For anyone who might be trying to get in touch with me at the newspaper, I will be out of the office for a few days. My mother-in-law, Betty Barnett, passed away late this afternoon. She had COPD and had been in the hospital for about a month with an upper respiratory infection of some kind. She had lived with us for the past couple of years and was very close to the kids, and to me. We'll miss her dearly. Arrangements are pending at the funeral home in Jewett. I'll catch up on emails and phone messages early next week. If you need to get something in the paper that I would ordinarily handle, please contact Cheril or Angie. Thanks for your understanding.
Beth
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wings of Freedom Tour
If you can, make time today or tomorrow morning to stop by the Palestine Municipal Airport to see the planes here for the Wings of Freedom Tour. They really are something special to see. It's amazing to think that these planes carried tons of ordnance over Europe and made it back through the flak and fighters, and that they're still flying today. It's also interesting to look at the size of the B-17 and the B-24 bombers. They look large when you're standing next to one, but when you start to think about the size of the commercial passenger jets we're used to - 727s, 747s, MD-80s - they're actually small. There's not much plane in between the young men who crewed those planes and the metal being shot at them from the ground and the enemy fighters. It really gives you something to think about, particularly when you listen to the stories of the men who flew them. The P-51 Mustang, the small silver fighter, was one of the most well-known American fighters from World War II. It's much smaller than the two bombers, particularly the B-24, but most of the planes were designed for only a pilot, although some models had a passenger seat.
Walk-through tours are going to be available regardless of weather. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children. Not only do you get to see the planes up close, inside and out, you also hear about what it was like to fly in them from people who really know. Pretty cool experience. In addition, flights are available on all three aircraft, but for a much higher, and tax-deductible, price. The money raised by the flights helps to keep the aircraft in the air for everyone to enjoy. I had planned to fly in one of the bombers yesterday but was unable to due to family illness. I'm still planning on today sometime. I'll post after I do, as soon as I stop grinning.
The tour is here courtesy of the Veterans Historic Education Center, which sponsored this stop. The VHEC also brings the Vietnam War era Huey helicopter to the Armed Forces Weekend each year at the Texas State Railroad, and it sponsored the traveling Vietnam Wall nearly two years ago on Veterans Day. The group is a non-profit and has been digging into its own pockets for events such as these, so if you see Anne Coleman, Reba Hays or other VHEC members, why not tell them thanks and maybe pass on a little donation if you can to help recoup some of the expense? After all, the drive to our airport is shorter than the drive somewhere else.
Walk-through tours are going to be available regardless of weather. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children. Not only do you get to see the planes up close, inside and out, you also hear about what it was like to fly in them from people who really know. Pretty cool experience. In addition, flights are available on all three aircraft, but for a much higher, and tax-deductible, price. The money raised by the flights helps to keep the aircraft in the air for everyone to enjoy. I had planned to fly in one of the bombers yesterday but was unable to due to family illness. I'm still planning on today sometime. I'll post after I do, as soon as I stop grinning.
The tour is here courtesy of the Veterans Historic Education Center, which sponsored this stop. The VHEC also brings the Vietnam War era Huey helicopter to the Armed Forces Weekend each year at the Texas State Railroad, and it sponsored the traveling Vietnam Wall nearly two years ago on Veterans Day. The group is a non-profit and has been digging into its own pockets for events such as these, so if you see Anne Coleman, Reba Hays or other VHEC members, why not tell them thanks and maybe pass on a little donation if you can to help recoup some of the expense? After all, the drive to our airport is shorter than the drive somewhere else.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Gearing up for Weekend 2 of Dogwood Trails
It's an almost rainy Tuesday -- it looks like rain, sometimes it even spits a few drops, but there's still plenty of pollen on my truck -- and I think we're all recovering well from Weekend 1 of Dogwood Trails. By now the sunburns aren't stinging like they were, the feet have quit complaining and we've had a couple nights of sleep. So let's talk about Weekend 2.
