COUNTY LIFE
Vera Belle Lawson has no idea why she’s still here at 100, but she is having a good time
By BARBARA GREEN
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Vera Belle Lawson never thought about reaching her 100th birthday, but as her big birthday nears this weekend she says, “It’s been a real trip,” and she is excited to see what the next chapter may offer
Friends and family will celebrate this active centenarian with a party from 2-4 p.m. on Feb. 19 at First Freewill Baptist. Vera Belle laughs and remarks, “They are going to way too much trouble for me. I love people and I am really looking forward to it. I am so blessed and grateful to have all these good people in my life.”
At an age where most people have already slowed down, Vera Belle remains active with church, senior citizens center activities and volunteer work at God’s Table. She has a quick smile and wit, and has become known for wearing a variety of colorful hats.
The birthday girl reflects on her 100 years beginning with childhood on the farm, becoming a wartime bride and growing her family with the man she loved in your weekend 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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