Graham Chamber of Commerce “You Lead” Participants and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Visit Olney
On Wednesday, April 24 more than 15 men and women from the Young County “You Lead” leadership program (See Page 3) arrived at the Enterprise to visit the Foundation, Newspaper and Olney Heritage Museum. They were welcomed by Publisher Ronni Walker who introduced the Foundation spokesperson Deborah Perry German. Deborah German gave a brief overview of the Foundation. She said, “It was with love and compassion for the community and fellowmen that my parents established the Perry Family Foundation in 2017 after my dad’s death. Mom wants me to make it clear that all credit goes to the Lord, and that His involvement in these facilities, ministries and the people in charge is very evident throughout Young County.” Also, on hand to greet the visitors was Mayor Phil Jeske, Olney Chamber of Commerce Director Stacy Wade and Olney Heritage Museum Docent Ann Cumpton.
The next stop on the tour was the House of Mercy Enterprises (H.O.M.E.) where the Executive Director Preston Crow along with board and staff were waiting to welcome the guests H.O.M.E. Crow said, “I was thrilled to see so many people from the Young County “You Lead” class come to the House of Mercy with the curiosity of what God is doing in Olney.”
The 2019 House of Mercy Board of Directors includes Rev. Harrell Braddock-president, Hugo Naumann-secretary, Dan Lund, Mike Green, Martha Green and Preston Crow. The 2019 House of Mercy Advisory Board includes Tinker Barker and Justin Piegat.
The final stop on the tour was Olney Community Christian Center also known as The Refuge. Executive Director Rodney Nantz along with the office manager Kristy Nantz, greeted guests with open arms while providing a full-access tour. Rodney said, “It was very encouraging to see the ‘You Lead’ class travel to Olney to tour the facility. I pray that in the future we can collaborate for the betterment of our communities.” Kristy Nantz chimed in, “We want to thank the ‘You Lead’ class for taking the time to visit the Refuge. We are truly blessed in our community and pray others will want to take part in the different ministries available in Olney.”
The 2019 Olney Christian Community Center Board of Directors also known as The Refuge includes Calli Simmons-President, Lyndsey Miller, vice president, David D.J. Meschkat-Secretary/Treasurer, Cory Fuksa, Gunter Rodriquez, Lonnie Wells and Josh Hagle.
“You Lead” is a leadership program focused on the development and cultivation of leaders within the Young County community. The classes are diverse in that each class is comprised of individuals representing various organizations and groups within Young County. The visit to Olney was reflective of one facet of the interactive learning program that targets leadership skills and community education.
The Graham Chamber of Commerce and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service joined forces to develop “You Lead” almost 20 years ago and has continued to provide program participants with a comprehensive overview of the county, and provides opportunities for class members to learn about various programs including Economic Development and Tourism, Education, History of Young County, Media and Communications, Emergency and Medical Services, Social Services, and finally City, County and State Government.
Penny Berend, Family and Community Health Extension Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Young County said, “Our You Lead class has been looking forward to visiting with the Foudation representatives to learn more about its impact on the community.”