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Chanelle Svehla Squash vine borer is a common clearwing moth whose larvae feed inside the vines and crowns of summer squash, winter squash, and pumpkins (all members of the cucurbit family). Signs that your plants have been infested with them include yellowing of leaves and wilting.

The largest gathering of 4-H members and supporters in the country spread across the Texas A&M University campus June 6-10. More than 2,400 youth and others involved in the Texas 4-H program attended this year’s Texas 4-H Roundup held at Texas A&M University.

On a scorching hot day this summer, I sat in Sabean’s and enjoyed my favorite cool drink, Hibiscus Tea, half sweet, half unsweet. In the door came a little girl with wispy blond hair, sandals on her feet and the brightest red lipstick (which had been selfapplied) on her tiny bow mouth. Her walk/dance around the shop spoke volumes about this child. Creative, independent, curious, imaginative, proud, self-reliant, and magical were all words that popped in my head. As a pre-k teacher, I asked if she was going to prek this year. She nodded and I began thinking of all the ways I could encourage her and enjoy being her teacher. Sadly, for me, she lives in another state far away. It is not likely I will ever see her again in person; but I see her every day in my mind as I strive to nurture, not stifle a child’s imagination.

Shortly after World War I the Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers that lost sons or daughters in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military. Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star. On the last Sunday of September, Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed in the U.S. in their honor.