Make The Move That Makes a Difference
“Sandra is the leading Realtor in our area! She and her family have roots that go back many years and she and her family has helped shape the city in many ways. Sandra handled the purchase of my home and was very easy to work with on purchasing and closing the transaction. Sandra has the best knowledge of the area and whether residential or commercial she has the best information for seller or buyer.”
2/18/2015-gggTX
It usually doesn’t take but a few minutes talking with someone to know what their passion is in life; whether it is their faith, children, grandchildren, jobs, flowers, etc. In just a few minutes visiting with Kendal Martel you learn she has “found her niche” living in Africa working for the peace corp. She is a Forestry Extension Agent working with the L.I.F.E. program, “Linking Income, Food & the Environment” in the Ntekete village in the Mkushi District of Zambia. Her philosophy is giving them knowledge, not money. She works physically hard planting gardens with handmade tools to convince the farmers there are other profitable crops other than corn and tomatoes. She has introduced them to cantaloupes, melons, kale, spinach, dill, egg plants, broccoli and other plants. She speaks the Bemba language proficiently to teach workshops; going for days without speaking English. One of her favorite projects using perma cultural gardens in educating HIV patients with the importance of how orange sweet potatoes can provide for vitamin A deficiency.
Kendal lives near her “host” family, a hard working successful farmer with 8 children that include 3-4 orphans. She has her own two room grass hut with no heat, air or water. Living in the Texas heat has acclimated her to Africa’s heat. In June and July, the temperatures are their coolest, dipping into the 50’s. A nearby well and stream furnishes water for the village until the dry season when there is no water available. During that time she rides her bike, which is her only means of transportation, 30 to 40 minutes to carry water back to her hut. Most of the time she is barefoot or wears rubber boots. She carried overalls from Pouland’s back to Africa.
The village she lives in has about 1,000 people. There is a school with grades one through five and when school lets out at 1PM, the kids love to go work in the school gardens. Kendal said Africa may be financially poor but in terms of family, community, friends, they are very wealthy. In the evenings, whole families sit around a fire listening to folk tales and laughing a lot. She said, it is the hardest work she has ever done but it is also the most rewarding being surrounded by God’s creation. On weekends she enjoys the solitude of long walks in the bush. She has never felt frightened in this middle of nowhere and the villagers are very protective of her. Kendal’s trip to Texas was twofold; a homecoming to be with friends and family and also to be a part of her little sister’s wedding, Kayla Martel to Adam Mary in Waco. Kendal was a bit worried about having to wear heels. She said she did fine but slipped into “flip flops” soon after the wedding ceremony to enjoy dancing.
Andrea received a phone call from Patsy Kissee, a former Diboll resident, just wanting to find out how everyone is doing in Diboll and tell them “hello” from her home in Missouri. Michael Henley, another former Diboll resident, stopped by the store while in town visiting. He is the nephew of Willie and Bobbie Capps and cousin of Richard and Jason Capps. Upon completing his high school education he joined the US Army and has been around the world serving two tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. He’s since retired as the result of an injury in Afghanistan. He was happy to be back in East Texas to enjoy some hog hunting. He and his wife Leah and two children; Ellie age 4 and Nick, age 1 live in Indiana Mound, TN where Michael is presently studying Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Retired Southern Baptist preacher, Doug Holtzclaw, from Goldthwaite enjoys gardening. He came in and bought Quik Pic purple hull pea seed and wanted to know if he could charge them on his brother-in-law’s account, Jesse Bradford. When Andrea hesitated, he decided to pay for the seeds. Poor Mike Gibson comes in everyday looking to see if we‘ve gotten in any new seeds. He buys seeds every time he comes in and is so anxious to plant but is so frustrated because he can’t do anything with all the mud in his garden.
John Ralph, Mark Hafernick and myself enjoyed visiting with John L. Strain when he came in to the round table. We learned that Mark coached John’s son, Jonathan, in T-Ball and we also discussed a lot of subjects and looked at lots of pictures on John L’s I-pad. To say “He loves to hunt” is an understatement! He recently sold two ‘hunting’ properties in Kansas to purchase one in Oklahoma which in only five hours from home. He and his wife Jackie love the new spacious retreat and the wooded acres with deer and turkeys and ponds stocked with bass. In his recent pictures everything was covered with snow. While hunting in New Zealand, where Jackie killed a red stag, John had pictures of them with another couple. John noticed the guy was wearing a Cabela’s shirt but it took two days of visiting with him to casually discover he was the “Mr. Cabela” who founded the original “Cabela’s”. John and Jackie have 3 grandchildren. 14-year-old Jillian, an active “extreme cheer” participant in statewide competition; her mom is Jayan. 4-1/2 year old Jaxson John and 2-year-old Corban Richard belong to Jonathan and Sarah Strain.
Speaking of celebrities, Mark and Ann Hafernick rubbed elbows with lots of them at the recent Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala in Dallas where their daughter, Lauren Johnston, is deeply involved as Development and Event Manager for this hugely successful million dollar fund raiser. SKY RANCH exists to provide people with a positive, recreational, fun, and memorable experience, while being exposed to the truths of the Word of God. Since 1955, Sky Ranch has made its mission to lead youth and families to know and follow Christ. Funds raised at the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala support the ministry and the Scholarship Gift Program, which provide opportunities for children facing circumstances beyond their control to attend a life-changing week of Summer Camp. Three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Darren Woodson was the Honorary Celebrity Chair Person for this year’s event and Celebrity Co Chairs were Walt Garrison and Rope Myers. Mark shared his photo taken with 1976 Heisman Trophy winner, Tony Dorsett, whose 12-year-old daughter impressed the crowd with the singing of our National Anthem. He also enjoyed visiting with Darren Woodson and Drew Pearson.
