Tira News, March 17, 2017
I heard from an area resident, Paula Wiser, who reported that they have a family friend who is suffering with what seems to be poison in her blood caused from a kidney stone. Paula’s mother has been friends with the McDonald family, of Dallas for about 65 years. The Wiser family is requesting “abundant prayers”, because their friend “isn’t doing well at all.”
Paula also reported that her neighbor, Pat Reed, passed away on March 10th, following traumatic injuries from a vehicle accident. She requested prayer for his wife of 38 years and the rest of his family. We want to express our sympathy to the family.
Martha Payton sent the following note. “The family of Floyd Payton would like to give special thanks to Andy and Mary Lou Wright, Mayor Powell Vickery and the ladies of the community for the delicious lunch prepared and served to all, job well done and appreciated. Our hearts were blessed by the service conducted by Andy Wright and beautiful music by Janice Joslin. Thank you for all the visitors that came by to visit with Floyd. He was able to recognize everyone almost to the end of life. We ask God’s blessings on each and everyone in this great community.”
Eben, Destri Nicolass, Mena, and Emmy spent the weekend with Destri‘s parents, Robert and Yvonne Weir. Yvonne reports that they had a bonfire on Saturday night. Their daughter, Dacy, and her children, Elise and Eli visited on Saturday, also. Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Yvonne comments, “Wes loved the tower and we all enjoyed Garvan Woodland Gardens. We did lots of walking.” She added that she and Wes tried a new 4D ride that was fun.
Kim and Lee Beck had a Spring Break visit from daughter, Maddie and her two nephews, Anthony and Beckham for a couple of days. Kim shares, “The “city boys” enjoyed running around outside with the dogs, sitting around the campfire, a trip to Cooper Lake, and shooting targets (trash) in the burn pile. They loved being in the country.”
Our daughter, Tiffany, and grandchildren, Kenden and Jaidyn, traveled with Chip and me to Galveston on Tuesday. We spent the afternoon at the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid, and then went to the beach. It was really too cool to swim, although we saw a few who braved the chilly waves. Kenden and Jaidyn even splashed around for a little while. Jaidyn enjoyed collecting sea shells. We enjoyed a seafood meal at Gaido’s that night. On Wednesday morning, we went to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, and then took the ferry on the way to Beaumont to pick up our great-granddaughter, Dixie, and bring her back to spend time with Landon, Laiken, and the boys.
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].
Thistles By Mario Villarino
As I was visiting landowners recently, I noticed the presence of thistles in our county. Thistles are an interesting introduced plant. Many are biennial (coming back every other year) and others return every year. During my recent mowing efforts earlier on the week, I also noticed thistles in my lawn. Many thistles are valued as nectar producers for pollinator insects, and thus have a significant value for wildlife, however, according to Dr. Vannessa Olsen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Forage Specialist, If left uncontrolled, thick thistle stands can reduce grazing and result in less forage production. A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds, which increases the chance for higher thistle populations in the pasture the following year. Consequently, management practices need to be conducted prior to flower formation for effective thistle control. Even if thistles have not infested your pasture in the past, it is ideal that your pastures are scouted in late fall through mid-spring (November to March) to ensure that thistles do not get out of control. New infestations are easier to manage than large-scale populations. Although there are at several different species of thistle in Texas, most are closely related and control recommendations will not differ. Best time to control with a herbicide is when thistles are in the rosette stage. The rosette stage is when the thistle forms a low-growing ring of leaves. As they mature they are harder to control and may require higher rates of herbicide to have effective control.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers – This One’s for You! By Johanna Hicks
Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers – This One’s for You!
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has a wealth of information and I’d like to share one of our many programs with you – Parenting Connections! Being a parent is simultaneously one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences that we will ever have. Parents have a tremendous responsibility to care for and raise children in a manner that will prepare them to successfully navigate the challenges of life. Along the way, there are many joys and frustrations. Because children do not come with an operator’s manual, many parents struggle in this important role. All parents need guidance and advice when it comes to the important task of raising children.
