Hicks: Plenty in Store For the Rest of 2020

By Johanna HicksTexas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County

Johanna Hicks

Folks who visit our office never ask if anything is going on – they ask what is going on! We always have something of interest planned for all ages. The 4-H program is off to a good start, and enrollment for the 2020/2021 year is now taking place. We have five clubs in the county. Enrollment is open to all youth grades 3 thru 12. Contact our office for information on joining.

4-H Foods & Nutrition is one of the most popular projects in Hopkins County. Recently, our 4-H Foods Project kids were given kits in leu of a face-to-face workshop. Each participant received 5 kits to take home and complete at their own pace.

Topics included:

  • Set the Table/Read the Label
  • Mix and Measure
  • Gadgets and Gizmos
  • Experimenting with Herbs and Spices
  • Crockin’ Kids

Each kit provided challenges to complete at their own pace. All utensils and equipment were provided – even some spices and herbs. Through a grant, I was able to purchase a spiralizer for each participant. (If you are not familiar with that, it’s a gadget that can make noodles from spaghetti, apples, and other fruits and vegetables.) Master Wellness Volunteers assisted in preparing the kits. A survey and a check sheet for completed projects rounded out the project. From feedback received so far, the kits were a huge hit!

National 4-H Week Quickly Approaching

National 4-H Week, October 4-10, is just around the corner. Hopkins County 4-H members, parents, leaders, and supporters will celebrate with a kick-off at the Extension office on Monday, October 5. Judge Robert Newsom will be on hand to read the 4-H proclamation at 4:15, followed by refreshments and County 4-H Council and leaders/parents meeting. The new 4-H Food Show guidelines will be introduced via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for interested 4-H’ers and leaders.

Also taking place during national 4-H Week is the Project Show. This event gives 4-H members the opportunity to showcase their talents in photography, art, woodworking, crafts, handiwork, and others. Items may be brought to the Extension office Monday thru Friday, October 5-8. Items will be judged on October 9 and on display to the public the week of October 12. Be sure to drop by and view the exhibits!


Walk & Talk

Also kicking off in October is the annual Walk & Talk event. This is an 8-week series focusing on regular physical activity and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables. Fresh Start to A Healthier You is another program that will be held on-line for viewing from the comfort of your own home. Contact my office at 903-885-3443 for more information on both of these.

Hopkins County Fall Festival, 2016

Hopkins County Fall Festival

Of course, the Hopkins County Fall Festival is a popular annual event. As coordinator of the Arts & Crafts Show and the Creative Arts Contest, I encourage you to take advantage of the festivities on October 23 and 24. Other events will include a petting zoo, hay bale contest, parade, and more.

Annual Extension Christmas Joys Holiday Program

Looking to November, the ever-popular Extension Christmas Joys holiday program will be held on Monday, November 9, at the ROC (please note the change in location.) A third session has been added to accommodate physical distancing. It is shaping up to be a great program – decorating, recipes, gift-giving ideas and more! Call 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat. We must have a name and phone number for each seat reserved.

So, what’s happening with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension? Now you know!

Closing Thought

When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people. – Abraham Heschel


Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B W. Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]

Author: Ross LaBenske

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