The Herald-Press Blog

New Year's resolutions

2011-01-11T15:59:00.004-06:00

Did you make any New Year's resolutions?

Many people pick resolutions relating to exercising more, eating healthier, etc.

One of my resolutions revolves around posting more regularly to this blog, where I will be sharing photos, videos or anything I think will be of interest to people in our community.

Here is a link to USA.gov's list of popular New Year's resolutions with links on how to get started — such as managing stress, finding a better job or saving money.

Rainbow photos from readers

2010-09-08T19:06:00.003-05:00

Rainbow photos, unfortunately, don't always look so awesome when they print in the newspaper - especially if they are printed in black and white.

So I wanted to share a couple of rainbow photos that were submitted by readers on Aug. 31.

This first rainbow picture was taken by Cheryle Evans.

This rainbow photo below was taken by Tammy Campos.

Why I love small-town community festivals

2010-08-26T23:50:00.005-05:00

One of the favorite things I enjoy covering for the Herald-Press is festivals - especially the small-town festivals. There's something about going to a community, talking with the people you know, seeing all of the crafts made by people like you and me, and supporting a good cause, like a local community center.

Both Neches and Montalba have festivals each year that fit in this group. While Neches hold its annual Neches Heritage Day festival the first weekend in May, the Montalba Fall Festival is held in the fall on the last Saturday in September (Sept. 25 this year) on the Montalba Community Center grounds on Texas 19.

The Montalba Fall Festival organizers are gearing up for their festival and especially want to get the word out about the arts & crafts vendor spaces that are available. Booths are 10x10 feet. Booth spaces are $20 a booth until Sept. 22. Late entries will cost $25. To reserve a booth or for more information, call Christy Woolverton 903-549-3462 or email christyw79@aol.com.

The festival, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will start with a parade at 10 a.m. Other activities will include a children's pet contest, live auction, arts and crafts, exhibit show, chocolate pie contest, a men's cake baking contest (really good entries last year!) and more. The winning pie and cake will be auctioned at the live auction. All proceeds go directly to the Montalba Community Center & Volunteer Fire Department. For more information contact Jill Hamil at 903-549-2384.

As always, the Montalba Volunteer Fire Department will be selling barbecue dinners and stuffed potato plates as a fund-raiser. Meals include a drink and homemade desserts. For more information, call Cookie Wilbanks at 903-549-2537.

For the exhibit show, categories will include produce, home canning, arts, crafts, & needlework with many classes in each category. There also will be a special “youth section” for the youngsters to show the things they have accomplished this past year. Everyone welcome. Guidelines and show times may be obtained by calling Lucia Gramme at 903-549-2181.

The ladies from the Montalba Community Improvement Association have handcrafted a queen-sized quilt to be given away in a drawing during the festival. This has been the association's main fundraiser for over 40 years. Donations are $2 eachor three for $5. Purchase these the day of the festival, or in advance at Montalba General Store and area banks including Capital One Bank on the loop in Palestine. You need not be present to win. Call 903-549-2384 with questions about the quilt drawing.

Tall snowman

2010-02-27T21:21:00.003-06:00

Phillip Davis submitted this photo of a giant snowman made by family and friends in the Bridgesville community near Elkhart Tuesday after the Anderson County area received its second snowfall this month. The tallest man in the photo is 6 feet 2 inches tall, which makes the snowman about 10 feet tall.

More snow photos can be found on the Palestine Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

Dogwood Trails brochure available

2010-02-06T20:57:00.005-06:00

The 72nd Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration in 2010 will be held in Palestine the last two weekends in March and the first weekend in April.

The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce has the Dogwood Trails Celebration brochure available in on its website, if you want to take a sneak-peek of the upcoming events (or click the logo to the left to download it!).

It looks like there is something for everyone during the three weekends — Dogwood Trails Parade, Palestine Community Theatre's production of "Little Women," the Old-Time Music & Dulcimer Festival, tours of historic homes, "gingerbread and coffee" at the historic Pilgrim Church, the "Gatherin' Steam Dogwood Bicycle Ride, events at the Texas State Railroad and a lot more!

