SHEPHERD COMMUNITY NEWS - McClain's Food Market and the ...

VOLUME 23 ● NUMBER 49
A Public Service of
McCLAIN’S FOOD MARKET
SHEPHERD COMMUNITY NEWS
Shepherd, Texas
December 11, 2013
Shepherd Primary School
Perfect Attendance List
2nd 6 weeks 2013-2014
Pre-K: Bronson Andrews, Angela Beltran, Giselle Benitez-Lopez, Logan
Blackmann, Landon Blanton, Jamison Caldwell, Macy Chance, Joen
Charlot, Trevor Clark, Josiah Cochran-Beasley, Kennedy Dean, Skylor
Farrell, Daniel Garcia, Taylor Griffin, Kaylee Kangas, Zachary Lee,
Ruben Lugo, Estefany Martinez, Exzairia Martinez, Hector Medina, Inaki
Molina, Kallie Polk, Annalia Salazar, Brylynne Samuelson, Max Sanchez,
Pablo Santiago, Dakota Scott, Joshua Smith, Mallory Smith, Dillon
Somers, Adrianna Suarez-Gutierrez, Michael Thomas, Marc Tibbetts,
Taylor Waltman, Joriah Wells, Maci Wilson, Makayla Wyatt.
Kindergarten: Jaigen Aguilar, Ruben Andrade, Abigail Arroyo,
Elizabeth Botello, Kaden Bright, Jacob Brown, Nathan Brown, Cesar
Cabrera Terrazas, Colton Champion, Diesel Cook, Faith Counseller, Allie
Davis, Justin Davis, Rowan Durochez, Lonel Flores, Brianna Foxworth,
Guadalupe Gallegos, Victoria Gonzalez, Isabelle Hooper, Eduardo Jaime,
Phoebe Johnson, Dealen Kay, Shiloe Kyle, Vanessa Kyle, Abriona
Lunsford, Eric Martin, Abril Martinez, Lia McCallum, Arnold McDaniel,
Joshua Mullenix, David Najera, Roberto Palafox, Aviana Patterson,
Alyssa Pruett, Taylor Randall, Yandel Reyes, Jazilyn Richardson, Jaquelyn
Rios, Shaila Santoyo, Ashtyn Simon, Jose Tovar, Rogelio Tovar, Daniela
Valencia, Diana Valencia, Yamilet Villegas Gonzalez, Destiny Warner,
Carly Wells, Alexis Wiese, Jayci Wilson, Jacob Wright.
1st Grade: Trent Aills, Evelyn Almaguer, Selena Benegas, Ayden Bany,
Cayden Bany, Maverick Barlow, Marcelino Beiza, Tamra Campbell,
Hannah Collins, Jordan Cutaia, Jacob Davis, Ximena Diaz, Sara
Ebarb, Taylor Farrell, Gisele Ferreyra, Logan Fisher, Blaine Frerichs,
Kevin Gonzalez, Gabriel Green, Makenzie Green, Emma Haag, Kyle
Harrington, Zachery Howard, Kirstin Kangas, Jayden Karr, Natalie Leon,
Tyce Manikowski, Manuel Martinez, Roberto Martinez, Garrick Mauer,
Jessica Maynard, Wyatt McCumber, Trenton McDaniel, Maritza Medina,
Marlene Medina, Charles Minton, Christian Morales, Genesis Moreno,
Gage Murphy, Krysten Neal, Michael Parks, Gema Pena, Khalid Punch,
Alvaro Ramos, Santiago Ramos-Serrano, Landyn Rice, Swaninarayan
Rivero, Kaci Roberts, Bryan Rodriguez, Caden Rogers, Morgan Roost,
Zackery Salisbury, Rodrigo Santiago, Ariadna Santoyo, Maryssa Searles,
David Somers, Zachary Thomas, Erick Tovar, Elizabeth VanCamp, Fortino
Villegas Gonzalez, Ava Waltman, Preston Wiese, Jaycee Williams, Charlie
Wyers, Kimora Youngblood.