Regardless of how much or little money we make, or how much or how little education we have, at one point or another, we all find ourselves in need of help so that we can make the best child-rearing decisions possible. We all make mistakes when it comes to parenting, The difference, however, between effective and ineffective parents is that effective parents learn from their mistakes. Moreover, they are willing to do what it takes to become more effective in their role as parents, including learning all they can about their children and what to expect in the years that lie ahead.
“Parenting Connections” is a 4-topic, 2-session series that would be extremely beneficial to parents, grandparents and caregivers. I encourage you to call and sign up. There is no charge, but the benefits are great! Here is a break-down of topics and dates.
- Thursday, March 23: Child Growth & Development – we’ll discuss basic principles of development and have an interactive task to add a little fun. After a short break, we’ll switch gears to Parent-Child Communication and explore communication roadblocks.
- Thursday, March 30: Positive Discipline is the topic with which we’ll begin. In this segment, we’ll discuss different disciplinary parenting styles. While it may not appear this way on the surface, addressing a child’s misbehaviors provides you with a great opportunity to teach your child valuable life lessons. We’ll look at some hypothetical scenarios and discuss the disciplinary action that would best suit the situation. We’ll wrap up the evening with Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem. It is commonly thought that if parents can bolster their child’s self-esteem at a young age, the child will be more likely to successfully navigate the challenges of life. We’ll explore healthy versus unhealthy self-esteem.
Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone else wishing to attend are all welcome! If you wish to attend, please contact the Extension Office before 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21 so adequate preparations can be made. Certificates of attendance will be available at the conclusion of each session. Coffee, water, and light refreshments will be available. Call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes
I know this seems like a repeat of last week’s column, but calls are coming in and I wanted to make sure as many people as possible see this announcement! The 2017 Spring series of Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes is rapidly approaching, and it is guaranteed to help those with diabetes to better manage the disease. Pharmacists, nurses, and physical activity experts will all join me in presenting this 5-lesson series.
Topics include: “Getting started: How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose”; “Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates? Let’s Find Out!”; “Beyond Diet: Improving Blood Glucose Control with Physical Activity”; “Improving Your Blood Glucose with Medication”; and “Celebrating Diabetes Control While Avoiding Complications – Having Your Cake and Eating it, Too!”
Two times are being offered to accommodate busy lives. I’ll provide a 1:30 p.m. session, and a 6:00 p.m. session on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 4, 6, 11, 13, and 18. A small one-time fee of $25, payable at the first session, will cover materials, refreshments, supplementary materials, and door prizes. Over that past several years, I’ve heard comments such as, “Doctors should write a prescription to all their patients with diabetes to attend this series!”, “I learned so much and feel that I can control my diabetes better than ever!” and many more positive comments.
Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. You’ll be glad you did!
Beans & Cornbread Drive Thru
Sounds intriguing, huh? Come check it out! A group of our Hopkins County 4-H members will be traveling to Montana this summer for an Exchange trip, and they need your help with expenses. They will be providing a Beans and Cornbread supper where you don’t even have to leave your car. Simply drive up, pay $5, and receive a box supper including beans, cornbread, and dessert. We’ll even give you a napkin and spoon!
The date is Friday, March 24, at the Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., or until it’s all gone! Please support this worthwhile effort.
Closing Thought
A lie has speed, but truth has endurance – unknown
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]
Wildcat Track Team Continues to Improve
The competition increased a lot for the Wildcats’ track team at a Gilmer meet last Friday. Wildcats Track Coach Matt Young called it the Northeast Texas Junior Olympics featuring Gilmer, Pittsburg, Carthage, Liberty-Eylau, Marshall and Tatum. Still several Wildcats did well.
In the 3200-meter run, Landon Thornton won the race and Peyton Vickery came in third. Mason Cleveland scored in pole vault clearing 9 feet.
The Wildcats 4X100-meter relay team of Damiyon Dugan, D’Corian Young, Cason Goodson and Lawrence Worth took fifth place. Eli Sellers was second in the 800-meter run. Terrell Turman finished sixth in the 110-meter hurdles. Ryan Humphries was third in the 100-meter dash and first in the 300-meter hurdles. The Wildcats finished 1-2-3 in the 1600-meter run. Vickery was first with Thornton second and Sellers third. The Wildcats 4X400-meter relay team got sixth. It was made up of Landry Tyson, Michael Jefferson, Tiesan Goodson and Lawence Worth.
