Wild Olive Branch sale
The Wild Olive Branch Ministry is hosting a garment sale of gently loved linens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Feb. 11, with a salad buffet luncheon both Thursday (today) and Friday, featuring salads, croissants, sandwiches, tea breads, scones, decadent cookies, cakes and tarts. The church is located at 1008 South Tool Drive (across from the Tool water tower).

Valentine celebration
The Cedar Creek Lake 49ers Senior Citizens Club is hosting a valentine celebration from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday (tonight) with dancing to Chuck & the 49ers. Great decorations and friendly atmosphere. Donation at the door. Located two blocks off Arnold Hills Road, off SH 334, Seven Points. Phone or fax to (903) 432-3552.

Library fund-raiser
The Friends of the Tri-County Library are sponsoring a fund-raiser for the library from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday (today) and Friday, Feb. 11, in the library community room. Items include plants, baked goods, jewelry, etc. For information call Jackie Groom at (903) 887-8545.

AL Sloppy Joes
The American Legion Post 310 Auxiliary’s Sloppy Joe dinner is set for 5 p.m. until the food run out Friday, Feb. 11. Donation benefits Poppy Fund, used to assist area veterans and their families. Located on SH 198, GBC.
VZ senior dance
The Van Zandt Senior Citizens Club will hold its monthly dance at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at the Henderson County Senior Citizens Center, SH 31, Athens. Country & Western music provided by Joe Walenta and the Ranch Hands. Everyone is welcome.

Quincy Jones
The First Baptist Church, Kemp, is hosting its fifth Sunday event, Quincy Jones, aka “Q,” founder of hip-hop group, Christcentric, immediately following the Kemp High School basketball game Friday, Feb. 11. Visit the website www.christcentric.net. 

Relay for Life
Registration for the Relay for Life, either as participant or survivor, is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at McDonald’s in Athens. Information will be available at the registration about the event, teams, becoming a team leader, a participant and the American Cancer Society Action Network. For information call (903) 425-6720.

Crisis Center training
The East Texas Crisis Center hosts sexual assault volunteer training for Van Zandt and Henderson counties from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 12 and 26, at the Mabank Fire Department. Call (903) 675-2137 or e-mail Henderson legal@etcc.org  to register for the no-cost training.

Malakoff FFA events
The third annual Run for Roses barrel race is set for 9 a.m. (taking entries) and exhibition at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Malakoff AG Arena, 15201 FM 3062, behind the high school. Watch for signs. Following the barrel race, the second annual chili dinner and auction will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the crowning of the FFA Sweetheart during the dinner.

Valentine’s dinner
A Valentine’s sit-down dinner hosted by American Legion Post 310 on SH 198 South is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. The dinner (prime rib and trimmings) is followed by Big Band DJ music. Dressy casual attire. Reservations required (only 72 seats available) and a charge. For information, call Marcia or Benny at the Post, (903) 887-3532.

Sweetheart dance
The Rope, Catch and Ride for Christ Cowboy church is hosting a free Sweetheart Dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, featuring John Spivey and his band. Donations accepted to pay the band. Prizes for kids and adults. Concession stand open to the public. North on SH 198 to CR 2807, turn right.
Cowboy Church is on the right and looks like a red barn. For information call Vickie at (903) 880-2695.

CC Civic League
The Cedar Creek Civic League is hosting a Joker Tournament and luncheon benefit, with doors opening at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the Lakeshore RV Park recreation room, Seven Points. Prizes for top players. Profits benefit many local charities. To register or for information, call Jeanie Hulsey at (903) 432-3341 or Claudett Allsup at (903) 432-3545.

CCL women’s club
The Cedar Creek Lake Women’s Club executive board meeting is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at The Library at Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points.

Senior game day
The GBC senior game day is set for 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Brawner Hall. Henderson County benefits counselor Sharon O’Maley is the speaker. Afterwards, board and card games will be enjoyed. February birthdays will be celebrated with cake. For information call city hall at (903) 887-1087.

NewSong meeting
NewSong is a group dedicated to helping women affected by abortion. It will begin the next eight-week study Wednesday, Feb. 16.
For information concerning location, time or details, call Janet Wright at (903) 802-3202 or e-mail to JanetWright@gmail.com.

Sarah Maples Chapter
The Sarah Maples Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s annual “George Washington Tea” is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, with William Covington as the speaker.

Alzheimer’s support
The Greater Cedar Creek Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 (each third Thursday), at 256 Harbor Drive, GBC.
For information call Bill Shaw at (903) 887-4789.