2nd Grade: Bryan Aguillon, Zackery Anderson, Dillon Arnold, Colton
Bailey, Aphia Baker, Evelyn Berrun, Sana Bham, Landen Billingsley,
Cheyanne Bland, Caden Bullock, Caitlyn Bullock, Kylah Caldwell, Jessica
Chance, Ronnie Charles, Tiana Clark, Dillon Coker, Omar Covarrubias,
Jose Cruz, Tristen Cullum, Paige Falls, Jesus Garcia, Morrell Gilbert,
Brayan Gonzalez, Maicie Gressett, Nicholas Hernandez, Alan Hernandez-
Ayala, Kellee Hopson, Marissa Isbell, Hailey Lummus, Marisol Macias,
Mercedes Martinez, Nathdaniel Martinez, Jocelyn Mayorga, Michael
Mays, Hallee Mills, Bisleici Molina, Amber Mullin, Ethan Murphy,
Neveah Murphy, Britany Navarrete, McKayden Nelson, Miranda Nieto,
Justin Odom, Ryan Patton, Reynaldo Pena, James Pouncey, Iridian
Ramirez, Lilliana Ramos-Serrano, Yuridia Rios, Adamari Rosales,
Jennifer Sanchez, Enrique Tellez, Even Torres, Melany Torres, Donavon
Valerie, JordanVanCamp, Joshelyn Villaverde, Anthony Wallace, Joshua
Wilson, Baylee Windt, James Wyatt Young.
A Honor Roll
2nd 6 weeks 2013-2014
1st Grade: Rayen Alley, Hannah Bailey, Maverick Barlow, Michael
Bartlett, Marcelino Beiza, Kaden Bennett, Conner Brown, Tamra
Campbell, Makayla Capps, Victoria Caruthers, Noah Castro, Hannah
Collins, Kaylee Croxton, Jordan Cutaia, Jacob Davis, Ximena Diaz,
Gisele Ferreyra, Blaine Frerichs, Morgan Graham, Gabriel Green, Emma
Haag, Kirstin Kangas, Jayden Karr, Garrick Mauer, Trenton McDaniel,
Krysten Neal, Landyn Rice, Swaminarayan Rivero, Symantha Roberson,
Kaci Roberts, Caden Rogers, Fatima Ruiz, Jacob Seagroves, Brody Shafer,
Elyse Shumaker, Katy Smith, David Somers, Ryvers Sosa, Audumn
Swancutt, Sheldon Sweeten, Jaiden Tillman, Francisco Tovar, Fortino
Villegas Gonzalez, Astrid Wyatt, Charlie Wyers, Marco Zamora.
2nd Grade: Colton Bailey, Drake Barrett, Sana Bham, Landen
Billingsley, Garrit Burton, Kylah Caldwell, Elijah Clark, Paige Falls,
Ashley Gonzalez, Caden Gregg, Cacee Harper, Alan Hernandez-Ayala,
Marissa Isbell, Monika Lopez, Michael Mays, Skylar McAdams, Andrew
Patterson, Kade Preston, Enrique Tellez, Hannah Thomas.
A – B Honor Roll
2nd 6 weeks 2013-2014
1st Grade: Trent Aills, Kiley Alley, Colette Atkinson, Ayden Bany, Cayden
Bany, Jacob Busby, Sara Ebarb, Logan Fisher, Brandie Franklin, Ashley
Gaytan, Caleb Goodwin, Cheyenne Harris, Destiny Harris, Cameron Hill,
Zachery Howard, Cecil Ivey, Arnulfo Lopez, Jacqueline Lopez, Dalton
Lucas, Tyce Manikowski, Manuel Martinez, Maritza Medina, Marlene
Medina, Charles Minton, Genesis Moreno, Gage Murphy, Zachary
Myers, Mick Papp, Michael Parks, Leah Phillips, Nicole Price, Khalid
Punch, Alvaro Ramos, Darren Reece, Bryan Rodriguez, Morgan Roost,
Ariadna Santoyo, Joshua Saucedo, Cora Shirley, Preston Stephens, Joshua
Stowe, Ruby Tighe, Erick Tovar, Elizabeth VanCamp, Steven Williams.
