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Around Town
August 19, 2016 - A capacity crowd of Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society members and guests were held spellbound for an hour last Wednesday as Timpson resident Hans Polk recounted the story of his Holocaust survival. Born into a Jewish family in Amsterdam in 1937, Hans Polk was three years old when the Nazis invaded The Netherlands in 1940. Soon thereafter the persecution of Dutch Jews started, beginning with a requirement that all Jews wear a Star of David on their clothing, followed by prohibitions against attending public events, shopping at non-Jewish stores, and employment in certain occupations. Polk's father, David, was fired from his job in the Mayor of Amsterdam's office for being Jewish. By 1943 the Polks knew what was coming and made a secret arrangement with a non-Jewish family next door to hide the Polk's only child, Hans, from the Nazi's when they came to arrest them. On June 20, 1943 Hans' parents handed their six-year-old son across the fence to the care of their neighbors just prior to their arrest. He never saw his parents again.
Hans lived with the neighbors for a while, but since they were risking their lives by hiding him, they sent him to an orphanage run by Jews dressed as priests and nuns. Hans was eventually adopted out of the orphanage by a Dutch family but after the war ended he was sent to a facility for Jewish boys. From there he was sent to Israel in 1948, where at age 11, he fought in the war to establish the Jewish nation. Polk said that he disliked Israel and returned to The Netherlands when he could. He immigrated to the United States in 1956 where he became a citizen, married an American Catholic, and raised a family, eventually converting to Catholicism himself. Following the death of his first wife, Polk married a woman who had ties to the Timpson area, which brought them here.
Hans Polk now knows his parents' fate. Following their arrest, they were sent to the Sobibor Prison Camp in Poland where his research of Nazi documents reveals they were executed soon after their arrival. Polk said that Sobibor had no cremation ovens as some other camps had, so the bodies of those executed there were burned in the open air. “The Germans kept perfect records” he said as he shared copies of those containing his parents' names with the TAGHS audience.
Polk asked attendees to close their eyes and imagine their homes and families, what they had done that morning, and all that they hold dear and familiar. “I am here to tell you that you can lose it all,” he warned. “No one knew the depth of Hitler's hatred for the Jews when he came to power.” Polk continued that genocide did not end with the Nazis and World War II. It continues up to the present day in the Middle East and Africa. Unless we are vigilant, it could happen here he cautioned.
TAGHS meets at 2PM on the third Wednesday of each month in the Meeting Room of the Timpson Public Library, located on the corner of Austin and Bremond streets. The public is invited.
August 18, 2016 - (Album) - The Tenaha Business Men's Club held their monthly meeting August 18, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Tenaha where the guest speaker for the day was Bradley Allen, Precinct 4 Commissioner.
Claudine Howard, Club President, thanked everyone at the meeting for being there to celebrate George Bowers 80th birthday.
"I know he's been a friend to everybody in this room and he's always been kind of special to me, so when I get to be his age I expect everybody to be here for mine," said Howard.
Howard said she has known Bowers for a long time and she read some biography information on him. He was born in 1928 in Flat Fork with a father named Jesse and mother Mary Etta. Bowers graduated in 1946 and he was married to Laura Petty in 1948 and they were together for 61 years before her passing in 2009. They had children Theresa and Naylor.
Bowers was a founder of the Business Men's Club in 1952 and was the initial director of Citizens State Bank from 1960 to present. He was mayor of Tenaha for an estimated 54 years.
"He's not only been a business man, an elected official, but he's been a friend to most everybody in this town and especially in this room, or you would not be here today I'm sure," said Howard.
Bowers thanked Howard and said in jest he had about a 2-hour speech planned, but the meeting was running late.
"I just want to thank all of you for coming out today, if you did come to help me celebrate. 88 years Terry, reckon you'll make it? Golden years, that's what we celebrate now, the golden years and we enjoy it. You know what the golden are preacher? The first half of the time you spend trying to remember somebody's name, the other half of the time you're trying to find a restroom. That's what you've got to look forward to," said Bowers.
Several people attending the meeting stood and shared thoughts and memories of Bowers.
During the meeting Linda Perry, Club Secretary, read the minutes from the July 14 meeting aloud.
Howard asked John Whitworth to give an update of the Back to School Bash being held in Tenaha and he deferred to Austin Barna to inform the meeting.
"The Back to School Bash is going to be on August 20 from 10am to noon, that's where we'll be handing out school supplies," said Barna.
