“School is Back! Be Sure to Fight Bac!” By Johanna Hicks
School is Back! Be Sure to Fight Bac!
Now that students are back in school and many parents will be packing lunches, it’s time to fight bac – bacteria, that is! Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is here to provide some food safety tips that everyone should know.
Of course, the obvious factor is to be sure kitchen surfaces and utensils are clean when preparing foods. When preparing school lunches, keep in mind that the food is left at room temperature for more than two hours, and perishable foods can put children at risk for foodborne illness. Children typically have a higher risk of foodborne illness as their immune systems are not sufficiently developed to resist the bacteria that can grow on foods.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, perishable food at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees are in the temperature danger zone, and can allow bacteria to double in as little as 20 minutes. To help prevent bacteria and foodborne illness, follow these tips:
1) Use an insulated lunch box or double paper bags. If your child is taking a lunch requiring refrigeration, find out if they have access to a refrigerator at school and remind them to put their lunch in it as soon as they get to school. Also, don’t forget to clearly mark your child’s name on the lunch container.
2) Use cold pack to cool perishable items such as lunch meats, eggs, cheese, cut fruit, and yogurt. Cold packs should also be used even in insulated lunch boxes or bags when they contain perishable food. You can also freeze water or juice and use that to keep perishables cold – the liquids should thaw by lunchtime.
3) Use an insulated container to keep hot lunches at a warm temperature. Put boiling water into the container and let it sit for a few minutes, then pour the water out. Put the hot food in the container (like soup, stew, chili, macaroni & cheese, etc.). This will help keep the contents warm until lunchtime.
4) Leave lunches in the refrigerator overnight if packing them the night before. To ensure the best results, store with the lid of the lunchbox or bag left open in the refrigerator so there’s optimal air circulation to cool it down.
5) Put individually packaged disposable wipes in the lunch box or bag and remind children to use them before and after eating. Also reinforce the importance of hand-washing before meals.
6) Even though it’s tempting for a child to keep uneaten portions of the lunch and consume them after school, this is not a good idea! Leftover food should be discarded, along with all used food packaging and paper bags. Reusing packaging is a bad idea, as it could contaminate other food and cause foodborne illness. Keeping unrefrigerated perishables in a lunch box or bag so you can eat the later means they’ll probably be in the temperature danger zone for a while, becoming a safety risk.
So, parents and caregivers, do your homework when it comes to packing a safe school lunch. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and we want them to get a good education without worrying about food safety!
Cooking Well with Diabetes
September is very rapidly approaching, so that means the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” is not far behind, either! I am now taking registration for this 4-lesson series, which focuses on helping individuals with diabetes and anyone that prepares food for them. The series also includes cooking demonstrations and sampling. Topics are: Carbohydrate Foods – recognizing carbohydrates in recipes and using sweeteners effectively; Making Recipes with Fat Better for You – healthy fats and fat substitutions; Double-Pleasure Side Dishes – reducing sodium and increasing fiber; and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes – special event recipes that are healthy & delicious, and handling eating out.
The series is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 12, 14, 19, and 20, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W Houston, Sulphur Springs. (We are directly in front of the Civic Center and next door to the Southwest Dairy Museum.) Two times are being offered to accommodate participant schedules, so pick the time that works best for you – 1:30 or 6:00 p.m. You may even mix and match times!
The fee is $25, payable at the first session and includes materials, recipes, cooking demonstrations, sampling and door prizes. Please call the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 if you plan to attend so adequate arrangements can be made.
Closing Thought
Every day, do something that will bring you closer to a better tomorrow.
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]
Tech Titans Names Texas A&M University-Commerce a finalist for the Tech Titans of the Future – University Level Award
DALLAS, July 18, 2017 – Tech Titans, the largest technology trade organization in Texas, has named Dr. Robynne Lock and A&M-Commerce’s Studio Physics program a finalist in the Tech Titans of the Future – University Level Award category as part of the 17th Annual Tech Titans Awards.
“I am honored to be a finalist for a Tech Titans award. Working to improve my classes to have better outcomes for my students is very important to me, and it is wonderful to see Studio physics recognized,” said Dr. Lock.
Studio physics is a student-centered active-learning environment in which students spend the majority of class time on group work. Activities include Tutorials in Introductory Physics, Context-rich Problems, and PhET tutorials, all research-based teaching materials. By creating an active-learning classroom, students learn the course content better. They improve their conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities. Studio has better outcomes regarding students’ attitudes towards physics and aiding in recruitment and retention of STEM majors.
The Tech Titans Awards recognizes the elite in North Texas technology – individuals currently transforming the high-tech industry and giving companies that competitive edge, as well as companies leading the way in innovation and technical applications. The Tech Titans Awards showcases the innovators, adopters and executors impacting the technology industry for the greater good.