2nd Grade: Aphia Baker, Faith Beeson, Kaylee Bennett, Jaylin Burns,
Tiare Centeno, Jessica Chance, Ronnie Charles, Dalton Coker, Jessie Coker,
Tristen Cullum, Bradley Davison, Charlize Foxworth, Maicie Gressett,
Nicholas Hernandez, Crista Hinds, Hailey Hoffart, Kellee Hopson, Pedro
Infante, Kaylee Jones, Savanna Lowrance, Hailey Lummus, Melanie
Martinez, Jocelyn Mayorga, Hallee Mills, Britany Navarrete, McKaden
Nelson, Justin Odom, Nancy Palafox, Hayden Pawlowski, Malachi
Piles, Iridian Ramirez, Lilliana Ramos-Serrano, Jared Soto, Charla Starr,
Serennity Suetos, Eric Tibbetts, Rigoberto Uriegas, Donavon Valerie,
Jordan VanCamp, Donavan Weberg.
Ye Olde Sweete Shoppe
Come to the Sweete Shoppe, fill your sweet tooth, have a refreshing
beverage, and sit for awhile. The Sweete Shoppe will be held at the
Coldspring Community Center on Dec. 14th in conjunction with Christmas
on the Square from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with lots of homemade goodies
for you to buy. You may purchase a box and choose your goodies to go in
it. You can get as many goodies as you can fit in the box and close the
lid. Boxes will be $8.00. Buy two or three. They make great gifts for the
mailman, the hairdresser, the trash man, and neighbors.
If you would like to relax and enjoy your goodies, come sit in the Sweete
Shoppe Café. We will have tables and chairs set up for you to relax and eat
your goodies or just take a break. We will also have beverages for you to
purchase. The beverages will be weather appropriate. Cold weather calls
for coffee and hot chocolate. Warm weather calls for coffee and iced tea.
We will also have water available. We look forward to seeing you there!
Come Get Free pictures with Santa
and Goody bags!
December 23, 2013
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at FIRST STATE BANK
New History of Shepherd Book is
Almost Here!
By Yvonne Ryba
The Ladies pictured above are holding a proof copy of the new history
of Shepherd, the second edition of Over the Hills and Across the River.
The Friends of the Library hope to have the book within the next week.
People who prepaid will be notified that they can collect their book from
the Library. Books will be on sale there too. The book is twice the size of
the first edition and is a great gift as well as a really fascinating read!
Pictured left to right: Linda Bridges, Pat Jennings and Linda MacIntyre.
Join the Impact Center for Two
Exciting Events!
December 14, 2013
Impact Thrift Shop Winter Grand Opening
11231 Hwy 150 Suite A Shepherd, TX 77371
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visit Santa, door prizes, music, hot dogs, and ribbon cutting
WIN A BYCYCLE!
December 21, 2013
American Legion Post 393 and The Impact Center's
Gift of Giving Merry Christmas Concert
Supporting our Veterans
12:00 p.m. - Prayer and guest speakers, 3 – Star Col. Lee Jackson, Radio
Show w/ KSBT Radio
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Visit from Santa! Take photos and make Christmas
cards for Veterans. Angie sings Christmas songs with children
2:30 p.m. - Toy give-away to chosen families
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Karaoke with Bubba Murphy and Christmas
stories
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.- Dj Earl Gelston, Karaoke best singer contest, 1
adult winner and 1 youth winner.
No run offs, public votes by cheers. Win $50.00 each
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Bradley Ray Scott and The Wild Cactus Rose
Band
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - # 1 on theTexas Country Charts, Angie Beck and
Wayne “Animal” Turner
CONTACT: Brenda for details: (936)499-2632
Book Reviews by Rob Marsh
9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever
9 Marks of a Healthy
Church by pastor Mark
Dever presents a thorough
breakdown of nine core
marks, or principles, that
should be foundational
to a church of Christ
Jesus. Preaching, namely
expositional teaching, is
the top mark, and justly
so, as this should be
central to any church, that
is, a pastor who opens
the Bible and clearly
teaches and explains it
to the congregation each
week. Sadly, these days
there almost seems to
be a famine in the land
for genuine, expository,
exegetical teaching, and
Pastor Dever rightly
identifies this as a primary
mark. As noted at his
site, “Expositional preaching is important because God’s Word is what
convicts, converts, builds up, and sanctifies God’s people (Heb. 4:12; 1
Pet. 1:23; 1 Thess. 2:13; Jn. 17:17)”
Further principles include the centrality of the gospel, evangelism,
church discipline, etc. The title might sound like one intended specifically
for pastors, but I found great value in reading this as laity, and I think that
even for those who aren't in a pastoral role should still consider reading
this title to know more about these nine key principles that should define
what should constitute a Biblical, Christ-centered church.
