Shepherd Chamber of Commerce

09/09/2026

Great Food!

09/07/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

I hope everyone had a Happy Labor Day! My column will not appear in the San Jacinto News Times this week but we will be back to normal next week. Deadline for sending in my column was earlier due to the holiday and I was too busy to get it done!

The Hot Steppers outdid themselves last week when they traveled to Tyler to wish Weldon Bowen a Happy 100th Birthday. He had said he hoped to get 100 birthday cards and instead he got over 400! The Group entertained him with their line dancing and sent me a great photo for the column. Weldon was a Marine in WW2 . This group made his birthday extra special even for a centenarian!

Coldspring Garden Club had their first meeting of the year after the summer hiatus. Thank you ladies for the delicious snacks of fruit, cheese ball and crackers and bags of goodies. The meeting dealt with the new Yearbook, the work of Linda Deeter and Kathy Preston and the new logo which is on the cover was much admired. After that members played 'Flower Bingo'. President Rhonda Sherling was the caller and instead of numbers called out flower names. Members brought plants to the meeting for prizes and used dried beans to cover the delightful Bingo cards which were flower illustrations. Winners chose from the table of plants and I won one too! Next meeting is on October 1 at 1.30 PM and will include a visit to Massey's Homegrown Quality Plants on Shraderville Road in Shepherd.

Shepherd Senior and Coldspring Senior Centers are working hard since their state income was reduced . Fundraisers and donations are helping and the resale shops are very important to keep things going. If you have not yet visited their resale shops, you are missing out on some great bargains. Go online to see menus and events coming up.

Texas Rural Democrats will hold a Voting & Voter Registration Training at the Family Restaurant in Shepherd on September 12 from 9 AM - 12 noon. Located at 2700 S, Byrd Ave, call Margaret Williams for more information at 936- 232-2500.

Are you interested in being a part of the Christmas Concert at Coldspring Community Shelter? Last year's event was a huge success and this year is going to be even bigger. Singers of every age can join the choir and to find out more about the program, text to 469-500-7575. The group is called Voices of San Jacinto County.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce- 936-653-2184. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce- 210-995-7420

08/31/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

This has been a memorable week in many ways. The news that Dolly Parton had passed away was a huge shock. I have written before about her philanthropic work, one of which is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Since Coldspring Library started this program in our county about 4 years ago, many parents have enrolled their babies. From 0 years to 5 years old, children receive a free book every month. Dolly's father never learned to read and this is her legacy to him. He was a hard working man with a large family living in poverty and she determined to give back from her wealth to help others using this program.

Shepherd Library partnered with Coldspring in this endeavor and from an initial 18 children there are now nearly 200 registered ! Some have moved on after they reach 5 years old but they have a grounding in books and reading for themselves by then. Anyone may donate to this cause. Call your library to know more.

Coldspring Library are now selling tickets to the 'Murder Mystery Dinner' on October 3 at the Community Shelter in Coldspring. Tickets are $70 each, which includes a wonderful dinner by Mary Gray Catering and the show. Actors move among the guests to create the 'cast' for the murder mystery. This is a lot of fun and very cleverly done by the actors. There will be a raffle and dressing up from a particular decade is suggested. You can be a 'flapper' or ' a Victorian lady or gentleman' or whatever you decide suits you!

Shepherd Library will host a 'Trivia Day' on October 24 at the Coldspring Methodist Fellowship Hall. This will be a lunchtime event with food served. More information on this soon about tickets etc.

Many family and friends enjoyed a wonderful party celebrating Wanda Gardner's 90th birthday! Held in the Texas Grill in Coldspring, in the private room, it was a most warm, loving and happy occasion. Wanda

is well named as she is a past President of Coldspring Garden Club and very involved with it still. The first meeting will be Thursday September 3, at 1.30PM in the Community Center, Members are asked to bring a plant to play 'Flower Bingo' after the business meeting. Refreshments will be available.