THURSDAY
The weekend's events actually kick off on Thursday with the start of the annual Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival. The festival is held throughout the rooms and hallways of the Museum for East Texas Culture, 400 Michaux St., behind Reagan Park. To someone who hasn't been before, holding a three-day music festival in an old school building now used as a museum may seem strange, but it works well. It's an intimate setting, meaning that the audience can be knee-to-knee with the musicians, and considering that there are plenty of break-out jam sessions, that's a really cool thing. Then too, the timelessness of the music and the nostalgic feel to the building blend together well. This is an awesome good time and VERY family-oriented. Cost varies depending on whether you attend any of the offered workshops, and how many days you want to go. The festival runs through Saturday with varying times.
FRIDAY
In addition to the Dulcimer Festival, the Palestine Community Theatre's production of "Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming" continues this weekend at the Texas Theater, 213 W. Crawford St. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday for the final performance. Cost is $10 in advance for adults or $12 at the door; $6 for students age 18 and under either in advance or at the door.
SATURDAY
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers to help out with Saturday's 8 a.m. annual bicycle rides. This year, the Gatherin' Steam Bike Ride begins downtown, just down the hill from the newspaper in Old Town. (this means i need to be here really early Saturday after a late night on Friday if i want my usual parking spot :( ) As usual, there are several distances to choose from, but all start and end at the same location. If you're considering participating as a rider (or a walker in the 1-mile fun ride/walk/run) maps of the routes are available online here. Registration forms may be downloaded from the Chamber website by clicking here.
For those who enjoy rodeo and good Southern rock/red-dirt country music, the Boston Porter Memorial Scholarship Bullriding will be at the Anderson County Riding and Roping Arena, with a concert by local band Whiskey Myers to follow. The money raised goes to fund a scholarship in the name of Boston Porter, the grandson of Kim and Jimmy Ray who died at 14 months old in 2006. Boston’s Little Buckaroos Kid Rodeo will start at 11 a.m. and the Boston Porter Memorial Scholarship Bullriding will be at 7:30 p.m.
Prior to the rodeo, local animal lovers can have a barking good time at the BARC, The Humane Society's Critter Fun Day at the Anderson County Youth Livestock Expo in front of the riding and roping arena. The Critter Fun Day runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $10 for ages 7 and up (pets and kids age 6 and under are free). The event includes dog trainers running their furry buddies through obstacle courses, Bill and Star from the TV show "Greatest American Dog," and more. It's a fun thing to watch, although I have to do it upwind because of my dog allergies.
The Dulcimer Festival wraps up today, but if gospel music is more your style, check out the Gospel Music Festival today at North Jackson Baptist Church, 1213 N. Jackson St. The event is free and runs from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Also, the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center on Texas 294 between Palestine and Elkhart will have its gift shop open for visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to view its Dickens Village. The village is an entire collection of ceramic buildings designed around the Dickens Christmas theme. It was donated to Lakeview by Don and Jo Strickland of Bryan so that people could enjoy it year-round.
THURSDAY
The weekend's events actually kick off on Thursday with the start of the annual Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival. The festival is held throughout the rooms and hallways of the Museum for East Texas Culture, 400 Michaux St., behind Reagan Park. To someone who hasn't been before, holding a three-day music festival in an old school building now used as a museum may seem strange, but it works well. It's an intimate setting, meaning that the audience can be knee-to-knee with the musicians, and considering that there are plenty of break-out jam sessions, that's a really cool thing. Then too, the timelessness of the music and the nostalgic feel to the building blend together well. This is an awesome good time and VERY family-oriented. Cost varies depending on whether you attend any of the offered workshops, and how many days you want to go. The festival runs through Saturday with varying times.
FRIDAY
In addition to the Dulcimer Festival, the Palestine Community Theatre's production of "Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming" continues this weekend at the Texas Theater, 213 W. Crawford St. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday for the final performance. Cost is $10 in advance for adults or $12 at the door; $6 for students age 18 and under either in advance or at the door.
SATURDAY
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers to help out with Saturday's 8 a.m. annual bicycle rides. This year, the Gatherin' Steam Bike Ride begins downtown, just down the hill from the newspaper in Old Town. (this means i need to be here really early Saturday after a late night on Friday if i want my usual parking spot :( ) As usual, there are several distances to choose from, but all start and end at the same location. If you're considering participating as a rider (or a walker in the 1-mile fun ride/walk/run) maps of the routes are available online here. Registration forms may be downloaded from the Chamber website by clicking here.
