Grapeland Senior Citizens Center Events Planned
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
GRAPELAND – Less than one year ago, The Messenger reported on the beginning of a new area for the Grapeland Senior Citizens’ Center, located at 112 Church Street. The center had suffered from lack of community participation, leading to the need to reset efforts, leading to the election of a new board, officers and a push to breathe new life into the facility.
Grapeland resident Henry Haws was elected Chairman of the Board, one of five people voted to support the center, with two positions still to be filled. Balis Dailey was elected President.
“We have a different vision. We didn’t want to see it go the way it was going. We thought we could give it one more try and see if we could keep it operating on its own, independent from the city,” Haws explained at the time. “We’re hoping to be able to stay motivated and move it in a direction where it will be able to continue to stand on its own and benefit and support the citizens of the of the area within the Grapeland Independent School District.”
The center has since seen a number of events pop up, offering the community a number of activities and opportunities to get together and spend some quality time. Michelle Howell was recently asked to serve as the center’s events coordinator and took a moment to speak with The Messenger about what’s on the horizon in Grapeland.
The center will hold a free Emergency Preparedness Class Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring speaker Kathy Sears, who will offer 12 areas where seniors should pay attention and be ready, in case of emergencies.
Saturday, Aug. 10 the center will hold an Ice Cream Social and Pie Bake-Off, with pie judging beginning at 2 p.m. For those 55 years and older, the event will be free and for those younger than 55, entry costs $5, for either bakers or taster. There will be two categories, fruit pies and non-fruit pies, with the top three contestants in each group awarded an apron.
The following Saturday, Aug. 17 with be the 42 tournament at the center, with sign-up beginning at 9 a.m. and the games starting at 10. It’s only $20 to play, with lunch included. For those who just come for lunch, $10 will get you a chicken leg-quarter plate with potato salad, pinto beans and cornbread.
Howell herself came to Grapeland a few years ago from West Virginia, to join family living in the area. She works with Grapeland’s First Baptist Church on a project called SHWWAP, or Sharing His Word With All People, where gently used clothes can be donated or taken, as needed. The group is always looking for clothes of all sizes, from baby clothes to bigger adult sizes and will hold their monthly event this Friday and Saturday at FBC Grapeland, located at 408 Chestnut St. The group will be accepting and offering clothing Friday from 12-6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information, contact the Grapeland Senior Citizens Center at (936) 687-2770.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
