RightSummer events heating up like the weather

It is officially Summer on June 20, but Mother Nature decided to start early in our state so we could get used to it. I am wearing a hat outside and enjoying A/C as much as possible.

Last Saturday saw an excellent program to celebrate Juneteenth in Coldspring. The Friends of Hopewell created a varied and very creative program followed by a parade. Afterward the festivities continued at the Hopewell Center with a barbecue dinner for sale and a full program of songs, poems, prayers and talks.

Ms. Barbara Justice and Ms Jeanette spoke about the need to vote, The Revs. Elmore Sr. and Jocelyn Traylor led the prayers with Prophetess Alice Hines giving the closing prayer.

Before that, a crowd assembled in the forecourt of the Courthouse for the flag raising ceremony. This was the Juneteenth Flag and Collin Combs explained the history behind it. Elmore opened with prayer and Mayor John Benestante welcomed everyone. Fire Chief and Emergency Management coordinator Emmitt Eldridge read the county proclamation, followed by Carson Combs, who read the the Emancipation Proclamation.

We had a very interesting talk from Dale Everitt, who is a fountain of historical knowledge and hopefully will write a book about our county one day. Presiding over all the celebrations was Mrs. Ester Elmore-Wynn, who is president of Friends of Hopewell and organized the event, along with her board and many volunteers the whole day.

One young lady who sang, Daisey Sudderth, lifted the crowd with her rendering of the “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Oh Freedom.” I know we will see more of her and enjoy her lovely voice again. Mrs. Doris Mitchell-Spiller, Mrs. Valarie Dean, Mrs. Ursula Thompson-Greenleaf and Jalea Elmore also sang and added their wonderful voices to the celebration.

The parade followed the Courthouse event and though it was getting hotter, many waited to see the cars, vans and horses which went by. Last but not least was the admirable female rider of a very large bull. It was very well-behaved and obviously used to parades. The Grand Marshall was Leonard Scott of Punkin Creek.

admirable female rider of a very large bull. It was very well-behaved and obviously used to parades. The Grand Marshall was Leonard Scott of Punkin Creek.

• Kris Eastham, County Liaison Officer, reminds those who need help because of damage or loss from the recent floods and storms, that FEMA is here to help. Applications are being taken now and you can go online or visit the Innovation Center at 250 Live Oak St. in Coldspring, across from the Community Shelter. It is open from 7 am.7 p.m. FEMA call 800-6213362. Kris Eastham can be reached at (936) 252-0193.

• If you have or are working towards a business, take advantage of the SBDC webinars. Hosted by the Small Business Development Center at Sam Houston University in Huntsville, it offers a wide range of skills, advice and one on one consultations if needed. You can set up the latter through your nearest Chamber of Commerce.

The consultation will be at their office or somewhere close to your home. Privacy is assured. One interesting webinar on July 23 is “Using You Tube to Grow Your Business.” Register now. It will start at noon. Go to sbcdinfo@ uh.edu.

• I read recently on Next Door Neighbor, the online chat for locals, that The Den had posted their menu on there. It was amazingly full of enticing meals which can be delivered to your home if you live within 35 miles of The Den. Orders must be $25 at least. Located on the frontage road just north of Shepherd, not only pizzas but there are many other yummy meals to choose from. You can text your order to (281) 223-0549. The Den has Karaoke with Joe LeBlanc, pool, darts and dancing with a full bar and every night some event to make the evening go well.

• San Jacinto County Senior Center in Coldspring held a Luau Lunch last Friday and everyone wore a lei round their neck as well as dressing for a trip to Hawaii. The Center always makes the most of these events with games and fun shared around as well as the always wonderful food. Friday is Karaoke Lunch time with DJ Ken. Reserve a place the day before by calling (936) 653-4175.

• Don’t forget that June 29 is Shepherd’s Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks at 9PM. Starting at noon, we will have the American Legion opening with the flag ceremony, Judge Travis Kitchens leading with the Pledge and Mayor Charles Minton welcoming everyone. Vendors, food and retail, crafts and baked good vendors, please find the online form on our web site, www. shepherdchamberofcommerce. org, or pick one up at Shepherd Library. We already have quite a lot of food vendors.

At 2 p.m. The Hotsteppers, a line-dancing group, will entertain us, and DJ Karaoke Joe will play music and MC the proceedings. Children’s games will be held and “God Bless America” will be sung by Gregg Cones. For information, call (210) 995-7420, text if possible.

• On the same day the San Jacinto Dog Rescue Center on FM 2025 will hold its monthly Adoption Day. They have some wonderful dogs with a lot of puppies just now. You don’t have to wait till June 29, call or visit before and find your special pet. Call (281) 450-9007 or (281) 450-3676.

Contact the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce at (210) 995-7420 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 6532184.

Yvonne Cones is president of the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.