For those who enjoy rodeo and good Southern rock/red-dirt country music, the Boston Porter Memorial Scholarship Bullriding will be at the Anderson County Riding and Roping Arena, with a concert by local band Whiskey Myers to follow. The money raised goes to fund a scholarship in the name of Boston Porter, the grandson of Kim and Jimmy Ray who died at 14 months old in 2006. Boston’s Little Buckaroos Kid Rodeo will start at 11 a.m. and the Boston Porter Memorial Scholarship Bullriding will be at 7:30 p.m.
Prior to the rodeo, local animal lovers can have a barking good time at the BARC, The Humane Society's Critter Fun Day at the Anderson County Youth Livestock Expo in front of the riding and roping arena. The Critter Fun Day runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $10 for ages 7 and up (pets and kids age 6 and under are free). The event includes dog trainers running their furry buddies through obstacle courses, Bill and Star from the TV show "Greatest American Dog," and more. It's a fun thing to watch, although I have to do it upwind because of my dog allergies.
The Dulcimer Festival wraps up today, but if gospel music is more your style, check out the Gospel Music Festival today at North Jackson Baptist Church, 1213 N. Jackson St. The event is free and runs from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Also, the Lakeview Methodist Conference Center on Texas 294 between Palestine and Elkhart will have its gift shop open for visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to view its Dickens Village. The village is an entire collection of ceramic buildings designed around the Dickens Christmas theme. It was donated to Lakeview by Don and Jo Strickland of Bryan so that people could enjoy it year-round.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Good start to 71st Dogwood Trails Festival
You couldn't ask for better weather this weekend to kick off the Dogwood Trails Festival. The weather was near perfect Saturday for the parade, arts and crafts show and all the various church fundraisers timed around the festival's biggest weekend. Pleasant temps, mostly sunny skies and a breeze make it a lot easier to be out there, whether as a visitor strolling along W. Oak Street, a vendor outside selling his/her goods or a reporter walking throughout downtown.
People seemed to enjoy the parade, which was longer than normal, lasting over an hour this time. Lots of cars. Lots and lots and lots of cars. Personally, I'd like to see more groups enter floats, but that's a personal preference, not a knock on the parade. Too bad spring break week coincided with the parade. That probably kept out two, and probably three, of the high school bands normally marching in it. I love to listen to a good band play, and personally, I'd like to see ALL of the area school bands participate. It's a chance to show the community how good your kids are.
A note about the video posted of the parade: I enlisted the help of my 14-year-old son to shoot video while I shot still photos during the parade. A technical problem with the camera -- it shut off when he thought he was filming, and it's happened to me, too -- led to no clips of the first few minutes of the parade, when the Dogwood Queen and court and the Palestine band passed by. Sorry about that. The problem got fixed and we shot more video (mostly, he did) throughout the rest of the parade, as well as the day. I'll be editing and posting festival videos beginning Monday.
People seemed to enjoy the parade, which was longer than normal, lasting over an hour this time. Lots of cars. Lots and lots and lots of cars. Personally, I'd like to see more groups enter floats, but that's a personal preference, not a knock on the parade. Too bad spring break week coincided with the parade. That probably kept out two, and probably three, of the high school bands normally marching in it. I love to listen to a good band play, and personally, I'd like to see ALL of the area school bands participate. It's a chance to show the community how good your kids are.
