SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
Christmas in September? Well, not quite, but close. So much joy has been shared during the past two weeks that it only seems like the season for sharing love. With the signing of documents to transfer the Texas State Railroad to the TSR Authority and subsequently to American Heritage Railroads, a great sense of relief was felt for the future of our "treasure." New owner Al Harper said from the outset that the preservation of history and heritage rank at the top of his list. Through these antique vehicles of service, he hopes to bring education of our past to the present generation. He firmly believes that the future is predicated on present planning based on the past. Spoken like a true historian.

And now that the TSRAH is going forward with repairs and promotions for a busy season, our Rusk Chamber of Commerce leaders can proceed with enthusiasm for plans to create a mini-park at the intersection of U.S. 69 and North Main. The name, Whitehead Heritage Park, has been given. The focal point of planning is a simple message, "Welcome to Rusk - Home of the Texas State Railroad." There were a few times during the past 18 months that a viable future for the train's operation, seemed "iffy." If the train were to become a static display, how helpful would a sign, featuring a red caboose be? Last week more dirt was moved to the site and tracks put in place to park the piece of rolling stock from TSR. Watch for the completion of this great welcome-greeting. Hundreds of thousands of people have passed through our community since 1976 and many of them drove right on, never dreaming that we have such a famous and interesting vehicle for history and tourism. It is hoped that the little red caboose will call out, "slow down, come visit."

Football, of course, energizes the entire area. And the hunting season which opens in November brings more excitement.

Two special "gems" among the graduates of Rusk High School were given special recognition last Friday. The first is Dr. Jim Swink who became the first name to be placed on a Wall of Honor at Rusk High School. He has been such an inspiration to all classmates and adults who know him that classmate Jim Perkins provided Citizens 1st Bank's lobby to exhibit Dr. Swink's memorabilia. This will remain throughout the month. Well, it was a total surprise, judging by Mr. Perkins' expressionless face, when a few words were submitted to recognize the second name added to the RHS Wall of Honor. Dr. Jim Largent, superintendent, recognized Mr. Perkins for his many contributions to all facets of quality life which make Rusk special.

Actually, the Wall of Honor was launched by none other than Mr. Perkins when Dr. Swink was chosen as the first honoree. The two classmates have proven that students/graduates of Rusk High School can achieve their dreams. The Wall of Honor is another way of reminding all Rusk grads that RISD is a great and strong academic center for education. Another way of saying that "big is not always better." The two outstanding honorees and all who contribute to RISD are saluted for providing examples of what it takes to be good role models.

Another Rusk graduate, who left for Houston and earned a degree from Rice University, is Dave Norton. He and brother Nick visited their mom, Gloria, last week and managed a quick hello at our office. He now helps Alaska in its successful operation as a great state. Dave's dad and I graduated from high school together at Huntsville in 1945. I have been blessed to enjoy something like "family status" with this family. Gloria and I share the same birth date, another tie that binds.

Friend Neka Rhodes, former Rusk resident, her daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Garland, enjoyed a week of visiting last week. Neka maintains a special place in her heart for Rusk from her home in Victoria. The trio traveled the area in search of family records and genealogy. I felt honored that they came to me with some of their questions. Most of the names on recent prayer lists for our community are reported to be better. Hooray. These include Ike Daniel who is enjoying rehab; Charles Davis who has been given a permit to return to work at Lon Morris (part-time); baby Hailey Gray is reported by grandmother Rebecca to be doing great. She was born July 24 and has grown from 6.6 pounds to 8.8 pounds last week. Parents Amanda and Jody are doing very well, too, and that also includes grandpa James. Fay and Lester Hughes continue to smile, almost glow, when you ask about little grandson Cooper. He will probably pass the three-pound mark this week. That's real good, considering he began at one pound, six ounces.

In closing, let me ask if you have, or know of, registered polled Hereford heifers for sale. Yes, I have none, but several cattle folks have called looking. Let me hear from you if you have any. One buyer wanted 20-30 heifers. In my dreams. And I have none.

A thought for you to ponder: "Because they've seen a better place, angels whisper hope to us in our darkest moments."

Keep smiling.