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April 3 - April 7
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Around Town
May 5, 2025 - (Photo Album) - The Center Intermediate School gymnasium was site of the First Responders Luncheon hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Friday, May 2, 2025.
Members of law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services, county precinct crews and highway department personnel were all welcome guests to the event.
All present shared in a barbecue meal prepared by Pete Low.
May 5, 2025 - The Ribbon Cutting for Martin’s Tire Service was very well attended by Chamber Ambassadors and members of the community today, May 5, 2025.
Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador President, Andi Foster began the ribbon cutting event by welcoming everyone and congratulating Martin’s Tire Service owner, Martin Cervantes and his family. She then presented them with a Chamber of Commerce plaque to display in his business.
Martin’s nephew, Jaime Cervantes, spoke, “We just want to thank everybody for coming out here with us in support of my Uncle Martin and all the family, especially his wife. She endured a little bit having the shop at the house… she truly is a trooper.” He describe the experience as very humbling, “To me personally, it really is a humbling experience in all the support that the community has given my uncle and he is really appreciative of everything that y’all have done. I mean, this is a great turn out at this event and none of this could have happened without the support of the community.”
Martin Cervantes encouraged everyone to enjoy the food at the ribbon cutting and thanked them again for coming to celebrate the opening of Martin’s Tire Service with him.
Martin Tire Service is open 6:30am until 7:00pm most days with shorter hours on Sunday. In case of an emergency, they are available 24/7 and will provide roadside assistance. The shop is located at 1206 Highway 87 North (Timpson Highway) in Center.
May 5, 2025 - The Center Woman’s Reading Club met May 1 at the First Methodist Church. Vice-President Bonnie Lucus opened the business meeting with the reading of the club collect. She announce the next meeting will be May 15 with Montie Jones as hostess. Mrs. Jones will also lead the installation of officers for the 2025-2026 year. Mrs. Jones also announced that after a letter requesting club membership and voted on by club members that Mrs. Anne Lane Bessinger will be the newest member of the Center Woman’s Reading Club. She is the daughter of the late Polly Lane Smith who was a dedicated and valued member of the club. The club welcomes Mrs. Bessinger.
Hope Johnson read a beautifully written thank you note to the club for her bridal shower thanking club members for her gifts as well as their friendship and making her feel so welcomed as a club member. Mrs. Watson reported that over six hundred dollars was donated by club members and a friend of hers for the family in need that she talked about at the last meeting as part of her book report on Saint Francis of Assisi who ministered to those in need. Before the meeting in which she presented the book report, she had invited members to bring their loose change to go to a family in need. Mrs. Watson expressed her own gratitude for the generosity of club members as well as the gratitude of the family who received the donation.
Ginia Hooper was both program hostess and program leader. She served a delightful luncheon that included luncheon meat, cheese, fruit and crackers. The luncheon was enjoyed by all. The cheese in the luncheon related to her book report titled 'Who Moved My Cheese?' written by Spencer Johnson. The book is a parable that provides important lessons about change that happens in everyone’s life with advice about how to handle change. The four characters in the story were mice named Sniff and Scurry and little people Hem and Haw. They are all in a maze looking for their special cheese but take different approaches and skills in finding the cheese with all four finding the cheese in section C of the maze for many days until the amount of cheese began to dwindle. Hem and Haw continued to go to section C while Sniff and Scurry realized when things changed they needed to change as well and look other places for the cheese. As in parables, there were life lessons for the reader to consider following when change happens in life. Ms. Hooper pointed out many lessons learned in the story that the reader can apply to his or her own life. The story is a metaphor of life that when change happens we need to change as well. She also said change is going to happen and we should plan for change. Change can be scary but we still need to prepare for it. Also being able to adapt and be open to new ideas will help us overcome the fear of change and be able to adapt. A person’s idea of success needs to change as one adapts to change. We need to accept that change in life is inevitable and learn to just enjoy the journey of where we are in the different phases of life.
Ms. Hooper went on to share with us about her own hero and role model her beloved mother Mrs. Ann Hooper who is a wonderful example of a person who not only accepts change in her life but embraces it as well. As a sixteen year old she married and moved from west Texas where she lived with her small family to east Texas where she lived in the same household as her husband’s large family. She faced the death of her husband at age 58 and later the deaths of two sons and a grandson. Her mother has experienced many joys and sorrows in her life and realizes that both joy and sorrow causes changes that she has learned to embrace. Her mother was also a very active person until recently when she fell ill. This has required another move to a nursing home facility. Yet through it all she has accepted and adapted to the changes she has faced in life and remains a happy person that finds joy in all of her life’s journeys. She is a living example of the lessons learned in the parable 'Who Moved My Cheese?'
May 1, 2025 - The University of Texas at Tyler will recognize spring 2025 degree candidates during UT Tyler's Spring 2025 Commencement May 2-3 and Shelby County has six local students among the graduates.
