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October 30, 2017
THREE surprises for Glenda Shepherd’s birthday, as told by her niece, Alecia (Garrett) Watson:
Unsure if they could keep it a surprise, Glenda’s husband, Mark Shepherd, son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Elizabeth Shepherd and daughter, Jane Wallace, set out to plan the perfect surprise 60th birthday weekend for Glenda. Glenda had been in Diboll for a few weeks visiting her mother, Lillie Mae McGuire, with plans to go to San Antonio for a weekend to babysit her grandson, Heath so that Paul, Elizabeth and her granddaughter, Brie, could spend the night in Austin after attending a concert there Friday evening. What she didn’t know at the time, was that on their way home Saturday, Paul and Elizabeth picked up his dad, Mark Shepherd, from the Austin airport for surprise number one of the weekend! Glenda was very shocked that Mark was now in San Antonio for the weekend, and Brie was excited that her grandparents got to attend her soccer game that day! Afterwards, they all went to Chuy’s for lunch where her second surprise was revealed! Her sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Corry Crager, along with her cousin, Loretta Garrett, and friend, Mary K Teutsch, all showed up at Chuy’s with a birthday cake and balloons! For her final surprise, Mark had arranged for the ladies to stay the night at the Hyatt Regency on the Riverwalk for the evening! Upon arriving, they found he had booked them the Presidential Suite on the top level of the hotel! He also handled dinner reservations for them at Boudro’s on the Riverwalk, which is one of Glenda’s favorite restaurants. They got to enjoy the Riverwalk sites from a river boat ride before they headed back to the hotel for a night of reminiscing about the “good old days”! Thank you Alecia for sharing the event of this unforgettable surprise birthday.
Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship Liberty of the Seas left Galveston for Falmouth and Montego Bay, Jamaica, Georgetown, Grand Bahama and Cozumel, Mexico a few Sundays ago. On Board was none other than cruise queen, Jimmie Woodard (her 17th cruise) along with friends David and Vivien Standridge, Sandi Anthony, Bobby Wiggins, Nicole Cox and Milo Winters. The group had a most marvelous trip zip lining, parasailing, hiking, eating, sightseeing, laughing, eating, playing bingo, gambling, eating, playing Trivia, listening to karaoke, playing chicken foot, eating, swimming, snorkeling, meeting and making new friends and then there was eating. When Bobby and I weren’t eating or enjoying any other fun event, we were enjoying an ice cream, usually two or more treats per day. All in all a week later, the group was ready to get home and return to the hustle and bustle of work and for some of us, retirement. Great fun, great food, great friends. As always, my thanks to Jimmie Woodard for sharing the fun she has being retired.
Clay and Brooke Colwell with their two children, Lewin and Gentrie traveled with Brooke’s sister, Hope, and her children; Peyton, Kendall and Gavan to Arkansas’s second highest mountain to enjoy three days of fresh air, camping and riding ATVs at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This past weekend, 5-year-old Lewin hunted with his dad during the opening day of Youth Season in the river bottom near their home. Gentrie told everyone “brudder shot” a deer and indeed he did; a nice 8 point!
Jack Murray proudly reported at the RT his 13-year-old granddaughter, Chloe Murray was also successful in getting a nice 8 pointer and this is not her first. Her parents are Chris and Melanie Murray.
Steve Sikes came in with his dad, James, Saturday morning. Steve was quick to show us a photo of the nice 8-point buck his grandson, Gavin, had gotten that morning. It was his first big buck. Steve also shared it was 40 years ago on October 24, 1977 at age 19 that he went to work for the Diboll Police Department. He remembers going to T/I’s Fiberboard plant for General Manager/ Mayor C. H. Shepherd to swear him in. He later completed the training to become a DPS trooper and retired after 20 years. Max Rowe and Judd Homer David have returned from a great week of fishing at a remote lodge in Wawa, Ontario, Canada. They took their time and spent a week driving to Canada and then had to fly 60 more miles to the camp site. Although the weather was cold in the mornings they really enjoyed fishing for walleye and pike.
Ronnie Howell thought we might be able to help him since we advertise as being the “Everything Store”. He wants Diboll’s old Dairy Kream recipe for “Juicy Pig” sandwiches. Boy, I would love to have that recipe too. I remember how good they tasted. So, if anyone reading this knows anyone that has the recipe, give us a call 936-829-4040. PS we do have a copy of the original Dairy Kream chili recipe.
Speaking of recipes. There are 30 recipes available at participating Diboll businesses who are sponsoring their annual Christmas CASH Give Away during the month of November. A playing card is available at every participating business. Simply go by pick up a card have it stamped and carry it to as many businesses as possible. Depending on how many stamps you receive determines how much cash you might win, up to $300! The businesses and sample playing card are listed elsewhere in the paper.
Rosemary (Swetland) Berry brought me news about the latest fund raiser for Chapter #382 Order of the Easter Star. It is their annual Pie Sale. Proceeds will benefit several charitable events they sponsor including the Women’s Crises Center; Godtel; Salvation Army; scholarships and quarterly meals prepared for Veterans. There are six choices of pies: apple, cherry, peach, pecan, pumpkin and sweet potato. Because they are frozen, you will be able to put them in your freezer and use them when needed. Doylene Cook-Jumper said the pumpkin is the best and Dianne Tate-Gipson said the cherry is the best! Hurry, because the cut-off date to order is November 10th and the pick-up date is November 17th. Please call Rosemary S. Berry to place your order, 936-635-9951.
Our first shipment of delicious Georgia pecans should arrive this week for everyone who has anxiously been waiting to start their holiday baking.
Come see us…’round the table.
October 23, 2017
My thanks to JoAnn Rainwater for the following news about their recent trip to Branson, Missouri.
For their 25th wedding anniversary on October 12 (and also Jo Ann’s birthday), Richard and Jo Ann Rainwater spent a week in Branson, MO. Branson had changed a lot since they were last there about 20 years ago with John Ralph and Sandra Pouland.
