SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD
You don't need to read it here to learn that we've had cold weather lately. Sunday began with 28 degrees and ice in the bird bath. By the afternoon, we were up to 44 degrees. We can tolerate what we're having, especially when there's no accompanying damage.

One humorist suggested that he knew the thaw would come right after the chamber's Sock Hop, when all that energy and hot air mushroomed like a bomb all over the area. The building was rocking as all the "wanna be" 15-again-folks bounced to the "jail house rock" with Elvis. A star teeny bopper was our own Sara Summers who is credited with teaching the new dance to all her daughters' friends when the gang gathered at The Eagles' Nest, a kind of teen canteen located on the land now serving as a drive through window for Citizens 1st Bank. That was back in the 50s, before television became a household word. Those are happy days well remembered by one of the original generation of boogie woogie boppers.

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce honored many persons for skills and talents lent in service to the past year. The banquet highlight was the announcement of Lewie Byers as Citizen of the Year. He deserves the honor and received a standing ovation from several hundred present. The Texas National Bank leader was recognized by last year's recipient, Ted Debbs, superintendent of Rusk State Hospital. Business Woman and Man of the Year were Toni Meador of Texas National and Monte Ethington of Chapman Pharmacy. Entertainment from almostready for Broadway or TV comedians, Judges Bascom Bentley III and Chris Davis, warmed up the crowd. They may have been responsible for the big thaw. What they didn't generate in hot air, their audience provided with roll-in-the-floor laughter. Several distinguished guests included State Sen. Robert Nichols, State Rep. Chuck Hopson and wife Billie, also Al Harper, CEO of American Heritage Railways, operator of the Texas State Railroad. He whispered in passing that another exciting event was signed for this year's agenda and will be announced soon. He continues to beam at the train's success.

It was a good time had by all. It occurs to some of us to wonder: "Why doesn't the chamber sponsor, as fundraisers, several sock hop dances throughout the year? There seems to be an unlim- ited number of folks who can remember when and love to reenact, too.

News gathered in passing include two birthdays. Mary Ellen Goff, a longtime staff member at RSH, will celebrate number 96 on Feb. 17. If you were to call her, it would not hurt her feelings. Another special friend is Pearlie Session, retired school teacher, who with me claims credit for our daughter's compassionate heart. Miss Pearlie and Wendee became friends in 1968, fifth grade at Rusk Elementary, as I remember. Miss Pearlie said she was looking forward to her 100th birthday celebration. Give her a call, too.

Last week we noted the death of Lois Osborne, widow of Herbert Jr. and mother of Paul. She was a lively, interesting person when the family enjoyed horses. Lois was a member of the famed Cherokee Mounted Quadrille. These riders performed a square dance routine and left their audience breathless as they raced through a figure eight at break-neck speeds. Leon Pledger was the noted caller for the dancers on horse back. I don't guess anyone tried to teach them boogie woogie steps. Friend Lois spent many hours back when, working to beautify the grounds around the Courthouse. She was very active in the Rusk Garden Club work and received her share of blue ribbons and best of show honors. It was good to visit with her niece, Cheryl Black, and remember the way we were.

Another citizen of the big band era is John Clairborne Williams. His health has slipped a bit in recent time. He has been on prayer lists and with the help of our Creator and his medical team, he will return home soon.

Our thanks to the Northcutts for a note with their subscription renewal. He was the superintendent of the store and Rusk State Park, adjoining the Texas State Railroad, for about 10 or 12 years. They have moved. And here's their closing thought for all of us this New Year: "If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and worries of tomorrow, you'll have no today for which to be thankful." And they suggested we keep on smiling. Absolutely. herald@mediactr.com