You can find entry forms for several events including the parade and the bike ride on the Forms section of the Chamber website.

VIDEO: Spirit of Mardi Gras at St. Philip's

2010-02-02T20:26:00.001-06:00

This is a video taken at the Spirit of Mardi Gras fund-raiser held Jan. 27 at St. Philip's Episocopal Church. In the video, Episcopal Church Women member Mary Kolstad explains how the fund-raiser has changed over the years from chili to jambalaya.

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My favorite stories from 2009

2010-01-23T23:24:00.012-06:00

While working on contest entries for the Associated Press Managing Editors competition for newspapers, I did a search on the Palestine Herald-Press website for stories I had written in 2009. At the time, I didn't think I had very many stories "worthy" of the contest, but upon looking back, I came up with a few gems (in my opinion).

Now, it necessarily wasn't my writing that made these stories special to me, but more the subject matter I was given to write about. These are stories that truly touched my heart. Click the links below to read the stories.

Here's a look at my favorite stories I wrote in 2009 that I am especially proud of:

• “Journey for a Cure” — This is a story about a California family (Bill and Victoria Strong) stopping in Palestine, Texas on their 5,000 mile journey across the country to raise awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) which has crippled their 20-month-old daughter Gwendolyn. The family details the extensive care necessary just to keep their daughter alive while informing the public about this devastating illness. Before the end of the journey, the family introduced their daughter for the first time to her 104-year-old grandfather in Mississippi (a Palestine native).

• “Every 15 Minutes” — This is a feature about the "Every 15 Minutes" program designed to teach teens about the dangers of drunk driving. Using an intense, interactive “mock accident scene” and sobering program Every 15 Minutes stresses the shocking statistics that one teen dies in the United States every 15 minutes due to an alcohol-related wreck.

• “Keeping Hope Alive” — This is the story about a woman who has not given up hope despite the fact that her 19-year-old son has been missing for four years. After the case turned cold, this mother committed herself and her efforts to reopen the investigation into her son's disappearance.

• “Birdwell Talks About Surviving Pentagon Attack on 9/11” — This story is a feature on Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian Birdwell, who spoke to the Palestine Independent School District faculty about his horrific experience during the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11. Birdwell was in the Pentagon when the plane crashed into the building. In his speech,the visibly scarred veteran describes his emotions then and now. Birdwell endured 39 operations over a four-year period for the burns he received on that day. He and his wife founded Face the Fire Ministries Inc., which was established to assist burn survivors and wounded servicemen and women and their families.

• “Competition helps woman find strength to battle cancer” — This is a story about Mimi Burch, a woman who drew strength from her horse-riding competition to get her through the darkest days of her breast cancer treatments. A week after finishing her radiation therapy, Burch competed in a five-state competition not expecting to win, but to show that she wasn't going to let cancer take over her life. She won the competition.

Courtesy Photo: Bill and Victoria Strong try to cherish every moment they have with their daughter Gwendolyn, who suffers from SMA, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Gwendolyn turned 2 years old in October, a major milestone for a child with SMA. Keep updated about the Strong Family on the GwendolynStrong.com website.

—— Cheril Vernon, Community Editor, Palestine Herald-Press

Lost Yorkie found

2010-01-22T00:55:00.002-06:00

I am happy to report that the Yorkie named Teddy lost on CR 404 is safely back at home!

I had mentioned the little dog in a blog post about the Lost Tails website which posts photos of lost and found pets in the area.

With the help of some family friends, the owners found the little Yorkie stuck in some brush way back on their property. Besides being dirty, hungry and thirsty, the Yorkie is doing fine! This is a miracle because the dog had been gone for a few days and could have easily have been a target for a larger animal.

Lost and found pet website for Palestine helpful

2010-01-19T18:47:00.005-06:00

If you have ever had to scour the neighborhood looking for a lost pet, you know the horrible feeling of not being able to find your beloved pet. This happens every day in Palestine.

