I think we already knew it was summer when it got up to 90-plus degrees. On Saturday, Friends of Hopewell, Inc. hosted the annual Juneteenth Program on the Courthouse Square.
This was very well-attended; the crowd was welcomed by Mayor John Benestante followed by County Judge Fritz Faulkner presenting a proclamation. Margaret Williams read the historic Emancipation Proclamation and Daisey Sudderth sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Oh Freedom.”
Dale Everitt gave his talk “Juneteenth Expressions.” Carson Combs gave the opening prayer and Prophetess Alice Patterson closed the program with a prayer after Doris Mitchell- Spiller sang “How Great is Our God.”
The parade followed with Grand Marshall Rev. Charles Harden and then the crowd moved onto the Hopewell Center on Perry Drive in Coldspring. This event continued well into the afternoon with great food, a silent auction and lots of door prizes.
Lillie Lunnon-Boson was the emcee for a full program of singing, prayer and a fascinating talk by Maria Maer on “Displaying Quilts with Underground Railroad Roots.” Who would have thought that a quilt could be a coded message? Or the signs the quilts showed could be used as a drawing to help escaping slaves? The talk was illustrated with quilts and the stories of those who were leaders in helping slaves escape to the north.
Barbara Justice talked about the importance of voting and knowing what you are voting for. Many elections have resolutions to be voted on and Barbara explained the process to the gathering. She answered questions after the meal, which was delicious.
Valarie Dean and Ursula Thompson-Greenleaf sang and Tiffany Parker welcomed everyone. Every singer in the program was inspiring and so was the poem written by Oscar Combs as a tribute to his children which was read by Christyn Combs. Margaret Williams spoke about the organization Friends of Hopewell and after the awards and presentations, the Rev. Terrence McGowen gave the closing prayer.
Thanks to all who worked hard to make this event a success with Ester Wynn, President of the Board, being recognized for her leadership. Go to website http://www.friendsofhopewell.com for information on the organization.
• SJC Historical Commission is in the process of cleaning and sorting the Jailhouse Museum. It is amazing how much stuff has accumulated over time and all of it needs a new home. The Commission is working on this and hopes to be able to open again for tours soon.
• Coldspring Library finished its summer program and will have a basic computer skills course for adults on July 8 at 4 p.m. This is a free class, but you must register beforehand. You can do this by calling or emailing the library or picking up a form from there this week.
The library is more than a book repository. You can find eBooks, audio books, a notary, have things printed or scanned to email, faxed, use a computer and have something laminated. Coldspring Library, celebrating its 40th year, is open till 5 p.m. through the week and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Call (936) 653-3104.
• It was Fish Friday last week at SJC Senior Center in Coldspring. It had an anonymous sponsor in honor of Betsy and Dorothy. As always, the meal was beautifully done and DJ Ken and Gregg Cones sang, as did Linda Almaguer and Young Miya, who delighted everyone with their songs.
• Shepherd Chamber of Commerce is receiving forms from vendors for the July 5 Independence Day event. Forms are online at the website or can be picked up at Shepherd Library. You can return them there.
• Last week I showed a photo of Barbara Justice and Margaret Williams with 3 scholarship winners. These scholarships were from SJC Democratic Party and not from the NAACP.
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.