Don’t forget March 28th is the date for the annual plant sale by the Angelina County Master Gardeners at the Farmers’ Market. That same date at 6PM will the Annual Southern Gospel Concert at Calvary Baptist Church, benefiting “Relay for Life”. It’s free but a love offering will be taken for the American Cancer Society.
Come see us…’round the table.
9-year-old Halle Hawkins and her sister 14-year-old Gracie, came in Saturday with their dad and former DISD superintendent, Dr. Brent Hawkins. The middle sister, Hannah, was not with them. These three girls are active in 4H and participate in showing animals around the state of Texas. That day, Dr. Hawkins looked more like “farmer” Hawkins in his faded blue jeans. After picking up enough feed for 9 pigs and 2 lambs, they were on their way home to Livingston where Brent is presently serving as superintendent of Livingston ISD. Gracie recently did well with her pig at the San Antonio Stock Show placing 4th in her class. Gracie and Hannah both participated in the calf scramble there along with 22 others who chased after 12 calves. These girls are petite and Gracie explained that she simply caught, jumped on a calf and administered a choke hold until she could secure the halter around its neck. Both girls received an $800 certificate toward the purchase of a gilt hog and the opportunity to win a $10,000 scholarship next year.
Diboll has lost a longtime family, Jim and Judy McClain. Jim has lived in Diboll since he was a preschooler, the youngest child of George, Sr. and Dot McClain, who moved here from Mississippi to work with C. H. Shepherd in the Fiberboard plant. Jim and Judy have sold their two homes in Diboll and are living in Bastrop which is closer to Judy’s mom in Marble Falls and her sister in San Marcus. Jim is working with the Covert Auto Group and Judy does some substitute teaching. Their daughter Allison is the SID (Sports Information Director) at the University of Houston and Wes recently graduated from UH and is playing golf professionally. We miss y’all!!
Lewis and Shirley Ivy took time to visit at the Round Table. Shirley recently had a 6-1/2 hour heart surgery that included implanting a pace maker. Shirley says she feels better now than she has in a l-o-n-g time. She had read that a dose of honey before bedtime helps to sleep better. Before they left, Lewis purchased two quarts of local honey; His and Hers.
I have known Linda Campbell for a few years and enjoyed having time to visit with her at the Round Table and learned she had an interesting experience in her childhood. Linda’s parents were E. C. and Ruth Harris and they had four children: Martha, Linda, Richard and Eddie. Mr. Harris worked in construction and most of the time moved his family with him to different Brown & Root construction sites. He was part of the crew that built Angelina County hospital and Southland Paper. They had lived four years in Bowaters, Tennessee when Linda’s dad was transferred to Havana, Cuba and moved his family with him. It was 1959 and Linda remembers attending a big parade with lots of military equipment and jeeps. It was in honor of the new Prime Minister of Cuba, Fidel Castro. She was standing on the street only a few feet away when he came by with an ugly beard waving to the crowd. It was a very short time later as he began his dictatorship that, as Americans, her family was told to leave their home near Varadero Beach. Linda’s family enjoyed many good times on the beautiful beach and learned to appreciate their cultural foods especially the delicious pastries and lobster which was considered a staple. Because of the pleasant climate, there was no need for air conditioning and her mother had a maid to cook and clean their apartment. Mr. Harris sent his family back to Peavy Switch. Because he knew the language and looked “Cuban” he was able to stay and work but later had to “sneak” out of the country.
Linda Harris first met her husband-to-be, Don “Bubba” Campbell, when they were children then later as teenagers when he delivered the Houston Post. They, like a thousand other couples, hung out at Read’s Broil-a-Burger. They married in 1965 and had two children: Renae and Alan Ray; they have 6 grandchildren. All four of the grandsons have served or presently serving in the US military. They also have 3 great-grands and one on the way. Linda’s life changed instantly when Bubba was tragically killed coming home from a grandson’s wedding. She is still trying to cope with her loss and has moved with her daughter and two spoiled dogs to Nacogdoches.
It’s getting closer and if you haven’t already marked your calendar, now is the time to do so. Angelina County Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale is March 28th at Angelina County Farmers’ Market. Gates will open at 8 AM and close when they sell out. Funds from this sale provide for programs and projects in Angelina County. All the plants are especially suited to our soil and climate and include annuals, perennials, native, fruits, roses and more.
The 4H Bingo Bash will be April 4th at the Angelina County Extension Office also located on the grounds of the Angelina County Farmers’ Market. This will be a gift card Bingo and there will also be a Silent Auction. The time is 6PM and money raised from this event helps with scholarships and summer camps. They need your support.
The Angelina County Go Texan Committee is having a $5,000 Steak Dinner April 11th at 6PM. The tickets are $100 per couple and will include a steak dinner with all the trimmings. This event will be held at “Shelton’s” at 3603 FM 2108 (Airport Road). Tickets are available here at Pouland’s, Ben Moore at 635-6061 or any Go Texan committee member. Proceeds will fund scholarships for students in Angelina County. Shelton’s is a new venue used for weddings, reunions, etc. Their website is www.sheltonsplace.com.
Come see us…’round the table.