While putting up signs, calling and visiting the animal shelter and looking for your pet are the best things you can do, Palestine also has a fairly new website for lost and found pets.

This website Lost Tails posts pictures and information about missing and found pets in the Palestine area.

The idea is that if you find a pet, you can check this website to see if someone is looking for it, cutting down the time this pet has to spend without his/her family, especially before this pet is taken to the animal shelter. And if your pet goes missing, this website will provide you a place to post a picture and information that may help someone identify a pet they see that appears to be lost.

This Yorkie is the newest missing pet on the Lost Tails website, posted today. This adorable dog disappeared from his home on County Road 404, close to CR 403. Please call Joyce at 903-729-1521 if you see him.

On the "found" side, there is a cute Pug that was found on Jan. 1 on Loop 256 near the Aramadillo store. Maybe you know where this pet lives.

Be sure to visit Lost Tails often to see if you recognize any pets on the site. Some of these pets have medical conditions and need to be returned to home for proper care.

Free tax help offered in Palestine

2010-01-19T18:30:00.001-06:00

It's that time of the year when were are waiting for our W-2s to see if we are going to pay Uncle Sam or get money back on our taxes this year.

In Palestine, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be offering free tax return preparation starting Feb. 3 in Palestine.

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays, Feb. 3 through April 14, at the Meals on Wheel of Palestine Senior Activity Center, 200 N. Church St.

All low- and medium-income taxpayers are welcome to participate in the free service.

Those wanting help should bring their 2008 tax return, all W2s and 1099s as well as Social Security and ITIN cards for each member of the family.

VIDEO: Christmas village display in Oakwood

2009-12-15T02:58:00.002-06:00

I took this video while driving through Oakwood recently on U.S. 79.

This Christmas village display was set up in a window of the historic Oakwood State Bank.

Oakwood State Bank was actually named the smallest bank in America and is 100 years old.

If you will be driving through Oakwood, stop and see this display. The village is beautifully decorated and a train runs through the tracks. A small Santa and his reindeers circle above.

When you get to Oakwood from Palestine on U.S. 79, turn left on FM 542 near the blicking light in Oakwood. The bank is located on the right side before you get to the railroad tracks.

VIDEO: The Polar Express at Texas State Railroad

2009-11-15T01:42:00.002-06:00

The Texas State Railroad is headed to the North Pole. Listen and you’ll hear the conductor call “All Aboard The Polar Express™” for an unforgettable journey departing the Palestine Depot starting Friday and running through Dec. 27 on selected dates.

Here's KLTV's story about the first weekend:

Relay for Life video set to Rascal Flatts song

2009-11-01T01:53:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's been a while since the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life was held back in June. But being the "end" of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I think this is worth sharing, well, it's worth sharing anyway.

Corey Foley sent in this video he made from photos he and his mom Beth Foley (former H-P news editor who took a teaching job down south a few months ago) took during Relay for Life set to Rascal Flatt's "Bless the Broken Road."

Thank you Corey for sharing this with us!

VIDEO: Palestine Parade Highlights!

2009-11-01T01:32:00.000-05:00

Videos from Neches schools

2009-09-27T22:35:00.002-05:00

Here are two videos taken at Neches ISD last week. One shows Neches High School varsity basketball players reading to a Neches Elementary School class. The other video shows a class led by teacher Cherri Goodwin using a Smartboard in class.

Also, be sure to check out this story about Neches ISD's new look. There also is photos of the new campus on this photo gallery.

Railfest 2009 videos - Firemen "Beauty" Pageant and passengers boarding train

2009-09-06T00:37:00.004-05:00

So what are these guys doing? They are firefighters dressed in drag to raise funds for the fire department. Five contestants participated representing the Rusk and Maydelle fire departments at Railfest 2009 held Saturday at the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot. Emceeing the event is Miss Texas Kristen Blair.

