David Burton was guest speaker at the Jacksonville Garden Club meeting held Oct. 2.

The meeting was held at the home of Patti Lee.

Burton is a judge for flower shows. He gave many tips on displaying day lilies at shows and shared unique ways of flower design.

Anyone interested in joining the Jacksonville Garden Club can call 903-586-3103.



Lambda Phi develops plans for new biennium

Women educators of Lambda Phi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International have developed plans for the 2008-09 biennium. Chapter President Elizabeth Halpain attended the 79th Alpha State Convention in The Woodlands in June. More than 1,200 members from across the state attended committee workshops including Leadership Development.

In August, Halpain, Melissa McIntire, Patricia Perry and Joyce Folden attended the Area I Workshop in Athens. Dr. Fred Hayes, Athens ISD Superintendent welcomed members from 16 chapters to the “Designs for Success” workshop. Morning and afternoon sessions for various committee groups were led by Alpha State committee members.

The Kaleidoscope theme of People, Passions and Possibilities was woven throughout the day’s programs, decorations and refreshments.

Vice-president McIntire, elementary principal in Frankston, presented the program at the September meeting, held at First United Methodist Church-Jacksonville. “How Full Is Your Bucket,” authored by Tom Rath and Donald O’Clifton, was reviewed with emphasis on positive strategies for work and life. An activity to “focus on you” strengthened friendships as each shared hobbies and talents. Even an accomplishment of each that was unknown by other members was enjoyed by the participants. Each was awarded a kaleidoscope by the president. A colorful array of refreshments was served by hostesses, President Halpain and Treasurer Folden.

Recalling the theme of “People + Passions = Possibilities,” President Halpain conducted the business meeting on Oct. 6 in the Jacksonville High School library. Initiation ceremony for Marilyn Hooker was led by Lynn Ousley and Gay Lynn Brines. Initiated in an earlier ceremony were Sheryl Hanna and Gail Kent. Following the impressive ceremony was a delightful travel program by Jam Menefee. Her recent Mediterranean cruise, with emphasis on beautiful historic scenes from Italy, was enjoyed by video with Jan’s interpretations and by the accompanying scrapbook.

The Nov. 3 meeting was held at Lupe’s Mexican restaurant. Members were reminded to bring non-perishable food items for the Thanksgiving basket to be donated to a family before Thanksgiving. The Lambda Phi chapter also provides assistance to the Literacy Council, gifts of children’s books and Grant-in-Aid scholarships to a future teacher, among other worthwhile projects.



TMF doctor visits Jacksonville Rotary

Dr. Matt Proctor presented the facts on common medical myths during a recent Jacksonville Rotary Club meeting.

Proctor shared the truth about grandma’s advice on weather and colds and illustrated his points with big red Xs.

Proctor is Trinity Mother Frances Hospital’s newest family practitioner, having joined the healthcare system in August. He went to medical school at Texas Tech, residency at UT Health Science Center in Tyler, and practiced family medicine in Breckenridge for the past two years.

The Jacksonville Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Sadler’s Kitchen. For more information regarding the club, contact Dick Stone, president, at 903-586-1471 or e-mail richard.stone@lpl.com.



Red hats plan holiday party

Ladies with a Hat-titude met Nov. 1 at Cheddar’s in Tyler for their monthly luncheon and meeting.

There were 12 Red Hatters present — Queen Judy Batton, Sandra Bolton, Vicky Brubaker, Barbara Sexton, Sue Holloway, Lorie McClosky, Polly Shofner, Mary Woolery, Jean Allen, Patsy Boyd, Mary Reynolds and Linda Jones.

Hatters were dressed in purple attire and red hats, except for the birthday girls, who wore red attire and purple hats.

Those celebrating birthdays were Patsy, Linda, Mary R. and Lawanda Ellis, who was unable to attend.

Members played “Happy Birthday” on the kazoos and photos were taken.

Plans for the group’s Christmas party were discussed and Mary W. agreed to host the party at her home.

Door prizes were won by Patsy, Lorie, Judy and Linda. Mary R. drew the lucky number to take Miss Kitty the club’s mascot home with her until the next meeting, which will be held Dec. 6.



UDC chapter hears historic witch’s tale

The Moses M. Buckner Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, met Oct. 21 for a dutch treat dinner and regularly scheduled meeting.

President Melba Darrow, assisted by Recorder of Crosses Virginia White, conducted the opening ritual. Seven members and three guests were present. Guests were Billie Nielsen, Martha Nielsen, and Stella Garza.

Following a delightful meal, Historian Margaret Cavazos gave the Historian General’s report from the UDC magazine and then presented Mary Taylor, who presented the program, “Troubles at the John Bell Home.” A book written in 1846 by Richard Henry Bell first detailed the troubles at the John Bell home on a plantation near present day Adams, Tenn., and is the only eye-witness account.

Beginning in 1818, the family was visited and tormented by an entity that called herself, ‘Old Kate the Witch.’

Family members had covers removed from their beds, were struck and slapped and felt the prick of pins.

The witch’s main focus appeared to be John Bell himself, and his daughter Betsy, who was engaged to a young man that Kate was opposed to her marrying. So terrifying were the attacks on Elizabeth that she broke her engagement.

Kate boasted that she would see “Old Jack (John)” in his grave before long. After two years of seizures and other physical maladies, John Beall died. Kate laughed after the funeral that she had ‘done him in.’

She soon left the family in peace but promised she would return in 105 years, which would have been in 1935.

People in the area believe that when she returned that she took up residence in a cave on the banks of the Red River. Locals declare that strange voices, lights skimming the landscape at night, and other unusual occurences at the present time can be attributed to Kate.

Several decendants of the John Bell family live in our area — Billie Nielsen is one. Three books, two movies, and several theater productions have featured “The Bell Witch.” The cave has been placed on the National Register of Historic places.

After the program, club business was conducted. Treasurer and Registrar Mary Taylor reported that all 18 members have paid their dues, but two members have requested transfers to a Henderson chapter. Since it is Moses M. Buckner’s turn to host the District VIII UDC convention, a motion was made and passed that the chapter accept their duty and host the convention on March 14. Arrangement committees will be appointed at a later date.



Rusk Lions Club part of something big

Rusk Lions Club President Jeff Johnson called the Oct. 30 meeting to order by asking Lion Tim Timmons for the invocation, Lion Jim Cromwell for the pledges and Lion Jim Richings to lead singing.

Special guests were Nancy Timmons, Boots Burfoot and Betty Broussard.

Lion Ann Brown announced thus far we have received $1,087 in rifle raffle sales and $450 in chili supper ticket sales.

It was voted during the Oct. 30 meeting to provide chili plates for the press box on Friday night.

The chili supper was held Nov. 7 at Rusk High School Cafeteria. The drawing for the winner of the Howe 300 Magnum Rifle was set to take place at halftime of the Rusk Eagles’ football game.

The reputation of Texas for doing things large holds true regarding Lions Clubs. The three largest clubs in North America are from Texas and are as follows:

• No. 1. Lubbock, TX. District 2-T2 with 356 members;

• No. 2. Conroe,TX. noon 2-S2 with 317 members; and

• No. 3. Lufkin Host, TX. 2-S1 with 270 members.

The largest club in Canada is the Vancouver Diamond Club with 104 members.

All Lions should remember Lion Ike Daniels in their prayers for his recovery from his illness. Lion Ike is missed when he is not in attendance. He is in Room 596 at Mother Francis Hospital.

Please visit the Rusk Lions Club any Thursday at noon.