It should be noted that the 9 marks.org website is also a wealth of
free resources, blog posts, articles, reviews, and very informative
audio interviews with leaders in evangelical Christianity and I'd highly
recommend visiting the site and book marking it.
Rob Marsh lives in Shepherd. decembersun@sbcglobal.net
Shepherd High School Art Teacher
Honored
Mel Basham, Shepherd High School Art Teacher, was selected as a TAEA
Distinguished Fellows.
The Texas Art Education Association establishes a category of
membership in TAEA to be called Distinguished Fellows of the Texas Art
Education Association. Under this program, the Association may confer
the Title Fellow on members who have made long- term distinguished
contributions to the work of the association and to the advancement of
the profession. Fellows are expected to maintain an active membership in
the Association for at least until their retirement; an active membership is
beyond retirement is encouraged.
To be considered a Distinguished Fellow, one must have been an active
member of TAEA for at least ten years. Those individuals nominated,
however, need to demonstrate a reasonable profile of accomplishment
extending across several criteria. Final acceptance will be based on: the
nominee’s accomplishments and significance of overall contributions
to art education and the Association. No more than 2% of the TAEA
membership may be Fellows at any one time. Being a Distinguished
Fellow is the highest honor bestowed on TAEA members.
Congratulations Mrs. Basham on receiving this honor!
Toyz for Kidz Sign-ups
By Haley Boaen
Hello everyone. It's that time of year again. November the 15th through
December the 11th San Jacinto County Toyz for Kidz sign-ups will be
available at all four Precincts, County Judges Office, and Sheriff's Office.
You will need proof of residency, such as a utility bill (no tax statements
please), and shot records or birth certificates for each child. All applications
must have the above mentioned items before being accepted. The cut off
age is 12. Anyone wishing to donate slightly used or new unwrapped toys
may call 936-653-4367 ext 110 and ask for Haley Boaen. Anyone wishing
to make a monetary donation may do so at San Jacinto County
Toyz for Kidz, P.O. Box 703, Point Blank, Texas 77364. We look forward
to helping the family's of San Jacinto County.
Protect Your Pets When the
Temperature Drops
Winter is certainly here and we are expecting another cold front which
may include some freezing rain. Temperatures are expected to be in the
high 40’s and lower 30’s with the front easing its way into the Bayou City
early Friday morning. It’s important to remember that a pet’s age, breed or
illness may affect how he or she tolerates the cold winter months.
Housing: Provide proper shelter for your pets whether they live indoors
or outdoors. Indoor pets should have their bed or crate placed in a safe
and warm place that is away from drafts. Outdoor pets should have a
well-insulated house that is wind-resistant, waterproof and elevated off
the ground so wind and moisture can’t seep inside. Install a door flap to
protect against drafts and gusts of wind. Extra blankets and straw will
also help to increase your pet’s warmth. Room and floor heaters should be
kept away from your pet, as they are an obvious fire hazard and can cause
serious injuries as well.
Food & Water: Make sure to provide fresh, clean water for your pet
every day. Outdoor pets need to consume 25 to 50 percent more calories
than usual because the cold weather tends to deplete their energy. Make
sure to talk to your veterinarian to learn what is right for your pet.
Cars are Refrigerators: A car can act as refrigerator in the winter. Never
leave your dog or cat alone in a car during the winter months.
Cats and Cars: Keep your cats indoors during the winter. Cats sometimes
sleep under the hoods of cars to stay warm. When the motor is started, the
cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Give an outdoor cat a chance to
escape by banging loudly on the car hood before starting your car.
Warmth: If you have a short-haired breed of dog, consider getting him/
her a sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base
of the tail to the belly to keep him/her warm. Never shave your dog down
to the skin in the winter months, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
Antifreeze: Cats and dogs are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of
antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol. A tiny lick can kill your dog or
cat, so make sure to check your car for leaks on your driveway or gutter.
Keep containers tightly closed and clean up spills immediately. Check
your local retailer for “pet safe” antifreeze.
