NETX Choral Society Finalizes “Feast Of Favorites”
Tira News
by Jan Vaughn
The Tira Community Christmas Party will be coming up soon. It’s scheduled for Saturday, December 9th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center. We will gather to share a meal and time of visiting with our neighbors. Brisket will be provided and residents are asked to bring side dishes and/or desserts. We will be collecting canned goods for the Tira Food Pantry. Santa will be stopping by to visit with the kids. Make plans to come enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship.
The Tira City Council would like to express appreciation to the North Hopkins Elementary students for the canned goods. Tira Food Pantry was one of several organizations to benefit from the food drive at the school.
There will be a regular quarterly Tira City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 5th, at 6:00 p.m. Following the meeting, the group will decorate the Community Center for the Christmas party. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend,
Blake Adams and Chelsea Houser were united in marriage on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The wedding was the first event to be held at the Shaw Cottages and Event Venue in Tira. Dona Shaw, Blake’s cousin, is the owner of the new business and everything went wonderfully under her direction.
Landon, Laiken, and Rylan Joslin went to Beaumont last weekend to pick up Dixie for the Thanksgiving holidays. They drove to Conroe on Friday night and stayed at Piney Shores Resort that night and the next day. On Saturday evening they went to the football game to watch Dixie (6) and the other little cheerleaders, and then they returned to the resort. They drove back to Tira on Sunday. Brailon and Slaiden spent Friday night and Saturday with Laiken’s aunt, Rhonda Harness, and family, and then stayed with us Saturday night and Sunday. Tiffany, Kenden, Jaidyn, and Chip’s mother, Grace, had lunch with us. Rylan and Dixie came to play for a while that afternoon.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Partnerships and Team Work: A common trend in youth and adult education By Mario Villarino
During the third week of November, I got the opportunity to participate on the fourth and last session of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Leadership Workshop sponsored by the San Antonio Livestock Association. The 2016-2017 San Antonio Leadership Exposition (SALE-LE XII) training was conceptually designed to provide evidence of real experiences when leadership was executed. Recognizable or not, humans organize ourselves in teams with a leader as guide. This structure has allowed independent decision making by the team leader during adverse conditions to ensure success. Because the training was conducted at different locations, logistical requirements required the participants to travel to different locations to witness how leadership at different levels accomplishes the goals.
The first session included information related to individual development, how different personality traits can affect or enhance team interactions and how social standards must be followed to provide security to those around us. Because human communication occurs beyond words, it is critical to learn how to deliver the right message at the right time. Afterwards we were exposed to information related to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and how it operates so we could get an understanding in how to provide support and guidance to our co-workers and team members. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is composed by several agencies and understanding the different elements and how those element function is important to have an understanding of the strengths of the Texas A&M University System. During this session, I learned how a complex education system works, how the funding process is conducted and how important is to conduct and communicate professionally to achieve maximum results.
The second session included an out of state trip to Louisiana with special emphasis in recovery. A selected group of speakers described the scenario after hurricane Katrina and how the community responded to the challenges. Our group learned how to overcome adversity, adapt to inhospitable conditions and how modern companies created markets and turn a never tested production model into a cultural and financial success.
The third session was directed to teach the participants how the state government executes day-to day activities during congress session, the role of different agencies and the challenges they encounter as funding gets allocated. We had the opportunity to talk to different agencies and their representatives and describe their experiences at the State Capitol.
The impact of the experiences gained during this training will depend on each participant and their current roles as a team member. I learned how important is to harness information required to provide a good understanding in how to lead our teams as we execute our daily activities. Sometimes, and because the complexity of our day-to-day activities, the different components of our work can be difficult to understand. It was enlightening to me to learn the importance of reporting and interpreting our activities, and how our local approach and functions impact our communities and state. By using a series of examples, our instructors described scenarios where individuals needed to collect information and take critical decisions required to accomplish their objectives. I learned that leadership is a dynamic process more than a designation. I also learned that it is just as important to be a team member as is to become a leader. Several real life cases presented during the sessions showcased opportunities when team members decided to undertake roles as leaders because the situation required such leadership. The experiences shared to our group allowed me to recognize what leadership is all about, and as a consequence, determine that leadership more than a skill is an opportunity to provide guidance to the group that we belong. Also, leadership must be conducted as a service to the team, to empower team members and promote internal team harmony. Without motivated team members, the impact of the leadership diminishes.
