GLPC looking for a few good board members

The Greater Lake Palestine Council has reached a crisis only its members can solve.

"Recently the nominating committee has contacted numerous members to ask them to serve on the board of directors, and, to date, only one person has volunteered," said president of the organization Orville Bevel in a letter addressed to all members. "We need a minimum of four new board members in order to continue to conduct business. Should we not be able to enlist you to serve we will have no choice but to quietly close the doors on an organization that has been at the forefront of solving many problems for our area."

During the last 18 months the GLPC has seen a steady decline in attendance at the general meetings by its membership. During that time the board of directors has presented programs of interest to its members.

"Since 1998 we have been a driving force for change at both the County and State level," Bevel said. "Our U.S. Congressmen know who we are and from time to time consult us on issues that affect everyone."

Recently, three members of the GLPC have been members of the Henderson County Animal Control Ordinance Advisory Committee.

"We were charged with the drafting of a new ordinance and public hearings are now being held," Bevel said.

Work continues on water testing, review of the charter of the UNMRWA (Upper Neches Municipal River Water Authority), Smith County Animal Control and lobbying the State Legislature on items important to Home Owners and Property Owners Associations.

With the decline of attendance, meetings were changed from six per year to four per year.

In an effort to revitalize membership, the GLPC will hold a members meeting and social event Saturday, July 14, noon to 3:30 p.m., at the Wildewood Community Center, just off Farm-to-Market Road 315, south of Chandler. Those interested in protecting and enhancing their property values and desirability, are encouraged to attend.

A barbecue lunch of pulled pork and beef brisket with all the trimmings will be catered by The Purple Pig at noon. Price for the lunch is $5 per person with children under 6 free. Please RSVP Bevel at 903-849-4689, Roy Brown 903-876-3025, or R. Steve King at 903-581-9607.

Guest speaker for the event will be Texas State Representative Betty Brown who will give a 2007 Legislative update. The regular business meeting will follow.

Other events include boat safety discussion and a casting contest.

Lake Palestine covers four counties - Cherokee, Anderson, and predominantly Henderson and Smith.

The goals of the GLPC is to inform and educate residents of the greater Lake Palestine area on issues and actions ongoing or planned that affect their well being; to maintain organized opposition to the encroachment of crime and drugs in the area; to maintain and/or improve the environment of Lake Palestine and safeguard its resources; to pursue legislation for local standards and zoning regulations that affect rural areas and communities around Lake Palestine; and interact with state, county, municipal and local elected or appointed officials to support the goals of Greater Lake Palestine Council membership.

For more information contact Bevel at the above number.