Cumby Junior High Students Receive Awards
Cumby Junior High School recent held an awards program to recognize students with academic awards for being on the honor roll. Class awards were also given for excellence, growth and GRIT in science, English language arts, social studies, math, algebra, fine arts and art classes
Honor Rolls
Recognized for being on the A Honor Roll at Cumby Junior High were:
- 7th Graders Chloe Groves, Mylee Hall, Ella Horne and Isaac Taylor; and
- 8th Graders Jenna Elmore, Macyn Pettit and Gaby Vizcaya.
CJH students recognized for being on the AB Honor Roll included, by grade level:
- 6th Grade – Aliyah Atchley, Gunner Campbell, Riley Evans, Channing Herman, Jaxon Hudson, Amare Jones, Hunter McPherson, Makayla Morgan, Denise Rogel, Osvaldo Ruiz and Carissa Ybarra;
- 7th Grade – Jenna Bearden, Jace Evans, Dakari Johnson, Sandra McCraw and Gaby Osornio; and
- 8th Grade – Hanna Davis, Justin Green, Gabriel Medrano and Jacie Morales.
Class Awards
Shelbi Thomason presented for outstanding students in science and fine arts classes the following awards:
- Excellence in Science – Justin Green, Kierstin Walden, Gaby Vizcayo, Osvaldo Ruiz, Sandra McCraw and Hunter McPerson.
- Growth in Science – Beaux Williams, Laura Gilbert, Landon Tadlock, Montgomery Benton, Jace Evans, Noah Fuentes and Traveor Mabery.
- Grit in Science – Ayla Smith, Ethan Ybarra, Addey Owens, Denise Rogel, Kadee Pettit and Robert Goode.
Students receiving English Language Arts awards from Ms. Brianna Harrison included, by award category:
- Excellence Award – 6th Graders Denise Rogel and Trevor Mabery, and 7th Graders Gaby Osornio and Cheyanne McGee.
- Growth Award – 6th Graders Gunner Campbell and Robert Goode, and 7th Graders Jennalynne Bearden and Laura Gilbert.
- GRIT Award – 6th Graders Kassandra Camargo, Sammy McCarter and Adrian Radney; and 7th Graders Jace Evans, Dominick Glick and Jayden Vandiver.
Teacher John Dobson awarded a GRIT Award to Zeb Massey.
Social studies awards were presented by Dayton Gifford and Ryan Petty, as follows:
- Excellence Award – Osvaldo Ruiz, Kassandra Camargo and Jenna Elmore.
- Growth Award – Gunner Campbell and Hunter McPherson.
- GRIT Award – Robert Goode and Denise Rogel.
Math awards were presented as follows:
- Excellence Award – 6th Graders Jaxon Hudson and Hunter McPherson; 7th Graders Isaac Taylor and Cheyanne McGee; and 8th Grader Adrianna Redell.
- Growth Award – 6th Graders Zeb Massey, Robert Goode and Sonny Pierce; 7th Graders Jayden Vandiver, Mylee Hall and Kadee Pettit; and 8th Grader Addey Owens.
- GRIT Award – 6th Graders Denise Rogel, Gunner Campbell, Kassandra Camargo and Aliyah Atchley; 7th Graders Dominick Glick, Kierstin Walden and Cole Bloyed; and 8th Grader Beaux Williams.
Jeff Simons also presented algebra awards to students. Jenna Elmore received the Excellence Award, Chett Vaughan the Growth Award and Gaby Vizcaya the GRIT Award.
Students receiving art and fine arts awards included:
- Most Creative/Fine Arts- Jaxon Hudson.
- Most Artistic/Fine Arts – Dylan Daniel.
- Excellence Award/Art – Riley Evans and Aliyah Atchley.
- Growth Award/Art – Robert Good and Canyon Tally.
- GRIT Award – Hunter McPherson and Kassandra Camargo
TWC, TRA Porter Offers Free Restaurant Industry Training
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in partnership with the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) is launching a new Restaurant Recovery Training certification portal for prospective restaurant workers. Part of the larger Restaurant Recovery Initiative, which launched recently, the training allows free and flexible online training to quickly prepare workers for restaurant industry jobs.
