By Nathan Straus
nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com
Jacksonville and local officials and volunteers could not have asked for a better day to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Love’s Lookout rest stop Tuesday. The sun was bright, the breeze was cool and the volunteers were honored for their hard work in making Love’s Lookout a reality.
State Rep. Chuck Hopson spoke to a crowd of about 50 people, congratulating the volunteers for their part in the rest stop.
“A lady stopped by my drug store and said, ‘this is the nicest stop we’ve ever been to in the state of Texas,’” Hopson said.
Jacksonville Mayor Robert Haberle described some of the history of the popular rest site and reiterated the need for dedicated volunteers.
“The most important part has been you all, the volunteers,” he said. “You enjoy it. You look forward to doing it.”
Clay Bevel, one of the 12 volunteers who has served Love’s Lookout for the five years of its new life, said working the visitors center is something he enjoys doing.
“I’m really thrilled to death,” Bevel said. “We need more people that want to come in here to volunteer.”
After a series of speeches and an award presentation in recognition of the service of volunteers both old and new, attendees ate a hot dog and chili dog lunch provided by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. A birthday cake for Love’s Lookout was served as well.
Even though Love’s Lookout has stood since before the revitalization effort five years ago, recent work and dedication have gone into the stop to make it one of the most popular rest locations in the state today.
Five-year volunteers in attendance were Clay Bevel, Marth Bevel, Ray Brinkley, Pansy Conner, Chris Corley, Dr. Charles Creed, Altha Haba, Dot Rowe, the Rev. Enid Shepherd, Eve Stanfill, Elizabeth Tate and James Tate.
New volunteers attending were Betty Brown, Donna Brumbelow, Terri Case, Margaret Hightower, Patsy Mims, Chris Steptoe and Julie Yeargain.
Mary Hughes was named the 2005 volunteer. Kenny McLeod was named the 2008 volunteer.
The Texas Department of Transportation is in charge of maintenance for Love’s Lookout. The rest stop is just north of Jacksonville on U.S. Highway 69, and is easily identifiable due to the nearby lookout tower.
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Love’s Lookout celebrates 5 years
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