Family of Danny Carroll Express Gratitude – September 2, 2010
Submitted by Danielle Smith

On behalf of the Danny Carroll family, we would like to express our true gratitude for the outpouring of love during this time of loss. The food, flowers, gifts, cards, calls and visits have been such a blessing. We would also like to extend a thank you to those who have made donations to MD Cancer Center. It has been very comforting to know so many have been thinking of us and offering prayers on our behalf. The stories shared about him have helped to replace some of the hurt with happiness. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Tenaha School Information - September 1, 2010
Submitted by Judy Monroe

Tenaha Schools will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. Classes will resume Tuesday, September 7th. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Labor Day.

The Tenaha ISD PE classes are looking for donations of softball and baseball gloves, old and used gloves will be gladly accepted. Please e-mail girls basketball coach and PE coordinator, Laura Walker-Holmes at walkerlaura@tenahaisd.com if you would like to make a donation. Thank you!

Services Offered to Employers shared at Rotary Club Meeting - September 1, 2010
Photos by JoAnna Martin, Rotary Club President

The Rotary club met Tuesday for their regular meeting at the John D Windham Civic Center.  Guest speaker was Deb Fisher, Business Services Specialist with WorkForce Solutions Center, Texas.  Ms Fisher shared with the group the services offered to employers, businesses and individuals. Topics covered in the presentation were Employer Resources, Training, Layoff & closure assistance, Fidelity Bonding, Labor Market Information, Tax Credits – (WOTC & Welfare-to-Work), Specialized Reports, Unemployment rate information from January 2010 – July 2010, monthly workshops offered at WorkForce Solutions and Texas Back to Work Program.

CNA Graduates Pass State Exam - September 1, 2010
Submitted by Judy Lee

100 % PASS for the most recent Certified Nurse Aide Graduates from Panola College. The following students took their state exam on Aug. 31. Pictured - not in order: Tori Fanguy, Katherine McGee, Kimberly Cochran, Francesca Jenkins, Erica Sandifer, Haven Holland, Brandi Floyd, Courtney Burrows, Lindsey Davis, and Judy Reynolds, LVN, CNA Instructor.

A great big thank you goes out to the staff, and residents at Holiday Nursing Center for allowing students to participate at their facility.

Congratulations Students on a Job Well Done!

Important social research will be conducted in Center on September 23 from 6 - 8 pm.
Qualified participants will be paid $150 for their opinions. You must be employed with
good reading and speaking skills. Call 1-888-553-6095. We are not selling anything
and you will be paid at the end of the meeting.

Tri-County Managers Rally to help Fire Victims - September 1, 2010
Submitted by Diane Hughes

How unique, in this day and age, that a community rallies together to help a family in great need. A Head Start family, a lady and her three girls, ages 18 months, 3 years old and 7 years old, lost everything in a fire 2 weeks ago. Tri-County Community Action is doing what it can as an agency to help but, due to grant constraints, are unable to provide items that this family desperately need such as household items, TV, Couch, Bed, Tables, clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. A few Tri-County Managers got together and decided to purchase items, with their own money, so this family can begin to get back on their feet. Donations of two air conditioners, refrigerator, clothes, shoes, pillows, blankets, dishes, silverware, toys and books have all arrived at their temporary home. She is very thankful for all the prayers and gifts people have been giving her but she is still in need of many things.

If you would like to contribute to help this family, please call 936-598-6315 ext. 19. Thanks to all the dedicated professionals who put the needs of strangers ahead of themselves. But after all, that’s what Tri-County Community Action is all about!!

Joaquin Senior Citizens Crafty Tuesday - September 1, 2010
Submitted by Debbie Dockens

This past Crafty Tuesday was so much fun! Everyone enjoyed visiting and had a wonderful fall hat decoration for home and work. As you can see, these turned out beautifully!

Next Tuesday, Sept 7 will find us making French Memo Boards. These wonderful fabric and ribbon boards are great for holding photos,memos,tickets or other treasures and can be made to accent any decor. We hope to see you on Tuesday to make one of these for your home or as a gift.