“This portal is another example of TWC’s commitment to providing tools to better connect Texans to jobs,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Quality training programs like the Restaurant Recovery Training Initiative ensure greater access to jobs, many of which are at small businesses.”
As one of the most regulated industries for the health, safety, and sanitation of its employees and customers, a career in the foodservice industry requires a certification in food and/or alcohol safety. All restaurant employees in Texas are required to have a valid food handler certification card. Employees in establishments that serve beer, wine, and mixed beverages are also required to have a valid Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) approved seller-server certification.
TWC’s new portal makes these courses available online at no cost to the employer nor potential employee. Jobseekers interested in obtaining one or both of the certifications can access the training online.
“State licensing requirements are vital for health and safety, but they shouldn’t be an impediment to getting people hired and restaurants opening fully,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This new training program provides the quality, training and standards of excellence that are required, conveniently online, and for free.”
Neither the businesses nor trainees will need to pay for the online classes. The cDurriculum in both the ServSafe Food Handler and #1 TABC Certification by TRA program are tailored to maintain rigorous adherence to state guidelines and ensure the participants successfully demonstrate their knowledge of and adherence to safe and responsible practices.
“The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of health and safety protocols and Texas employers have gone above and beyond to meet these protocols, and create innovative solutions to run their businesses successfully,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC has been a longstanding partner with our restaurants, especially since the pandemic, and we will continue to provide them with legendary customer service to ensure their overall success.”
The initiative is part of the Restaurant Recovery Initiative, which launched in May with a series of employer-focused videos outlining innovative new business models and technologies that allow restaurants to operate much more safely and efficiently, not just in a pandemic, but for the future beyond.
“Ensuring that new employees are able to be trained to meet the standards for food sanitation and alcohol safety required is key to supporting the revival of Texas restaurant industry, the state’s 2nd largest private employer,” said Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and support of the TWC to make entering the industry as attainable as possible for those interested in a career in foodservice.”
The costs for this project come from a one-time grant from IKEA, which was accepted by the commission in December.
CHRISTUS To Host COVID Vaccine Clinics At Morning Chapel, St. James Churches
Sulphur Springs, Texas, June 2, 2021 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
June is National Men’s Health Month: What better time than now, than to schedule annual screenings such as a physical exam, blood test and urinalysis, colorectal health, prostate, bone, and heart health. Whether you need to see a Family Practice provider or a specialist, we have you covered! Call us today to schedule these important screening exams at 903.885.3181.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host the following COVID Vaccine Clinics:
- Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (208 Fuller Street), Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- St. James Catholic Church (297 Texas Street), Sunday, June 27, 2021, from 12:30pm to 3pm
- Several of the vaccine brands will be available.
- No appointment required.
Contact Holly Ragan at 903.439.4033 to find out about future vaccine schedules.
Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
Save the Date
- Designer Handbag Bingo – Thursday, August 12, 6-8pm: Hopkins County Civic Center
- Health Care Foundation Golf Tournament – Friday, October 1: Sulphur Springs Country Club
Updates on Funds Raised
The Healthcare Foundation recently gifted the hospital $90,365.23 for the purchase of five new Panda Warmers for the nursery. A note from the department:
We have had roughly 250 babies born since we received the new Panda Warmers. We absolutely love them! We have had several NICU babies that have stayed 10-12 days and the new Pandas have been such a blessing. On behalf of the staff, we are so thankful to have these, and I know the parents love them as well. Everyone especially loves the feature of the built-in scale; we can show the parents their baby’s weight at delivery.
- Sarah Mills, BSN, RN Director of Perinatal Services
Universal Masking Still in Place at all CHRISTUS Facilities
We are glad to see that the CDC continues to update its guidance about COVID-19 vaccines as more research and information become available. This week, that included guidance for fully vaccinated people (over two weeks after their final vaccine dose) who now no longer need masks indoors or outdoors in most cases.
However, this guidance does not apply to health care settings, so we will continue to require all those in our hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and other locations where care is provided to remain masked. As these locations remain open to the public, and as we will continue treating all those who need us, including those with COVID-19 and those without, it is important that we ask our Associates, physicians, volunteers, patients and visitors to remain masked while in our facilities for now.
We will also continue to require masks in our offices and administrative areas. While we remain open to considering changes for these areas, we are evaluating this new guidance while we wait for further instruction from OSHA.
