February 2, 2016

It’s getting closer to the time for the Diboll Civic Club’s annual Operation Clean-Sweep. It will be April 9th but the last day to nominate a home that needs assistance will be March 11th. Only exterior work is done by the dozens of volunteers which includes repairs, outside painting, yard work and other “fix-up” projects for community members in need. Churches, school groups, businesses, organizations and individuals are needed to form work teams for the day. There is also a need for donations of building supplies, tools, food items, drinks and CASH always helps. If you would like to volunteer, donate or need more information, please contact Fran McClain 829-2779 franmc@consolidated.net or Trey Wilkerson 637-3418 or 366-7215 treyw@suddenlink.com.

Committee members for this important Operation Clean-Sweep project include: Gerry Boren, Ginger Capps, Elvia Esteves-Garza, Margie Harrell, Steve Jackson, Gary Jones, Daniel Lopez, Gary Martel, Fran McClain, Johnny McClain, Richard Nelson, Burlon Wilkerson, Jan Wilkerson & Trey Wilkerson.
Keep Diboll Beautiful will sponsor the Texas Trash Off on Sat. April 9th also. This allows the younger children to be part of the day. City of Diboll Curbside Pick-Up Week will be Monday, April 11 – Friday, April 15.

Keep Diboll Beautiful has nominated the Diboll Civic Club for the Keep Texas Beautiful Organization Award for Operation Clean Sweep 2015. The OCS 2013 received an Honorable Mention, while the OCS 2014 received 2014. Hopefully. OCS 2015 will receive 1st place. Winners are announced in March.

The Lufkin Pilot Club invited the Diboll Pilot Club to an exhibition of how service dogs are trained to help veterans. The TADSAW, Train a Dog Save a Warrior, mission is to provide for the training of a Medical Alert Service Dog, as designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, for any Wounded Warrior, Active Duty or Veteran, surviving with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), in order to restore and improve the Warrior’s Quality of Life with a canine ‘Battle Buddy’, at no charge to the Warrior. Mike and Dianne Gibson attended and were very impressed.

Sue Johnson was excited about watching her great nephew, Zack Haney, play basketball on TV. Zack is the youngest son of Chuck and Lori Haney of Humble. Zack is 6’ 11” and plays for Nevada State. Sue said he scored several times but it wasn’t enough for them to win.

Gary Jones, Andrew Bass and William Weeks were in buying potatoes and getting ready to plant. Curtis Windsor was trying to get to Longview to visit with his son on his 30th birthday but had to stop here because of a flat tire. John Richard was in getting Carolyn’s fishing license. Edna King enjoyed visiting with Andrea when she came in and bought Colorado pintos, chow chow and peach preserves. Millicent Irish stopped by after having breakfast at the airport to buy hand cream and candied pickles. We carry a variety of gourmet foods and will be getting in fresh garden seeds in bulk.

Haley Thompson, a DHS 2014 graduate, was in getting dog food and plans to graduate in May from Angelina College with a degree in Diesel Technology. Were we ever glad to see Billy Jones when he brought us fresh cabbage, turnips and onions from his garden. We had a wonderful lunch the next day with hot cornbread. Thank you Billy.

You may have noticed we have another new business in Diboll in what we old folks would say, “in the village”. It’s actually near the Temple Credit Union and across from First Bank & Trust and it is Lionheart Fitness & Martial Arts. Jimmy Sill of Diboll is co-owner with husband and wife instructors, Richard and Angela Russell. Altogether, there are 11 trained instructors with levels of Black Belt or the equivalent. Jason Burrous of Diboll has been with this group and is very involved in training kids, ages 4 to 7 in Kempo Karate; someone else trains kids ages 8 and above. Jason also has a background in Martial Arts geared to those in law enforcement. There is another husband and wife team, Clay and Brittany Hall and Clay’s twin brother, Cody. Thomas Pilcher, Marine Roger Mayorga, Army Vet Josh Brown and 15-year-old Nathan Grace are all part of this highly trained team. Martial Arts may seem a bit frightening but when you realize it can build confidence and increase your awareness it makes sense. There are all levels and some include cardio and high intensity training capable of weight loss. The instructors have the experience to recognize the needs and abilities of each individual member and work with them accordingly. Lionheart also offers classes in Yoga, Muay Thai and Krav Maga. I had to “google” to learn more about this and if you are interested, call 936-465-9601 for information about membership packages that begin at $19 and learn what is available. Their address is 203 N. Temple Dr. in Diboll.

There’s lots going on in Diboll, so mark your calendars and plan to support some of these worthwhile events.

February 13th is the “Dining Delight by Candlelight” evening of good food and entertainment 6:30 to 8:30 at Diboll First Baptist. The cost is $25 for individual or $40 a couple for your choice of rib eye or chicken breast. For more information contact Chantea Allen 936-229-9777 or Liz Monroy 936-645-3162.

February 20th is the Fifth Annual Fabulous Black Tie Bingo although you don’t have to wear a black tie to this “Heart to Heart Vegas Style” event at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center in Diboll. For more information call 936-560-6844 or Patsy Colbert at 829-3543.

March 4th will be the date to draw for two lucky winners of a Date Night Basket that includes 2 movie tickets, four food gift cards totaling $90 and more. Proceeds go toward the Diboll Junior High annual 7th grade Palacious trip. Tickets are $1 or 6 for $5. I bought mine from Christi Quarles, whose son Reed hopes to take the trip. Contact Christi at 465-0169. Tickets are also available at Diboll Jr. High, Diboll Intermediate or at the Administration Building.
We have received our first shipment of the new RTIC insulated tumblers so,

Come see us…’round the table.