Chamber Music 12/10/2011

WHEW!

We dodged a bullet on last weekend’s weather, didn’t we? Saturday morning broke bright and clear and I made my way down to First Baptist Church for men’s breakfast, only to find out it had been canceled! I was grateful that OUR event was later in the day, so I could keep an eye on developing weather, which didn’t, as it turned out, develop! (Until Monday, that is. If we’d had weather like that on Saturday, it would have been nasty!)

It was a tough call for some folks. I don’t blame anyone for not wanting to put hours and effort into an entry that might not get seen, but I really appreciate the ones that did. I felt it was a great parade—a great day all around. Special kudos to United’s U-Crew for directing the parade, to Joe Millican of the Hoover Fire Department for his guidance, to Pam Dalton and her team at Shepherd’s Helping Hands for organizing the craft fair, carriage rides, tree lighting, and other things that went into making the day really special.

WEATHER OR NOT           

Not tooting my own horn, here, but I really didn’t think the weather was going to be bad. They had been predicting bad weather since the first of the week and it seems like the further out they tell us we are going to get slammed, the better chance we have of dodging it. On the other hand, they often predict a small storm or a glancing blow and we get slammed. And that is exactly what happened this time—the big storm didn’t materialize, but the one they thought would be minor was pretty bad.

That being said, the old adage says the only people that try to predict the weather in Texas are fools and newcomers. I’ve lived here a long time, so I don’t qualify for the latter category, and I’m not volunteering for the former ones—though some may disagree!

THEY SHOPPED PAMPA AND WON!

Congratulations to our two winners of the “Country Christmas: Shop Pampa and Win” promotion. Gary Potter won at the early drawing, having entered at The Plaza. Robin McCracken held the winning ticket in the afternoon drawing. She’d had some work done at Thomas Automotive which qualified her to enter, and it paid off. Winners received $500 in “Country Christmas Bucks”, which are redeemable at the 15 local merchants who participated in the promotion. Merry Christmas Gary and Robin!

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

Or maybe that’s the fantastic lights. The Downtown Business Association, with a little help from the Chamber’s Tourism Committee and others, have gone all out. Ken Rheams had seen where another town somewhere had draped their downtown buildings in lights and put it to the DBA to do something similar. It is quite impressive, so make it a point to cruise Cuyler some evening before Christmas. And don’t forget to drive by Harold Comer’s office. The remodeled Phillips 66 station looks great.

AND WHILE YOU’RE OUT

Drop in the Open House at the corner of Cook and Gray Saturday (December 10) or Sunday (December 11). Robin Parsley is welcoming all to view her Christmas decorations—many redeemed from “Celebration of Lights”. Refreshments will be served. The Open House is free, but a donation of a non-perishable food item is encouraged, which will go to Harvest House.

WHAT A GUY!

We lost good one this week. It’s very sad for those of us left behind, but who wouldn’t want to go like Curt Beck did? As Pastor Kenny Rigoulot put it, “He lay down to sleep in his recliner and woke up in Heaven.” And to leave such a legacy of doing good! It was reflected in the number of folks that showed up at his memorial service. Thanks, Curt, for all you did. We will miss you.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

I have poked fun at Bill Roy for not having a last name, but I have forgotten several in the same predicament. For example, Roy Floyd, Charles Henry, and—not to be sexist—Frances May.

Somewhere recently I ran across the name of Lillie Eager. Shortly afterward I saw the surname “Ready”. Wow—what an opportunity for a business name--Ready and Eager. I couldn’t decide what sort of business they should have and then Don Savage came to present a program on counterfeit money. So, how about Ready, Eager, and Savage? I still don’t know what they do—and I may not want to kind out—but it’s a terrific combination.

Chamber Music 12-3-2011

Credit where it’s due

In the last couple of columns I have referred to a very bad experience

I had visiting another Texas town. In all fairness, I have to report on a couple of positive experiences.

The first was in Albany. I’ve always liked the town--lots of history. Impressive art center in the historic jail. We stopped in a couple of stores with the sole purpose of stretching our legs. The people were so nice that we spent extra time looking and even made a purchase. Courtesy pays!

By the way, Albany, just northeast of Abilene, would be a great place to spend a couple of days. Just make sure you plan your trip so that you get a look at the inside of the courthouse.