Last week the City of Shepherd held the 'Ballot Draw' which gives the order of names on the ballot for those who have put their names forward for a place on the City Council. Sometimes there are several people vying for a place and the place on the ballot may help those who come out first. This time there are two candidates for the position of Mayor. Incumbent Charles Minton is first on the Ballot with William LaCoste second. Only one person is on the ballot for Council person, Yvonne Cones. Yes, that's me. I have been on the council for a long time now! City Secretary Debra Hagler invited the new SISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Davis to draw the names from the pot . It was a good way to meet him.

Later in the week I visited Dr Davis again to talk about the Christmas event that Shepherd Chamber and Shepherd Schools put on. He graciously said he would visit the Chamber at our next meeting.

Last but not least is the Senior Citizens'Small Town, Big Talent Show' held in Coldspring Senior Center on Saturday. This was a sold out show! Dinner was served before the show began and Linda Almaguer was the Mistress of Ceremonies keeping the crowd entertained while the different acts were getting set up behind the curtains. Administrator Charline Smith welcomed everyone and the program was a wonderful collection of talent with skits, singing, and some dancing too! Charline did her Patsy Cline number where she produced an incredible amount of items from her dress. The two largest groups on stage where the 'Old Folks Home' and 'Tina Turner & The Ikettes.' Diane Clevenger was the nurse in the Old Folks skit and Judi Benestante was Tina with the dancing 'Ikettes' performing behind her. Both were hilarious as were the whole group.

Singing included 'Sentimental Journey', an excellent group accompanied by Jo Clarady on the piano. Sandra Schultz sang 'Crazy', Gregg Cones sang 'A Song For You', Roger Samoff sang 'Peacespeaker' and Ken Janik sang 'Cold, Cold Heart.' It was a great night, lots of laughter at the skits, appreciation for the singers and all the effort put into the show. The whole show was recorded by our local TV station. San Jacinto County TV & News, which will post it in the next day or so on YouTube.

During the intermission, Cathy Wagner of the Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Education Foundation spoke about the fund raiser currently being held. This Fundraiser Raffle benefiting Teacher Grants is for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise for 2 on the Norwegian Viva. Tickets are $20 each, the draw will be on October 30, 2026, the cruise will be for March 20- March 27, 2027. This incredible raffle includes a Balcony Cabin, all inclusive drinks, Wi-FI, gratuities, insurance and more. It will visit Cozumel, Roatan, Belize and Costa Maya. Tickets can be purchased at El Taquito, People's State Bank Coldspring ISD Administration Office and at some football games. You can go to linktr.ee/COCISDEF. What a great prize!

Shepherd Chamber of Commerce- 210-995-7420. Coldspring Chamber of Commerce- 936-653-2184

08/24/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

September is almost here! Many organizations will return this month after the summer hiatus. Coldspring Garden Club will start the new season on September 3 at 1.30 PM at Coldspring Community Center. President Rhonda Sherling will start the meeting with discussion on the plans for the year, the theme is ' Growing Stronger, Growing Together'. We will be playing 'Flower Bingo', everyone is asked to bring a plant for prizes. If you would like more information on the club email Coldspringgardenclub@gmail,com.

Women's League of San Jacinto County will start the following Thursday at 11.30 AM in the same location. Lunch catered by Mary Gray Catering and guest speakers Sheriff Sam Houston and his team will inform the guests of current news. Please confirm your reservation nearer the time.

Both Senior Centers of our county are busy planning events. Last Friday was Fish Friday for Coldspring Senior Center sponsored by Commissioner Crystal Dominy. Thank you Commissioner! Mayor John Benestante, his wife Judi with their granddaughter and her baby enjoyed the lunch as did everyone there. It was a full house with musical entertainment from DJ Ken Janik and Gregg Cones. Table decorations were imaginative and beautifully sewn runners by Johne Engleman with a 'Back to School' theme.

Gregg also sang at Shepherd Senior Center on Wednesday. Administrator Jennifer Strickland announced the upcoming visit from Olive Branch Hospice Rep. Amanda, explaining and signing up those interested in Power of Attorney documents. The recent Purse Bingo Fundraiser was a success with a full house of attendees. (Sorry about the pun!)

