Harrison Magazine - Winter 2025 by mrobertsdigital

Two friends continue rivalry which started a generation ago

HARRISON CHAMPION:

VOLUNTEER SPIRIT

Women’s club continues fundrasing tradition

At CHRISTUS Health, we never stop working to make heart care better. With us, you have easy access to innovative diagnostics, rehabilitation, and the latest in heart surgery advancements – delivered with genuine thoughtfulness and compassion by our skilled cardiology team. To learn more about one of the area’s most comprehensive heart care programs, or to find a provider close to you, visit CHRISTUShealth.org.

As the calendar page turns to 2025, many people often take this time to make resolutions. These resolutions are often about themselves, which is not a bad thing. For instance some chose a mantra of getting in better shape, or stopping a nasty vice. No one should be ashamed of taking ownership of their own choices or self-improvement. Unfortunately, as quickly as these resolutions are made they are often forgotten and they become broken resolutions.

My hunch is that we often don’t keep these resolutions for two reasons. First, as humans we don’t usually make a change in our behavior unless there is a reason to make a change. The calendar changing from one year to the next, is not the type of change that I am talking about. Most major lifestyle changes, like getting in better shape, are because you have an upcoming wedding you want to look your best for, or you had a major health scare and you don’t want to repeat that event. We are motivated to change when it actually has impact, not just because it is the right thing to do.

Secondly, we don’t keep resolutions because quitting on yourself is the easiest way to quit that you can do. Think about it when someone else, like a family member is involved, you don’t quit because you don’t want to let them down, you’re doing it for them, not just yourself.

As we start 2025, I encourage you to make decisions, call them resolutions if you like that positively impact your community. Find a cause, block or a group that needs some additional love and support. Pour into something greater than yourself, and you will find it hard to quit, and furthermore you will find the feeling you receive in return is the change that makes you continue moving forward and being resolute in your decision to be a positive contributor to your community.

Harrison Magazine loves celebrating those in the county who are the difference makers. Please drop me a line and let me know who we should celebrate in 2025.

Publisher

Alexander Gould agould@mrobertsmedia.com

Editor

Meredith Shamburger mshamburger@marshallnewsmessenger.com

Advertising Sales

Johnnie Fancher jfancher@marshallnewsmessenger.com

Amy Strong astrong@marshallnewsmessenger.com

Marquisia Wright mwright@marshallnewsmessenger.com

contributing Writers

Lauren Rosenberg

Robin Y. Richardson

contributing Photographers

Robin Y. Richardson

Meredith Shamburger

Graphic Designer

Kimberley Bailey

Jack “Fuzzy” Harmon Jr.and retired Harrison County Court-at-Law Judge Jim Ammerman II in downtown Marshall.

Photo by Robin Y. Richardson

TEXAS RED

GREETINGS FROM TEXAS

VINTAGE TEXAS

Ammerman, Harmon continue personal Razorbacks, Longhorns rivalry in downtown Marshall

HARRISON CHAMPION VOLUNTEER SPIRIT

Cypress Junior Women’s Club continues decades tradition of service, fundraising

Pemberton grads share good memories of Marshall’s first all-Black high school

New Fitness Park in Marshall provides free workout opportunity for area residents

BET-ON -

Ammerman, Harmon continue personal Razorbacks, Longhorns rivalry in downtown Marshall

-IT!

story and photos by Robin Y. Richardson

Local oil and gas lease landman Jack “Fuzzy” Harmon Jr., an Arkansas native and Arkansas Razorbacks fan, makes good on a traditional bet with Texas Longhorns fan and retired Harrison County Court-at-Law Judge Jim Ammerman II in downtown Marshall.

Longtime friends and collegiate football rivals Jim Ammerman II and Jack “Fuzzy” Harmon Jr. returned to Marshall’s downtown square in November last year to make good on a bet they’ve diligently upheld for years following the Longhorns vs. Razorbacks game.

The cherished custom, originally started by their fathers, the late Jack Harmon and “Big Jim” Ammerman, traditionally calls for the fan of the losing team to push the other around the downtown square in a wheelbarrow.