After a restful night following the 9-hour drive to Branson, Wednesday was spent walking the hills of Silver Dollar City and enjoying some of the entertainment there. Thursday the 12th was set aside for celebrating birthday/anniversary. Recalling the wonderful dinner at sunset following their wedding at Lake Tahoe on this date 25 years ago, Jo Ann had booked a window table at the Top of the Rock Osage Restaurant overlooking Table Rock Lake. At sunset a bagpiper began playing on the patio below for 15 minutes, creating a beautiful blend of sound and scenery, followed by a delicious dinner to complete a perfect evening!
A highly recommended Biblical production of “Moses” at the Sight & Sound Theater was Friday’s event. This 2,000-seat state-of-the-art theater features a massive 300-foot panorama stage that wraps around the audience with the ability to house sets four stories tall. When the seas parted for Moses and the Israelites to pass through, it was as though they were parting for the audience also. This massive production featured live animals running down the aisles – horses, sheep, goats, camels, etc. All had to perform perfectly 100 times for the trainers before they could become a part of the show. Past productions have included “Ruth”, “Joseph”, “Jonah”, “Noah” and “Moses”, ending its two-year stint October 20. Next up is “Samson” beginning in March 2018. Will the temple columns “topple” on the audience??? Dinner afterwards was at a great Italian restaurant, Florentina’s.
The Rainwaters chose an entertaining dinner cruise on the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle for their event on Saturday. The paddle wheeler cruised the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake while guests enjoyed a nice meal, accompanied by a live band playing on stage. This was followed by entertainment from a magician, a trio of tap dancers, and the singing group The ShowMen and the talented and lovely Cassandre.
The gastronomical trip would not be complete without Sunday Brunch at the Chateau Grille, located at the Chateau on the Lake resort and convention center. It was an amazing display of food, food, and more food.
A visit during the day on Monday was to College of the Ozarks and the beautiful Keeter Center. Known as Hard Work U, College of the Ozarks is unique among American universities because students work, rather than pay, for their education. Not one student pays a penny for tuition; instead, each works 15 hours a week at a campus job.
Jo Ann has become a “groupie” of The Texas Tenors, who spend part of their time when not touring performing at the Starlite Theater in Branson. Monday was the beginning of a three-week stint in Branson for the Tenors, so what better way to end a fun week than by going to their concert. They never disappoint!!! The Rainwaters already have tickets for their Christmas show in Galveston on December 15th.
Don’t forget this Friday, October 27, will be the last day to sign up to attend and support The Diboll Family Education Center’s annual Literacy Luncheon. The luncheon will be November 2nd. This is an opportunity to support a great program that provides adult basic education, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, Citizenship preparation as well as parent education. The center uses the funds from this event to pay the costs for students to take their GED and also supports the annual parent conference held in January. To make reservations or for more information, contact Charlotte Morris Carter at 675-1310. You can also email her at cmorris@dibollisd.com with the number attending and make your donation at the door.
Mark your calendar for a good family outing in Diboll’s city park (Old Orchard) November 4th for a Praise Fest from 10AM in the morning with vendors and games for the children until 6PM when more music will be provided by various vocals groups. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the food, fun and festivities.
“Grandma” recipes and traditional Christmas baking just seem to go together. The Diboll Business Association realized that Grandma dropped her recipes and they are scattered all over Diboll. They are sponsoring a fun event this year; a scavenger hunt that will allow you to collect recipes and also a have an opportunity to win CASH. Each participating business will have a playing card with all the places for you to go to collect a recipe and also get your playing card stamped plus enter your name to win a Christmas stocking, CASH and other prizes that will be given away. Complete details will be printed on the playing card which should be available by November 1st.
Enjoy the fall weather and come see us…’round the table.
October 17, 2017
Earl & Joyce Carr have recently completed another travel quest with the Huntington State Bank travel club. These two along with HSB coordinator Patsy Weaver and several others traveled by bus to Dallas and flew to Minneapolis, MN. Another bus ride took them to Duluth for the beginning of a 10-day Lake Superior Circle Tour. Day 2 was spent taking a lunch cruise around the Duluth harbor and visiting the historic Glensheen Mansion and Estate. The tour continued along the north shore of Lake Superior to Split Rock Lighthouse where the group enjoyed a gondola ride to Moose Mountain for lunch. Then it was to Ontario, Canada to Thunder Bay where the group visited the public monument commemorating cancer research activist Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. The monument offers a panoramic view of Thunder Bay and its surroundings. The next day brought them back into the US to Sault Ste. Marie to observe the Soo Locks that have been referred to as one of the great wonders of the world and are still the largest and one of the busiest waterway traffic systems on earth. That day they also crossed the Mighty Mac bridge to board a ferry to Mackinac Island, a Victorian village limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, surrounded by water, it has escaped the vast changes of time. The group explored the the Grand Hotel, famous for the movie “Somewhere in Time.” Back to the mainland, they visited the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and spent the night in Marquette. At the Da Yoopers Tourist Trap they saw the largest chainsaw and working rifle and toured the shrine of Bishop Baraga. In Ashland, Wisconsin they observed several historic murals depicting the people and the history of that town. The Apostle Islands cruise in Bayfield, a visit to an apple orchard and winery completed the circle tour. Joyce said Earl was so glad to be back in Texas he slept 20 hours when they finally got home.