Holiday Nursing Center Staff Donate School Supplies - September 1, 2010
Submitted by Ann Blackwell

The staff at Holiday Nursing Center have been busy collecting school supplies to help their fellow co-workers send their children back to school with much needed school supplies. This is just one of several ways that employees help each other in the family environment at Holiday . Just recently some employees participated in a yard sale to raise money for the company’s HUG FUND. This fund is to assist employees that have had a catastrophic event happen to their family, such as a fire, storm, illness or other devastating event. The goal for this year was $1312 and the staff raised $2113. The residents are also gearing up for fall events such as their annual trip to the poultry festival and another fishing trip to the Blackwell farm. Come by and visit anytime with our residents and staff.

(Left to right back row) Laci Harris, RN; LaKeshia Robinson, CNA; David Maes, LVN; Nicole Gandy, LVN; Mary Christian, CMA; and front row is Gayla Haley, Administrator

2nd Annual ACS "Cancer Sucks" Co-ed Softball Tournament Huge Success - August 31, 2010
Composed by J.J. Ford
Photos by Chrisitie Mahan and J.J. Ford, more photos - Album 1, Album 2

The 2nd annual American Cancer Society's "Cancer Sucks" Co-ed Softball Tournament was held Saturday, August 28th in Center at the baseball park across from Center High School on Roughrider Dr. Seven (7) teams competed in the all day tournament: 90 Proof, Texas Thunder, Bronson, Half Nuts, Boom Boom Pow, Ball Busters and Sticks N Chicks. The final game was between team Bronson and team Half Nuts. Bronson defeated the Half Nuts to win the tournament.

Special thanks to the following sponsors: Ultra Shade Plus, McAdams Propane, Watson-Tucker Florist, All Hours Fitness, TANtalized Tanning, Precious Haute Shotz, Willis Blackwell, Scentsy Candles - Indep. Consultant Shannon Denby, Hughes Florist and Gifts, Mia Bella Gourmet Candles, RPM Oilfield Services, Hughes Wrecker Service, Glitter and Glam Nail Salon, Snider's Paint and Body, Williams LP Gas, Make Me Over Salon, Triple F Oilfield, Cash Now, The Loft, and City Blends Smoothie Cafe.

Thank you for your continued support in the fight against cancer!
*All proceeds go towards the American Cancer Society's 2011 Shelby County Relay for Life. The tournament made over $2600 and are still selling t-shirts.

Kamikaze Kings Present TV to Winning Ticket Holder - August 30, 2010
Submitted by Veronica Berry

Carlos Berry (L), President of the Kamikaze Kings presented the winning ticket holder, James Jenkins (R) of Marshall, Texas, with a 47" LCD HDTV on August 9, 2010. This raffle is one of several fundraiser's The Bike Club has annually. All proceeds go into a scholarship fund for local graduating seniors.

The club was organized to encourage the safe enjoyment of motorcycle riding and enhance the image of motorcycle riders. It was also organized to contribute to the youth and charity programs in our local area while encouraging positive public relations through club activities, charities, and community events. We are a very dedicated male motorcycle/social organization that prides ourselves in brotherhood and community service. We give scholarships to graduating seniors, give toys to needy children at Christmas, mentor young boys, and assist in the community in many other ways. The club was formed in 2007 and currently has 11 members. It is located at 829 Shelbyville Street in Center.

6.5 lb Black Bass Caught on Toledo Bend Lake - August 28, 2010

Amiee Chance, of Joaquin, Texas was fishing this morning on Toledo Bend Lake near the Huxley Bay area when she hooked a nice black bass tipping the scales at 6.5 lbs. She stated "I out fished my husband. I am so happy!!". Congratulations on the nice catch.