What won’t change is our commitment to serving all those who need us. CHRISTUS will continue to provide COVID-safe care and offering life-saving vaccinations across our system. We remain committed to continuing to update our policies and procedures as more data becomes available and look forward to emerging from this pandemic together with the communities we are privileged to serve.
Hospital Visitation
We continue to ensure a safe and compassionate process for families and essential support persons to visit patients, while preventing person-to-person transmission of infectious diseases in our acute care settings. All visitors will continue to be screened to make certain they do not fit a COVID-19 profile, based on CDC guidelines. To safely regulate access to patient care areas within our hospital, visitor-screening stations are placed at the entrance of our facilities.
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable
- Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth
- Visitors must pass screening before entry
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- COVID Unit limited to (1) visitor (age 16 and over)
- ER and ICU limited to (2) visitors
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Effective March 17, 2021
We will no longer restrict the number of visitors per patient, however, we strongly encourage to limit visitors to ONE (1) essential support person and for all other visitors – continue utilizing virtual communication through mobile devices to monitor your loved ones in our care.
Clinic Services
New Staff
CHRISTUS Trinity Orthopedic Clinic is excited to welcome Christopher Lutz, PA-C, our new Orthopedic Physician Assistant. He will work collaboratively with Dr. Chris Meltsakos, Orthopedic Surgeon. Lutz will be accepting new patients at 103B Medical Circle, beginning on Tuesday, June 2. To schedule an appointment, call 903.885.6688.
Primary Care
Do you have a Primary Care Provider? As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and wellness of our community, we partner with you to maintain your health with preventative care and treatment of illnesses and injuries. With a number of providers to serve you close to home, we are happy to assist with annual well visits, sick visits, and much more. Call our office today to be established with a local provider: 903.885.3181.
Urology
Did you know we can take care of almost all of your medical specialty needs right here in Sulphur Springs? Just one of many is our Urologist Dr. Loren Ost, and his Nurse Practitioner Leah Irving. Dr. Ost and Leah see patients who have concerns of the urinary system in both male and females, as well as the reproductive organs of the male. They are located at 113 Airport Road, Suite 300, and may be reached by calling 903.885.1770.
COVID-19
Don’t Delay Care
We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org or www.cdc.gov.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
4 SSHS Choir Students Earn 1s At State Solo & Ensemble Contest
Congratulations to Sulphur Springs High School seniors Haylee Fletcher and Jatavion Hall, and freshmen, Alan Guzman and Will (Bradley) Sims, on their choral accomplishments. The SSHS choir students earned 1st division ratings at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble contest.
“These students earned their ratings for their solo, which they competed with at regional contest in February, and are the first students in many years to receive this high rating,” SSHS Director Beth Cole said.
City Manager’s Report – June 2021
Sulphur Springs City Council received from City Manager Marc Maxwell the following monthly manager’s report during the June 1, 2021, council meeting:
COVID-19 RESPONSE
The number of active cases in Hopkins County increased 41% since our last meeting with 38 active cases as of May 28th. There are 3 patients in the OVID unit at the hospital.
AIRPORT
Hosted a Classic Jet Aircraft Association (CJAA) event wherein participants purchased 11,000 gallons of JetA fuel, 76 room nights at local hotels and hundreds of meals at local restaurants.
The building is nearly completed. The generator will be installed next along with various plumbing fixtures and appliances. The big remaining issue is the 3 large roll-up doors. The delivery date is a moving target. At this point I have no reason to believe that the doors have even been manufactured. The building will be available for Juneteenth, but the roll-up doors may not be in.
SENIOR CITIZENS BUILDING
Construction drawings are still being prepared by REES Associates. We have hired Tandem Consulting to oversee the construction just like the Grays Building.
Construction is about 50% complete. This $750,000 sewer project is funded entirely by a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture. The new main will supplement an older undersized main. The path of the new main begins at Saputo and continues under the interstate. It then continues South for 3,500 feet before connecting to an existing trunk line. The new main has a 15-inch diameter. This grant is made possible because of a $50 million plant upgrade at Saputo and their cooperation with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Without their
cooperation this project would not have been possible.
Staff has finalized the list of this year’s streets to be paved via the Street Improvement Program (SIP).
