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Around Town
February 27, 2020 - The First United Methodist Church of Center announces the winners of their second annual Soup and Chili Cook-off competition held Sunday, February 23 with proceeds benefiting the First UMC Missions Committee annual projects. The First UMC Missions Committee members extend their appreciation and gratitude to the participants entering the cook-off competition, to the Silent Auction donors for their prizes and to the congregation and community for supporting their fundraiser.
Becky Parfait (middle), First UMC Cookoff Coordinator presents
First Place Soup Category awards to
Team Soup Siblings - Harrison Lee and Victoria Lee
First Place People’s Choice awards were presented in the Soup, Chili and Gumbo categories and for the Best Decorated Table Space. The Soup, Chili and Gumbo winners received a plaque and handmade cutting boards; the Best Decorated Table Space winner received a plaque along with a condiment bowl set and spoons.
- Soup Category: Team Soup Siblings - Victoria Lee and Harrison Lee
- Chili Category: Team Not Wolf Brand Chili - Joe Bill Mettauer, Bill Holt and Steve Tinkle
- Gumbo Category: Ruby Everitt
- Best Decorated Table Space: Team Not Wolf Brand Chili - Donna Holt
Becky Parfait (middle), First UMC Cookoff Coordinator presents
First Place Chili Category awards to Team Not Wolf Brand Chili
Joe Bill Mettauer (left), Bill Hold (right) and Steve Tinkle (not pictured)
Becky Parfait (right), First UMC Cookoff Coordinator presents
First Place Gumbo Category awards to Ruby Everitt
Donna Holt (left) representing Team Not Wolf Brand Chili receives First Place awards for
Best Decorated Table Space from Becky Parfait, First UMC Cookoff Coordinator
The following are the Silent Auction prizes, donors and winners:
- $50 Gift Certificate to Vintage Junkie donated by Susan Gaddy: Meg Camp
- Fiona Large Crossbody Fossil Purse donated by Anonymous: Monica Dance
- Bird of Paradise Candle donated Anonymous: Ruby Everitt
- Painting by Wanda Samford donated by Jerry Samford: Janelle Gibson
- Yankee Candle and Raining Love Water Fountain donated by Anonymous: Janelle Gibson
- Blanket, Pillow and Candy donated by Dazzle Me Pink and Blue: Karen Jones
- Perch Trap donated by Charlie's Perch Traps: Bob Lacher
- Diaper Bag donated by Dazzle Me Pink and Blue: Terri Lacher
- "Nearly Fall" 16 x 20 Painting donated by Terri Lacher: Melissa Lee
- Six Sessions Personalized Private Yoga donated by Polly Montemayor: Becky Parfait
- Deer Feeder donated by Jay Teske: Becky Parfait
- Homemade Sweet Treat Surprise donated by Tommye Hall McDonald: Becky Parfait
- "Jesus is Lord" yard signs (3) donated by Anonymous: Becky Parfait
- Haircut, Blow-dry and Style donated by Jennifer Youngblood/Primp Shop: Tresa Pearce
- "Cayman Sunrise" Painting donated by Johnny Montemayor: Rob Payne
- Movie Night Basket donated by Anonymous: Rob Payne
- thesak Leather Purse donated by Anonymous: Tresa Pearce
- "Michael's Lakeside" Painting donated by Johnny Montemayor: Stephen Shires
- "Austin Evening" 18 x 24 Watercolor Painting donated by Johnny Montemayor: Mary Lynn Tinkle
- 18 x 24 Watercolor Painting donated by Johnny Montemayor: Mary Lynn Tinkle
For more information about First United Methodist Church, please contact Rev. Karen Jones at (936) 598-2707 or visit www.fumccentertx.org.
The Annexation of Texas to the Union, painting by Donald M. Yena.
February 19, 2020 - When Texans rose in armed revolt against Mexico, they did so with the sympathy and support of the people, if not the government of the United States. Texans were kinfolk; and the people of the nation east of the Sabine River sent them men, money and munitions. The Twin Sisters which constituted Sam Houston’s artillery at the battle of San Jacinto were a gift of the ladies of Cincinnati; the New Orleans Grays mingled their blood with that of the colonists in the slaughters of San Jacinto and Goliad. The government itself was not unfriendly on the unofficial side.
Had not John Quincy Adams done his best to buy Texas? Wasn’t the one move nearest and dearest to the heart of Andrew Jackson the acquisition of Texas?
