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PWC gives donation to library

The Pinnacle Women’s Club presented a donation of $1,000 to Dale Molander, board member of the Library at Cedar Creek Lake, during their June membership meeting. This library serves the Cedar Creek area and is a resource center that provides library materials and services, promotes and assists in educational development and encourages reading. It provides instruction in adult literacy, GED, English as a second language, computer, financial, health and nutrition literacy. Pictured, from left, Patsy Dehn, PWC Philanthropy Committee Coordinator, presents $1,000 to Dale Molander, Library at CCL board member. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Assistant DA Justin Weiner recognized for community service

Justin Weiner (left) and Chief Ken Holder.

District Attorney’s Office press release

Monday morning, Eustace Police Chief Ken Holder along with District Attorney Scott McKee took time to recognize efforts made by one of McKee’s prosecutors for his dedication and service to the citizens of Eustace and Henderson County.

Justin Weiner, who also is the city prosecutor for Eustace, was presented a “Community Service Ribbon,” which is typically displayed on a peace officer’s uniform. The award was given to recognize Weiner’s outstanding efforts and involvement within the community including his participation in the East Texas Crisis Center’s “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” The event, held last month, raised money and awareness for women who have fallen victim to physical and sexual violence.

Living in Athens with his wife and 1-year-old son, Weiner is deeply committed to and involved in the community. He serves as the chairman of the Henderson County Child Welfare Board, overseeing funding for and assessing the needs of foster children here in Henderson County. Continue reading “Assistant DA Justin Weiner recognized for community service”

Obituary: Roberto Zavala

Funeral services for Roberto Zavala, 80, of Athens are scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2013 and a funeral mass is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2013 at the St. Edwards Catholic Church in Athens. Burial will follow at Athens Cemetery in Athens.

Mr. Zavala passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013 in Tyler.

Roberto was born April 20, 1933 in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas Mexico the son of Jesus Zavala and Maria Gandara Zavala. He was a hardworking man who loved his family. He enjoyed farming and spent countless hours making toothpicks. “Welito” was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Mr. Zavala was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Juan Antonio Zavala; and two brothers, Alfredo and Eustolia Zavala.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Maria Socorro Miranda Zavala; five daughters, Rosario Z. deCastillo of Piedras Negras, Mexico, Antonia Z. Herrera of Jacksonville, Texas, Felicitas Z. Castaneda of Athens, Lilia Z. Rojas of Denver, Colo., Azucena Z. Carranza of Athens; four sons, Jose de Jesus Zavala of Athens, Reynaldo Zavala of Athens, Roberto Zavala Continue reading “Obituary: Roberto Zavala”

Williams stepped down at AISD for daughter’s sake

By Michael V. Hannigan

When Athens ISD school board member Raymond Williams stepped down last week just a month after being reelected, the big question was why. Well, I spoke to Mr. Williams today and the answer was pretty simple: He put being a father first.

Mr. Williams stepped down so that his daughter can become a teacher at Athens ISD. Jordan was the 2007 valedictorian from Athens High School and has earned not only her bachelor’s degree, but also her master’s.

She will be joining Athens ISD as an elementary teacher.

Because of nepotism rules, Jordan could not be hired while her father was on the school board.

“I think she’ll do a great job,” Mr. Williams said. “I think she’ll do much better as a teacher than I ever did as a school board Continue reading “Williams stepped down at AISD for daughter’s sake”

Obituary: Woodrow Wilson Ford, Jr.

Services for Woodrow Wilson Ford, Jr., 74, Athens are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, in Carroll-Lehr Funeral Chapel with Bro. Joe Hall officiating.

Mr. Ford went to be with the Lord June 24, 2013 in Athens.

He was born Aug. 19, 1938 in Monterey, Tenn. to the late Woodrow Wilson and Waltha Elizabeth Conley Ford. Woodrow served a 29-year tenure at Curtis Mathes Manufacturing/Harvey Industries. After retiring Woodrow enjoyed spending winters fishing at Port Aransas. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and served four years in the United States Navy.

Survivors include his wife Raquel Jaure Ford, Raquel and Woodrow celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 4, 2013; daughter Rachel Rushing and husband Gary, Lawton, Okla.; son Woodrow Wilson Continue reading “Obituary: Woodrow Wilson Ford, Jr.”