Around Town

June 25, 2021 (Photo Album) - Center of the Universe Raceways 2nd Annual Quarterly event was held Saturday, June 19, 2021, on the Center square.
The races benefit non-profit First Responder Scholarships mirroring community ethnicities and honor "small town" Center, Texas First Responder Trail Blazers, Chief Keith Byndom and retired Center PD officer Johnny Sanders.
Several races were held during the event and the first and second place winners are as follows:
Race 1:
1st place - Aiden Robinson
2nd place - Jimmy Horn
Race 2:
1st place - Ranee Horn
2nd place - Caitlyn Madden
Race 3:
1st place - Robbie Horn
2nd place - Emma Madden
Remote Control Race:
Joshua Ingram.
Each participant was given a trophy with placement flags, and signed thank you cards thanking donors, volunteers which have supported the Center of the Universe Raceways event.
A prize table was available and a drawing was held to choose the winner who then had the opportunity to select items off the prize table.
June 23, 2021 - SAKS Of Love gave scholarships to a graduating senior in each county that they serve: Shelby, Panola, Nacogdoches, and Angelina. We are so honored to sow this token of love into their future.

From left: Kamari Gary and Crystal Gray
Kamari Gary from Shelby County received the 'Inspired By You Scholarship' in the amount of $500. She is the daughter Ken and Crystal Gray and her goals are to become a Occupational Therapist after college. Kamari Gary received not only the Inspired By You Scholarship, she also received the: Bone Hill Scholarship, Tenaha Businessmen, Janie Glenn “Love and Encouragement “ Scholarship, Toledo Retired Teacher, and the Justin R. Adams scholarship.

From left: Christian Leary and Marlon Lizama
Marlon Lizama from Nacogdoches County received the 'Inspired By You Scholarship' in the amount of $450. He graduated from Nacogdoches High School and plans to study to be a paramedic. He is the son of Karla Lizama. Marlon is an excellent soccer player and spends his time welding and creating beautiful objects.

From left: Christina Leary and Alexis Fowler
Alexis Fowler received the 'Inspired By You Scholarship' in the amount of $400 as our Angelina County recipient. Alexis graduated from Lufkin High School this year as an Honor Student. She ranked 64th out of 463 kids. She is the daughter of Demarcus and Denise Fowler. She is also a member of the Top Teens of America. She was accepted to Sam Houston University and will study Computer Engineering.

From left: Christina Leary and Katelyn Graves
Katelyn Graves received the 'Inspired By You Scholarship' in the amount of $350 as our Panola County recipient. Katelyn graduated from Carthage High School this year as a CNA. She earned college credits toward her RN requirements. She is the daughter of Marvin and Linda Graves. She was accepted to the University of Tyler and will study Anesthesiology.
Thank you to our May Sponsors: Lorenzo and Christina Leary, Lakeisha Kim, Stephanie Moore, Felicia Cloudy, Denesha Arthur, Kelly Pitts, Vicky Amy, LaShalla McCollister, and Frejai Dimery-Tate.
Christian Leary, founder of the organizaiton, appreciates all the support given to SAKS Of Love and the youth of our community. For more information, visit on Facebook or at SAKSofLove.org.
The organization was initially founded for senior citizens not having family support to provide their necessities. Today it has grown to provide love through helping our community in our own unique way. Special thanks to Board Chairperson LaShalla Johnson McCollister, Board Vice-Chairperson Frejai Dimery-Tate, and Board Secretary Ariel Higginbotham.
June 22, 2021 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society held their regular monthly meeting this past Saturday, June 20th. There was a photography workshop on “Long Exposure” photography. Those in attendance learned more about photographing fireworks, light painting, astrophotography and day time long exposures.
The next meeting will be the 3rd Saturday of July, there will be more workshops and challenges. Our goal as a club is to help you become a better photographer and give you a place to meet others who share your passion for photography. Featuring 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.
Congratulations to all club members who participated in the June Challenge “Still Life”. Imaginations really ruled on this month's Still Life Challenge. There were so many great challenge photos, selecting 3 favorites obviously was not easy with a 3 way tie for First, and a 2 way tie for Second. Everyone really did an exceptional job this month.
June Challenge “Still Life”
1st place ties are Debra Cockrell with her Pencils, Melvin Henson with his Duck Steins and Jan Huffman Carter with her Forget-me-Not.