He said donations have been received from multiple businesses including Scull Timber, First National Bank Tenaha, and Whistle Stop by the time of the meeting.
"I think right now we're at about $600 that we've received. I know the Tenaha Youth Center with Jimmy Bowlin, he's received some checks and things like that and other donations," said Barna.
He stated they're going to use the donated funds to buy as many school supplies as possible and hand them out to as many people and students as possible. He stated the Tenaha City Marshal's office would have a car at the event and Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department would also have a truck at the event for kids to view. The Tenaha Cheerleaders and Tigers Dolls are tentatively scheduled to be there. Grilled chicken and snow cones are also planned to be served.
Howard offered for the club to approve a donation to the Back to School Bash and a motion carried to approve a $200 donation.
John Whitworth informed everyone of a new ministry taking place at First Baptist Church Tenaha at 5:30pm every Wednesday night the church will have "Homework Haven" to provide tutoring for students who may need help with their studies.
Scott Tyner, Tenaha ISD Superintendent, gave a report on upcoming school activities. Regarding the Back to School Bash he stated the demographics are so diverse at the school, many can't afford a lot of the supplies that are needed and it's a great help. He thanked the Businessmen's Club for their contribution.
Tyner stated fundamental literacy is a very strong focus in the elementary school with such a diverse ethnic group as attends the school. With many barriers that may face different groups, literacy is a challenge that can take time, so they are starting early. Mathematics; however, is a more universal language and can be easier. An accelerated reading program has been started which Tyner says is built in such a way it makes students want to read.
Big initiatives at the high school level include vocational expansion. Tyner stated tuition free dual credit has always been offered for liberal arts courses and vocational courses and the budget has been expanded for this year with 21 students expected in dual credit classes. Fourteen additional students are expected in vocational, welding and things of that nature. The school has also started a new medical coding program.
"For the tax payer, good news, we're the only school district in the county that has lower taxes this year," said Tyner.
He said the school board helped a lot last year and has helped in refinancing the bonds from the building project of 2008 - 2009.
Our tax rate's at $1.16 and change, which is almost a two cent decrease from the last one," said Tyner.
Tyner stated football is moving forward and they would be scrimmaging with New Diana on August 18. He said the band is at about 87 kids now.
This is a legislative year and Tyner said there will be a lot of meeting in Austin, "I read the Lieutenant Governor's interim charges for the House Committee on Education. Just a lot of things about funding formulas. As we know the school finance lawsuit was won by the plaintiffs and then overthrown by the Supreme Court. What he's looking at is trying to base things solely on efficiency and performance, which is going to open up a lot of other questions for them and get property values out of the mix on funding."
Bradley Allen, Precinct 4 Commissioner, shared information on recent projects which were completed and upcoming projects. He spoke of an area where three bridges have just been finished in conjunction with the state in his precinct.
"When I first took office, I think we had 44 bridges and I think we're down to about 34 now. We try to culvert everything that we can culvert when we take a bridge out," said Allen.
Allen told the club members the fiscal year for the county begins on October 1 and getting toward the end of the year money runs short.
"I've got two precincts, I don't have any more mileage than any other commissioner, but I do have two precincts since I've got two towns. That's because we've got two constables, Precinct 4 which is Tenaha and Precinct 5 which is Timpson," said Allen.
He stated they try and keep the maintainers in his area on either end of his precinct so they are readily available. Allen stated their job is one that is never ending. According to Allen, there are over 205 miles of road to be maintained in his precinct.
"We've got a lot of projects, in fact we're working on one right now, we're going to pave this old Tenaha Highway and we're down there now on the far end of it trying to get everything ready for oil," said Allen.
According to Allen, the Old Tenaha Road is about eight miles and during the time Rick Campbell was the county judge, Allen sought a grant from the state to work on the road.
"That's come through and the state's gonna help us out with that, so we're planning on oiling that road, or I don't know if we're going to use oil or cold mix," said Allen
He explained whatever they put on the road they currently are shaping it, crowning it, cutting ditches and installing new culverts.
Allen said there are three bridges being replaced in his precinct including Flat Fork, West Creek and a third one. He said the state is very helpful and he thinks the roads are a lot better than they've been in a while. Allen said this is his third term and he has about two years remaining on the current one. He said he was proud of the support he received from Tenaha this last election.