This video below is of passengers boarding the Steam Engine 300 for a train ride.

VIDEO: Navasota at Palestine game

2009-09-05T20:32:00.002-05:00

Here's a video taken at the Navasota at Palestine football game that features the band, drill team and a little football action.

Be sure to check out this Photo Gallery of the football game.

Learn the history of Labor Day from History.com

2009-09-03T20:44:00.001-05:00

This month, History.com celebrates the value and dignity of work and its role in the American way of life with its Labor Day (September 7) minisite.

History.com examines Labor Day with a comprehensive look at the significance of the day. Visitors to http://www.history.com/laborday can watch videos on the workers fight for labor rights and the fight to end child labor, learn information on labor leaders such as the Knights of Labor, get information on the 8-hour work day, and interact with additional resources.

More holiday information can be found at www.history.com/historyoftheholidays.

Funny videos of pets

2009-08-29T22:14:00.003-05:00

I found this video on YouTube and thought it was so cute. I love dogs and cats and get great enjoyment out of watching funny videos with them in it.

But this one was funny to me because the dogs look like they are so embarrassed to be dressed up, yet sit there like frozen popsicles!

If you are ever down in the dumps about life, type in "funny dog videos" or "funny cat videos" into the YouTube search box. You will find hours worth of enjoyment that will take your mind off of anything.

And for the cat lovers, here's another video:

Neither of the videos are new, but they are funny.

Personally, I miss my pets and this gives me an outlet for enjoying the "joy" pets have brought to my life.

School starts Monday: Watch for kids, buses

2009-08-22T22:51:00.008-05:00

Time to keep an eye out for students

Area schools are headed back to school on Monday and that means the time before school starts and the afternoon are going to be busier on the roads.

Drivers need to keep their eyes open and step up safety around school zones, crosswalks, bus stops and wherever children may gather.

• Be ready to driver slower in school zones and bus stops

• Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights. Drivers approaching the bus must come to a full stop while the red lights are on.

• Anticipate traffic ahead of time. This summer you may not have had any trouble getting around Loop 256 in time to make it to work on time. But during the school year, Loop 256 can get congested from Story Elementary School all the way to Palestine High School and the turn by Palestine Middle School. Be prepared for that. The busiest times are from 7:35 to 8:10 a.m. in the mornings and from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.

• Obey crossing guards.

• Anticipate the worst. There's always a chance a small child may run in front of you — that's why it's important to slow down and prepare to brake.

• Be careful around parked cars and backing up. Small children especially can be hard to see.

• Avoid using cell phones when driving - There are a couple of new Texas traffic laws going in effect on September 1 — one makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. We already know using a cell phone while driving is a distraction, so please be extra careful.

Also, be sure to read these Transportation Tips from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that explain how children can be taught to get on and off buses safely.

Have any more safety tips to share? Email me at community@palestineherald.com

Celebrity Waiter Dinner photos

2009-08-11T19:31:00.017-05:00

Here are a few photos from the Celebrity Waiter Dinner that benefited the Breast Cancer 3-Day teams. Look for a full-page photo page in Wednesday's Herald-Press. The event raised more than $9,000 for the teams.

This last picture is of Texas Express, which provided musical entertainment for the evening.

VIDEO: Celebrity Waiter Dinner

2009-08-06T23:33:00.003-05:00

Can you spot the doctors serving as waiters in this video? Yes, local doctors as well as elected officials and other local "celebrities" lent their hands to a good cause Thursday night for a Celebrity Waiter Dinner.

Proceeds will help the 13 Palestine Regional Medical Center female employees and three family members of participants who have agreed to raise a minimum of $2,300 each to help fight breast cancer by participating in the upcoming Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.

The Ben E. Keith parking lot where the event was held overflowed — so here's hoping that the fund-raiser was successful!

America's Got Talent contestant performed in Palestine

2009-07-28T04:29:00.003-05:00

Before appearing on NBC's summer reality show America's Got Talent, Pam Martin and Viva did their "dog dancing" act for BARC, The Humane Society's fund-raiser back in March. In fact, you can watch the videos we took on the Herald-Press YouTube page.

