10 Thursday, June 22, 2017 The Shopper Whatley Honored as TEEA Texas Treasure The Texas Extension Education Association offers a very prestigious award called the Texas Treasure award. A local unit must nominate an individual and provide evidence that the nominee is a current TEEA dues-paying grassroots member, along with evidence of her commitment to both her local unit and the community. The Texas Treasure is a district award, and Mary Whatley of Bowie is the District 3 recipient for 2017. Mary did not slow down when she retired from education. Instead, she refocused her interests and kept quite busy. She joined the Bowie TEEA group and committed herself to helping to build the organization. She has served in every county officer position, and has served at the district level. When Mary attended her first spring training, she was impressed by the cultural arts competition and began to encourage Bowie’s TEEA members to display their talents and compete. As a result, the number of entries from Bowie has increased through the years, and many have won at both district and state levels. In fact, Mary had two blue-ribbon quilts at the 2017 competition. Those quilts will compete in the state contest in September. Mary is in demand as a truly gifted book reviewer for a variety of programs. She entertains and leaves her audiences with a laugh and an appreciation of a good book. Mary’s dedication is not limited to TEEA. She is a member of the Forestburg First United Methodist Church where she played the piano for years and often led the service in the pastor’s absence. She delivered communion to those who were homebound. Mary has been active in Community Quilters for many years, as well as Maids and Matron and Bowie Library Book Club. Many people in Bowie looked forward to her smiling face as she delivered Meals on Wheels or perhaps dropped in on residents in the nursing home or assisted living facilities. Each member of TEEA is proud of our Texas Treasure, Mary Whatley. Cait & Kevin Brown proudly welcome 04/22 at 05:47 p.m. | 19 1/2 inches | 7 pounds 7 ounces CTAA July Meeting Information Jim Bowie Days Parade Entries Being Accepted The Jim Bowie Days Association is now accepting applications for the 51st Annual Jim Bowie Days parade on Saturday, June 24th. They are looking for floats, riding clubs, etc. Kids can decorate bicycles and join in. Awards will be presented in different categories. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Visit jimbowiedays.org for the application and rules and regulations. Our CTAA July meeting will be held at the Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum in Nocona, TX on July 1st instead of the 13th! The public is invited to join us July 1st at the Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum in Nocona for the opening of the CTAA Western Art Show & Sale and the Artist’s Reception from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come meet the artists and view the art! First Baptist Montague Join us for a VBS Kickoff Ice Cream Party June 25th • 6:00 PM with a Bounce House! Vacation Bible School June 26-30 • 9 - 11:30 AM