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Around Town
Stephen Ewing
December 10, 2024 — The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department gathered twice this past week to celebrate the service and dedication of its members and to elect officers for the coming year. These events highlighted the critical role the department plays in the community and honored the commitment of its volunteers.
Brock Pugh
Awards Banquet
The annual awards banquet, held on December 7th at Station 2, brought firefighters and their families together for an evening of recognition and camaraderie. Firefighter James Walker prepared smoked ribeye steaks, which were enjoyed by all in attendance.
From left: Jim Strong honored for 45 Years of Service by Jeremy Boyett
Several members were honored for their service milestones and contributions:
• Most Calls Made: Mike Parker
• 10 Years of Service: Michael Bates
• 30 Years of Service: Jessie Griffith
• 45 Years of Service: Jim Strong
• Firefighter of the Year: Mike Parker
The banquet served as a moment to reflect on the dedication of the department’s volunteers while enjoying time together as a team.
From left: Jeremy Boyett recognizes Mike Parker for the Most Calls Made
From left: Stephen Ewing honors Mike Parker with Firefighter of the Year
2025 Officer Elections
On December 9th, the department convened at the Central Fire Station for the annual officer elections. The following individuals were chosen to lead the department into 2025:
• Fire Chief: Jeremy Boyett
• First Assistant Chief: Stephen Ewing
• Second Assistant Chief: Michael Bates
• Secretary/Treasurer: Julie Bates
• Training Officer: Stephen Ewing
• Traffic Officer: Tommy Boyett
• Fire Marshal: Jeremy Boyett
• Assistant Fire Marshal: James Walker
• Chaplain: Steve Cockrell
• Safety Officer: Steve Cockrell
• Reporter: Rusty Wilson
• Maintenance Officer: Michael Parker
These elections ensure the department remains well-organized and prepared to serve the community effectively in the year ahead.
The week’s events were a testament to the dedication of the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department and its commitment to protecting and serving the community. As the new year approaches, the department looks forward to continuing its vital work with strong leadership and unwavering support from its members and the community.
December 9, 2024 - Kimberly Ratcliff recently retired from working for the Texas Department of Public Safety in Center after 20 years of service, as well as dispatcher with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department for almost 31 years. A party in her honor was held on November 25, 2024 at the John D. Windham Civic Center in Center.
As seen by anyone attending the gathering, Ratcliff has connections to all agencies inside Shelby County and many from outside the area, which was evident by all of those who were able to attend the event.
Many from the community stopped by to wish Ratcliff, and her family, well and congratulations on her retirement.
December 8, 2024 (Festival Photo Album) - Regardless of rainy weather, a large crowd gathered for the Joaquin Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 7th to enjoy the parade, photos with Santa, car show, lots of vendors, treasure hunt, cake walk, and much much more.
The Car Show results were:
1970 and Earlier Cars
1st place - Belinda Whitaker (1955 Ford T Bird)
2nd place - Alan McDaniel (1966 Ford)
1970 and Earlier Trucks
1st place - Jay Cockrell (1959 Ford)
2nd place - Brooke Whitaker (1966 Chevy)
1971-1989 Cars
1st place - Amy Stephens (1978 Volkswagen Bug)
1971-1989 Trucks
1st place - Mylon Stephens (1983 Ford F100)
2nd place - Jonathan Creech (1984 Ford F150)
1990-2005 Trucks
1st place - Steve Burnett 1996 (Ford F150)
2006-Present Cars
1st place - Scott Williams (2007 Corvette ZO6)
2nd place - Joe West (2015 Corvette
2006-Present Trucks
1st place - Steve Burnett (1996 Ford F150)
Hot rods
Jonas Burnett (1953 Chevy)
Judges Choice
Jason Pitts (1955 Chevy Bel Air)
Fan Favorite
Melvin Anderson (1950 Chevy)
Most Original
Mylon Stephens (1983 Ford F100)
Joaquin Christmas Pagent Results by Age Division: (Updated)
Age Group 0-1
Winner - Addi Jergins
Age Group 2-4
Winner - Mila Spurlock
Age Group 5-7
Winner - Vivian Gay
Age Group 8-10
Winner - Whitlee Strawther
Winner - Lillian Whitton
Joaquin will face off against Ganado in the State Semi-Finals on Thursday, December 12 at 7pm Woodforest Bank Stadium Shenandoah, TX.
December 7, 2024 - (Photo Album) - Many attended the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Santa’s Christmas Parade “A North Pole Fantasy” held Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Although the Center Roughrider Band was missed due to inclement weather, the parade was comprised of 23 fun floats that entertained the masses with some featuring fake snow and bubbles adding to their fantasy theme.
Results of the parade are eagerly anticipated to be released on Monday, December 9, 2024. Be sure to check back on Shelby County Today often for updates.
