Shelby County Today

November 19, 2021 - The Center Woman’s Reading Club met on Thursday, November 4th at the FUMC fellowship hall.

Janene Walker presented her report on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Janene chose this book because it has made an impact on not only herself, but millions of others. Having worked in the real estate title/tax business in Houston, she felt the stress of December 31st as deadline in a very busy month. “Bah Humbug” was not an uncommon feeling at times.

Charles Dickens lived during a time in England, the Victorian era, where there was a stark contrast of society – the beauty and richness of the aristocracy and the incredible poverty and depression of the poor working class. A middle class did not exist.

With no network of governmental social services, charitable enterprises for the poor and unfortunate of all types were run by churches and private organizations, many of which were guided by questionable motives or methods. For Dickens, this was unacceptable – the working and living conditions, and the lack of support.

While walking through the dark damp streets of London one night, Dickens came up with an idea for a new story. He was determined to change the way society thought about the poor.

Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in six weeks. He published it himself right before Christmas. The book sold out by Christmas Eve. It became one of the greatest influences in “keeping Christmas.” The story also increased charitable giving in Victorian England almost overnight.

Guests are always welcome. Please contact the club membership coordinator, Monty Jones, at 936-598-5757 if you are interested in visiting the club.

Submitted by Stephanie Elswick

November 18, 2021 - (Album) - Joaquin ISD hosted their annual Veterans Day program November 11, 2021, in the High School Gymnasium.

The event kicked off with a slideshow of veterans projected at both ends of the gym and was accompanied by music.

The initial welcome was offered by Avery Prnka and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Karoline Oswalt and immediately followed by the Joaquin High School Band presentation of "The Star Spangled Banner."

Shelbi Miller gave a brief history of Veterans Day. 

Veterans were then honored with a special presentation by Joaquin Elementary School students. They sang My Dear Country to the tune of London Bridge. Each veteran was given at least one American flag by an elementary student.

Shelby Freeman then read, "The Noble and the Brave," a Veterans Day Tribute.

Braylin Umbrell then provided a microphone to each of the veterans who were present on the gymnasium floor to allow them an introduction. Cullen Freeman then gave a tribute to those no longer with us, which was followed by Taps performed by the Joaquin High School Band.

VFW Post 8904 members present for the event were Larry Hume, Gene Hutto, Newton Johnson Jr., and Kenneth Dickerson. They introduced the winner of the post Patriot's Pen essay contest and the post Voice of Democracy Winner for Joaquin.

Lucinda R. David was the 7th grade student at Joaquin Junior High School and she received a Patriot's Pen medal, check for $100 and a framed certificate presented by Newton Johnson, Jr.

High School student Cullen Freeman was the Joaquin High School Voice of Democracy winner and he received a Voice of Democracy medal, check for $100 and a framed certificate presented by Gene Hutto.

After receiving recognition, Freeman and David each read their essays aloud for the audience.

The Joaquin High School Cheerleaders and Twirlers performed a program accompanied by the Mark Lawrence as he sang Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA.

The event was closed with Avery Prnka offering a closing prayer.

From left: Rotarian Howell Howard, Payne Howard, Pam Howard, Mandy Bass, Chad Bass, Rotary Treasurer Lawrence Davis, Rotary Secretary J.J. Ford, and Rotarian John Black.

November 15, 2021 - Chad Bass of Shelbyville is the winner of the Rotary Club’s fall fundraiser for a Generac Guardian 24KW Home Backup Generator! Bass and his wife Mandy were very excited about winning. The family lives in the southern part of the county in the Sabine National Forest area. Having the generator will give them peace of mind at home during all types of weather.

Rotary Club President, Faythe Abraham, gave appreciation, "I believe the uniqueness of the raffle had contributed to its success this year. With February’s Winter storm not far removed from our minds, we can all certainly understand the value and worth of a home generator. We extend a big thank you to everyone who supported the fundraiser, the faithful Rotarians that helped in so many ways, and finally, a big shout out to Rotarian Howard Howell and East Texas Poultry Supply for making the generator fundraiser possible."

The Rotary Club will use proceeds from the fundraiser for charitable donations made by the club to the community. The club has over the years contributed to many local non-profit groups; has made sizable donations to the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation; contributed to construction of the John D. Windham Civic Center, the Center Baseball Park and the Center Softball Park; and most recently bought equipment for the Center Soccer Fields.

The Rotary Club plans to repeat the fundraiser annually and give families another opportunity to win a whole house generator.

November 12, 2021 - On November 10, 2021 VFW Post 8904 Life Member Michael Wulf joined the Center Garden Club at the Blue Star Memorial and placed their Memorial Wreath in honor of Veterans Day.