ROTARY CLUB
BY RENÉ MCCRACKEN SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

Marie Whitehead was guest speaker for the March 7 Rusk Rotary meeting. Mrs. Whitehead and her late husband, Emmett, purchased the Cherokeean in 1950. From the forming of Cherokee County in 1846 to the first ill-fated day that the State Railroad attempted to choo-choo in the 1960s, she told of a historic community that has much to be proud of. "Rusk is much more than somewhere you want to visit, but one where you simply must live to appreciate," she said. If you would like to learn more about the history of Cherokee County, you can reach Mrs. Whitehead at the Cherokeean Herald.

Members were joined by Rusk High School students. Councilor, Lisa Cockrum introduced Lauren Johnson who has been cheering or leading volleyball teams while preparing to pursue her interests in elementary education at Tyler Junior College. She is currently ranked fifth in the 2007 graduating class. Ryan Curtis, a busy senior that although he loved and played several years of baseball, is now in the "early-release program" which allowed him to work for Billy Lankford and better prepare for a major in forestry at Stephen F. Austin.

At the March 14 meeting a certification of appreciation was presented to Bob Francis and accepted by David Thompson for continued support of Rotary. Rotarian, attorney and thespian Larry Sinclair showcased his acting skills as well as his sense of humor when he gave his take on local television advertising. From beavers to banjo's, trial lawyers to dentists and pharmaceuticals, Mr. Sinclair portrayed the lighter side of television commercials and with the assistance of other Rotarians left his audience in stitches. Even a well known car salesman was spoofed to be "selling" the "hot deal" of Rotary service for just $35 per month, because "We got it going on at Rusk Rotary Club...in downtown Rusk."

Child care discussed

at recent meeting Rotarian President-elect Toni Meador was a substitute for this week's host Mark Birkelbach as she introduced his guests Mark and Charlotte Ford to the Rusk Rotary Club. The Fords own and operate childcare facilities in Jacksonville and Rusk doing business as Charlotte's Web and Charlotte's Web Too respectively. Since 1994 when the Jacksonville location was first opened, Mark and Charlotte have worked tirelessly to provide a loving Christian and safe learning environment for area children. Mark went on to say that they "consider their daycare an extension of their family, and not just organized baby sitting."

Cowboys entertain

President Joe Dorries recognized Rusk High assistant principal, Scott Schwartz April 4. Mr. Schwart brought along this week's outstanding high school seniors: JayAnna Magruder who plans to major in pre-optometry at the University of Houston; Sheena Henderson, soon to be a political science major at Sam Houston with plans on becoming a lawyer; Cortland Jones,who will attend UT-Tyler and majoring in architectural engineering; and Daniel Kennedy, who will attend Stephen F. Austin to pursue a degree in mechanical/chemical engineering.

Houston White created more than a stir among the crowd when he "rode" into the meeting to present his "History of the Cowboy's Boot." Houston aka "Lonesome George" and Larry Sinclair aka "Lonesome Larry", captured the attention of the crowd as they crooned a few old cowboy songs atop their trusty stick horse steeds. Mr. White has been a connoisseur of boots for many years, thought it to be the only way to introduce his own favorite boot makers and others that have continued to have great success in the state of Texas. He said the boots' original purpose was that while mounted, the tall heel prevented the foot from sliding forward through the stirrup, which could be life threatening if it happened and the rider were to be unseated. Today what was once only footwear to get the job done has now become popular fashion among businessmen and women as well. In fact, with the lawyer's wearing Lucchese's boots, the competitive cowboy these days could be found sporting a new "heeled" tennis shoe. Modern cowboy boots are available in all colors of the rainbow and a pair has been made from just about every animal whose skin can be made into leather. Many cowboy boot companies have been in operation since the 19th century. Each manufacturer has developed its own proprietary lasts for producing boots, which are considered trade secrets and are highly guarded. Some well known boot makers are: Alberta Boot Company, Ariat, Boulet, Double-H, Justin, Lucchese, Nocona, Olathe, Red Wing, and Tony Lama.