Houston alderman succumbs to cancer

- Houston Alderman, Thomas E. "Tommy" Griffin, Sr., died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at his home after an extended battle with cancer. Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 at Memorial Funeral Home of Houston.

Griffin was well known throughout the county, particularly in Houston and in Houlka where he lived and worked. He formerly owned and operated a barber shop in Houlka and helped to reorganize the local Volunteer Fire Department in the town. He and his wife, the former Kay Young of Houlka, also traveled for many years with their woodworking business. During his life he was active in the March of Dimes and Relay for Life Team Event to fight cancer.

He helped facilitate an interlocal agreement between the Houston and Houlka School districts as a bus driver transporting Houlka students to the Houston Vocational Center.

At the time of his death, Griffin was serving the City of Houston as Alderman, Ward I. He was first elected to the position in 2001 and was in his second term in the position.

Relay for Life meeting to be held Feb. 2

- The annual Relay for Life event is currently being planned and an organizational meeting for interested persons will be held Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Houston Fire Station. For the last several years, organizers have made county-wide participation in the event a goal.

Teams are being sought to participate in the event which raises money to help find a cure for cancer. Committee leaders and members are also being solicited to serve in various areas.

2008 Chairman, Jean Dendy said that any and all persons interested in continuing the fight against cancer are invited and welcome to attend and share ideas and plans.

"We want anyone who is interested in being a part of Relay in any way," Dendy said. "We're just trying to get started for this year."

One goal for 2009 is to incorporate more youth in the event. Church groups, youth groups, school and civic clubs are all invited to participate.