Holiday Nursing Center's Therapy Department Receives "Excellent" in Survey - August 27, 27, 2010
Submitted by Patricia Samuel, Activity Director

In a recent service satisfaction survey, families rated Holiday Nursing Center's Therapy Department as "Excellent". Our Therapy Department works with patients on modalities such as e-stim, diathermy, and ultrasound along with Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy in order to help them achieve the highest possible level of functionality. Our residents enjoy working with therapist, which include a number of fun and challenging activities designed to stimulate the mind and body.

We would like to say Thank You to our therapist for a job well done. Next time you are in need of therapy, let your doctor know you would like to go to Holiday Nursing Center to receive "Excellent" therapy. "Your Best Way Home is Through Our Doors".

Green Acres visits Joaquin for Bingo - August 27/2010
Submitted by Debbie Dockens

Several friends from Green Acres came by the Joaquin Senior Center to play bingo and visit, among them Mr. Bill Clark whom we hadn't seen in a while.

It was fun to win prizes but the most fun came from visiting and enjoying the company! We hope to see these folks and more on a regular basis. We want to thank Sandra McSwain and Michele Parks for driving as well as calling the game!

Tri-County Community Action prepares to change locations because they are bursting at the seams due to their expansion of programs. They have added an addition branch to their tree of services. They now offer Early Head Start. Also, the Weatherization Department is ramping up in order to meet the needs of the seven East Texas counties they serve. CSBG is in a transition because their Director retired. Currently Tri-County occupies a large portion of offices on the south end of Wulf Plaza. Over the next couple of months, Tri-County Community Action will be moving into the old Elementary School located on 214 Nacogdoches Street. Tri-County is one of the larger employers in the area and is doing their best to meet demands in all the communities that they serve. Please bear with us in the upcoming weeks, we are hiring more staff and trying to meet everyone’s needs. To inquire about the many marvelous programs Tri-County offers, please call 936-598-6315 ext. 10.

Special Thanks to the Shelbyville VFD - August 27, 2010
Submitted by Shelbyville ISD, Photo by J.J. Ford

Shelbyville Independent School District would like to express our thanks to the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department. Yesterday, as the afternoon football pep rally was ending, a fire broke out in the overgrown brush on the private property located next to the school’s main driveway entrance. The Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department responded in a prompt manner to the fire alert, containing and extinguishing the fire before flames could spread to Shelbyville’s school grounds. Again, thank you Shelbyville VFD for your hard work and diligence.

Still Hot but Cooler Weather Felt!! - August 26, 2010
Composed by Vickie Martin

Cooler weather has been enjoyed by everyone the last two days. Who would have dreamed that we would think 96 or 97 was a cool spell. The 24 days of 100 plus temperature for the month of August as reported by Center's official weather reporter, Jim Forbes, has everyone wishing for cooler temperatures.

The temperature as seen on the sign at the John D Windham convention Center is 96 degrees. The National Weather Service is predicting a low around 65 degrees tonight. This cooler weather is just in time for the beginning of the football season. Remember the heat is still very dangerous so everyone be sure to drink plenty of water and stay inside as much as possible.

Hochheim Prairie Insurance Gives Back to Community - August 26, 2010
Composed by Vickie Martin

Hochheim Prairie Insurance made several donations Tuesday, August 24, 2010 to various agencies in the area. Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Company serves over 100,000 member families. The company gives $5 per member in order to give something back to the community. Becky Maidic and Ann Tomlin, on behalf of Hochheim Prairie Insurance Group, presented checks to Hollis Pitts, Woods Fire Department; Michael Lee, Center Fire Department; Dewayne Lout, Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department; and Craig Hendricks, Huxley Volunteer Department.

Fire Departments check presentation: Ann Tomlin, Dewayne Lout, Hollis Pitts, Michael Lee, Craig Hendricks, and Becky Maidic

The next presentation was made to Sandra Davis who accepted the check on behalf of the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library on Tenaha Street. Sandra explained that the money would be used to purchase additional books for the library.

