Profile: Johanna Hicks…Her Life Makes a “Dairy” Good Story!
Everyone in Hopkins County knows Johanna Hicks, Hopkins County Extension agent with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office which she shares locally with fellow agent Mario Villarino and office manager Barbara Sanders. Over the years, she has become a local food celebrity with her many Dairy Foods contests, cooking and tasting events. As a Dairy Festival board member, she helped create this year’s exciting “Whipped Challenge” food preparation contest set for June 16. But Johanna is also Mrs. Jay Hicks, mother of three adult children and grandmother to one grandchild. The dairy industry has been a large part of Johanna’s life. If there was such a thing as a “dairy diary”, this would be it! Read on!
When I first met Jay in 1984, he worked for AMPI (Associated Milk Producers, Inc.) as a field man. I had just been in Hopkins County a short time, and a colleague of mine, Mary Sue Cole from Hunt County, introduced us in a round-about way. She told each of us about the other, but we never officially met until our first luncheon date. He had the slight edge though, because he had seen my picture in the paper and all I had to go on was how she described him to me, which can be a little intimidating. Jay called me and we went on our first date to K-Bob’s Steak House (now Roma’s Italian Restaurant). Exactly one year later, he proposed to me and we married in in Cleburne, TX (my hometown) in May, 1987.
Our daughter was born in Sulphur Springs, and a couple of years later, Jay was offered an Area Manager position with AMPI in Stephenville. So, with child in tow and another one on the way, we moved to Stephenville in 1990. I taught at Tarleton State University until the birth of our 3rd child. When AMPI, Mid-Am, and two other milk coops merged in 1998 to form DFA (Dairy Farmers of America), Jay accepted the position of Loan officer with DFA Dairy Financial Services (now known as DFA Financing), which moved us back to Hopkins County. With three children (and two of them being growing boys), we went through 6 gallons of milk every week when they were living at home, so we definitely supported the dairy industry!
Jay’s dad was a dairy farmer in Grapevine for approximately 10 years, and two of his uncles also had dairies – one of them in Commerce – so his roots with the dairy industry ran deep. I grew up in Cleburne, which was about the size of Sulphur Springs at the time, so my closest connection to the dairy industry was that I love milk! As an Extension Agent, my first knowledge of the Hopkins County Dairy Festival was when I was asked to assist one of the girls during the Dairy Festival Pageant. I remember the beautiful sets on stage and all the hard work the Dairy Festival Board put into making it a great event. My dad entered the Ice Cream Freeze-off in 1988 (I think) and won second place in the Nut category for his famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream. At the time, the Extension Service was responsible for coordinating the event. Fast forward to 2004, and my involvement with the Dairy Festival became full-blown when Peggy Gibby approached me to ask if I could put together a few ideas for a Dairy Recipe contest. I agreed, and the next thing I know, I’m a board member!
Working with the Dairy Festival Board has been a joy, but it is a lot of work! From the hot air balloon festival, parade, and cow-milking contest, to the pageant grand finale and everything in-between, the board puts in many hours year-round to make the festival a success.
PJC Adult Education Holds Recognition Ceremony
Near the end of the spring semester at Paris Junior College, the PJC Adult Education program held a graduation ceremony for all those successfully achieving their Certificates of High School Equivalency during the preceding 12 months.
Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Jill Jones. She received her GED certificate this April after being out of school for 17 years. Jones encouraged those attending to pursue their goals, and thanked her boyfriend for inspiring her to further her education.