The winners for each category will be announced at the Tech Titans Awards Gala on Friday, August 25, 2017 in front of 800 of the top North Texas technology influencers. The gala will take place at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel in Plano, Texas, and will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m. leading up to the award ceremony from 7 to 10 p.m.
“We are proud to be able to recognize the individuals and organizations that make a substantial impact in the North Texas technology industry each and every day,” said Bill Sproull, president and CEO of Tech Titans. “The innovation, leadership and advocacy each of our finalists contributes to the industry make a significant difference in our communities and the world. We look forward to seeing what each of these elite individuals and companies will continue to do for years to come.”
The 2017 award sponsors include Comerica, Crowe Horwath, Dallas Business Journal, Deloitte, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Huawei, M/C/C, Nokia, Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel, State Farm, VLSIP Technologies and ZRG Partners. Additional sponsors for the event are Bravo Tech, Haynes and Boone, Qorvo and Texas Instruments.
Hopkins County Republicans Announce Meeting Schedule
The Republican Party of Hopkins County will have monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of every month, except December, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. The time will be 6:30 PM and we will try to limit the time of meetings to one hour.
This month’s meeting will be on Monday, August 28th and the Honorable Will Ramsey will be the guest speaker.
We will also have our candidates each giving a 2 minute speech.
There will be light refreshments served.
Channel 18 News Thursday, August 24, 2017
Left to right: Brent Smith, Tabitha Vaught, Justin Sanders, Jeff Sanderson, Cory Coker, and Mark Neel prepare to deploy to South Texas.
Wildcat Football Defense Ready to Hit
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Triston Abron says he’s ready for his defensive unit to bang heads with someone else. The Wildcats will have their first and only scrimmage this season Friday at 7 p.m. in Texarkana against Liberty-Eylau. JV and freshmen players will scrimmage at 5 p.m. Friday. Coach Abron says he wants to see where his defense is.
He says L-E has speed and size and will test the Wildcats’ defense. Mount Pleasant Football Coach Cory Homer, whose team scrimmaged the Leopards last week, told Coach Abron that he is high on L-E. Coach Homer called L-E legit. Coach Abron thinks he has a pretty good defensive unit this year with lots of returners. The defense also had a good spring. He wants to see how his defensive front looks playing the run.
Coach Abron figures the Leopards will also gave his secondary a good test. He says the Wildcats’ secondary isn’t the fastest but he adds they are good with techniques to offset speedier receivers. Coach Abron says his biggest defensive question mark right now concerns depth. He’ll be looking for youngsters to step up and show they can back up his starting bunch, which he likes a lot. Coach Abron expects his seniors to provide leadership for the defensive unit this year.
Game Day: Lady Cat Volleyball in Tyler Tourney
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team will have three busy days of games beginning Thursday in a Tyler tournament. The Lady Cats will also play in the tournament on Saturday. In between, the Lady Cats will have a home match on Friday.
Thursday, the Tyler tournament will feature pool play games for the Lady Cats. They will face Tyler Lee, Tatum and Beckville, the #1 ranked team in Class 3A. Those matches will determine who the Lady Cats will play later. Friday the Lady Cats will play host to Caddo Mills in Wildcats Gym. The varsity will play the early game beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday with freshmen and JV games to follow.
The Lady Cats enter the Tyler tournament Thursday with a season record of 10-6. In their most recent action, the Lady Cats dropped a road match at Forney, 3-0 Tuesday night.
Local Mentors Help Sydnee Hawkins Set Her Sights on Music Career
The past two years have been a whirlwind for Miss Sydnee Hawkins, as she has involved herself in almost every aspect of music and performing that the Hopkins County community has to offer. Sydnee knew she wanted to be a singer by age 3, and she really began to work toward that goal during her high school career at SSISD, making choices that have expanded her natural abilities and furthered her experience as a vocalist. Now on the threshold of starting college, Sydnee shared some of her impressions during the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay.
