4-H Cooks Sizzle at District 4-H Food Show and Sew up a Storm       

By: Johanna Hicks
Hopkins Co. Agri-Life Extension Agent

Hopkins County was well represented at the District 4-H Food Show, held recently at Texas A&M - Commerce.  The youth qualified for the district event by participating on the county level.  For some, this was the first year to take part in the 4-H Foods project, while others have participated for three or more years.     

In order to compete, the 4-H'ers prepared a written project form, listing their goals for the foods project, a copy of the recipe to be entered, leadership activities, community service projects pertaining to foods, project activities (workshops, field trips, etc.) and a project summary.  The next step was to actually prepare the recipe for the county and district Food Show, and take part in an interview with a panel of judges.  4-H'ers were scored on the written project form which counted for 30%, and interview and presentation, which counted for 70% of the total score.     

There were 96 entries in the district 4-H Food Show, with 4-H members from a 22 county area participating.  When the results came in, Hopkins County did very well!  If you see one of these young people, be sure to congratulate them and encourage them to keep up the good work: - Tiffany McManus: Junior Bread & Cereals, 2nd place - Earth Bread (1st year in project) - Timothy White: Junior Nutritious Snack, 3rd place - Frozen Yogurt Crunch Pops - Aleigh Bessonett: Junior Main Dish, 7th place - Mama's Lasagna - Kaitlynn George: Senior Main Dish, 5th place - Zesty Cranberry Meatballs     

Another popular project for Hopkins County 4-H members is the clothing project.  A county-wide 4-H sewing fun day was held in January, with 22 youth and adults attending.  Each participant completed a "quillow" (quilt that folds into itself to make a pillow).  They also made decorative pillows, t-shirt totes, and bandana pillows.  Through this workshop, participants learned to follow directions, prepare fabric for cutting, simple machine stitching, ironing techniques, and how to use fusible webbing.  They also learned team work as they helped each other stretch out the fabrics and shared sewing machines.     

The County 4-H Fashion Show is tentatively scheduled for March 27th.  This event includes two entry categories - consumer buying (comparison shopping with 3 different venues before making a purchase), and construction (sewing the outfit).  Through this project, 4-H members learn what to look for in quality garments, how to care for the garments, shopping strategies for either an outfit or fabrics and notions, and sewing techniques.  They also learn modeling and interview techniques.          

If you would like more information on these or other 4-H projects, contact our office at 903-885-3443.  4-H makes a difference in YOUth!  

Twogether in Texas      A free marriage education workshop is scheduled for February 27th, from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. at the Texas AgriLife Extension Hopkins County Office, 1200-B W. Houston (former Chamber of Commerce).  Engaged couples will receive a certificate for a $60 waiver upon applying for a marriage license.  Topics include: communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goal setting.  Refreshments will be provided.  This workshop is available to engaged couples, married couples, or seriously dating couples, but those planning to attend must contact our office by Wednesday, February 24 - 903-885-3443 or 903-885-3726.  Leave your name and phone number.  

Closing Thought Decide to have a good day.  "Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" - Psalms 118:24    

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