Library check presentation: Ann Tomlin, Sandra Davis and Becky Maidic

Rainbow Room check presentation: Ann Tomlin, Alice Pate, and Becky Maidic

The next agency to benefit was the Rainbow Room. Alice Pate gladly accepted the check to be used to furnish the Rainbow Room. The Rainbow Room is an emergency resource room designed to assist CPS caseworkers and the families they serve. The room is usually stocked with clothing, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies and other items a child or family may need.

Shelby County Child Welfare Board and Children's Advocacy Center check presentation: Ann Tomlin, Lynda Kay Russell, Sara Shires, and Becky Maidic

The last donations of the day were made to the Shelby County Child Welfare Board represented by Lynda K Russell and the Children's Advocacy Center represented by Sara Shires.

Raffle Fundraiser for Waymon Gardner - August 25, 2010
Submitted by Jennifer Johnson

Waymon has worked for Steel Building Supply for over 20 years. In November of 2009 he was diagnosed with cancer. He has had a tumor removed from his brain & undergoing treatments to help reduce the tumor in his lungs & liver. Recently Waymon was informed that he cannot return to work. This fundraiser is going to help with medical & everday living expenses for him.
We are raffling off 4 baskets of donated items from around the ...community.

Tickets are $2 a piece OR 3 for $5.00
You can purchase tickets at the following businesses:
Steel Building Supply
NAPA
Wright Chrysler Dodge
Shelbyville Grocery

If you have any questions or would like to know about all the items in the baskets feel free to call 936-598-6373
Thank you.

75th Birthday Celebration for Jean Ballard - August 25, 2010

Open invitation to friends and family,

Emma Jean (DuBose) Ballard will be celebrating 75 years young this year.
Please join us at the Tenaha Methodist Fellowship Hall on Saturday,
September 4, 2010, between 2 – 4 PM for cake and punch. Please no gifts;
just your presence will be greatly appreciated.

McAdams Propane Paints Truck Pink for Relay for Life - August 24, 2010
Composed by J.J. Ford
Click here for more photos.

Relay for Life team McAdams Propane hosted a luncheon Tuesday, August 24th at their office on Hwy 96 North honoring survivors and families of survivors of cancer. Unveiled at the luncheon was a McAdams Propane truck painted in pink with the Relay for Life logo displayed on the doors. The new pink truck will deliver to customers in the Shelby, Panola, Nacogdoches, and Rusk counties. Each year, a percentage of the revenue per gallon that the pink truck generates will be donated to Relay for Life on behalf of owners and staff of McAdams Propane Company.

A large crowd attended the luncheon with guest speaker Mayor John D. Windham. Also in attendance was County Judge Rick Campbell, District Attorney Lynda K Russell and many members of the business community. Josh McAdams would like to thank the Shelby County Cookers for their help with the event.

Tamia Douglas & Jasmine Cook compete in Miss Summer Sparkle Pageant - August 24, 2010
Submitted by Tomeka Jones

Tamia Douglas and Jasmine Cook travel to Woodville last Saturday to compete in the Miss Summer Sparkle Pageant. Both girls did an awesome job in their age division. Jasmine was crown divisional Queen in the 7 to 8 age group and Tamia was crown divisional Queen in her age group 9 to 12 also Tamia won best smile and best model. These girls have worked hard to achieve their goals and we are very proud of them. They will both compete again this weekend in Nagodoches at SFA. We would like to "Thank" their sponsors and everyone that have helped in anyway. We Love you girls and we are very proud of you. Always work toward your dreams.

Local Residents go on Guatemala Mission Trip - August 24, 2010
Submitted by Joe Anderson

Several members of First Baptist Church of Center along with other members of the community left Saturday, August 21, 2010 for a mission trip to Guatemala which was organized by Stepstones Ministry International. The group will help construct two homes being built for two widow women who each have five children.

With the help of volunteers Stepstones Ministry International has built over 60 houses in Guatemala.

Standing (left to right): Chism Connolly, Phillip Reynolds, Emily Fausett, Gordon Vaughn, and Bill Connolly.
Front row (left to right): Alex Morales, Rachel Bender, and Jason Locke