Good luck to Pam and Viva! We will be rooting for you!

Update on Gwendolyn Strong

2009-07-26T02:22:00.007-05:00

Do you remember the little girl Gwendolyn Strong who visited Palestine with her parents to raise awareness for SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy)?

My first story about this amazing family can be read here.

Upon arrival in Palestine, they visited the Texas State Railroad for a special media event.

Making the family's journey extra special, while visiting Gwendolyn's great-grandfather 104-year-old Harry Gillespie (a Palestine native) in Mississippi, Palestine Mayor Bob Herrington made a surprise visit to recognize Gillespie for his connections to Palestine.

It's nice to know the family is back home. We are happy to hear that their journey of love raised more than $40,000 for the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation to find a cure for SMA.

Image from www.gwendolynstrong.com

Last weekend for Palestine Community Theatre's 'Beauty and the Beast'

2009-07-23T21:27:00.003-05:00

Want to watch the Palestine Community Theatre's production of "Beauty and the Beast"?

Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. are the last three performances of this show. Tickets are on sale at Education Unlimited on Crockett Road, the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce on Main Street in downtown Palestine, and, if you’re lucky, at the door of the Texas Theater on play nights at 217 W. Crawford St. in downtown Palestine.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children in advance.

Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview

2009-07-12T00:12:00.002-05:00

Here is a video from CBS 19 promoting the Great Texas Balloon Race which continues through Sunday in Longview.

Click here for the Great Texas Balloon Race schedule.

CBS 19 video about snake bites on the rise

2009-07-11T23:50:00.004-05:00

Here is a video from CBS 19 about the rise of snake bites due to the hot, dry weather.

I'm not a fan of snakes. How 'bout you?

Fourth of July Fireworks

2009-07-09T21:21:00.003-05:00

These photos of Palestine's firework show were submitted by local resident Ann Mottern.

VIDEO: Fourth of July Children's Parade video

2009-07-04T18:06:00.000-05:00

Fourth of July Children's Parade

2009-07-04T16:48:00.007-05:00

Here are some photos from the Fourth of July Children's Parade Saturday in Palestine (taken by Herald-Press News Editor Beth Foley).

More photos can be found on the Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

Fourth of July Pet Contest and doggie photos

2009-07-04T16:39:00.008-05:00

Here are a few photos taken at the DAV/BARC, The Humane Society's Fourth of July Celebration at Dogwood Trails Assisted Living. (Photos from Tammy Campos).

During the Pet Contest, Most Patriotic Dog award was presented to Junior, a 7 month old Chihuahua owned by Sheridan Whiteside (pictured with Dru Whiteside)

Jane Davis holds Bella (11-month-old Yorkie) owned by Herman and JoAnn Morton
Bella won 2nd place Best Beard.

Pam Smith demonstrates Domino's jumping abilities.

1-and-a-1/2-year-old Jager Hammans poses with Honey (owned by the Campos family). Honey provided entertainment (via a variety of doggie tricks) for the crowd.

More photos from this event can be found on the Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

Happy Fourth of July!

DAV Fourth of July event at Dogwood Trails

2009-07-04T16:29:00.009-05:00

Here are some photos taken by local photographer Tammy Campos at the Fourth of July celebration at Dogwood Trails Assisted Living.

A fund-raiser also was held to raise funds for a much-needed van to transport local veterans to the VA hospital.

BARC, The Humane Society was on hand hosting a Pet Contest. More photos from this event can be viewed at the Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

Happy Independence Day!

Strong family: Acts of Kindness in Palestine

2009-07-02T22:29:00.002-05:00

If you've been following the Strong family's 5,000 mile journey for a cure from Santa Barbara, California cross country (including a stop in Palestine on Tuesday), you'll be happy to know that they made it to Mississippi where Gwendolyn's great-grandfather (former Palestine resident) Harry Gillespie lives.

