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Around Town
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.
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.
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