It takes a lot of hard work behind the scenes to make the annual Nacogdoches Treatment Center bazaar successful.
Among those donating their time and talents to the bazaar is Bertha McGraw, who helps make the homemade Christmas crafts for which the bazaar is so famous.
"I base coat most of the items that have to be painted," McGraw said of her job. "I have always just painted the one base color, but this year, they have had me paint two different colors on the same piece of wood. That was a little nerve racking."
Perhaps her eye for detail comes from her profession of 20 years as an ammunition inspector at Lone Star Ammunition Plant near Texarkana. McGraw made ammunition during World War II and then was hired as an inspector following the war. She retired about 35 years ago.
Now, she turns her attention to volunteering with the bazaar, which is the largest fundraiser for the Treatment Center. This year's event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the center, located at 119 Hughes St.
In addition to the holiday decor for sale, the bazaar features quilts created by the "Piecemakers" quilting group, which meets at the center every Wednesday, and homemade cakes, pies, cookies, candy and other baked goods. There will be two items that will be raffled: a Tessellating star quilt and an autographed football signed by University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and UT wide receiver Jordon Shipley. The silent auction has many items donated by local merchants and artists. A chicken spaghetti lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The purpose of the bazaar is to raise funds to support programs for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias — the Alzheimer's Day Activity Program, family support group, Weekend Respite Program — a cause for which McGraw recognizes the importance.
"I learned about the Treatment Center from my neighbor, Lottie Jenkins, when I moved back to Nacogdoches in 1985," she said. "She was a volunteer and invited me to come help. I live just down the street, so I can walk back and forth to the center. I think the work they do is so important ... some days I think I need to be back in their Alzheimer's Program instead of helping with the crafts. Kathy (Strong, the executive director) assures me that I'm fine!
"Helping at the Treatment Center gives me something to do," she said. "and I really enjoy the companionship of the ladies who come and help."
Here' a closer look at this Treatment Center volunteer:
What is your favorite TV show? I don't watch much TV except for my daily soap operas – "Days of our Lives" and "The Young and the Restless," which I've watched for about 35 years.
What book are you reading now? Love to read mysteries.
Hobbies? Walking — I walk two miles everyday around the neighborhood, and if it is raining, I walk at the mall; picking up pecans; use to travel years ago – traveled to Spain, Hawaii, Switzerland, and all along the West Coast of the United States.
What are your pet peeves? Can't tell you that, because I have been praying that God will help me get past that.
Family background? Graduated from SFA in 1940; met and married Bob McGraw (he played football for SFA) while attending SFA. We moved back to his hometown of Texarkana after graduation where I lived until returning to Nacogdoches in 1985; had a daughter and a son; have two grandchildren, Melissa Bryant of Huntington Beach, Calif., and John Dillard of Texarkana; also, a nephew, Gary Taylor, who "watches out for me."
Most influential people in your life? My mother and sister.
Personal goals? At my age, I am just happy to get up every morning. My final goal has not been met, and that is reach Heaven, and I am ready whenever the Lord is.
If you could sit down to dinner with the people you admire most, who would they be, and what would you eat? My oldest friends from Texarkana: Lula May Gildon, Ima Jean Bivens and Margie Brumfield. We would have chicken and sweet potatoes.
The most common thing people say about me is? You don't act your age. I'll be 90 on Nov. 30.
