4-H Grows Here By Johanna Hicks
4-H Grows Here!
Every August, registration for 4-H membership begins. The 4-H year coincides with the school year, so that makes it easy to get in from the very beginning! For families who are new to the 4-H experience, allow me to start at the beginning.
What is 4-H?
4-H is a national organization which helps young people develop life-long skills and knowledge to become engaged citizens. 4-H is truly a model of the “learning by doing” teaching concept. The 4-H program is a voluntary, non-formal, educational program offered to all youth. The Texas 4-H program is conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, which is part of the Texas A&M University System. County programs are directed by Extension staff and volunteer leaders. The Texas 4-H program serves youth in all 254 counties in Texas. Young people in 4-H learn about citizenship, leadership, foods and nutrition, healthy lifestyles, veterinary science, shooting sports, horticulture, leadership, livestock, and other subjects. The 4-H projects that each member selects according to his/her interest and ability is the program’s cornerstone.
What are the four H’s?
The four “H’s” are explained in the organization’s pledge, which every 4-H’ers should know:
I pledge
My Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to great loyalty,
My Hands to larger service, and
My Health to better living for
My club, my community,
My country and my world.
The 4-H Motto is “To make the best better.”
Who are 4-H members?
You might think that 4-H is for kids who live on farms and raise animals. Not true! There are 4-H clubs all over the country with members who have never seen a cow or a chicken up close! Today’ 4-H’ers are students in grades 3 thru 12. They live in towns, on farms, in suburban neighborhoods, and in large cities. They join 4-H because it is fun, it provides opportunities to work and play with friends, to learn about and do interesting things, and to develop leadership skills.
How much does it cost?
4-H has a registration fee of $20 if paid on or before October 31, increasing to $25 November 1st and after. Some projects might cost something to get started – for example, a camera and money to get pictures developed if you want to do photography, fabric to make an outfit if you want to participate in our 4-H Fashion Show, or money to purchase an animal and feed an animal if you choose to show in our Jr. Market Show.
How do you join 4-H?
Call the Hopkins County office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. We can help you through the process. Or you can go directly to the registration site: http://texas.4honline.com. If you are new to 4-H, you click on the tab to create a profile. If you are a returning member, simply go in and update your information. Parents can register as leaders if desired. Again, this does not obligate you to participate, but if we need assistance, we might call on you! The fee can be paid by credit card. You will need to select a 4-H club (see listed below), and we also encourage 4-H’ers to select at least three projects from the drop-down list. This does not obligate you to participate in those projects, but it give our staff an idea of which projects seem to be the most popular for our county. Project categories are: Family & Community Health (fashion & interior design, foods & nutrition, health, consumer education, personal safety); Natural resources (Outdoor education, shooting sports, wildlife & fisheries, entomology); Agriculture & Livestock (beef, dairy, sheep & goats, swine, poultry, horticulture, veterinary science, livestock judging); Leadership & Citizenship (community service, leadership, public speaking, theater & performance arts, workforce preparation); and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, photography/videography, energy).
4-H Clubs in Hopkins County: (most meet each month. The club managers will contact members with meeting information.)
- Arbala 4-H: meets at the Arbala Community Center; Ginger Bartley or Lindsay Chamness – club managers
- Dike 4-H: meets at the Dike Community Center; Margarett McDonald, Stephanie Stewart – club managers, Kelli Ebel, assistant
- Infinity 4-H: meets at the Extension Office; Jeremy Bridges, Cathy Lennon – club managers, numerous assistants
- Paws 4-H: meets at Sulphur Springs Elementary (4th & 5th grade campus); Shelby Gibson – club manager, assisted by Extension staff
- Miller Grove 4-H: meets at Miller Grove School; Farri George, Cherri Bessonett, Carolyn George – club co-managers
When can I register?
Registration for the 2018/2019 4-H year will open on 4-H Connect (the website given above) on August 15. Please don’t try to register before then. Review your profile very carefully for accuracy. We use this list to send our 4-H Gazette newsletter to every 4-H household, as well as project meeting announcements, special county-wide events, and other correspondence. Also, be sure your e-mail address is accurate.
If you have any questions about the 4-H program, please feel free to contact our office at 903-885-3443. We’ll be glad to answer your questions!
