January 11, 2019 - Newbern Lodge No. 97 of Arcadia, TX presented the Community Builder Award to Barbara Scates on January 5, 2019. Charlie O’Brian Brittain, Worshipful Master, led the evening’s event. Following a prayer and pledges to the American and Texas flags, Barbara Scates was presented the award. This prestigious award was established by the Grand Lodge of Texas so that lodges can formally recognize outstanding non-Masons who have distinguished themselves through their service to the community, local and state governments, places of worship, or to humanity at large. Community Builders are often found in service clubs, public school systems, religious activities, and all kinds of volunteer work. They are everywhere you look but often go unseen. According to Brittain, Mrs. Scates was given this award in recognition of distinguished service and personal contributions to the community and for her years of work at Excelsior School.
Barbara is married to Jerry Scates and they have three children, Angie Simmons, Michael Scates and Lloyd Scates. She is a CASA volunteer, an Ambassador with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Shelby County Historical Society, a member of the Excelsior PTO, secretary/treasurer of the newly formed organization, Excelsior School Alumni and numerous other school and community projects. Being a parent and a grandparent is her most treasured profession. She finds time on occasion to spend a day on the lake fishing with her husband and usually a grandchild or two, but most days are spent lending a helping hand to others.
Mrs. Scates thanked the lodge for honoring her with this award. She questions why she was chosen for this recognition and related to the crowd, “I am a giver, I like to see things happen and most importantly, I like to make things happen. It’s just who I am.”
She also thanked the members of the Newbern lodge for their part in serving the community. She expressed her appreciation to the ladies of the Eastern Star for the food served to her and her family members on this occasion.
Congratulations Barbara Scates!
