data entry, designing newsletters, fliers and preparing handouts for programs.  There is something for everyone.  Wellness is about the health of mind, body and spirit.

The Master Wellness Volunteer program helps to promote the overall wellness of the community through teaching people about proper nutrition, being healthy and having a positive attitude.  To register as a Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteer, call the AgriLife Extension office at 903-885-3443.  For more information on the program, e-mail Johanna Hicks at [email protected].

Closing Thought

What gift is free, can be given every day, and means the most to your child?  The gift of time!

Johanna Hicks

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Family & Consumer Sciences

1200-B W. Houston

P.O.Box 518

Sulphur springs, TX 75483

903-885-3443 – phone