Monday, February 23, marked the 70th anniversary of the iconic photo of U.S. Marines raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Prior to the flag raising, the major US objective was to capture airfields for emergency landings for our B-29 bombers. Just a small note in case you’ve forgotten your history, 74 days of US bombings before the invasion of Iwo Jima had little effect on the Japanese due to their intricate 11-mile tunnel system; it was almost impossible to penetrate the island. The US Marines and Navy corpsmen met heavy resistance but managed to take the island in 36 days. 6,800 U.S. soldiers were killed at Iwo Jima, 19,000 others injured in what became a major turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
A 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the battle of Iwo Jima was held on the forward deck of the Battleship TEXAS at the San Jacinto Battleground on Sunday, February 22. Former Diboll resident, Corporal John Powers, a 3rd Marine Division veteran of the battle of Iwo Jima was present for this impressive ceremony. In January 1944 John lied about his age of 17 to join the US Marines and served 25 months and 25 days. After John and a fellow Marine saved the lives of many fellow soldiers, John was laying on an airfield when he looked back over his shoulder to see a group of soldiers raising an American flag high up on Mt. Suribachi. That photo has been immortalized in bronze. “The raising of the flag is a symbol of sacrifice that thousands of Marines gave for our freedom. The sacrifices they made then and now, are the reason we’re able to have our freedom.” Attending this commemoration with John was his wife, Mable (Nivens), their daughters Johnnica Edgerley of Farmers Branch and Belinda Stanley of Bedford. Also attending was John’s brother, Earl Powers and his wife, Doreen, of Pasadena.
How many remember the field trips to the San Jacinto Battle Ground to see the Battleship TEXAS? To a 4th grader living in Diboll in the 50’s, battleships didn’t mean much to me. It is interesting to learn that the Battleship TEXAS is the only surviving battleship to have fought in both world wars. At the beginning of WWII she was designated the flagship of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. She supported invasions of North Africa, Normandy, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She is now designated a National Historic Landmark and also a National Engineering Landmark. It might be time for another visit to see her.
On Saturday evening before the Commemoration ceremonies on Sunday, several honorees and their families were having dinner together. John and Mable Powers’ daughter, Jonnica Edgerley, is a singer and does not hesitate when her dad asks her to do something. This is not the first time but because John loves the 4th verse of our national anthem, he ask Jonnica to sing it while visiting with other veterans and military dignitaries in a restaurant! Before she finished everyone was standing.
The lyrics to the 4th verse:
“Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the Star – Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O’ver the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
“And this be our motto: In God is our trust.” That is part of our national anthem that we never hear. But if you will notice around town you may begin to see our motto being displayed in yards on small crosses that say, Jesus is LORD. These crosses are a statement of support for our Christian foundation. It started in the small town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, a town of less than 5,000, when someone questioned two crosses on a bridge in town. A person requested that they be removed and the town removed them. He then decided that the city shield should also be changed since it had a heart with a cross inside signifying the city’s Lutheran beginnings. At that point, residents decided they had had enough. Hundreds of residents made their opinions known by placing a small cross in their front yards. There are those who are trying to remove from our history and current lives any reference to God, prayer, or the fact that our country was founded on Christian principles. It is time to stand up and make a statement, a small, quiet but powerful statement. If you agree, place a small cross in your yard for all to see. A Christian business man in Angelina County is making the crosses and donating them to anyone that wants one. The crosses are presently available under the large sign at Faith Family Church on highway 59 in Burke. Stop and get one for your yard!
March 11th is the last day to order “tea cakes for a heart” fund raiser for 34-year-old David Ray Crunk who is waiting for a heart transplant. There is a sign up sheet to place your order here at Pouland’s , First United Methodist Church 829-4470 or Pam Burnette at 829-4631. Anyone wanting to help bake or donate supplies, please call Pam Burnette or First Methodist Church. Donations of sugar, flour or butter flavored Crisco will be greatly appreciated.
Rhonda Shivers is getting ready to go “on the road” with her Southern Pines Boutique. Rhonda has been selling fashionable clothes in her house on Tidwell Road but has purchased a trailer and fashioned it into a cute mobile boutique. Next Saturday, March 7th, she will have it parked at Diboll Motors and have it open for the Grand Launch Party, 10AM – 4PM.
One last thought. Most Texans are very proud to say we are from Texas. In remembrance of Texas’ Independence which is officially celebrated on March 2nd, take a pen and draw the shape of Texas on a piece of paper. Mine was awful!
Come see us…’round the table.
Diboll Civic Club’s Operation Clean-Sweep 2015 is coming on Saturday, April 18. The past events have seen improvements made on 88 homes with over 1400 volunteers participating. Once again, the Diboll Civic Club need volunteers to work at the job sites, along with providing tools, preparing food and making building material and monetary donations. Nomination forms for homes needing attention are available from Trey Wilkerson 637-3418, Diboll City Hall, Diboll Christian Outreach, Diboll Housing Authority and TLL Temple Memorial Library. Deadline: March 20.
Stay informed on Operation Clean-Sweep through the Free Press and the Facebook page “Diboll Civic Club” and the Facebook Event “Operation Clean-Sweep 2015. If you have any questions or want to volunteer, contact committee members: Burlon Wilkerson, Daniel Lopez, Dennis McDuffie, Elvia Esteves-Garza, Gary Jones, Gary Martel, Ginger Capps, Jan Wilkerson, Johnny McClain, Margie Harrell, Richard Nelson, Trey Wilkerson or Fran McClain, Chairman 829-2779 or fr****@**********ed.net Also, Diboll Beautiful Clean will sponsor the Texas Trash Off the same day, Saturday, April 18. Volunteers will be picking up litter around town. To volunteer, Contact Elvia Esteves-Garza at Diboll City Hall 829-4757.
While we are talking about projects in the city, I received an email from City Secretary, Sarah Thompson concerning the city’s website; she says: I am currently working on getting the city website updated and user friendly. I am also updating the calendar of events. This will give our citizens another reliable resource of what events is taking place in our community. Please let me know if you have an event you would like to add to our calendar. I also post events on our Facebook page. Feel free to share with others you think would benefit from this email. Please keep in mind the site is still under construction but I will be updating daily. I can’t totally change things over night but I will strive to improve the site daily. Please make suggestions of what you would like to see on our site. I am open to and encourage your input and ideas. Sarah Thompson 936-829-4757.