The two sons changed it up a bit in the latter years, with the loser walking around the downtown square alongside the winner in the winning team’s paraphernalia — either a Texas Longhorns burnt orange shirt and a hat or a Razorback red shirt and Razorback cap — depending on the game’s outcome.

It’s a tradition the sons have always strived to keep alive, through both sickness and in health.

“One year I won and I pushed you because we couldn’t figure out what to do and I said: ‘I’d push you; don’t worry about it,’” Harmon said, recalling to Ammerman the time he nobly pushed him as he recovered from a heart attack.

Harmon said now that neither can handle the wheelbarrow

caveat component of the bet anymore, they can still have a fun time in a one-time trot around the square. They’ve both been good sports about it through the years, willingly parading around the square, supporting the winning rival. It was no different Wednesday as Harmon humbly conceded, joining Ammerman and Ammerman’s family of Longhorn supporters for a fun walk.

“All know is we’re lucky to still be alive,” Harmon said appreciatively.

“That’s true,” Ammerman concurred.

“We’re still looking at the green side of the grass and not the roots,” Harmon beamed, expressing how grateful he is to still have the opportunity to carry on the tradition, which was started by their fathers in the ‘60s.

The two said it’s a tradition they’ve maintained as the sons since about 2000.

“And he’s been on the losing end on the stick a whole lot more than I have,” Harmon teased.

“That’s right, but we’re changing that,” Ammerman chuckled. “It feels great. It feels absolutely appropriate.”

“Our dads started this in the ‘60s,” said Ammerman.

“We’re carrying on our daddies’ bet.” Harmon said.

It’s been such a blast that Harmon took to his Facebook page, following the University of Texas’ 20-0 win against University of Arkansas, inviting the public to join them for the lighthearted event on the downtown square.

“Come on down and enjoy the fun that will be directed towards ‘Fuzz’ wearing burnt orange for a few minutes of his lifetime,” he urged.

Ammerman’s wife Tiffany, who joined in the occasion along with their children, grandchildren, family and friends, said it’s always been a fun sight to see.

“It’s always fun. Their dads were good friends and their moms were good friends. We think it was 2008 when both the mothers were here standing by this tree (watching),” she shared.

The football college teams are a big part of the two families.

As University of Texas graduates, the Ammerman men have always been die-hard Longhorn fans. Likewise, being Arkansas natives, the Harmons’ loyalty lies with the Razorbacks. When the teams were about to play each other in 1967, the elder Harmon proposed a bet — the fan of the losing team would push the fan of the winning team at high noon around Marshall’s square in a wheelbarrow.

After the patriarchs of the families passed away, the sons considered it befitting to assume the bet. It’s an experience they’ve watched since childhood. Their first time doing it after

their fathers passed was when the two teams played each other in the Cotton Bowl in the 1999-2000 season.

JacqueWise-Griffith -Administrator

VOLUNTEERSpirit

Cypress Junior Women’s Club continues decades tradition of service, fundraising story by Robin

Y. Richardson | photos by Meredith Shamburger

For 55 years, the local Cypress Junior Women’s Club has been a rock to communities in Harrison County, offering a helping hand and financial assistance when needed.

“The Cypress Junior Women’s Club is a women’s organization in Harrison County dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service and fundraising for county nonprofit organizations,” shared Club President Stormy Nickerson. “Cypress Junior Women’s Club has existed for 55 years with a simple mission to raise funds, to give back; so every dollar we raise, all proceeds, go right back into the community at the end of the year.”

Thanks to its fundraising efforts, for this past 2024 fiscal year, the organization was able to award five scholarships to high school seniors, representing three of the county’s school districts. The opportunity was offered to all five of the county’s high schools, but only three school districts replied.

Grant Awards

The club additionally awarded more than $10,000 grants to local charities and organizations, ranging from $600 to $1,000.