August 18, 2016 - The Center Rotary Club presented a $2,000 check to the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. The donated funds were proceeds from the What-A-Melon Festival 5K which was held Saturday, July 9th. The chairperson for the 5K was Rotary club member Scott Stanfield.
The club meets at noon on Tuesdays for a luncheon meeting at the John D. Windham Civic Center. However, for their last meeting they were guests of the library enjoying their luncheon in the Redditt Room. Kathy Sawyer, the newest member of the library team, presented a program on the library and the services they offer which have helped to maintain the library's involvement in the community.
Since 2011, funding for the library has changed drastically as government funding was cut which the facility relied on for day to day operating expenses. The Friends of the Library was started to help offset the deficit left by the cut backs.
Sawyer said, "This library is pretty amazing actually. The city is very supportive of us, we certainly could not function without the support we get through the city. But other than that we are strictly funded through our donations and grants."
Describing some of the changes in the funding, Sawyer described some of the new plans the library has, "We are going to be asking our community to donate to the library based on sponsorship. Sponsor the library card, the actual cards, they are very expensive. Just little things like that individuals, businesses can actually sponsor." The library plans to roll out the new sponsorship program in October.
Additional future plans for the library include building partnerships with other area libraries or media centers. The library is already a part of the Piney Woods Digital Consortium which gives library users a large selection of online eBooks and audio books.
For more information about the Fannie Brown Booth Library, visit it online at http://www.centerlibrary.org/
August 18, 2016 - The Shelby County Historical Society and Museum is planning a great display of sports, baseball, football, tennis, any and all memorabilia. If you have trophies, letter jackets, pictures, or awards, we need these for our display. If you would like to see your treasures on display, contact the SC Historical Society and Museum at 936-598-3613 or come by the museum at 230 Pecan Street in Center, this includes all of Shelby County.
August 8, 2016 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society is meant for camera enthusiasts of all skills and interests. Our goal is to help you become a better photographer and give you a place to meet others who share your passion for photography. We try to create programs and activities with information and instruction for all skill levels in an environment of support and cooperation. Visitors are welcome to attend our meetings with or without a member. The next meeting will be Saturday, August 20, 2016, in the First United Methodist Church basement on Porter Street in Center. Meetings are from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The workshop will be feature "Shooting in Full Manual" and the August Challenge will be "Clouds/Skies" For more information contact Billie Jones, 591-2426.
The PWPS monthly July meeting featured a very informative workshop delivered by Janet Hughes, on "Lightroom-Print and Export" with a Challenge of "Night Shots" submitted by club members.
July 2016 Challenge Winners - Theme: Night Shots
August 17, 2016 - On August 10 a silver alert was issued for my dad, VK Byndom, who hadn't been seen or heard from since he left a church function the previous night. He became disoriented and took a wrong turn and was found almost twenty hours later extremely disoriented and dehydrated in Newton County off Old Salem Rd.
I want to say thanks to the Shelby County Deputies and dispatchers, Local Texas DPS Troopers, Center PD, Center Fire Department, and my family and friends for helping in the search for my Dad.
Also thanks for all the texts, phone calls and most importantly the prayers. God took care of him.
Keith Byndom
August 17, 2016 - VFW 87904 Post Commander Gene Hutto welcomes the newest post member, Jennifer Adams. Jennifer earned her membership with service in the US Air Force at Osan AB, Korea.
August 16, 2016 - The August Golden Harvest Ministries Club meeting was held Monday, August 15, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Center, Texas, with 36 members and guests attending. The tables were decorated with the last of summer flowers from Linda Bordelon’s gardens. President Joe Anderson called the meeting to order, and Harold Hanson led the group in singing two song favorites. Alice West accompanied on the piano.
Visitors included guest speaker Roger Doyle, his wife Judy, Vickie Shannon, and David Guin. August birthdays were recognized with singing “Happy Birthday” to member Maudie Warr and guests Judy Doyle, Vickie Shannon, and David Guin. Couples celebrating August anniversaries were Linda and Mike Bordelon, 51 years on August 14, and Jim and Ann Forbes would have celebrated 63 years on August 20.
Bro. Carl Smith blessed the food, and members and guests enjoyed a wide variety of vegetables, salads, fried chicken, and desserts, which included Linda and Mike’s 51st anniversary cake.
Program Chairman Linda Anderson introduced guest speaker Roger Doyle, a member of the Sons of the Confederacy, who presented a program on the Civil War. He described the clothing and customs of that era as well as other items and food used by the Union and Confederate soldiers.