A note about the video posted of the parade: I enlisted the help of my 14-year-old son to shoot video while I shot still photos during the parade. A technical problem with the camera -- it shut off when he thought he was filming, and it's happened to me, too -- led to no clips of the first few minutes of the parade, when the Dogwood Queen and court and the Palestine band passed by. Sorry about that. The problem got fixed and we shot more video (mostly, he did) throughout the rest of the parade, as well as the day. I'll be editing and posting festival videos beginning Monday.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Glad to see a long Dogwood day at its end
It's 11 p.m., and I do know where my children are. They're all still up instead of in bed. But it's spring break and two of the three children were at the 71st annual Dogwood Trails Festival all day. Our son signed up to help the Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 am direct the vendors to where they were to set up their booths, which netted him three hours of community service for Scout rank advancement. After that, he helped me with photos and videos throughout the day. Our older daughter arrived at 6 am with her Girl Scout troop to set up their booth to sell cookies in Old Town. They stayed until after 3 pm when the crowds became sparse. Both are tired and all need to go to bed, which they've been told to do. Following directions is not a strong suit when it comes to bedtimes around here.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Congratulations to Slocum
Congratulations to the Slocum Mustangs on their state championship! Slocum defeated Lipan on Friday night, then beat perennial heavyweight Nazareth on Saturday to win the Class A, Division II title. To put some perspective to it, Nazareth won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. The Swifts (a long-eared fox) have won like 13 state titles. To beat a team that expects this kind of success in your first trip to state is like little Hickory High beating the big-city school in Hoosiers, even though the school size is comparable. I've played on a pair of basketball teams that reached the state tournament in Kentucky back in 1982 and 84, but we didn't win. This is a great achievement that you should be very proud of! My hat's off to you, Slocum!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Victory for the Neches River National Wildlife Reguge
The word is spreading now that the judge in the appeals case has ruled in favor of those pushing for land along the Anderson and Cherokee County banks of the Neches River to be allowed to become a national wildlife refuge, rather than be flooded to make Lake Fastrill for the City of Dallas. The City of Dallas and the Texas Water Development Board had sued to halt the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's efforts to set up the Neches River NWR, so that Lake Fastrill could be built to help meet Dallas' projected water needs mid-century. The first ruling had been in favor of the refuge, prompting the appeal. Groups such as the Conservation Fund, the Sierra Club, the Texas Conservation Alliance and the Friends of the Neches River all have lobbied public and political support for keeping the river and its bottomlands as they are, not flooded with lake water.
Word came down late last night that Judge Solis ruled in favor of the refuge. Watch the Herald-Press' Saturday edition for a story with local reaction.
Word came down late last night that Judge Solis ruled in favor of the refuge. Watch the Herald-Press' Saturday edition for a story with local reaction.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
High School Basketball
Congratulations to the Neches Lady Tigers on their state semifinal win last night. The Lady Tigers unfortunately lost tonight to Roby, 44-34, in the Class A, Division II championship in Austin. It's a tough time for the shooting to go cold, but it happens to the pros, too. Dwell on the success!
Congratulations to the Slocum Mustangs, who just defeated Laneville in Nacogdoches to advance to the Class A, Div. II boys state tournament next weekend in Austin. Best of luck next week -- win two more!
Congratulations, as well, to the Cayuga Wildcats, who lost a close game to Tenaha earlier this morning in Nacogdoches in the Class A, Div. I regional finals. Coming that close and not winning hurts (been there, years ago) but what you've accomplished as a team is something to be proud to have been part of. Good luck in the future!
Congratulations to the Slocum Mustangs, who just defeated Laneville in Nacogdoches to advance to the Class A, Div. II boys state tournament next weekend in Austin. Best of luck next week -- win two more!
Congratulations, as well, to the Cayuga Wildcats, who lost a close game to Tenaha earlier this morning in Nacogdoches in the Class A, Div. I regional finals. Coming that close and not winning hurts (been there, years ago) but what you've accomplished as a team is something to be proud to have been part of. Good luck in the future!
Extreme Makeover, Park Edition
With the economy as shaky as it seems to be nationally, it's really great to see so many people here open their wallets and give their time to help the Palestine Junior Service League purchase and install the new playground equipment at Reagan Park. Crews from the prisons did the pad work earlier in the week, volunteers dug holes and set equipment into position for assembly yesterday, and this morning a little army of blue-shirted volunteers has sprung into action to assemble everything and get it in its final position as the concrete cures. Junior Service League leaders estimated about 10:30 this morning that they'd had around 160 people working on the project, with more stopping by to drop off homemade cookies and treats, or to offer checks to buy pizza for those doing the work. They estimated between $225,000 and $250,000 has been raised for the project, and everything has been donations - money, time, materials, labor, etc. It's heartwarming to see a cross section of the community come out to do something that benefits all of the kids of the area. We have a story and photos in the Sunday paper and online, as well as a short video.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Incumbents all sign up to run again
According to city secretary Janelle Williams, councilman Vernon Denmon Jr. has officially entered his name in the hat for the District 2 council race, meaning that the current office holders - Denmon, Jim Yelverton in District 4 and Steve Presley in District 6, as well as Mayor Carolyn Salter - all have filed for re-election in the May 9 city election.
