SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD

If you have misplaced your calendar, please be advised that this is the last issue of the Cherokeean Herald for the month of April. Time really does fly. And we've had action on behalf of the future of the Texas State Railroad. Please keep the faith and hope in your hearts that there is a future for the operation of our beloved, historic treasure.

Lots of sports remain for the spring calendar, plus Mother's Day and finally graduation for this year's seniors. We plan our traditional tribute to these young people in what we reduced to a two word acronym: "grad tab." This is not for companies, businesses only. If you are a parent or grandparent or have a connection with a special student, you may have your message of congratulations included. We want our work to become a keepsake for this year's grads. Call us at the numbers in the phone book and we will welcome your participation. You may want to sneak in a photo of Johnny or Mary from the first grade? or, first birthday? But please hurry. Our deadline approaches rapidly.

One of our earlier grads has had time to deliver four sons, work for us a long time and last week Mary Ann Mayes Patterson retired from Rusk State Hospital. We both marvel the distance we've traveled in our lives. She is far too talented to go in search of rocking chair, so she will no doubt find future projects.

One statement concerning the recent Junior Livestock Show was not accurate. It was not our fault, but we want to set the record straight for one of the biggest boosters, if not the biggest, for this annual event. A news story reported contributors to the base for bidding. Our Rusk Brookshire Bros. Manager Gene Brown asked where his name was on the list? Good question. It wasn't. But the company gave more than $7,000 for animal purchases, add-ons and floor credits. Let us all join to salute Brookshire Bros. as a tremendous corporate citizen and leading booster of our young people in this very important, educational opportunity.

In our area good folks continue to suffer. One of our young citizens who is receiving treatments, now for the third time in a year and a half, is Debbie Struhall. She is the daughter of Billie Ruth and Calvin Jinkins, the wife of Jamie, and daughter-in-law of Gerry Struhall. And if you don't make the connection, remember that Gerry is the daughter of the late Abner and Affie Webb. They were in retail clothing business many years and later Mr. Webb was our Justice of the Peace.

On the good news side of the page, Mary Goff is improving daily as a resident at Lexington Place (formerly Oak Park). She talks about going home, her next birthday and the next election. She is a person to be admired. Stan Nolley, formerly of Rusk, is also recuperating after brain surgery. The prognosis is very good. The Tyler Chamber named him to a position on their membership services council last week, so they expect to see him up and about shortly. Everyone wishes the best for all who are less than well and also for their families.

It was fun for us to find another family, like us, having a mini-reunion Saturday. Two sisters, Donna Bothwell Smith and Sheryl Bothwell Grogan, were reconnecting with family and one special friend. She is Bobbie Lou Acker Stricklin, now of Mixon, daughter of the late J. P. and Gladys Acker. It is so good to remember these wonderful people. You really don't have to see them every day...just once in a while which is better than never.

Two brothers almost spent a week together in Rusk. David, Terri and beautiful Barbara Norton came from Alaska to visit his mom, Gloria. About five days later Nick Norton came to enjoy East Texas. Both regretted the inability to synchronize their travel plans, but. Dave enjoyed seeing several classmates including Jack O'Neal and Kenneth Connally. The group visited former Rusk coaches Doyle Brooks and Dick McGaughey. They teamed up for stories, laughter and memories at the Emerald Bay Golf Course where the coaches now reside.

Give praise where praise is due. This wonderful computer has been peaceful today, making life infinitely easier for me. I am thankful. And here's a thought to ponder: "Angels bring a heavenly dimension to everyday life. Watch for them." And when you can, stop to smile.

herald@mediactr.com