CANHelp’s Back to School Fair for Hopkins County, August 4th, 2017
CANHelp is sponsoring a Back to School Fair. It will offer FREE: health and vision screenings, dental screenings and fluoride applications, immunizations for children and adults, haircuts, food and drinks, and more. The 2017 Back to School Fair is scheduled for Friday, August 4th from 3:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
In addition,we are seeking community service agencies, schools, churches, and other local organizations to participate in the 2017 Back to School Fair to offer information about activities for children/youth and family services that are offered in our area. For Profit businesses that support our local communities are also welcome. There will not be a cost for a booth.
All of the information for the 2017 Back to School Fair may also be downloaded from CANHelp beginning June 15,2017. The completed Booth/Sponsorship Form must be returned to: CANHelp, P.O. Box 214, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483 or emailed to [email protected]. Application deadline for a booth only is Monday, July 17, 2016.If you would like to be sponsor, please ensure form is returned by Monday, July 3, 2017 to ensure your organization can be included in event communications and on marketing materials. We’re looking forward to your participation in this community event that will have the potential to reach thousands of local school aged children and their families.
Shanna Martin, M.A.
Executive Director
CANHelp & 2-1-1 Texas North East Region
www.canhelponline.org
www.facebook.com/211canhelp
www.twitter.com/canhelp
IP # 54750
Phone: (903) 885-9797 ext. 1
Fax: (903) 439-2270
Meet 3 Pilots from the Saturday Hot Air-Balloon Glow
Steve Lombardi, Houston pilot for the ReMax balloon, talked to KSST about how he got started as a hot air-balloon pilot. He originally flew private airplanes, for 29 years. “The crew and friendships make flying worth it.” There is a Remax office in Sulphur Springs and Lombardi was asked to be the balloon sponsor. The farthest he’s ever flown was 60 miles, and he enjoys competitive balloon events. He didn’t have a lot of training because of his prior knowledge of flying planes.
Bill Adler, Longview pilot for the Wildfire balloon, has been flying for 16 years. His wife wanted to ride a balloon and in 1996 he got her a ticket to fly. He never got in a basket until 2000. Adler said he used to be afraid of climbing ladders, but now flying hot-air balloons has helped him overcome his fear of heights. He now has 3 balloons: a 31,000 cubic ft balloon, a 56,000 cubic ft balloon, and a 77,000 cubic ft balloon. Adler and a Friend decided to create a “Hopper” chair instead of a basket, and the unique design is experimental, and rare to find. But they registered the balloon chair, with the FAA and it has an official “N#” like most aircraft and planes. Adler even says its easier to fly and land the chair than a basket! 
Scott Vesely, has been flying for 35 years. His dad gave his mom a balloon ride as a gift when he was 13, and by age 14 he was participating in flying. Vesely attends about 12 events a year, and the farthest he’s ever flown was 35 miles. “You’re at the mercy of the wind…It’s like being a bird, up in the air.” He offered advice to people who are interested in becoming pilots. “Find a flight crew…this is a group sport.” 
Meet 2017 Ms. Hopkins County Senior Patsy Crist
Patsy Crist, a 30-year resident of the Cumby area of Hopkins County, is the newly crowned Ms. Sr. Hopkins County. Her talent presentation was an “I Love Lucy Vitameatavegamin” skit. She was crowned by 2016 Ms. Sr. Lavonne Elam. There were 9 contestants in the 2017 pageant, held at League Street Church of Christ Fellowship Hall on Saturday June 10, 2017. The contestants were honored with a Tea on June 9, hosted by Leanetta Pryor of Hopkins House and pageant organizer Karon Weatherman. Making guest appearances during the pageant were former Ms. Sr’s Ina Gore, Stella Bagley, Betty Caudle and Ms. Texas Sr. 2014 Nancy Bolton. The pageant, now in it’s 8th year, celebrates the positive role of Senior women and their valuable contributions to their family, church, workplace, community and the world at large. Winners will advance to the Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant to be held in Tyler this fall. The Ms. Senior Classic competitions are open to women age 60 and older,
Ms Hopkins County Senior 2017 Patsy Crist (center) with First Runner Up Faye Robinson (left) and Second Runner Up Jan Gray (right)
2017 contestants, left to right, Mollie Shepard, Elizabeth Wilburn, Valerie Ross, Patsy Crist, Fay Robinson, Jan Gray, Pam George, Linda Pickle-Hill and Majel Reddick (seated)
Pageant Organizer Karon Weatherman with 2017 winner Patsy Crist, Ms. Hopkins County Senior 2016 Lavonne Elam and Ms. Texas Senior 2015
Co-emcees Chuck Roy and Enola Gay
First Runner Up Fay Robinson..her talent was a reading and a song
Second Runner Up Jan Gray…her talent was a story and a reading
Most Talented Linda Pickle Hill with her service dog “Atticus”…her talent was a patriotic reading and audience sing-along
Miss Congeniality Pam George…shared a song for her talent
Best Interview Valerie Ross…her talent is singing
Best Philosophy of Life Elizabeth Wilburn…read a poem for her talent
Best Evening Gown Mollie Marie Shepard…presented a spitirual song
Best Personality Majel Reddick…shared a poem she wrote
Pageant judging panel
MS. HOPKINS COUNTY SENIOR CLASSIC WINNERS2010
Stella Bagley, Como
2011 Betty Caudle, Yantis
2012 Ina Gore, Sulphur Springs
2013 Sonja Baker Norton, Yantis
2014 Clydene Fielden, Sulphur Springs
2015 Wanda Wilson, Dallas
2016 Lavonne Elam, Sulphur Springs
2017 Patsy Crist, Cumby
Friends spotted at the Freeze-Off!
