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...
Creative Arts Contest – Are You Ready? By Johanna Hicks
Every year, the Hopkins County Fall Festival features fun events for the entire family. This year’s event will begin with a ribbon cutting on Celebration Square at noon, Friday, October 19. The parade will take place on Saturday, October 20, and other events will take place throughout the week. Two of the highlights of the fair are the Arts & Crafts Show and the Creative Arts Contest. These are two totally...
School’s Back: Equip Your Child By Johanna Hicks
School’s Back! Equip Your Child With the start of school, many students are looking forward to seeing their friends, meeting their new teachers, and getting back into a daily routine. Equip your student to have a successful year. Also, teach your child to be a buddy, not a bully. Do you remember the school bully who went around teasing and threatening you or your classmates? Remember how you felt? ...
4-H Grows Here By Johanna Hicks
4-H Grows Here! Every August, registration for 4-H membership begins. The 4-H year coincides with the school year, so that makes it easy to get in from the very beginning! For families who are new to the 4-H experience, allow me to start at the beginning. What is 4-H? 4-H is a national organization which helps young people develop...
Upcoming Events By Johanna Hicks
Back-to-School and Marriage Education August is here, and your Texas A&M AgriLife Hopkins County Extension Office is buzzing with activity! Other than the Back-to-School Fair, County 4-H Achievement Banquet, “Certified Judges’ Training for Fairs, Festivals, and Events” which will all take place in August, I want to remind everyone that on August 25, the last Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop for 2018...
So Many Choices: Events and More By Johanna Hicks
So Many Choices! We make decisions every day – what to wear, what to eat, how to spend our day, whether or not to answer the phone, what to watch on TV, whom to text or call, and even things we don’t think about, like where to sit, what to read (whether in the newspaper, on your phone, on your computer, on your smart watch, etc.) We literally make hundreds of choices, if not thousands, every day. At the...
