TDCJ's Skyview-Hodge employees honored, appreciated at luncheon
Skyview and Hodge Unit employees took center stage May 7 as the

Shannon "The l Pirate" Selman, Angela "The Gorilla" Shaw and Branda "The Angel Fish" Sadler take turns at the microphone May 7 during a luncheon saluting the employees of the Skyview and Hodge Units. Their normal job responsibilities include: Ms. Selman, registered nurse supervisor; Ms. Shaw, contagious infections nurse; and Ms. Sadler, director of nurses.

honored guests at an appreciation luncheon.

The cost of the event was underwritten by Rusk philanthropist and Citizens 1st Bank CEO Jim Perkins. TDCJ Warden Todd Foxworth presented a hand-carved wooden plaque to Mr. Perkins.

"Thank you for making this event possible," Mr. Foxworth said.

Mr. Perkins took the microphone and congratulated employees for their dedication. "Our community appreciates you. We're moving forward, this is a great day."

A lifelong friend of Mr. Perkins, William Vaught, supervised the design and construction of the plaque, and was recognized.

Prior to the luncheon, three judges participated in a tasteoff to rate the best desserts and side dishes.

Dr. Jim Largent (left), superintendent of Rusk ISD, and Ted Debbs, Rusk State Hospital superintendent, served as judges for the dessert and side dish food competitions. Employees brought side dishes and desserts to accompany a barbeque luncheon.

First place honors for side dishes went to Angie Shaw with her bacon and potato casserole. Earning second place was Sharon Hamilton with a broccoli and cheese casserole.

In the dessert category, Andonia Arriola captured top honors with a mango cheesecake entry. Ms. Hamilton won second place with a sopapia cheesecake entry.

Judges were Dr. Jim Largent, Rusk ISD superintendent, Ted Debbs, Rusk State Hospital superintendent and Terrie Gonzalez, Cherokeean Herald managing editor.

Highlighting the entertainment were TDCJ interpretations of "The Next American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars."

Headliners included Patsy Decline, Wannabee Emmy, Aretha Franklin and Rehab and T-Post. The gymnasium at the Hodge Unit was transformed into a Hawaiian luau with paintings and wall murals created by inmate/artists.

During an audience l participation dance, Brenda Sadler, the angel fish, leads the group in a popular line dance called the "The Macarena." The gymnasium at the Hodge Unit was transformed into a Hawaiian Luau, complete with hand-painted wall murals, pink flamingos and a waterfall. The event was underwritten by Jim Perkins, CEO of Citizens 1st Bank. PHOTOS: ROBERT GONZALEZ

Mr. Foxworth joked about the wide variety of food fare on the buffet table. "We have three shifts of employees that we are honoring today, and I'm going to be here until at least 11 p.m. tonight."

A handmade k sign at the entrance to the Hodge gymnasium welcomed guests as they entered for the appreciation luncheon May 7. Jim Perkins, CEO of Citizens 1st Bank, holds a plaque of appreciation that is presented to him by Todd Foxworth, warden of the Skyview and Hodge Units at TDCJ in Rusk (third from left). Invited dignitaries during the luncheon include from left Rusk City Manager Mike Murray, Rusk Chamber of Commerce office manager Connie Brown, Mr. Foxworth, Mr. Perkins, Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn and William Vaught. Standing behind Mrs. Raiborn is Charles Hassell, Citizens 1st Bank vice-president. Mr. Vaught's shop class built the plaque from discarded lumber. Amy McAllister takes a spin with a hula hoop as part of the entertainment presentation at the May 7 luncheon held at the Skyview and Hodge Units in Rusk. Randy l Selman (left) and Todd Chastain set up their equipment and rehearse a few songs before the guests for the luncheon arrive.