December 7, 2024 - The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Passionate Portraits Photography during a ribbon cutting event held Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Paul Smith, Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce President, introduced the owner of Passionate Portraits Photography, Cara Breaux, and spoke some about her business.
“As far as I know this is the only studio Timpson’s ever had and we're very proud to have her and we hope all the Timpson will come out and surrounding areas and support her and as far as the owners of Tie and Timber and Lodge. We're very proud to have her here. She'll be very helpful to do photos during weddings, events and stuff and she will even help us coordinate a lot of weddings and stuff. So Cara we’re very proud to have you here and we're looking forward to a great time here in Timpson, Texas.
Breaux specializes in all things family, maternity, newborn, children, seniors, and couture and she offered some background about her years of photography experience and about her portfolio.
“I’ve been doing photography for over 11 years now. I specialize in family, couture, maternity, newborns, and children of all ages. I've been published over 300 times, made the front cover and back cover of magazines. I want to say at least 10 times, if not more. I have a client closet of couture gowns, maternity gowns, newborn outfits, first cake smashes, all the above. I do outdoors, as well as the studio, but my love is definitely leaning towards the studio even more. But I'm proud to be here.”
Appointments can be made by calling Breaux and she will meet her clients at the studio location for a consultation.
Mayor Debra Smith stated, “The city’s super excited. I think this is going to be a great asset to our community, having not only the Tie and Timber Lodge when we get fully open, but having Miss Cara and all of her beautiful gowns and outfits for the families to make lasting memories.”
Passionate Portraits Photography is located at 397 Jacob Street, Unit 1, and Cara Breaux can be reached by calling 847-505-9126 to make an appointment and you can also look up Passionate Portraits Photography on Facebook.
Passionate Portraits Photography has a variety of backdrops to choose from, as well as available clothing for photo shoots.
Things at the Tie and Timber Lodge, where Passionate Portraits Photography is located, continue to develop and show promise of an exciting venue and hotel in Shelby County.
December 6, 2024 - The Center Woman’s Reading Club’s December meeting included a program on the value of letter writing along with presentations by local groups who give books to children for Christmas.
Alease Copelin, club president had the podium for the Thursday, December 5th meeting with a focus on reading and writing. She shared ‘good writers make good readers and good readers make good writers.’ She spoke about the book The Art of Correspondence: A Letter is Practically a Gift which is part of an 11 book series by the editors of Victoria, a women’s lifestyle magazine.
Copelin spoke about the disappearing art of letter writing which is terrible to see happen. She described her love of letter writing and the special gift it is to convey one’s thoughts and emotions in one’s own handwriting. The hand written letter can connect with other senses including smells absorbed by the paper or texture of the parchment felt as the recipient holds and reads. Emails and text messages can’t convey the same all inclusive experience plus they easily get lost under the daily arrival of junk and spam messages. Written letters can be kept and cherished for years as well as passed on to future generations.
Tools used with letter writing be bring a unique element. Displayed are wax seals, different pens, embossed seals, custom stickers, etc.
Fannie Watson, a club member shared a special hand written letter with the group. The letter was written by Mrs. Watson in the late 70s and had just been given back to her by a former student. She read the letter which was an encouragement to her student who today is a teacher.
Copelin encouraged everyone to write a letter and gift it to someone.
A special aspect of the meeting was appropriate for the season as club members who are great supporters of literacy collected books to donate to two groups who gift children with books - FL Moffett‘s Cookies and Cocoa and Center PD Operation Blue Santa.
From left to right: J.J. Ford (Blue Santa), Johanna Ruiz-Siso (F.L. Moffett), Amy Lindley (Blue Santa), and Amanda Rodney (F.L. Moffett)
From F.L. Moffett, teachers Johanna Ruiz-Siso and Amanda Rodney spoke about the upcoming December 14th Cookies and Cocoa event at Portacool Park from 9:30am until 11am. This is the schools 4th year to host the event which has been very well received and attended. Kids not only get to enjoy the event activities such as basketball, bouncy house, hot cocoa bar with sweet treats; but they get books to take home. The event is open to children of all ages and from any of the schools.
Next, Amy Lindley with the Operation Blue Santa team spoke. She shared the group helped around 370 kids with Christmas gifts in 2023. This year, Toys for Tots has partnered with Operation Blue Santa which will allow the team to expand their efforts to include other wish list items like clothing. The Toys for Tots donation boxes seen around town go to Operation Blue Santa and the toys stay in Shelby County. It makes it easier than ever for people to donate toys this Christmas. A big fundraiser coming up is the 10th Annual Cookies and Cocoa with Santa on Saturday, December 14 from 2pm until 4pm at the Center Community House. The event also includes a Coat Donation Drive. Blue Santa is accepting new Coats/Jackets of all sizes with tags.