So far, the mayor's race and the District 2 race have drawn multiple candidates.
Joining Salter on the ballot are Bob Herrington and Dan Bochsler. Herrington is the president of the Planning and Zoning Commission and son of former Mayor Johnnie Herrington, as well as the stadium announcer for Palestine Wildcat football. Bochsler is the president of the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, teaches as an adjunct instructor in engineering and business at UT-Tyler, has been involved in a number of community committees and also substitute teaches at Palestine Middle and High Schools.
In District 2, local resident Julie Abston is seeking the council seat held by Denmon. Abston and her husband Pat have become active in the community since moving here and purchasing a historic home.
The final day to file an application to be on the May 9 ballot is Monday, by 5 p.m. The applications are available for free in the city secretary's office in city hall, 504 N. Queen St. City hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
So far, the mayor's race and the District 2 race have drawn multiple candidates.
Joining Salter on the ballot are Bob Herrington and Dan Bochsler. Herrington is the president of the Planning and Zoning Commission and son of former Mayor Johnnie Herrington, as well as the stadium announcer for Palestine Wildcat football. Bochsler is the president of the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, teaches as an adjunct instructor in engineering and business at UT-Tyler, has been involved in a number of community committees and also substitute teaches at Palestine Middle and High Schools.
In District 2, local resident Julie Abston is seeking the council seat held by Denmon. Abston and her husband Pat have become active in the community since moving here and purchasing a historic home.
The final day to file an application to be on the May 9 ballot is Monday, by 5 p.m. The applications are available for free in the city secretary's office in city hall, 504 N. Queen St. City hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Good luck to area hoops teams!
The UIL Girls State Basketball Tournament is under way in Austin at the Drum, with one of our own competing for a state title. The Neches Lady Tigers (34-3) tip off today at 7 p.m. against Leggett (29-6). The winner will play the winner of Roby (32-3) and Vega (26-9) at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Class A, Division II championship game. While we try to stay neutral when it comes to covering area schools, I'm not a sportswriter anymore, I'm not covering the games and I taught two years (1998-99 and 1999-2000) at Neches, so .... Go Lady Tigers!!! Paint Austin green.
On the boys' side, two other Anderson County Class A schools are two wins away from Austin. The top-ranked Cayuga Wildcats are playing Bland right now (1:10 p.m.) at Stephen F. Austin State University. The winner plays the winner between Tenaha and Waskom at 10 a.m. Saturday at SFA for the right to advance to state in Division I next weekend. Later this afternoon, the Slocum Mustangs play Avalon in Division II at SFA. The winner will face the winner of the Universal-Laneville game at noon Saturday for the chance to advance to state. Best of luck to both Cayuga and Slocum!!! Let's put Anderson County small school hoops on the map!
For those interested in keeping up on the Internet, our sports editor Scott Tyler is in Nacogdoches covering the two boys games and posting updates on his blog, Inside Pitch, located on the paper's web site. The UIL is posting live updates from the girls state tournament games, so check that site (click Live Scoreboard) later for Neches updates.
As of 1:10 p.m., Cayuga holds a 65-46 lead over Bland in the fourth quarter, according to Scott. Go Cats!
On the boys' side, two other Anderson County Class A schools are two wins away from Austin. The top-ranked Cayuga Wildcats are playing Bland right now (1:10 p.m.) at Stephen F. Austin State University. The winner plays the winner between Tenaha and Waskom at 10 a.m. Saturday at SFA for the right to advance to state in Division I next weekend. Later this afternoon, the Slocum Mustangs play Avalon in Division II at SFA. The winner will face the winner of the Universal-Laneville game at noon Saturday for the chance to advance to state. Best of luck to both Cayuga and Slocum!!! Let's put Anderson County small school hoops on the map!