Grant rewards aided initiatives such as “Read to Ride,” an incentive program sponsored by Mission Marshall that rewards third graders with a brand new bicycle and helmet each spring for mastering their reading skills. Grants also assisted the Twelve Way Foundation, a local drug and alcohol rehab for men. Grants were also given to The Pet Place animal shelter and Friends of Marshall Animals to help supply pet food for Marshall Pet Adoption Center.

Grants were also given to: Hallsville Outreach Center, Marshall Elks Lodge, Marshall-Harrison County Literacy Council, Marshall Police Officers Association, Marshall Pregnancy Resource Center, Mission Marshall Food Pantry, TSTC Foundation Marshall/Student Scholarships, United Help of Waskom and CASA of Harrison County, which serves as advocates for abused and neglected children in the custody of Child Protective Services.

A grant was also awarded to Community Healthcore, which aids individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nickerson said being able to give back is a fulfilling experience for all members.

“To be able to give $2,500 in scholarships, in addition to the money and all the grants, were both thrilling this year; and we’ll do it again in May and June of 2025 based on the success we had this year,” she said. “It is, for all of our members, a thrilling and emotional experience because our efforts are ensuring that we’re making life better for other people — for our neighbors in the community.”

“So we play a small part in buying $600 worth of food, or $600 worth of birthday gifts for kids being served by CASA or $600 towards summer camp for kids with disabilities at the Elks Lodge,” she continued. “That is so gratifying, knowing that our work has meaning, and it’s just a very rewarding experience. It keeps us driving for the next year.”

“We also give back through our time,” said Nickerson, noting their volunteer efforts for the annual Night to Shine, which provides a memorable prom night experience for individuals with special needs. “So, we want to make sure that we’re also invested in the community.”

Cypress Junior Women’s Club members volunteer at vari-

Contributed photo

“It’s wonderful to see the local business owners and sponsors come together...”

ous community events, including the annual Trunk or Treat with CASA, FireAnt Festival with the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, and Princess Dance Party with the City of Marshall’s parks and recreation department.

“We look forward to volunteering with Night to Shine and Lift Ministry with Immanuel Baptist Church in the upcoming months,” said Nickerson.

Membership/Service Opportunities

The club has evolved over the years, uniquely representing the diverse melting pot of Harrison County.

“At its inception, Cypress Junior Women’s Club was designed to offer community service opportunities to Marshall’s young women,” noted Nickerson. “However, there was a gap as many women wished to serve beyond the dates of the CJWC bylaws. Therefore, a previous board changed the bylaws to remove age limitations.”

“This year, we have a wonderful group of 25 members ranging in age from mid-20s to early 70s, representing every race, professionals, and homemakers,” shared Eden Maloney, CJWC vice president. “By board vote, we eliminated the membership dues in favor of a suggested donation of $25, which includes a member shirt. We’re welcoming new members now for this coming Spring 2025.”

The club is known for its active participation in community service projects and coordinating fundraising events, including its popular Supper with Santa event, which is always held a few weeks before Christmas.

“Every dollar we make from this event goes right back into the nonprofits that this community cares about,” said Nickerson.

DeAnna Rea, CJWC treasurer, said the 2024 Supper with Santa event, held this past December, was one of the most successful events yet, with an estimated attendance of 430 attendees and volunteers.

“We are eternally grateful for our sponsors, coloring book donors, raffle donors, vendors, volunteers and guests who made the night a success,” said Rea.

This past season’s event was particularly special for the organization as it marked the club’s first-ever bilingual event.

“We really did want to include or let women know that there

is a place for them, but also so many families in the community did not know that there was a place for them if Spanish was the primary language within the home,” said Nickerson.

Thus, in the spirit of inclusion the club recruited a volunteer Santa, Tony Aguilar, funeral director at Cammack Funeral Home.

“He did such a marvelous job. Families were so complimentary of him, engaging the children and having fun. It was fantastic,” Nickerson praised.

Local Harrison County Deputy Cruz Vences Jr. and his wife Berenice served as bilingual-speaking emcees for the occasion. Nickerson said CJWC is pleased to be able to provide such affordable events for families to enjoy.

