EarthKind Living Expo
Many of you are familiar with the EarthKind roses which were developed by Texas A&M University specialists. They are beautiful, disease resistant, drought resistant plants which do very well in our hot, dry climates. I am pleased to announce that the concept has been expanded beyond horticulture to include EarthKind Living – a balanced system using university research proven techniques for quality living, environmental stewardship, and overall well-being. From urban apartment dwellers to rural farmers and ranchers, Texans will find this exciting new program to be of great value. I had the privilege of serving on the planning committee, and I’m thrilled that Sulphur Springs will serve as host site for the conference!
The EarthKind Living Expo is being offered at two locations, so I encourage you to check it out! On Friday, November 18, the expo will take place at First Baptist Church, 116 Oak Avenue, Sulphur Springs with the general session in the chapel, and concurrent sessions to take place in designated classrooms. On Friday, December 2, the expo will be repeated at Ben E. Keith, 2019 West Oak, Palestine, Texas. Times for both dates will be 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch is included in the $25 registration fee. (After November 10, fee is $35, so take advantage of the early registration dates!)
The conference will introduce consumers, producers, and volunteers to information on agricultural production, health and wellness, Earth-kind friendly homes, and land stewardship. Speakers and topics for the general sessions include:
– Research-Based Truth in Agricultural Production, Land Stewardship, Health & Wellness, presented by Dr. Susan Ballabina and Dr. Ron Gill, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
– Environmental Stewardship – Managing for the Next Generation, presented by Steve Nelle, Range & Wildlife Specialist, and Gary Price, Rancher and Businessman
– Food Waste, presented by Dr. Jenna Anding, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Concurrent sessions will take place after lunch. Participants will be able to attend four of the following sessions:
– Earth-Kind Pasture Management, presented by Clint Perkins, MS
– Earth-Kind Vegetables and Herbs, presented by Tim Hartmann, MS
– Earth-Kind Landscapes, presented by Dr. Steve George
– Earth-Kind Kitchens – Composting, Pantry Pests, Vermiculture, presented by Jherri-Lynn McSwain, MS and Denita Young, MEd
– Earth-Kind Beekeeping, presented by Janet Rowe, Master Gardener
– Earth-Kind Home – Air Quality, Energy Efficiency, Water, presented by Mandy Patrick, MA
Exhibitors will also be on hand to visit with expo attendees. Lunch at both locations will be catered, which is included in the registration fee. The Sulphur Springs Expo will be catered by our own Sandy Wallace.
To register, simply go on-line to: https://agrilife.org/earthkindliving and click on ‘expo registration.’ You will also see links for conference information and a brief video (you might event see someone you know in the video!) In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to call my office.
Creative Arts Contest Reminder
Wow! Fall Festival is upon us, which means lots of fun activities for the entire family. The Creative Arts contest allows individuals of all ages to showcase their talents in art, baked goods, photography, horticulture, handiwork, holiday corner, creative crafts, scrapbooks, sewing, quilts, woodworking, decorated cakes, and food preservation. Items may be registered at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center on Thursday, October 20 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., or Friday, October 21, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. If you are unable to enter items at those times, you may register them at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Monday thru Friday, October 17 thru 19 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Large, heavy, or fragile items must be registered at the high school.
Entries will be judged on Friday, October 21 starting at 10:00 a.m. Public display will start upon completion of judging and continue until Saturday, October 22. Entries receiving a purple rosette (Best of Show or Reserve Best of Show), will have pictures taken at 1:30, after which all entries may be picked up. Entry fee is only $1. For a complete list of guidelines, contact the Extension Office or Fall Festival website.
Closing Thought
Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, help to make earth happy like heaven above – “Coffee Break Devotionals”
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
[email protected]
