Breaking news on Monday morning as I submit this column: Huntington’s Bank has purchased Cadence Bank. We are all greatly relieved to read in the announcement that they plan to close no branches and to invest in growth. This will make them the largest bank in Mississippi. Open an account in Oakland and get large bank offerings with small town, personal service. Our ladies at the bank are awesome!
I know that many of the Halloween festivities this past Saturday were impacted by rain, but it seems most were able to adjust and the kids (and adults) had a great time. Again, thanks to the many volunteers who make these community-building activities happen.
Next up in Oakland is Saturday, Nov. 1 — Oakland Day! This event is coordinated by a group of Oakland ladies who have worked hard and built this into a large gathering. It starts with a 9 a.m. Cancer Awareness Walk, and then vendors and food trucks and tailgating spots.
For more information, contact Sharonda Jones at 662-589-0040, Marzet Bland at 662-647-7750, Francesca Scott at 661-417-2751, Vera Walls-Tellis at 662-709-0440, or Polly Fox at 662-647-7464. They will also have a raffle to raise funds for an Oakland Day Scholarship.
The Oakland Area Chamber is also conducting a raffle with funds going to our Oakland Volunteer Fire Department. Check our website at oaklandareachamber.com, then go to the tab that says Membership Dues and Products, to purchase tickets for a growing list of items or contact Chamber Executive Director Sue Donohue Smith at 662-852-1110 to find an in-person way of purchasing.
The drawing will take place during a Community Celebration at our Oakland Volunteer Department behind Town Hall on Hickory Street on Sunday, Nov. 9.
That event is from 2-3 p.m., with the firefighters on hand and the fire trucks out for kids to explore. Come join us in thanking and celebrating our firefighters. They are also first responders for search and rescue and back up other fire departments in the area. Without them, your homeowner’s insurance would be much higher! There are lots of reasons to celebrate and support them.
We are very sad over the death of our friend and Oakland resident Billy Gene Nelson. Billy grew up between Oakland and Coffeeville and attended Oakland School. He worked at Cossar State Park until his retirement. Billy was the last of his immediate family living so my sister Janet and my brother Rich became his go-to folks when he needed help with something. As a result, he adopted our family and joined us at most holiday meals. Mother was also so impressed with the cards he would pick to show appreciation. She said you could tell he put a lot of thought into just the right card.
Billy had some challenges, but his work ethic and his big, loving heart were his shining lights. He freely expressed his appreciation for the friendships he had in his life. He loved his Methodist family and his cowboy shows. Services are set for Saturday, Nov. 1, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. and the funeral service at 2 p.m. with burial at Goshen Cemetery out from Coffeeville.
I am excited to work with fellow Chamber Board member Luanne Taylor Brooks to create a magical Christmas holiday event for our kids. We will have our Oakland Chamber Tree Lighting and Children’s Event with Santa on Dec. 6. The children’s party will be from 4-5:30 p.m. and the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Put that on your calendars and we will share more details soon! If you enjoy creating special effects and holiday magic, please contact us! We need help!
The Oakland Water Department announced recently that it is now accepting all major credit cards and debit cards along with checks and money orders. Small steps add up to giant strides!
I’ll close this week by sharing a prayer that you might want to use to start your day. The issues of today often seem overwhelming and I am struggling to figure out what difference I can make.
I am someone who likes to “fix” things, so this prayer from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer seems to have been written for me. My friend Peggy, who was dying, shared this with me and we read this together every morning as she walked her final journey.
“This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.”
Wishing you the best week ahead.
Hope you enjoy the included photos (left) of little trick- or-treaters in Oakland and Cossar State Park, Halloween decorations at the campground and a little pirate at the fish hatchery.
