American Legion to honor Veterans family members
How many times have you said I wish I would’ve listened closer to stories my grandparents or parents told? My immediate family gathered at our home March 25, for the 1st Annual Gathering/Reconnection of the Stash and Apolonia Hoffart Family. That comment was made several times. The last time all the first cousins and their families got together was in 1999 or 2000 so we were excited to get the reunion going again. We decided to gather again next year – same time, same place.
We have two aunts left, Janie (Lebeck) Hoffart that was married to my dad’s brother George, and Betty (Hoffart) Kerr that is the baby sister of the family. They were each honored with a basket full of goodies. A gift was also given to the youngest who is 14 months old; farthest traveled from New Orleans, Louisiana; and couple married shortest length of time is 1.5 years; and for the family who had the most in attendance was me. As usual everyone brought their favorite dishes for an amazing and awesome potluck lunch that everyone enjoyed. All our relatives told me they loved the drive to our home and how beautiful the hillsides were. We had an enormous crowd of 95. Can’t wait until next year!
American Legion McCluskey Post 640, 415 Hill Street in Anderson, will host all family members of veterans at a special gathering Saturday, April 1 to recognize the sacrifices family members make for their veterans’ service. The Post is looking to revitalize the McCluskey Auxiliary Unit and establish a new Sons of the American Legion Squadron. Guest speakers will include me, Gail Sowell, since I was the Past McCluskey Auxiliary Secretary/Treasurer and Leigh-Anne Stewart, Department of Texas Auxiliary Leadership Chair.
Auxiliary membership includes grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of veterans eligible for American Legion membership. Sons of the American Legion members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Please join this organization at 11 a.m. at for refreshments and camaraderie and do not forget to invite your veteran!
April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month. The Grimes County Child Welfare Board is asking you to recognize the importance of communities working together to help families thrive and prevent child maltreatment. Throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect. On Wednesday, April 5 at 11 a.m., Grimes County, in conjunction with Scotty’s House, will host a Blue Ribbon Ceremony at the Justice Center. Please come out and help us remember those that were victims of Child Abuse. Presently serving on the board is Patti Sexton (chairperson), Sherry Fauth (secretary), Gail Sowell (treasurer), Susan Boudreaux, Bob Goldstein, Brenda Williams, Lester Underwood, Talitta Coleman, Sharon Free, Bonny Burger and David Dobyanski. Commissioner Phillip Cox is the Ex Officio member.
It was another sad week in our town as we lost Kevin Stephens, husband of Marti (Kolbasinski) Stephens and father of Kynlee and Kagan. He had a short bout with cancer – less than two weeks. Kevin and Marti have been married for almost 24.5 years. Kevin was a sweet and quiet man who loved his family and friends dearly. Visitation is Wednesday, March 29 at Lindley-Robertson-Holt Funeral Home from 5:30-7 p.m. Rosary is 7 p.m. The funeral service is Thursday morning, March 30, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Happy Birthday to those celebrating this week: March 31 – Ethan LeFlore, Harper Burns, Colton Spinks; April 1 – Ann Weeks, Cody Wright, Cecilia-Ann Gurka, Angela Petit, Jackson Groves; April 2 – Lou Abatie, Brenda Kott, Natalie Bachmeyer, Mercedes Rackley; April 3 – Sheriff Don Sowell, Megan Barcak, Makayla Marek, Philip Pasket and twins Harley and Marshall Taylor; April 4 – Jason Marek, Harrison Szymczak, Kyle Keen, Emorie Sechelski, Mary Kroll, Amber Wagnon; April 5 – Shannon Clinard, Michelle Profili.
Happy Anniversary to those celebrating this week: April 2 – Russell and Renee Fredwood, 17 years; April 3 – Tommy and Marsha Williams, 41 years; and April 5 – Kermit and Mary Bostelman, 42 years.
If you have special news about what goes on in your family or life, let me know by calling 936-870-6842 or email me at gailmsowell@yahoo.com. I would love to share with others.