Further south we were absolutely blown away by Gonzales. Gonzales is the town where the Texas Revolution started. It was founded as an early colony, so I expected a lot of history. I started, as I generally do, at the Chamber of Commerce...which is housed in the 1890s jail, quite impressive in itself. We picked up some literature, then walked around the square to read the historical markers. The Methodists were setting up a nativity scene, and a man asked if we had seen the mural in the church. He invited us in to see one of the most impressive works I have ever seen...a mural that told the story of the Gonzales area. As we admired it , other church members came through and greeted

us warmly, saying “Welcome to Gonzales!”

A lot of effort had been put into a driving tour, with a well written brochure and every site clearly marked. We were quite impressed with the community.

• • •

Speaking of friendly...

I have often said what a friendly town Pampa is. I found out this week, however, if you walk around with a combo baseball/Santa hat, people will not even make eye contact!

• • •

A little good news

It appears the hospital is in good hands. After most of a year of uncertainty, that is definitely good news. I visited with a local health professional earlier this week and he indicated that the medical community was encouraged by this be development. (I didn’t ask if I could quote him, so I won’t give his name, but he is in a position to speak knowledgeably.)

• • •

Cutting remarks

I saw an ad a few days ago for “cutting boards shaped like YOUR state!” The example, of course, was the state with the most recognizable shape--Texas, Our Texas. A cutting

board shaped like Texas could be useful--there’s a large open area with appendages (the Panhandle and the Trans-Pecos) where you could shove the stuff you cut. But what about Oklahoma? That state’s panhandle is too thin to be useful. And what if your state is Florida or Maryland, with a shape that doesn’t provide any open space? And what if your state is in pieces like Michigan or Hawaii? I don’t have a cutting board shaped like Texas--and probably never will--but if ever move to Colorado or Wyoming, man I am set up!

• • •

This-N-That

Well, it used to be. Now it’s Victorian Rose and it is at 113 W. Kingsmill. Lots of great gift and decorating ideas, as well as things for your holiday entertaining. They are having an Open House during the Christmas on Main festivities. Drop in and sample! If you can’t make it then, be sure to check it out before Christmas.

• • •

New Members

Welcome Crall Products Co, manufacturersof steel tanks and vessels, and W & W Fiberglass, manufacturers of similar items in--you guessed it--fiberglass.

• • •

What’s in a Name?

In Gonzales, I ran across an historical marker that told the story of the man who conducted the first Sunday School in Texas. His name? Thomas Pilgrim!

Chamber Music 11/19/11

Column appears in The Pampa News 11/19/2011

"You talkin' to ME?"

There have been some significant changes in wireless communications in Pampa lately. To begin with, AT&T Mobility has a brand new look. (That's the store at the "Y" where Perryton Parkway splits from Hobart.) The Goldcoats were in attendance this week as manager Kristy Powell cut the ribbon on the "new" store. Kristy started her career with Dobson Cellular and stayed as they were absorbed by AT&T. She explained that until the recent redo, the building had the "Dobson" look and AT&T wanted a change to represent their corporate image. The store is very impressive and well arranged, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They can set you up with what you need in wireless communications.

The other big change is with their major competitor--Verizon. A lot of people may not realize that until recently there were two "Verizon" stores...and if they did, they didn't know why. Part of it has to do with the mergers and buyouts amongst cellular companies. The upshot was that the Verizon corporation had a store here, and Communication Connection--which operates several franchise stores in the region--did too. Last month, however, the corporate store ceased local operations. The franchise store has moved into the former—and much larger--corporate site, giving them more room inside, more parking, and sharper curb appeal without having to change the sign!

Incidentally, cell phones are so common now that I'll bet one in ten users can't say why they are called "cell" phones. (And no, it has nothing to do with the brouhaha caused by state prisoners getting access to them several years ago!) The reason is that they operate in "cells"--geographical areas that can be serviced by a single tower. Most cellular communication is pretty seamless now, but it wasn't always the case...in some places now, it's still pretty "cellular".

NOT THE SAME OLD SONG AND DANCE

Once again the deadline caught me--I am working on this column during intermission of "Beauty and the Beast", this year's performance by the PHS choir. There are so many superlatives I could use for these productions but they all fall short. What absolutely astounds me is the breadth and the depth of the talent. Any high school of this size will have a kid or two who really excels, but quality and quantity here is phenomenal.

As I was writing this, Jona Smith came over to greet us and chat for a bit. Her daughter, she informed us, is a plate. (No metaphor here. If you know the story you understand.) She agreed that there was a lot of talent and that the performance was awesome, but commented, "Of course, I'm prejudiced."

"That's just it," I countered, "I'm not." I didn't know a single performer. I'm sure I know the parents of some, but I didn't go to "support the kids". That's a great reason to go, but I had much more selfish reasons than that--I went to be entertained. And I was NOT disappointed.