2nd place ties are Bobbie Jean Wood with her Lost Coin and Angie Junell Davis with her Spilt Wine still life and,


3rd place is Billie Haggard Jones with her 1950's.

So proud of everyone for all the effort put fort in this Still Life Challenge.
To view all the challenge photos https://www.flickr.com/groups/pineywoodsphotographic/ or for more information about club meetings or memberships contact Billie F. Jones, 936-591-2426 or check out our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/PineyWoodsPhoto

June 21, 2021 - The Unique Boutique received a donation of a vintage electric train set. It was made by Louis Marx and Company but has some Lionel parts as well. One box is filled with the tracks and the other has all the cars inside. 6 train cars, 2 engines, tracks, and a transformer is included. The train worked for many years, the owner tried to replace parts, but it does not currently work.
We are looking for anyone interested in purchasing this great vintage train set. All proceeds will go to help feed the hungry and assist the needy in Shelby County. We are asking $150 for everything included in the picture. For more information, please call Josh at 598-4990 or you can call The Unique Boutique at 591-8190.
Update: Roughrider Car Wash has been postposted! Will be rescheduled... watch for future date!
June 15, 2021 - The Roughrider Scholarship Foundation (RSF) is hosting a car wash fundraiser on Friday, June 18 from 3pm until 6:30pm at the Azalea House on Tenaha Street at the corner of Tenaha Street and Carroll Street, next to Dairy Queen.
RSF handed out $1,000 scholarships to 116 graduates from the Center High School Class of 2021 and the foundation gave out 8 scholarships to the Roughrider Academy Spring Class of 2021 for a grand total of $124,000 given this year alone.
Formed in 1988, the RSF was created to assist graduates of Center High School to continue their education in college or trade school of their choice. Their efforts are to provide a scholarship to EVERY CHS graduating senior who applies.
Mark your calendar and make plans to support this wonderful non-profit group which is focused on our future.

June 15, 2021 - Mike and Nita Adkison, owners of the RIO Theatre in Center are thrilled to announce the theatre will re-open on Friday, June 18, 2021 with 'The Girl Who Believes in Miracles' which is a faith based movie and rated PG.

After a year of COVID-19 shutting everything down and construction, Mike and Nita can't wait to welcome the community back to the RIO.
Opening soon at the RIO Theatre is 'F9 The Fast Saga' starting June 25th.
Box office opens at 7:00pm. Showtime at 7:30pm. Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for children.
June 16, 2021 - Flags to Fight Hunger will stay up through July 4th as we prepare to celebrate our nation's birthday!
Thank you to all the businesses and individuals who support the flag program that celebrates many of our national holidays while raising funds for the Center ISD Backpack Program!
June 16, 2021 - The second quarter of 2020 donation from the 50 Women Impact was awarded to two worthy organizations, the Cole DePriest Scholarship Foundation and Shelby County Outreach Ministries.
The 50 Women Impact who work together as one had a tie for the first time once all the votes were tallied. The total raised by each member giving $100 was $11,200 which breaks down to each organization receiving $5,600. The power of giving as one still stands true as the organization continues to grow in membership and their impact is still great even when given among two.
Including the $11,200, the total money donated by the 50 Women of Impact to date is $152,000.

