New Year's Day was celebrated at the Family Restaurant in Shepherd with free lunches for anyone who came. There were volunteers to help serve the food which offered everything from chicken and turkey, pork chops, ham with black eyed peas, greens, rolls etc. Desserts were scrumptious.
Many came and ate there while some took theirs home. Thank you, Walterine and Carla, for your generosity and your helpers who were so ready to serve.
•Coldspring Garden Club met on Dec. 2, 2025, with a wonderful program by Phyllis Campbell about hummingbirds and how to attract and feed them. Her slide show was spectacular with many useful tips.
Cleaning the bird feeder is essential, especially in hot weather since mold kills them. You can make your own nectar, which is sugar and water mixed (red dye is harmful to them). Phylls has a website and also gives presentations on bluebirds. Look for Bluebird Blessings on Facebook.
•On Friday, Coldspring Senior Center held a New Year's party after the excellent meal. The tables were decorated with beautiful table runners made by Johnne Engleman with her flowers and vases adding a final touch. It was Alan Graves’ birthday, so Linda Almaguer made a very large upside down pineapple cake which was shared with others and was delicious.
Charline Smith, the Center's Administrator, announced the Valentine's Day Dinner Dance will be on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call to reserve your table at (936) 653-4175.
Also at the party was Melaney Strickland of Olive Branch Hospice. Melaney is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Hospice so if you want to be a volunteer, make a difference in someone's life, call her at (281) 659-6239. Email her at mstrickland@htohh.com.
Melaney set up a table with delicious treats, fruit, cheese, sweets and fruit punch. This was her way of informing the gathering of her work at the Hospice and everyone enjoyed her goodies and the backdrop for photos opportunities.
•Last week I mentioned Business of the Month had gone to Will Hall Towing of Shepherd. Here is more information on this Shepherd Chamber of Commerce member. Located at 2800 S. Byrd, Will Hall runs his business with his son. They do more than towing, having a very large vehicle scrap yard. Will has more than 200 reviews on Google with 5 stars and has been voted 'Best of ' for the last 3 years. Call (832) 398-1647.
•The Reagan-Trump Dinner will be on Jan. 31 at the Coldspring Shelter. Go to the Facebook page or website for information. Meet the Candidates will be on Jan. 13 at the same location, tickets on sale now.
•The San Jacinto County Historical Commission will sponsor the Fish Friday lunch at the Coldspring Senior Center. Dale Everitt, longtime board member, sent this short piece of history to me:
"On Dec. 29, 1845, 180 years ago, the Republic of Texas granted admission to the United States of America to become part of Texas. The United States added the Texas star to their flag, and it was designated as the 28th star American Flag.
“It was to last only 1 year before another state was added. The only President to serve under this flag was James Polk (1845-1849).
“A replica of the 28 Star American Flag is on display in the Rotunda of the San Jacinto County Courthouse."
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.
