SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
Hello, November. October will be remembered as a high point on the calendar for '07. It has been a period for entertaining, to say the least.

Most notable was Thomas and Friends at the Texas State Railroad. An approximate count of visitors has been placed at more than 12,000. Folks, that's a lot of folks. With the train's operators, American Heritage Railways, all of East Texas can feel blessed by the success of the promotion. Certainly, it is a positive sign of the possibilities for the TSR under the operation of Al Harper and his company of people. There was just one significant guest missing. That is House Speaker Tom Craddick. If he could have been here to feel the excitement, to see the importance of saving our historic train, he might have raced back to Austin, immediately moving promised money into position for assistance.

Thomas the Tank Engine's visit was a huge demonstration of what can be expected from the hands and hearts of a decision-making, private operator. However this scenario plays out, we have now seen the possibilities for our train's future.

For those properties still under the guidance of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept., there is new hope. Proposition Four on the Nov. 6 election ballot allocates $52 million for their survival. Approximately $25 million of that, however, is earmarked for restoration of the Battleship Texas. We can cite important needs for parks, wildlife and jobs for hard working people. Even though it does not help TSR, I invite you to join with a "yes" vote for Prop 4.

Our government is no better than our money can buy. I still believe in the Tooth Fairy. Take a tooth, leave money. If you think I have a bad attitude, you should read some of my thoughts that have never been written. I am comforted by one fact. "Those who have lived justly, loved mercy and truth and walked humbly with their God" will be remembered and rewarded. Historians will fill in the blanks for today's questions. I just hope that many of our younger citizens will live long enough to know the truth.

Praise and accolades are due the dozens and dozens of volunteers who worked as individuals and through organizations.

A lot of local effort went into Thomas' visit. Bob Goldsberry and Connie Brown, manager and secretary of the Rusk Chamber, led the "can-do" spirit. As the effect of train visitors parking in downtown Rusk was noted, our locals began to whisper wistfully, "It looks like it used to...remember?" Vehicles were all around the square, parked while the occupants boarded mini-buses out to the depot. It certainly did fill the need for parking space. Some will remember the success of the event by the severity of the sunburn received while working in the hot sun all day. Wounds duly noted, sympathy for aching feet and legs, but didn't you feel alive?

The Heritage Center of Cherokee County gave tours to approximately 40 out-oftown visitors who wanted to extend their visit in Rusk.

The joy of the weekend was further accentuated by celebration of homecoming at Rusk High School. Rachel Simmons and her court were honored, along with a notable performance by the award-winning RHS band. For the 11th consecutive year, Rusk earned a Division I rating at the annual UIL competition. We who missed the competition in Nacogdoches enjoyed the video, played back on Channel. 9, SuddenLink Cable on Saturday morning. Those march maneuvers have come a long way. What a blessing to know so many special young people and to appreciate all the adults that make their accomplishments possible. From top to bottom, RISD is a school district to be saluted. But, it always has been. And today, the exes just keep coming back for mini-reunions. These are the special years of a student's life. I cherish my memories, as all of you do. I heard today about another gathering planned for the Class of '63. That was a very good year. Watch for the announcement.

Here's a quick update on the area ills. Neighbor Jim Turner was back in the hospital over the weekend awaiting surgery on Monday. Unwilling to let his neighbor Ike Daniel get ahead of him, Sam Florian had to make a hospital pit stop with an aching leg/foot over the weekend. He had a staph infection in his leg for which he enjoyed gallons of stuff through a tube, to get antibiotics moving as quickly as possible.

And here's a special thought for you and others: "Be gentle with those who come your way. Chances are they have not felt the presence of an angel for a long time." Keep smiling.