COUPLAND CIVIC ORGANIZATION (CCO)
The Coupland Civic Organization met Feb.
27 in the St. Peter’s Fellowship Hall. Sarah Torluemke reports that the first speaker was Mayor Jack Piper who reported on the state of the city of Coupland.
Piper pointed out, “The city incorporated a little over 20 years ago with a net worth of a little over $2,000, which was comprised of donations. Today, the net worth of the city is over $425,000.”
The annual budget is posted on the city’s website.
He discussed road work, and noted that to totally redo County Road 458, which is an ongoing problem, would cost about $2 million dollars. Coupland can only continue to do the most pressing repairs.
Torluemke notes that the mayor explained the problems with annual Clean-Up Day. People living outside the city bring trash, and people bring illegal items and leave them after the dumpsters are closed for the day.
The city may have to rethink Clean-Up Day.
John Roulston-Bates, District 1 fire chief, presented information on the Coupland Volunteer Fire Department. A merger between the Coupland VFD and the Thrall VFD has been completed. They have agreed to become a part of Emergency Services District #10.
Torluemke explains, “This has entailed some reorganization, but will not mean closure of the Coupland Fire Station.
Discussion is underway to merge a part of the Taylor Volunteer Fire Department into ESD #10.”
Susan Schmidt, CCO president, presented last year’s accomplishments and future plans. These include National Night Out, Choo Choo Fest, Trunk or Treat and Santa at the Depot. At this time, no firm plans are in place for the fall golf tournament.
Torluemke concludes, “Plans are underway to have the fire department present a CCO class to refresh skills for CPR.
This would be open to anyone wishing to attend.”
The CPR program will be presented at the CCO’s March 27 meeting in the St. Peter’s Fellowship Hall. Come at 6:30 p.m. for a supper of sloppy joes hosted by the CCO directors. The program begins at 7 p.m.
HERMANN SONS LIFE
Hermann Sons Life held a meeting and installation of 2023 officers March 12 at the Coupland Volunteer Fire Department. Attendees enjoyed a meal, fellowship, and games.
ST. PETER’S CHURCH OF COUPLAND
Rev. John Sumner, Pastor Emeritus of St.
Peter’s, has donated three of his paintings to benefit the church. The paintings were sold by silent auction, ending March 26. Proceeds will go toward replacing the St. Peter’s playground.
Thanks to Dana and Danny Smith who carefully transported the paintings from Florida to St. Peter’s.
Pastor Charles Stark says, “Join us on Wednesdays during Lent for a soup supper at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. This year we are focusing on a study by Adam Hamilton entitled ‘The Walk, 5 Essential Practices of the Christian Life.’” The Lenten offering is designated for St. Peter’s Vacation Bible School this summer, which will be directed by Laurie Morris.
The LIFT Ladies met March 7, and the St.
Peter’s Diners met on March 16. The church council met March 19.
The Senior Luncheon was March 21, with a homemade meal followed by bingo and dominoes. Men’s Brotherhood met March 23.
Starks says, “Join us on Sunday, March 26, for food and fellowship after morning worship.
Bring your favorite dish to share.”
The Diners group collects money for food pantries. The donations will alternate between and Taylor and Elgin Food Pantries.
St. Peter’s will allow Williamson County to use the fellowship hall for voting in May and November.
Coffee Connections continues to meet every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room.
Everyone is welcome at St. Peter’s worship services at 10:15 a.m., Sundays. For more information, email [email protected] or go to the website stpeterscoupland. org and click on the calendar link at the top to see all the church events.
NEW SWEDEN CHURCH
Barbara Carisalez reports that New Sweden Church is holding Lenten services on Wednesdays.
At 6 p.m., a meal is served followed by the Lenten service at 7 p.m.
Palm Sunday services will be April 2 at 10:30 a.m.
Carisalez says, “On April 6, New Sweden will hold Maundy Thursday Service at 7 p.m. followed by Easter services on April 9.”
There will be a sunrise service at 7 a.m. at the cemetery followed by breakfast in the Parish Hall. At 9:30 a.m., there will be an Easter egg hunt for the children with Easter worship service at 10:30 a.m. Easter lilies will decorate the front of the church.
The Ladies Bible Study will continue to be held the first Thursday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a light meal. Bible study will continue on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, along with game nights at 7 p.m. on the second, third and fourth Thursdays of the month.
New Sweden Church is at 12809 New Sweden Church Road. For information, see newswedenchurch@ gmail.com and www.newswedenelca. org.
Carisalez says, “New Sweden Lutheran Church welcomes everyone to all our events and activities.”
COUPLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Coupland Volunteer Fire Department chili supper was held March 11 beginning at 5 p.m.
The money raised will go to buy defibrillators and Stop the Bleed kits.
Donations were accepted for chili and desserts, and there was a silent auction. At 6 p.m., there were presentations to Tracy Gardner (former long-serving Chief) and to the Draehn family in honor of beloved former CVFD member Luther Draehn.
District 1 Fire Chief John Roulston-Bates said, “This year we are raising money to purchase AEDs (automated external defibrillators) to be placed in buildings open to the public. When someone suffers a heart attack, CPR and early use of a defibrillator are key to survival.”
Roulston-Bates added, “ESD #10 responded to 112 calls in February, including 60 in the two days of the ice storm.
Our dedicated volunteer staff achieved a 100% response rate.”
If you would like to join Williamson County ESD #10, contact Roulston-Bates at [email protected] or Zach Hall (District 2 Chief) at zhall@wcesd10. org. For news and upcoming events, see the Williamson County ESD #10 Facebook page and the Coupland and Thrall Volunteer Fire Departments’ Facebook pages.
