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.

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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!

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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.)

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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!

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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.

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New Members

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

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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!