Shepherd Chamber of Commerce
Shepherd Chamber of Commerce
16 N. Liberty St, Shepherd, TX 77371
210-995-7420
Opening Doors was at Shepherd Community Market sharing information
Gary Imm presents his photographs of outer space
Did You Know?
by Yvonne Cones
Last Friday, Shepherd Library featured Astrophotographer Gary Imm. Gary is a world renowned photographer of outer space and I don't mean just our galaxy! His talk with beautiful special glass photos showed other galaxies like Andromeda and the Pleiades. He said that he is fortunate that he and his wife retired to the shores of Lake Livingston at Onalaska, since it is a wonderful location without light pollution and often clear skies. His work is featured on free Astrobin web site where he has over 2500 images of the Deep Sky objects. Gary has written several books, available on Amazon, the proceeds of which go to funding his Imm Astronomy Scholarship Fund. This is used to help deserving college astronomy students. This was a fascinating presentation and we hope to see Gary Imm again!
'The Best of San Jacinto County' hosted by Coldspring Chamber of Commerce was held before a full house in the Jones Complex on Saturday evening. This was a Scholarship Fundraising event with a Silent Auction and catered by Aunt Jessie's Kitchen. All the award winners will be featured on the web site and since I sat next to Editor Tony Farkas, lots of pictures will be featured in the paper! Texas Grill, both in Shepherd and Coldspring were awarded for their food, their catering and coffee! Teddy Elliot of the Community & Children's Impact Center was 'Volunteer of the Year'.
Linda Almaguer was runner up with the SJC Senior Center where she is a very active volunteer.
' Best Citizen' went to Mayor John Benestante who made his wife Judi accompany him onstage where he took the microphone from Announcer Adrianna Lopez and commented that he 'knew the Master Gardeners had a lot to do with this vote!' Everyone laughed knowing Dr Judi Benestante is a prominent Master Gardener. He remarked he had known her since she was six, while she replied " No, five." More laughter! Coldspring Cheerleader Squad performed, giving a very intricate and beautifully executed show for the audience.
Friday was also the sad occasion of the funeral of Mrs. Maxine McDaniel at Shepherd's First Baptist Church. Pastor Holloway led the service and a very large crowd filled the church to honor the memory of this long time resident of our county. Maxine was 96 years old and is remembered by many people, family and friends. She was active in the SJC Women's League where I first met her. She will always be remembered with love by all who knew her.
The first Shepherd Community Market was held on Saturday morning. I bought Easter gifts from Donna Moore's beautifully displayed booth and hair decorations from Kristen Steel. Non profit 'Opening Doors' was most interesting bringing information on their 'Building a Better Future Through Parent Leadership. Crystal Chacon talked about the free Parenting Classes they offer for parents of children from pregnancy to the age of five. They are invited to come to our next Chamber meeting to talk to the Board and visitors about their organization. The programs are currently in Montgomery, Polk, Trinity, Hardin, Liberty and now our own county.
Coldspring Garden Club and Master Gardeners' held their annual Plant Sale and did well! Other vendors round the Courthouse shared space at the corner with the peaceful protesters for the 'No Kings' Day.
Coldspring Chamber of Commerce
31 N. Butler St., Coldspring, TX 77331
936-653-2184
No Kings Day
Texas Grill won several awards including Best Restaurant!
Cupcake dessert at The Best of San Jacinto County Banquet
Mayor Benestante accepts his award - Citizen of the Year!