As a consequence of these things, Texans naturally supposed that they would be welcomed into the Union of States, and the Constitutional Convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos adopted a resolution, to be later submitted too the people calling for annexation. This resolution was submitted to the people in November 1836 and it carried by a large margin.
In the meantime, the cause of Texas suffered. When the victory at San Jacinto was announced in the United States, there was a great cry for immediate recognition of the new republic. Congress was inundated by the appeals. Finally, to still the popular clamor, Henry Clay brought to the Senate from the Foreign Relations Committee a namby-pamby resolution to recognize Texas when and if it was determined that Texas had achieved a de facto government; in other words, if Texas could maintain herself independent, the United States would, at its’ leisure, investigate this status and if Texas was found to be independent, then recognition would be granted.
The South was hot for recognition and annexation; the North and East opposed. Recognition, when it came, was a political trick. In the final session of Congress, during a late night session, with many absent, the Senate passed a resolution for recognition; and in the House an amendment was offered to an appropriation bill to cover the expenses of a representative to the Republic of Texas. In the face of such an attitude, there is small wonder that Texas withdrew its offer.
In 1842, Sam Houston was inaugurated for his second term as president of the Republic. In his inaugural address, he extolled England and warned Texans not to expect help from the United States. He was however, beginning a series of diplomatic negotiations based on a foreign policy which was to be, as he wrote to his Secretary of State, Anson Jones, “as sharp-sighted as lynxes and as wary as foxes.” It was. Houston played both ends against the middle. Either Texas was to become a part of the United States, or it would have sufficient support from abroad to stand alone. He was not even frank with his old friend and patron, Andrew Jackson. Indeed, he played Jackson’s known hatred for England to the utmost. This roused Andrew Jackson and the South to the danger of an English foothold in the Southwest.
Meanwhile, John Tyler had become president. He was, for all practical purposes, a president without a party – he had angered his own party and was without support of the other. With nothing to lose, he came out strong for the annexation of Texas; apparently it was a personal desire to accomplish something brilliant for his country and win himself a place in history. This encouraged the Texans. Tyler continued to negotiate, and in 1844, a treaty of annexation was secretly signed. Texas was to come into the Union as a territory. As soon as the existence of the treaty was suspected, the United States was in an uproar. Being an election year, the smart politicians of the Senate smelled danger. The country was doing well, and in the long run, it gained by the rejection. But rejection threw Texas squarely in the middle of the presidential campaign. Texas was the burning question of the campaign and at the Democratic Convention the party split over the issue. In the end, Jackson’s influence carried the day. He devoted all his energies to writing letters in support of Polk and Texas.
Polk was elected by a narrow margin, and before he was inaugurated, Congress passed a resolution for the annexation of Texas. It was signed, as was fitting, by John Tyler on February 27, 1845. The Republic entered the United States as a full-fledged state; it retained title to its public lands; it retained the right to divide itself into five states if it wished. On December 29, 1845, the Congress formally voted to admit Texas into the Union and on February 19, 1846, President Anson Jones lowered the lone star flag at the capitol in Austin and muttered these words, “The Republic of Texas is no more.”
February 19, 2020 – The University of Texas at Tyler announced today that 614 University students and 86 pharmacy students were named to the fall 2019 Dean’s List.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must have completed 12 or more semester hours of undergraduate college-level credit in the awarding semester with a grade point average of at least 3.75. To be considered for this recognition, a student must qualify as a matriculated student pursuing a first bachelor’s degree. This recognition is made in fall and spring semesters.
To qualify for the Dean's List in the Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, a student must have completed six or more credit hours in the awarding semester with a grade point average of at least 3.75.
Local students on the President’s Honor Roll by hometown are:
- Center – Jacob Mitchell (2015 graduate of Center ISD)
- Joaquin – Addison McDaniel (2018 graduate of Joaquin ISD)
- Timpson – Chelsea Cooper
A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered to nearly 10,000 students. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News and World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.
To see the complete list of the fall 2019 President’s Honor Roll, click here.
February 19, 2020 – The University of Texas at Tyler announced today that 721 students were named to the fall 2019 President’s Honor Roll.
To qualify for the President’s Honor Roll, a student must have completed, in one semester, 12 or more semester hours of undergraduate college-level credit with an “A” in all courses. To be considered for this recognition, a student must qualify as a matriculated student pursuing a first bachelor’s degree. This recognition is made in fall and spring semesters.
