The Huajilla Area Retired Teachers and Staff held its annual holiday social on Monday, December 15, at Triple C Restaurant in Devine with a luncheon and activities.
President Earline Schlortt welcomed the 40-plus members and guests. Members serenaded the November and December birthday celebrants. Schlortt then introduced special guest and 20-year Devine Elementary retiree, Bobbie DuBose, 91 years young, who is among the few original members of the Huajilla group.
Schlortt recognized Huajilla’s past presidents Lewis Stroud, Irene Rodriguez-Dubberly, and Jim Rigby, presenting them with beautiful poinsettia plants.
President Schlortt then introduced special guests, Eddie Gentry from the Bluebonnet Children’s Center; Roxanne Carter, director of the St. Jude’s Ranch for Children; and Sgt. Mark Esquivel who represented Medina County’s Brown Santa. Each gave a short summary of their services for children, especially those children who suffer abuse or have been removed from the parents’ home due to other circumstances which put the children in danger. These organizations provide for the safety of children and each representative thanked HARTS for their contributions of books which the children keep for their own. Additionally, they reiterated that the books provide children not only an escape through reading but provide learning opportunities to children who otherwise may not have access to books that they can keep. The Southwest Family Life center was unable to attend the meeting, and their books will be delivered to them.
Members then participated in a gift exchange game, but all participants walked away with a gift. There was a drawing for remaining gifts and winners were Tommy Fillinger and Irene Cox.
After the meal, Brenda Prestage conducted a contest for the group, asking 10 questions related to Famous Duos, Foods, Sit Coms and Geography. Each category had a winner, and despite some talking and sharing responses, and the fact that members realized that either they did not know the answers, or the answers were unretrievable from their memory bank, the competition was sharp, but the overall winner was Claire Coffey.
Prior to adjournment, Earline Schlortt announced the January 26,2026, at Sammy’s Restaurant in Castroville.
91 year old Bobbie DuBose was special guest at holiday social for retired teachers
People feel most cared about when others do thoughtful things for them. A group of fourth and fifth grade students under the direction of their teacher Lee Davis at Devine Intermediate decided that Christmas was a good time to share their thoughtfulness and do something kind for someone. Kindness is all about showing you care.
The group of students decided to make a poster with thoughtful wishes for someone. The poster was full of Christmas wishes for Bobbie Dubose. Their goal was to demonstrate the power and importance of being kind. Their kindness expressed and nourishes personal and community connections. Thank you for doing such a kind thing!
