This is a week of many events celebrating our nation's 250th birthday. I have mentioned Shepherd's July 4 event with Fireworks at 9 p.m. but there will be a lot to do before that. Americal Legion Post 629 will open at 2 p.m. with State Rep. Janis Holt speaking briefly to welcome everyone.
The Hot Steppers Line Dancers will perform around 8 p.m., Karaoke Joe is our DJ and MC, Gregg Cones will sing, Walterine Carr will lead the games program and the Patriotic Dress Contest for adult, youth/child and pet will take place around 5-6 p.m.
Food vendors and vendors with their home-based items will be there too. We still have some places for vendors, call me or pick up a form from Shepherd Library.
Many other places will be hosting events and wherever you are, Shepherd Chamber of Commerce wishes you and your family and friends a very Happy July 4th Celebration.
•Both libraries in our county have had their summer programs. I talked about Shepherd last week. Coldspring finished theirs which was a huge success. They have dinosaurs too, but they included other historical periods with the Ice Age, Medieval and Renaissance eras and the age of exploration/modern history. Texas Grill provided lunch on the last day.
Grants from the Library Association and HEB Summer at the library helped with the programs. Gary Imm, the astrophotographer, and Mrs. Karen from Master Gardeners spoke to the children and the team of volunteers were applauded for their hard work.
•Friends of Shepherd Library met last week. The President, Rick McIntyre, talked about the new venture the Friends embarked upon just over two months ago. Rick had to take on the work of acquiring licenses for the non-profit organization to be part of the Charity Bingo Games at Willis, in the Knights of Columbus building there.
Each non-profit involved has a night during the week. Shepherd Library's night is on Sunday. The profit is divided between the organization running the Bingo Games, the rent for the Hall and payment to the workers. The state is paid too; everything is regulated by it. The non-profit gets a percentage of course.
Rick McIntyre had to meet with officials in Austin to fulfil requirements for licensing and is there with Terri, director of the library, on Sunday. To know more call the library or go online. Food is served before the games begin and snacks are available. Call (936) 628-3515.
•It was Fish Friday at Coldspring Senior Center and as usual the place was packed with diners. Charline Smith told the crowd that the tickets for the Talent Show were selling well. There is a limited amount so if you want tickets, call at the Center, $25 each, which includes dinner and the show.
I love this show, it is so good, funny skits, good singers and a friendly atmosphere. August 29, dinner at 5 p.m. Call (936) 653-4175.
•A meeting for key communicators for the City of Coldspring was held at the Community Center on Friday. This was the first meeting for some, although a Think Tank meeting led by Mayor John Benestante and Dr. Judi Benestante had started the ball rolling some weeks before. Groups like the SJC Historical Commission, Master Gardeners and others heard the Mayor talk about plans for the future of the city.
The attendees were divided into groups, each with a different question. These all focused on how to achieve a harmonious balance with our present small-town atmosphere and the expansion which is coming. This is the beginning of this group's work. The meeting, which was well organized and very productive with ideas and possible resources is a commendation to the work of resources, Dr. Benestante and their desire to do the very best for Coldspring.
•Last week Shepherd Chapter 1006 of the Order of the Eastern Star met for the Installation of the officers for the ensuing year. They meet in the Masonic Lodge on the fourth Tuesday of each month for potluck dinner and a meeting.
This is a fraternal organization which welcomes men and women. Men are Masons and women are connected to the Masonic order through a familial relationship. Its aims are to promote charity, truth and loving kindness.
There is a great deal of symbolism with the biblical stories of five heroines each representing moral virtues and guiding influences to its members. These five — Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa — form the five points of the Star which gives the Order its name.
To know more call the Worthy Matron who is the leader of the Chapter, Michele Jenkins, at (832) 868-6569.
Contact the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce at (210) 995-7420 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184.
Yvonne Cones is president of the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.