For those interested in keeping up on the Internet, our sports editor Scott Tyler is in Nacogdoches covering the two boys games and posting updates on his blog, Inside Pitch, located on the paper's web site. The UIL is posting live updates from the girls state tournament games, so check that site (click Live Scoreboard) later for Neches updates.
As of 1:10 p.m., Cayuga holds a 65-46 lead over Bland in the fourth quarter, according to Scott. Go Cats!
Boy Scouts to honor Jeff Gordon
According to an article in ScoutingNews.org, NASCAR great Jeff Gordon is being honored for some of his off-the-track work by the Boy Scouts of America. Those of you with boys in Cub Scouts over the past few years may remember promotional material at sign-up time featuring Gordon's photo and urging boys to "Race into Cub Scouting." In addition, since 1999 The Jeff Gordon Foundation has raised more than $7 million for children's charities. So on March 24, the BSA will honor Gordon's efforts by awarding him the Silver Buffalo award, which is the highest honor that the organization bestows on adults for their contributions to youth on a national level. Others who have received the award include Charles Lindbergh, Walt Disney, Hank Aaron, Gen. Colin Powell and 13 Presidents of the United States. Great job, Jeff!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Coming this weekend
Reagan Park playground
As those of you who have driven past Reagan Park over the past week have undoubtedly noticed, the city's flagship park isn't looking quite the same. City workers removed most of the old playground equipment last week and prison work crews have been hard at work this week preparing the site for the installation Friday and Saturday of new equipment. This is the fruition of the Palestine Junior Service League's big fundraising efforts. The PJSL raised approximately $250,000 in donations to use to purchase new playground equipment, and around 150 volunteers are expected to turn out over the next two days to install it. Rather than toss away the old equipment, the city is planning to move it to a different park. No word yet on where it will wind up.
Classic Movies in the Park
Saturday marks the first Saturday of the month, which means it's Movie in the Park night. This month's feature is 1963's "Hud," which stars a young Paul Newman as a young man who's willing to cheat his way to whatever he wants, no matter who's in the way. The movie won three Oscars - one to Melvyn Douglas for Best Supporting Actor, one to Patricia O'Neal for Best Actress and one for Best Cinematography. Newman was nominated for Best Actor, Martin Ritt for Best Director, and the movie also earned nominations for Screenplay and Art Direction. The movies are free, but donations are taken for the Pleasant Hills Children's Home on U.S. 84 near Fairfield. If you go, take your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Embrace the Arts
This Saturday is an "Embrace the Arts" Saturday. The Museum for East Texas Culture will be hosting an art exhibit entitled "Color Me Spring," featuring the work of local student artists. The "Embrace the Arts" reception will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; the exhibit runs through the end of March.
As those of you who have driven past Reagan Park over the past week have undoubtedly noticed, the city's flagship park isn't looking quite the same. City workers removed most of the old playground equipment last week and prison work crews have been hard at work this week preparing the site for the installation Friday and Saturday of new equipment. This is the fruition of the Palestine Junior Service League's big fundraising efforts. The PJSL raised approximately $250,000 in donations to use to purchase new playground equipment, and around 150 volunteers are expected to turn out over the next two days to install it. Rather than toss away the old equipment, the city is planning to move it to a different park. No word yet on where it will wind up.
Classic Movies in the Park
Saturday marks the first Saturday of the month, which means it's Movie in the Park night. This month's feature is 1963's "Hud," which stars a young Paul Newman as a young man who's willing to cheat his way to whatever he wants, no matter who's in the way. The movie won three Oscars - one to Melvyn Douglas for Best Supporting Actor, one to Patricia O'Neal for Best Actress and one for Best Cinematography. Newman was nominated for Best Actor, Martin Ritt for Best Director, and the movie also earned nominations for Screenplay and Art Direction. The movies are free, but donations are taken for the Pleasant Hills Children's Home on U.S. 84 near Fairfield. If you go, take your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Embrace the Arts
This Saturday is an "Embrace the Arts" Saturday. The Museum for East Texas Culture will be hosting an art exhibit entitled "Color Me Spring," featuring the work of local student artists. The "Embrace the Arts" reception will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; the exhibit runs through the end of March.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Looking forward to flying
I'm really excited to circle Wed., March 25 on my calendar. That's the first of three days that the Wings of Freedom Tour will be in town at the Palestine Municipal Airport, featuring a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and a P-51 Mustang. I really enjoy World War II history since I had an uncle and a great uncle who served in the European Theatre, and my parents were teens then. I've read several of Stephen Ambrose's books on World War II (Band of Brothers, Citizen Soldiers, D Day, Wild Blue) as well as James Bradley's book, Flyboys, about the Pacific air war near Chi Chi Jima and Iwa Jima. I've also had the privilege to interview several World War II veterans. So I'm very excited about the chance to fly in one of the aircraft for a story and photos (videos, too, hopefully). Now I just need the weather to cooperate.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Why 8-year-old girls should not have cats
This is Katie the Wonder Cat, the most patient cat in the world. She only wants to be loved, fed and scratched, not dressed in a teddy bear's graduation gown. She has since been advised that the wise thing to do next time is run and hide, not wait to be picked up.NOTE: No animals were harmed and no children were scratched. However, there's probably something to be said about people who take photos before disrobing the cat.