JoNell Placker was happy to visit with old friends that have fond memories of Diboll. Morris Drew McCall and his wife Dorothy stopped by and picked up JoNell to attend the funeral of a longtime friend of theirs, Raymond Weeks, who grew up and graduated from DHS. Morris McCall has been the County Judge in Port Neches for 40 years. His parents were Philippi and Austin McCall and his grandparents were known by lots of kids that attended Diboll schools, Sally and Oscar Davis. They were a cute couple; Oscar took care of the grounds and buildings and Sally worked in the cafeteria. Other classmates they saw at the funeral included Johnnie Simpson (all maiden names), Francis Kelly, Ima Riley, Bess Hooper, Sherrel Fears and Vernon Burkhalter. I thought it was ironic as JoNell was telling me this sitting at the round table that I reached and got a copy of an old photograph from the center of the table that had a picture of Raymond Weeks and many other familiar names, in Diboll’s Award Winning Rhythm Band. He was on the front row wearing his hat to the side with the familiar grin he was always known for. He is very much a part of Diboll’s history and we send our condolsences to Raymond’s family.
I was also sitting at the RT with Mark Hafernick when he shared that he and his wife Ann enjoyed the past weekend keeping their 2-year-old grandson, Gibson Mark Hafernick. Like most grandpas, Mark knows he has a very smart grandson but he is impressed that Gibson has already developed a sense of humor. These two guys were putting wooden puzzles together from Ann’s collection from years of teaching. It seems Gibson knew where each part needed to go but would start to place one in the wrong space, look up at Mark to see his reaction, giggle about it, then put it in the right spot. After all that work the guys went outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather and spent lots of time with the chickens and ducks. Gibson’s parents are Drs. Brian and Angela Haffernek who spend the weekend attending the Mardi Gra festivities in Galveston.
Some more folks are happy to be grandparents again. Roy Lee and Theresa Lyles and Mark and Lana Hines welcome Anslee Faith Lyles who arrived February 2nd and weighed 6lbs. and 5 ozs. Her parents are Ashley and R. L. Lyles, Jr. Her maternal grandparents are Lanny and Paula Parrish. Congratulations!
Kayla Martel was in town with her fiancée, Adam Mary, and his parents, Richard & Dianna Wallace as well as Kayla’s grandparents, aunts and cousins, etc. to attend a bridal shower at Diboll First Baptist Church. The guys made an appearance at the shower and then most of them came to the round table to visit and drink coffee. Adam’s parents live near Waco on six acres and have use of the neighbor’s adjoining four acres. Richard is an investment broker and Dianna is a retired/rehired teacher; she and I have lots in common; love of animals. While the guys were sitting at the RT, Thomas Lowther delivered to me a pygmy goat and she is so cute! Cheyenne named her “Isabella”. Adam shared that when he was a young boy, he’s now a fireman for the City of Waco, they had a pet goat named “Sugar” that his mother would let come into the house (I told you we had something in common). Today, on their acreage they have a prize, female longhorn with a 72” spread; chickens, miniature Sicilian donkey and two paint Tennessee Walkers. Inside, Dianna keeps a prized Red Diamond dove in a large cage but the most interesting animal they raise is North American Timber wolves. They presently have three wolves and have an 8-month-old female for sale.
My always smiling friend, Carol Chalfant, sent me an email to remind everyone that The Angelina County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale is going to be Saturday, March 28th at Angelina County Farmers’ Market. Mark it on your calendar for now and I will remind you again.
The Fish Truck will be here at Pouland’s February 25th between Noon and 1PM.He will have channel cat, crappie, bluegill, minnows and more but he won’t stay but ONE hour. Don’t miss him if you are ready to begin stocking your pond.
Come see us…’round the table.
“SAIL AWAY WITH ME” That’s what members of the Diboll High School Dazzlers got to do recently. Because of the impressions they made at summer camp of not only talent and skill but their personal character, attitude, mannerisms and courtesy toward others caused a representative of the Houston Texans Cheerleaders to fall in love with this little team from East Texas. He was so impressed he invited them to perform on a Carnival cruise ship as part of HTE Dance on Tour! Their director, Gina Souto, brought the cruise idea to the Dazzler Booster Club, submitted it to the DISD Board of Trustees and with their approval, the fundraising began. The Dazzlers’ Booster Club was able to offset parent costs by paying $300 for each girl. That’s an amazing $4,200 in just four months!
As the Carnival Triumph sailed out of Galveston, the girls were entertaining the guests on the Lido deck. They performed again on stage in the ship’s awesome theater. If you remember a couple of weeks ago I wrote that the president of the DISD school board, Trey Wilkerson and his wife Michelle, just happened to be aboard the same cruise and changed their dining schedule just to attend the Dazzlers’ performance. Trey and Michelle were very impressed as well as many of the Carnival professional dancers who also attended. There were many guests from all across the US who were very complimentary of the girls and have now heard of Diboll, Texas thanks to be Diboll Dazzlers.
Some of the girls made personal comments of how this adventure impressed them: From the Dazzlers’ Captain, Ashley Coleman. “The cruise was an absolutely incredible experience. For many of us, it was the first time leaving the state of Texas, let alone the country! I loved the opportunity we had to be able to dance in the main ballroom of the ship for hundreds of people. Every time someone that attended the show saw me around the ship, they would stop me and tell me how wonderful we did and how sweet, respectful, and ladylike our team is. I couldn’t dream of any better experience or opportunity, and I am so grateful to the school board and Mr. Clements for allowing us to take this trip, and to Mrs. Souto and Mr. Jeffrey for making it possible.”
Jazlynn Mark, “I am so grateful to have gone on a cruise with my team mates! I had so much fun experiencing a different country with them. We may have our ups and downs but I am so blessed to have shared this memorable moment with my sisters.”
Tristan Rice, “It was such an amazing experience getting to travel with our team mates and being able to perform on the cruise! I had so much fun spending time with my team! A big thank you to the school board, HTE, Dazzler Booster Club, and our sponsor, Gina Souto, for the wonderful opportunity!”
