COUNTY LIFE
VFW in jeopardy – Aging post battles loss of members, financial strains
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Reddy-McClellan Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8789 has been at the heart of the Bowie community for the past 75 years providing a haven dedicated to veterans, as well as a source of activities from Boy Scouts, banquets, bingo, concerts and more.
However, while the memories are long the post is struggling with an aging membership that lists more than 100 members, but has only about six who are considered “active.” Unless something changes, the post could soon be just a memory itself.
To help generate interest the post officers are presenting a membership drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 27 at the post home at 707 E. Nelson. It will be accompanied by a veteran’s outreach presented by the Montague County Veteran’s Service Office.
Stacy Smith, post commander, said young veterans are encouraged to attend, but all veterans with questions or concerns about benefits or programs offered through the federal government will be able to speak with a specialist. Please bring your DD-214 to discuss those programs.
The post
VFWs were created in the early 20th century to foster social camaraderie among soldiers who fought in overseas conflicts. Established in 1899 the VFW began as something of a fraternal service club comparable to Rotary or Lions. After WWII there was a flood of returning veterans eager to volunteer to build and operate these VFW halls.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Musicians from around the area attended the New Year’s Eve jam for Jammin’ at the Justin. There was a variety of musicians and singers to entertain the big crowd, that also enjoyed lots of great good-luck foods served up by guests and the jam organizers. Along with the music groups played games and a few folks danced. (Photos by Barbara Green)
The new year opens with the first county-wide event this week, the 2025 Montague County Youth Fair, Jan. 8-11 at various locations.
It should be a strong show with 1,160 entries across all the categories and 333 students represented. Here is the basic schedule of activities.
Leadership Day
This year’s contests will be at the Montague County Cowboy Church.
Competition day starts with check-in between 7-8 a.m. for speaking events and the robotics contest. Categories will include junior and senior prepared speaking, plus junior and senior Montague County ag. advocacy speaking. Robotics contest also takes place that morning.
Contestants sign in for the skill-a-thons from 12:30 to 1 p.m., followed by the beef and horse skill-a-thons. Sign-in for the barbecue cooking contests is from 1-2:30 p.m. with the contest starting at 3 p.m. Judging follows at 4 p.m. Awards will be given to the top two individuals for each division of the contest.
Home economics
Home economics entries can be dropped off at the Nocona Community Center from 4 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 7 and 7-9 a.m. on Jan. 8.
Judging will be from 10 a.m. to noon with results posted by 6 p.m. Public viewing is 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 9. Home economics is a massive competition covering food, fabric and artworks.
Read the full schedule in your weekend Bowie News.
Top photo:A Nocona student works on a welding project for the 2025 youth fair. (Courtesy photo)
Gus Clark and the Least of his Problems Band entertained at the Bowie Community Center New Year’s Dance this past week. Guests enjoyed black-eyed peas, cornbread, dancing and music to welcome the year.
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