By Sharron Hudson

MILLSAP – As always our schools have many facets of education going on.

One very important teaching event is Red Ribbon Week. This is a special time set aside across the nation to educate students on the harmful effects of drugs. The program was started in 1985, and is the largest and oldest such campaign.

Millsap Elementary students celebrated with theme week, and some of the days included “Hairs to a Drug Free Life,” “Bulldogs Elect to be Drug Free” and “Follow Your Dreams-Don’t Do Drugs.” While these themes involve wholesome fun, the serious mission of giving the students the tools toward the goal of a drug-free America were at the forefront of the week.

The high school’s way of participating in Red Ribbon Week include pledging not to be involved with drugs and participating in drug-related events. These students have red silicone bands that read, “I’m Drug Free Deep in the Heart of Texas,” and a banner stating, “I Pledge to be Drug Free,” which includes students’ handprints and is placed in a common area of the school. The goal is to promote awareness and encouragement to the students to be and remain drug free. Good work and thanks Millsap schools’ staff!

While the Millsap Quilting Club took the summer months off, the ladies are now busily back at work on a number of projects. At present, they are working on items for Christmas, including fleece hats and scarves and casserole covers. The group has plans to start quilts for charity organizations after the first of the year. Some of last year’s creations went to clients at Weatherford’s Center of Hope and others went to several local organizations for raffles. The club meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 9 a.m., at Millsap Methodist Church. Any woman who is interested is invited to come and join in.

Here is a wonderful event that is completely new to Millsap. On Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. everyone is invited to a free breakfast at the Millsap Community Center. This is being coordinated by newcomer to Millsap Jennifer Bland in conjunction with the ministry Christ’s Kitchen. Ms. Bland began this work in her previous home of Aubrey, Texas, and it is targeted especially toward kids who might need a meal and to senior citizens who may enjoy visiting over a cup of coffee, as well as having breakfast cooked for them. Included in the morning will be storytime for the kids at 10 a.m. The goal is to reach out to everyone and bring all ages together for some good food and a good time!

Speaking of events taking place at the community center, Treasurer Janice Edwards wants everyone to know that the center stays steadily rented and is very popular, especially since it was remodeled a little over a year ago. While the rentals help with the ongoing upkeep, preliminary plans are in the works for the traditional Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, which the organization hosts every February. The group and community has the goal of having the center put to good use, so if you would like to rent the Millsap Community Center call (940) 682-2071.

More of our Millsap people are entering the arena of “show biz” as local ranchers Tom and Ann Sanders were recently the subjects of an upcoming segment on the USA Network about the life of a rancher and how it is evolving. As a special treat to the congregation of Millsap Methodist Church the film crew, which followed the Sanders’ life for about a week, came to the Sunday morning service and filmed there. We’ll all be excitedly looking for this latest way that Millsap and some of our folks are going to be seen on TV.

Remember that the Millsap VFD annual turkey dinner is just a week away on Nov. 11. It will be held at the Millsap Elementary School cafeteria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission to the meal is a donation at the door. A new event is a dessert contest with the divisions of cake decorating and general desserts. There is no entry fee, and the entry deadline is 10 a.m. on Nov. 11. There will be ribbons for the top five places and trophies for the winners in each division. The winning desserts will be auctioned off at 1 p.m. This new addition to the festivities will be a lot of fun with Millsap Superintendent David Belding being among the judges. Also the traditional Split the Pot raffle will take place during the meal. The department is asking for donations of desserts to serve with the meal. Everything about this yearly happening is always phenomenal. So, to have a great time while supporting an essential cause, come on out!

Nov. 6 (Tuesday) is Election Day – locals can cast their ballots at the Millsap Community Center, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

 Thanks for reading!