Peyton Morgan, “The fact that the farthest we have traveled in the Dazzlers since I’ve been on the team has been Lufkin, the cruise was a truly amazing experience for all the girls. I mean how often can you say that you’ve danced for an audience on a cruise ship? I was definitely impressed with the whole trip.”
Rebecca Banuelos, “The cruise was probably the most fun I have ever had. I loved the experience we went through, like dancing for the other guests, that was a thrill! Going to see the prettiest places in México was amazing. I really just thought the whole thing was fun!”
Following is everyone that cruised with the Dazzlers and the names of the Diboll Dazzlers are in bold print: Gina & Sergio Souto; Sarah Kuehn; Kristina and Robert Inman; Ashley and Lamona Coleman; E’vion Davis; Yesenia Gonzalez; Brittney and Karen Barkley; Comeshia Robertson; Casandra Meza; Tonya Driver; JoLynn Baker; Tristan and Judy Rice; Peyton and Jennifer Morgan; Celeste & Liz Monrroy; Dina Hernandez; Isreal Moreno; Rebecca Banuelos; Cynthia Ramos; Romie and Julie Castilleja; Carlos Plascencia; Davina Rogers; Jazlynn Mark; Jaydon Mitchell; Jezrell Mark; Larry Gene and Larry Joe Rice; Andrew Rice; Justin and Clint Barkley and Bruce Thompson. The Dazzlers, their booster club and sponsor are very grateful to the people who contributed toward this memorable experience.
I received the following email from Pam Burnett from the Burke Methodist Church. We will be doing our teacake ministry this year to help David Ray Crunk. He is 34 years old and is in need of a heart transplant. The medical costs are tremendous and we will be taking orders for teacakes to help this young man. David is the grandson of Dean and James Hines of Diboll and the nephew of Phyllis Baxter Barfield. The teacakes are $5.00 per dozen and will be baked the week of March 9 – 13th at the First Methodist Church in Diboll, beginning at 9:00 am each day. If you would like to help make tea cakes or place an order please contact Pam Burnette at 829-4631. I have set a goal of 600 dozen tea cakes, so we will need everyone’s support. If you would like to make donations of ingredients that would be wonderful. We need 175 pounds of flour, 100 pounds of sugar, 20 dozen eggs, 20- 3 pound cans of butter flavor Crisco, 2 large boxes of baking soda, 7 half gallons of buttermilk and 3 boxes each of gallon and quart freezer Ziploc bags. Prayers are also needed for this family and this project. Thank you for your support.
Eddie and Carolyn Smith of Diboll have a new grandbaby. Callie Mae Smith is their 6th grandchild and she was born December 29th. Her parents are David and Shana and her big brother, Carter, is only 20 months older. They live in Kingwood. Callie was born exactly 5 years apart from a cousin, Sophia Rose Arendt. Dwayne Stanford came in with his 2-year-old grandson, Ryder Rio. They were headed to the deer stand in the hunting club for what Ryder calls PawPaw’s Hunting House.
The time is almost here for Project Celebration’s Valentine “Dining Delight by Candlelight” Saturday, February 14th at 6:30 – 8:30. Call Andrea Swor 829-4040 or Lacy Chandler at 676-3236 for reservations.
It’s a miracle that Joe Parish was sitting at the RT last Saturday morning wearing a neck collar. Only seven days before he had fallen 15 feet from a trailer loaded with large bales of hay and learned in the ER his neck was broken in several places. Doctors advised that he be flown to a trauma center but dense fog prevented the helicopter from flying. Hospital staff located a medical plane in the area returning from Houston and it was dispatched to pick up Joe at the Burke airport. Joe’s wife Kathy and nephew, Bobby Lee, left by car to meet Joe at Hermann Hospital in Houston. Joe’s flight went well and when he arrived at the trauma center in Houston he argued with the nurses that told him his wife was in the waiting room; and she was! Joe had surgery the following Monday to the amazement of the doctors who couldn’t believe the extent of his injuries without any paralysis. I believe it is God’s Amazing Grace. Amen.
Come see us…’round the table.
Today’s paper will be the last issue with the Best of 75941 entry form. This is the second year that the Diboll Business Association and The Diboll Free Press has sponsored this interesting event. Look for the entry form in the Diboll Free Press, cut it out and fill in the blanks; it’s that simple! Some of the categories include Best teacher(s); pastor; day care worker; city employee; elected official; waitperson; teller; hair stylist; insurance agent; store clerk; food(s); and others. The deadline to submit is February 2nd. Mail or drop your entry form by The Diboll Free Press, 101 Weber, Diboll. Remember, it’s all about folks in Diboll. The winners will be recognized at a reception on Thursday, February 12 at the TLL Temple Memorial Library, the best library in town!
Remember also to patronize our local businesses. Members of the Diboll Business Association pay dues and work hard to encourage you to shop locally.
Last week I was out driving during one cold very rainy day when to my surprise the wind shield wiper on the passenger side of my car suddenly detached itself from the blade and disappeared. After the shock and realizing how thankful I was that it was not on the driver’s side, I decided to drive straight to Diboll Motors and get Mike Shivers to help me. Arriving at his shop I realized my inspection sticker would expire the last day of the month. While Mike took care of my car I went inside and visited with his wife Rhonda, daughter and son-in-law, Kim and David Mettlen. Rhonda has a new business in their home in Burke, Southern Pines Boutique, which she promotes on Face Book. She has very fashionable outfits for sale in her home and on FB. Her shop is open to the public on Saturdays from 10AM until 3PM. Rhonda and Kim were explaining to me the benefit and simplicity of marketing using FB when Mike came in and said my car was ready. It all happened so quickly while getting a FB tutorial. Diboll Motors is a member of the Diboll Business Association so please remember them and shop locally. Oh yes, don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE Southern Pines Boutique on Face Book and while you are on FB, please do the same for Pouland Real Estate.
