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National Health Center Week Event in Franklin

Laura Chesner
Freelance Writer
Robertson County News

HealthPoint is a Federally Qualified Health Center that offers a range of services across 25 clinic locations in Central Texas, including adult, pediatric, and prenatal medical care, dental care, and medication assistance programs. In Robertson County we are blessed to have a full clinic in Hearne as well as Franklin ISD. Both of these clinics will be participating in National Health Center Week in different ways that they hope will benefit their communities. National Health Center Week is a decades-old, annual celebration recognizing the innovative, quality care provided by Community Health Centers like HealthPoint nationwide. This year’s theme “Community Health Centers: The Roadmap for a Stronger America” highlights Community Health Centers’ essential role in our state and local communities – in providing access to care for our neighbors, creating good jobs, and generating revenue. In Hearne, the clinic is celebrating with a family fun carnival with a back to school theme. August 9 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, locals can drop by the Hearne Clinic, located at 709 Barton St., for back to school freebies, snacks and goodie bags, free well child checkups and a chance to connect with other local organizations. In Franklin, the Franklin Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Lunch and Learn at the Pridgeon Center. Local community groups are invited to meet Jennifer Reynolds, the coordinator for the Franklin ISD clinics to hear about what HealthPoint will be bringing to Franklin. The August 9 event will include lunch as well as a chance to meet community leaders. Community groups who would like to participate are encouraged to come and set up a booth to get the word out about their services, If your organization would like to participate in either event, they can contact the HealthPoint marketing team for more information about these, or other events in the area, at marketing@healthpoint-tx.com.

Sharing Food, Faith and Friendship
Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry

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Laura Chesner
Freelance Writer
Robertson County News

Reverend James Crawford takes his ministerial work at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church very seriously. His calling to minister to the Hearne community has led him to many mentoring roles. Crawford is a long term member of the Hearne School Board, an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the first person to call when a volunteer is needed for a community event. One project that Reverend Crawford is most proud of is the monthly food pantry and bi monthly produce giveaways that his congregation organizes and provides to the community. The church’s large operation began almost two decades ago with a few volunteers and donations from the Hearne community. Over the years the food distribution has grown considerably and helps close to seventy families every month with food and sundries and close to 120 families twice a month with fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of the volunteers that operate the food pantry are members of Reverend Crawford’s congregation, but several others come from other churches around Hearne to lend a hand. Anyone can come and lend a hand, and the environment at the food pantry is convivial. Willie Tovar has been volunteering for many years and loves joking and telling stories while helping his community. Crawford is happy that the pantry has been partnering with the Brazos Valley Food Bank because it opens the doors to helping even more people and families in need. Through their partnership, the food donations that the church receives from the community are added to food distributed through the BVFB which allows the pantry to help a lot more families than if they had to do it alone. The pantry has gotten some upgrades over the years thanks to support from BVFB including a walk-in cooler to help store more cold foods like eggs and milk. The pantry is also excited to continue its partnership with KBTX and their annual Food for Families drive that happens every winter. Reverend Crawford enjoys the good natured rivalry that happens every year with the Franklin Food Pantry to see who will get the most food and money donations for the annual giving event. The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry is always happy to take donations of food, time, money or sanitary items. Items most in need are diapers for babies as well as adults, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. These items are always in short supply at food pantries around the country and they are also all items that are not purchasable with SNAP benefits. James Crawford’s biggest request is that people get the word out that help is available for those in need. If you, or someone you know, is in need of some food assistance, the pantry is open on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm to receive produce and on the second Wednesday every month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for the regular food pantry distribution. Reverend Crawford wants the community to know that he and his congregation are happy to serve the people of Hearne and they are welcome in his church anytime.

Laura Chesner | Robertson County News
Willie takes a breather from hauling food boxes to smile for the camera.

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Laura Chesner | Robertson County News
The Hearne Chamber of Commerce, City of Hearne, and ZT Club sponsors cut the ribbon on the Fitness Zone.

ZTClub’s Camp Hype Is Three Days Of Fun and Learning

Laura Chesner
Freelance Writer
Robertson County News

ZT Club of Robertson County is excited for the return of their three day summer camp, Camp Hype, which is intended to educate kids on good health choices while giving them fun activities and ways to explore the world without choosing drugs or alcohol. This fun event is for kids aged six to ten and features arts and crafts, outdoor activities, educational games and a lot of just plain fun! HYPE stands for Helping Youth Pursue Excellence and the activities at the three day camp are geared towards just that. July 26 through July 28, Camp Hype will be held at the Darryl Moody Center, 1306 Dawson in Hearne, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Kids will get all kinds of fun stuff to bring home and enjoy provided by the ZT Club and other sponsors. Lunch and snacks will also be provided for kiddos who attend camp.  ZT Club kids had a great time at their recent Kicks and Glow dance. The young folks and their parents had a great time at the afternoon dance party at the elementary school cafeteria. The blacklights and glow sticks made the place feel like a posh dance club. Parents and kids alike enjoyed the free food and the great tunes! Bob Jones Park in Hearne had its second ribbon cutting event, with the updates to the park adding to the already wonderful fitness zone. ZT Club unveiled the fitness zone a few months ago, but the park has had even more updates and the ZT Club is hoping to add a shelter above the fitness zone to make it easier to access in the winter and summer months. Kemp Park in Calvert also got a visit from the ZT Club recently. Some much needed updates to the park were celebrated by the community with a picnic in the park. ZTClub provided the drinks, chips and hotdogs and families had a great time playing together in the park. Be sure to check the Robertson County Zero Tolerance Facebook page for updates on upcoming events, or to sign up for Camp HYPE!

Massive 15 Year Class Reunion is making headway

Roy McCoy
General Manager
Robertson County News

After planning a reunion a few years ago, 1976 HHS graduate, Jan Roe, has been messaged constantly about preparing another reunion sometime soon for her graduating class. Once word was spread, a few other graduating classes wanted to join in; and we now are preparing for the Classes of 1968 to 1983 Reunion. Reservations are made for Saturday, August 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pony Express Bar and Grill, located at the corner of Magnolia and 3rd Street (which some might remember as the Old Post Office Building). Andy and Melinda Berlan, owners of the establishment, were very gracious to make it happen for these classes. Classmates from Houston, Dallas and even local attendees are planning to attend, and are ready to catch up on old times, as well as meet old friends. The cost is $25 per person, with the meal and non-alcoholic beverages provided. Adult beverages will also be available to purchase at the bar. The grill will be closed to the public, and you must register in advance to attend. For more information or if you would like to register, please contact Jan Roe (Class of 76) at 979-229-9886 or send her an email at janaroe@aol.com There is also a Facebook Page, named “HHS Reunion (70-79)” if you would like to start catching up on old times, or see who all might be attending.

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