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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.
April 10, 2025 (Photo Album) - The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center celebrated its 14th Butterfly Release on Thursday, April 10, 2025 on the Historic Downtown Square with a large gathering of families from all over Shelby County.
In front of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office, Collin Mathews, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the SCCAC, welcomed everyone and introduced Bro. Rob Merriman from Shelbyville First Baptist Church to say a prayer. Bro. Merriman thanked God for the community turnout. He prayed for protection over the community and the Children's Advocacy Center, for comfort for those in pain and comfort for the families, and he gave thanks for the Advocacy Center and the job they do.
Shelby County Advocacy Center Representatives
Mathews shared after the prayer, "On behalf of the board and all the great people that work at the center, I would like to thank you all for coming out and showing your support in all of our efforts to protect all of our children. I would also like to thank Farmers State Bank for sponsoring this event." He then gave the microphone to City of Center Mayor David Chadwick.
Mayor Chadwick addressed the crowd speaking, "It is truly amazing the number of people around but what's more amazing is these are not people here just to release butterflies, you are people who are concerned about the issues of abuse, child abuse, in Shelby County. This is something that we do not like to talk about but it is here." Mayor Chadwick then spoke about 'why butterflies' saying it is because they are the national symbol of happiness, of rebirth, of new life. "That is what children's advocacy center's goal is, is to give new life, new meaning to children who have been abused."
Mayor Chadwick then instructed everyone to let their butterflies out of the little blue triangle envelopes so they could wake up and fly!
Resources:
- Shelbycountycac.com - Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center
- CACTX.org - Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas
- Childwelfare.gov - National Child Abuse Prevention Month
- Preventchildabuse.org - Child Abuse Prevention Month
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April 10, 2025 - Center Garden Club was represented by Robbie Kerr, Cherry Jones, Pam Sykes, and Carolyn Bounds at the 97th Texas Garden Club convention held on April 1-4 at the Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches. Highlights of the convention included an address from Dr. David Creech, a workshop on building edible houses for birds, floral design instruction, a video presentation featuring the role and resources of the national organization, and the fellowship with members from far and near.
Pictured above are (seated) South Central Regional director Sarah Mc Reynolds; Brenda Moore, National Garden Club President, headquartered in St. Louis; Lee Taylor, Texas State President headquartered in Fort Worth; (standing) Center Garden Club attendees Cherry Jones, Carolyn Bounds, and Robbie Kerr.
Article submitted by Carolyn Bounds
April 8, 2025 - Holiday Nursing & Rehabilitation celebrated their 4-Star CMS nursing facility rating with the community, the chamber, and its team members during on Open House hosted March 27th.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services. CMS actively inspects and reports on every nursing home in the United States. A 4-Star Overall Rating is an outstanding achievement. Holiday Nursing and Rehabilitation is the only overall 4-star nursing facility in the region.
Shelby County Chamber Ambassador President Andi Foster listens to Holiday Administrator Daniel Rogers as he recognizes the facilities team members as well as Summitt LTC administrators who manage the operations of skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities throughout Texas.
Chamber of Commerce Ambassador President Andi Foster welcomed everyone, “On behalf of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassadors I want to welcome you today to this event for recognizing Holiday Nursing and Rehabilitation celebrating their caregivers and recognizing their achievement for 4-Star overall rating with CMS. And I just want to congratulate you and your staff, and everybody who’s involved in getting this rating.” Foster then introduced Daniel Rogers, Administrator at the facility.
Daniel Rogers shared how this all came about, “It was the hard work of all the staff from Administration, from corporate, all the way down to, what I say is, to the hands touching the patients, the hands of God. They’re taking care of the residents. And that is where it starts from the first and works all the way up through the directors, the department heads, the regionals, the medical director too - the doctor taking care of all the residents.” Rogers then went through a list of individuals to recognize: Justin Johnson, COO; Marissa Johnson, VP of Clinical Reimbursement Services; Jeff May, Regional Director of Operations; Heather Nudnall, Regional Clinical Consultant; Donya Lee, Regional Reimbursement Consultant; Angie Clark, Regional BOM Consultant; Krystal Wheless, Director of Clinical Reimbursement; Gilbert Rosales, Regional Dietary Manager; Zach Carlson, Corporate Analyst; Letisha Hollywood, HR/PR Specialist; Rosemary Zamora, Regional HR Consultant; and Blake Barr, Director of Therapy Services.
Locally Rogers recognized Dr. R. Vinther, Medical Director; Shelly Cantrell, Director of Nursing; Robbin Goodwin, Assistant Director of Nursing; Josiah Prislac, Maintenance; Kellie Baty, Activity Director; Brandy Hawkins - Food Service Supervisor; Betsy Register, Director of Therapy; Jessica Bush, BOM/Community Liaison; Patricia Lawhorn, Medical Records; Andrea Casper, HR; Debra Johnson, Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor; Sandra Garrett, Social Worker; and Melanie Farmer, MDS.
Rogers ended by saying, “Thank you all for coming, we appreciate it very much. It’s an accomplishment for us reaching that fourth star, we were the only ones in the region, it took a lot of work from all the team members.”
