Fabulous Fall Friday!
Fabulous Fall Friday!
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers workshops, seminars, programs, lesson series, camps, newsletters, on-line courses, and so much more! As your Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences, my focus is on nutrition, health and wellness, family relations, budgeting, and family resources. Many of you are familiar with the annual “Christmas Joys” holiday program (which we are now taking reservations), the diabetes education series, Head Start parent programs, and our 4-H program, among others. But I want to focus on a multi-county event that will be of particular interest to cooks and gardeners – the “Fabulous FallFriday” program.
“Fabulous Fall Friday” is a joint effort with Rains, Wood, and Hunt County Family & Consumer Sciences Agents. The event will take place on Friday, October 9, at Emory Baptist Church, 260 N. Planters, just off the square in Emory. We have a fun and informative morning planned and hope you will take part in the festivities. We’ll start with registration and time to visit with vendors from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end around 12:00 noon.
The morning will consist of fall gardening demonstrations, recipe demonstrations from the 2015 “Dinner Tonight” cookbook (free to all participants), fall fashion tips using accessories, and fall decorating for your home. We’ll introduce the Dinner Tonight website, where you can get free weekly e-mail updates with recipes and video demonstrations.
The cost of the event is only $10, which includes the cookbook, demonstrations, refreshments, vendor exhibits, and door prizes. Registration brochures are available at each of the participating County Extension Offices. The Hopkins County office is located at 1200-B W. Houston, in Sulphur springs. You may also call to request an e-mail version of the registration form. Forms must be postmarked on or before Friday, September 25.
If you or someone you know would like to be a vendor, contact my office at 903-885-3443 and I’ll provide a vendor registration form, as well.
Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show
Fall is rapidly approaching and our thoughts turn to the Hopkins County Fall Festival and Stew Cook-off. The Creative Arts contest, which takes place in the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center, is a popular event and we want YOU to be part of the action! Since last week’s column focused on the Creative Arts contest, I’ll spend time telling you about the Arts & Crafts Show in today’s column.
“The Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show is one of the best in the state!”, according to some of the vendors. Many vendors have been coming for years and have built a rapport with the community and fair-goers. We provide a clean, safe, family-friendly atmosphere, full of unique, one-of-a-kind hand-made items.
While recruiting out-of-town judges for the Creative Arts contest, each one gave me a resounding “Yes!” Of course they thoroughly enjoy judging entries from our talented Hopkins County citizens, but they equally enjoy shopping at the Arts & Crafts Show.
The event is open to the public on Friday, October 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria, north entry covered walkway, and north grounds in front of the gym. Here’s a sampling of items that will be offered: glass yard art, pottery, stained glass, hand-crafted jewelry, travel pillows, quilts & quilted items, decorated cargo caps, headbands, potato bakers, stuffed animals, decorative gourds, doll clothes, wooden banks & trucks, children’s clothing, wreaths, glass block nightlights, crosses, jellies/jams, pickles, honey, holiday decorations, cloth toys, purses/bags, sand art (a favorite of kids!), temporary glitter tattoos (a favorite of teens!), diaper bags, and more. Oh, my goodness, I’m so excited to start my Christmas shopping!
If you, or someone you know makes hand-crafted items, I’ll be glad to provide the guidelines and vendor application form. We’ll also have exhibits from the Master Gardeners, WIC, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and other informational exhibits in the hall between the cafeteria and high school conference center. Don’t miss a single thing!
Closing Thought
Be kinder that necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle – 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]
Chamber Connection – September 10, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Chamber Connection September 10, 2015 by Meredith Caddell
Mark your calendars for the 46th Annual World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest-Oct. 24th
Stew Cooks: Stew Packets went out this week, so please call us at the Chamber if you did not receive yours. The deadline to claim last year’s site is September 18th. All sites will be up for grabs, Monday, September 21st, so make sure to get your forms in ASAP!
Sponsors: Sponsor letters also were sent this week. There are tons of options to get your business’ name in front of the 7,000 people that attend the stew contest. If for some reason you haven’t received yours, please give us a call!