Her mom was her first teacher. With a mother who loved to sing, it was natural that Sydnee learn to harmonize with her, and singing with her mom remains one of her greatest joys and simplest pleasures. Sydnee also loves to dance, act and play piano. Carol Allen, Director of the Northeast Texas Choral Society and Dawn Doyle Jones, former Theatre Arts Director, along with LeShay Woodard and Desi Pharris, currently at SSHS, remain helpful mentors. Amanda Thompson Brandenburg coached her in voice, tap and drama in Shining Star Productions. Roger Reed brought her onstage at the Reilly Springs Jamboree for her first experience singing with a live band. Kevin and Juli Wooley of Haystack Youth Choir remain friends and travel-mates, allowing Sydnee the opportunity to sing the National Anthem and perform in New York City and at Disneyworld during their summer choir trips. Monica Lancaster provided vocal coaching and Cathy Cobb has provided piano lessons. Further broadening her appreciation for music performance have been Mr. McCauley, Mrs. Welch and all the High School and Middle School band and choir instructors in Sulphur Springs. Shannon Oaks Church pastors Eric Godwin and Jonathan McGraw remain instrumental along her path of musical expression. Earlier this month, Sydnee performed “At Last” for the open auditions of American Idol held at Gilmer, Texas. She was a top-ten pick and was rewarded with a “front-of-line” pass to the Shreveport auditions during the Labor Day weekend. Good luck, Sydnee! She begins basic classes at Paris Junior College this Fall and is enjoying the company of her family including three younger sisters whom she hopes learn to love singing as much as she does! Find out more about Sydnee and see her YouTube videos at sydneelynnhawkinsmusic.com
Local AMBUS Heads to South Texas as Harvey Nears Coast
The local AMBUS is being deployed to the Texas Coast to assist, if needed, in preparation of Tropical Storm Harvey, which is expected to soon intensify to become Hurricane Harvey. Six (6) paramedics will be making the trip and all will stay for the duration of the deployment. Three (3) drivers have been trained at the DPS academy to be fully licensed to drive the AMBUS
Jeff Sanderson, Shift Captain for Hopkins County EMS, Said this is his fourth deployment to a potential disaster area due to hurricanes. He said once they arrive on location, they will be deployed to the area needed. He stated he has no expectations before arrival but will be ready for whatever service is needed. He does expect a lot of water.
Left to right: Brent Smith, Tabitha Vaught, Justin Sanders, Jeff Sanderson, Cory Coker, and Mark Neel prepare to deploy to South Texas.
Staging will begin in San Antonio where the local crew will awaiting further instructions. A total of three (3) AMBUSes including the Hopkins County AMBUS and two (2) stationed in Dallas will be joining two (2) other AMBUSes at San Antonio at the AT&T Center, home for Spurs basketball. Other Strike Teams are being deployed from all over the state.
A five (5) day deployment is expected as some computer models show the possibility of over 40-inches of rain for South Texas.
The AMBUS will have a variety of responsibilities including evacuating nursing homes and hospitals as well as disaster situations.
Overturned ATV Stymies Burglary of Building
An overturned ATV located at the corner of Church Street and Middle Street Wednesday afternoon was the end result of a burglary of a building on Middle Street.
Sulphur Springs Police responded to a call around 2 p.m. Wednesday in reference to three subjects attempting to commit a theft. When officers arrived on scene Cristian Alan Cortez, 17, of Sulphur Springs was located and detained. He admitted to being with two others that took the ATV.
Cortez is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Burglary of a Building, a State Jail Felony.
Chamber Connection August 24, 2017
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 regards 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.
Time is running out to enter the 2nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! 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, 2015, 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 Hopkins County Fall Festival presents Emerald City Band on Friday, August 25th
The Emerald City Band will be performing on Friday, August 25th, at the Hopkins County Civic Center Arena. The general admission to the concert is free. For VIP ticket information, call (903)243-1925 or email [email protected].
Hopkins Place hosts a Parkinson’s Support Group the last Tuesday of every month
Hopkins Place hosts a Parkinson’s Support Group the last Tuesday of every month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. This month the meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 29th. The support group meeting is open to caregivers, families and people affected with Parkinson’s. Leslie Northcutt of East Texas Physical Therapy will be the guest speaker. Hopkins Place is located at 890 Camp Street in Sulphur Springs. Please RSVP to Shelly at 903-926-6688.
First Baptist Church is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast on September 16th
First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast called “Captivated: The Wonder of Christ on the Winding Road”. The simulcast will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church. This is a free event, but you must register at www.ssfbc.org, or in the church office, or at ROC to attend.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show is scheduled for September 15th and 16th
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their 18th Annual Quilt Show on Friday, September15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 16th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Door prizes are given away throughout the day, and children’s activities are available, too! The quilt show will be located at the ROC, 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs.
Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, September 16th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, September 16th, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets. Many local and out of town vendors will be here participating in this first-time event. You don’t want to miss this!
Texas AgriLife Extension Office is hosting many classes this month, and here they are:
Course: Free Marriage Education Workshop. This informative workshop is offered to married couples, engaged couples, and seriously-dating couples. Come and discuss ways to improve communication skills, marriage expectations, conflict resolution, money management, and more!
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Date and Time: August 26, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
There is no cost, and lunch is provided
Facilitator: Johanna Hicks
RSVP to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443
Note: Engaged couples who complete this workshop will receive a gift certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license!
Course: Cooking Well with Diabetes. Attend this series of four fun-filled, interactive classes packed with research-based information and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Dates: Series of 4 classes, September 12, 14, 19 and 24
Times: 1:30 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. (choice)
Cost: $25, payable at the first session
Call 903-885-3443 to reserve your space or if you need additional information.
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes starting in September
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes that are scheduled to begin Monday, September 18th at 5:30. Reserve your spot before they’re gone. Classes will be located at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. It will run weekly for four weeks. Cost is $75 per student, and there is a discount for siblings. Call 903-243-6222 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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
