Extension Service Offers Great Opportunities      

 

 

Your Hopkins County Office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service is serving up plentiful opportunities for involvement in the community and information to improve your life.  September offers a wide variety of ways to be involved in the community: 1) Texas Extension Education Association - The North Hopkins Extension Club will meet Thursday, September 9, at 1:00 p.m. at the Extension Office for their 1st meeting after taking a summer break.  They will be discussing the state meeting and Fall Festival involvement.  Of course, great refreshments will be served.  This group of ladies knows how to cook!  Guests are welcome to attend and learn more about this organization.  Membership for the 2011 year will soon be underway. 2) Hopkins County Fall Festival - Starting on September 11 and going through September 18, this fair will celebrate 41 years in Hopkins County.  The Livestock Show, Parade , Trades Day, Pet Show, 42 Tournament, and Gospel Songfest will kick off a whole week of activities.  Catalogs for the Fall Festival can be picked up at several locations, including our office. 3) "Pack a Safe and Healthy School Lunch" - I will be presenting this program at the Early Childhood Learning Center, Wednesday, September 15, at 11:00 in the Parent Center.  Come learn the tricks for keeping foods safe for your child. 4)  Household Arts Contest registration - Entries may be brought to the Extension Office Monday thru Friday, before September 16 for early registration.  Regular registration will take place Thursday, September 16, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. and Friday, September 17, 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center.  For entry categories, go to www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com and click on the Arts & Crafts tab. 

 

 

 

 

 

You may also pick up information at our office. 5) Volunteers needed - the annual Fall Festival Household Arts Contest takes a lot of volunteers.  If you are available to assist on Friday, September 17 anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or Saturday, September 18, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., contact my office - 903-885-3443.  The tasks are not difficult, but it takes everyone to get the job done. 6) Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show - This is one of the major attractions for the Fall Festival every year.  Come visit the High School cafeteria and grounds in front of the high school gym for one-of-a-kind gifts, hand-made by artisans from all across Texas, and even other states.  This is a great opportunity for a little early Christmas shopping.  Hours are Friday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7) Main Street Farmers' Market  Extension Extravaganza - be sure to visit the AgriLife Extension exhibits on Saturday, September 25, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for information pertaining to Family & Consumer Sciences, Ag & Natural Resources, and  the Hopkins County 4-H program.  Our staff will be on hand to answer questions and distribute information on the positive impact Extension has in our community. 8) After-school programs - our Extension staff will provide programs for the Middle School after-school initiative twice a month.  Contact the Middle School for a complete schedule of programs and events for the students. 9)  Terrific Tuesdays - If you would like to make an impact on someone's life, volunteer for the Terrific Tuesdays program.  This group meets at First United Methodist Church every Tuesday.  I provide a monthly craft project or music program.  Contact Joyce McDonald, 903-243-5620, for more information.  10) Volunteer Fair - Be sure to visit the Hopkins County Volunteer Fair, Thursday, September 30, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center.  This is an opportunity to match individuals up with volunteer opportunities in Hopkins County.  I will have an exhibit, along with several other agencies.  Is your hand up to serve as a volunteer?      

This is just a sampling of the many opportunities coming up in the month of September.  I hope you will be part of the flurry of activities!  Call my office if you need more information on any of these events - 903-885-3443.  

Closing Thought Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.      

 

Johanna Hicks
Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Hopkins County
Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 Phone: 903-885-3443
Fax: 903-439-4909
e-mail: jshicks@ag.tamu.edu

 

 

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