There’s a new Mayor in town

I had planned to move out of the Town of Anderson in July 2019, so after 16 years of being Mayor, I did not run again in the May 2019 election. One of my alderwomen, Karen McDuffie stepped up to the plate to become Mayor of Anderson. After serving 4 years, Karen decided not to run again this year. One of her aldermen, Marc Benton, threw his name in the hat with no opposition.

At a special called meeting Tuesday, May 16, Benton, as well as Harold Minor and Bessie White, who were unopposed, were sworn in by Justice of the Peace Lester Underwood. With the vacancy of Marc’s position on the council, someone needed to be appointed to fill the last year of his current term as Alderman. Our son-in-law Tanner Krause was appointed to fill the term and was also sworn in by Underwood. Harold Minor was voted again as Mayor Pro-Tem and Kason Menges will stay the secretary.

Having been anAlderwoman and then Mayor, I have a deep appreciation for those who serve on the council. It is not an easy job and often a thankless one too, but it can also be rewarding in many ways. It’s what you make of it and put into it. Congratulations to all those who serve the Town of Anderson and a big thank you to Karen for her service as Mayor the past 4 years. Thanks also to Pam Johnson who serves as the Town Clerk.

Our youngest grandson, Case Karl Krause, son of Tanner and Ashleigh Krause of Anderson, was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Plantersville Saturday morning, May 20, by Fr. Ed Kucera, Jr. Case’s Godparents were his uncle Clint Branch and his cousin Skylar Bielstein. Family and friends were in attendance. Afterward a luncheon was served at the home of his grandparents, Don and Gail Sowell of Anderson. The weather was perfect, so the waterslide was blown up that afternoon and Case and his cousins had a blast playing on it. He was one pooped but holy little boy at the end of the day.

Also getting baptized at St. Mary’s in Plantersville was Jaset Sechelski, son of Jaret and Amy Sechelski of Montgomery. Jaset’s Godparents were his aunt and uncleAmy McRae and Jacob Sechelski, both of Fredericksburg. Jaset’s grandparents are Kenneth Sechelski and Candy and Dave Hesterman. A celebration was held afterward on Ski Hill.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stoneham’s annual homecoming bazaar is Sunday, May 28 on the church grounds. A delicious barbecue dinner with all the trimmings is always served. Plates will be served beginning at 11 a.m. for the cost of $15 per plate. There will also be games, booths, auctions, a raffle and live music for your listening and dancing pleasure.

The church and grounds of St. Joseph’s won’t be the same this year at the bazaar because a prominent figure will be missing. Barbara Fougeron, wife of Leland Fougeron, died last week after a somewhat lengthy illness. I got to know Barbara quite well as I was the church’s parish secretary for many years and she was very active during that time. Barbara’s sweet smile and disposition will be missed greatly.

Happy Birthday to those celebrating this week: May 25 – BJ Fowler; May 26 – Rodney Finch, Eva Moritz; May 27 – Rodney Sechelski, Heather Clark, Sharon Murry; May 28 – Jarrod Martin; May 29 – Kaytryn Bankston; May 30 – Alyssa Gibson, Sarah Burgess, Kalee Fredwood; May 31 – Jaret Sechelski.

Happy Anniversary to those celebrating this week: May 26 – Charlie and Jenni Abraham, 22 years; May 27 – Murphy and Missy Moriarty, 23 years; May 27 – Tyrone and Brittany Fenner, 6 years; May 29 – Leonard and LaNell Syzmczak, 52 years; May 29 - Curtis and Cydney Lemons, 13 years; May 29 – Shane and Allison Garthoff, 19 years; May 30 – J.D. and Jillian Ruby, 8 years; May 30 – Eddie and Sophia Prado, 20 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.