My family has lived in Houston all of my life. My aunts, uncles, grandparents, and oh so many cousins have called that area home for as long as I can remember. As a little girl (and still today), I adored the smell of pine trees because they reminded me of my aunt’s house, and her home was my chosen place to be. They’ve been through all the hurricanes before this one, and for the first time ever, water took over their homes. My favorite place will never be the same.
I imagined it like a siege in the night… an unwelcomed intruder that invited himself in and took everything within seconds. I imagined that it just poured itself into any available crevice it could to get inside. I know that people were astounded and shaken to see how quickly it filled each room. I know they fought to find higher ground all the while knowing they were saying goodbye to everything they owned. Everything. Isn’t it strange that water is such a glorious site at times, and such an unstoppable force at others.
We have watched from a distance eager to help and eager to do good. And good, my friends, has prevailed. Humans were just loving humans. In a state of rescue and survival, man helped man, and good prevailed. Houston will never be the same. Texas will never be the same. But Texas was a bright beacon for the world to see. In its darkest and scariest time, good prevailed, and we as Texans can certainly be proud of that.
I’ve had many calls this week wondering how to help. I spoke with Andy Endsley, our County Fire Chief, who advised that monetary donations would probably be most beneficial during this stage of rescue. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross and to the Salvation Army. If you spend some time searching Facebook you will find a large number of local businesses and organizations that are planning donation drives. The list just goes on and on for opportunities to assist and donate. Thank you for being diligent and helpful during some really trying days. It’s going to take a long time to fix this. There is a phrase that we always use at the Chamber, and in this time, it holds true again. We’re just going to “keep moving forward.”
Here are some events that are occurring in the month of September:
The Lights of Life Style Show is scheduled for Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m.
The HC Health Care Foundation is hosting its annual Lights of Life Style Show on Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Entry fee is a $25 donation and there will be door prizes and a raffle. Dinner and fashions will be provided by Lou Nells. For ticket information contact the Foundation office at (903) 438-4799 or Lou Nell’s at (903) 885-0664.
First Baptist Church is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast on September 16th
First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast called “Captivated: The Wonder of Christ on the Winding Road”. The simulcast will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church. This is a free event, but you must register at www.ssfbc.org, or in the church office, or at ROC to attend.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show is scheduled for September 15th and 16th
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their 18th Annual Quilt Show on Friday, September15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 16th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Door prizes are given away throughout the day, and children’s activities are available, too! The quilt show will be located at the ROC, 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs.
Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, September 16th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, September 16th, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets. Many local and out of town vendors will be here participating in this first-time event. You don’t want to miss this!
Texas AgriLife Extension Office is hosting many classes this month, and here they are:
Course: Cooking Well with Diabetes. Attend this series of four fun-filled, interactive classes packed with research-based information and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Dates: Series of 4 classes, September 12, 14, 19 and 24
Times: 1:30 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. (choice)
Cost: $25, payable at the first session
Call 903-885-3443 to reserve your space or if you need additional information.
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes starting in September
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes that are scheduled to begin Monday, September 18th at 5:30. Reserve your spot before they’re gone. Classes will be located at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. It will run weekly for four weeks. Cost is $75 per student, and there is a discount for siblings. Call 903-243-6222 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot!
Ribbon Cuttings:
Clayton Law Firm celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 24th
The Law Firm of C. Don Clayton celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 24th at noon. They are located at 200 Church Street, Suite B, in Sulphur Springs. Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce and welcome home to Sulphur Springs.