Well, that's not quite true. I am always a little stunned that there is not standing room only at these performances. We cheer for the Harvesters win or lose. These young folks—also Harvesters--have worked hard and are definitely winners. If you read this in a timely fashion, you likely have a few opportunities left to see the performance. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30, and a final performance on Monday at 7:30 pm.

NEW DIGS! FINALLY!

We have been working on a revamped webpage for a long time, and it gives me ecstatic pleasure to announce that it’s HERE! Same address—www.pampachamber.com—but a whole new look. One feature is that this column will appear regularly in the “blog”. So if you’ve ever want to say “Weaver, you’re an idiot!”, here’s your chance!

WHATS IN A NAME...

At the AT&T Goldcoating, I met the regional manager, a nice lady named Cristy Sea. I have known Seaborns (and Seabourns), Sealys, Seewards, Serights, Seabolds, am familiar with See's Candies, and even remember Jonathan Livingston Seagull, but I don't think I've ever met a "Sea". I'll have to do some thinking about where to plug that name in.

If you were reading a story about a wealthy East Coast politician and his valet, and the author had given the valet the name of "Prettyman", you'd probably think he had made it up. That was the real name, however, of FDR's valet. And did you know that the President rode to address Congress on December 8 in a car once owned by Al Capone? The Treasury Department had confiscated it and since it had bullet-proof windows, the Secret Service acquired it after Pearl Harbor. It was okay...Al wasn't going anywhere!

Chamber Music 11-12-11

(This column first appeared in The Pampa News)

Mulligan!

I don't always read my column when it comes out in print, but I was glad I did last week--I came across much more negative than I intended to be. I ran out of space, so I had to rush my point. My intention was not to disparage the nameless town, but to use it as an object lesson for anyone who is in business: there's not much point in spending a lot of time, money, or effort to get a customer or client if you're going to treat them poorly in person.

Oh, Kay!

I was sitting in a meeting this week when someone mentioned "Kay Giarro". I had not heard of the person addressed, and neither had anyone else, judging by the quizzical expressions on their faces.

 "Who?" someone asked.

"Kay Giarro" was the response.

"Who is Kay Giarro?"

"You know...the radio station. K G R O!"

  

Wedding Punch

Daughter Anne and I attended the Texas Book Festival in Austin a few weeks ago. As we we're leaving the event we chanced to walk by Central Christian Church where some men and a young boy were trying to get in--obviously for a wedding, as the men were all dressed in matching attire. What caught my eye, however, was the box the boy was carrying--Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots! I couldn't figure out why he had them. It would hardly be appropriate for a wedding gift, and I couldn't imagine that he was bringing them to keep himself occupied during the service.

I paused and asked, "You fellows going to a wedding?" The oldest--a guy about my age--impatiently affirmed that they were. I pointed to the boy's box and said, "I was just wondering. The rock 'em sock 'em stuff usually starts AFTER the wedding."

The man gave me a strange look for just a moment before he heartily laughed and agreed.

Good Marx

It was certainly disappointing news this week to learn of Johnnie Marx's stroke. There are no finer folks anywhere than Bob and Johnnie. Bob called as I was putting the finishing touches on this column. Johnnie has regained some movement in her right side, and has begun therapy. We are remaining optimistic. Hang in there, Bob and Johnnie. We're pulling and praying for you!

Out of the Files

When I started this column, I intended to actually bring music into the discussion once in a while. Usually there’s just too much local stuff to talk about, but I’m a little short of material, so I’ll comment on something that occurred to me yeas ago. At the time there was a popular country song called “Heads Carolina” about a couple who has grown tired of their sedentary life and need to get away. The singer suggests they flip a coin to determine which way they’ll go. It’s a good song and I like it—I think once in a while we all feel like chucking it for “somewhere greener, somewhere warmer”.

What cracks me up about the song, however, is when she’s considering places to go. She says (or sings), “I’ve got people in Boston. Ain’t your Daddy still in Des Moines?” Okay, Boston I can see. Maybe. But going to see my in-laws in Des Moines? DES MOINES?! 

Get this picture. Here is a nice young man who loves his wife very much. They’ve had some tough times, and now she wants to get away from it all with him. He loves her spontaneity. He gets excited thinking about hitting the road. He has already been mentally packing his bags—swim trunks, Hawaiian shirts, sun screen. He is reaching in his pocket for the quarter when she says. “I know! We can go see your Daddy in Des Moines!”

He releases his grip on the quarter, dumps the mental suitcase, and reaches for the remote. He’s not going anywhere!