Athens-Henderson County Now

Thrift Store Donates $2,000 to Meals on Wheels

AthensThrift Shop

Meals On Wheels press release

Meals on Wheels Ministry was among several Henderson County non-profits to receive a check from Athens Thrift Store on Thursday, Jan. 30. Representatives from both agencies gathered at the store for a check presentation ceremony marking a landmark fundraising effort for the Thrift Store, which was begun in 2010. Since then, the organization has given away over $80,000 to organizations who serve in Henderson County including the East Texas Crisis Center, East Texas Health Center, Henderson County Food Pantry, First Baptist Church Furniture and Clothing Ministry, Henderson County Young Life, Ruby’s Safe Haven, Family Peace Project, Lila Lane Ministries, Disciples Clinic, ETMC Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels Ministry.

Real estate broker and Board President Drew Douglas says that he got the idea for the Athens Thrift Store from a friend living in Brenham, Texas, who had opened a similar operation there. He started working on opening the store in February 2010, and by August, the thrift store was open for business. The concept is simple; people donate items to be sold by the store, and all resulting proceeds are distributed to non-profit organizations.

Mr. Douglas hopes to continue to grow the store, so that they can return even more money back into the community. In order to achieve this, he says they need more volunteers. Continue reading “Thrift Store Donates $2,000 to Meals on Wheels”

Dennis Gilmore Steps Down from HCPAC

((The following was released as part of the Henderson County Performing Arts Center‘s February newsletter.))

With a heavy heart the Board of Directors of HCPAC/ALT announces the retirement of its 25-year Executive Director, Dennis Gilmore.

In 1989 Dennis presented the Board with a proposal to hire him as Executive Director of the Theatre. The Board agreed if Dennis raised the money to make the idea happen. With his experience in theater and non-profit organizations, Dennis has exceeded the vision of that Board. From a single stage with rudimentary facilities, the theatre has expanded to include a new theatre space with improved functionality, storage and work shop. Dennis accomplished this by involving friends and volunteers from all of Henderson County, as well as grants from local, state and national organizations. Other accomplishments include the youth program, the summer youth musicals, Christmas shows (remember buying that cake for $85.00?), summer workshops, senior programs, dance classes, public service productions, touring shows, professional entertainment and countless other activities benefiting all of Henderson County.

Dennis has been involved in acting, directing, set design and construction in over 200 productions with innumerable cast members at HCPAC/ALT. Dennis has had a lasting influence on children, youth and adults. Young people especially have found confidence, a sense of team and understanding of the rewards of diligence while under Dennis’ care. Dennis performed these acts with the support, hard work and love of his wife Karen. Karen has spent untold hours designing and fabricating costumes and directing shows.

As HCPAC/ALT enters its 50th year, Dennis has prepared the theatre to continue its role as the premier Cultural Performing Arts Center of Henderson County and East Texas. The Board of Directors wishes to express its thanks to Dennis and Karen for their
leadership and friendship as they prepare to continue their lives as community leaders in Palm Springs, CA.

I would personally like to thank both Dennis and Karen for their friendship and encouragement to join their theatre family.

Please plan to join us April 11, 2014 at the Annual Fundraiser as we pay tribute to these wonderful Athens advocates.

Respectfully,
Mark A. Roberts
President, HCPAC Board of Directors

AMS Choir Students Bring Home Awards From UIL Competition

Eight members of the Athens Middle School choir attended the Region 21 UIL Middle School Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Robert E. Lee High School, in Tyler, Texas. Each one earned a “First Division (I)” for their solo. They are:

Taegan Alen
Jordan Ickes
Josh Bateman
Ethan Condon
Chandler Early
Jackson Kilgore
Jacob Moore
Jonathan Snowden

Each participant sang an Italian Art Song. Ethan Condon and Jacob Moore each sang a “Class I” solo, the highest level of difficulty for a high school participant.

Congratulations to each of these young people. They truly “Performed like Champions!”

AHS Students Rock at Choir Competition

On Friday, Jan. 31, 17 Athens High School choir students went to UIL Vocal Solo/Ensemble Contest held at Whitehouse High School. There were 17 solos and one ensemble. Sixteen students made a division I rating (the best) and one a division II. There was also a girls trio that made a division I rating.

Congratulations to the following for making a division I rating on their Class I solo that qualifies them for State Solo/Ensemble competition in May:
Rebecca Archer, Jessica Bonnette, Kat Charr, Amber Conner, Paula Contois, Logan Dooley, Azsia Hearn, Evelyn Sanchez, Amuy Schoonover, Rachel Taylor, Jadeyn Traxson, Felicity Walker, Jordan Walker, and Kenyon Walker

Congratulations to Jessica Bonnette, Paula Contois, and Felicity Walker for making a division I rating on a Class I ensemble.

Congratulations to Trevor Baumgartner and Darien Lambert for making a division I rating on a Class II solo.

HCPAC Presents Death By Chocolate

HCPAC press release

What a way to go! The Henderson County Performing Arts Center (HCPAC) and Arabella of Athens are donning their Cupid bows and arrows to bring you “Death by Chocolate,” a romantic Valentine’s evening of decadence. Not only will there be luscious chocolate confections to woo your beloved but who could resist a chocolate fountain overflowing onto fruits, cookies, candies and cakes? ‘Will you be my Valentine?’ will get an affirmative nod from all
those enticed by the sweet fare.

If she needs a little more persuasion, look no farther than the chocolate cherry wine and a very extraordinary Valentine’s love cocktail. Also joining in the fun will be Coffee Love (how appropriate!) offering a tantalizing variety of unique coffee blends to complement the evening’s dessert banquet.

The event will help introduce much anticipated Arabella Retirement Community and its new facility to the people of Athens. Death by Chocolate will be held in the Arabella Club House. The brand new facility is across the street from HCPAC at 413 Gibson Road, Athens.

The event is scheduled from 8:30 to 11 p.m. both Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th. Cost is $20 per person and is a benefit to the HCPAC YES! Program.

Those attending the production of “Love Letters” will have plenty of time to indulge after the show.

Reservations are recommended as space is limited. Please call 903-675-3908.