Rodenticides: Rat and mouse poisons are commonly used during the
winter months. Place them out of reach, as they can cause fatal bleeding
or organ failure in your pet.

Did you know…
By Yvonne Ryba
We have a new member to Shepherd Chamber.
Community Propane started up last year and have
expanded the scope of their business. Situated at
450 Hwy 59 N, they offer home delivery in San Jacinto, Polk, and parts of
Liberty counties. Maria and Kevin Self, along with their son-in-law and
daughter, run the business so it is truly a family affair.
They offer 7 day service, open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday 10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m..
Community Propane gives low minimums and competitive prices,
ask Maria or Kevin for details. Fully insured and licensed, they can
do new installations, repair and inspect, and of course fill cylinders.
They are available 24 hours at the number listed below. They are a
full service station! You can't miss their place; it is painted pink. Their
service vehicle is white with a big pink tank and a painting of a baby,
which is in honor of their granddaughter. Call them at 936-365-3684.
Nixon Adult Day Center is preparing for their Christmas party on
December 20th. Will Cox is going to lead in the singing and there will be
a gift exchange afterward. On December 12th, in preparation for the big
day, the morning will be given to making Christmas Cards. Nixon's Day
Center will be closed on Christmas Day.
There will not be a public meeting this month.
To be featured here, call 936-628-6397. For Shepherd Chamber of
Commerce, call 936-628-3890. The Chamber office is open to the public on
Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the EDC Building on Hwy 150, Shepherd.
For a free business consultation with Bob Brannagan, call the Chamber.
www.greatershepherdchamberofcommerce.org
Shepherd Senior Citizen’s December
2013 Newsletter
By Wanda Tadlock, Office Manager
Hello, again! Well, we hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday
with family and friends. Now comes Christmas! Yeah, my favorite time of
year! We hope everyone remembers the reason for the season and each and
every family is blessed with comfort, love and a joyful time with loved ones.
The senior Center has been happily blessed with the love and kindness
from our many citizens and supporters and as I list names, I am sure I will
leave someone out, which is not intentional. I blame it on the aging process.
Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department has supported us in many ways.
They always make time to help us when they are asked. Numerous
individuals have volunteered services and helped and assisted in our
endeavors to provide a center for our senior citizens to eat, play, comfort,
support and love all who enter our doors. Thank you, Randy Crowder,
Wayne Jenkins, Myrna Jenkins, Craig Jenkins, Carl Green, Virgina Cook,
Beverly Herrod, Sam Herrod, Stephanie Silcox, Roxann Rogers, Robert
Grossi, Mike Erwin, Bertha Barfield, Judy and Charles Barr, Donnie Marrs
and his crew of many, Charles Pilkinton, Paul and Carolyn Schmid, Joyce
Sims, Mary Sims, Joseph Tadlock, Jerry Wood, Juanita Carter, Sherlene
Duffuney, Sidney and Carolyn Ferrell, Judy Nunnelly, Donna Benson,
Shirley Rand, Matie Wright and many more, These lovely people have
contributed time, materials and/or money to help us keep up with repairs
and every day functions. Not to mention the deep pockets that our seniors
have when we let them know there is a need.
A special thank you goes to our kitchen and office staff, Audrey Gardner,
Shelia Wood, and our daily volunteer, Christine Cronin. The kitchen staff
is wonderful and dependable and is our hub which helps us go around.
The meals they prepare keep getting better and better because they are
always looking for new ways to please our clients. Our meals involve a
lot of work because they cook for us as they would cook at home for their
family. Charlene Anderson works in the office and I personally depend on
her a lot. She is always there when she is needed.
From our staff and family of senior citizens, we wish everyone a
wonderful and safe Holiday Season.
Obituaries
John Roland Burnett
July 29, 1928 – December 2, 2013
John Roland Burnett, age 85, passed away
Monday, December 2, 2013 at Woodland
Park Nursing Home, Shepherd, Texas.
He was born in Livingston, Texas
on July 29, 1928 to parents, Buster
and Mattie Chatman Burnett who
preceded him in death along
with his wife, Dorothy Burnett;
brother, Bearron Burnett;
and his sister, Lorine Smith.
