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TOP JOBS

On Jan. 1, Texas Cooperative Extension became Texas AgriLife Extension Service. So, what does this mean?

Well, as one of my agency collaborators asked me, "Are you going to be working with cattle and farmers?" My answer to her was "No, that will be left up to my agriculture co-worker." Let me put a few things in perspective for you.

We know that every change brings on new opportunities. We may have a new agency name, but we are still here to provide quality and relevant outreach education to the residents of Smith County.

We're an educational agency that is a member of the Texas A&M System. We solve problems, lead change, build communities, engage volunteers and impact youth.

More specifically, my area as the Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences will continue to focus on helping individuals, both adults and youth, in the areas of nutrition, health and wellness. We will continue to focus on changes people can make to improve their lives.

Some of the programs that will be available in 2008 include Master Wellness Volunteer Program, Cooking Well with Diabetes, Walk Across Texas and Better Living for Texans program.

In addition to these major programs, our office provides a wealth of general information in all areas of Family and Consumer Sciences. This information could include a recipe request or information on how to remove a stain, mold or mildew from your home.

In the spring we will offer a "Salsa" making workshop followed by a "Salsa" contest for consumers to show off their prize winning salsa and hot sauce. The spring and summer seasons always brings lots of calls and requests for information regarding food preparation (aka "canning").

Our office will have some new equipment this year to continue providing the service of testing "pressure canners." So, don't forget about us when your garden is full of produce to preserve.

Another area of my job responsibility includes working with a wonderful group of ladies called Texas Extension Education Association. Their main goal is to strengthen and enrich families through educational programs, leadership development and community service.

We have six active Extension Education Clubs here in Smith County. They are always looking for new members to assist them in carrying out their mission. The Smith County Extension Education Association meets the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Cotton Belt Building, Room 116A.

As you can see, Texas AgriLife Extension Service is more than just agriculture. But, if we think about it, if we eat, wear clothes or live in a house, we are involved in agriculture. Texas AgriLife Extension Service brings practical information to individuals and families on a variety of topics. From the Family and Consumer Sciences side, those topics include raising children, eating well, managing money and staying safe and healthy for a lifetime.

To access information in the area of Family and Consumer Sciences, you may reach me at (903) 590-2980 or e-mail me at sk-lewis@tamu.edu. You are also welcome to visit our Web site at smith-tx@tamu.edu to access recent articles or seasonal recipes.

Shelia Lewis is a Smith County Extension agent in family and consumer sciences. She can be reached at sk-lewis@tamu.edu. This column on family and consumer education news appears in the Thursday Community section of the Tyler Morning Telegraph.