June 15, 2015

 

Nita Hurley and Betty Hendrick traveled to East Texas Baptist University in Marshall last week for a two day Senior Adult Conference. Betty’s 2015 Camry needed road testing; the ladies gave it a “thumbs up” for performance and gas mileage (averaged 44 miles per gallon).
The conference, attended by about 300 guests, provided opportunity for alumni and friends to see improvements on the lovely campus, located on the highest hill in Marshall. Betty said it was better than Homecoming because she talked with friends from the 1960’s and Nita enjoyed walking the grounds where her dad, Robert Ramsey and uncles Bennis and Herschel Franks were students when the university was College of Marshall.

In addition to outstanding preaching from Dr. Robert Jeffries (1st Baptist Church, Dallas) and Dr. David Dykes (Green Acres Baptist in Tyler), those present enjoyed concerts by the southern gospel family, the Hoppers, whose rendition of “Jerusalem” was well received; by the time the group ended with “Shouting Time in Heaven!”, many folks who did not think they could stand, did so! Also, The Singing Men of East Texas provided great music as did some soloists and quartets.
A side trip during free time took Nita and Betty to Caddo Lake; even with all the rain and some flooding, the lake is still mysterious and inviting. Their intention was to have lunch at Big Pines Lodge, but it did not open until later, so the ladies enjoyed a tasty lunch at The Hamburger Hut in Jefferson. Overall, these longtime friends shared many laughs during their travel time.

Kitty Bounds sent the following information. This month on June 30th, at noon at Gipson Funeral Home, the LIFT Program is having a “Celebrate America” luncheon with Jackie Havard entertaining us by playing the piano. Gipson’s also provides a free lunch for the participants. LIFT stands for “Living Information for Today ®”…a social support program that helps widows and widowers adjust to the loss of a spouse by engaging them in educational, social and recreational activities.
This month’s LIFT Newsletter highlights Bill Swearingen, Gipson Employee of 59 years. Bill’s comment when people ask him if he is going to retire, is ““I’m not going to ease up, let up, shut up or give up until I’m taken up. As a matter of fact I am just getting warmed up.” He said he loves working at Gipson Funeral Home because he believes he helps people at a difficult time in their lives.

If you have a program to offer, contact the Program Coordinator, Kitty Bounds, by leaving a message for her at the front desk at Gipson’s. If you are interested in attending this month, please call 634-4411 to leave your name at the front desk.

Vernon and Betty Burkhalter enjoyed a few days at Crystal Beach entertaining family members. Vernon’s brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Patty Gill came all the way from New York to be a part of the fun. Landing in Houston, Sam stopped to purchase a BBQ pit on the way to the beach and it was used to cook several meals. Some of the guests included: sisters, Bessie Furgurson, Jerri Ledford, Susie Lankford and Lisa Burkhalter; Valarie Porter and Betty and Vernon’s grandson, Heagan and Rich. Sam and Lisa’s friend, Ed, alternated the cooking responsibilities except the day Patty cooked Italian food for the group. The ladies enjoyed spending lots of time at the beach. It was told at the RT the only time Vernon didn’t have to wash dishes was after the one meal eaten at Stingray’s.

Speaking of food, Allison Amason came in for more of the Chow Chow we sell. She said, “It’s so good you can eat it all be itself.” Shane Dykes told me the pickeled quail eggs we sell are the best he has ever eaten and he has been through two jars. Clay Colwell and two-year-old son, Lewin, came in to buy a new Stihl trimmer. Professional horse trainer, Denise Wilson, came in with three young helpers; Alex, Clara and Keath Hill. Alex and Clara have already been competing and winning in riding competitions in Texas but are preparing to compete in the Canadian show season later this month. Denise is Canadian and she and her family have experienced the fierce Canadian competition.

The Diboll Business Association has a current membership of 46 businesses in Diboll whose goal is to encourage folks to shop locally. The association has completed a new map of Diboll promoting local businesses. The colorful maps are free and should be available at most businesses who are members. Maps are also available at our library and city hall. This association meets the second Monday of every month in the community room at the library at 5:30. Any and everyone is invited to attend.
The Diboll Civic Club was organized to promote Diboll. This club meets the first Tuesday of every month at Diboll Christian Outreach (Temple house on Hines Street) at 6PM. This active group of volunteers was responsible for the recent “Music in the Park”. If you didn’t attend, you missed a treat. This group also sponsors “Christmas in the Park” and “Operation Clean Sweep”. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the next meeting. This club has accomplished much with a few but could do greater events with more people. Hope to see you July 7th. Diboll is a great place to live and raise a family. I am very proud to say I’m from Diboll.

Come see us…’round the table.