Kolton Purvis and his soon to be wife Faith Hartman donated a lot of business books to Shepherd Library last week. Director Terri is going to create a special section for them since the library only had two such business type books. Congratulations to the couple and many blessings to them!

Shepherd Chamber of Commerce will restart the Community Market in October. Hopefully the weather will be more suitable for outdoor markets by then! Text the Chamber if you would like to be part of this venture for small and home based businesses as well as non-profits wishing to let people know of their goals.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce- 936-653=2184. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce- 210-995-7420

08/20/2026

08/17/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

It is hard to believe that there are Love Bugs still flying! Our cars are covered in dead bugs, they are littering doorways and pathways but at least they don't sting!

It may seem premature to some but planning for Christmas is underway with many organizations. Last week the 'Community Voices of San Jacinto County' Board of Directors met at Coldspring Texas Grill to start the planning for their annual Christmas Concert. Last year was a great success. This year will be even more so ! President Shelley Thompson produced the updated By Laws and a very detailed Concert Work Plan. Discussion on having more singers in the choir was welcomed. If we can increase the numbers, the Music Director said he would increase the musicians in the orchestra. If you are a singer interested in being a part of this concert please contact Shelley by texting her at 1-469-500-7575. Younger voices are needed too! The concert will be in the Coldspring Community Shelter as it was last year. More information later.

Shepherd Senior Center will host speaker Amanda Reynolds on August 27 at 10.30 AM. This is a Community Health Education program which is free to everyone interested in learning about Durable Power of Attorney. It is open to the public and you will be able to sign up for this Durable Power of Attorney while you attend. Amanda Reynolds can be contacted for more information at 936-933-9535 and is part of the Olive Branch Hospice . Call the Senior Center at 936-628-3733.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce has a news letter on line which you can find details events and business happenings around town. One item which many of us have seen as it was being built is Team Dean at 451 Hwy 150 . If you want to know more about their exercise business, they are having an Open House all day on August 22, with a guided tour of the equipment and other information.

Last Saturday at the Impact Center, Brenda Myers and some of her friends decorated for her Granddaughter Dyanne's Baby Shower. The theme was ' We Can Bearly Wait!' so there were Bears everywhere, stuffed ones, paper ones, wall decorations with bears...it was a wonderful party! Dyanne has been featured here before as she excelled at school and now she is embracing motherhood again with many family and friends around her. Congratulations to both Dyanne and her husband Mason Walters.

I mentioned last week that Shepherd Library has a Wednesday morning 'Tiny Tots Tales' and I lat my Tiger Reginald, (Reggie) for short, went there to be with them. He will be there again this week. The Friends of Shepherd Library, a non-profit group, are supporting the Library with Bingo Night in Willis. This is a state licensed organization for charities and non profits. It is at the Knights of Columbus Hall and supports other organizations through the week. Bingo is well attended and thank you Rick and Terri McIntyre for all your hard work for the 'Friends of Shepherd Library'.

Shepherd Chamber of Commerce-210-995-7420. Coldspring Chamber of Commerce-936-653-2184

08/10/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

School is back! So many organizations have held events to help returning students with school supplies, back packs and much more. Last weekend 'The Big Bash' gave away supplies and free haircuts, face painting, food and fun at Shepherd Community Center and Shepherd Pentecostal Church had a School Supply Drive. I know many other churches and organizations did the same. It is a true sign of a caring community when people work so hard to help others.

An invited group of family and friends of Manda Lively gathered at Coldspring Library on Saturday to honor her for her hard work as a volunteer and as a strong support of the library. Manda passed away last year and is remembered for her organizational and grant writing skills. She loved books and helped build a community of readers. There is a plaque and photo of Manda at the library commemorating her dedication to this place she loved. As President of the Library Board Marsha Brown wrote, "Knowing Manda was a gift, her deep warmth and strong personality left a lasting mark on all of us."

Shepherd Senior Center applauded Mr Randy Crowder and his wife Mary on their 61st anniversary last week. Mary has had a major knee operation. I know we all wish them well and prayers for healing to Mary.

On Saturday the Center held a very well attended Purse Bingo in the Shepherd High School Cafeteria. It was amazing how many people showed up for this!