Isaiah Flores drove over 270 miles to visit the Dairy Festival. KSST caught up with Flores at the ice cream festival. “I can’t wait to come back next year! There was a Strawberry Lemon Crunch, that’s the one I voted for.” This was Flores’ first time to attend the Dairy Festival, and he went to every event. “My favorite part was probably the parade, and catching candy for all the little kids.” Flores also enjoyed visiting iconic sites around Sulphur Springs. “What I really enjoyed about the dairy museum was how educational and applicable it was.”
Linda Galligher commented about the ice cream festival’s new location at Shannon Oaks. “It’s a perfect place to have the event. There’s perfect weather and shade under the oak trees.”
SSES Third grade teacher, Laura Owens, was spotted talking with students and other teachers at the event. Owens thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream festival, saying “it was amazing! I tried a little bit of everything and ate more ice cream than I probably should have…But I especially liked the key lime cheesecake!”
Vallesha Adams and son Zaiden had a blast at the Freeze-Off. Adams said “We love it. It’s been 20 years since we’ve been back, my husband just retired from the military and I’m introducing my kids to hometown traditions.” Zaiden age 2, got a coke float from the DairyQueen booth at the freeze off. After eating the whole thing, he announced “It was good!”
Family Fun at Saturday Night’s Hot Air-Balloon Glow
Saturday Night’s Hot Air -Balloon Glow was spectacular! Approximately 30+ balloons were on the ground at Shannon Oaks Church of Christ at 6:00 pm. The expected balloon flights were cancelled due to weather restrictions and high winds. A few balloon baskets were set up front for families to climb in and take pictures with some of the flight crews and the rest of the pilots let families take pictures up close in front of the inflated balloons. The Stone Grove Band was on hand to capture the mood of the evening with popular oldies and crowd pleasing songs. They rocked out the night with a saxophone, and flutes accompaniments to the band.
Hundreds of families gathered on the lawn with blankets and lawn chairs to watch the event. Some even brought their four legged friends. It was a pleasant evening with a gentle breeze. Everyone enjoyed watching the balloons inflate and glow off and on through out the night. The mosaic of colors and lights from the balloons that were illuminated at a variety of different times filled the skyline and created a festive, fun time for everyone.
Shirley Brock and Rob Griffin said the balloons were their favorite part of the Dairy Festival. Originally from Kansas, Shirley commented that she visited the Dairy Festival many times, even when she had lived in Kansas. Her granddaughter Megan Brock, was a former Sulphur Spring Dairy Festival Queen.
Derrick Dillion was in attendance with his niece Ashlynn Reed from Pickton. They have been attending the Dairy Festival since moving from Chicago 5 years ago. Dillon’s Favorite part of the festival is the Ice Cream Freeze Off competition. His favorite flavor of ice cream this year was Pecan Pie. Ashlynn’s favorite part was collecting candy at the Parade.
Sara Belmonte and her family were excited to see the Balloon Glow event for the first time. Belmonte explained that they’ve visited the Dairy Festival for the last 10 years, but have only attended the Ice-Cream Freeze Off . Belmonte’s youngest daughter, Angel, said her favorite part was the ice cream. Her favorite flavor was chocolate. The Belmonte family first heard about the Dairy Festival from an aunt who lives in Brashear.
Ashley Ward and family are Sulphur Springs locals who enjoy the Dairy Festival every year. Ward’s favorite part of the festival was the hot air balloons because her “kids are fascinated by them.”
Tye Boatman was in attendance with her well behaved dog, Cutter. Boatman has been coming to the festival her whole life. Her family owns a dairy, her son was in the parade, and her daughter was showing at the junior cow show. Her favorite part of the festival is the Dairy Junior Show. Boatman laughed as her dog, Cutter enjoyed the music and the Balloon Glow event by sitting in her chair. Boatman asked Cutter to “Smile for the camera!” and Cutter, of course. happily complied.