Those from the area receiving their Certificate of High School Equivalency included:
Commerce: William Warrington
Cooper: Jenna Froitzheim, Jennifer Hinsley
Cumby: Adam Sanchez
Klondike: Dakota Parsons
Sulphur Springs: Charity N. Cline, Mallory Morrisa, Dylan Odell, Mandi Stonaker, Kayla Williams, Hunter Williams
Wood County Sheriff’s Report May 9-15, 2018
Wood County Sheriff’s Report for May 9, 2018 to May 15, 2018: Disturbance: 3; Thefts: 4; Burglaries: 1; Terroristic Threats: 2; Criminal Mischiefs: 0; Inquests: 4; Suspicious Circumstances: 4; Suspicious Vehicles: 8; Suspicious Persons: 4; Alarms: 5; Harassments: 4; Criminal Trespasses: 2; Scams: 0; Frauds: 3; Abandoned Vehicles: 2; Cows Out: 23; Horses Out: 0; Welfare Checks: 5; Assaults: 3; Dog Bites: 1; Fires: 0; Noise Complaints: 4; Disputes: 6; Arrest/Warrant Services: 2; Reckless Drivers: 3; Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: 2; Shots Fired: 3; Other: Traffic Stop (4); Illegal Dumping (1); Open Door (2)
May 9th
At 4:19 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 182 near Alba.
At 7:23 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3421 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:15 a.m., in reference to illegal dumping. Deputies picked the trash up and advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:54 a.m., in reference to a fraud that occurred on FM 514 near Yantis. The reporting party advised that an unknown individual was stating that they had won the lottery. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 10:39 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:31 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the individuals involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:59 p.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on CR 3486 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 1:47 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and DPS worked a crash on it.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Concho near Quitman; at approximately 2:27 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1700 near Yantis, at approximately 3:20 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and determined it was a civil matter.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:10 p.m., in reference to a terroristic threat. Robert Ford, Jr., 36, of Hawkins, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
At 6:27 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 182 near Quitman.
At 7:35 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
At 8:44 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4286 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party at approximately 8:56 p.m., in reference to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2205 near Mineola. Deputies advised extra patrol would be provided.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Sioux near Quitman; at approximately 9:35 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
May 10th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4940 near Quitman, at approximately 12:55 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:51 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1590 near Alba, at approximately 7:42 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 75, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and ordered an autopsy. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Blackbourn St. in Hawkins, at approximately 12:48 p.m. Dustin Adams, 29, of Hawkins, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
At 4:05 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1859 near Yantis, at approximately 5:06 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole two fish-finders from the reporting party’s boat. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 5:37 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Alba.
At 5:55 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1612 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1681 near Alba, at approximately 7:07 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 7:34 p.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1686 near Alba, at approximately 9:14 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:20 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 3495 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2700 near Mineola; at approximately 10:24 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3812 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:30 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
May 11th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 12:12 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 1:23 a.m. Brian Warren, 21, of Mineola, was arrested for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence and Possession of Marijuana.
At 6:42 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3163 near Quitman, at approximately 7:48 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4471 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:49 a.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case is active.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:40 a.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 1411 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4532 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:06 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:08 p.m., in reference to fraud that occurred on CR 4510 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred on FM 14 near Mineola. Deputies were unable to locate the actor. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 6:20 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 7:01 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 3130 near Quitman, at approximately 8:04 p.m. Jerry Frazier, 42, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving While License Invalid, No Drivers License and Defective Required Equipment.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:53 p.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on Oak St. in Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 10:02 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4495 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:43 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
May 12th
At 2:36 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3230 near Quitman, at approximately 11:30 a.m., in reference to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Quitman, at approximately 5:37 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 6:16 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 7:42 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2320 near Mineola, at approximately 8:00 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2426 near Mineola, at approximately 8:05 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 8:06 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3105 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 9:37 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2164 near Quitman, at approximately 10:48 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1795 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:33 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
May 13th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4845 near Winnsboro, at approximately 12:46 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook boat ramp, at approximately 1:15 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4430 near Winnsboro; at approximately 1:27 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Holbrook beach; at approximately 1:37 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Holbrook beach; at approximately 1:48 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 1:57 a.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:40 a.m., in reference to harassment that occurred on CR 3495 near Hawkins. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 8:01 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2224 near Mineola, at approximately 8:50 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:02 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 83, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
At 9:36 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1917 near Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:48 a.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on PR 5293 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 1:42 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4530 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:59 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 70, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
Deuties were dispatched to Sells St. in Yantis, at approximately 5:13 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3130 near Quitman, at approximately 5:42 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 7:50 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4849 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:20 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
At 9:33 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 49 near Hawkins.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 3660 near Hawkins; at approximately 10:40 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:53 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:28 p.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:30 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4200 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:51 p.m., in reference to an open door. Deputies secured the area and advised the reporting party that extra patrol would be provided.