COLLEGE STREET
This will be the next reconstruction project after the Saputo Sewer Line Project.
CLAIMS
We did not have any workers compensation claims or liability claims in May.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present a report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Made 3 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Patched 397 potholes.
- Cleaned out storm drains 6 times.
- Installed no parking signs on Tomlinson Street.
- Removed 7 trees from city streets following storms.
- Made various curb & gutter repairs in preparation of this year’s Street Improvement Program (SIP).
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains and unstopped 37 sewer mains.
- Repaired 4 ruptured water mains.
- Flushed 36 dead-end water mains.
- Opened Lake Sulphur Springs’ flood gates due to recent rain.
- Treated 140 million gallons of potable water.
- Performed preventative maintenance on various apparatuses at the water and wastewater treatment plants.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids reading of .32 mg/L.
- Sent 341 tons of sludge to the landfill and 198 tons of sludge to the composting facility.
- Checked out 2,338 items from the library and an additional 764 eBooks.
- Responded to 227 fire/rescue calls including 2 structure fires and 3 vehicle fires.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
- Performed 4 fire inspections and reviewed 40 pre-fire plans.
- Sold 2,934 gallons of AvGas and 24,760 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Conducted 27 building inspections, 18 electrical inspections, 5 plumbing inspections, 4 mechanical inspections and issued 22 building permits.
- Started operating the interactive fountains.
- Began the street sweeping cycle.
- Began replacing dead shrubbery because of the freeze.
- Responded to 167 animal control calls while achieving a 78% adoption rate.
- Responded to 2,480 police calls, made 46 arrests, wrote 580 citations, recorded 50 offences, and worked 39 accidents in the patrol division.
- Made 2 felony arrests in the special crimes unit
A Large Number of Campers Are Attending Sulphur Springs Softball Camp
Perhaps it is due to the pandemic that caused the cancellation of all Sulphur Springs ISD sports camps last summer but this year’s early camps this week are drawing some good numbers.
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo was greeted by a large number of softball campers Tuesday afternoon (June 1), especially among older girls entering the 6th through the 9th grades.
48 girls showed up for the camp’s second session.
The earlier session for girls entering the 2nd through the 5th grades had 26 in attendance.
Coach Carrillo said it was one of his biggest camps in a long time.
During an interview between the two sessions, he said the session with the younger girls was awesome and he added he could tell they love playing softball.
Coach Carrillo said he slows things down for the younger group and stresses fundamentals.
Anticipating his second session, he said that camp would move long a little faster with the more advanced older girls.
He said both groups would be doing all aspects of softball like hitting, throwing, catching and fielding. Plus he said he would be mixing in some of what he calls life’s’ lessons.
Coach Carrillo said some of the older group would soon be making the big transition from middle school to high school.
All of this week’s camps, including baseball, girls basketball, volleyball and softball, run through Thursday.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Sulphur Springs City Council Approves Appointments to 11 Boards and Commissions
In addition to swearing in four councilmen, Sulphur Springs City Council approved appointments to 11 boards and commissions, selected which councilmen will serve as mayor and mayor pro tem during Tuesday evening’s regular council meeting.
City Council Re-Organization
After an election in November for four places on the council, then a runoff in December for Place 1, all four councilmen elected to the City Council in 2020 again filed for reelection to their seats this spring. They drew no opponents for their places so the city was able to cancel the City Council Election that was scheduled to be held in May.
City Secretary Gale Roberts, who also serves as the city’s election officer, administered the oath of office June 1, 2021, to Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian, Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash Sr., Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar and Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins. All except Spraggins are elected to a full three-year term on the City Council. Spraggins will serve another year of an unexpired term, then will be eligible to seek reelection.
Mayor John Sellers noted that Mayor Pro Tem Freddie Taylor has serve 17 years on the City Council and is beginning his 18th year. Tuesday was the service anniversary for Taylor, who was first sworn in on June 1, 2004, Roberts noted. Place 6 Councilman Doug Moore was nominated and selected to serve a term as mayor pro tem, able to step in if the mayor goes on vacation, is ill or otherwise unable to attend any council meetings or city functions.
John Sellers was nominated to serve another term as mayor. Sellers agreed to the nomination and was unanimously approved to serve another term as mayor.