T-Shirt Designers: The Stew T-shirt Contest is BACK! If you would like to design a t-shirt for the stew contest, please have the design to the Chamber office by Friday, September 18th. We will begin voting for the winners some time the week of the 21st and will vote for 2 weeks! The winner of the stew t-shirt contest will win $100 and will also have the opportunity to be a stew judge (if desired). Please have your design in a format that is ready to print on a t-shirt.
Storytime @ the Sulphur Springs Public Library begins the 1st & 3rd Fridays of every month.
The Very Ready Reading Program for preschoolers and their parent/caregiver uses books, music and activities to encourage the lifelong benefits of early literacy for your child. Call 903-885-4926 for questions.
Marlene’s Sass & Class Boutique is having a ribbon cutting Wednesday, September 16, at Noon
We are happy to welcome Marlene’s Sass & Class Boutique to the Chamber of Commerce. We hope to see all of you at their ribbon cutting at 101 Bill Bradford Road Suite #24, Windsor Plaza across from Shoe Inn, at noon, September 16th. The store hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday. Come check out their sales. Many ½ price items and a free crystal bracelet with the purchase of $25.00. Marlene will be carrying juniors, ladies and plus size clothing. Plus children’s Miss Me jeans and specialized clothes for 0-size 6. Exclusive boutique for Simply Noelle clothing, scarves and accessories! Popular Dear John jeans all styles. Trendy shoes and boots. Plus Mason jar label T shirts, z supply, and Southern Grace!
TABC Certification Class, Monday, September 14th at the Country Club!
On September 14, 2015, Sulphur Springs Country Club is hosting a Texas Best Comic’s TABC Certification Class in our Ballroom. The class is open to any restaurant, bar, or business in town that would like to send their employees to get their TABC Certification. The cost is only $20/person. It will be held from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. For more information, please call 903.885.4748.
2015 Lights of Life Style Show, presented by Lou Nell’s & Ashley Larea, Thursday, Sept. 17th
Get your tickets now for the amazing Lights of Life Style Show that will be held Thursday, September 17th at First United Methodist Church at 6:30pm. It will be an amazing evening filled with a delicious dinner and the latest greatest in fashion from Lou Nell’s! With a special treat, Aslely Larea jewelry will also be accenting the beautiful clothing during the show! For more information, please call the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799. You may purchase tickets for just $25 at Lou Nell’s & The Chamber office!
Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Adoption Day at Pet Sense, Saturday, September 19th 10-4
There are so many animals that have been dumped and are in desperate need of a loving “furever” family. If you are looking for that special addition to your family, please stop by Pet Sense on Broadway, Saturday, September 19th to see all of the loving animals that will be up for adoption.
16h Annual Quilt Show-Friday & Saturday September 19 & 20th at The ROC downtown SS.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild presents their 16h Annual Quilt Show, “Texas-Deep in the Heart”, Friday, September 18th from 9am-5pm and Saturday, September 19th from 9am-3pm at The ROC (First Baptist Church Recreation Outreach Center) 1 block South of Downtown at 115 Putman Street. Admission is only $5 and children under 12 are FREE. They will have more than 100 beautiful quilts displayed, along with vendors, demonstrations and door prizes. For more information visit www.sulphurspringstxquilts.com.
