Around Town
January 19, 2017 - Congratulations to Shelbyville’s own Jacob Bragg who was invited to attend the 2017 Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington D.C.
Jacob received this invitation due to his passion for politics and government; along with his continued success and academic accomplishments in high school. Jacob is active in Debate and Public Speaking, so attending this storied ceremony encompasses many things Jacob values.
A special appreciation is extended to Representative Louie Gohmert who graciously awarded the Inaugural tickets to Jacob. This is a rare opportunity and such a privilege.
Jacob’s parents, Cory and Sherry Bragg, along with Shelbyville High School are proud of Jacob, and excited to have Shelbyville represented at the Inauguration ceremony in Washington D.C. this year.
January 19, 2017 - The Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center was presented with a check from Gibsons on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. The funds for the donation were raised through the first annual Gibsons Truck Pull Fundraiser held on Saturday, October 22, 2016.
Lenny Dubuis, Gibsons Regional Manager, presented the check which was received on behalf of Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center by Denise Merriman, SCCAC Executive Director, and Jade Miller, SCCAC Forensic Interviewer.
The amount was a match contribution of the total funds rasied during the truck pull.
Related article:
Team "Here Comes the Fuzz" Captures Win in Truck-Pull Fundraiser (Video)
January 18, 2017 - On Saturday, January 14th, 2017, District 19 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held a meeting at Trinity Post 6899 where this year’s District’s Voice of Democracy Winners were recognized. Sponsored by Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary two of the top three winners were from Joaquin High School.
First place went to Senior Darby Hughes who received an engraved plaque and check for $500.00. Accompanying Darby were proud family members; Grandmother Susan McCann, Sister, Keaton Hughes and Parents Wayne and Trinia Hughes. Darby recited her award-winning essay to the membership at the meeting. She also finished 15th in the state competition and received a $2,000.00 scholarship from the Department of Texas.
Joaquin Senior Reagan Hovey placed third in the district and was awarded an engraved plaque and a check for $200.00. His parents Mary and Todd Hovey were also on hand to share in their son’s accomplishment.
The post and auxiliary members are so very proud of these two young citizens and the other 15 who entered the competition from Joaquin High School. As in the past 70 years another competition will be held during the next school year. If you are in grades 9-12 we hope you will consider entering.
January 17, 2017 - President Helen Collard called the January 16 Golden Harvest Ministries Club to order at 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Center, Texas. She began with a scripture reading, followed by W.A. Moore leading the opening prayer, and Harold Hanson leading members and guests in singing favorite hymns.
Joe Anderson, Terry Gray, Walter Manning, and Mary McSwain celebrated January birthdays. Joe and Linda Anderson, Alice and Tommy West, and Johnie and Terry Jo Gray celebrated January anniversaries.
Jheri-Lynn McSwain, Shelby County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Science, presented the program about the success of the Shelby County Community Garden. She discussed the 2017 goals for the community which will include a 'Gardening 101" class offered to both adults and youth.
The Golden Harvest Ministries Club membership is open to all Shelby County residents 55 and older, and meetings are the 3rd Monday of each month at 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Center. Visitors are always welcome to bring a covered dish for the luncheon and enjoy the fellowship and a wide variety of programs.
Submitted by Linda Bordelon, Reporter
January 17, 2017 - The WoodmenLife Chapter 250 officers were installed during their annual officer installation dinner held Monday, January 16, 2017 at T & R Steaks and More.
New officers were sworn in by Chris Green, WoodmenLife Agent. The 2017 officers are Ellen Manning - President; Venorah McSwain - Vice-President; Joyce Hurt - Secretary; Ashton Askew - Treasurer; Cecilia Boles - Musician; Walter Manning - Sergeant at Arms; Margaret Henry - Greeter; Peaches Conway - Trustee; Norman Hurt - Trustee; and Jimmy McSwain - Trustee.
WoodmenLife is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society founded in 1890, based in Omaha, Nebraska, United States, that operates a large privately held insurance company for its members. WoodmenLife - Texas Northeast Chapter 250, Center, Texas has made donations to community fire departments, donated American and Texas flags, and donated funds to the Result Demonstration and Community Garden Project.
January 17, 2017 - Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary are now taking nominations for teachers of the year in grade K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions effectively. The national award is $1,000 to the winner in each grade group, $1,000 for each winning teacher’s school and an all-expenses paid trip to attend the VFW National Convention. There are also cash awards for winners at the post, district and state levels.
Anyone except for themselves or a relative can nominate a teacher. STEP 1: In 350 words or less, describe why you feel your nominee is deserving of the award. Be sure to describe the teacher's innovative teaching and resource development methods, as well as his or her dedication to education. STEP 2: Download and complete the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award nomination form. STEP 3: Submit the nomination form along with your explanation to your local VFW Post by February 15, 2017.
Questions or to obtain a copy of the nomination form contact VFW Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, 598-2976.
January 13, 2017 - Center Garden Club recognized Allison Hale, who attends Center Intermediate School, at their January 11 meeting for achieving Honorable Mention in the 4th Grade Youth Sculpture Contest at the National Garden Clubs competition.
Jheri-Lynn McSwain, Center Garden member and Shelby County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Science, presented a program on vegetable gardening at the January 11 meeting of the Center Garden Club. She gave updates on the Community Garden which was supported by Center Garden Club and other businesses in Shelby County. Jheri-Lynn discussed the spring 2017 goals which include volunteer support and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables to be grown.
A "Gardening 101" class will be offered for both adults and youth in our community.
Submitted by Linda Bordelon
January 9, 2017 - Recently we lost a fine, caring and giving man, Murray Mathews. As President of The Jon, Macy and Misty Bush Foundation, I would personally like to convey, along with the foundation board members, our deepest sympathies to the family.
Murray was our biggest donor. Over a 2 year period, he gave the foundation $10,000. All he asked in return was for me not to let anyone know who gave the money. That was his character. He gave from the heart, not for praise or acknowledgement. It is my honor to be able to recognize him for his kind acts of helping others.
May God wrap his arms around his family to help them through this difficult time.
Joann Bush
January 5, 2017 - Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center would like to thank Sheriff Willis Blackwell and the entire Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for donating the proceeds of their recent auction to our annual Toy Drive. Shirley Owens was the winner of the auction of three large wooden crosses.
We greatly appreciate your help in making this year’s toy drive a success.
January 4, 2017 - The Christian Motorcyclists Association of Center had its first meeting of 2017 on Tuesday this week at T&R’s Steaks’s ’N More. Tonight we submitted James Ragan, our vice-president, for a mission trip to Ecuador. Each CMA chapter does this and in a few weeks, the chapters will learn which chapter's submission will get to go.
Including evangelism and Bible teaching, the mission trip includes construction and general helping in communities. Mission trips to Ecuador includes donations of assets to assist in the local churches. Pack mules and horses, dirt bikes for going from village to village, and various aid packages occur.
Pray for this program, and pray for one of our own, James Ragan.