The Livingston Lions Club inducted James Beard as a new member to the club during its meeting Wednesday.
A graduate of Livingston High School and Sam Houston State University, Beard has lived in Dallas and The Woodlands and now Huntsville, but said his heart is here in Livingston. He attended Texas A&M’s George Bush School of Government through a fellowship and now works for Homeland Security. He said that public service has always been important to him.
Misty Nettles, executive director of G.R.A.C.E. Pregnancy Outreach for the past seven years, reported on the growth the center has experienced over the years. She said they recently hired a fulltime bilingual receptionist and that they are offering four classes a week. Nettles reported that they have five dads who have attended over 40 classes this year. She thanked the club for its continued support.
Natalie Thornton, executive director of CASA of the Pines, reported on some of the activities of CASA which has been in Polk County since 2006. She discussed the importance of advocating for children. She added that one of the most rewarding things for her is working with the advocates and seeing how much volunteerism changes their lives.
It was announced that the club will award nine $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in the spring – five to Livingston students, two to Big Sandy students, one to a Goodrich student and one to a Leggett student.
In other business, it was reported that the Christmas tree lot will be set up on Nov. 15.