I twisted Trey Wilkerson’s arm for the following information about their 10th wedding anniversary. Trey and Michele Wilkerson returned this week from celebrating their 10th anniversary with a cruise on the Carnival Triumph. This was their first cruise, and so the whole experience was new to them. Trey especially enjoyed the fact that he could eat as much as he wanted, and set out to make sure he got his money back just in food. The five day cruise from Galveston called on the ports of Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. While in Cozumel, the Wilkersons visited a Mayan Living History exhibit, and also took a tour that showed how tequila is made. In Progreso, they visited the Dzibilchaltun Mayan ruins, and dipped their feet in the sinkhole that the Mayan nobility used for rituals. At both ports, Trey and Michele enjoyed shopping and visiting with the local people. They brought back nearly a full suitcase loaded with souvenirs for their children, Annabeth and Ryan. And, of course, Trey found some local food to try, including seasoned chicken wrapped in banana leaves and baked, then served with corn tortillas. On the ship, they were impressed with the elaborate shows performed every night. Being the musician that he is, Trey was especially impressed by the quality of the musicians that played to accompany the musical productions. All in all, it was great anniversary trip.
Trey is president of the Diboll ISD and it was by chance that the Diboll Dazzlers Drill team was on this same cruise to perform. Trey and Michele rearranged their dinner time one night to take in the Dazzlers’ performance. Despite the ship going through some rough waters, the girls did a great job and really represented Diboll well.
Fran McGilvra’s two sons came in to be with her during a recent procedure on her back. Neil, from Claremont, California and Chris, from Phoenix, Arizona. They stayed with her during the recovery. At home, Chris did most of the cooking and Neil entertained them with his sense of humor (check him out on Face book). Since they grew up in Diboll, they always enjoy coming back home. Both graduated from DHS and were involved in sports. Chris, being the golfer and Neil, a basketball player for his dad, John McGilvra, deceased. Fran has recovered real well and is back at the Round Table here at Pouland’s as regular coffee drinker.
Valentine’s Day conveniently falls on a Saturday this year making it convenient for you guys to treat your valentine to a special banquet on February 14th sponsored by DHS Project Graduation. You are invited to join in an evening of “Dining Delight by Candlelight”. Each table will be set and themed “One of a kind”. Come ready to be dazzled and enjoy an evening of great food and entertainment. Dine in or Carry out, $25.00 for one or $40 for a couple. Your choice of Rib Eye or Chicken Breast and go home with a tantalizing dessert from the Dessert Auction at 8 PM. The banquet will be held in the fellowship building of Diboll First Baptist church located at 208 Devereaux. The time is 6:30 and to make reservations, please contact Lacy Chandler at 676-3236 or Andrea Swor at 829-4040.
The following Saturday, February 21st is another fun event to be held at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center. Beginning at 6PM will be the Fourth Annual Black Tie Bingo benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Diboll. “Heart to Heart Vegas Style” is the theme with an evening filled with good food, live and silent auctions, games and of course, bingo. For more information call the Boys & Girls Club office at 936-560-6844 or locally, Patsy Colbert at 829-3543. “Black Tie” describes the upscale event not a requirement to attend. Just learned there will be a $20 discount on individual tickets that are sold before February 5th. Make that telephone call and save $20. It’ll be a fun evening.
Stay warm and dry and come see us when you can…at the roundtable.
“An improvement program made Diboll’s school system one of the best equipped in East Texas.” This was a quote from the Houston Chronicle in June of 1968 referring to a fence around the school that a new teacher, Wilber Pate, asked for in the early 40’s. The fence was needed to keep out the kids—the four-legged variety. “Sometimes the goats would wander right up to the classroom windows and chew away the shrubbery during class. It was a standing joke that Diboll’s goats were the best-educated in the county.” Now, when you see the name W. F. Pate on the gymnasium at the middle school, you youngsters in Diboll will know it was named after a young man that later became superintendent and had a vision for Diboll schools.
Barley Lenderman shared the following article from The Diboll Free Press in September, 1961. A Diboll garbage collector killed a would-be prowler here with a stick last Friday morning. The man, Arvyle Williams, beat the invader to death with a long stick. Williams spotted the culprit as he approached the front porch of the Paul M. Durham home to collect for the month’s garbage removal (Southern Pine Lumber took care of collecting the garbage before the days of city conveniences) He said the would-be intruder looked as if he might try to crawl through a front window of the Durham home. Williams summoned the maid, who provided the stick which Williams used to do the killing. The intruder: A 16” coral snake which had crawled onto the front porch in Diboll’s newest residential section, the Pinedale Addition.
Now, more current news.
Beulah Grocery & Café is now open for business at the intersection of FM 58 and FM 1818. The new owners are Hollie (Lyles) and Jerry Clark and her parents, Theresa and Roy Lee Lyles. This corner has always been a gathering place for the folks who live in the community of Beulah and a convenient place to meet and visit with friends and neighbors. The store and café will be open from 6AM – 9PM Monday – Saturday. The grocery store will be open on Sunday from 8AM – 8PM but the café will be closed. The menu includes breakfast, lunch specials from 11AM – 2PM, and they will also serve hamburgers, steak finger baskets, chicken tenders, chipped beef, homemade pies and more. Weekend specials include Rib eye Steaks on Friday nights and Fried Catfish on Saturday nights. The Lyles’ daughter, Stephanie, along with Rhonda Patton and Donna Conner will also be lending a helping hand with this venture. Don’t forget this is also a grocery store with necessary food items and a deli with meats and cheese. The gas pumps have been rebuilt and gas should be available in the very near future. Maybe we will see you there! The telephone number is 829-0240 or ask for a menu at be***************@***oo.com
It was good to see and visit with Trey Ingram when he came in the store with his dad, Dr. Woody. Trey had been hunting in Beeville and came to Diboll to check on his mom, Mary, who is recovering from a recent hip replacement. Mary and Woody were loading one of their Christmas trees that was going into storage when it fell apart and caused her to fall. On this day, Trey had been helping his dad “take down” more Christmas under Mary’s directions but as we all know, guys just can’t seem to get it packed away as well. Trey and his wife, Clis, live in Oklahoma with their three children: 14-year-old Ella; 11-year-old Wood and 9-year-old Nate. Trey was returning home in time to attend a basketball tournament. Trey is humble and very modest but I managed to find out that he is CEO and very actively involved in Legend Energy Services, a company with a fleet of large equipment and crews that clean and prepare oil and gas wells for production.