Shepherd Library holds a 'Tiny Tots Tales' every Wednesday morning. I left my animatronic Tiger Reginald, Reggie for short, there last week. He makes a lot of noise, wags his tail, twitches his ears, opens and closes his mouth and can slide forward. He was a big hit I was told so he will be making more visits soon!

San Jacinto Historical Commission met last week. Some members met in July to lay a wreath and celebrate the life of Robert Rankin, the only recorded Revolutionary era soldier buried in San Jacinto County. Ms Betty Magee said she would like to see this as an annual event open to more people.

The Haunted Jail will be open on October 23-24th and October 30-31. There will be more information nearer the date but food will be available. Our county will be 156 years old on Thursday August 13.

Women's League of San Jacinto County Board and Committee chairs met last week at Texas Grill in Coldspring. Plans for the upcoming year which starts next month were discussed. Guest speakers for the September Lunch will be Sheriff Sam Houston and his team. Mary Gray Catering will create wonderful lunches and we will all enjoy seeing again the friends we have missed over the summer! The Women's League will also have a ribbon cutting as new members of Shepherd Chamber of Commerce at the lunch.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce-936-653-2184. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce- 210-995-7420

08/03/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

Last Thursday my husband and I went to a book signing at the Community & Children's Impact Center. The author Jennifer Monteil was introduced by Brenda Myers, the founder and Chief Executive of the Impact Center, and we all had a chance to talk to her. 'Strong Women Break Too' is her ninth book. It tells the stories of six women who overcame great odds to live a life of promise and success. Jennifer Monteil spent fourteen years in law enforcement and over a decade to her community. In 2026 she stepped aside from the badge to write the stories she had carried for years. Although she is working at her next book, she says her badge is still waiting for her.

'Strong Women Break Too' is a wonderful book. Not only does it ell the stories of each woman, one of whom is Brenda, it also tells of how they came through incredible, painful experiences to remake their lives through breaking free from the obstacles they faced. The Impact Center has books for sale. The stories brought about a series of podcasts of women interviewed by Brenda called 'Breaking the Chains podcast.' I was honored to be the first person to be interviewed but others are following and are available on line.

Friends of Shepherd Library had a meeting last week. It gave an update on the Bingo Session each Sunday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Willis. The Friends of Shepherd Library is a volunteer organization dedicated to fundraising for the library. Extra programs and materials for them are paid this way. If you visit on Friday afternoon, you will see the great collection of Lego pieces ready for the young people to create amazing structures. The Tiny Art Competition and Tiny Tots Tales are just another two programs helped by fundraising.

Coldspring Library will start selling tickets on August 24, for their 'Murder Mystery Dinner' on October 3. Tickets are the same as last year, $70 each, which includes a delicious meal by Mary Gray Catering. Women's League have this wonderful caterer for their monthly meetings and love her food! The Murder Mystery is interactive with the audience, and is performed by 'The Murder Mystery Co.' Masks and masquerade attire is encouraged . There will be a cash bar and a Silent Auction.

The Coldspring Senior Center have sold out of tickets for the Talent Show on August 29! This will be a fun filled evening as well as a musical treat . Lunch at the Senior Centers in both Coldspring and Shepherd are important social centers for many seniors who look forward to the conversation, games and events always making the centers happy places. Then of course each one has a resale shop attached to it which helps fund the Centers.

The Family Restaurant & Daiquiris To Go are serving 'Sunday Soul Food'. Located at 2700 S. Byrd Ave in Shepherd they start at 11 AM- 2.30 PM or when sold out. The menu is posted on their page but it varies every week. 'Homemade Heartfelt Soulful' is the aim and there is a wide choice to choose from each Sunday. Last Sunday featured Oxtails, Fried Chicken, Dirty Rice, White Rice, Corn Medley, Green Beans and Cornbread. Cooked in the restaurant's kitchen with drinks included. Call 346-988-5059 for more information. You can eat in or take out. It is $15 a plate.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce- 936-653-2184. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce- 210-995-7420

07/31/2026

Stop by and eat!

07/27/2026

Make plans to bring the kids out!