Spraggins noted that after this year, Sellers will have been mayor for 6 years, which will be one more than other previous council members, as far as current elected officials can tell.
Sellers said serving as mayor of Sulphur Springs, the city where he grew up and returned to more than 20 years ago after college and a brief period working elsewhere, is a privilege and honor.
Sellers expressed appreciation to the men willing to step up and serve as City Council members, especially over the last 1 1/2year.
“It was a difficult year. There was a lot of difficult things. We had to make some hard decisions during that year. I could not have done anything that I’ve done without this council that I have behind me. We started out with not a full council that first of last year, and we were able to add as the year and got back up to seven members, and they’ve been so much help to me.”
The mayor also publicly acknowledged City Secretary Gale Roberts for her steadfast dedication and assistance, always there to help and advise. During the difficult times, she has “always made it go forward.” Sellers also acknowledged City Manager Marc Maxwell as an “absolute partner for me and for this Council.”
Nash also noted that former Sulphur Springs councilman and mayor Valanderous Bell passed away over the weekend. Sellers noted the Council sends their sympathies to Bell’s family. Maxwell reported that services for Bell are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at League Street Church of Christ, 1100 South League St.
Interment will follow the service at Restlawn Memorial Park for Bell. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 4, 2021, at West Oaks Funeral Home.
Boards and Commissions
The City Council also approved as recommended appointments 11 different board and commissions. A few have been appointed to replace individuals who have resigned due to moves or other commitments, but most are individuals who have agreed to continue serving on the various groups. They include:
- Economic Development
- Doug Moore
- Zoning Board Of Adjustment
- Twyla Gill
- Kevin Mohl
- Kyle Robinson
- Alternates:
- Janet Martin
- James Litzler
- Airport Advisory Board
- Dr. Charles Jones
- David Baucom
- Sulphur River Municipal Water District
- Bob Russell
- Library Board
- Carol Gee
- Michelle Mcgill Ivery
- Board Of Tourism And Promotion
- Don Fausett
- Meredith Caddell
- Adam Teer
- Construction Board Of Adjustment And Appeals
- Bobby Harris
- John Cooper
- Jeff Redding
- Planning And Zoning Commission
- Chuck Sickles
- Tommy Harrison
- Ark-Tex Council Of Governments
- John Sellers
- Gary Spraggins
- Harold Nash Sr.
- Downtown Revitalization Board
- Mike Elliott
- Tyler Law
- Revolving Loan Fund Committee
- Jeff Fisher
- Jay W. Julian
- Freddie Taylor
- John Sellers
- Marc Maxwell
‘I’ll Fly Away’ Spirituals and Gospel Concert June 12, 13 by N E Texas Choral Society
Carol Allen says it is an answer to prayer that this concert came up at just the right time. The collection of spiritual and gospel works was initially intended to comfort, uplift and encourage. And because it was delayed by COVID-19 for a full year, it’s true meaning is even more profound as the community collectively comes out of the shadow of the pandemic.
During her interview on the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay, Director Allen stressed the power which music, especially choral singing, has upon the human ear and heart. Unlike solo singing where attention is on a single voice, the shared singing of a group of voices in ranges of soprano, alto, tenor and bass relays the meaning and tone of lyrics in a totally unique way. “The lyrics are how we tell ourselves who we each are as a believer” stated Carol. The 65-voice North East Texas Choral Society of men and women of all ages has been rehearsing weekly and is now putting the polish on the foundation hymns, gospel songs, sacred praise and rousing spirituals which were prayerfully selected for this concert. Audiences will know many of these. Titles include “My God is a Rock”, “Down to the River to Pray”, “Bound for Glory”, “Guide Me, Oh My Great Jehovah” and many more. Marlon Chisum with the Men’s Chorus will be featured in “I Know I’ve Been Changed”. A medley of “Lean on Me/Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and of course, the hand-clapping “I’ll Fly Away” will be presented for everyone to enjoy. Expect 90 minutes of exciting music with a brief intermission. Purchase tickets from any Choral Society member, at local banks, online at singerscount,org or at the door. There will be two performances only : 7pm on Saturday June 12 and 2pm Sunday June 13, 2021 in the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium (formerly called the Civic Center auditorium).