Local students on the President’s Honor Roll by hometown are:
- Center – Madeline Myers (2017 graduate of Center ISD)
- Shelbyville – Kamaryn Smith (2017 graduate of Shelbyville ISD)
A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered to nearly 10,000 students. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News and World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.
To see the complete list of the fall 2019 President’s Honor Roll, click here.
February 18, 2020 – Dr. Ilyas Khan, Cardiologist with The Heart Institute of East Texas presented the Heart Health program at the Women on the Go Club meeting hosted by AgriLife Extension on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 concerning the risk factors on heart disease and other issues associated with cardiovascular disease. Dr. Khan specializes in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine and Echocardiography.
Feleshia Thompson, County Extension Agent-Family and Community Health, welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health and Fitness Fair Committee for sponsoring the meal. Thompson introduced Sharon Ford, Marketing Specialist with The Heart Institute of East Texas who in turn gave the introduction for Dr. Khan and his background. Ford thanked everyone for having her and Dr. Khan at the club meeting and she explained how the amazing group of doctors with The Heath Institute of East Texas gives educational talks in communities throughout East Texas.
“Thank you for having us here,” said Dr. Khan. “As Sharon pointed out, this month, February is heart month, which gives us an opportunity to go out into the community to try to create awareness about heart disease and how we can invest in healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease.” Dr. Khan continued, “The Heart Institute of East Texas is affiliated with the Baylor College of Medicine and their main office is based in Lufkin with satellite offices all over East Texas.” Their offices are located in Center, Crockett, Hemphill, Jasper, Livingston, San Augustine, Trinity and Woodville.
According to medical research, Dr. Khan shared how heart disease is the leading cause of death not just in Texas or nationally, but also around the world. During the presentation, Dr. Khan provided a slideshow providing data on how a healthy heart operates in the body, describing the chambers of the heart along with explanations how the coronary arteries work in providing the proper blood flow in and out of the heart.
During his presentation, Dr. Khan identified the root cause of heart disease being plaque formation and buildup that occurs when coronary arteries become clogged by cholesterol, fatty deposits, and calcium. Buildup causes arteries to become narrow, making it difficult for oxygen and blood to flow through the body and to the organs. He further explained people who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoke cigarettes are at higher risk. Dr. Khan explained in-depth each of the following factors contributing to the progression and associated with people at risk for developing heart disease including:
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Having a family history of heart disease
- Age, especially in women 55 and older
At the end of Dr. Khan’s informative presentation about how heart disease develops and what preventative measures can be taken to stay health conscious including diet and exercise, he said as referring to an American Heart Association slide, “The key is starting with simple steps because a healthy heart means a healthy you. Do whatever it takes to adapt to healthier lifestyles.” Dr. Kahn continued, “Following a heart healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated, it doesn’t mean you have to live a life of self-deprivation, instead you need to find ways to incorporate healthy habits into your lifestyle. The key thing is making little steps and having a dialogue with your health care providers.”
In addition, Dr. Khan reiterated the availability of their physicians and offices for The Heart Institute of East Texas and their mission “to provide a full continuum of high quality, cost effective heart and vascular services, and be committed to serving the well-being to the residents of Deep East Texas.”
Links for additional information regarding heart disease and prevention:
- The Heart Institute of East Texas - https://www.hiet.com/
- American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/
About AgriLife Women on the Go Club
The focus of this, hands-on club is about learning tips and shortcuts to be more productive and successful in balancing home, family and work through a healthy lifestyle. While the focus of the club is geared toward women, it is open to men who also want to participate.
February 18, 2020 - Pine Grove held their annual cookie contest and Valentine celebration. Mr. Jessie Sims was crowned King and Mrs. Marguerite Kuykendall was crowned Queen.
Winners of the cookie contest were 1st Place Ashley Balkom, 2nd Place Laura Casey, and 3rd Place Kay Desoto.
Thank you to all the family members and friends who made this day special for our residents.
From left: Dr. Derek Grant and wife Ann Grant, stand with Anna Register who is the handler of Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center's new facility dog, Yowser.
February 18, 2020 – The Rotary Club of Center recently welcomed Denise Merriman, Executive Director; Anna Register, Forensic Interviewer; and Yowser of the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center (SCCAC) to their luncheon meeting held at the John D. Windham Civic Center. During his introduction, Rotarian Dr. Keith Miller recognized Merriman, Register and the entire SCCAC staff for their tireless dedication and service to our community.
