Today I’d like to talk about three of Wallis’ residents that I’d like to call Wallis’ unsung heroes.

It seems that when disaster strikes, when volunteers or leaders are needed, they are there. They occupy any board position asked of them and sometimes for years because no one else is interested. They give their time, their expertise, their helping hands and sometimes even their money. A small town like Wallis would be hardpressed to pay for this kind of dedication and loyalty.

First would be James King. Most of you know him as the owner of King Construction who has 50-plus years in business which is an accomplishment not many achieve. He has also served as a member of the city council since 1998. What most don’t know is he also serves on the EDC board, is president of the cemetery board for Guardian Angel Church, founding commander of the Sons of American Legion Post 200, founding member of the Rails to Trails local corporation, member of the Brazos ISD Campus Safety committee, former board member of Camp Brosig Boy Scouts and member of the Wallis Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree for the past 50 years. Whew!

In James’ memory is Wallis’ entire history: every water line, sewer repair, grants ongoing or completed, slew and or drainage issue, building existing or not and every resident past or present. Priceless information in the day-to-day operations of the city.

Second would be Joell Prado, she works in insurance sales. And like most working moms, her first priority is her family. The unique thing about Joell is her network of family that joins her in her many hours of giving. Her husband and sons, her sisters and any number of other family members are all included in her army of volunteers. Joell finds the time to serve as a member of the Wallis Chamber of Commerce which had a huge success with the teen dances last year, and she is a member of the Athletic Booster Club.

Joell also headed or was involved with the following benefits: the fundraiser for Taylor Brzozowski, Rise and Shine for Harvey victims, Epilepsy fundraiser, Camp Hope, Third Round Knock Out benefit for cancer and Helping Hands of Wallis. And I know you all remember the Big Freeze, Joell and her family served hot food and handed out water for three days for those that were in need and offered their home for showers, etcetera to total strangers. But they’re not strangers to Joell, they just had a need she could fulfill. We all need neighbors like Joell and the Prados!

And the third unsung hero is Belinda Halfin, who has been employed by Fluor Corp for 32 years. Besides being a past city council member for two terms, she is the current Chairman of the Wallis Chamber of Commerce, a new board member of the EDC and a founding member of Rails to Trails.

Wallis’ chamber networks with chambers in Fulshear, Sealy, Orchard and Katy to promote the city. They participate in all celebrations in Wallis and provide youth scholarships. They also collaborate events with the American Legion and the Columbus Club. And if that weren’t enough, Belinda and her partner of 20 years, Sharon Flagg, buy and rehab houses to provide reasonable rentals for citizens. They both have an affinity for old homes and you can spot one of their rehabs because they are neat, attractive and very well done. They are saving the “old” charm of Wallis one house at a time.

Send your selections for Wallis’ next list of unsung heroes to wallisedc@wallistexas.org.