Twogether in Texas – last call!
As of this writing, six couples are signed up for the final Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop for 2018. However, we still have room for more! The workshop will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and dreams & goals. Engaged couples will receive a certificate to save the state portion of the fee when applying for a marriage license. (The certificate is good for one year, so even if you are not getting married until next summer, you can still receive the discount.) Refreshments and lunch will be provided. And…the workshop is free! Call 903-885-3443 to sign up. The next workshop will take place in February, 2019.
Closing Thought
The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do – Steve Jobs.
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]
Tax Free Weekend Begins Friday, August 10th
During this annual sales tax holiday, you can buy most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free.
This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 10, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 12.
The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during the sales tax holiday. Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.
T-Shirt Design Chosen by Chamber Board
Is it too soon to think about Wildcat Football?
I don’t think so! The first game of the season is August 31st, 2018!
The 2018 Wildcat Football schedule starts in Frisco, TX. Here is a link to the stadium.
KSST will be bringing you live coverage of all the games once again this year. Our pre-game show will start 1 hour before kickoff, and our post-game show will run until 11:30pm.
Veteran sports announcer Don Julian will once again anchor the broadcasts.
Remember that no matter where you are, you can listen to the broadcast via the internet. We stream audio 24/7 from our website, KSSTRadio.com
No Mail Today; Second Day for No Mail Delivered to Local Post Office
August 9, 2018 – For the second day mail delivery in Sulphur Springs has been affected by a hazmat event at the regional postal distribution center. A third day may be added according to sources. The disruption of mail delivery is affecting local businesses in billing and receiving payments from customers.
… please wait for seven days after receiving your Informed Delivery email before reporting your mail missing.
Local post office box delivery and all routes in the city have been affected. Those who subscribe to an email service listing mail pieces that will be delivered on specific days received the following message Wednesday, August 8:
“As a valued Informed Delivery user, we want you to know that you may experience temporary mail delivery delays of the items you viewed in your Aug. 8 Informed Delivery email notification. In addition, you may not receive any images in your Aug. 9 notification. We are currently resolving the issue that caused this situation and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. In the meantime, as always, please wait for seven days after receiving your Informed Delivery email before reporting your mail missing. We are working to return to normal operations as quickly as possible. Additional updates will be provided as soon as they are available.”
Local Hospital Observes National Breastfeeding Month with an August 17 Event
About three years ago, Christus Mother Francis Hospital in Sulphur Springs implemented the “Texas Ten-Step Program” which advocates education and support for moms of newborns who are interested in breastfeeding their babies. The program puts goals in place which help moms be successful in giving their babies the best start to a healthy life. From this program, a local support group got started. BIBS, or Breastfeeding is Best Support is now more than two years old and is thriving in Hopkins County. BIBS is open to pregnant women, new moms and mothers who have a success story to tell about the benefits of breastfeeding. The support group now has more than 200 followers on it’s Facebook page, and holds monthly meetings in the hospital’s Medical Plaza.
Christie Couch is an RN as well as a Lactation Consultant in the Birth Center. Her job is to talk with moms of newborns who intend to breastfeed, offering guidance during their hospital stay and resources once they return to home.
Sandra Cerda works for the WIC program, which offers nutritional help to households with women, infants and children. Sandra serves as a breastfeeding counselor for WIC clients.
Alicia Ansley is a local mom who is a member of BIBS. During her two pregnancies, Alicia has taken advantage of the lactation consultation that the support group offers. Now she is working on goals of her own, including becoming certified as a lactation counselor and a midwife. She enjoys the fellowship of other moms who attend the monthly BIBS meetings, and has become a friend and role model for some of those new to breastfeeding.
You will meet these women and others at the National Breastfeeding Month observance planned on the afternoon of August 17, 2018. It will offer information and resources that enhance what Christus Mother Francis Hospital’s Birth Center already offers to Hopkins County families. Vendors will feature local midwife and doula services, childcare, homeschooling, fitness and continuing education as well as fun, prizes and food. It will be held from 1-4pm in the Medical Plaza building and is free of charge to attend. For more information, contact Christie Couch at 903-439-4091 or Sandra Cerda at 903-885-2813.
