Weekly Column from Johanna Hicks for August 2nd, 2019: Upcoming Opportunities You Don’t want to Miss

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Upcoming Opportunities You Don’t want to Miss

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides numerous workshops, educational series, camps, one-shot programs, multi-county programs, newsletters, educational social media articles, newspaper columns, radio spots, and individual consultations.  Previously, a local media outlet would drop by the office asking if we had anything going on.  That person now asks WHAT is coming up, rather that IF anything is coming up!  We always have opportunities available for you!  Below are a couple of upcoming opportunities you will want to jot down:

“Get a Taste for Reducing Food Waste”

               Hopkins County has been selected as a pilot county for this 4-lesson series, and the dates are just around the corner!  Rather than spreading it out over a 4-week series, I will be presenting a condensed version on two dates (two lessons per day.)  The goals of the program are:

1. Participants will learn how much food they throw away at home.
2. Participants will learn how to plan and prepare meals that minimize food waste.
3. Participants will improve their ability to store foods to extend their life and quality.
4. Participants will learn how to compost uneaten/spoiled food.
5. Participants will reduce the amount of money that is lost due to food waste.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in attending, there is no charge, but I do need to know how many plan to attend in order to make adequate preparations.

• What:  Get a Taste for Reducing Food Waste series
• When:  Monday, August 12, and Thursday, August 15
• Time:  10:00 a.m.
• Where:  Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
• Call: 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat

Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show

               Vendor applications are now being taken for the 2019 Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show.  This is always one of the major attractions during the Fall Festival, and it provides a great opportunity for visitors to do some early Christmas shopping!  There are a few guidelines to remember:

The Arts & Crafts Show will take place October 25 & 26, in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria, north entry way, and outdoor covered walkway.  Set up will be Friday morning, October 25, from 7:15 to 10:00 a.m.  The show is open to the pubic from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.  This show is for handmade/hand-crafted items only.  Commercially-made items or commercial businesses will not be accepted.  If you want to be a vendor in the commercial exhibit area, contact Blake Weir, 512-740-8618.

               Here are a few other guidelines to consider:

1. You will need to provide your own tables, chairs, display equipment.
2. Electrical outlets are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please indicate on your application if you need electricity.
3. Covered outdoor spaces are available.
4. Arts & Crafts Show hours are:  Friday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  No early pack-up unless cleared with Coordinator (me).
5. Those wishing to exhibit for one day only will be assigned an outdoor space.
6. A confirmation letter, including directions to the facility, unloading and parking information will be sent to exhibitors after receipt of registration and payment.
7. Indoor space sizes are 8’ X 8’ (single space) or 16’ X 8’ (double space).  Outdoor covered spaces are larger.  Prices vary according to location of spaces (indoors or outdoors), number of spaces requested, and age.
8. The deadline to apply for a space is October 9.  Fee is required with completed application.

Contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 for details and to get an application.

Other upcoming events:

• Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop – Saturday, August 17
• Planning meeting/luncheon for Master Wellness Volunteers, Family & Community Health Committees – August 23
• Diabetes Support group – August 27
• Cooking Well for Healthy Blood Pressure – September 9, 12, 16
• Cooing Well with Diabetes – September 16, 19, 23, 26

Closing Thought

“I no longer listen to what people say – I just watch what they do.  Behavior never lies.”  Winston Churchill

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