December 3, 2024 (Photo Album) - The downtown historic square in Center was full of Christmas cheer as a large crowd gathered for the first Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Opening the celebration was Chris Watlington, “Welcome to a first, there is no way of knowing how we’re supposed to do this because we’ve never done it before. But that Christmas tree has been several years in the works with a lot of folks working hard - it’s beautiful.” Watlington gave recognition to the Christmas Committee made up of community volunteers and special recognition to Doug Gay, the Committee Chairman. Their hard work made the downtown Tree Lighting ceremony happen along with additional decorations being added to the downtown square.
An invocation was brought by Malcolm Monroe, Pastor at First Methodist Church in Center. He gave thanks for the gift of the magnificant tree, thanks for the community who has come together for the celebration, and thanks for God's gift this Christmas season - the birth of Jesus.
Abundant Love Youth Choir
Music was then performed by Danny Paul Windham and a couple of the Packs of Strays (Sally Windham and Reese Monroe). Next to bring Christmas music to the tree lighting was the Abundant Love Youth Choir.
At 6pm, it was time for the grand event - the tree lighting and special guest Silver Bell Motley had the honor of pushing the button and lighting the tree after Santa did a countdown from 10.
Silver Bell Motley pressed the button to light the tree!
Sponsors who helped to make the tree lighting possible:
- Santa Sponsor - Farmers State Bank
- Jingle Bell Sponsors - HOPE Community Medicine; Shelby Savings Bank; Tomlin Insurance; Windham Family Dental; Candy Cane Sponsors; Center First UPC; General Shelters of Texas; Hallmark Fixtures Operation; HR Group; Shelby County Chamber of Commerce; and Specter, Inc.
- Bright Star Sponsor - Brock’s Rocks
- Nutcracker Sponsors - Bounds Insurance; Focused Care of Center; Center Glass (2 Sponsorships); Chadwick Family; Elliott & Waldron/Shelby County Title; Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith, LLP; Focused Care of Center; Gatherings; Granny B’s Sno Cone; Ihlo Sales & Import; Island Breeze Daiquiris; JBA Financial Services; Johnstone Brokerage; Mettauer Law Firm; Morrison Insurance; Scull Timber; Tammy Steptoe Realty; Three Birds Photography; Toledo Finance; Town & Country Real Estate; Watlington, Shires & Pierce; and Wolfpack Industries
- Elf Sponsors - Action Team Realtors/Laura Rowe; Bites & Brew; Blake Furniture; Mr. and Mrs. James Camp; Chambliss Real Estate (2 Sponsorships); Law Office of April Prince; Lush Nail Spa; Masterson Insurance; Primp Salon; Sandy Cox – State Farm Insurance; Shelby County Farm Bureau – David Hailey; Susan Snider; and Timberwolf Lake Works
December 2, 2024 - Santa’s Christmas Parade, presented by the HR Group, will be held on Saturday, December 7th beginning at 6pm. The theme for this year’s parade is “A North Pole Fantasy.”
Categories for the 2024 Parade will include: Individuals, Schools, Businesses, Churches and Civic Organizations. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three places in each category. The Float Competition Sponsor is the City of Center. The Sponsor for the Grand Marshal is Dazzle Me Pink and Blue. Silver Sponsors are Farmers State Bank, Holiday Nursing and Rehabilitation and Specter, Inc.
The Taste of the Holidays, sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Thursday, December 5th at the Windham Civic Center from 4:30-7:30pm. There will be delicious food samplings available.
For more information contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.
November 21, 2024 - The staff of the Fannie Brown Booth Library have been busy boxing books with the help of the JCCs and volunteers. Between 350 and 400 boxes of books have been moved to storage. We moved shelves and furniture out of the library into the Redditt room with the help of the JCCs and volunteers. We had a young man come and take apart the counter. He also helped disassemble the double wide shelves and move them into the Redditt Room. The carpet installers have prepped the floor and installed the carpet. The next step will be the installation of new lighting.
Parade float entry registration free. Deadline to enter Dec. 20th.
November 14, 2024 - Plans are underway for the 2024 Santa’s Christmas Parade which will be held on Saturday, December 7th beginning at 6:00pm. The Parade is presented by High Roller Wells. The theme for this year’s parade is “A North Pole Fantasy.” Silver Sponsors are Farmers State Bank, Holiday Nursing and Rehabilitation and Specter, Inc.
Categories for the 2024 Parade will include: Individuals, Schools, Businesses, Churches and Civic Organizations. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three places in each category. The Float Competition Sponsor is the City of Center. The Sponsor for the Grand Marshal is Dazzle Me Pink and Blue. This year’s Grand Marshal will be J.J. Ford, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Parade float entry registration is free and completed applications must be returned to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office by Monday, November 20th.
It is summer and it is hot, but it is never too early to start planning your float. Decorate your pick up truck, golf cart, horse and buggy etc. Join in the holiday festivities and have fun!
The Taste of the Holidays, sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Thursday, December 5th at the Windham Civic Center from 4:30-7:30pm. There will be delicious food samplings available.
For more information contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.
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