VF Outlet Women’s Fashion Night Out, Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 7-9 PM
Don’t’ miss this! Fashion show featuring the new fall arrival starts a 7 PM. There will be a photo booth to have your picture taken with pink props and other photo ops to help support breast cancer with a smile. There will be a fall product preview of the new collections. Fashion Stylists will be available to give you style tips in the stores. Help the VF Outlet support breast cancer awareness by making a donation throughout the night to be donated to Lee Denim Day. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Register to win FREE outfits for a year. Winner receives 1 outfit per month for 1 year. You also get 20% off your entire purchase one night only from 7PM-9PM with a coupon that can be printed off from the Chamber of Commerce website (click on Hot Deals)
Rock Creek Rockin’ Bingo Bash, Friday, September 25th for 55 and over
Join Rock Creek Health & Rehabilitation for an evening of fun, food and fantastic prizes donated from local businesses. This is a free event for anyone 55 & over. For more information please call Judith Beck, Activity Director, 903-439-0107
Walk Like MADD Car & Bike Show, September 26th at Buford Park
If you have a car or bike that you would like to show off, then plan to register it for the Walk Like MADD Car & Bike Show, Saturday, September 26th. All Classes are welcome and the registration fee is only $25. The event is free to the public. They will open the gates for participants at 1:00 with judging taking place between 3:00 & 5:00. The winner will be announce at 5:30, with Glow presentation winner being announced at 8:00 pm. All proceeds benefit Hopkins County Walk Like MADD. For more information please contact Eddie Moon at [email protected] or call 903-534-6000.
Lights of Life Half Marathon-October 3rd benefitting the HC Health Care Foundation
Register before September 11th to guarantee a T-shirt for the Lights of Life Half Marathon! Registration is $75 for an individual entry, $80 for Partner Relay (2 person) or $100 for a Team Relay (4 person). You may register at Fieldhouse Sports or at www.rctregister.com. For more information please call 903-438-4799. Packet pickup will be Friday, October 2nd from 6-9pm at Celebration Plaza.
Adult Leadership Class Project…Beautiful Picnic Tables in the new pavilion!
The Leadership class of 2014-15 has the opportunity to assist in enhancing this area using a location that has been unused for years. The City of Sulphur Springs and the Adult Leadership Class of 2014-15 has partnered in the demolition of the old city pool and begun the construction of a large pavilion, available for public use, complete with brick fireplace/smoker and 24 picnic tables. We anticipate a great place for family reunions, class reunions, birthday parties or general meeting space!
The tables are a $1,000 donation for each picnic table personalized with your business, family name or loved one’s name with a maximum of 30 letters. Donations can be paid to the order of Sulphur Springs Leadership Class 2014-15 or Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce. They will limit to the first 24 paid donations.
We would like to welcome our newest member:
Marlene’s Sass & Class Boutique
101 Bill Bradford Rd., Suite 24
Marlene DeYong, Owner
903-335-8918
Ladies & Children’s Clothing & Accessories
That’s all for now…have a GREAT week!
Meredith Caddell
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
City Business Office Reopened at Old City Hall
The city of Sulphur Springs Business Office reopened the first thing Wednesday morning at their newly renovated work space at Old City Hall. I talked with City Director of Finance Peter Karstens, who oversaw the renovation project and who has his office at Old City Hall.
Lady Cats Lost to Royce City; Begin District Friday
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team lost to Royse City, 3-0 on the road Tuesdaynight. The Lady Cats season record slips to 16-9. They open district play at home Friday at 4:30 p.m. as the Marshall Lady Mavericks come to town.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Allison Irvin said the Royce City match was the right match before beginning district play. She pointed out that Royce City is a quality program and their team this year is again solid. Irvin thought the Lady Cats not ready when the game started. The first set was not well played but the Lady Cats responded coming up just short in each.
Coach Irvin said the home court advantage would benefit the Lady Cats Friday night. She said the team cannot be overconfident when they face Marshall.
Cumby Police Arrest Man Wanted for Online Solicitation of a Minor
A police officer in Cumby arrested a 23-year old Richardson man in connection with a warrant for on-line solicitation of a minor. The officer saw Michael Lopez Hernandez walking on Mill Street in Cumby Tuesday at around 5:40 p.m. The officer confirmed that the man was wanted on the warrant and arrested the man. The arrest report indicated the offense occurred in Hopkins County on January 21 at noon. Hernandez was jailed with a bond set at $50,000.