Survivors include his
children, Jim Burnett, David
Burnett, Larry Burnett
and wife Cindy, Johnny
Burnett and wife Jerri, all of
Livingston, Texas; brothers,
Coleman Burnett and wife,
Carolyn of Goodrich, Texas;
Franklin D. Burnett and wife
Betty of Livingston; James Allen
Burnett and wife Clara of Livingston;
Robert Roy Burnett and wife Rosie of
Livingston; he has four grandchildren, all of Livingston; numerous nieces,
nephews and other cherished family members and treasured friends.
Visitation was held Wednesday, December 4, 2013, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at
Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Cleveland, Texas. Bro. Harold Isaacs of
Beacon Bay Baptist Church in Livingston presided over funeral services
held Thursday, 10:00 a.m. at Pace-Stancil Chapel, Cleveland, Texas with
interment following at Cleveland Memorial Cemetery.
David Wayne Atkinson
August 9, 1983 – November 30, 2013
David Wayne Atkinson, 30, of Shepherd, Texas passed away on Saturday,
November 30, 2013 in Shepherd, Texas. He was born on Tuesday, August 9,
1983 in Conroe, Texas to Ronnie Dale Atkinson and Marilyn (Williamson)
Taylor. David is preceded in death by his father, Ronnie Dale Atkinson
and grandmother, Eleanor Williamson; Left to cherish his memory is his
mother, Mary Taylor; step-father, Rick Gibson; step-sister, Rachel Glenn;
brothers, Michael Atkinson of San Diego, California, James Atkinson
and wife Pam of Shepherd, Texas; grandfather, Rayford "Pops" Mixon of
Shepherd, Texas; niece, Colette Atkinson; nephew, Levi Atkinson; along
with numerous other loving family and treasured friends.
Visitation for David was held at Neal Funeral Home on December 6,
2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Funeral Services were held on Friday,
December 6, 2013 at Neal Funeral Home at 5:00 p.m. All services were
handled under the trusted care of Neal Funeral Home.
Senior Menu
Wed 11: Fried fish, baked potato salad, baked beans, salad, orange
Thurs 12: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, sweet peas, salad, rolls, fruit
Fri 13: Pork cutlets, cabbage, candied carrots, salad cornbread, pudding
Mon 16: King ranch chicken, corn, cabbage, salad, cornbread, mixed fruit
Tue 17: Vegetable beef soup, cornbread, salad, peaches
Shepherd Senior Citizens serve @ 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please call
before 9:30 a.m. if possible for lunches, so we can have a count!
Menu subject to change without notice.
Second Tuesday of each month dessert includes birthday cake!
Lizzie
DIY Christmas Treats
Cocoa Krispies Reindeer
Ingredients (makes 12):
4 Tbsp. butter
1 bag miniature marshmallows
1 tsp. vanilla
6 C. Cocoa Krispies
24 Pretzel Twists (more to allow for breaking)
Red and brown M&Ms candies
White icing
Directions:
Melt the butter and marshmallows over medium heat. Once melted, stir in vanilla.
Remove from heat and add Cocoa Krispies. Stir until well coated with marshmallow
mixture. Pour onto wax paper. Shape into 12 triangular-shaped reindeer heads.
Allow to cool. Using white icing, add the eyes, nose, and antlers.
Lizzie’s Book Shelf
Ender’s Game
by Orson Scott Card
368 pages
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
Summary: Once again, the Earth is under
attack. An alien species is poised for
a final assault. The survival of humanity
depends on a military genius who can
defeat the aliens. But who?
Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning.
A tactical and strategic master.
And a child. Recruited for military
training by the world government,
Ender’s childhood ends the moment
he enters his new home: Battle School.
Among the elite recruits Ender proves
himself to be a genius among geniuses.
He excels in simulated war games. But
is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are
one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions? After
all, Battle School is just a game. Isn’t it?
