Living Well/Managing Diabetes By Johanna Hicks
Approximately 12% of Hopkins County residents have been diagnosed with diabetes, while the diabetes prevalence of Texas is 10%. That’s a large percentage, but it doesn’t mean doom and gloom! Diabetes can be controlled, and with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays rapidly approaching, management of the disease is even more important. “Diabetes Forecast Magazine,” a publication from the American Diabetes Association, give some...
Understanding the Texas Cottage Food Law By Johanna Hicks
The Texas Cottage Food Law allows the sale of foods that are prepared in residential homes as long as gross sales do not exceed $50,000 annually. This type of business is not regulated by a local or state health department, which means that your kitchen will not be inspected by a health inspector unless there is concern about the public’s...
Fall Blessings By Johanna Hicks
While visiting downtown Sulphur Springs recently, I noticed all the beautiful fall decorations in store windows. With the cooler temperatures upon us, fall in definitely in the air! Stepping inside one of my favorite shops, I admired the beautifully embroidered aprons, bags, and hand towels, donning gold, orange, green, tan and brown...
Watch Out for Spooks on the Road By Johanna Hicks
I’ve never been a big fan of Halloween because it has taken on a sinister, dark, and scary nature. As a child, I enjoyed dressing up in a homemade costume and going from door-to-door with my older brother to procure those tasty treats. We never had to worry about danger lurking around the corner or mischievous acts. We just enjoyed seeing our neighbors and other kids enjoying the evening. Times have changed, but there are still...
Talent Abounds in Hopkins County By Johanna Hicks
As I write this week’s column, I’m surrounded by 4-H Project Show entries – photography, art, sewn items, baked goods, metal work, leather work, wood work, needlework, horticulture, and more. We have some very talented youth, and every October, our 4-H members have the opportunity to exhibit they handiwork as part of the National 4-H Week kick-off. The public is invited to view the entries at the Texas...
What’s for Dinner Tonight? By Johanna Hicks
Many of you may remember the very first “Dinner Tonight” program held in Hopkins County. The event took place at the Civic Center with approximately 125 attendees. The program included cooking demonstrations by Extension Family & Community Health educators, and we had a celebrity tasting panel composed of county officials and media personalities. “Dinner Tonight” was developed to provide busy families with quick,...
MyPlate Jeopardy By Johanna Hicks
MyPlate Jeopardy I grew up watching the television game show, “Jeopardy,” and marveled at the intelligence of the competitors. As I grew older, wiser, and more experienced, the mental challenge was refreshing, and my ability to answer several questions was invigorating. As an educator, I’m always looking for fresh ideas to bring educational programs to life. That made me think about the influences that inspired me to...
Extension’s “Walk Across Texas” Shows Results By Johanna Hicks
Extension’s “Walk Across Texas” Shows Results Fall is definitely a busy time of year! And what better incentive is there to acquire some physical activity than cooler weather? Most people who aren’t able to run, lift weights, or participate in strenuous activity can walk. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s program, “Walk Across Texas,” is making an impact in Hopkins County! This is an initiative to encourage...
Tailgating and Picnicking Safely this Football Season By Johanna Hicks
Texans are crazy about football. However, this is also middle school and high school cross country, volleyball, and tennis season. Sports fans are out in full force to support their favorite high school, college, and professional teams. Tailgating is often associated with football season, so don’t let your fun be spoiled by foodborne illness. Foodborne illness, with its stomach cramps, diarrhea,...
Fall is on the Way – Arts & Crafts Show, Too By Johanna Hicks
Our warm summer temperatures seem to drag on, but cooler weather is on the way! The start of football season, the appearance of fall clothing in store windows, and the abundance of fall decorations trigger a new attitude in many folks. Along with fall, many folks in Hopkins County and beyond look forward to the Hopkins County Fall Festival. Last week’s column focused on the Creative Arts Contest, and already the...