The Wildcats and Lady Cats will compete in a Lindale meet next Thursday.
Lady Cats Defeat Pine Tree 20-1 Thursday at Lady Cat Park
The Lady Cats’ softball team did a thorough job of washing out the bad taste of last Tuesday’s loss to Pine Tree by clobbering Marshall, 20-1 at Lady Cat Park Thursday afternoon.
After starting pitcher Bailey Haggerty kept Marshall off the scoreboard in the top of the first inning despite giving up 2 hits, the Lady Cats sent 16 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first and scored 12 runs on six big hits. The Lady Mavs committed four errors in the inning. Jaye Doughtie’s triple drove in 3 runs. Kelsey Wallace had an RBI double. Alyssa Abron drove home two runs with a single. Brinklee Driver and Kristen Allen singled in runs. Doughtie drove in two more runs with a double. The Lady Cats added 3 more runs to make it 15-0 after 2 innings. Driver hit a three run homer well over the new blue left field wall at renovated Lady Cat Park. The Lady Cats went up 17-0 after three inning by adding two more runs. Ashley Moore drove in both runs with a single.
After Marshall got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth, the Lady Cats scored three more fourth inning runs to make the score 20-1. Moore had another RBI single. Sadie Stroud, Doughtie and Wallace all had singles in the inning and Driver bashed a double off the outfield wall in left center. Bailey Haggerty got the pitching win allowing only 2 hits and no runs in two innings with 1 strikeout and no walks. Alli Fite pitched the last three innings giving up 1 run on 1 hit with 6 strikeouts and 1 walk. The Lady Cats had 16 hits in all. Driver was 3 for 3 with 4 runs scored and 4 RBI’s. Doughtie was 3 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 5 RBI’s. Wallace was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI. Moore was 2 for 2 with 3 RBI’s.
The Lady Cats are now 3-1 in district play and they are 16-5 for the season. They will play Texas High in Texarkana Tuesday evening.
Aslan Family Increase Endowment, Establish Two Mathmatics Awards Benefiting A & M Commerce
COMMERCE, TX—Dr. Bill Aslan, former faculty member and Professor Emeritus, recently established two mathematics awards and increased the Aslan Family Graduate Endowment by $10,000. These combined gifts amount to $30,000.
Aslan’s recent contributions follow 23 consecutive years of support, benefiting Texas A&M University-Commerce students. These latest Department of Mathematics awards will support an outstanding undergraduate and a graduate student completing their studies during the academic year.
“Dr. Aslan impacted the lives of countless students during his tenure as professor in the Department of Mathematics,” said Dr. Brent Donham, dean of the College of Science & Engineering. “He continues to touch the lives of students through his benevolence to departmental scholarships and achievement awards. Dr. Aslan embodies the spirit of the A&M-Commerce mission to provide a personal, accessible, and affordable educational experience.”
Dr. Aslan earned a bachelor’s from Midwestern State, a master’s from the University of North Texas, and a doctorate from Texas Christian University. He and his wife, Gloria, began their association with A&M-Commerce when he accepted a position as an assistant professor of mathematics in the summer of 1967. Aslan considered fellow faculty “work family,” which influenced his family to remain in the Commerce community.
Dr. Tingxiu Wang, Department of Mathematics department head, writes, “We are very grateful for Dr. Aslan and his family. During his tenure of 46 years as a professor in the Department of Mathematics at A&M-Commerce, he taught numerous students and was loved by his students. He cares about students and the department. His generosity helps recruit both undergraduate and graduate students, awards students, allows many students to complete a degree, and encourages and inspires the faculty.”
Interim Vice President of Advancement and Mayor of Commerce Wyman Williams adds, “I’ve known Bill for forty years, visiting his classes and sharing his passion for mathematics education. Bill demonstrated a passion for educating and helping his students succeed, and it’s great to see him continue that legacy through his continued financial support.”
