Both political parties had Meet the Candidates events on Tuesday evening last week. At the Shelter in Coldspring the event was recorded by Ray McCoppin and interviewer Robert Duke for the SJC Radio and Facebook.
There were more than 20 candidates, many incumbents have challengers, and tables were often loaded with tempting goodies to eat. Gayle Booth, pictured in the photo with Marc Nettuno and Robert Duke, and her fellow workers made the evening a success.
For a full list of all candidates go to the website.
Don't forget the Reagan/Trump Dinner is nearly here on Jan. 31. Call (832) 656-4092 or San Jacinto County Republican Party website.
At Coldspring Community Center the SJC Democrats held a similar meeting, but the candidates each had the stage for a time to put forward their campaigns. Newly elected County Chair Benita Malone introduced each one and there was time for questions and answers. Paul Thomasson running for Texas Senate, Dawn Marshall and Caitlin Rourke for U.S. Congress, Dana Van De Walker for State Board of Education and Valerie Barton for District 8 are featured in the photo.
Early voting for the primaries starts on Feb. 17 ends Feb. 27. The election is on March 3.
•There is another election for our county, the Best of San Jacinto, which gives the community a chance to vote for their favorite businesses, people, non-profits and more.
Coldspring Chamber of Commerce has a new way of voting online but you can still get a paper ballot by collecting one from them or downloading one.
First you are asked to nominate your favorites, you have until Jan. 30 to this. Email the chamber or call them for details if needed. Voting will begin on Feb. 2 till Feb. 27. As always winners will be announced at the Chamber Banquet, details later.
•The SJC Historical Commission sponsored the Fish Friday Lunch at the Senior Center last week. Some members could not be there due to work obligations but board members Dale Everitt, Tony Sewell, Debby Landry and my husband Gregg Cones and myself were there to enjoy the meal. The table was decorated by Johnne Engelmann who also made the lovely runners for New Year's Lunch.
The Senior Center will have a Valentine's Day Dinner Dance on Feb. 14. Tickets are on sale now at the Center. Administrator Charline Smith and the Center Board are organizing many events for the new year. Look at the Facebook page and online for news and collect a monthly sheet of all meals to be served each day.
•Both libraries, Coldspring and Shepherd, have events coming up. The Princess Tea Party at Coldspring and the Annual Tea Party (with a hat) at Shepherd will take place. Coldspring will be on Feb. 28, two sittings and please reserve your places. Shepherd's is Friday Jan. 23 at 2-3 p.m.
•Do you have a home-grown business? Do you make, bake, create or supply produce, any items whatever you would like to sell at the Shepherd Library Park once a month on Saturday? Text Shepherd Chamber if you want to be part of this new venture. This will be a Farmer's Market type of venue and will not be on the first of the month.
•I have been asked when will the new Tractor Supply open in Shepherd. I was told by the manager that they are aiming for mid-February. When I am informed, I will make sure to let you know.
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.