Merriman opened the presentation with an overview of the SCCAC giving the mission, purpose and goals of the organization. Then, Register introduced Yowser, the SCCAC’s facility dog, to the club and explained the application process with Canine Companions for Independence® and his role with the organization. Register stated how she researched the benefits of having a facility dog at their center (SCCAC) interacting with the children and after completing the application, the whole process took about a year from applying to actually being accepted to having the dog.
“Canine Companions for Independence® is a nonprofit organization and we got the dog totally free from them,” said Merriman. “Everything was free up to Anna being able to stay in an urban area for two weeks to be trained to be the dog’s facilitator.”
According to Register, her position with SCCAC is conducting interviews with the children ranging in ages 3 to 18. “Yowser is a trained [facility] dog to interact with the kids at the Advocacy Center,” said Register, “so he comes into interviews with us when we talk to the kids. The kids are allowed to pet him and take their mind off of everything for a little bit on what we are talking about. We’ve had huge luck with him (Yowser) so far and all the kids have loved him.”
Merriman also expressed her gratitude to Dr. Derek and Ann Grant for being supporters of the SCCAC and providing care and covering expenses through their donations for Yowser.
Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center, Inc. is here for our community. (http://www.shelbycountycac.com/)
The Mission of the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center is to promote emotional and physical healing of child abuse victims by uniting the efforts of public agencies and enlisting community support to optimize the prevention, detection, assessment, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse cases. The Advocacy Center is located at 131 Tenaha Street in Center, TX. It is one of the 65 other members of CACTX. Funding comes from grants, fund raising efforts, and donations by individuals, businesses, and area churches. The Center serves children in Shelby County that are victims of crimes and/or neglect. For more information about how to donate or volunteer contact the Center at 936-590-9864 or at P.O. Box 2072, Center, Texas 75935.
Canine Companions for Independence®: Who We Are (https://www.cci.org/)
Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence® is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. The assistance dogs we breed, raise and train aren’t just the ears, hands and legs of their human partners. They’re also goodwill ambassadors and often, their best friends. They open up new opportunities and new possibilities and spread incredible joy. We unite people with dogs in a powerful program that leads to greater independence and confidence.
February 17, 2020 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society held their February monthly meeting this past Saturday. The Workshop presented by Billie Jones was "How to Photograph Winter" and Jan Carter did a presentation on "Editing Techniques with Photoshop."
The February Challenge "Red Hot" featured photographs with the color red as the main focal point. The photographs were submitted for favorites vote and critique to help us become better photographers. The February Challenge Favorites are listed below, to view all the photographs submitted by members check out our flickr page, https://www.flickr.com/groups/pineywoodsphotographic/.
For more information on the Piney Woods Photographic Society, like our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/PineyWoodsPhoto. PWPS is a close knit club with a variety of skill levels available. Visitors are invited to join us the third Saturday of each month in Center, TX at the First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter St.
February Challenge "Red Hot"
First Place: Bobbie Jean Wood's "Ambasadeur"
Second Place: Summer Koltonski's "Open Up"
Third Place (Tie): Jan Carter's "Mr. Red"
Third Place (Tie): Melvin Henson's "Fire Hydrant"
Third Place Tie: Donna Holt's "Streaming Hearts"
February 15, 2020 - The Shop in Tenaha celebrated with a grand opening ceremony held Saturday, February 15, 2020.
Community members, city representatives as well as family and friends joined Cliff Lloyd, owner, in the celebration at the venue’s location of 289 Martin Luther King Drive.
Lloyd says The Shop is an event venue where anyone can gather for a good time, watch sporting events on TV, play pool, and listen to music on the Touchtunes jukebox.
Rev. Joseph Hall, Sr. gave a prayer for the venue during the opening ceremony.
"I'm really happy for Cliff, I think it's going to be nice for the neighborhood," said Mayor Michael Baker. "He put a lot of work into this."
The venue is conveniently located just off U.S. Highway 59 in Tenaha. Anyone seeking to utilize the location can contact Cliff Lloyd by email at theshoptenahatx@gmail.com
February 14, 2020 - (Album) - Focused Care of Center nursing facility held a Valentines Day celebration on Thursday, February 13, 2020 for residents.
Guests and residents were treated to a meal and music performed by 310. During the event Tina Hutto, Activities Director, announced Valentines Day King and Queen. 2020 Valentines Day Queen is Margaret Fuller and 2020 Valentines Day King is Thomas Murphy.
Each one was crowned and presented a sash designating their title.
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