I would like to thank my co-workers and team members Mrs. Barbara Sanders and Mrs. Johanna Hicks for their extra time during my absences as I was participating in this training. It is my personal goal to share the principles and experiences that I gained during this training to enhance our team performance.
You might question how does these all apply to you or our community? And my answer is simple: recently, allocation of funding to state and federal programs has shifted (or will shift shortly). In the particular case for Texas, the oil and gas industry has suffered tremendous changes with significant tax collection reductions. These changes will cause a re-evaluation and re-organization of agencies, universities and programs related to compensate for those reductions with a growing need as our population increases. In a nutshell: we will have to learn how to do more with fewer resources and less employees. Our organizational structures will have to operate more efficiently to provide the same services they are offering and learn how to support each other as we conduct our responsibilities with our community. Our agencies will also have to seek or create more intense partnerships in-between agencies or other existing organizations to extend our capability and promote the creation of leaders out of our team members so they can positively influence others.
Directors of the San Antonio Livestock Association join Dr. Mario Villarino-County Extension Agent- Ag NR Hopkins (Center) and Dr. Dough Steel, (Right) Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Director at the SALE-LE XII graduation dinner in San Antonio Texas, November 16, 2017.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact me at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Healthy Holiday Meals By Johanna Hicks
Basic Recipe Alterations for More Healthful Holiday Meals
Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to stop and reflect on blessings. It is also a great time to think about your own health and good nutrition. Holiday meals can be healthier and taste just as good by using some basic recipe substitutions or alterations. The sugar, fat, or sodium content of almost any holiday recipe can be reduced without a noticeable difference in taste. Reducing sugar, fat, and salt are the most effective means of making holiday meals healthier.
If a recipe calls for a cup of sugar, use two-thirds of a cup. If it calls for a half-cup of oil, shortening or other fat, use one-third cup. Remember that low-fat doesn’t always mean low-calorie, so be aware of both when making holiday food selections. Using reduced-fat or non-fat cheese, milk, cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt or mayonnaise instead of their high-fat counterparts will make your recipes more health-friendly.
Processed foods typically have a higher sodium content, so consumers should be vigilant and check food labels for sodium content and other nutrition data. If you would typically use one-half teaspoon of salt in a recipe, try a quarter-teaspoon or leave the salt out entirely (except in breads).
Modifying more complicated recipes may not always produce the desired texture, so it’s best to test the recipe before serving to friends and family. Many traditional holiday foods can be healthy and nutritious choices as long as they are prepared properly and not ‘embellished’ in ways that take away from nutritional value. Example: if cooking a turkey, leave the skin on to contain the flavor, but then remove it afterward to reduce the fat content.
For vegetables, the healthiest method of cooking is either steaming or roasting using a small amount of oil or cooking spray. Try adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without adding any fat or calories.
Sweet potatoes have fiber, vitamins A and C, and manganese and are also low in calories, with a medium-sized baked sweet potato containing only about 100 calories. The problem comes when you embellish them with added sugar, butter, and other ingredients. A baked sweet potato with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon is a far healthier option than one topped with butter and lots of marshmallows.
Another popular holiday item, the cranberry, which is loaded with phytonutrients and known for having anti-inflammatory properties and promoting health, as well as possibly reducing risk for disease. Adding fresh cranberries to salads and baked items such as muffins, cookies and pies is a good way to sneak in some extra nutrition and flavor.
Even with healthier ingredients and preparation techniques, it’s important to remember to exercise restraint at holiday meals. Because holidays provide more opportunities to eat due to social gatherings, office parties and other festivities, try to plan accordingly so you can keep your caloric intake in check…and don’t forget about getting some physical activity to help burn off extra calories and help relieve some of the stress often associated with the holidays.
Christmas Sewing Workshop
Calls are beginning to come in about the Christmas Sewing Workshop. Don’t miss this fun event! We’ll have several make-and-take projects to help you save time and money…and they make great gifts for teachers, Sunday School class members, neighbors, or anyone else! Or if you have a project you would like to work on, bring it! We’ll give you a short list of items you’ll need to bring. I’ll have eight sewing machines available for using, or you may bring your own. Regardless of sewing skills, you will have a great time!