The Strongs wrote a very nice blog post about acts of kindness in Palestine which is worth reading. Thank you Victoria and Bill for your kind words! I'm glad East Texas treated your family so nicely! Writing stories like this really make my job worthwhile.

Click here to listen to KYYK 98.3's Gary Richards interviewing Bill Strong about their journey and visit to Palestine.

Elmo and Big Bird are in Palestine!

2009-07-01T23:14:00.004-05:00

While stopping in Palestine during their 5,000 mile journey across several states spreading awareness for SMA (Skeletal Muscular Dystrophy), Santa Barbara, California residents Bill and Victoria Strong took a few photos.

The Strong family has done this on their blog in "Where is Gwendolyn Now?" segments several times. Usually their 20-month-old daughter Gwendolyn (who suffers from SMA) is in the segments, but she was sleeping, so Big Bird and Elmo helped her out!

As of Wednesday, the Strong family was in Mississippi, which means they will be meeting with Victoria's 104-year-old grandfather Harry Gillespie (former Palestine resident) pretty soon! He is going to meet his great-granddaughter Gwendolyn for the first time ever!

Here's a photo of former Palestine resident Harry Gillespie:

Want to Sponsor-a-Mile to End SMA? Click here to learn how.

Video: CBS 19's story on the Strong family's visit to Palestine

2009-07-01T22:54:00.003-05:00

CBS 19 also was at the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot on Tuesday for the Strong family's media event to raise awareness of the No. 1 genetic killer of children, SMA (Skeletal Muscular Atrophy). Their 20-month-old daughter Gwendolyn suffers from SMA. The family is currently on a 5,000 mile tour which started in their hometown of Santa Barbara, California to raise awareness for SMA.

Here's her story (click the blog title above to see the video):

You can follow Gwendolyn's journey at gwendolynstrong.com

VIDEO: SMA Journey: "A Cure is Possible"

2009-07-01T21:31:00.012-05:00

KLTV interviewed the Strong family when they stopped at the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot for a media event on Tuesday to promote awareness of SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy).

Click the blog title above for the video to show:

Photos of Gwendolyn's family at the Texas State Railroad Park

2009-06-30T15:41:00.004-05:00

Gwendolyn Strong, a 20-month-old toddler, delighted in hearing the train whistles and taking photos in front of The Little Engine That Could™ at the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot on Tuesday.

Gwendolyn's parents Bill and Victoria Strong of Santa Barbara, California brought their little girl to Palestine as part of their 5,000-mile round trip drive to raise awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a paralyzing and terminal disease. The Strongs are making their trip across the country in an RV armed with banners, corporate sponsors and a call to action to end SMA.

More photos can be found on the Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

The “Sponsor-A-Mile to END SMA” drive (http://SponsorAMile.com), in which each mile driven is sponsored at $10 a mile, has a goal of raising $50,000. All proceeds will go to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (http://gwendolynstrongfoundation.org), which seeks to shed light on this deadly childhood disease and to fund SMA medical research that specialists and the National Institute for Health (NIH) believe is within five years of a cure.

Come meet Gwendolyn and the Strong family at the TSR on Tuesday

2009-06-29T21:35:00.005-05:00

The community is invited to meet the Bill and Victoria Strong family of Santa Barbara, Calif. when they stop by the Texas State Railroad's Palestine Depot at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 30.

The Strongs will be in Palestine on Tuesday as part of their campaign to drive 5,000 miles with their 20-month-old daughter Gwendolyn who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a paralyzing and fatal disease, across the country in an RV armed with banners, corporate sponsors and a call to action to end SMA.

A special event for media and community supporters is planned. The Little Engine That Could™ will be displayed at the TSRR during the event. The Strongs will say a few words about their journey, pass out information regarding SMA, and be available to speak to media.

The Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot is located at Park Road 70 on U.S. 84 East in Palestine.