Fran (Miranda) Rodriquez and her husband, Louis, came in the store to use a gift certificate given to him as a Christmas present. Louis recently retired after working 10 years as assistant auditor for Angelina County. He and Fran retired to Diboll in 2003 after working in Jersey Village (NW Houston) for 12 years where he was Financial Manager and Tax Assessor-Collector for the City of Jersey Village. Louis didn’t waste any time starting his retirement as he is taking the Master Gardeners course at the County Extension office through the end of March. Be sure to watch for the date of the Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale in April. It’s a good way to get started with spring gardening.
In visiting with longtime friend, Nita (Ramsey) Hurley, I learned congratulations are in order for her granddaughter, Sydney Hurley, who has signed a Letter of Intent to play softball at Northeast Texas Community College. I went to Nita’s Facebook and saw where Sydney posted a picture of her signing the letter of intent with her brother, Kevin, sitting beside her. Because her sister Reagan wasn’t present for the picture, Sydney had drawn a “stick figure” of Reagan sitting on her other side because she said, “My brother and sister mean the absolute world to me”. Sydney also won First Place at a recent Powerlifting Meet. Congratulations, Sydney two times!!
Reagan Hurley couldn’t be present for the picture of Sydney signing her Letter of Intent because she is in Greece studying abroad for one semester. Reagan is a student at Incarnate Word in San Antonio and qualified for this opportunity to study and have an enlightening experiencing. Reagan is sending lots of photos and was glad to see a McDonald’s that had an English menu beside the Greek one. She will be away for four months taking basic classes and visiting wonderful sites of the country. Remember her in your prayers.
We have some exciting events approaching: Project Graduation’s annual Valentine’s Dinner will be February 14th at 6:30 in the fellowship building at Diboll First Baptist Church. Good food, entertainment and a dessert auction. Treat your Valentine to a nice evening for $40 per couple. Pretty decorations, good food, fun, fellowship and a good cause!
February 21st at 6PM in our Temple Civic Center will be the Fourth Annual Black Tie Bingo benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Diboll. “Heart to Heart Vegas Style” is the theme with an evening filled with good food, live and silent auctions, games and of course, bingo. For more information call the Boys & Girls Club office at 936-560-6844 or locally, Patsy Colbert at 829-3543. “Black Tie” describes the upscale event not a requirement to attend. Just learned there will be a $20 discount on individual tickets that are sold before February 5th. Make that telephone call and save $20. It’ll be a fun evening.
On December 29th Ruth Mullins celebrated one of those milestone birthdays that end in zero although she certainly doesn’t look it or act it! Her daughter and favorite son-in-law, Diane and Bob Pennington invited her to eat at one of their favorite places, Los Jarritos. When Ruth walked in she was pleasantly surprised to hear “Happy Birthday Mam Maw” from 4-year-old great-granddaughter, Tinley Mullins and her 11-year-old brother, Tanner. They are the children of Josh and Kaylan Mullins who were also present along with Mary Mullins, Greg’s wife. Ruth was handed a huge gift bag filled with lots of tissue paper. At the very bottom was an envelope with tickets to see Neil Diamond’s last tour when he comes to Houston in May. That will be Ruth’s fourth and final time to see one of her favorite entertainers. Earlier in December Bob and Diane had given Ruth tickets for them to see Celtic Thunder in February, another of Ruth’s favorites. Earlier that day Ruth received a call from her son Ted and his family in Jeffersonton, Virginia with more “happy birthdays” from three granddaughters. It was a good day and the next day Peggy Burt, one of Ruth’s close friends treated her to another favorite place to eat, Tokyo’s.
Lena Coody celebrated her 80th birthday and was treated to a very nice reception at Diboll First Baptist Church where she has served as a children’s teacher and church hostess for many, many years. In addition to family and members of the church, a couple of Lena’s DHS classmates attended: Shirley (Whitworth) Terrell and Frank Cavanaugh with his wife, Elizabeth.
We enjoyed visiting with former Dibollians between Christmas and New Year’s. Larry Porter and his wife Jan from Galveston and Linda Kay (Harrison) McDougal from Manhatten, Kansas. Linda’s parents were Charles “Chok” and Winona Harrison and Larry’s parents were Leroy and Willie Dell Porter who befriended many people when they lived in Diboll and operated the family-owned “Porter’s”, a full service gas station. The Porters moved to Texas City in the 50’s and after high school, Larry graduated from Texas A&M. Linda’s parents including her younger sister, Mary Gail who has passed away, moved to Durant, Oklahoma. Linda presently works as a House Director for a sorority at Kansas State and Larry and Jan enjoy being retired. They were on their way to Marshall to see the Christmas lights. JoNell Placker stopped by while they were here and enjoyed visiting with them as her parents, Avis and Jack Vaught, used to baby sit Larry and Linda Kay.
