Are you or someone you know getting married in 2015? Do you want to learn to sew? Do you want to make an impact in the lives of others by being a volunteer? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we have the solution! Recently, a visitor came into my office to discuss a particular topic and stated, “I had no idea that this office offered so much!” While that was a compliment, it was also a wake-up call. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is so much more than an office with an impressive name. And Hank Kimball of the Green Acres TV sitcom certainly doesn’t portray Extension agents correctly!
With that being said, I’ll get back to the original three questions and provide the information concerning each one:
1) Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop, Saturday, January 24, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: This informative, fun workshop covers the topics of marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. The workshop is absolutely free, but the benefits are great! Each engaged couple will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license, which is a nice added perk! The certificate is good for one year. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Refreshments provided.
2) 4-H Quilt Block workshop, Saturday, January 31, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Notices were sent to 4-H members who signed up for the clothing project, but we’ve had some interest from other individuals, as well. We will be making a quilt block from the adapted Mine Shaft pattern. Those interested in attending should bring ¼ yard each of a dark, medium, and light colored coordinating fabrics (more if you want to make several blocks), sewing scissors, pins, and thread. I’ll have six or seven sewing machines on hand, but if you have your own machine, please bring it. I’ll also have a cutting mat and two rotary cutters, but if you have those items, please bring those, as well. Bring a sack lunch – I’ll provide the drinks. Those who would like to donate a quilt block to the “house that love built” project are encouraged, but not required to do so. I’ll put the blocks together and have it quilted to donate to the family. Please call 90-3885-3443 if you would like to participate in this workshop. Don’t forget to bring your lunch!
3) Master Wellness Volunteer training, Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 10, 17, 24, and March 3, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Volunteers make a huge impact in our society. Finding reliable resources of health and wellness information can be a challenge. Since 1906, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has provided Texas with guidance in various health areas. The Master Wellness Volunteer program continues this proud tradition. Participants will receive 40 hours of training and give back 40 hours of service to the community as a Master Wellness Volunteer. Who participates? Homemakers, civic leaders, workplace volunteers, human resource managers, organizational leaders, retired individuals, and even college students. Opportunities are diverse. Some of the ways in which current volunteers have helped their communities are: assisting with 4-H foods projects, health fairs, registration at certain events, program/event preparation, tray preparation for various cooking demonstrations, assisting with “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” or “Walk Across Texas”, and more. Hopkins County currently has six proud, trained volunteers who have been equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to represent Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
The training focuses on nutrition, food safety, food demonstrations, healthy choices, and children’s health. Each participant will receive a binder with copies of all the presentations and handouts. Due to the nature of this training, a fee of $40 per person will be collected, which covers materials and two lunches. Applications are available at the Extension office. The deadline to return the application is January 23.
Each of these three events will be held at the Hopkins County Office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 1200-B W. Houston Street, in Sulphur Springs. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. We’ll be glad to give you more information.
Closing Thought
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time – Thomas A. Edison
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
903-439-4909 – Fax