Confederate Rose
The Confederate Rose Chapter 2548 meets at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at Tri-County Library, Mabank. Visitors are welcome. For information call (903) 451-2709.

Animal welfare meeting
An animal welfare meeting is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15 (the third Tuesday of the month), and from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 (third Saturday of the month). Those interested, whether rescue workers, shelter workers, foster or volunteers, are invited to share concerns and ideas.
For information and location, contact Pam Boyd at etxpets@gmail or phone (903) 714-2172.

Westside Senior Center
The Westside Senior Citizens Center meets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 (every Thursday), at the Cedar Creek Bible Church activities building, 700 North Seven Points Boulevard (SH 274). Seniors 55 and older in the area are invited for fellowship, domino and card games, other games, coffee and snacks. A light lunch will be served.
For information call (903) 340-9672.

Cowboy Church Revival
Living for the Brand Cowboy Church revival is set for 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, followed by dinner on the grounds, and 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 21-23, at 902 NE Loop 7, Athens. Come as you are. For information call (903) 675-9177.

5th annual Art Show
The Star Harbor Watercolor Society is hosting its fifth annual “For the Love of Art” show and sale from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at the Star Harbor City Hall building. View more than 100 art pieces, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. Located just north of Malakoff.
At the Malakoff Fire Station, turn onto FM 3062, continue past the high school 1.4 miles into Star Harbor, veer left at the “Y.”
City Hall is at 99 Sunset Blvd., right off the golf course.

Methodist OWLS study
Mabank First United Methodist Church OWLS (Older, Wiser, Loving Seniors) are sponsoring “From Age-ing to Sage-ing,” a study by Zalman Schichter-Shalome and Ronald S. Miller, taught by the Rev. Eston Williams, pastor of Aley UMC. Four sessions are planned for 7 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 21, 28 and March 7, at Mabank FUMC.
Free except for study book.

CCL Women’s Club
The Cedar Creek Lake Women’s Club meets at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the Cedar Creek Country Club. Past Presidents to be honored. The program “Is it a Collection or is it Clutter?” is by Rose-Mary Rumbley.
Doors open at 10:15 a.m.

PS Water Supply meeting
The Payne Springs Water Supply Corporation annual membership meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the PSWSC office, 9116 Frazier Lane, located off SH 198 South. Members are urged to attend.
For information call (903) 451-5300.

AARP Driver Safety
A one-day AARP Driver safety Course is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, 410 E. Cedar Creek Parkway, Seven Points. Designed for drivers age 50 and over, it is open to anyone. Drivers may qualify for reductions in auto insurance.
For information call Jean Dirks at (903) 887-3836 or the library at (903) 432-4185.

PS Fire Rescue benefit
The annual all-you-can-eat fish fry benefitting the Payne Springs Fire Rescue is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, April 9. A 2007 Harley Davidson FX/ST is a part of the fund-raiser. View pictures at www.psfirerescue.com.  For information, call the fire station at (903) 451-4511 and leave a message.

Free tax help
Free tax help is available at Tri-County Library, Mabank, with Peggy Rogers, VITA. Rogers worked for the IRS for many years and keeps up with current changes. Call the library at (903) 887-9622, leaving name, local phone number (calls from cells with long distance numbers will not be returned), and the best time for her to return your call to set up an appointment.

AARP free tax help
AARP free tax services will be available from 8 a.m. to noon through Wednesday, April 13, at the following locations: Fridays at the Henderson County Senior Center, Athens, Mondays at The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, Seven Points, and Wednesdays at the Senior Citizens Center, Malakoff. For information call (903) 778-2423.

News in Brief policy
News in Brief is a venue in which nonprofit organizations can promote their services and/or fund-raising events at no cost.
These articles should include only basic information – who, what, when and where. Articles must include publishable contact information and a phone number.
The deadline for submission is 4 p.m. Monday for each Thursday’s issue and 4 p.m. Wednesday for each Sunday’s issue. Announcements will run for four issues (two weeks).
Organizations needing to relay more information on services or events, or who seek a longer promotion time, are encouraged to call our advertising staff at (903) 887-4511.
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Snowy scenes at Cedar Creek Lake from Feb. 3-4 snow fall
Courtesy photos
Kemp residents Sal Chavarria and brother Bill Moore found their inner artist when they molded this snow Godzilla in the front yard on a property located near the city park Feb. 4.

They made fun of Don Smith of Hidden Hills Harbor when he purchased a snow shovel at the Goodwill store in Mabank last Wednesday, but he found a good use for it over the weekend, clearing six inches of snowfall from the path to his mailbox.

A bird bath shows how much snow fell overnight Feb. 3-4 – approximately seven or eight inches in this Canton backyard.