“We are very proud that we have had the same price for Supper with Santa for decades, at just $5 a ticket,” she said, also

thanking donors who help sponsor the occasion. “We’re very proud of what we can accomplish together as a community to do an event special for local families.

Following Supper with Santa, the CJWC is now gearing up for participation in the Marshall Touch-A-Truck, set for Saturday, April 19.

“Marshall Touch-Truck is an incredible community-free event!” said Donna Horne, owner of Cajun Tex and CJWC board secretary. “It’s a wonderful to see the local business owners and sponsors come together to create a memorable experience for families. We love watching the kids’ faces light up as they explore police cars, emergency vehicles, and construction equipment. Events like this bring joy and foster a sense of community and inspire kids to learn about different career opportunities.”

Nickerson said she loves the fact that CYWC is active yearround, planning and supporting important programs.

“I love the fact that Cypress Junior Women’s Club is not just for two events. We are active every single month. In October, Kimberly Land, one of our members, is very passionate about domestic violence, so we had a community drive for items that would be needed by a domestic violence (program) for victims — women, men and children. So we were able to raise items within the community,” shared Nickerson. “And then, of course, in November, we get right back to planning the Supper with Santa. We host the event. And then the rest of December, we take a break. But in January, we get right back to (work). We are involved in the Lift Ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church. We will be volunteering at Night to Shine in February, and throughout that entire time period, we’ll be planning Marshall Touch a Truck, which will happen in April.”

“I love that whenever there’s a community event, people will reach out to us. If we can, we’d love to be involved,” she said. “Our ladies have a heart to serve the community.”

“We are delighted to be just representatives of women in the community. But more than anything, I think (most special

is) our membership is open to women of any age, any professional background, or homemakers — women who just have a love for service,” she reiterated. “There’s a place for them in service in Cypress Junior Women’s Club.”

Any women interested in being a member of CJWC, may email cypressjuniorwomensclub@gmail.com for more information or message Cypress Junior Women’s Club on Facebook.

“We would absolutely love for any woman in Harrison County who has a passion to serve, to reach out to us,” said Nickerson. “A membership is available any time of year. We’re just a fun group of women who love to serve and have become friends because we share many of the same goals and values. We’re not bound by anything. We just want to give back, and we want to share in the fun. That’s the heart of it. If we’re not doing it with heart and we’re not having fun while we’re doing it, then why do we do it? That’s how we’re doing it, and then the reason we’re doing it is to benefit our members in the community, to make someone’s life better in Harrison County.”

“And so far, for 55 years, Cypress Junior Women’s Club has been successful,” the club president said. “We are so grateful to all the women who have come before us. And we hope that in such small way, we can continue to build upon their success, and keep it coming another 55 years.”

In addition to membership, she said they also welcome anyone to reach out to them to recommend any potential nonprofit organization that could use their assistance for the new service year.

“If people know of other organizations within the county who could use help, they can contact our email address and submit them for a potential grant with the name and the contact organization and the reasons why the organization should be considered for a grant, and we’ll look into that organization,” said Nickerson. “We can’t make any promises, but we certainly would love to evaluate any nonprofit organization.”

Contributed photo

A PIVOTAL PLACE

H.B. Pemberton High School graduate Glenda Clay, class of 1968, speaks about the history of the school

Pemberton grads share good memories of Marshall’s first all-Black high school

from Staff Reports

Pemberton is a name that many people will recognize, especially during Black History Month and while researching Marshall’s history. The former all-Black school was instrumental in educating students even after desegregation. Today the school is part of Wiley University’s campus.

The following 2016 article by Bridget Ortigo spoke with former graduates about the school’s legacy:

During a time when the Black community of Marshall was limited by a national ideology that promoted segregation for people of color, the staff at Pemberton/Central High School made sure their young students received a strong educational foundation upon which to build their lives.

