People-Henderson County Now

Around the Town: A Letter From John

By Loretta Humble

Sorry I’ve been skipping out on my column here lately. It’s just that I haven’t been doing a whole lot of interesting things, or getting out to where I would see other folks doing interesting things. I could use a little help in this for a while. I really appreciate Teri Caswell and Billy Bucher filling in for me. If you have something you’d like to tell the community, talk to me. We just might work something out.

It’s been a while since I’ve had anything new to write about my friend John Walker. He’s been visiting his son Nick in Chile for several weeks. I believe now he is in Washington State visiting his daughter, though maybe he is on his way back now. He’s not much better at letter writing than I am, though I did get one letter from him a couple of weeks ago. I’m going let him help write this column by reprinting part of that letter. Sounds to me like he is have a grand old time. Continue reading “Around the Town: A Letter From John”

TVCC Holds Retirement Party for Janice Sutton

TVCC Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jerry King (left) shares a light-hearted moment with Learning Resource Center Director Janice Sutton during her retirement party Tuesday. Sutton, a Mabank native and Henderson County Junior College graduate, has been with the college for 14 years.

TVCC Holds Retirement Party for Nancy Love

Nancy Love (left) embraces friend and longtime co-worker Vicki Dossett during a retirement party held in Love’s honor Monday at Trinity Valley Community College. Love, who works in school relations, is bidding farewell to the college after 21 years as a full-time employee.

Celebrating a Career: Reception Honors Retirement of Pam Burton

By Michael V. Hannigan

It was day No. 13,248 when the City of Athens held a retirement reception for City Administrator Pam Burton on Thursday. Or, as Mayor Jerry Don Vaught said it, 36 years, three months and six days.

Thats how long it’s been since Burton started work at the city as the deputy tax assessor/collector on August 28, 1978. She said she’s worked for seven mayors and 22 council members during her career.

Friends, family, dignitaries and employees past and present celebrated Burton’s long and distinguished career, with the reception taking the theme of the old “This is Your Life” television show.

Rusty Workman and Don Willis were two of the guests on hand to honor Pam Burton on Thursday.

Vaught played host as unexpected guests arrived to surprise Burton. Guests included the city manager who hired her 36 years ago, Cody Thompson; her lifelong friend Bobbett Elliott; former city manager Kevin Evans; former mayor Jerry King; former city councilman Bob Gould; Murchison Foundation Board President Don Wills; former First National Bank president Rusty Workman; and former mayor Randy Daniel.

Sending their remarks via letter were State Rep. Lance Gooden and Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples.

Also speaking was Trinity Valley Community College President Glendon Forgey, who announced that Bob and Peggy Gould, through the TVCC Foundation, created a two-year scholarship to the school in Burton’s name for a student seeking a degree in government.

Burton said, “To these employees. Without these employees I would not be here. We would not have the city we have today. I stand here and get credit, but those guys and ladies in the field, they’re what make a difference in this community. And I am honored that I was able to have you as my team for the last 19 years. Thank you all so much.” Continue reading “Celebrating a Career: Reception Honors Retirement of Pam Burton”

Assistant Superintendent Took Winding Path to Stellar Career

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

There are several diplomas on the walls of Athens ISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims’ office. One would expect as much behind the desk of an individual with a doctoral degree. But a single frame is set apart from the others. This one holds two diplomas, both awarded to Hughlene Henry — Dr. Sims’ beloved mother.

“She was a remarkable woman,” said Sims. The mother of six children, Hughlene Henry became a school teacher after earning her certification through a two-year program. Later, while working full-time in the classroom, raising six children and doting on her husband, Henry went on to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

“She was always in school,” said Sims. “Being the youngest, I remember spending many summers at the library of East Texas State University while she was in class. She finished her master’s degree when I was in high school.” Continue reading “Assistant Superintendent Took Winding Path to Stellar Career”