For more snow pictures, see page 10A of The Monitor.

CASA advocates for children in Austin
By Pearl Cantrell
Monitor Staff Writer
ATHENS–Members from CASA of Trinity Valley, based in Athens, braved the falling temperatures Feb. 1 to keep an appointment with lawmakers in Austin for CASA Day at the State Legislature.
Courtesy Photo/Jan Jones-CASA volunteer
Handprints represents the children who have died in 2010 of abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers erected this memory wall, which spans across the entire hallway in the state capitol, to illustrate the need for CASA volunteers. In 2010, 227 children lost their lives due to abuse and neglect, with 80 percent of these under the age of 5 years old.

A delegation of six volunteers prepared a hallway length Memorial Wall, illustrating the need for Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in danger or in the foster care system.
The Wall depicted the remnants of 227 children under age 5 who lost their lives due to abuse and neglect in Texas last year.
CASA volunteers work with one or two children who have had to be removed from their homes and stays with that child until he or she is returned home or settled in a stable forever home.
The court system recognizes them as a type of legal guardian, so they are empowered to advocate for their charges with schools, doctors and dentists, social workers, foster parents and the court system.
CASA volunteer and Malakoff Reserve officer Sally Simon visited with The Monitor Monday about the group’s visit to the state capitol.
(Simon also volunteers with the East Texas Crisis Center. She is a part of a team that responds to emergency rooms when a rape victim is brought in, she said.)
“Rep. Chuck Hopson of Jacksonville was so funny, and Sen. Robert Nichols warmly welcomed our group and listened to the stories we had to tell about the children we advocate for,” Simon said.
Rep. Lance Gooden also met with the group and heard how CASA is able to save the state funding by preparing action plans that enable other family members to care for their own children, such as grandparents, and uncles and aunts.
“These family members are often willing and able to care for these children if given the right kind of aid, which most often costs much less than enrolling them in the foster care system,” Simon explained.
“We advocate for the best interest of the child,” Simon said. “This is especially needed for those overseen by the overburdened Child Protective Services.”
In addition to visiting with key lawmakers representing Henderson, Cherokee and Anderson counties – comprising the region of CASA of Trinity Valley – the group was recognized on the floors of both state house and senate.
Proclamations and a recitation of the agency’s motto: “A Court Appointed Special Advocate for every child” and “Speak up for abused children” were read.
CASA is funded through state funding and by donations.
Members of the local faith community work with CASA volunteers by providing blankets and stuffed animals, which are given to children when they are removed from their home to give them something to hang on to – as they often leave with just the clothes on their backs, Simon said.
They also help supply a Rainbow Room, where children entering foster care can be supplied with immediate needs, she added.
The need for additional CASA volunteers is also great. Volunteers are fully trained to perform their special advocacy. To learn how you can become a CASA volunteer, call (903) 675-7070 or inquire on-line at becomeaCASA.org.

Commissioners name redistricting panel
By M.V. Hannigan
Monitor Staff Writer
ATHENS–Henderson County Commissioners named 15 members to a Citizens Advisory Committee on redistricting last week.
Each commissioner and County Judge Richard Sanders named three members to the committee.
Sanders said the committee would work with a law firm hired by the county to redraw the boundary lines for precincts for jurisdictions of the county commissioner, justice of the peace, and constable, as well as the voting precincts.
“It is very important that we do it in a fair and balanced way, where the public has input,” Sanders said. “And that’s why we’ve created this committee – to make it as fair as possible to the citizens of Henderson County.”
Sanders said the committee would only be dealing with boundaries within the county, and would not be connected with the state redistricting effort in Austin.
“This will divide the county up in terms of population,” Sanders explained.
“So, if one part of the county has increased in population significantly, then the line is going to bend toward that population center so the populations will line up as close as possible between the four precincts.”
Sanders said the county expects to get the needed population totals from the U.S. Census Bureau in late March or April, with committee meetings to begin in May. (See related story below.)
He said he expects the committee to meet four of five times with the attorneys.
Once a preliminary redistricting map is drawn, it is expected that the committee will hold a series of public meetings around the county.
The Citizens Advisory Committee includes:
Precinct 1 – Gene Holland, Anne Sherrill and Scotty Thomas;
Precinct 2 – Ed Bush, Chuck Orm and Don Warner;
Precinct 3 – Bill McHam, Jeff Tuley and Ivory Joe Givens;
Precinct 4 – James Shatzsall, Deelois Dingler and Robert Young;
Countywide – Orville Bevel, Armando Rincon and Jo Ann Hanstrom.