Merry Christmas from the Extension Staff By Johanna Hicks
Christmas is a joyous time for reflecting on the birth and life of Jesus, and how we are impacted by the ultimate gift He gave us. One of my favorite family traditions is that of pulling out a collection of Christmas books, mostly children’s books. I remember growing up in Cleburne, TX, sitting on my daddy’s lap as a child, listening as he read story books to my family....
Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness By Johanna Hicks
Note: this is the 3rd in a series of “A Year in Review,” highlighting major program efforts in the area of Family & Community Health. Any parent who has had a 1st thru 4th grade child in the Sulphur Springs ISD the past 8 years has probably heard of this camp. The camp, started in 2010, was developed by the Community Health/Wellness Alliance as a way to address childhood health in Hopkins County. Relevance: ...
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education By Johanna Hicks
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education For the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting some of the major program impacts from 2018. Many people are not aware of the positive influence that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has on the health and well-being of individuals. This week, I want to focus on the diabetes education program in Hopkins...
Impaired Driving: A Deadly Danger at Thanksgiving By Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have joined forces this Thanksgiving holiday to remind drivers that whether under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol, any form of impaired driving is deadly and dangerous — and illegal. The message is clear: If You...
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...
Sonja Dawnn Forrester-Hicks-Hickey
Sonja Dawnn Forrester-Hicks-Hickey Dallas, Texas Jan. 21, 1968- Oct. 24, 2018 Sonja D. Forrester, age 50, of Dallas, died Wednesday at Baylor Hospital Dallas of complications from diabetes and an infection. Survivors include daughter Ashley Gregg of Winnsboro, TX, son Bryan Hick of Canton, TX and son Corey Hicks of Como, TX. Also her brothers Junior Cotten of Como, TX., Jamie Cotten of San Marcos, TX and Tony Forrester of...
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...
