Uniting Football Rivalry with Community Service
Football's Return and Fan Excitement
After a prolonged absence, the "Lone Star Showdown" has once again taken center stage. Cliff Henry, a member of Smith County Texas Exes, a University of Texas alumni group, expressed his eagerness by saying, "We cant wait. Like, before the season started we circled this game." The anticipation among fans is palpable, as they look forward to witnessing the clash of these two football powerhouses.This game is not just about football; it holds a special place in the hearts of the alumni groups in Smith County. As Henry further explained, "We are taking out drive, of one – being passionate about UT, but also being passionate about Tyler as a whole, our community, and especially of keeping Tyler beautiful. This is part of it." It represents a unity between their love for the university and their commitment to their hometown.The Role of PATH in the Rivalry
PATH, a nonprofit organization, has stepped in to add a unique dimension to this rivalry. The group provides a wide range of services, from a food pantry to transitional housing programs. In this instance, they are taking the rivalry off the field by seeing which fan base is able to donate more to the pantry. Kimberly Meler, the marketing director for PATH, shared her perspective, saying, "In some ways introduce a rivalry to a new generation that hasn’t participated in it, and then for some of us older folks we are getting to rekindle something we had a lot of fun with for a really long time. So I think it’s fun."The food pantry serves nearly 150 people a day, and the increased need during the holiday season makes this food drive all the more crucial. Meler emphasized the significance, stating, "For PATH’s bottom line it makes all the difference in the world. That’s money we then get to save towards our operating expenses." It shows how this rivalry can have a tangible impact on the community.Implications for the Universities and Beyond
The game being played on Saturday night holds significant implications for both the University of Texas and Texas A&M. While the food drive will only give bragging rights to the winner, Meler sees it as a "win-win" for everyone. She explained, "The game really does fall at a prime time for us. So it’s kind of a win-win. We get to have fun with the game. We get to have fun with our fellow Aggies and Longhorns, and we get to provide at a time when really people are at their most vulnerable and in need."Those looking to donate in person can do so at the PATH location on 402 West Front Street until Monday at 5 p.m. Additionally, there are five other locations accepting donations, including Cooperative Teachers Credit Union – 1424 W SW Loop 323, Sister 2 Sister Cookies – 135 Shelley Drive, both Azalea Orthopedic locations – 3414 Golden Rd & 8101 South Broadway Ave, and House of Wynne – 102 East 8th Street.This event truly showcases the power of unity and community service. It brings together football fans, alumni, and the local community in a meaningful way, making a positive impact on those in need.Protecting Consumers from Salmonella in Cucumbers
Recall Details
The "whole fresh American cucumbers" sold by SunFed Produce between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26 are now being recalled. These cucumbers were packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the 'SunFed' label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker providing the implicated grower's name, 'Agrotato, S.A. de C.V.' SunFed President Craig Slate took immediate action upon learning of the issue, working closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to determine the possible cause. The company requires all growers to strictly comply with FDA food safety requirements.
The cucumbers were shipped to various locations including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin in the US, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Ontario in Canada.
Health Risks and Precautions
Salmonella bacteria typically reside in the intestines of humans and animals. People can get sick by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain usually start 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4 to 7 days. The FDA urges people who purchased the cucumbers to throw them out immediately and clean and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product to reduce cross-contamination.
If people believe they ate the cucumbers and feel sick, they are advised to contact their healthcare providers right away and also call SunFed's "recall hotline" at (888) 542-5849.
Related Recalls
The Nov. 27 cucumber recall comes alongside an egg recall at Costco for possible salmonella contamination. It also follows a carrot recall for potential E. coli contamination involving retailers like Costco, Target, Trader Joe's, and others. This raises questions about the current prevalence of food recalls and the need for increased food safety measures.
Experts are sharing tips to help consumers stay safe during these times of frequent food recalls. It is crucial for both consumers and producers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our food supply.