May 14th
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 8:19 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
At 11:16 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2234 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1522 near Alba, at approximately 12:17 p.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and determined it was a civil matter.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 1:03 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 1:25 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 2:18 p.m. Silviano Gonzalez, 55, of Hawkins, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated with Open Alcoholic Container and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 3:11 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Hawkins point; at approximately 3:37 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 3:49 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2260 near Mineola.
At 7:28 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2320 near Mineola, at approximately 8:18 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4849 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:21 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 2869 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:14 p.m. Theresa Goddard, 51, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
May 15th
At 10:17 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2229 near Mineola, at approximately 1:26 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 58, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and an autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to Little River Bend near Quitman, at approximately 2:00 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 3:07 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:08 p.m., in reference to an open door. Deputies secured the area and cleared the incident.
At 4:56 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 182 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:29 p.m., in reference to theft that occurred on Cheyenne near Quitman. The reporting party stated they were going to give the known actor another chance to return the stolen tools.
Deputies were dispatched to Quitman Emergency Room, at approximately 6:33 p.m., in reference to a dog bite that occurred on CR 2312 near Mineola. Deputies were unable to locate the owner of the dog. This case is active.
At 8:45 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1804 near Mineola, at approximately 10:45 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to Sun Eagle Bay near Yantis, at approximately 11:04 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the individuals and advised them to lower the volume of their music.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Yantis, at approximately 11:49 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Curtis Denmon, 51, of Yantis, was arrested for Abandonment/Endangerment Child Criminal Negligence, Assault Causes Bodily Injury of Family/Household Member – Impede Breathing/Circulation and Terroristic Threat.
Between the dates of May 9 and May 15, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Holly Lake Ranch Security and Department of Family Protective Services.
Between the dates of May 9 and May 15, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators filed 1 case with the District Attorney and recovered $3,000 worth of stolen property.
Total Jail Count – 146 inmates – 124 males and 22 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Remember this is a holiday weekend, so please no driving or boating while intoxicated. Please be careful and drive friendly.
Runoff Final: Republicans Elect Davis, Treasurer; Anglin, Commissioner Precinct 2
Danny Davis and Greg Anglin received the Republican nod for November ballot and, with no opponent in November, will be elected to their respective positions.
Republican County Treasurer:
Danny Davis: 99, Absentee; 444 Early Voting; Total Votes: 926 (51.96%)
Andrea Griggs: 109, Absentee; 367 Early Voting; Total Votes: 856 (48.04%)
County Commissioner Precinct #2
Greg Anglin: 23, Absentee; 112 Early Voting; Total Vote: 308 (51.42%)
Edward (Ed) Moore: 37, Absentee; 118 Early Voting; Total Vote: 291 (48.58%)
Democratic Party
Lupe Valdez: Total 125
Andrew White: Total 100
May Primary Runoff Through Early Voting
Early Voting numbers are in for the May Primary Runoff Election. Total votes will be announced when counted. Local votes:
Republican County Treasurer:
Andrea Griggs: 109, Absentee; 367 Early Voting; Total through Early Voting: 476
Danny Davis: 99, Absentee; 444 Early Voting; Total through Early Voting: 543
County Commissioner Precinct #2
Greg Anglin: 23, Absentee; 112 Early Voting; Total through Early Voting: 135
Edward (Ed) Moore: 37, Absentee; 118 Early Voting; Total through Early Voting: 155
Democratic Party
Lupe Valdez: Early Voting 81
Andrew White: Early Voting 70
PJC Regents Make Additions to Core Curriculum
by Paul Bailey
In order to smooth the transfer path for students planning to go on to a bachelor’s degree, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents made a few additions to the core curriculum. The State of Texas approves a basic core curriculum and 42 hours of any of those classes are guaranteed to transfer to any public university in the state. From that core, colleges select which classes to offer. The regents added some math, science, social science, and literature courses needed largely for transferring education and engineering majors.
