Athens —
Several contingencies descended on Austin this past week, when “Athens Day at the Capitol” was observed. But none garnered more attention as a group than the 23 men and women dressed in pink and teal.
“I felt like a celebrity,” said Janet Davis. “I’m so glad I didn’t miss it.”
Janet and the others in the group are volunteers with the ETMC Athens Auxiliary. The presence of the auxiliary members at the capitol was a result of State Rep. Lance Gooden authoring a House Resolution to honor the auxiliary, “and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere appreciation for their vital contributions … as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.”
“We received so much attention, because we had our pink jackets on,” said ETMC Auxiliary President Ruth Lang with a laugh. “Other tourists in the capitol even took pictures of us.”
Auxiliary members were taken as a group to the capitol early Tuesday morning in a chartered bus provided by ETMC Athens. They arrived on capitol grounds just after 9 a.m., where they were greeted by ETMC Athens Administrator Pat Wallace, who was already in town for a meeting.
“Mr. Wallace and our friends at the hospital took such good care of us,” said volunteer Marge McDaniel. “We were treated like royalty the whole time by the hospital and by Lance’s office.”
Soon after arriving at the capitol, the 23 auxiliary members were ushered inside to await the reading of their resolution on the floor of the House of Representatives. Five auxiliary members were able to go out on the floor with Gooden, while the rest of the group watched from the gallery above. Those five were Jean Holmes and Tommie Watson, who both helped charter the auxiliary 52 years ago, Jim Alexander, Lynn Coach and Lang.
“When we went out there, the people gathered around the podium, shook our hands, congratulated us and welcomed us. They said to each one of us, ‘Welcome to your house.’ It was an honor just to be there, and to look up and see everyone in the gallery. It gave me chills.”
After the reading of the House Resolution, Gooden took the group out to eat, where he spent time speaking with everyone.
“I enjoyed visiting with Lance and his legislative director John [Stavinoha],” said auxiliary member Doris Gardenhire. “Lance sat at different tables, and talked to each of us. We were treated so well.”
After their meal, the group set off again for Athens, quieter than they had been on the morning journey, but feeling honored and happy.
For information about becoming an ETMC Athens Auxiliary member, please call the hospital gift shop at 903-676-1137. Applications may be picked up there, as well.
Local News
Related Photos
-
State Rep. Lance Gooden (far right) stands with members of the ETMC Athens Auxiliary in the capitol rotunda. The auxiliary was honored on the floor of the House of Representatives this past week for 52 years of outstanding service to the community.
Discussion
‘We were treated like royalty’
ETMC Auxiliary honored in Austin
- Local News
-
-
Don’t let the fire die
Brownsboro Junior High eighth-grader Yasmine Mendez lights one of the candles during Thursday's induction ceremony for the National Junior Honor Society. Mendez and this year's NJHS class helped to officially welcome 36 new members who will be in eighth grade next year.
-
‘Click it or Ticket’
The Athens Police Department is part of a nationwide effort to cut down on traffic injuries and deaths by getting motorists to buckle their seat belts. It’s part of the Click It or Ticket campaign underway through June 2.
-
WWII vets visit Washington, D.C.
Two Athens men who served in World War II are part of a veteran’s visit to the nation’s capital this week.
J.C. Garrett and Doug Tanner join 28 others being escorted by Brookshires Grocery Co. who will tour the WWII Memorial and other sites. The veterans were set to leave Texas on Thursday and return at 9 a.m., Saturday. -
Taking a break, just like you
Henderson County offices will close Friday through Monday for the Memorial Day weekend.
The courthouse and other county locations have traditionally closed on a Friday in May for Fiddlers Day. County employees were given May 24 as a holiday this year in anticipation of the event. The county’s 2013 holiday schedule was already set when the organizers of Fiddlers Day decided to make it a Friday night and Saturday affair on May 31 and June 1. -
Great ability, not debatable
BROWNSBORO — Brownsboro senior Caleb Cade earned a state championship in persuasive speaking at the 2013 UIL State Speech and Debate Meet in Austin on May 22.
-
Wet and wild
A line of severe thunderstorms roared throughout Henderson County on Tuesday afternoon, dropping significant rainfall and taking down trees and power lines.
The storm produced heavy rains in Athens, where the National Weather Service reports 2.16 inches fell. Residents in the county were seeing three or more inches in their rain gauges. -
Strong message
A Henderson County jury delivered a strong message to a 37-year-old Kemp man in the sentencing phase of a child sexual-abuse trial on Tuesday.
The jury, in Judge Mark Calhoon’s 3rd District Court, handed Danny Ray Lusk four life sentences and one 20-year sentence, the maximum jail time on each count. -
Going to ‘WAR’
A program termed “We Are Responsible” was generated this year at South Athens Elementary School by its principal, Eugene Buford.
At first reading, the slogan appears to be for the school’s students. But, after looking at the slogan and noting that the abbreviation is WAR, Buford says the slogan is for educators. -
A need that’s very easy to see
The Greater Athens Lions Club is asking for used eyeglasses, lenses, glass cases and hearing aids for the annual Lions Club White Cane Day this Saturday.
-
Too close to home
It was the kind of moment any parent would dread.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
