‘ROUND TOWN

Last Saturday, the Llano Country Opry put on a star-studded show at the Lantex Theater in Llano, TX, and our own Colby Sheppard of Madisonville, Texas performed. Colby, the son of Shelli and Troy Sheppard, who started off learning to play the fiddle at age 4 with his grandfather Donnie Colwell, even performed at that early age at Western Swing Music Concerts.

Several years later, Colby had a part with the “Asleep behind the Wheel” group performing at the Galveston Grand Opry. We made the trip to watch this kid whom we have enjoyed over the years and even ran into several more people from our hometown. It’s hard to believe Colby

It’s hard to believe Colby is now a college sophomore, but I think we will be hearing a whole lot more a from this young man.

Here’s what’s going on ‘round our town.

There have been some conflicts in scheduling meetings with the Madison County Economic Development Corporation. The new meeting dates are now scheduled for Oct. 19 from 6-8 p.m. with another meeting following Oct 25 at the same time.

This is a major decision and hopefully you will participating in the decision making. Judge Tony Leago shared, “The outcome will determine if our county forms a hospital district and builds a new hospital, so I strongly encourage you to attend the meetings.

Of course, there are always two sides to consider, so Judge Leago added that each of us should study the facts to help decide what we feel is best for our county. Both meetings will be at the Kimbro Center from 6-8 p.m. Again, the first on Tuesday Oct. 19 the second on Monday Oct 25.

It’s that time of year, the time when each of us has an opportunity to help ensure underprivileged children receive a Christmas present. This is the 30th year for Operation Christmas Child, an event begun by Franklin Graham and several hundred enthusiastic volunteers who sent shoeboxes with small toys and hygiene products to needy children.

Since that time the mission has shipped more than 157 million shoe boxes. Most of our local churches will have the Operation Child Shoe boxes available and our location to drop off the gifts is First Baptist Church of Madisonville, one of almost 5,000 drop-off centers across our country.

Since so many of our community is generous and send several boxes, this is a heads up that you’ve got about six weeks before dropping off your boxes by Nov 21, 2021.

Thinking about a little road trip while the weather is still good? Still have a little western love in your heart? From October 22-24 the 30th annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering will be held in the Fort Worth Stock yards National Historic District and you can’t beat the entertainment.

From a chuck wagon parade and camp to cowboy trapping and cowboy poetry; from some good story-telling poetry, much of it written by Steagall to, a fiddle contest, invitational roping and of course a Cowboy Gospel Concert. it will be an unforgettable road trip. Check it out at www.RedSteagallcowboy-Gathering.com.

Got a few of our neighbors under the weather that you could probably help cheer up. While Jack Jarrett of Jarrett Meat Company was in for a checkup from a previous cancer surgery doctors found evidence that his kidney cancer may have returned an also found two nodules in his lung. He will be at MD Anderson Houston Oct. 14-17 to undergo a biopsy.

In addition, Jack has a kidney stone in each kidney and fluid around his heart, which means there’s a team of doctors making decisions. Jack and his wife covet your prayers. Send those cards to Jarrett Meat Company 3335 Crossroads, Madisonville, TX 77864.

Sherry Douget, the mom of Wade, Joel and Kim, fell recently, breaking two ribs and snapping an arm. At the time, she also had Covid. She’s one sick lady, so drop your encouragement to her Joel Douget 3450 Hwy 75, Madisonville TX 77864. By the way, both Joel and his wife Tammy have been fighting their own battle with Covid.

And I too have walked that path and am still working through some of it. If you’d like, go to my Facebook page and read. It’s a double whammy, the walk with Covid and the saving grace of God.

Happy belated birthday to Bertie Sue Dutton who celebrated her birthday last Sunday. Bertie Sue has been feeling under the weather so why not drop her a note at 1675 Dutton Lane, Madisonville TX 77864.

Happy birthday to Quincy Allen whose birthday is Wednesday Oct. 13 and to Connie Kelly, whose birthday is Oct. 14. Betty Smith celebrates her big day Oct 15. Winding out our list is Barbara Clute who celebrates Oct. 18.

Then belated happy anniversary to Reygan and Wess Richardson. This special couple, yep, this is family, celebrated their 5th anniversary October 11.

Before closing, I’d like to share something with you. In last week’s paper I shared how October is National Breast Cancer awareness month and even named a few of the awesome women in our count who are survivors. But we have plenty more. These are our mothers, our sisters wives and daughters. I asked if you knew someone or was a survivor to please let us hear because they are our heroes.

Sadly, we have heard from no one, yet what would this world be if we lost our mothers, our sisters, our wives and daughters. All the more reason they should be celebrated. You can call 936-348-6541 with the information, the Madisonville Meteor at 936-348-3505. Or text me a 936-662-6932.

And finally, we really do have some good people in this world, the kind that just make you want to smile when you see them walking your way. Retired pastor Greg Depriest of Tennessee is one of them. Several years ago I spoke at Greg’s church and that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship between he and his wife Denise.

Greg recently posted this on his Facebook page. I’m not sure who wrote it but it sounds just like him and it’s too good not to share. Here goes:

‘As the world fights to figure everything out, I’ll be holding doors for strangers, letting people in in front of me in traffic, saying good morning, keeping babies entertained in grocery lines, stopping to talked to someone who is lonely, tipping generously, waving at police, sharing food, giving children a thumbs up, being patient with sales clerks, smiling at passersby and buying a stranger a cup of coffee.’

Why? Because I will not stand to live in a world where love is invisible. Join me in showing kindness, understanding and judging less. Be kind to a stranger, give grace to friends who are having a bad day, be forgiving with yourself. If you can’t find kindness, Be kindness.

Now if we would all practice being that kind of person….

See you round town!