The dates are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, December 11-13, at the Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. We’re located next door to the Southwest Dairy Museum and directly in front of the Civic Center. We’ll start around 8:30 a.m. and end around 3:30 p.m. Seating is limited due to the hands-on nature of the workshop, so please call 903-885-3443 if you would like to participate.
Closing Thought
Be a river of blessing, not a lake of accumulation – Vicki Hitzges
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]
Chamber Connection November 23, 2017
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 2017 has been a fast and furious year, and now here we sit at Thanksgiving Day! Friday is a day often referred to as Black Friday. It was named Black Friday because it described the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. Many people shop Black Friday, and that’s fantastic. But, there’s an even better day for shopping! Saturday is called Small Business Saturday. It is a day labeled to remind us to shop locally for the holidays. Our small business owners are giving everything they’ve got to live their dreams, and we in return, can benefit from those dreams! Hopkins County offers wonderful local shopping! Please make sure you spend at least some of your day at your favorite local place… stores, restaurants, venues, all of them. We love our Small Businesses, and we want them to continue to thrive and be successful in all they do. Shop local for the holidays, and enjoy Small Business Saturday!
The Sulphur Springs Hopkins County EDC and the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce are hosting their annual Economic Outlook Conference at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center on Wednesday, December 6th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are so excited to welcome Mr. Richard Froeschle, current Labor Market Economist, as our keynote speaker at the 2017 Economic Outlook Conference. Mr. Froeschle will present Hopkins County the economic outlook for Northeast Texas for 2018. Sponsorships of the conference and tickets are available. Lunch will be provided. For further information, please call the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
I’m excited to let you know that we have begun work on the 2018 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even home town heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. Echo Publishing creates this book for us. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. We redesigned the 2017 directory to look more like a beautiful magazine, and 2018 will follow suit. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her. I’m proud to produce this book telling all about the place we love. I hope you will join me in the journey!
Heritage Park will host Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 25th at 6:00 p.m.
The Hopkins County Historical Society presents Christmas in the Park on Saturday, November 25, and Saturday, December 2, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $3.00, and children under seven are free. Visit with Santa, see the light displays, listen to live music, enjoy hot cocoa, old-fashioned cider, coffee and cookies, and begin your Christmas shopping in the Country Store.
Merle Norman hosting their Christmas Open House
Merle Norman, located at 212 N. Davis Street in Sulphur Springs, is having their Christmas Open House on Tuesday, November 28th. There will be drawings for prizes, a free gift with purchase, and 10% off your entire purchase for the day! Make sure to stop by and see Gay and Sue to start your Christmas shopping!
Centric Healthcare is hosting a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 29th
Centric Healthcare is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, November 29th at noon at the Chamber of Commerce. Please stop by to network and welcome this new company to Hopkins County!
The Senior Citizen Center is offering an Affiliated Driving Class
The Senior Citizens Center is offering an Affiliated Driving Class on Thursday, November 30th. This class is good for a ticket dismissal or a ten percent discount on your liability insurance. The cost is $ 25.00 for Ticket Dismissal and $15.00 for the insurance discount. The discount is good for 3 years. Please call Karon Weatherman at (903) 885-1661 if you are interested in joining the class. This class is open to ALL AGES.
CASA hosts their annual Cookie Walk
CASA is hosting their annual Cookie Walk on Friday, December 1st, from 9 a.m. to noon at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Cookies are sold for $5.00 a pound. Go by there and load up on Christmas cookies while supporting our local CASA!
Lion’s Club will host the 10th Annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m.
The Lion’s Club is hosting the 10th Annual Christmas Parade presented by Carriage House Manor on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m. The parade begins at Buford Park and goes East on Connally Street to the square. It turns left onto Church Street and left on Houston Street to end in the Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot. Line-up begins at 3:00 p.m. on December 1st. You may pick up registration forms and rules at the Chamber of Commerce. The entry fee is one toy, to be donated to the Blue Santa Program. Charitable cash donations also accepted, and checks should be made payable to the Sulphur Springs Lions Club. Registration forms must be received by noon on Tuesday, November 28.
Help Blue Santa Build His Float
Christmas Light Parade spectators are encouraged to bring a toy or financial donation to the parade for the Blue Santa program and can be turned in either at the Hopkins County Courthouse before the parade, or during the parade to the Blue Santa trailer. The Blue Santa program is a partnership between the Hopkins County Law Enforcement Association and the Sulphur Springs Law Enforcement Association to provide Christmas gifts and financial support to needy families during the Christmas season. Thank you for your generosity to this worthwhile program.