The Hopkins County Championship Ice-Cream Freeze Off: WINNERS!!
The Ice-Cream Freeze Off was a huge hit! There was a large crowd at 5:00 pm even though the event didn’t formally begin until 5:30 pm. Every attendee was given a People’s Choice Award ballot so that they could vote for their favorite ice cream flavor. Approximately 50 Ice-Cream Freeze Off contestants created a variety of icy goodness in 5 categories: First Timers, Little Dip, Big Dip Classic, Big Dip Novelty, and Super Scoop.
Winners:
People’s Choice:
Kim Dillard-Butter Pecan
First timers:
1st place: Gary Spraggins
2nd place: Jennifer Evans
3rd place: Lee Beck
Little Dip:
1st place: Machelle Allen-PB Nutty Bar
2nd place: Addison Bowers-Banana
3rd place: C.J. Deleon-Chocolate Butter Cashew
Big Dip Classic:
1st place: Kim Dillard-Vanilla
2nd place: Carlie Penson-Chocolate
3rd place: Tori Cotton-Vanilla
Big Dip Novelty:
1st place: Monte Wise Reese’s PB Cup
2nd place: Henry Penson-Key Lime Cheesecake
3rd place: Tony Colton-Salted Carmel
Super Scoop:
1st place: Jo Alice McCue-Chocolate
2nd place: James Ross-Creamy Strawberry
3rd place: Jo Alice McCue-Banana Pudding
Bobby McDonald Milking Contest
For the first time, the Milking Contest was re-named in honor of Bobby McDonald. 2016 Dairy Festival Queen Sadie Evans was there to give advice and encourage the 2017 Dairy Festival contestants. Judges included Bobby McDonald’s Mother and Sister.
Here were the winners:
Contestants:
1st place: Peyton Dietze with 3.16 lbs
2nd place: Marissa Greenway with 1.49 lbs
3rd place: Jaci Reed with 1.07 lbs
Contestant Parents:
1st place: George IV and Jessica Reinheart with 3.99 lbs
2nd place: Jason and Jill Dietze with 2.93 lbs
3rd place: Rudy and Christy Boyer with 2.50 lbs
Junior Dairy Show
The Junior Dairy Show started off at 10:00 am in the civic center arena. There were over 129 head of cattle in the whole competition. Competitors came from Louisiana and all over Texas. There were barrels full of ice housing cold bottles of milk and water for competitors and their parents.
A source of Hopkins county dairy farmers explained what the Judges were looking for: tall long body, Dairy Character-which is angular and sharpness, correct feet and legs, as well as if the cows have a straight top line.
Major Sponsors of the event include: the South West Dairy Museum, Nor-Tex Tractor, GHB-Trucking, Bar Dairy, The Koon Family, The Alexander Family, FarmBureau, The Hinton Family, DFA, Coba, NetLa, Legacy, Southwest, AgriMax, Home Branch Ranch, Bell Concrete, and Lonestar Milk Producers.
The kids had a chance to win backpacks, cups, belt buckles and the Dairy Show was paying out $6,000 in premiums.
Some of the competitors comprised of:
Madi Skaggs with her Holstein cow MJ. She’s raised MJ since she was a baby. This is her 4th time entering in the competition.
Tatum Thompson, Madi’s sister, was enjoying her first time at the competition with her Holstein cow named Chigger. Tatum said their cows like to play together, and her favorite memory of Chigger was “when she kissed my Dad.”
Rachel Davidson was with her Holstein cow, Dusty. She’s raised Dusty since October, and said “[Dusty] loves licking.”
Cousins Jackson Reed and Kannon Gibson brought their Holstein cows, Sweet Pea and Louise. The boys have raised the cows since birth. Jackson’s funniest memory was when “We were leading my cows and [Sweet Pea] just started going around in circles.”
Cash Gamblin was there with his Holstein cow, Jenny. He’s raised her for about two to three months.
Paisley Watkins attended with her Jersey cow, Brownie. She’s raised Brownie for 4 months, and her funniest memory was “This morning when [Brownie] had snot hanging from her nose.”
Braden Lennon with his Brown Swiss cow, named Oak View Chocolate. He’s raised Oak View Chocolate since November, and a funny memory was when “we were out in the pasture and she got away from me and drug me behind her a few feet, and I landed face first in the dirt.”
Emma Allen was with her Brown Swiss cow, Montana, whom she’s raised for 4 years.
Winner Hannah Cudle was with her Ayrshire cow, Annie, whom she’s raised since September.