My Review: Like I usually am with classic, must-read novels, I’m a
little late on joining the bandwagon. I did have quite high expectations
for Ender’s Game, with it becoming a movie and all, and for the most
part, I wasn’t disappointed. What I really wish is that I could go back
in time and read this book when I was around twelve. Because even
though I enjoyed it, I just feel as though the adventure would’ve been
that much more incredible at a younger age. I listened to this book on
audio, and the narrator had a very deep “manly” voice, so it wasn’t until
a little way in that I realized Ender was only six years old. I had been
imagining a sixteen-year-old kid in my mind, so the narrator coupled
with the inner dialogue of a little boy genius had be completely thrown
off, and it took me a while to change his image in my head. There is
absolutely no romance to speak of in this book, and it was surprisingly
breath of fresh air. I was a little confused sometimes when I tried to
picture the battle room, the game setups, the combat style, etc. and that
bothered me a little (another reason I wish I had read it as a non-caring
twelve-year-old). The only thing I would’ve changed is to give the
ending another twist or two and definitely made it more clear, because
it didn’t really make much sense to me. Other than that, Ender’s game
is awesome. The scenarios he faces are awesome, the challenge’s he
overcomes are awesome, his psychopath scary brother is awesome,
Ender himself is just plain awesome.
Guidance: I would rate this for kids 10 or 11 and up. There is a couple
of fight scenes that leaves the opponent severely injured and there is also
description of the torture of squirrels by the main character’s sadistic brother.
Stand-Alone or Series: This is the first book in The Ender Quintet. The
second book is titled Speaker for the Dead, the third book Xenocide,
and the final book is Children of the Mind. There is also three short
stories available that belong to The Ender Quintet as well as a separate
book series which follows another main character in Ender’s Game,
called Ender’s Shadow.
Price: I found copies new, used, and e-book on Amazon from $3.99-$4.39.
Box Office Hits Coming to McClain’s
Kiosk This Week
Despicable Me 2 (PG) animation: Gru is recruited
by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a
powerful new super criminal. Starring (voices):
Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt
Fast and Furious 6 (PG-
13) action/crime: Hobbs has
Dom and Brian reassemble
their crew in order to take
down a mastermind who
commands an organization of
mercenary drivers across 12 countries. Payment?
Full pardons for them all. Starring: Paul Walker,
Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson
Please note: Because we are no longer responsible for receiving movies,
we cannot guarantee all movies will be available for rent on this date.
Community Classifieds
December 11, 2013
GARAGE/YARD SALE: 91 E. Post Oak Ln. behind Chevron station in
Shepherd, 59 S. feeder road. Lots of like new, clean, pressed clothes, new
and used shoes and purses, two 3-speed bikes boy and girl, lots of misc. items
and Christmas items! December 12, 13, & 14th 8 am - 5 pm. 936-628-6195.
YARD SALE: Located at 609 FM 223 on Saturday, December 14 from 8
am - ?? Will have furniture, appliances and lots of other items!
Community Calendar
11: Toyz for Kidz sign-up deadline
12: SJC Women’s League Meeting, 11:30am/Coldspring Community Center
14: Esther’s Closet (free clothes for Shepherd students who qualify) open
9am-12pm/FBC Family Life Center
14: Impact Thrift Shop Winter Grand Opening, 12-3pm/11231 Hwy 150 Suite A
14: 31st Annual Coldspring Christmas on the Square – Candy Canes & Cowboys
16: SISD Bilingual Parent Involvement, 6-8pm/Rm 123 at intermediate campus
16: SISD Board Meeting, 7pm
17: SISD Bilingual Parent Involvement, 6-8pm/Rm 123 at intermediate campus
20: Nixon Adult Day Center Christmas Party
20: Bag Day at Senior Center (Fill a bag with clothes for only $2!)
21: Merry Christmas Concert, 12-9pm/ American Legion Post 393
23: Free Santa photos and goody bags, 10-1/First State Bank
28: Esther’s Closet (free clothes for Shepherd students who qualify), 9am-
12pm/FBC Family Life Center
Chamber of Commerce meeting will not be held this month due to the holidays.
Church News
CALL TO CALVARY MINISTRIES FULL GOSPEL CHURCH:
What a joy it would be to have you in attendance with us in service! We
welcome all ages and are excited about what God is doing in our children as
they are seeking after Him. We are located at 793 Old Thomas Castleberry
Rd. Shepherd, 77371. There is a billboard on the left over Della’s Bar.
Follow the arrow that points to FM1127 which will turn to your right.
There are other signs to help lead you in on Old Thomas Castleberry Rd.
