The Friona Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Christmas Banquet last Friday night at the Friona Senior Citizens Center. Pope Boys BBQ catered the meal for the attendees which included firefighters, family, friends, and invited guests.
After the meal, Fire Chief Gary Stowers announced three service pins recipients. Maddie Sharrock earned a 5-year pin, Chance Lewellen a 10-year pin, and Terry Sharrock a 35-year pin.
The first major award, the Jim Taylor "Rookie of the Year" Award was presented to Efrain Roacha. Next, The Ralph Shirley "Firefighter of the Year" Award went to Juan Samarron.
A special "Retirement Award" was presented to John Taylor. John is retiring after 40 years of service. He joined the department in 1983 and during his 40 year tenure served as Lieutenant, Captain, Training Officer, and Secretary/Treasurer. "All I wanted was to grow up and become a policeman and fireman," John remarked, "I was very fortunate to be both."
Chief Stowers also announced a $400 donation to Created With Purpose of West Texas. The pregnancy resource center is located in Bovina and serves all of Parmer County and the surrounding area.
The Friona Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank everyone for their support during the past year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (see more photos in our photo section)
Fire Department Awards - (l-r) "Rookie of the Year" Efrain Rocha, Fire Chief Gary Stowers, "Firefighter of the Year" Juan Samarron.
John Taylor Retirement - (l-r) Andrew Stowers (grandson), "Retiree" John Taylor, Fire Chief Gary Stowers (son-in-law), and Jim Taylor (brother).
In Concert - Check out the two Christmas Concerts next week. The first one is the Jr. High Band Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the Jr. High Auditorium. Next is the FHS Choir Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the FHS Auditorium.
* * *
Hit It Out of the Park - Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, City of Friona, and all of the volunteers, vendors, and participants for making this year's Christmas in the Park and Parade of Lights a huge success!!!
* * *
Prairie/Legacy News - Mario Gavina is the Prairie Acres Resident of the Month for December and the Employee of the Month is Jenika Ortiz. The Christmas Party with the residents is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m. It will be a time of fun, finger food, and family. Legacy Pointe is getting another tenant. Only a few rooms left, so check them out before they are gone!
* * *
Empty Stocking Fund - Donations are being accepted for the Empty Stocking Fund which provides clothing and a toy to local needy children. School officials are consulted to determine the recipients. So far, about 140 children have been selected. Donations may be made at Friona InterBank or given to project co-chairs Holly Campbell or Jyl Grimsley.
* * *
Project Christmas Card - The Parmer County Hospital Auxiliary is accepting donations for the 68th Annual Project Christmas Card. Proceeds will be used to purchase medical equipment for Parmer Medical Center. Canisters/boxes are placed around town in various businesses for the collection of donations. The names of donors will be included in a special Christmas Greeting Card in the Friona Star newspaper. Please make sure you put your name with ALL donations. You can contact Connie Neelley at 806-250-2542 for more information.
* * *
National Guard Birthday - On December 13th, 1636, the Massachusetts General Court established an official militia for the first time in the American Colonies. A component of the United States Army, the National Guard is primarily composed of citizen-soldiers who hold down full-time, civilian jobs, attend school, or as is often the case, both. At the same time, they are available to provide support and protection for the states' civilians or be called for military operations at a national level.
* * *
Pun Fun - If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving is not for you. Source: www.pun.me
* * *
FHS graduate Xavier Guerra has been busy painting windows and doors around town with holiday themes. He was joined by Mr. Grinch (Triston Hernandez) for a very appropriate artwork unveiling.
Carlos Rios finished 7th in the State in Greenhand Spanish Creed Speaking. At the state level, there is a preliminary round with two heats of 12 students representing Class 1A to 6A schools. Out of the 24 total competitors, only 10 make it to the finals. Great job, Carlos!!!
Mario Molina received a plaque as a Semi-Finalist in Greenhand Creed Speaking at the FFA State LDEs. Congratulations Mario!!!
St. Nick Chills in Friona - Santa was welcomed to Friona by Mayor Greg Lewellen to kick off the Christmas in the Park festivities on Monday afternoon. Miss Friona Yvonne Legarreta, Little Miss Ayva Lozoya, and the Elves assisted Mr. Claus as he visited with the kids to listened to their ideas for the perfect present. Santa was on his way back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas Eve.