“The educational foundation offered at Pemberton was instrumental to the high rate of successful Blacks that came from East Texas,” 1946 Pemberton High School graduate Claude Williams said. “It is unbelievable the number of people who have come from Pemberton who have become so important nationally and internationally.”

Indeed, this is the driving passion behind fellow Pemberton graduate Glenda Clay, who heads up the Heritage Center located in the former all-Black school’s library now a part of Wiley College.

Wiley purchased the Pemberton High School buildings in 1988 after integration led to the eventual closing of the school. Now the school’s old library has turned into the Heritage Center, a museum of sorts for Pemberton High School graduates to display memorabilia.

“When people in town want to see it, see the history here,

they give me a call and I come up and show it to them,” Clay said. “The items in here have been donated by graduates, staff and their families. This gives us an opportunity to share our history.”

The history contained in the center varies from old photographs of students, staff, diplomas, caps and gowns, letterman jackets, and a portrait of H.B. Pemberton himself.

“He purchased the land for the school with his own money to build the first negro school. Back then it was called ‘negro’ and not ‘Black,’” Clay, a 1968 graduate, said.

“The original buildings stand as part of Wiley College today. We had grades eighth through 12th. You would come from one of the three Black elementary schools in town to Pemberton for your high school.”

The high school meant so much to the Black community that they all pitched in to pay Pemberton back for the money he borrowed to purchase and build the school.

“They started graduating people in 1905,” she said. “They were teaching adults and children back then, with volunteers from Wiley and Bishop colleges. There were freed slaves learning how to read and write. It was first called Central High School, and Pemberton served as the principal. The name was changed to Pemberton High School in 1941.”

Clay said Pemberton was a true, life-long educator, having never retired.

“He died on the job in 1944, and then Garfield Rosborough became the next principal,” she said. “He was the principal when my parents were here and when I was here.”

When integration started at the school in 1967, Clay said most students at Pemberton chose to stay rather than transfer to Marshall High School.

“There were a few that left, but most chose to stay here,” she said. “We had a good foundation here. All of the teachers were Black until my junior year when we got our first white teacher. All of the teachers had bachelor’s and master’s degrees. We had cosmetology programs, auto mechanics, all of the arts and sciences, music club, business. We just all wanted to continue at Pemberton and graduate together. It was a just great time in our culture with people like John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy.”

The last graduating class at Pemberton was in 1970, and the school became an integrated ninth-grade campus, eventually closing and becoming part of Wiley College in 1988.

“Our mascot was the Panther and our school colors were lavender and gold,” she said. “The school song was ‘Pemberton Forever.’”

Williams was the editor of the school’s first yearbook in 1946.

“We had gone to Wiley and Bishop Colleges to research how they did their yearbooks so we could make sure we were doing everything like we were supposed to,” Williams said.

The school had a close relationship with the two colleges back then, especially its neighbor Wiley College.

“The church, Ebenezer United Methodist Church, which is associated with Wiley, is where I went and it was the center of the Black community then, along with Wiley College,” Williams said. “All of our cultural activities were centered around Wiley and the church. Wiley had cultural plays, like Broadway-style plays, that would come in, and on Fridays... you could go watch a movie at the Wiley auditorium for 10 cents.”

Williams said Black people were not welcomed at that time at the Paramount Movie Theater in town where white people went.

“We also had the Harlem Theater, which was a Black movie theater,” he said. “If you went to the Paramount downtown, you just didn’t feel very comfortable. We knew not to go there. Our parents raised us to not go there; it was just something we knew.”

Williams said the town was so segregated that Black people were expected to walk on a separate side of the street from white people.

“You knew to always go to the bathroom before you left home and what side of the street to walk on,” Williams said. “On the downtown square’s northwest side was all of the Black physicians, dentists and pharmacists. White doctors and dentists would not treat Black people or ‘negroes’ as they called us at the time.”

Despite the obvious degradation and racism, Williams said it wasn’t something that Black people dwelt on during that day.

“That’s just the way it was,” he said. “We didn’t know there were any alternatives to things being that way. We didn’t place

any emphasis on that, and we just didn’t let it bother us.”

