What’s Up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension?
Spring is here, and at the Hopkins County Extension Office, we have hit the ground running! So many opportunities are available and we don’t want you to miss out. Below are dates, times, locations, and description of upcoming events, some of which are for certain groups, and others are open to anyone.
Teen Safety Day
- When: Thursday, April 19
- Where: Hopkins County Civic Center
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- What: several exhibits, including virtual reality simulators and impaired driving simulators will be available for youth to experience the dangers of driving while distracted or impaired. TxDOT and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are providing the this unique opportunity. Notices have been delivered to area schools, and we hope to influence teens in a positive way!
Nutrition for the 60+ Crowd
- Topics: “What’s Missing from Your Pantry”, and “Eat Smart/Live Strong”
- When: Wednesday, April 25, and Thursday, April 26
- Where: First United Methodist Church, enter through Family Life Center
- Time: 9:30 a.m.
- Description: Have fun while we explore nutrients that are typically missing in the 60+ crowd, be inspired to increase fruit and vegetable intake while learning tips to create colorful classics, explore cooking for one, and learn simple exercises to improve your health. Anyone is welcome to attend! There is no charge.
- Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up so adequate preparations can be made.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
- When: Saturday, May 12
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Description:: This workshop covers marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goal setting, and is open to engaged, married, or seriously dating couples. Engaged couples who attend the workshop will receive a certificate to save $60 (state portion of the fee) upon applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year. In addition, lunch and refreshments will be provided. Better yet, the workshop is offered at no charge! Please call the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to sign up. Couples do not have to be from Hopkins County to participate. If this date is not convenient for couples, another workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25.
4-H Project Tour Day and County Council Meeting
- When: Friday, June 1
- Where: meet at the Extension Office to carpool to various locations in Sulphur Springs
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (times might change depending on tour locations)
- Description: Each year, we schedule different project-related tour stops for our 4-H members. This year’s tours will include horticulture, health/recreation, and communication/expressive arts. 4-H members are asked to bring a sack lunch. A brief county council meeting will be held during lunch to discuss Multi-county 4-H camp (July 11-13 in Lone Star), council officer elections, and the annual 4-H Achievement Banquet (scheduled for August 18). Parents will be needed to help transport 4-H’ers to the tour locations. More details will be available in the May/June 4-H Gazette newsletter.
Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food Fitness
- When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, June 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
- Where: Sulphur Springs Middle School
- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
- Who: This camp, sponsored by the Community Health/Wellness Alliance, is limited to Sulphur Springs students who will complete grades 1 thru 4 at the end of the current school year (May)
- Description: This will be the 8th year for this fun, interactive and educational camp. Activities include nutrition (plus hands-on food preparation), physical activity (including Walk Across Texas, group games), gardening/horticulture (led by Master Gardeners), safety (water, sun, stranger danger), fire safety clowns, dental hygiene, and other mini sessions. Each camper will also receive a camp t-shirt and lots of incentive items to reinforce camp activities. A booklet of all recipes and craft directions will be distributed on the final day which will be a celebration where we will award prizes for the most miles logged. Camp is limited to the first 40 students to register. Registration forms will go out to all 1st thru 4th grade classrooms in May, and should be returned to the Extension Office by May 31st. The cost for the 3-week day camp is only $10 per student ($20 maximum per family).
Dairy Festival “Whipped Challenge:
- When: Saturday, June 16
- Time: check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., orientation, orientation at 10:00, challenge begins at 10:15 a.m.
- Where: Civic Center grounds, sound stage – headquarters
- Who: we are looking for businesses or organizations to enter a team of four (limited to first 8 teams)
- Description: Similar to the popular Food Network program, “Chopped”, the teams will create a dish from the ingredients provided. A pantry of additional food items will be available for teams to use. All equipment will be provided. (Exception: teams are asked to supply their own knives for slicing and dicing foods.) Three rounds will take place: appetizer/nutritious snack; main dish; and dessert. Teams will be eliminated after each round, with three teams vying for the title of “Whipped Challenge.” The cost is $40 per team and participation will be limited to the first 8 teams. Registration information and rules of play will soon be available on the Hopkins County Dairy Festival website. Contact my office at 903-885-3443 for more information.
That’s all I have room for today, but keep posted for more opportunities throughout the spring and summer months! There’s never a dull moment around your Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office!
Closing Thought
To do list for today: count your blessings; practice kindness; let go of what you can’t control; listen to your heart; be productive, yet calm; just breathe.
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]
