SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
It's mid-July and pea picking-shelling is in high gear. Many summer gardens may prove to be more plentiful than had been imagined.

It is great to report that Baby Cooper, son of Adriene and Jason Stanaland, continues to gain ground at the preemie unit in Shreveport. He is the grandson of Lester and Faye Hughes. He weighed in at one pound, six ounces. You can tell he has a "weigh" to go.

Another good news report is from Joni and Charles Davis. He had a liver transplant in early July. He is recuperating near Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Several Ruskites have managed to visit with the couple.

Mary B. Hassell was a happy great-grandmother last weekend when she traveled to Houston with daughter Weida Woodruff and they saw the newly arrived member of their family. Shelby Ann Dawson is the daughter of Leigh Ann and Kyle Dawson of Richmond. Grandparents are Ronny and Mary Ann Perry of Killeen. The infant arrived early and weighed three pounds, eight ounces at birth and continues to blossom. She is also the greatgranddaughter of Genia Perry of Lufkin. Good-byes are always difficult, and we at Whitehead Enterprises wished Elizabeth Guinn an emotional farewell on her last day of work Friday. Elizabeth has worked as a Sunday morning radio producer and a student intern for three years. She will attend the University of Houston this fall.

Elizabeth Guinn

Here's a note from a former resident, Helen Miskell: "Just a note to tell my friends in Rusk, 'hello.' I can keep up with you through the Cherokeean Herald. I was so sorry about the death of Sharon Fisher and Ruth Ross. They were great friends of mine. I hope to visit Mary Turney and Beverly Dowdy some time this year and visit a day or two. I'll try to get in touch with Lois Taggart, Faye Wilcox and Rona Long and several others." Helen sounds like she suffers from a case of home sickness. The best cure for it is a reunion. Helen now resides in Cleveland.

Another reader, Loeta Martin wries: "Kenneth and I have moved to Alto, so guess we need to meet Chris Davis. We are glad to be back closer to Rusk and our families. Kenneth is semi-retired. We are enjoying the country and a slower pace. Looking forward to keeping up with the news and perhaps get involved in things that are happening in Rusk." Yes, indeed, she does need to catch up with Chris Davis. He knows about lots of area activities which could benefit these two retirees. She has been a faithful reader of this publication during these years. This is a by-product of subscribing...we do our best to keep you informed of local happenings. When you move back home, you feel as much in touch as the day you left.

By now most have heard about the deluge which fell on the Texas State Railroad recently. Rest assured, work is ongoing to maintain an operational, tourism steam locomotive.

Be sure to remember to welcome the well known, Thomas the Tank train to Rusk in mid-October. Let me add early on, that about two dozen volunteers are needed to help with festivities and you are invited by the Rusk Chamber of Commerce to get your name in the pot. They office on North Main Street across from City Hall, or you may call (903) 683- 4242.

When times try our very souls, here's a thought of hope and inspiration: "As much of Heaven is visible as we have eyes to see." And you know what? I see a steam locomotive in Heaven. Keep smiling.