Wilber Teer enjoyed telling me about his and Margie’s recent trip to fulfill an item on her bucket list, seeing the colorful leaves in New England in the fall. Although it is the wrong direction, the trip began with them flying to Colorado Springs to visit with their grandson, Rand Teer who was accepted into the Air Force Academy last June. After a good 2-day visit with Rand, the Teers boarded another plane to Providence RI where they rented a car and began to enjoy several days of “leaf viewing”. Locals told them their timing was perfect. Driving through the beautiful countryside, they came to an apple orchard where Margie picked apples. They saw lighthouses, beautiful harbors, lots of boats and covered bridges. Driving across Connecticut into Vermont, they felt lucky to find a small spotless motel where parking is at the front door of the room. The single proprietary was a German man who is a “baker” but also handles all the duties of the motel plus other jobs. He prepares breakfast for the guests and he and Margie had a great discussion about pumpernickel bread. Margie told him she has tried and tried to bake the bread but hers always “falls”. Being an experienced baker he knew what her problem was…she was using the wrong kind of flour and it was killing the yeast. Leaving there happily, they traveled other roads across New Hampshire and into Maine visiting Bangor and Kennebunkport which is the summer home of the 41st President of the US, George H. W. Bush. The home is located on Walker’s Point which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Driving around Boston they arrived at The Kennedy Compound which consists of three houses on six acres of waterfront property on Cape Cod along Nantucket Sound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. After more sightseeing it was time to fly back to Texas and cherish the memories of this trip that included 17 wonderful days.
According to Gary Gores, Ricky Medina has confirmed that his family will be opening their locally famous gourmet potato store with expanded menu soon on Temple Drive (highway 59 next to the Donut Palace). This is good news for those driving 25 miles round trip for a “potato fix”. The Medina family is well known in Diboll and the Medina Brothers are close to opening soon. Most of the needed equipment is here and being installed. Ricky Medina has had much pressure to open as the news has spread of the opening of a third Spud location in our area. Permits are obtained and equipment installation is almost complete. Ricky Medina’s ‘Spud concept’ has a big fan here in Diboll; Gary Gores will save over a hundred miles a month driving back and forth to his Frank Street location. Diboll’s retail is growing and the Spud is a great addition to the local demand for food service operations.
Mark Hafernick shared with the round table the news that he and Ann are grandparents again. Carter Brian Johnston was born October 12th in Colleyville, Texas. His parents are Lauren and Judd Johnston and his big brother, Cooper, is 2 years old. Judd is a veterinarian with a practice in Colleyville and Lauren works as an event planner for Sky Ranch Ministries. Baby Carter Brian’s paternal grandparents are Jerry and Tracy Johnston of Corpus Christi. He was named after his uncle Brian Hafernick who is also a DVM and owner of Pineywoods Veterinary Clinic in Lufkin. His aunt is Dr. Angela Hafernick.
The Diboll Business Association is planning a scavenger hunt during the month of November for their Christmas Cash Give Away this year. Those who want to enter this fun event will go into participating businesses to have their playing card stamped to be eligible to win as much as $300 in Cash plus lots of chances to win other gifts. More details next week.
Come see us…’round the table.
October 9, 2017
Nettie Tanner will officially turn 101 years of age on October 12th but she celebrated in a big way a little earlier this month when friends got together with her at the Fair Acres Community Center in Diboll. Ms. Nettie lived in Diboll for 42 years but has been in her hometown of San Augustine for the past 10-15 years. She was married to Ferris Tanner who worked for Southern Pine Lumber Company. About 25 guests attended the birthday reception to enjoy cake, punch and fellowship. When Ms. Nettie was offered cake she said, “I want to talk with everyone, not eat cake”. She recognized Marcellos Jones and remembered almost everyone that attended and ask them lots of questions. Margie Harrell, as a young girl, remembered Mrs. Tanner’s popular tea cakes and how her dad, S. W. Watts, would buy the tea cakes but cautiously handed them out to his kids, making them last longer. Everyone in the neighborhood enjoyed her tea cakes. Ms. Nettie said, “There is nothing I can’t bake. I’ve been cooking from the age of seven.” Those attending Nettie Tanner’s 101st birthday party included: Velma Levine; Cynthia Rogers; Lorine Smith; Winnie Dell Guidry; Marcellus Jones; Leamon Ligion; Wallace King; Pat Jackson; Earline Vinson; Joyce Bray; Bobby Waters; Jeff Jackson; Mable Johnson; Margie Harrell; Mattie Lewis; Evelyn Stephens; Regina Freeman; Beryl Moses; Beverly Quinney; Margaret Cunningham; Sarah Blount; LaShone Levine; Ann Tanner and Emma Lou Simmons.
Twins, Karon (Register) Lenderman and Sharon (Register) Collins, were pleasantly surprised with a 60th birthday celebration October 7th.Their children, Ashley Rios, Cassi Davis, Zach Lenderman, Mandy Burris and Misty Thornton planned the successful surprise. They had help from the twins’ husbands, Dennis Lenderman and Ronnie Collins. To allow for the party to be set up on the Lenderman’s double decked patio, Cassi and her two young sons, Jase and Mack, picked up Karon to go watch her oldest granddaughter, Kylie Rios, play volleyball and eat lunch. Cassi’s husband, Stacey, had gone to his hunting lease earlier that morning and was able to pick up the cake, ice cream and balloons on his way home. Ronnie brought Sharon from their home in Cleveland to have lunch with her parents, Marlon and Jean Register and celebrate Sharon’s and her mom’s birthdays. (Jean Register’s birthday was three days earlier on October 4th.) After having lunch they decided to drive to the Lenderman’s “to deliver a birthday present” to Karon. Somehow everyone managed to arrive at the same time for the big affair. Family and friends “surprised” them and enjoyed cake and ice cream while reminiscing with the twins.
A special congratulations to Melvin and Kay Linton who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on October 5th. Enjoyed visiting with new customers, Richard and Debbie Dunn who recently moved from Rockdale to Huntington. Richard enjoys Dutch oven cooking and has won First Place in a cook off with his peach cobbler. Congratulations.
