News

The end of the year is often a popular time to volunteer, as the spirit of giving that’s synonymous with the holiday season compels millions of people to make an effort to support local charities and nonprofit organizations. In years past, that might have made it difficult for prospective volunteers to find organizations in need of volunteers. How ever, as the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, charitable organizations and non-profits may have a host of opportunities for prospective volunteers. A 2020 report from Fidelity Charitable found that volunteer activity shifted considerably during the pandemic. Prior to the onset of the pandemic in 2019, 81 percent of volun teers lent a hand in person. That number dropped to just 35 percent during the pandemic. That left many charities and non-profits in need of in person volunteers. The rollout of three successful vaccines will no doubt compel more people to volunteer in person as 2021 draws to a close, and there should be plenty of opportunities to help charitable organizations in need. In addition, the pandemic might have led some non-profits to expand their remote volunteering operations, an expansion that does not need to end even as the world gradually transitions to life after COVID-19. That should mean there’s still plenty of chances to embrace remote or virtual volunteering.

Last Wednesday morning the City of Forney and Victory Real Estate Group broke ground on the continuation of the Victory Shops, located on Marketplace Boulevard near US Highway 80. Currently the project already houses several popular local businesses like MOD Pizza, Pet Supplies Plus, My Eyelab, and Nina’s Brunch.

The City of Mesquite announced it has moved forward with its Clean City Initiative by adding more programs and opportunities for the community to get involved to help address litter in public areas and community appearance. This includes the final recruitment push for the semi-annual community litter cleanup event called Trash Bash scheduled for Sept. 25. Volunteers can register at https://bit.ly/3lziO9c.

In my friend group, I’m known as the therapist. Got a relationship woe? I might spit out a meme-worthy, pearl-clutcher of ad-libbed, quote-worthy word salad. “Wait, say that again,” is something I hear a good bit, with my lunch comrade ferociously thumb typing my impromptu monologue into her phone’s notepad. It has nothing to do with wisdom and everything to do with me being the oldest person in the circle. My beloveds would tell you that isn’t true. They would say it’s my nature, that I practice being kind like others learn to chip toward the hole from the rough. While that’s a compliment, it isn’t the case at all. I’ve just been on this Godforsaken planet longer. I’ve seen stuff, done stuff, had more brilliance, cast more shade, and walked closer to a darker edge more than most folks. I’ve had some trauma: so, so much trauma. Along the way, I learned to stop wishing it weren’t so. At times, the trauma has been my only friend. I learned to shape it differently, to carve it into tiny wooden tchotchkes, to stick it to my dashboard like a shapely hula dancer. Because, you know what they say about keeping your enemies closer.

“God wanted me to look like my mom, but my daddy wanted me to look like him. I guess God knows best,” says Wesley, 5.

With the Second Called Session of the 87th Legislature officially adjourned, I wanted to take this time to review the items that the Texas House worked tirelessly to pass. These pieces of legislation are now headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Once you’re retired and your children are grown, they are likely “off the books,” as far as your financial responsibility for them is concerned. Yet, you’re probably still prepared to do anything to help them – but are they ready to take care of you if the need arises?

The autumnal equinox occurred on September 22, 2021 at 2:20 p.m. and not a moment too soon! Summer held on almost to the last minute with higher than normal temperatures and no rain. But just as time and tide wait for no man, Autumn has fallen and made its presence felt.

At their most recent board meeting, Crandall ISD board members adopted a $61,264,008 budget for the 2021-22 school year and lowered the district’s tax rate for the third-consecutive time.

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the summer 2021 President’s List.

Shops at Terrell, Suite # 103, 301 Tanger Dr. in Terrell, TX (I-20 @ SH 34)

Kids these days. Seems they spend most of their time with their noses pointed at their phones or their eyeballs frantically moving to the flashes of video games. It’s easy to be a bit pessimistic about the future. But if you look closely, there are young minds solving major world problems.

The Sophomores of F. H. S. when I was a Senior became the Seniors of F. H. S. when Frederick Alexander, Janie Buice, Wes McElveen, Patricia Reddick, Sally Reeder, Rick Roland, Terry Skinner, and Mary Whittemore were the Sophomores! See if you can recognize the Senior students without looking at the names (in order) below!