From left: Ann Grant, Shyanna Grant, Linda Miller, Colette DePriest, Dianne Cross, Kristen Peace, Alease Copelin
Cole DePriest Scholarship Foundation
Cole DePriest Scholarship, a non-profit scholarship foundation in memory of Cole DePriest who was lost in a tragic horseback riding accident April 3, 2015, was formed to honor the 8 year old cowboy that loved the outdoors, rodeo, and his family. His is the son of David and Colette Cross DePriest and brother of Abi. The Cole DePriest Scholarship Foundation was founded to support hard working individuals that portray selfless service and outgoing personalities. Since April 2015, the foundation has given out close to 20 college scholarships totaling over $30,000, donated a saddle in Cole's memory for the Region 5 Texas High School Association, donated added money at local livestock shows for contestant's scholarships, and made numerous donations for other memorial fundraisers. Cicily Cross-Blair and Colette DePriest manage the foundation.
The foundation is supported by private donations. If you would like to also donate to the Cole DePriest Scholarship Foundation, mail donations to PO Box 162, Tenaha, TX 75974 or visit on Facebook.

From left: Alease Copelin, Sherry Harding, Kasey Golden, and Linda Miller
Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Shelby County Outreach Ministries (SCOM) has been serving the community for over 24 years with four programs under its umbrella: The Helping Hands Outreach Center, Meals on Wheels, The Senior Nutrition Site, and The Unique Boutique. In 2020, collectively, the senior programs provided 15,386 meals to senior citizens 60 and older. Also, Helping Hands distributed 2.386 emergency food boxes feeding 5,148 people. Overall, SCOM met 2,885 needs in our community. The Unique Boutique helps fund all our programs and allows SCOM to feed the hungry and needy in Shelby County.
SCOM is not government funded and relies on donations and the generosity of the community. SCOM motto is “Striving to be the hands and heart of Christ in the community.” If you would also like to donate, mail to Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 1029, Center, TX 75935 or visit online at http://shelbycountyoutreach.org
50 Women of Impact
The 50 Women of Impact group organized and held their first meeting in November of 2017 with the hopes of getting 50 women to give $100 each quarter for a combined contribution to an elected organization. The first meeting surpassed the 50 women with 94 inaugural members. The group has continued to grow and meet once a quarter to donate funds. Organizations who have received funds from 50 Women Impact are Shelby County Welfare Board; AgriLife Extension, Shelby Family Consumer Science program; Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library; Boo's Battle Cancer Fund; Shelby County Outreach Ministries; Jon, Macy and Misty Bush Foundation; HOPE Community Medical to establish a Fund to Help with Medical Needs for Working People; Timpson Food for Thought Pantry; Christian Community Services; Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service; Shelby County Youth Soccer; Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); Shelby County Expo; and Cole DePriest Scholarship Foundation.
June 14, 2021 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library will have Preschool Story Time Wednesday, June 16th, at 10:30am. We will have a story, crafts, songs and lots of fun. This is for ages 2-5 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., we will have our Adult program. This week we are working on Junk Journals. Come join us. All materials are provided.
Once again, by popular demand, Roy and his little pal, Bandit, will be appearing at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library in Center, TX as part of our 2021 Summer Reading programs.
The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 17. Our Imagineers will enjoy stories, songs, crafts and lots of fun. This program is for children ages 6-8 years.
On Thursday at 2:00 p. m., we will have our Tweens program for ages 9-13 years. We will be featuring Mrs. Sandra who will be demonstrating beginner origami. Come and be creative with us.
The Summer Reading programs are sponsored by the Center Noon Lions Club.

June 14, 2021 - Center Garden Club is pleased to present the Yard of the Month Award to Ron Bogue of 208 Kennedy Street. Ron has a most attractive front yard with three focal points: two are his stone-rimmed beds brimming with brightly-colored perennial flowers and the third is his masterpiece, a large container garden of colorful pots creatively arranged: stacked, inverted, and ajar, and planted with a variety of cascading succulents and other greenery. Exquisite metal sculptures further enhance Ron's plantings.
Center Garden Club encourages everyone to view Ron's gardens, truly delightful contributions to the beauty of our community.