Tom Farley wears many hats including “Marshall” of the Neches Pines golf course. Sarah and Richard Wallace’s home has a pool on the golf course. From time to time Sarah has had an encounter with a snake in the skimmer but she was really scared when she found TWO copperhead snakes in some pine straw near the pool. She sent a text to her close friend and golfing buddy, Melba Gores, who immediately dispatched her husband Gary to deal with the situation. Gary grabbed a shovel, jumped in the golf cart and headed a short distance to the Wallace home. In the meantime, Tom Farley was passing by the No. 9 green tee on his golf marshall duties when he heard and saw Sarah in distress. Tom was quick. He was using a pitching wedge with a unique stroke when Gary arrived on the scene. Sarah was grateful for these two guys “coming to her rescue” and taking care of the situation. A couple of days later I heard Sarah found another snake on top of her mailbox. Where was Tom and Gary?
Mark your calendars for the second Annual “Be A Hero & Walk In Her Shoes” Cancer Benefit, October 21st. It was hilarious last year and should be bigger and better this year. So, convince your guys to participate and design their fashionable attire around “heels”. This unforgettable event will begin at 10:30 AM in front of the Diboll ISD Administration building. Registration forms are available at the Diboll Civic Center, City Hall and the Temple Library. The fee is $25 for guys brave enough to wear heels and $30 for non-heels. Remember, the proceeds will benefit a cancer patient in our town that is presently taking treatments. The “walk” will be from the administration building all the way to the old Diboll Free Press building so there is plenty of room for spectators to observe. Come out and support a good cause.
Come see us…’round the table.
October 3, 2017
Oh my, where does the time go? Eck Franks, son of popular Diboll ISD teachers, Bennis and Opal Franks has retired after working 25 years at First Bank & Trust East Texas and before that, 16 years at Lufkin Federal Savings and Loan. Our daughter, Andrea Swor, has fond memories of Eck as the buyer for LFS&L when they purchased her FFA steer in 1980 at the Angelina County Youth Fair. She’s proud to say Eck has been her loan officer since that time.
What can I say about Vernon Glass this week except he’s deserving of a big “Thank You” for the fresh stoneground cornmeal he brought to the store. His cornmeal makes the best cornbread especially when using Mrs. Birdie Pate’s original recipe for Mexican cornbread shared by Nita Hurley. Vernon is somewhat like the “bunny” on the TV commercial, he just keeps going and going. An apprenticed mechanic, Vernon has ALWAYS had unique classic cars. He arrived this week driving, what he calls, his “T-Box”. A 1924 T-model with an exposed engine that will run in excess of 100 MPH. The interior is a beautiful white leather. I didn’t notice any windows and the doors have been welded making it look like a box, Vernon, somewhere near 80, is able to step over into and under the steering wheel without any difficulty. The “Ooogaa” horn is original and from a 1914 model. Vernon says this particular car has been in every Diboll Day parade for the past 50 years.
Customers of Pouland’s from Ratcliff, B’Ann and Bob Beam, took time to visit at the RT. B’Ann grew up in Ratcliff and later met Bob in Colorado and married. They lived in different places including Dallas where B’Ann taught school and Bob built bridges. They have since retired in Ratcliff where they enjoy camping often taking their horses with them. They began planning a trip in March with friends in Red Lodge, Montana who had relatives that live on a 7500-acre ranch in Douglas, Wyoming which happened to be the centerline of the recent eclipse. About 18 friends and family members met at the ranch a couple of days early and enjoyed visiting and camping in tents, teepee and campers. After the eclipse, the traffic was so bad they had to wait a couple of days before driving on to Estes Park. The Beams are already looking forward to the next eclipse in 2024 in Texas.
Jason Stuck came in with his two adorable and talented two daughters; 11-year-old Ainsley and 5-year-old Hailey, both who are experienced gymnasts in cheering. Ainsley has been training for seven years and Hailey started when she was three. Hailey, being petite, makes her a perfect “flyer” which is the team member that is usually thrown into the air and caught by teammates. Ainsley is considered a “back spot” who has the important responsibility of holding the “flyer”. Their mother Carmen and Jason are responsible for their two daughters getting to gym class two times a week.
It was good to visit with Hulen “Cotton” George and his wife, Suzanne, from Martinsville. “Cotton” has fond memories of coming to Diboll to visit his grandmother and cousins. She was affectionately known to all us as “Momma George” who worked in the school cafeteria for many years. Cotton was an Ag teacher in Martinsville while Suzanne taught math in the Chireno ISD. They presently attend Springhill Baptist church with former Diboll ISD Ag teacher Larry Poe and his wife, Judy. Their pastor is Don Chumley whose mother is Donnie Jenkins of Diboll. Hulen continues to serve as a National Director for the Texas High School Rodeo Association and they have one son, Brady George, who lives in Dayton.
James Paulette stopped by Pouland’s for corn and Andrea enjoyed visiting with him. He and his wife Pat live in Angleton now but James grew up in Lufkin where he played Little League with Butch Maddux, Sandy Bate and Bud Maddux who is now known and recognized internationally as the coach (along with Malcom Deason) for the world famous “Thundering 13”. James and Pat Paulette attended the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, PA. James was able to visit with Bud ‘through the fence’ at the game while wearing his orange Southwest World Series cap. His wife Pat even borrowed a piece of cardboard to slide down the world famous hill at the park. James also shared that his claim to sports fame came in 1966 while the Panthers were playing Nacogdoches, who at that time, was ranked 2nd in the state. James scored the only touchdown of the game to beat Nacogdoches 6-2. The Paulettes have been traveling around scratching off their bucket list that included Niagara Falls, Cooperstown and Gettysburg.
Faithful Swap Shop listeners on KRBA 1340, Gerald Drake and his daughter, Michele Shanks, made a fast trip to Diboll after hearing about Pouland’s The Everything Store on the radio. I felt fortunate to receive a 2000 Kennedy 50-cent piece from Mr. Drake who is known for giving them away. Michele was happy about finding a Christmas present in one of our showcases.