For information on Gwendolyn, visit GwendolynStrong Foundation.org

Also, read the full story about the family and their visit to Palestine here.

Gwendolyn's story

2009-06-27T22:12:00.007-05:00

Be sure to read Sunday's newspaper for a touching story about an ordinary couple who are doing extraordinary things in the midst of personal crisis.

Santa Barbara, California residents Bill and Victoria Strong have made it their mission to drive 5,000 miles with their 20 month-old daughter, Gwendolyn, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a paralyzing and terminal disease, across the country in an RV armed with banners, corporate sponsors and a call to action -- To END SMA!

The Strongs will be rolling into Palestine on Tuesday. Why are they stopping in Palestine?

Victoria’s grandparents, Harry and Madge Gillespie, were formerly longtime residents of Palestine, as were her great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents.

Her grandfather Harry Gillespie is 104 years old and moved from Palestine to Mississippi in 1964.

“After our daughter was diagnosed we set a trip to see him but it was canceled due to her health,” Victoria Strong said via a phone interview while traveling in the RV on their way to New Mexico on Friday. “Gwendolyn can’t travel by plane so this was our last option. We got an ‘OK’ from her doctors. Gwendolyn is doing well and Harry is doing well, so now was the perfect time.”
Strong said her grandfather still associates his life a great deal to Palestine.

“He spent so much time in Palestine that it really is his home,” Strong said. “All of our ancestors are buried in Palestine. I’ve spent a lot of time there and I want to visit the cemetery and show my family the town because of our family roots.”

The "Sponsor-A-Mile to END SMA" drive (http://SponsorAMile.com), in which each mile driven is sponsored at $10 a mile, has a goal of raising $50,000. All proceeds will go to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation (http://gwendolynstrongfoundation.org), which seeks to shed light on this deadly childhood disease and to fund SMA medical research that specialists and the National Institute for Health (NIH) believe is within 5 years of a cure.

Relay for Life - overall video

2009-06-25T01:06:00.002-05:00

I know that Anderson County's Relay for Life was a few weeks ago, but I have just now had the time to finish getting this video ready. I had to cut it down so that YouTube would accept it. It's long, but for the couple of hundred of us who were there for Relay for Life, it's meaningful to see the whole thing. Thank you Corey for putting it together!

I really like the beginning of the video when Relay for Life Chair Sarah Jo McDonald explained why it's so important.

I was off work on Relay for Life night so that I could be on a team - a new one called Team Hope. We will be back next year to fight cancer with the other teams.

Smile Page photos

2009-06-24T23:57:00.009-05:00

Sometimes black-and-white photos in the newspaper do not do photos justice. I couldn't resist putting this beautiful hydrangea photo here because of its color.

I also really love the photos from the Grapeland Safari! Notice the food falling out of the little girl's cup while she is feeding it. So cute!

The Gardens dedication Thursday

2009-06-23T15:54:00.010-05:00

The Gardens at the Palestine Public Library will be dedicated Thursday, June 25 at 9 a.m. at Palestine Public Library.

An “adventure” that began with water mysteriously flooding the Youth Department concluded with beautiful gardens welcoming visitors to Palestine Public Library.

The designs were created by Anderson County Master Gardeners. Installation was performed by Jo Ann Pigeon Landscaping, Anderson County Master Gardeners, members of the community, and Blackstone Irrigation. Prep work and paving work was provided by community work crews from The Gurney Unit of TDCJ with supervision of the Palestine Public Works Department.

Funding was provided by a matching grant from Palestine Economic Development Corporation, Palestine Library Friends, and Palestine Library Memorial. Benches are being provided by donations from Pionette Garden Club, Palestine Library Friends, Palestine Library Memorial, and friends and family of Janeene Kiely.

Here are more photos from the garden:

Palestine Herald-Press YouTube channel

2009-06-22T17:06:00.003-05:00

Did you know the Palestine Herald-Press has a YouTube channel? This is where we put the videos that we take. We also put them on our website and sometimes our blogs, but if you ever wanted to go back in look at them all together, the link above is a good place to go (and to bookmark).