Williams said graduating from Pemberton and then attending Wiley College was every Black student’s dream back then.

“That was the goal for a Black student, if you wanted to be successful in life, graduate from Pemberton and then go to Wiley College,” he said.

Williams’ teachers at Pemberton helped him get a scholarship to Wiley. He later transferred to Howard University and eventually earned his license to practice dentistry, returning to downtown Marshall to open his dentistry business.

Clay’s father, Floyd Jackson, is another Pemberton grad to go on to greatness in life.

“He ran away from home to go to school,” Clay said of her father. “He didn’t want to be a farmer like his father wanted him to, and they lived out in the country.”

Jackson said while living in the country, he and his siblings would walk the 10 miles to go to school everyday but that changed when he left home.

“We didn’t own the land that we farmed on, so we only got half of what we sold,” Jackson said. “I wanted to find a better way to make a living than with my back.”

Jackson took off to Marshall, where he worked many jobs to make ends meet, including a job at Figo Bakery downtown.

“I worked and went to school and then I went to Wiley College after I graduated from Pemberton in 1949 as the salutatorian of the class,” Jackson said.

Shortly after college, Jackson volunteered for the U.S. Air Force, where he would go on to work at several important bases, including Lachlan, Randolph and Andrews Air Force Bases. He went on to earn two master’s degrees, and several pieces of his work in the Navy approved and put into manuals by the National Security Agency.

“I realized that once you learn, you can go places,” Jackson said.

Williams agreed.

“The teachers at Pemberton were so dynamic and dedicated,” Williams said. “They were part of the community and went to church with us and knew our parents. Not everything was perfect back then, but we in the Black community have to get back to those principals — that responsibility and authority. Those teachers and staff at Pemberton made so many sacrifices so that many, many people could receive the pay off.

“Now the accomplishments of its graduates are seen throughout the world.”

SHAPING UP

New Fitness Park in Marshall provides free workout opportunity for area residents

story by Lauren Rosenberg | photo contributed to Harrison Magazine

In July 2024, Marshall’s Parks and Recreation Department held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new attraction at City Park. In partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and the National Fitness Campaign, the free outdoor fitness courts officially opened.

The free outdoor fitness court is part of a nationwide campaign to address needs of communities to encourage getting out of the house and living a healthy lifestyle.

In February 2022, Blue Cross and the National Fitness Campaign opened their first fitness court in Mission, Texas courtesy of a $475,000 grant from Blue Cross to bring these courts to 20 communities across the state.

“The first Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Fitness Court launched in September 2022 in Mission, TX, at Hollis Rutledge Northwest Park, as part of an initial commitment to support 20 Fitness Courts across Texas. After a memorable celebration with local first responders, Zumba dancers, and participants from the Special Olympics, this ribbon-cutting ceremony set the tone for the growth and success of the Texas Campaign. Since that milestone moment, the campaign has expanded significantly, with plans to bring free access to world-class fitness opportunities to over 100 communities across Texas, fostering a healthier, more active state,” said Sarah Morgan, communications and marketing manager for National Fitness Campaign.

Out of the 254 counties in Texas, 34 have the fitness courts.

A lot of these counties are in more rural and underserved areas that may not have easy access to a gym or be able to afford a membership. The beauty of the courts being located at parks and also free of cost is that nobody needs to hold fear that they’ll be judged for working out and living a healthier lifestyle.

“The National Fitness Campaign focuses on awarding funding to communities with health and wellness needs both large and small, and Marshall’s focus on enhancing parks, serving its vibrant population, and fostering partnerships like this one, aligns perfectly with our goals of building healthy communities,” said Morgan.

Expanding to Marshall was a prime location, with the renovations happening at parks all around the town. The two closest fitness courts are located in Texarkana and Sulfur Springs, which leaves a whole populated region without the opportunity to access free courts. Not only can Marshall area residents have easy access to the courts, but people in other towns like Jefferson and Carthage can make the trip to take advantage of the courts.