The children of Mary Lou Havard planned a special party for her 90th birthday at her beautiful ranch home off FM1818 in Beulah. Enjoying reminiscing, visiting with friends and family and a catered fajita dinner from Tome’ were: Deborah and Jimmy Cole; Brad Howes; Angie and Manuel Compos and children Kylee, Whitaker, Josh Saldana and Hailee Hargis; Mary Beth and Mike Boatner; Stephen and Kellie Sheppert and daughter Lottie Sheppert; Andrea Swor; Wayne and Janet Harris; Kathreen Chuke; Sandy Beauchamp; Bonnie Mettlin; Danny Harris; Dwight and Valerie Chisum; Ed and Debbie Chisum; Randy Chisum; Claire Harris; Keith Havard; Dana Jones; JoNell Placker; Bettie Greer; Joyce Carlton; John Ralph and Sandra Pouland.
Calling all men to participate in the 2nd Annual “Be A Hero & Walk in Her Shoes” which will be held October 21st. Registration forms are available at Library, Civic Center and City Hall. This is a great benefit for Cancer Awareness.
Come see us…’round the table.
September 25, 2017
John and Lynette Monk were married August 30th, 1957. Lynette’s birthday was two months before on June 27th when the eye of Hurricane Audrey came over her home in Sulfur, LA. John was in his senior year at LSU and attending Bougaloosa Forestry Camp. He knew the storm was brewing but back then there was no weather channels or cell phones. He stood in line at a pay phone to call and check on Lynette. She was OK but the whole town was caught off guard causing total devastation and loss of many lives. John didn’t waste any time in setting a date two months later to get married on August 30th. 60 years later, they had plans to celebrate their wedding anniversary at their favorite French restaurant in Humble, Chez Nous but another devastating hurricane Harvey prevented that from happening. They are still waiting to enjoy that special celebration but it may be after the hurricane season is over. Congratulations to the John and Lynette Monk!
One never knows where Wayne and Cindy Clark will be one week to the next. They have just returned from a quick trip to Las Vegas with their friend Kathy McKnight, to see best-selling female artist in history on the Caesars Palace stage for a powerful set featuring all her greatest hits. Céline Dion’s Colosseum show has been called “the show of shows and “Las Vegas’ biggest act since Elvis.” Céline Dion has won five GRAMMY Awards, Record of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, two Academy Awards for the title songs “Beauty and the Beast” and “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic and many other awards. These three from Diboll were certainly impressed with her show. Since the purpose of their trip was mainly to see Celine Dion they didn’t leave much time for sightseeing or anything else. They spent two nights in the Four Queens and enjoyed the nightly show on Fremont Street and a tour of Hoover Dam the next day. Wayne was disappointed the elevators at the dam were not working that go down into the bottom where the huge turbines are. Having worked in a plant he would not have believed the dam’s basement was clean enough to eat off the floor.
Lisa Dotson who has worked at Temple (now GP) for 33 years came in to pick up insecticide for her dad, Darryl Richardson, who also was a longtime employee there. Lisa and Greg Dotson are first time grandparents and she just happened to have a few photos of Gregory Logan Dotson who has beautiful red hair and was born on September 11th in Waco, Texas. He weighed 8 lbs. and 12 ozs and was wearing a Baylor Bear shirt in one photo. They have already determined the baby will be called Logan. His parents are Blake and Amanda Dotson of Waco. Greg is already wanting to move to Waco. Blake graduated from Baylor and continues to live there and work for United Health Care while Amanda is fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom. Logan’s aunt is Alyssa Dotson who is in her senior year of pre Physical Therapy at Texas State University in San Marcus. Proud great-grandparents are Annette and Darryl Richardson.
We had an interesting visit with Danny Vinson who now lives in New London. Danny said he “finally” stopped to see the Everything Store after passing it for so many years. He thought it was a place that sold Poland chainsaws. Danny was in the US Coast Guard for 22 years and played professionally in the CG band while living in New London, Connecticut. He moved to New London, Texas and is the 5th generation to live on the old home place. He presently travels to colleges to teach students, most of whom are aspiring band directors, how to play the euphonium. He travels to University of Houston to teach two days a week but he also teaches at Blinn College, Kilgore Junior College, UT at Tyler and other places.
Tommy and Lynn Marie Bryan also made their first trip to Pouland’s. They are the new owners of the Swap Shop on KRBA 1340 AM radio where you can buy, sell or swap. The popular radio show originated in 1953. Tommy and Lynn Marie purchased the show about six months ago. They previously owned Bryan’s BBQ and were featured on Robert Irvine’s “Restaurant Impossible” show but sold the property later. They have had other ventures but said The Swap Shop has been the most fun. The couple has been married for 28 years and love to interact “on the air” between 10:30 and noon, Monday through Friday. Lynn Marie grew up in Lufkin where she was head cheerleader, FFA Sweetheart and involved in lots of pageants. She met Tommy at a fund raiser and they were married three months later. Check out their FB page Bryans Swap Shop Group.
Logging contractor and 1989 DHS graduate, Clint Ramsey, stopped by to leave a flyer about The Gypsy Horse Show Association’s regional fall show October 13-15 at the Henderson Expo Center. A typical horse show with halter classes, trail classes, English and Hunter Pleasure, Driving classes, Freestyle Riding, Costume, Ranch Riding classes and much more. The Gypsy Horse was bred and developed many generations ago by the Romany Travelers of Wales, England and Ireland. The Gypsies desired a small draft horse colorful enough to match their caravans. These horses are easily recognizable by their long, flowing manes and tails, and the abundance of feather on their legs. “Three extraordinary days of showing some of the most beautiful horses in the world!” Clint and his wife, Jenny, own several of these horses some of which are for sale. Their two oldest children Colton and Cara are married and have made Clint and Jenny grandparents four times. Schooled at home are 11-year-old Tucker; 16-year-old Gabe; 15-year-old Delaney and 13-year-old Lucy will be participating in the horse show. The Ramseys live in Timpson.