Our Service Times are: Sunday School 9:30, Sunday Morning Worship
10:30, Sunday Evening Worship 6:30, and Thursday Evening Service
7:30. Feel free to contact us for further information at 936-628-1059. We
will look forward to your visit!
This Day in History
December 11: On this day in 1936, after ruling for less than one year,
Edward VIII becomes the first English monarch to voluntarily abdicate
the throne. He chose to abdicate after the British government, public, and
the Church of England condemned his decision to marry the American
divorcée Wallis Warfield Simpson. On the evening of December 11, he
gave a radio address in which he explained, "I have found it impossible to
carry on the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge the duties of
king, as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman
I love." On December 12, his younger brother, the duke of York, was
proclaimed King George VI.
December 12: On this day in 1980, American oil tycoon Armand Hammer
pays $5,126,000 at auction for a notebook containing writings by the
legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci.
December 13: On this day in 2000, Vice President Al Gore reluctantly concedes
defeat to Texas Governor George W. Bush in his bid for the presidency,
following weeks of legal battles over the recounting of votes in Florida.
December 14: On this day in 1911 Norwegian Roald Amundsen becomes
the first explorer to reach the South Pole, beating his British rival, Robert
Falcon Scott.
After his historic Antarctic journey, Amundsen established a successful
shipping business. He later made attempts to become the first explorer to
fly over the North Pole. In 1925, in an airplane, he flew within 150 miles
of the goal. In 1926, he passed over the North Pole in a dirigible just three
days after American explorer Richard E. Byrd had apparently done so in
an aircraft. In 1996, a diary that Byrd had kept on the flight was found that
seemed to suggest that the he had turned back 150 miles short of its goal
because of an oil leak, making Amundsen's dirigible expedition the first
flight over the North Pole.
In 1928, Amundsen lost his life while trying to rescue a fellow explorer
whose dirigible had crashed at sea near Spitsbergen, Norway.
December 15: On this day in 2001, Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens
after a team of experts spent 11 years and $27 million to fortify the tower
without eliminating its famous lean.
While construction was still in progress during the 12th century, the
tower’s foundation began to sink into the soft, marshy ground, causing it
to lean to one side. Its builders tried to compensate for the lean by making
the top stories slightly taller on one side, but the extra masonry required
only made the tower sink further. By the time it was completed in 1360,
modern-day engineers say it was a miracle it didn’t fall down completely.
Though an initial attempt in 1994 almost toppled the tower, engineers
were eventually able to reduce the lean by between 16 and 17 inches
by removing earth from underneath the foundations. When the tower
reopened on December 15, 2001, engineers predicted it would take 300
years to return to its 1990 position.
December 16: On this day in 1774, in Boston Harbor, a group of
Massachusetts colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians board three British
tea ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the harbor.
The midnight raid, popularly known as the "Boston Tea Party," was
in protest of the British Parliament's Tea Act of 1773, a bill designed to
save the faltering East India Company by greatly lowering its tea tax
and granting it a virtual monopoly on the American tea trade. The low
tax allowed the East India Company to undercut even tea smuggled into
America by Dutch traders, and many colonists viewed the act as another
example of taxation tyranny.
December 17: On this day in 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina,
Orville and Wilbur Wright make the first successful flight in history of
a self-propelled, heavier-than-air aircraft. Orville piloted the gasolinepowered,
propeller-driven biplane, which stayed aloft for 12 seconds and
covered 120 feet on its inaugural flight.
The historic Wright brothers' aircraft of 1903 is on permanent display at
the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
December 18: On this day in 1620, the British ship Mayflower docked
at modern-day Plymouth, Massachusetts, and its passengers prepared to
begin their new settlement, Plymouth Colony.
Over the next several decades, more and more settlers made the trek
across the Atlantic to Plymouth, which gradually grew into a prosperous
shipbuilding and fishing center. In 1691, Plymouth was incorporated
into the new Massachusetts Bay Association, ending its history as an
independent colony.
For news or special events to be published in
Shepherd Community News:
Drop off your information/picture at McClain’s,
e-mail to mcclains.shepherdnews@gmail.com, or fax to (936) 628-2866.
Information may not be taken over the telephone.
Include contact information on your request to have something published.
Our deadline is 6 p.m. Tuesday for the following week.