Did you know that Freestone County is a member of The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG)?

This is an organization of local governments working together voluntarily to solve mutual problems and plan for the future of the six-county area.

The six county area covers Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. HOTCOG's duties include comprehensive planning for regional employment and training needs, criminal justice, economic development, homeland security, emergency preparedness, bioterrorism, 9- 1-1, solid waste, aging, transportation and rural development.

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you the many services offered through HOTCOG.

The first area I will cover is the Health and Human Services Coordinating Council (HHSCC).

The HHSCC is composed of older persons, minority individuals, persons with disabilities, caregiver of person with disabilities, advocates for health and human service provider organizations, advocates for transportation provider organizations, advocates for supportive services organizations, local elected officials, the general public and persons with leadership experience.

The Council also has resource representatives with no voting privilege because of their special knowledge or experience in health and human service policies.

The council meets in Waco approximately six times per year.

I am a resource member of this Council and we are looking for additional representatives from Freestone County.

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact me at 903-389-5800.

Next week, I will discuss the 2-1-1 Call Center and the many resources this center offers.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the families of Marie Charpiot and Clifton Childs. Our prayers and get well wishes also go out to Gena Keeney Aultman.

Menus Wednesday, Feb. 25 --

Hamburger steak with onions and brown gravy, new potatoes, mixed vegetables, bread and cherry crisp Thursday, Feb. 26 -- Crisp beef tacos, chips, salsa and cinnamon crisps Friday, Feb. 27 -- BBQ beef brisket, potato salad, baked beans, bread and dump cake Monday, March 2 -- Chef salad with ham, turkey, cheese and egg, crackers and apple cobbler Tuesday, March 3 -- Chicken with alfredo sauce, pasta, seasoned green beans, rolls and mixed fruit