Precious Lewin Colwell is in his second week of Preschool 4 and insisted his mother Brooke bring him to see John Ralph at Pouland’s. Clay and Brooke are thankful he likes school. Dalton Havard came in to get a lawnmower tire repaired for his grandmother, Kaythryn Havard. Gary Gores was in getting new tires. Tommy Fenley is anxious for winter to get here and wished he lived in Alaska. In the meantime, he plans to go fishing and came in for his new license. Others doing the same were: Lewis Ivey; Chad, Caleb and Allee Stewart; Ray Lenderman; Amanda, Josh and Dalton Moreno; Clyde Maxey; Tic Toc McClintock; Sherrill Fears; J.D. and Sue Johnson Korye Stewart; Cloyce Evans; David Thelen; Robert Ramsey and son Cash.
Don’t forget Pouland’s can be your Deer Hunter Headquarters with guns, ammo, feeders, seed for deer plots; corn, peanut flavored rice bran and of course, 2017-18 hunting & fishing licenses.
The coffee pot is always on so come see us…’round the table
September 18, 2017
It was good news for Bettye Greer when she finally heard from her daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Mike McCollum who live in Naples, Florida, that their new home sustained minimal damage from the 140 MPH winds of hurricane Irma. Mike and Jean voluntarily evacuated and waited for the storm to pass in a motel in northern Florida. Bro. Larry and Anita Weaver moved in with ‘lil Larry’s family and learned their house was fine but no electricity; they live in Jacksonville. My brother and his wife, Jerry and Annabelle Powell, stayed in contact about hurricane Harvey with neighbors near their home in Bailey’s Prairie (Angleton) as they were vacationing in Ruidoso, NM. And more recently, Judy Carrier posted to all her friends that she is OK after the earthquake on Tuesday in Mexico City.
Another couple, Bob and Gail Long, who live two miles from Tampa Bay, also voluntarily evacuated with their Shih-tzu “B-Beau”. They put up as many things they could off the floor, packed a suitcase with enough clothes for 5-6 days and headed toward his sister’s home in Memphis, TN. What is normally a 4-5 hour drive took them 14 hours. The further they went the harder it was to find food, fuel and restrooms but they finally made it. After three days in Memphis Bob and Gail decided to drive to Nacogdoches to visit good friends, David and Traci Hanson. David is a lumber salesman for Snider Industries. The Longs attended Harvest Point Baptist church with the Hansons and Bob taught the Sunday School class. Bob Long said, not braggingly, he is an itinerant evangelical Bible Professor with a diploma in Bible Theology. But he also has a BA in English; MBA from University of Oklahoma City and a Doctorate of Theology. Bob and Gail also sang a duet during the worship service. Gail has a Bachelor of Music degree and is an accomplished organist, pianist, vocalist and music teacher.
Now, you are probably wondering how they got to the round table and enjoyed eating a bowl of pinto beans and cornbread? Bob and Gail were in Sam’s looking for flea medication for “B-Beau” when someone recommended they come to Pouland’s. We certainly would like to thank that person! Bob and Gail walked in Pouland’s about noon and immediately smelled something good. Andrea told them she was cooking pinto beans and cornbread for lunch and invited them to eat at the round table.
Also eating pinto beans at the RT that day were Jerry and Geraldine Bishop who are volunteers and part of the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Task Force. They were waiting for tires to be mounted on the “water truck” that they maintain during disasters such as hurricane Harvey. The truck is actually a water purification system that is used for workers to shower and was recently taken to Rockport. Woody Ingram also enjoyed the lunch. He is one of the newest certified “yellow hat” volunteers recruited by the Bishops. During the lunch discussions, Woody and the Longs discovered they both had eaten and recommended Pop’s Soda Ranch on the side of the iconic Highway 66 in Arcadia, OK. They say you can’t miss the 66 foot tall neon soda bottle and the 700 varieties of bottled sodas that are available inside.
The Over 50’s Group met this month at The Cracker Barrel to catch up on the news since the month before. Attending and enjoying the food and fellowship were John and Ann Jones; Newt and Jeanne Courtney; Darryl and Annette Richardson; Barbara Clark; Bob and Nell Horton; Bobbye Burroughs; Jerry and Geraldine Bishop; Pat Brown and Rufus Dunn. Pat Brown was proud to announce she had a new great niece, Emmerson Ray Todd whose parents are Abby and Brent Todd. Emmerson’s paternal grandparents are Dr. Jansen & Pat Todd. Her maternal grandparents are Paul and Tamesha Root and great-grandparents are the late Bill and Louise Lindsey. Pat Brown and Louise are sisters. We have fond memories of Bill Lindsey coming into the store and sitting on a stool at a child’s table having tea with our young preschool granddaughter, Cheyenne Swor; they had some great discussions. My, how time flies, Cheyenne is now a senior at SFA!
Joe and Kay Gage of Diboll are proud to announce their youngest son who serves in the military has been promoted to Col. Phillip K. Gage, United States Army Garrison Japan. Phillip graduated from DHS and on to Texas A&M where he received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Kansas State University. He is a graduate of the US Army War College, Carlisle, PA where he earned a Master of Strategic Studies. Phillip has served around the globe including Fort Carson, CO; Camp Casey, Korea; Fort Knox, KY; Saudi Arabia; Fort Irwin, CA; Iraq; Fort Hood, TX; Vilseck, Germany; Afghanistan and Fort Benning, GA. Presently he is the commanding officer at the US Army Garrison Camp Zama, Japan where he resides with his wife, Janie. Joe and Kay keep up with Phillip on You Tube.
David and Charlotte Carter are changing the name of their business in Burke from His & Hers Trade Days to His & Hers Mercantile since they are now open regular days during the week and not just one weekend. It is such a fun place to shop and look for interesting “Oh, I remember having one of those” items.