Ann Forbes directed a review of the Prayer Report and encouraged all to visit our local nursing homes. Ellen Manning read the July minutes, and Betty Green gave the treasurer’s report for the end of July.
Joe announced that flu shots would be given at the October meeting. Members only need their Medicare card. Joe appointed a Nominating Committee for 2017 officers, and ended the meeting in prayer. The Golden Harvest Ministries Club meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Center, Texas.
Reporter, Linda Bordelon
Donna Dugger among 45 court employees in Texas who received special certification
August 15, 2016 Austin, Texas – Center Employee Donna Dugger was among 45 court administrators, clerks, managers, and supervisors from municipal courts across Texas that graduated on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 from the Court Management Program (CMP) of the Institute for Court Management (ICM). ICM is the educational arm of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) in Williamsburg, Virginia. NCSC, founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership, research, technology, and education services to the state courts. The program was co-sponsored by the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center in Austin (www.tmcec.com). Since 2000, over 500 court professionals from across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have achieved certification.
Dugger is employed as the Court Clerk with the Center Municipal Court. Prior to participation in the CMP final seminar on Purposes and Responsibilities of the Court, Dugger completed five core courses in court administration: Court Performance Standards, Fundamental Issues of Caseflow Management, Managing Court Financial Resources, Managing Human Resources, and Managing Technology.
The court administrators, clerks, managers, and supervisors completing the course of study were recognized in a ceremony held at the Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin, Texas. The certificates were presented in a ceremony by Presiding Judge Barbara Hervey of the Court of Criminal Appeals and Presiding Judge Ed Spillane of the College Station Municipal Court. ICM recognizes Donna Dugger as a Certified Court Manager (CCM).
August 13, 2016 -
Each year, College Station, Texas hosts the Texas Municipal Fire/ Rescue Training School, with classes being held on the Texas A&M University campus, as well as Brayton Fire Training Field, which is the largest facility of its kind in the world. This school takes place on the last full week of July each year, and is made possible by the participation of some three hundred guest instructors, who take time from their jobs and lives to help train emergency personnel from across the state. On Wednesday, July 27th, the school paused before its morning session to honor tenured guest instructors who had passed away since last year's school. The annual memorial gives a solemn tribute to the service and dedication of these instructors, including a full honor guard, a pipe and drum corps, and a "Firefighter's Prayer". The instructor's name is permanently inscribed on the Memorial Wall, which is located inside the front entrance of Brayton Fire Field. The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department said goodbye to two of its cornerstone members this past December, and both were tenured instructors at the Municipal School.
Former JVFD Fire Chief James Michael Wood served as a guest instructor for 23 years on Project 63, Positive Pressure Ventilation, which teaches advanced interior structural firefighting techniques to students in Firefighting Phase III. Chief Wood served the JVFD from 1974 until his death on December 17th, 2015. He served the department as a firefighter, fire chief, training officer, and safety officer. He was also a science teacher at Joaquin High School for over 30 years, and recruited many of his students into the fire service. Mike's wife, Lavonne, daughters Janie Jones and Jennifer Whittlesey, son-in-law David Jones, and granddaughters Carsen McFarland, Peyton Jones, and Mary Kate Whittlesey were all in attendance for the memorial.
Former JVFD Fire Chief Elmer Reverne Mathews served as a guest instructor for 17 years on Project 24, Pump Operations, which teaches fire department pump skills and water supplies to students in Firefighting Phase II. Chief Mathews was a charter member of the JVFD, serving from its formation in 1973 until his death on December 25th, 2015. He served the department as a firefighter, fire chief, and training officer. Also, prior to his passing, Chief Mathews was the only Chaplain the JVFD ever had. He was also a career educator, working as a math teacher, elementary principal, bus driver, and football stadium announcer for the Joaquin ISD for over 30 years. Elmer's wife Dorothy, son Rodney and wife Denise, and daughter Nancy Smith and husband Frank were all present for the memorial.
JVFD 1st Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett, 2nd Assistant Chief Steve Cockrell and his wife Joyce, Training Officer Stephen Ewing, Secretary/ Treasurer Rusty Wilson, Assistant Fire Marshall Justin Boyett, and Firefighters Jesse Parent and Michael Bates were also on hand for the ceremony. The influence and leadership that Chief Mathews and Chief Wood provided to the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department will be felt for many years to come. Their commitment to training is still carried on today.
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