Hay Production in Hopkins County
Hay production and hay marketing is very common in Hopkins County. According to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension forage specialists while large quantities of hay are sold as small square bales, cow-calf producers primarily use large round bales because they require less labor to store and feed. Most hay for cow-calf production systems is sold on a per-round bale basis and there are two major problems with this. First, buying hay on a per-round bale basis does not tell you the nutritive value of the bale. Hay is often advertised as “well” or “heavily fertilized,” but these terms are not precise. The actual levels of crude protein and digestible energy, and other nutritive characteristics of the forage should be established through laboratory analysis so producers can make sound purchasing and feeding decisions. Why should a bale with only 6 percent crude protein sell for the same price as a bale that contains 14 percent crude protein? In most cases they should not, yet these differences are not obvious to the naked eye. “Well fertilized” hay may not meet the animal’s nutrient requirements, and supplementation can dramatically increase the cost of the feeding program. Hay with higher nutritive value, as documented by a laboratory, may cost more, but it could prove to be a more economical strategy if it eliminates the need for supplements. The other problem with buying by the bale is that the amount of dry matter being sold or purchased is unknown.
Bale size varies tremendously with the baling equipment used, the skill of the equipment operator, the forage species, the moisture content of the bale, the type of wrap used, and the way the hay was stored. Economic analysis shows bermudagrass hay costs $110 to $120 per ton to produce when all inputs, (labor, equipment, fuel, repairs, taxes, depreciation, fertility, herbicide, etc.) are accounted for. Given this cost, a 1,200-pound round bale priced at $45 is a good buy, but if the bale weighs only 700 pounds, it is not. When hay is sold by the bale, rather than by weight, either the seller or the purchaser is getting short-changed. The answer to selling or buying round bales of unknown weight and nutritive value is to analyze and weigh the hay. The nutritive value and weight of each lot of hay can be established by a lab test and a trip across a set of scales. The actual dry weight of hay is determined by adjusting for moisture content as measured by a moisture probe. During the Hopkins County Hay Show, hay producers can submit a hay sample of their own produced hay and have the sample analyzed by a laboratory (Courtesy of the Northeast Texas Farmer’s CO-OP) by entering to the Hopkins County Hay Show until September 18th, 2015 . Not only you will get to know the quality of the hay you are producing and selling, but also will get a chance to win up to $100!. Samples can be entered at the Hopkins County Extension Office at 1200B Houston Street in Sulphur Springs before September 18th, 2015. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office 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
Gatewood, Helm Set Pace For Cross Country Saturday
The Wildcats and Lady Cats’ cross country teams ran in their first official meets Saturday in Tyler. The Wildcats finished sixth among 20 teams and they were led by Jacob Gatewood who finished fourth overall. Lauren Helm led the Lady Cats with a 30th place finish. Both teams run in Lear Park in Longview Friday.
Wildcat Coordinators Ready for Whitehouse
Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young is an optimist. Despite offensive play against Sherman he called frustrating, he found three positives: the Wildcats won, the offense performed the way they had to at the end getting two late scores and all the mistakes made were correctable. Coach Young says the Whitehouse game will come down to who makes plays.
Young said the offense needs to get better with the details. He says the team can pass and catch well. He commended the receivers and offensive line for their work. Penalties were disappointing to Young.
He said against Whitehouse, it comes down to making plays. Whitehouse has a number of new faces on their varsity as does the Wildcats. Young expects the rivalry between the two teams to continue.
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Triston Abron said the Wildcats D grew up from the Rockwall-Heath game to the Sherman game and did an outstanding job. The defense kept the Wildcats in the game until the Wildcats offense began to click. Their next test is Whitehouse and Coach Abron notes they do a great job of making big plays.
Abron said the defense grew up between the Rockwall Heath game and the Sherman game. He said Sherman brought out every wrinkle they had planned for the week in the first half. One the Sherman quarterback went down, they had to return to basics which worked in favor of the Wildcats.
Regarding Whitehouse, Abron said Whitehouse will be no different than in past years. He said this defense has seen the same Whitehouse offense since 8th grade. Big plays are the key to Whitehouse offensive strategy. Two running backs and a receiver concern Abron due to their speed and varying size. Abron questions which quarterback will start for Whitehouse and that will have a bearing on the Wildcat defensive strategy.