David Carter is president of the Diboll Area Lions Club which is making plans for the annual Lions Club golf tournament at Neches Pines, October 14th. A few of the folks that have been in buying hunting and fishing licenses include: Rhonda Hoover; Henry Hayden; Mona & Fox Adams; Darryl Stanley; Harold Maxwell; Raymond Bounds; Donnie & Darlene Stephens and Bryan Wilson. Junior Young learned he was just one year too old from receiving a free fishing license.
The Diboll Business Association appreciates Rick Patel allowing us to meet in the hospitality room of the Diboll Inn & Suites. Rick has purchased the washteria next to the hotel. It is now Diboll Washteria and has some brand new top loading washing machines and commercial dryers. He invites people to use the new equipment.
Stop by when you can and see us…’round the table.
September 4, 2017
Kudos to Diboll Firemen! Fire Chief, Gary Jones, was seen eating lunch at Los Jarritors with several other firemen on a Saturday during a workday for the department. Others enjoying the delicious food included: John Alvarez, William Courtney, Joe Parish, Keith and Gary Dover, Raymond ‘Shadow’ Ryan, Grady Courtney and Aaron Smith. The guys spent the day doing general maintenance at the substation on Neil Pickett and also poured a foundation for a communication tower. Little did they know a few days later, after Hurricane Harvey made it devastating landing, some of these same guys would be packing up and driving to Rockport to help people in need.
Diboll FBC Pastor Kenny Hibbs and his wife Carrie have two daughters in the Rockport area; April and Mike Striedel and Amanda and Bobby Bickle. Amanda coaches Rockport Pirates girls’ volleyball and basketball teams. After the storm she went to the campus and the gym where they recently played was no longer there. Kenny and Carrie left on Thursday for Rockport and members of the Diboll Fire Department left on Friday, including: Gary Jones, his 12-year-old grandson Ben Smith and Ben’s dad, Aaron; Joe Parish, Larry Lucas, Chris Hambrick and Grady Courtney. They met up with Bro. Kenny who had made arrangements for them to stay at the Assembly of God Church in Portland. Previously, in making the arrangements at the church, Kenny was surprised to learn their pastor, Woody Woodard, pastored and lived in Lufkin at one time. Woody asked Kenny about Steve Comstock who is pastor of Diboll’s Assembly of God…small world!
This group of volunteers from Diboll put the experience behind their tools and cleaned up debris left from the storm. They worked on an elderly couple’s garage that had fallen on their vehicles and removed the metal beams of the garage to get both of their cars out. They were strong enough to roll tin down from a mobile home and put a tarp over it. They also helped erect a large tent on the grounds of the First Baptist Church where they had services on Sunday and stretched tarps to cover the end of the church that is missing. Another elderly couple in Taft was grateful to these guys for cutting up a large tree. These guys found it hard to believe that so many people were offering them water and food. Aaron Smith said, “This is what makes you proud of Texas”. April and Mike Striedel prepared two meals for these appreciative volunteers. If you are interested, go to Diboll FBC Face Book page for the link to Youtube.com and watch the video “Rockport Cleanup-Diboll” with Stephen Curtis Chapman singing Beauty will Rise in the background.
Diboll First Methodist Church got busy after receiving a text from a former pastor, Jeff Stuff, that Buna needed help. Lists of items for “flood buckets” and “hygiene bags” were distributed for anyone who was interested in providing the items. Melanie Goodwin, the pastor’s wife, was in a store checking out with items on the lists when the person behind her in line paid the bill. The church put together 32 Flood Buckets, 134 Hygiene Bags and 50 loaves of bread that was delivered to Central Baptist Church in Buna by Pastor David Goodwin, Brandal Porter, Teresa Medina, Gene and Ronna Winchester. People were lined up to get the buckets and bags when they arrived.
Members of Faith Family Church traveled to Batson, Texas to “clean up” and later Pastor Leo Lytle and Randy Pilcher went back to drop off $7,000 to $10,000 worth of much needed donations to a new shelter that was opened at the Assembly of God church on highway 105. Leo said, “The church bus was packed tightly with literally no room to spare with donations from the area. Special thanks to Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Abeldt’s Pharmacy, The Medicine Shoppe, Trinity Baptist, a generous donor and dozens of people who brought what they could right up until we left at 11AM”. Bro. Leo also said that while standing in the checkout lines that people were giving him donations.
Diboll FBC Super Seniors thoroughly enjoyed having Margie Harrell at their September luncheon. Margie, who grew up in Diboll and is the Director of the Diboll Housing Authority, says she is not a speaker but once she begins to talk about Diboll there is no slowing her down. She LOVES Diboll, its people and is proud of her heritage and we are proud to call her friend.
It was good to see Theresa Lyles come in with her husband, Roy Lee. For years she worked across the street at the scale house but we never got to see her. She is no longer working and Roy Lee is taking good care of her as her health is improving. Arthur Bean from Corrigan came in with his adorable 3-year-old granddaughter, McKensie, who was not intimated by any adult and spoke freely. Mr. Bean has worked 37 years at what is now GP in Corrigan.
C.W. Loftin came in to buy his hunting/fishing license which were, first time ever, at a reduced price this year. He checked his cell phone and let us know that the Neches River was at 14.32 feet, down from Thursday’s 15.03. He was feeling kinda bad because his 4-wheeler wouldn’t start that day; he had spent more than he wanted to with eye issues and the pump had gone out on his aerobic system. Some others that have been in buying their new licenses were: Christi Quarles, Barley Lenderman, Randy Nerren, Melvin Linton, Sr., Bubba Nevills, Jeff Capps, Allen Bailey, Woody Ingram, Jay Shands, Trey Denman, Jr. Grandgeorge, Bob Davis, Hunter Stewart, Jason Cook, John and Carolyn Richard, Richard Rainwater, Angela Havard, Randy Havard, Cody McLin, Mason Ford, and John Cassata . John Wallace also bought his license and called back to ask Andrea if she undercharged him. She had to remind him he too has had a birthday that permits a reduction in the price of his license.