The Alcove2 hosts a wine and food pairing event
The Alcove2 has teamed up with Los Pinos Winery to offer a wine & food pairing event at The Alcove2 on Monday, December 4th. They have chosen three amazing wines for the night. Each wine will be paired with a full course made by their chef. They will offer two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts for each guest to choose from. All food is paired perfectly with the designated wine for that course. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased at The Alcove2 in advance. Tickets are limited, so stop by and grab yours today!
The Reilly Springs Jamboree is hosting a special dance
The Reilly Springs Jamboree is not having their regular third Saturday Jamboree. Instead, they are hosting a special Christmas Jamboree Dance on Saturday, December 9th, at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center located at 150 Martin Luther King Drive in Sulphur Springs. Admission is $10 per person or by donation. Make plans to go by, listen to some music, enjoy refreshments and be on your way OR stay for the entire evening and dance the night away to favorite country/western music performed by some of the best country musicians in the area, including recording artists Don Woods Jr. and Shanna Carter. What a wonderful way to enjoy some country music and support the fundraising efforts of the Senior Citizen Center at the same time!
Chamber Announcement:
We have an announcement regarding stew t-shirts. We have a few of the Come and Taste It t-shirts left unpurchased in each size at the Chamber. We’d like to clear these out, so we are selling them for $8.00 each. If you missed purchasing your shirts on Stew Contest day, give us a call at the Chamber! We’ll get your order ready where you can just pop in and grab them. Call quickly before they are all gone! (903) 885-6515.
New Members:
We would like to extend a huge welcome to our newest members of the Chamber of Commerce! Welcome Tim Halcomb Allstate, Sulphur Springs Veterinary Clinic, The Colonial Cowboy, Russell Cellular, Sulphur Springs Youth Orchestra! We are excited to have you in our Chamber family!
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
Failure to Signal Turn Results in Drug Arrest
Failure to signal 100 feet from a turn led to the stop of a 2013 Nissan Altima at the corner of Davis Street and Fleming Street. Candace Dawn Williams, 40, of Cumby, immediately began talking to the Hopkins County Deputy about a money transaction between her and another person.
A search of the vehicle revealed US currency and a receipt written for the money. The search also revealed a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine and the residue of a crystal like substance believed to be meth. The traffic stop was within 1000 feet of a day care.
Williams is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 under 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Woman Arrested for Stealing Money from Employer
In an interview with Hopkins County Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford at the Sheriff’s office Tuesday, Virginia Ann Tompkins, 59, of Wintrhrop, Arkansas, admitted to Theft more than $2500 but less than $30,000.
Tompkins admitted to stealing money from her previous employer, Joe Bob’s in Como. Evidence obtained by Weatherford from management of the convenience store shows an estimated $17,000 taken over the course of her employment. She admitted to stealing less than reported by the employer. The date of the offense discovery is March 1, 2017.
Tompkins is in Hopkins County Jail being held on a $10,000 bond.
Wildcats Down Rockwall 53-39; Now 4-0 on Season
The Wildcats’ basketball team remained unbeaten as they won a defensive struggle against Rockwall on the road, 53-39 Tuesday night (November 21). The Wildcats are now 4-0 for the season with three of their wins coming against Class 6A teams.
The Wildcats started slowly Tuesday and trailed after the first quarter 13-11. In the second quarter, the Wildcats allowed the Yellow Jackets only 4 points. The Wildcats scored the first 10 points in the quarter and ended up with 16 to take a 27-17 lead into halftime. Rockwall trimmed the lead to 7 points by outscoring the Wildcats 16-13 in the third quarter. The Wildcats led 40-33 after three. The Wildcats put the game away by outscoring the Yellow Jackets 13-6 in the fourth quarter.
The Wildcats defense put the clamps on two Division I players. A Kansas commit scored only 6 points and a Depaul recruit only had three points.
Keaston Willis and Victor Iwuakor both scored 17 points for the Wildcats. Godsgift Ezedinma had 9 points. Michael Jefferson and Dedric Godbolt both scored 4 points. Xavier Cork put in 2 points. The Wildcats did a good job of rebounding and collected 20 offensive rebounds.
The Wildcats practice Wednesday and then take a Thanksgiving break. They resume play next Tuesday at Denison.
