Category: Uncategorized

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

There are still 43 angels left on the First State Bank of Athens Angel Tree and time is running out. The tree benefits the foster kids of Henderson County.

You can help by visiting the bank, selecting an angel and and returning new, unwrapped gifts by Monday, Dec. 11 (the number of gifts and amount spent is up to you).

The tree started with 256 angels, and while all the children are from Henderson County they are spread across the state and some are even in foster homes out of state. That’s because Henderson County has more foster needs than can be accommodated here.

Continue reading “Angels still remaining on FSB tree”

The search is on for the 2017 Athens Citizen of the Year. The award has been presented annually since 1966.

Do you know someone living in Athens, who, over a long span of time and beyond their regular employment, has exhibited generous community spirit, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of Athens and entire community? Someone who demonstrates outstanding leadership, citizenship, vision, civic pride and a strong commitment to a better Athens and whose volunteerism and community involvement has had a positive influence and improved the quality of life for individuals in Athens? Someone who has gone that extra mile, who’s done more than is expected to make Athens a better community in which to live, work and raise a family? Someone who has made unselfish contributions and gives their time for the betterment of Athens? Someone who exemplifies dedication and service through personal involvement in the community? Someone who may go largely unknown to the majority of the community, and quietly performs tasks that make Athens a better place to call home?

Continue reading “Nominations for Athens Citizen of the Year being accepted”

Trinity Valley Community College choirs will present their holiday concert, “A Cardinal Christmas,” Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Athens. The Cardinal Singers, Chamber Chorale and Encore groups will be joined by the Athens High School Varsity Choir, directors Michael Matchael and Bridgett Scott, accompanists Mark Reeves and Kirk Overmoe. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Gun Barrel City Masonic Youth Rainbow Girls celebrated Red Ribbon Week by signing pledges to stay drug-free on Saturday, October 21. The theme for Red Ribbon Week this year is “Your future is key, so stay drug free” and pledges that were signed by the girls and their Advisory Board members read:

“I support Red Ribbon Week. I pledge to grow up safe, healthy & drug free by understanding the dangers of drug use and abuse, respecting myself and being drug free, spreading the word to family and friends about the importance of being healthy and drug free.”

In the words of Iris Yu, the Ohio student who created this year’s theme, “Drugs not only affect your brain, but your future as well, You don’t get a second future. It’s why you do a lot of the things you do. . . in hopes of having a good future!”

It is our hope that others will join us in the pledge to stay drug free. After the meeting, refreshments were served among Halloween decorations of ghosts, pumpkins, and creepy crawly things!

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a service-oriented, leadership organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Rainbow Girls participate in a wide array of activities, including leadership training, service projects, competitions, and annual retreats. Their younger group, the Pledges, have activities for girls ages 7 to 10. Please contact Mrs. Donna Dean at 903-345-2001 or Mrs. Tonya Currey at 903-920-5608 for more information about the Rainbow Girls or visit www.txiorg.org. The Gun Barrel City Rainbow Girls and Pledges are proudly sponsored by the Cedar Creek Lake Masonic Lodge and the Gun Barrel City Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star on Legendary Lane in Gun Barrel City.

Pictured are, from left, Rosalie Randall, Laura Walters, Steve Herrick, John Irvin, Tara Trimmins, and Cheryl Nix. (Courtesy photo)

By Jacob Cole

When something can take three teenage boys and transform them into leaders and public speakers, it is worth taking note. That is exactly what the Texas Brigades has done for my brothers and I. My name is Jacob Cole, and I hope to explain to you what the Texas Brigades has done for my family. But first the Texas Brigades are a 5-day wildlife conservation camp that teach youth about the anatomy, habitat, and needs of a specific animal like quail or whitetail deer. While learning about wildlife conservation, the Cadets are taught leadership, team building, and public speaking skills.

Continue reading “Texas Brigades helps local young men become leaders”