Come see us…’round the table.
August 29, 2017
Ben Smith was invited to take a vacation this summer that he will never forget. Ben is the 12-year-old son of Aaron and Jennifer Smith of Diboll and the trip began with a destination of Eureka Springs, Missouri to attend the popular outdoor drama of the greatest story ever told in The Great Passion Play. Ben was excited explaining to me how “cool” the Holy Land tour was which included the colorful market place, the pageantry of the chariot and camel caravan and the hustle and bustle of the crowds as they go about their daily activities. He loved the live animals on the streets of Jerusalem, visiting a replica of a first century Inn and stable typical of where Jesus was born, a life size Tabernacle with a guide explaining each part of it, the Tomb with the folded napkin and the dramatic and exciting ascension of Jesus into the night sky. He learned from visiting the Upper Room, where Jesus and his disciples feasted for the Last Supper, how differently dinner was served and that the guest of honor always faced the door. The Passion Play was the highlight of the evening.
On the next day’s itinerary Ben saw the famous arches in St. Louis which were under construction and unavailable. Going through Springfield, Illinois the next four nights were spent as guest of a farmer in Madison, Wisconsin. I know personally that Ben is not afraid of working and when he overheard a conversation about gathering cucumbers the next day, he volunteered to help. He was up early picturing the cucumbers along a fencerow like home. His eyes got big when he was told there was FOUR ACRES of cucumbers to pick but he and eight other pickers gathered over 2,000 cucumbers that day! He was truly impressed when the buckets of cucumbers were put on a conveyor where they were washed, boxed, loaded on pallets and then into a truck to be delivered to market. The rest of day was spent riding bicycles everywhere…sightseeing, visiting yard sales and even to the restaurant. Another day was spent at an indoor theme park in Wisconsin Dells. Ben was totally impressed with the six-story Ferris wheel and the African-themed carousel. There was also challenging ropes course, climbing walls, 24 lanes of bowling, go carts, mini golf, hundreds of arcades and much more. The rest of that day was spent on a pontoon boat on the Wisconsin River where Ben enjoyed jumping into the icy cold water. That evening he attended his first ever, drive-in movie and watched Plant of the Apes sitting aboard the pontoon boat. The next day Ben watched the Milwaukee Brewers win a baseball game over the Pittsburg Pirates and enjoyed watching the mascot slide down a long slide after a homerun.
The next day was spent mostly driving toward Minnesota and spending time at the Mall of American in Bloomington with more than 400 shops. Ben loved the Nickelodeon Universe which is seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment which includes Fly Over America flight simulator, Sea Life and most impressive to him, a 34’ tall LEGO Robot and roller coaster. That night Ben attended the Minnesota Twins and Arizona Diamondbacks game. He couldn’t believe they were giving away Rod Carew “bobble heads” and he got one. (Rodney Carew is a former Major League Baseball first baseman, second baseman and coach. He played from 1967 to 1985 for the Minnesota Twins and the California Angels and was elected to the All-Star game every season except his last.) Ben laughed about witnessing a marriage proposal on the Kisscam.
South Dakota’s Original 1880 TOWN is something I have seen and it also impressed Ben with more than 30 buildings from the 1880 to 1920 era, authentically furnished with thousands of relics and Dances with Wolves movie props. (I was disappointed Kevin Costner wasn’t there). Ben, like me, didn’t really appreciate and soon got bored with the drive through the Badlands on the way to Mount Rushmore National Park and on to see Crazy Horse which is the world’s largest mountain carving located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is a memorial for all Native American tribes. Ben was more impressed with Crazy Horse than Mount Rushmore. He spent the night in Nebraska and was one of the few thousands that watched the total eclipse in the Agape National Park. He said the park was filled with people 35 miles on both sides of the highway. It was on to Kansas, Oklahoma and back to Texas to complete his memorable trip in time for Ben to begin school at Diboll Junior High. I was frantically taking notes as Ben told me about his trip without any notes. Thank you Ben for sharing your story.
With the devastation and flooding from the hurricane Harvey, Cassi (Lenderman) Davis and her two sons, 3-year-old Jase and 10-month old Mack, left Stacy in Magnolia and came to her parents in Diboll. Her parents are Karon and Dennis Lenderman affectionately known as “Cootie” and “Grumps”. Jase told his dad that he planned to stay here “forever” with them.
Dwayne Jordan was in getting tires put on their Kubota ATV because the kids love to ride, especially Laura. Our thanks to Mark Hafernick for the Prickly Pear jelly he made from the cactus off Richard and Lisa Warners’ ranch. Barrett Duren came in for deer corn. If you ever have the opportunity, ask him to sing “Desperado”.
With the summer coming to an end, one certain grandmother and retired principal, Helen Cheshire, was determined four of her grandchildren would see the life-size recreation of Noah’s Ark and The Creation Museum in Williamstown, Kentucky. Helen drove the long distance not once, but twice! The first trip she took 14-year-old Garrison Cheshire and his 10-year-old sister, Laycee. The second trip she took their two younger sisters; 10-year-old Kaydee and 8-year-old, Emmee. The parents of these four are Chandra and Bobby Cheshire of Diboll. The ark is 1-1/2 football fields long and 7 stories high with animatronic life-like models. The developer, president and founder of Answers in Genesis, Australian-born Ken Ham, is good at spreading our belief, “That the Bible is a book of history and that this ark is intended to serve as a vivid warning that, according to the Bible, God sent a flood in Noah’s time to wipe out a depraved people, and God will deliver a fiery end to those who reject the Bible. We’re becoming more like the days of Noah in that we see increasing secularization in the culture,” Mr. Ham said.
Continue to remember those who have lost so much and come see us…’round the table.