In other business, the Regents:
- Approved the audit engagement letter to retain McClanahan Holmes for the annual audit of Paris Junior College and the PJC Memorial Foundation.
- Accepted Texas Association of School Board’s Local Policy Update 34 to the governing policies of the college. Normally there is only one update per year, but a second was received reflecting additional changes from PJC’s accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Approved the sale of property tax written off tax roles.
- Set the budget workshop for Tuesday, July 10 at 5:30 p.m.
- Received the report that an Open House for Health Occupations has been set for July 26 from 4-6 p.m. in the Workforce Training Center.
- Approved the employment of Dr. Gregory Ferenchak as Dean of Health Occupations effective Aug. 1, Stanton Gartin as Vice President of Academic Studies effective July 1, Madison Martin as Student Recruiter / Academic Advisor effective May 21, Rosalyn Tindel as Instructor and Women’s Basketball Coach, effectie June 1, and Evan Camperell as Soccer Coach, effective June 25.
The board also accepted the resignation of Talent Search Advisor Lydia Carrascosa effective May 16, Student Activities Coordinator Leanna Swart effective May 25, and Human Resources Director Paula White effective May 31; and the retirement of Payroll and Benefits Coordinator Sharon Wood effective Sept. 30.
Perot Museum Kicks Off Memorial Day Weekend With Summer-Themed Activities, Extended Hours, Discounts MAY 25-28
May 22, 2018 – Erupting watermelons, slime and sharks! As summer unofficially kicks off this Memorial Day weekend, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has summer-themed science activities and a totally transformed Being Human Hall to fill your three-day weekend.
From May 25-28, guests can enjoy daily activities involving summertime sand slime, erupting watermelons, fireflies, shark dissections, ocean waves and more. Children 5 and under can get hands on with patriotic discovery bottles, hurricane exploration and art activities in the Moody Family Children’s Museum, plus all visitors can take advantage of extended hours through Sept. 3.
A don’t-miss highlight is the newly reimagined Being Human Hall, which underwent a major renovation and now features twice as many interactive displays and dozens of experiences all offered in English and Spanish. Visitors can witness one of the world’s only displays of a human brain with a still-intact spinal cord, try on a prosthetic running blade or send brain wave messages to fire off pulsing lights by merely thinking. A virtual reality experience transports guests into the South African cave system where internationally renowned paleoanthropologist Dr. Lee Berger discovered a new species of human relative. A dozen authentic stone tool artifacts (some more than a million years old!) are displayed by a full figure of “Lucy,” the famous Australopithecus afarensis.
After exploring what it means to be human, visitors can chill out with a 3D film including Flying Monsters 3D, Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland and Museum Alive 3D.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (May 25-Sept. 3), veterans, active and retired U.S. military personnel, and first responders will receive complimentary general admission plus $3 off general admission for their immediate family members (up to six people). In addition, the Community Partners Ticket Program returns to provide greater access to lower-income families, offering $1 general admission for guests who qualify based on need.
To fit in all the fun, the Perot Museum will stay open until 6 p.m. beginning Friday (May 25).
For more info and to purchase tickets in advance, go to perotmuseum.org/summer.
Video Presentation: Dairy Festival Queens Dinner 2018
The 2018 Dairy Festival Queen’s Dinner hosted by Queen Jaci Reed was May 21st at The Alcove on Celebration Plaza. Candidates for the Dairy Festival Queen title, their parents, and members of the Dairy Festival Board were guests.
Meal A Day Needs Volunteer Cooks for Wednesday, Thursday; Route Driver for Monday
Meal A Day, located at the Senior Center on Martin Luther King Drive, is in need of cooks for Wednesday and Thursday. These positions are not the lead cook, so volunteers will need to be able to follow directions of the lead cook. Cooks for Friday will be needed in June. Meal A Day also needs a volunteer route driver for each Monday.
Cooks start work at 7 a.m. and are usually finished by 11 a.m. The cooks are needed due to relocation of one cook and the need for extra cooks on other days due to vacations.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call Karon Weatherman at (903) 885-1661.
