Bringing in the New Year; the toasts and roasts of 2013

by Debbie Knox

A toast to:
• The Pittsburg Rotary Club and Interact Club for helping those in need during the holiday season.  The Interact Club, a branch of the Rotary Club comprised of high school students, delivered 140 baskets of food to the needy during the Christmas season. Also kudos to God’s Closet, an organization that helps needy families all year.
• East Texas Medical Center’s Jerry Massey and Perry Henderson. Both men, who lived in Pittsburg, have been instrumental in this community having such a fine medical facility. Mr. Massey, who is retiring from his position at ETMC and had the title of senior vice president and affiliate operations, will hand the reins to Perry Henderson who has moved to Tyler.  
• Camp County voters for approving a $10 million bond for Pittsburg Independent School District children. Most of the improvements, that are continuing, will make PISD campuses safer and more efficient.
• The Camp County Toy Drive Committee for all their efforts in collecting toys and donations for Camp County children during the holidays. The committee raised $9,000 to contribute to 400 Camp County children.
• Northeast Texas Community College under the leadership of Dr. Brad Johnson. The college staff continues to educate our local, area and students from far away. The college also provides cultural events and programs under the direction of Carolyn Franks.
• Mark Davis who received the Fire Chief’s Award at the annual Pittsburg Fire and Rescue Banquet. Also, another shout out goes to our first responders. There are so many times they put their lives on the line to help folks in this community and elsewhere. Their response time could mean the difference in life and death.
• Mary Ruth Townsend for all the volunteer work she finds time to do outside teaching school children.
• All the staff members at Pittsburg Independent School District. Your constant care and dedication to the children of this community is appreciated.
• All the local business owners who have invested in Pittsburg. Most of these folks are our friends and neighbors. They depend on us for doing business with them. Always, always when you can, shop at home.
It makes our community more economically sound.
The New Year will be a good one if:
• We all learn to accept and appreciate the new design and building of the police station that didn’t cost the taxpayers any money. Let’s just all hope the landscaping gives it better curb appeal.
• We find ways as a community to clean up some eyesores in town.
• Jerry Jones turns in his keys as general manager and lets the Cowboys emerge from mediocrity.
• The City Council bans outdoor leaf burning in town. For as much as some like to smell the burning of leaves, it is a health hazard for others who suffer from allergies and asthma.
• Everyone has a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!