- Oderay Figueroa-Aguilar, Center HS Class of 2021, College of Education and Psychology, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
- Ma’Kayja Horton, Shelbyville HS Class of 2022, College of Education and Psychology, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
- Lieza Klein, Shelbyville HS Class of 2022, Soules College of Business, Bachelor of Science, General Business
- Mia Mahan, Center HS Class of 2022, School of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Gracie Martinson, Tenaha HS Class of 2020, College of Education and Psychology, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
- Kolby Parker, Shelbyville HS Class of 2020, Soules College of Business, Bachelor of Science, General Business
Ceremony Information
Location: UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center
Dates & Times:
Friday, May 2, 2025
9am CST - School of Nursing
1pm CST - College of Engineering; School of Health Professions
5pm CST - College of Education and Psychology; Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy
Saturday, May 3, 2025
9am CST - College of Arts and Sciences; School of Medicine
1pm CST - Soules College of Business
April 28, 2025 - Texas Soil & Water Stewardship Week began today, April 28 and goes through May 4, 2025. This was approved in the Commissioners' Court meeting on April 9th, and signed by Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison.
April 22, 2025 - Mathews Realty and a group of Shelby County Junior Chamber of Commerce 8th graders from Center Middle School gathered with trash bags, gloves, and grabbers to pickup trash to Celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
The clean up event was organized by Mathews Realty and they extend their appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce and the Junior Chamber of Commerce students for helping to make a positive change to a city and county road. Also, thank you to the City of Center for donating the trash bags used in the clean up event. The group encourages anyone who would like to be a part of making our area beautiful to pick a road and make a difference.
Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22 and was first held nationwide in the United States in 1970 to demonstrate support for environmental protection of our planet.
The roadway was left much cleaner than it was before the group started!
Fannie Watson presents program to Reading Club.
April 21, 2025 - Members of the Center Woman's Reading Club met on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Parlor of the First Methodist Church. After conducting the annual business meeting that included the election of club officers for the 2025 - 2027 term, approving the 25/26 budget as well as approving the amending of the By-Laws to ensure the systematic preservation of club records/history in partnership with the East Texas Research Center housed in the SFASU Steen Library, Mrs. Fannie Watson continued the Club's program of study with a program on the children's book, 'St. Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy' by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr..
St. Francis turned away from his life of wealth and privilege to live with lepers, the "untouchables" of his society. He preached the idea of the sanctity of all life, becoming an advocate of all life, becoming an advocate of animal rights and environmentalism in a time when even human life often had little value. He found joy in owning nothing and giving everything away. Mr. Kennedy has retold Francis's story as a lesson and inspiration for his own children, and for children everywhere.
The members closed the meeting with the reading of the world-wide known, the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, which has been put to music and sung by choirs around the world. In addition, members were encouraged to share their "spare change" as a reminder that each of us can make a difference no matter how much we can give to help others. The program was fitting for the Easter season and was enjoyed by all present.
Article submitted by Alease Copelin
April 21, 2025 - On April 9th, Center Garden Club made a dedicated donation to the Fannie Brown Booth Library. The donation will be used to purchase children's books featuring the beauty of the natural world.
Pictured at the presentation were members Cherry Jones, Carole Chance, Carolyn Bounds, Librarian Sandra Davis, Pam Sykes, and Alane Sheaves. Librarian Sandra Davis holds the lovely potted money tree donated by Cherry Jones, decorated with Easter eggs and bunnies and presented to the library as part of the club's monthly "share-a-plant or share-a-design" with community institutions such as schools, libraries, medical clinics, nursing homes, the post office, and other such public entities.
April 14, 2025 - The Center Woman’s Reading Club met for its bimonthly meeting Match 20. Stephanie Elswick served as both program leader and program hostess. She served a wonderful homemade with love luncheon that was enjoyed by all.
Following the business meeting, Mrs. Elswick gave a moving and inspirational report on a non-fiction book titled 'Best Friends' that she read first when she was 61 years of age. She said the book both inspired her and changed her life’s direction .
'Best Friends' written by Samantha Glen is the true story about how he along with five other volunteers founded the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The no-kill animal sanctuary houses approximately 1,100 animal and birds. The sanctuary has dedicated areas for a variety of animals including Horse Haven, Marshall’s Piggy Paradise, Bunny House, Parrots Garden, and Wild Friends that houses wild animals until they are ready to be turned back into their natural habitats. No animal is turned away. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located in Utah.
After reading the book, Mrs. Elswick said it was a visit to Best Friends that inspired her to found Happy Tails Adoption Center now located at 667 Texas Highway 7 in Center, Texas. At Best Friends, Mrs. Elswick received training and certification to operate an animal rescue and adoption program. She and her husband Mike Elswick along with founding board members of Happy Tails wanted to give back to their community in a needed and meaningful way resulting in providing an animal rescue and adoption center that is greatly needed in this area. The report was informative and inspirational at the same time. What Mrs. Elswick, founders, volunteers and financial supporters have accomplished is proof that when a need is determined it can result in an action plan that has provided a place where many “ happy tails are wagging” as a result of all those who gave of their time and money to make this dream come true and to provide comfort, care and new happy homes through adoption for needed animals.