“The National Fitness Campaign is trying to offer opportunities for underserved communities as a whole to have a zero cost program. Putting it at parks is easy because people tend to be 10 miles or 10 minutes away from a park and people can get usage out of it,” said Marina Garcia-Heredia, the Marshall parks and recreation director.

The courts are available to people ages 14 and up, and workouts can be accessed via an app on your phone. The integration of a modern element to the courts allows for the younger generation to engage in workouts in a way they’re always accustomed to due to always having a phone on them. A benefit of teenagers getting into the courts is to allow them to get more active at an early age and not stay at home scrolling through Tik Tok, other social media outlets or playing video games.

“We have an app that goes with the fitness court. When you get there, there’s a QR code that you scan and then it gives you all the information to download right onto your phone. That’s what teenagers want. They want to know where an app is. You log in and put in Marshall, Texas and it gives you all the workouts. It also tracks how long you’re out there. Even in different cities, the app works the same,” said Garcia-Heredia.

When the ribbon cutting occurred in July, Marshall ISD partnered and joined in at the grand opening. Members of the girls basketball team helped demonstrate the different workouts at the seven stations. Having the basketball team there also gave a great perspective into what they think of the courts.

“We partnered with Marshall ISD and we did have school kids out there demonstrating the seven stations for the community. It was really cool to hear their thoughts from their point of view and just be like, ‘Oh this is quick.’ It’s a seven minute full body workout because you’re always trying to get a quick workout in,” said Garcia-Heredia.

Having the high schoolers at the courts helped make a great impact on the younger kids in the community. Despite kids under 14 not being able to participate just yet, seeing their role models engage in workouts and spending time outside with each other can help encourage them to start healthy habits early and have something like the courts to look forward to when they hit 14.

“Created with people as young as age 14 with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace,” said Dr. Mark Chassay, Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. “In addition to improvement in physical health, physical activity improves behavioral health conditions and can foster opportunities to make new social connections. About half of U.S. adults are not getting enough physical activity in their daily lives. Helping fund these Fitness Courts is just one example of how we can support optimal health outcomes for all Texans right in their own communities.”

Even the college students helped with attracting the community with enhancing the social media promotion. Members of the hockey and basketball teams did a sports challenge to see who were the kings of the court. They had a trophy with a goat on it, for the greatest of all time, and got medals.

Garcia-Heredia’s goal at parks and recreation was to offer these quality of life courts available as a standalone. Everyone can go as they want, and they don’t have to pay staff to monitor it. But they also hope to have an impact on people’s mental health.

Being outside in the sun and fresh air is proven to enhance mental health in all people no matter their walks of life. The courts being at a park in a densely populated place like Marshall brings people together, no matter their race, gender or socioeconomic status. The courts are there for the community to diversify their circle, support each other and hang out. The early analytics show that one of their top demographics are aged 50 and up. As of December 2024, 34% of participants are 50 plus, 32% are 30-49, 27% are 18-29 and 7% are 14-17.

The positive feedback from the community in the few months the courts have been open has been exciting and brings optimism to the future lifestyles and growth of physical activity for the people of Marshall.

“Marshall is a family where everybody knows each other. The community seeing their neighbors and friends getting active at the courts and exercising will encourage each other to take some time to bring physical activity into their lives,” said Garcia-Heredia.

LEGACY PERSONAL SERVICES

An Independent, non medical Service, that can provide people with sitting and companionship services which can include:

*MEDICATION REMINDERS *ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY HYGIENE

SCHEDULED TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

SCHEDULED TRANSPORTATION WEEKLY FOR SHOPPING

*SITTING OR COMPANIONSHIP HOURLY OR DAILY

* Fees for assistance paid directly to Legacy Personal Services

*LEGACY SERVICES does not offer Nursing or medical services. Medical Services can be obtained when necessary from Local Home Health, Hospice Agencies or providers of Choice.

LEGACY SERVICES WILL HAVE AN INDEPENDENT OFFICE SET UP INSIDE THE OAKS INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE OAKS RESIDENTS.