Don't forget to submit Eagle Scout news
This is a note to adults connected with Boy Scouts, whether Scoutmasters, troop advancement chairs, parents or other legal guardians. As you're planning for Eagle Scout Courts of Honor, don't forget to pass on the good news to the Herald-Press. We gladly publicize the accomplishments of our local Eagle Scouts (and likewise for Girl Scouts who earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards). Here's the information we need:
• Scout's first and last name, age, Troop number, school and grade currently attending, and parents' names
• Scouting information: How long your new Eagle has been involved in Scouting, whether he started in elementary school as a Tiger Cub or in middle school; what awards has he won (think Arrow of Light, Order of the Arrow, Lifesaving and Meritorious Action awards, 50-miler hike, etc.; if he's gone to a high adventure camp like Philmont or the Northern Tier or has served as a camp counselor at Pirtle or elsewhere; how many merit badges he earned
• Eagle project: A sentence or two briefly describing the Eagle project that the Scout designed and led;
• Educational plans: A sentence stating what your Eagle plans to do, such as attend a particular college or enlist in the military
• A photograph that we can print, preferably in digital format or an original print. Paper copies do not reproduce well because they've already been printed once and the dots show up when we reprint. We will certainly return your photo.
Click here to link to a previous Eagle Scout announcement published in the Herald-Press.
If you have any questions, or would like to submit information, please feel free to contact me (Beth Foley) at bfoley@palestineherald.com or to call 903-729-0281. Leave me a message if I am not in. Thanks!
• Scout's first and last name, age, Troop number, school and grade currently attending, and parents' names
• Scouting information: How long your new Eagle has been involved in Scouting, whether he started in elementary school as a Tiger Cub or in middle school; what awards has he won (think Arrow of Light, Order of the Arrow, Lifesaving and Meritorious Action awards, 50-miler hike, etc.; if he's gone to a high adventure camp like Philmont or the Northern Tier or has served as a camp counselor at Pirtle or elsewhere; how many merit badges he earned
• Eagle project: A sentence or two briefly describing the Eagle project that the Scout designed and led;
• Educational plans: A sentence stating what your Eagle plans to do, such as attend a particular college or enlist in the military
• A photograph that we can print, preferably in digital format or an original print. Paper copies do not reproduce well because they've already been printed once and the dots show up when we reprint. We will certainly return your photo.
Click here to link to a previous Eagle Scout announcement published in the Herald-Press.
If you have any questions, or would like to submit information, please feel free to contact me (Beth Foley) at bfoley@palestineherald.com or to call 903-729-0281. Leave me a message if I am not in. Thanks!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Scout stuff going on
Girl Scout cookies have arrived, which means orders should be delivered and booth sales have begun. The cookies are still $3.50 per box for all flavors, but they are slightly smaller. According to the Girl Scouts office, with rising costs, the choice was either raise the price or shrink the size a little bit. So they shrunk the size, which is fine with me.
