Germ Fighters at F.L. Moffett - October 23, 2009
Submitted by Claudann M. Jones

F.L. Moffett learned to be good "Germ Fighters" this week with the help of Family and Consumer Science County Agent Claudann M. Jones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, handwashing is the single most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others. Many cases of colds, flu and foodborne illness are spread by unclean hands and these diseases are responsible for billions of dollars each year in health care expenditures and productivity losses in the United States. Not to mention our own pain and suffering with these illnesses. Worldwide, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of illness and death and the third leading cause of death in the United States. Good hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of spreading germs. Some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like tables, doorknobs and telephones. These disease-causing germs can enter your body when your unwashed hands touch your nose, mouth, eyes, or open wounds. Simple handwashing with soap and water is the solution to everyone becoming "Germ Fighters." For more information about good hand hygiene or to schedule programs in your schools, please contact the Shelby County Extension Service at 598-7744 email Claudann M. Jones at cmjones@ag.tamu.edu.

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Texas AgriLife Extension Mission: To provide quality, relevant, outreach and continuing education programs and services to the people of Texas.

Center MS Cheerleaders Place 1st and 2nd in Competition - October 9, 2009
Submitted by LeeAnn McGraw

Center Middle School cheerleaders recently received awards for their competition level routines. We are proud to announce that they received 1st place at the East Texas Poultry Festival Cheer Competition in the 3A & above Junior High Division. They also received 2nd Place at the Pineywoods Cheer & Dance Competition in the 3A & above Junior High Division. Way to go CMS cheer!!!!

CHS Spirit Teams Place 1st and 4th at Pineywoods Fair - October 8, 2009
Submitted by Kathy Sawyer

The Chaparrals and Cheerleaders went to the Pineywoods Fair last night, October 7th, for competition and did a great job! The Chaps received 1st place medals in the Varsity Dance Division and the Cheerleaders received 4th place medals in the Varsity Cheer Division. We are so very proud of them!