Everyone then gathered to cut the chamber’s red ribbon before entering the dining hall to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the staff while enjoying piano music and visiting with one another.
Pictured are (from left): Frank Miller, Larry Hume, Gene Hutto, Ike Reeves, Richard Lundie, Sean Martin and Derrick Roberts.
April 7, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary held a remembrance program Monday, March 22, 2025, to honor those who served in Kosovo and who were a part of Operation Allied Force.
The program was led by Ike Reeves, Judge Advocate, and Richard Lundie, Chaplain, offered the opening prayer.
“25 years ago today, on March 24th, 1999, NATO launched an air campaign called Operation Allied Force, the halt the humanitarian devastation that was then unfolding in Kosovo,” said Reevss. “The decision to intervene followed more than a year of fighting within the province, and the failure of international efforts to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means. NATO announced the suspension of the air campaign on June 10, 1999.”
Once it was concluded, a Military Technical Agreement with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was signed between the International Security Force and the Governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Serbia.
NATO casualties were light and allies suffered no fatalities as a result of combat operation.
“Two American Army helicopter pilots, Chief Warrant Officer David Gibbs and Kevin Riker died when their AH-64 helicopter crashed in the early hours of May 5, 1999. The crash was not due to enemy fire, but two of America’s finest died in the early hours of May 5, 1999. died that day serving their country,” said Reevse.
In honor of those who served, and those who lost their lives, Post member Frank Miller placed a memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
Taps was then played as presented by Gene Hutto, Past-Post-Commander.
March 27, 2025 - K & L Contractors were honored and proud to serve the hard working crews of Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative an appreciation Jambalaya luncheon on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Also served at the luncheon were several other dignitaries of the county.
K & L Contractors appreciate all that they do!
Submitted photo.
March 25, 2025 - Dallas Martinez, a Shelby County 4-H member from Center, captured Grand Champion in the Junior Market Barrow Show at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo on March 20, 2025.
Martinez is a 6th grade student in Center and is the son of Berto Martinez and Brandi Smith. He turns 13 years old tomorrow, March 26.
Submitted photo showing Dallas Martinez's face when he is announced to be the winner.
Each year, the Houston Livestock Show draws thousands of Texas 4-H and FFA exhibitors to compete at the world's largest livestock show. Each exhibitor is hoping to take home the coveted title of Houston champion and works several months to prepare for competition among the finest junior livestock the state of Texas has to offer. The Show is not only the largest livestock show, but also sets world records at the junior market show auctions. Established as the Houston Fat Stock Show in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has grown to more than 30,000 entries and is organized by three categories of competitions: Junior Show, Open Show and Youth Show.
Below are photos posted on RodeoHouston Facebook page of Dallas Martinez:
March 25, 2025 - The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Shelby County Class of 2024-2025 attended Agriculture Day last week.
The Leadership Group visited the Tyson Feed Mill Plant, BRK Meat Processing facility, Livestock Nutrition Center and Viatrac Fertilizer. They also heard interesting presentations from the following: Sammy Dance and Spencer McFarland with Sammy Dance Land and Timber; Bob Reeves with Apex Mortality Solutions; Phelue Anderson and Sydney Rosario with Texas Veterinary Diagnostic Poultry Lab.
The class will attend Education Day on April 16th.
Thank you to the following for helping make the day a learning success: Brandon and Tanner and staff at the Tyson Feed Mill; Sammy Dance, Spencer McFarland, Bob Reeves, Phelue Anderson, Sydney Rosario, Bobby Vice, Tom Usery and staff at the Livestock Nutrition Center and Randy Weaver. Also, a special thank you to Center ISD transportation department.
Leadership Shelby County is a year long program presented by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce designed to identify potential leaders and develop within these individuals the knowledge, skills and vision necessary to enable them to actively participate in the enhancement of the quality of life in their communities.
March 24, 2025 - Center High School Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Students recently partnered with Nathali Abella Hernandez to make a donation to The Street Youth Ministry Project. Clothing, shoes, and hygiene items were collected and donated.
Nathali is a recent CHS graduate who came back to East Texas to ask for support in reaching the vulnerable youth in Austin, Texas. Our JCC Students were more than excited to share in this experience of helping others.
March 18, 2025 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society held their regular monthly meeting the past Saturday at the First Methodist Church in Center, Texas. The workshop presentation was on how to photograph flowers extraordinaire. If you are interested in flower photography or any type of photography, come join this meeting on the 3rd Saturday in April (19) at the First Methodist Church, 211 Cora Street, Center, Tx. from 9am to 12 noon. If you have questions or concerns about your camera, there is a wide variety of skill levels in our club, from amateur to professional, from DSLR to cell phones.
The March Challenge for members was "Show Me Your Green" . Members submitted up to 3 of their photos, with the color green being the dominate factor, for discussion and voting for club favorites. To view all the challenge entries view our Flickr page, https://www.flickr.com/groups/pineywoodsphotographic/ or follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/PineyWoodsPhoto
The March favorites are:
1st Pl. Favorite: "Hang In There" by Bobbie Jean Wood"
2nd Pl. Favorite: "Camera Bracelet by Lea Ann Robertson
3rd Pl. Favorite: "Green Pencils" by Debra Cockrell
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