Cookie flavors this year are: Samoas (chocolate, caramel, coconut); Thin Mints (chocolate-covered mint wafer); Trefoils (traditional shortbread); D0-Si-Dos (peanut butter sandwich cookie -- certified safe peanut butter); Tagalongs (my personal favorite -- cookie wafer with a thin layer of peanut butter and covered with chocolate); Sugar Free Chocolate Chips (diabetic-friendly chocolate chip cookies); Dulce De Leches (cookies with caramel striping and chips); and Lemon Chalet Cremes (sandwich cookie with lemon filling).
Don't forget that the Girl Scouts offer the opportunity to donate boxes of cookies to military troops serving overseas. The cost is the same but instead of walking away with a box for yourself, the money is directed to the Gift of Caring program for the purchase of cookies for troops.
As for the guys, the Three Rivers District will hold its annual District Pinewood Derby competition right here in Palestine at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 at VFW Post 3907 at 3800 W. Oak St. If you've never had a boy enter this event, it's a blast! The boys are Cub Scouts, which means grades 1-5, and they use the BSA Pinewood Derby kits - basically, rectangular blocks of soft pine with axles and wheels. The boys (with varying amounts of help) design the cars, cut the wood to the desired shape, sand and paint it, add stickers and wheel assemblies. Some choose to add weight to improve the distance that the cars will roll when released at the top of the track (they're limited to how much weight and where, I think). The designs are really great that these kids come up with and it's a lot of fun watching how excited they get to see their cars in action. In addition, the district is also doing a Raingutter Regatta at the same time, same location, so the boys can double their fun. This is the second weekend of Dogwood Trails -- same Saturday as the Gatherin' Steam Bike Rides starting a little earlier in downtown Palestine, so if you're coming through the downtown area to get to the VFW, plan in a few extra minutes, or take Loop 256 to US 79 West by Jack in the Box and avoid downtown.
Cookie flavors this year are: Samoas (chocolate, caramel, coconut); Thin Mints (chocolate-covered mint wafer); Trefoils (traditional shortbread); D0-Si-Dos (peanut butter sandwich cookie -- certified safe peanut butter); Tagalongs (my personal favorite -- cookie wafer with a thin layer of peanut butter and covered with chocolate); Sugar Free Chocolate Chips (diabetic-friendly chocolate chip cookies); Dulce De Leches (cookies with caramel striping and chips); and Lemon Chalet Cremes (sandwich cookie with lemon filling).
Don't forget that the Girl Scouts offer the opportunity to donate boxes of cookies to military troops serving overseas. The cost is the same but instead of walking away with a box for yourself, the money is directed to the Gift of Caring program for the purchase of cookies for troops.
As for the guys, the Three Rivers District will hold its annual District Pinewood Derby competition right here in Palestine at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 at VFW Post 3907 at 3800 W. Oak St. If you've never had a boy enter this event, it's a blast! The boys are Cub Scouts, which means grades 1-5, and they use the BSA Pinewood Derby kits - basically, rectangular blocks of soft pine with axles and wheels. The boys (with varying amounts of help) design the cars, cut the wood to the desired shape, sand and paint it, add stickers and wheel assemblies. Some choose to add weight to improve the distance that the cars will roll when released at the top of the track (they're limited to how much weight and where, I think). The designs are really great that these kids come up with and it's a lot of fun watching how excited they get to see their cars in action. In addition, the district is also doing a Raingutter Regatta at the same time, same location, so the boys can double their fun. This is the second weekend of Dogwood Trails -- same Saturday as the Gatherin' Steam Bike Rides starting a little earlier in downtown Palestine, so if you're coming through the downtown area to get to the VFW, plan in a few extra minutes, or take Loop 256 to US 79 West by Jack in the Box and avoid downtown.
Family emergency
To anyone who has tried to find me at work since Friday morning, I apologize for not being available. My mother-in-law, who lives with us, became very ill early Friday morning and was rushed to Palestine Regional Medical Center, where she's been in ICU since then. Her long-term prognosis looks good, but she's still very weak and sick and being transferred to a long-term acute care center in Tyler. Therefore, I'm anticipating being in and out of the office more than usual (either going to visit or watching kids so that my husband can go) so please shoot me an email at bfoley@palestineherald.com or leave me a voice message at work. I do not have Internet or texting enabled on my cell phone (I have an 11-year-old who would use it too often) but I'll try to check for and return messages as often as I can. Thanks for your patience and understanding!
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