During Aslan’s time in the mathematics department, daughter Gloria and son James both completed their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from A&M-Commerce, then known as East Texas State University. Dr. Aslan believes being members of both A&M-Commerce and the City of Commerce communities enriched the lives of he and his family.
The sustained generosity demonstrated by the Aslan family is one powerful way they express a heartfelt gratitude for the vibrant career, community, and educational opportunities they enjoyed for more than four decades.
Soccer Doubleheader Almost Certain as Bi-District Playoffs Begin
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Jesus DeLeon is almost certain that a Wildcats and Lady Cats soccer bi-district playoff doubleheader will be taking place at Princeton on Friday, March 24. The Lady Cats will be playing Royse City at 6 p.m. Coach DeLeon says he is fairly certain that the Wildcats will be playing Lovejoy at 8 p.m. He likes the idea of the Lady Cats and Wildcats doubleheader.
Coach DeLeon says it’s great for the entire soccer community as supporters of both teams will come out. He says the Lady Cats are motivated when the Wildcats are watching and vice versa. Coach DeLeon says members of the teams are friends and some even date each other. He says the doubleheader aids motivation, creates excitement and brings members of the community out. Coach DeLeon says Royse City reminds him of district opponent Texas High. He says the Lady Bulldogs have size, are athletic and he adds they have a couple of midfielders who are difference makers.
Coach DeLeon says the playoff game will be difficult as all playoff games are. He says there is a way for the Lady Cats to win but he warns they can’t make it easy for Royse City or give anything away for free.
Redeeming Zoe Seeks Donations to Fight Human Trafficking
“Photos for Freedom” provides area residents an opportunity to become involved in an effort to fight human trafficking. The event is set for Celebration Plaza April 14 & 15. (See accompanying photo.)
Redeeming Zoe is a faith-based 501 c-3 dedicated to giving hope and a future in Jesus Christ to at-risk and exploited children in the Philippines. CEO, Hillary Evans, and Marketing Director, Becca Haskell, founded Redeeming Zoe in 2016.
Both graduates of Texas A&M University-Commerce worked with an orphanage in the Philippines for a year. That experience opened their eyes to the epidemic of human trafficking. They saw, first hand, girls being trafficked by boat and children having to meet certain quotas for their pimps as they sold snacks on the streets. They could not sit back and do nothing.
Over the last year, they have been gathering research and meeting with other organizations on what the best way to approach this fight would look like. Over the next five years, Redeeming Zoe will make efforts to plant a community center in Cebu City, Philippines. Their focus will consist of reaching the community, strengthening the family and saving children from the devastation of child exploitation. As exploitation increases, it is becoming more available and profitable online.
Hillary and Becca are dedicated to putting programs in place that bring value to the families in the Philippines. They are currently in the process of raising funds. In April they will be hosting an event called “Photos for Freedom”. There will be two photographers on site and an informational table with t-shirts for sell as well.
Based out of Sulphur Springs Texas, Hillary and Becca will be moving to Cebu City Philippines. They are available for speaking engagements at events, churches, schools, and other venues as they raise funds for their efforts to fight child exploitation.
Harris Named Interim Fire Chief at North Hopkins
In a press release issued Wednesday night, March 15, 2017, the North Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department announced a change in administration. The press release was issued one week following the departure of Craig “Moose” Morgan as Fire Chief. According to the release Morgan is no longer associated with the department. The announcement follows a change in management at The Way Radio Group where Morgan was listed as President. Bobby Harris, a member of the NHVFD and also a partner in The Way Radio Group, has been named Interim Fire Chief.
The release reads, “The North Hopkins Fire Department has had a change in its administration. As of 03/08/2017 Craig “Moose” Morgan is no longer the Fire Chief or associated with NHFD. The Interim Fire Chief is Bobby Harris. There have been no other changes in this organization. NHFD will continue to provide excellent emergency care and services to the citizens of our Fire District. Thank you for your continued support.”
The Way Radio Group, in a press release recently, stated they will continue to provide Christian music through one station they operate and will be changing the format of another. They will continue their events scheduled as well.