Carroll Selected Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, [email protected]
Rylie Carroll, Hopkins County 4-H member, has been selected as a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador. But first, I want to explain what the Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador program involves. Participation was announced to all high school youth in the spring. Those selected are trained to serve as a community health and wellness leader. They assist County Extension Agents in providing leadership of health programs and projects, focusing on youth audiences, but also assisting with adult programs.
When developed as leaders and utilized to serve and lead based on interest, Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors are an additional source of outreach and advocacy similar to Master Wellness Volunteers. Some of the events with which Rylie will be assisting include: recruiting Walk Across Texas teams, assisting with the summer day camp program, serving as advocate for health and nutrition at health fairs and back-to-school events, developing and delivering programs for 4-H club meetings, promoting 4-H membership, leading social media efforts on general health topics, marketing events, and more.
Rylie will be attending a special training with other selected Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors from across the state. They will learn about implementing culinary demonstrations, MyPlate, DanceFit Texas Style (a new physical activity program targeted toward youth), and more. HTYA participants are required to achieve 40 hours of leadership, program efforts, and community service. The ambassadorship is a 12-month commitment, beginning in June, 2021. I look forward to working with Rylie throughout the year. She is an outstanding 4-H member, youth leader, and all around good person!
Multi-County 4-H Camp
This is the last call for 4-H youth who are interested in attending Multi-County 4-H Camp at Lone Star, Texas. Registration forms are available at the Extension Office, or they can be e-mailed. Here are the details:
- When: July 5-7, 2021
- Where: Lakeview Baptist Conference Center, Lone Star
- Cost: $125
- Includes: lodging, meals, workshops, recreation, fun!
Workshops for the 2021 camp are Outdoor Cooking, Leatherwork, Archery, ROPES (zip line), STEM Ricochet, and team activities. There will be a canned foods challenge, as well. Each participant is asked to bring a few canned or non-perishable packaged goods. Each county will build a structure with the items and the structures will be judged. All foods will be donated to a local food bank following the camp.
A list of things to bring and not to bring will be included in the registration materials. Please contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 as soon as possible if interested in attending.
Closing Thought
Do the best you can until you know better. Then whey you know better, do better. – Maya Angelou
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent – Hopkins County at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Chamber Connection – June 2: Are You Ready For Stewstock 2021?
By Butch Burney, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
It may be June, but plans are already being made for the 52nd World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest on Oct. 23.
The plans include the contest to select the official logo that will go on posters, T-shirts and promotional materials for the contest. The logo contest is now open and will close July 2.
The theme for this year’s stew is Stewstock, borrowing from the Woodstock festival idea. All logo entries should be original and include the theme in some manner.
The winner of the logo contest will receive five T-shirts and five stew tickets, plus a coveted parking pass.
Entries should be in jpg format and emailed to me at [email protected] by Friday, July 2. No late entries will be accepted. The winner will be chosen on July 8. If you have any questions, call me at 903-885-6515 or use the email above.
The Chamber is planning to host a full stew this year, using both the north and south sides of Buford Park. We will include the Friday night appetizer contest and a concert after the Wildcats’ home football game. We are hoping for great weather to have one of the biggest stew contests ever.
Chamber Showcase
The Third Annual Chamber Showcase is still open for vendors. The Showcase is set for Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Booths are available for $60 each and vendors are asked to being a $25 gift or gift card to be given away at random drawings. This is a fantastic networking event and a way for you, as a business owner or representative, to get your name and services out to the public. Only Chamber members can reserve booths for display (the public is invited to attend free of charge), so contact us at the Chamber to find out how your affordable annual membership not only allows you to rent a booth at the Showcase but gives you advantages and opportunities all year long. Come by or call the Chamber office at 903-885-6515 for more information. A registration link is on our website, hopkinschamber.org.
Lunch and Learn
State Sen. Bob Hall and State Rep. Bryan Slaton will be in town for a Lunch and Learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15. Registration forms will soon be on our website, so be ready to sign up to learn how laws passed (and not passed) by the Texas Legislature will affect your business.
Faire on the Square
A Faire on the Square to help defray medical and travel costs for Kris Cobb is planned for 10 a.m. to 10 pm. Saturday, June 12. There will be plenty of activities for kids and adults, plus a day full of musical guests. There will also be ample opportunities to donate to the Kris Cobb fund.