Cumby Man Arrested for Theft; Stolen Property Recovered
On Private Road 4730 near Cumby, Hopkins County Deputies located stolen property including two stolen Dodge Dually Trucks, two Yamaha jet skis and trailer, and a Big Bear four wheeler. Michael Wayne Putman, 44, was placed in custody after the items were confirmed as stolen.
The deputy responded to the location after information was received that the stolen property might be at the Private Road address. The information was passed on to Cumby Police and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office after the owner of a piece of stolen property was told that his property was at the address. The owner went to the address and saw the property and notified the Cumby Police and the Sheriff’s office. The other property at the location was identified by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as stolen with assistance from a Hunt County Investigator and a Paris Police Investigator.
The 2007 Red Dodge dually and the 1999 Red Doge Dually were stolen out of Lamar County. Two Yamaha Jet skis on a double trailer were stolen out of Van Zandt County.
The 2007 Red Dodge dually and the 1999 Red Dodge dually were stolen out of Lamar County. Two Yamaha Jet skis on a double trailer were stolen out of Van Zandt County. Law enforcement continues to attempt to identify the owner of the Yamaha Bear Cat four wheeler. The VIN had been removed.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum told KSST News that there were more thefts that would be solved as a result of this arrest. He indicated that a network of individuals were involved in these and other thefts.
Putman is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Theft of Property more than $30,000 but less than $150,000. Several items of drug paraphernalia were also located at the residence.
Chamber Connection, August 9, 2018
The 3rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest is officially under way! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than January 1, 2016 and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
The Chamber of Commerce is currently selling the first ever Hopkins County Christmas ornament.
I have some more very exciting news! The Chamber of Commerce is currently selling the first ever Hopkins County Christmas ornament. It is the first in a series of ornaments and features the courthouse, our location in Texas, and beautiful magnolia blossoms representative of our trees downtown. It is dated with the year, made with 24 karat gold, shatterproof, and VERY limited in number. They are quite beautiful and the perfect start to a rare collection. They are $40 each and literally flying out the door. If you would like to purchase one, please call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515, or come by soon.
Just so you know… the Hopkins county Stew Contest is peering around the corner! Every year, the Chamber allows a non-profit organization to sell drinks at the Stew Cook-off. There are several rules and regulations to follow, but if you are interested in placing your organization’s name in the hat, please call the Chamber. You will be asked to come in and sign an understanding agreement in regard to rules and expectations. Deadline for volunteers is August 26th. Once we have all our volunteers in place, we will literally pick one out of a hat and award drink sales to that organization. Please call if you have any questions.
Adult Leadership Class being offered for the Fall! Sign up Now!!!
Lynda Hager reported that she would be offering an Adult Leadership Class starting in August for anyone who is interested. The Adult Leadership Class is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Hopkins county Chamber of Commerce. The course was created in 1989 with the concept of offering leadership training and community involvement for emerging business and community leaders. Leadership Sulphur Springs is a nine-month session, with meetings held once a month. For more information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
Community Players presents Snow White Musicapalooza
Community Players presents Snow White Musicapalooza on Friday, August 10th at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 11th at 7 p.m., and Sunday, August 12th at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the Main Street Theater box office or by calling the reservation line at 903-885-0107. Main Street Theater is the home of the Sulphur Springs Community Players, at 225 Main Street, in Sulphur Springs. For more information, visit www.communityplayersinc.com.
CANHelp is hosting their 2018 Back to School Fair on Friday August 10th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
CANHelp is hosting their 2018 Back to School Fair! Through the support of community and corporate sponsors, this event will be a one-stop destination to prepare the whole family for the start of school! The fair will offer free health and vision screenings, dental screenings and fluoride applications, immunizations for children and adults, haircuts, food and drinks, backpacks and school supplies (for low and moderate-income families of Hopkins County) and more. The 2018 Back to School Fair is scheduled for Friday, August 10th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. You must register for school supplies in advance. Call CANHelp at (903) 885-9797 (ext. 1) or visit www.canhelponline.org for more details.
Sulphur Springs Public Library Hosts Lone Star Legal Aid
Sulphur Springs Public Library Hosts Lone Star Legal Aid on Wednesday, August 15th. You can receive help if you meet income-based criteria and your issue is a civil, non-criminal issue like: Veterans benefits, custody and child support, divorce and family issues, employment, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid, wills, bankruptcy, income tax, housing, Social Security disability or estate planning. For more information call (Paris) Lone Star Legal Aid at 1-903-785-8711 or visit www.lonestarlegal.org.
Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting a Dog Show on August 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Hopkins Place Senior Living is hosting a Dog Show on Wednesday, August 16th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you are a dog lover, you won’t want to miss this! You may also enter YOUR dog to compete in the show! Show up by 6:00 p.m. and enter your pup on the runway. Entry fee is 10 pounds of dog food. Hopkins Place is located at 890 Camp Street in Sulphur Springs.
Reilly Springs Jamboree
The Reilly Spring Jamboree will host a special concert on Saturday, August 18th at 6 p.m. featuring the world-famous Blackwood Quartet. Tickets will be $15 general admission or $25 for the Meet-and-Greet with reserved seating for the Blackwood Quartet’s “Gospel Side of Elvis” Concert, a part of their 85th Year Anniversary Tour. For tickets and information, contact Enola Gay Mathews at (903) 438-3568.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th
The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free workshop will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Engaged couples who attend the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to enroll.
Texas A&M University – Commerce hosting fair
Kick of your 2018-2019 recruiting year on Monday, August 27th by attending this part-time job, internship, and community resource fair! Make Your Connection is part of Lion’s Roar Welcome Week activities where they introduce more than 500 students looking to get hired and be inspired! This is a great way for you to promote part-time jobs, internships, and community resources to TAMU-C students. Each vendor will have a 6ft table, 2 chairs, and a tablecloth. Promotional giveaways are strongly encouraged at your booth! However, the Residential Living and Learning Department requests that no candles and/or incense be given to on-campus residents. THIS IS A FREE EVENT – come hire and inspire a Lion. Please bring a prize/gift basket worth a minimum of $25.00 for a student raffle at the conclusion of the event. Contact Assistant Director Bethany Ferrall at 903.468.3212 or [email protected] with any questions. Additional information can be found at https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/6330/employer_preview.
Ribbon Cuttings: Landers Creek Outfitters held their ribbon cutting celebration
Landers Creek Outfitters, located at 214 Main Street in Sulphur Springs, held their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, August 8th at noon. This is a brand-new business to Hopkins County that features all the gear needed for the outdoors. Make sure to stop in and visit the new addition.
Wildcat Team Tennis Seeking First Win
For a third straight day, the Wildcats’ team tennis squad played fairly well but not well enough to get in the win column. Spring Hill topped the Wildcats, 12-7 at the Wildcat Tennis Complex Wednesday. The Wildcats slipped to 0-4 for the season.
While some of the Wildcats’ higher seeds struggled to win matches, Coach Tony Martinez got solid performances from several lower seeds. One high seed continued to play excellent tennis. Wildcats’ number one girls player, freshmen Jeaux Leigh Cantu, won her singles match again Wednesday despite a slow start. Cantu dropped her first set, 6-1 to Spring Hill’s top girls player, a senior. Cantu turned things around with a 6-4 win in set two and then won her match with a 10-5 win in a tiebreaker.
The Wildcats boys seeded four through six had a big day. Michael McCord, Carlos Lopez and Brandon Dittrich all won singles matches. Dittrich and McCord won their boys doubles match. Lopez teamed up with Cantu to win a mixed doubles match, 8-1.
Freshman Emily Dick was a winner again Wednesday in a girls singles match.
The Wildcats play again Thursday as John Tyler visits the Wildcat Tennis Complex for a 10 a.m. match.
Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Presents Bandit for Adoption
Bandit is a 13 year old, large mixed breed senior who truly needs a loving home. He is a little shy until he gets comfortable with you, but once he does, you both will forget he is 13. He would make an awesome lazy cuddle buddy or porch pooch, but he does like his toys too, according to Hearts of Life Animal Rescue. He would thrive best as an only pet because the young four-leggers do tend to annoy him sometimes. He is not shy about going for a dip in the kiddie pool.
His adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, neuter & rabies shot. If you would like to meet him or have any questions, please call Hearts of Life Animal Rescue at 903-439-5019, email [email protected], www.facebook.com/heartsoflife or find Hearts of Life Animal Rescue on Petfinder.com.