The program was greatly enjoyed by club members and they thanked Mrs. Elswick not only for her book report but also for all the work she does in our community.
Article submitted by Mary Lynn Tinkle
Willie N. Edwards is seen with his Tiler apron which has been retired and framed in honor of his service in Masonry.
April 11, 2025 - Joaquin Lodge 834 honored one member who has had 72 years within the order and welcomed another as he was presented with a bible as he begins his journey during a program held March 7, 2025.
Tommy Spurlock, Worshipful Master, opened the program and he stated, “I want to thank everybody that showed up tonight to support Brother Willie and Brother Rase.”
Willie Edwards, Tiler of the Lodge, was escorted to the middle of the meeting room where he was honored before all present.
Jimmy Wagstaff, Past-District-Deputy and Joaquin Lodge member, described the duties of a Tiler, “The Tiler is positioned outside the Lodge Room during meetings, symbolizing his role as the gatekeeper and protector of the Lodge. His place is both literal and symbolic, in a deeper sense it reflects the idea that a mason must protect and guard secrets in integrity of the craft as much as the Tiler guards the physical entrance to the lodge.
“Though the Tiler may not always participate in the lodge rituals, directly his work ensures that those within the lodge are free to focus on their duties knowing that their work is secure from outside interference. The Tiler's roll is one of quiet but essential service. Vigilance often unseen but never unappreciated.”
Jimmy Wagstaff (left) is seen honoring Willie Edwards (right) during the ceremony on March 7.
Wagstaff described the Tiler's apron as being an important symbol of the Tiler's office. While the Masonic apron in general represents the moral and spiritual word of a Mason, the Tiler's apron has a specific role in its significance. Simple in protection and diligence, the Tiler's apron features a specific design that sets it apart from other Masonic aprons. It symbolizes his role as the protector of the lodge. The Tiler's apron may be adorned with tools such as a sword indicating Tiler's role guarding the lodge's security. The Tyler's apron is also worn during Masonic ceremonies, particularly those involving initiations or other ritualistic events. It reflects the seriousness of the Tiler's duties and his role in ensuring the ritual is carried out with the highest level of confidentiality and integrity.
Wagstaff continued, “Horse and Master, Brother and Friends. Today we gather to honor a brother whose dedication and service have been an inspiration to each one of us. Brother Willie Edwards has been a member of Joaquin Lodge number #856 for 72 years, joining our fraternity in 1952. During that time he has exemplified the very essence of Masonry, brotherly love, relief, and truth. For 18 of those years brother Willie Edwards served as our Tiler, guarding the door of this Lodge ensuring the safety and security of our meetings, and preserving the integrity of our sacred rituals. His service is the role that has been marked by a deep commitment to the craft, unwavering loyalty and unyielding dedication to the well-being of this Lodge and its members.
“Today, we retire brother Willie's apron, a symbol of his responsibility, vigilance and service. This apron will be now displayed in our Lodge as a permanent tribute to the role he played in protecting the sanctity of our meetings and sharing the smooth function of our Lodge for 18 years. Brother Willie, as we retire your apron, we do so with the deepest gratitude. For your contributions, not only as our Tiler, but as a brother who has dedicated 72 years of his life to this fraternity. This service has been a beacon of loyalty and devotion. Your example will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Wagstaff then said a prayer over Edwards and finished with, “Brother Willie, we thank you for your years of faithful service, your work will never be forgotten.”
Many members spoke highly of Edwards and of the desire to become a Mason being driven in part by his great example.
Vance Jordan (holding bible) is seen presenting a Holy Bible to Rase Davis.
Mason Rase Edwards was escorted before the Lodge to the altar in the center of the meeting room and Vance Jordan, Lodge Chaplain, stated that new master Masons are given an option which is not a part of the degree, but which Davis has chosen to allow for family to be present as he is presented with a bible.
“It's an option of this new member, at a later date when his family can be around and witness this and that's really the way I love to do it, because it gives the public just a little tiny glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors and I really enjoy this,” said Jordan.
Jordan remarked that they would be presenting bibles to graduating seniors at his church, as they do each year and what an honor it was for him to be making the presentation with Davis on that evening.
Jordan then shared a short prayer over the event and went into the presentation.
At the end of the presentation Jordan stated, “My brother, on behalf of Joaquin Lodge number 856 and the brethren here assembled and the friends and family that you invited, it is my pleasure and my privilege and my honor to present to you your very own copy of the most beautiful book ever written.”
Davis addressed the Master of the Lodge and said, ”I just want to say a quick thank you to all of my family that came tonight. I want to say a special thanks to Brother Vance, who’s been, has spent a lot of time together. I've really enjoyed our studies, really enjoyed our visits. I've become quite close and quite fond of you. I feel like I owe a lot to you, and the brothers in this lodge, thank you for your encouragement, thank you for your support, and most of all your friendship. And I just want to say thank you to my wife for sharing me with y'all. Thank y'all.”
Pictured are (from left) Rangler Davis, Savannah Anding, Kim Davis, Ryder Davis, Rase Davis and Vance Jordan.
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