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Coupland holds its National Night Out earlier than most communities, and this year it was held Tuesday, Aug. 6, on the grounds of the historic Depot. The Coupland Civic Organization will host a free hot dog supper with homemade cookies. Officials from the Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Services District No. 10, Constable’s office, County Commissioner’s office and Earl Parcell, Coupland Independent School District superintendent, will discuss situations in the community, such as crime and safety, fire safety, school planning, budget and more.
Mark your calendar for the annual Choo Choo Fest, which will be held Oct. 20 in front of St. Peter’s Church. The usual delicious barbecue dinner will be served from 11:15 a.m. until the food runs out. Barbecue will be prepared by Coupland’s Master Chef Peter Wabbel and will include sausage, pork loin and chicken drumsticks. The sides of potato salad, coleslaw and beans will be homemade by Coupland Civic Organization members. There will be one of the famous Coupland bake sales. In addition, the colorful, collectible Coupland Caboose T-shirts will be for sale, along with other Coupland merchandise.
To entertain the children and indeed the entire family, there will be the Kiddie Express train offering free rides around Coupland. There will also be the free Homestead Petting Zoo, which was such a big hit last year.
Choo Choo Fest is the biggest fundraiser for the Coupland Civic Organization, which is a non-profit organization and uses the funds to maintain the historic Depot and caboose.
Coupland School
“Our summer school students had a lot of fun learning and taking educational field trips,” Assistant Principal Kate Knapek said.
The Cowboy Corral for all incoming sixth through eighth grade students will be Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet the Teacher night is Aug. 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 14 is the first day of school.
“Can’t wait to see you all soon,” Knapek added.
St. Peter’s Church of Coupland
While St. Peter’s Church searches for an interim pastor, the July guest pastors were Steven Swope July 7, Scott Martin July 14, Britt Hicks July 21 and Charles Stark July 28.
St. Peter’s is offering rides to church. If you need a ride or can volunteer to give someone a ride in the Coupland, Taylor or Elgin area, call Charlotte Albert at 512924-3335 or email charlottealbert66@ gmail.com.
The next Community Senior Luncheon will be Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon, hosted by the ladies group at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland, is on the third Tuesday of odd-numbered months.
The luncheons are free, but donations are welcome. Bring a bingo prize worth $10 if you are able. There will also be games of 42 dominoes.
Coupland ISD students have been assisting with serving and clean up.
St. Peter’s hosted the first Community Play Day on the playground. Organizers considered it a success with free popsicles. Parents decided to continue gathering regularly.
The playground is open daily from dawn to dusk, with equipment for children ages 2 to 12, and new equipment has been added. There is a covered sports court with basketball hoops and balls, and a moveable pickleball net.
Coffee Connections meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room for coffee and conversation. Coffee Connections is open to the community.
New Sweden Church
“In June, the New Sweden congregation celebrated their annual God and Country program and sing-along. It was a huge success this year! Many thanks to all who participated in helping to make this one of our best years yet and thank you to all the military for your service,” church secretary Susan Rountree said.
New Sweden’s annual picnic is planned for July 28, hosted by the Ramm family.
“They provide a wonderful place and a great time for all. Thank you, Terry, David, and the Ramms,” Rountree said.
The congregation donates back packs for local schools. The packing of back packs will be Aug. 3.
“We fill back packs with school supplies and donate these to children in need at various elementary schools,” Rountree said.
Pastor Hans Lillejord holds Bible study on the second and fourth Tuesday mornings of each month, starting at 10 a.m. There will be no Bible study Aug. 13. Sermons by Pastor Lillejord are on the New Sweden website, newswedenelca.org.
The Evangelism Committee Chairman, Gayle Anderson, has been planning day trips for members for the past couple of years.
“We have been to some wonderful places and have plans for many more,” Rountree said. “Thank you, Gayle.”
Coupland Volunteer Fire Department, ESD #10 Maranda Cummings, administrative support, announced that Williamson County ESD No. 10 is in the process of hiring our first part-time day crews. They are recruiting certified part-time firefighters for 12-hour daytime shifts Monday through Friday with three personnel per crew.
For more information, visit https://wcesd10.org/ jobs.
Anyone interested in joining Williamson County ESD No. 10 as a volunteer, contact John Roulston-Bates. District 1 chief, at [email protected] or Zach Hall, District 2 chief, at [email protected].
Updates will also be available on the Williamson County ESD No. 10 and Thrall Volunteer Fire Departments’ Facebook page.
Coupland Water Supply Corporation Secretary and treasurer Karen Marosko notes that there was a regular meeting of the Board of Directors July 17. On the agenda were increasing sewer rates, treasurer’s report, update on return of nomination letters, and status of laying new pipelines. The next regular meeting is Aug. 5 in the Coupland Fire Hall.