Los Jarritos is a very popular Mexican restaurant in Diboll. The food is consistently good and there is usually someone there you know; sometimes celebrities, Brandon Belt for one. If you don’t recognize the name, Brandon is the young man from Hudson who is the first baseman for the San Francisco Giants. He was recently interviewed by The Journey magazine, “Every time I come home I have to eat Tex Mex and since I have been home I have probably been to Los Jarritos in Diboll 10 times.” So, look around when you are in Los Jarritos, you just might be able to get an autograph.
You might see a familiar face from Diboll at the new Berzerkerz Cajun Seafood located at The Shade Tree Food Vendor & Flea Market near Sherwin Williams on Timberland Dr. in Lufkin. The owner is Josh Stifle and his dad, Jeff and his brother Jacob are helping with the new eatery. Actually it isn’t new, just relocating from Mexia, Texas. The menu includes boiled shrimp and crab by the plate or by the pound and a variety of fried seafood including frog legs and gator. They are open Wednesday through Saturday 11AM until 9PM. For more information, call 635-1330.
On New Year’s Day to get away from the rain, John and Gloria Ogden took a day trip to Lake Charles, LA and enjoyed eating at Steamboat Bills at 1-10 and Lakeshore Dr. Gloria said, “We were tempted to try several new things: pistolettes, boudin, cabbage/tasso soup for appetizers and then shared a seafood platter of shrimp, gumbo, their wonderful rolls and sweet iced tea. It was all very delicious!” After lunch they went to the Margaret Place Historical District and saw all the beautiful old homes along Lakeshore Drive and other historical streets in the area. Most of the homes were built in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. They were all still decorated for Christmas and must be really pretty at night during the Christmas season. They decided not to take the horse drawn buggy tour. They also walked through the elaborate new Golden Nugget casino with its many restaurants and shops.
Some families were still having Christmas well into January such was the case with Gene and Francine Carter. On December 21st the Carters along with granddaughter Niki Quillen and her three children; Amy, Chesney and Brylie left in one vehicle for Denver, Colorado. The next day in a second vehicle, the Carters’ daughter and family, Denise and Dale Childress with their daughter Dayla and granddaughter Delani left for Denver. Their Christmas destination was the home of the Carters’ granddaughter, Natalie and Todd Kirkland and their three dogs. They spent several days with people sleeping everywhere and enjoyed some of Francine’s good cooking and a great Christmas Day. Gene and Francine and all these family members left Colorado and were all at the Carters’ home on January 4th for another Christmas that included Dianne Register, her daughter, Shanna, Clayton and their 8-month-old twins, Harper & Hallie. Dianne’s son, Klint and Nicole Register and daughter, Emmersyn. Drew and Leslie Childress and son, Carter. Niki and Will Quillin and children and Smokey and Joan Davidson. Please forgive me if I left someone out or put them in the wrong family; there were 21 people present that day.
February 14th is the date to mark your calendar to treat your sweetheart to a Valentine’s Dinner, an annual event sponsored by DHS Project Graduation. The main course can be your choice of steak or chicken and entertainment will be provided along with a dessert auction. Feel free to call Andrea Swor 829-4040 for more information. It’s so hard for me to think that my granddaughter is a senior and will be graduating this year from DHS.
Friday, January 16th, this same group is having a Baked Potato sale. Each potato will come with separated condiments and a choice of taco meat or chipped beef. The cost is $7 and that includes a dessert. The potatoes can be picked up between 11AM – 1PM at the back of Diboll Housing Authority. PRE ORDERS ONLY. Contact Velma Aguilar at 936-635-5532 or email va******@*******sd.org to place orders. The seniors of 2015 gratefully appreciate your support.
Please send me your news and come us…’round the table.
Vintage Blooms
Flowers for sale
Floral Arrangements
Antiques
Creative Gifts
Decorating Items
Bentley Drink ware
Circle E Candles
Willow Tree Figurines
Goat Milk Soaps
Weddings
Quincieneras
Anniversaries
Birthday Parties
Meetings
Luncheons
Socials
Highway 59 (about 1 mile north of Diboll and 8 miles south of Lufkin.)
Come by and speak with manager, TERESA POULAND,
about any of your event planning needs.
She can take the stress off of you
with her event planning expertise, catering, and decorating services.
E-mail Te****@**********rn.com
Inman Real Estate NewsWhere do I start? Buying a home is an exciting proposition. For most people, it's not an impulse decision. You might want to spend some time driving around neighborhoods, looking at homes for sale in the newspaper and on Web sites, and talking to your friends about their home buying experiences. After a while, you will get a general idea of … [Read Full Article Here...]
It's really never too soon to begin planning for a move. The planning process means a lot of organizing. If you plan well, the whole process can be much easier to handle. Your new home is well worth the effort. You should start your moving process at least 8 weeks before the actual day. Here is a helpful checklist and timetable to make your move a … [Read Full Article Here...]
Choosing a REALTOR® Buying a home is one of the largest purchases and biggest decisions of your life. The first thing to do is to find a REALTOR® you trust. Ask your friends and relatives who have bought homes recently for their recommendations. Or, you can use the find-a-REALTOR® search to locate a REALTOR® in your area. Before working with … [Read Full Article Here...]
Where do I start? For many people, the first step they take when selling a home is to contact a REALTOR®. You also may want to do some informal research looking at ads in the paper and on the Internet to get a general idea for asking prices of homes like yours. How do I find a REALTOR®? Recommendations from friends and acquaintances can be … [Read Full Article Here...]
1. Make sure your entrance way says, "Hey, look at me!" 2. Prune dead limbs from trees. 3. Paint (or touch up) exterior, and repair screens and windows. 4. Clean your windows. 5. Check A/C and heating systems. 6. Fix leaky faucets, toilets, and faulty lights. 7. Vacuum drapes and … [Read Full Article Here...]
Angelina County
Featured Community
The Everything Store 
J.R.'s Collections