Here's our newest video taken at the British Soccer Camp at the YMCA soccer field on Friday:

Be sure to read the British Soccer Camp story in Tuesday's edition.

Southside graduation photos

2009-06-22T01:24:00.006-05:00

Local photographer Stuart Whitaker took TONS (like more than 300) photos at Southside's graduation ceremony for its students. The photos are accessible at his Shutterfly account: http://etxphotojunkie.shutterfly.com/

You are going to need to bookmark his site because he takes lots of local photos, so you will want to keep checking back.

He took SEVERAL photos of kids getting their diplomas:

Happy Father's Day to all dads!

2009-06-21T04:10:00.005-05:00

Here are a few Father's Day videos:

Here's also Alan Jackson's "Drive"
and Brad Paisley's "He Didn't Have to Be."

Here's a few more videos for fun:

A new Palestine website for lost/found pets

2009-06-19T19:20:00.004-05:00

My friend Tammy Campos has just started a new website for lost/found pets called Lost Tails.

I had just wrote a story in the Friday paper about Fuzz, a black and white dog, who escaped from a local vet clinic. Fuzz's owners were frantic, as they had been dealing with a death in the family, and losing their dog on top of that, was just hard. The newspaper story did the trick. Someone saw it in the newspaper this morning and called the Browns and Fuzz is now home safe this evening!

But why not help more people who have lost/found pets? This new Lost Tails website can be utilized by someone who is looking for their lost pet as another avenue to try. It also can be used by those who find a pet.

I'm not saying this is the only way to find a pet. Obviously, you should call the animal shelter (903-729-8074) to see if your lost pet might be there. You should also put signs up by the last place you saw your pet. You also can put an ad in the newspaper for a lost/found pet. The more things you can try, the better.

Taylor Swift makes for memorable CMT Music Awards

2009-06-17T13:15:00.003-05:00

Live performances from our favorite country music performers, priceless. Seeing our favorites win awards for the best country music videos of the year, priceless.

Watching the opening skit about dreams with Taylor Swift and host actor/comedian Bill Engvall for the 2009 CMT Music Awards on Tuesday night in Nashville – hilarious.

Swift really brought this year’s awards show to a whole new water-cooler level. Her Star Trek skit (especially when she vaporized Engvall and asked Spock about MySpace and Twitter) was fantastic. As if that couldn’t be topped, her rapping video skit with rap star T-Pain called “Thug Story” was an awesome play on her “Love Story” song and Swift really played the part. Swift is the “It Girl” of country music right now, but at the same time comes across so sweet and modest, and always seems grateful for her fans.

Besides bringing comic relief to the show, Swift also won two awards ¬— video of the year for “Love Story,” which also won female video of the year.

But that’s not all. Swift performed “You Belong With Me” with a whole slew of cheerleaders on stage (similar to her video for the song) and closed the show with Def Leppard in a collaboration of the band’s mega hit from the ‘80s, “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” She worked with Def Leppard recently on a CMT “Crossroads” special.

In her acceptance speech for female video of the year, she thanked CMT.

“I want to thank CMT for letting me live so many of my dreams this year. I got to sing with my heroes. Def Leppard. I love you guys so much.”

Swift also gave credit to singers who came before her – including Shania Twain and Garth Brooks.

"I want to thank Shania Twain for always making such theatrical videos, and Garth Brooks for always putting the fans first. I take my cues from you," Swift said when she accepted the video of the year award. "I thank the fans for giving me video of the year when my whole family is here watching."

Trey Fanjoy, who directed Swift's award-winning "Love Story" video, was named video director of the year.

Also having a big night at the 2009 CMT Music Awards was Brad Paisley, who won best male video for “Waitin’ on a Woman,” which featured the appearance of veteran actor Andy Griffith. During his acceptance speech, Paisley expressed how proud he was to work on “Waitin’ in a Woman” with director Jim Shead and Griffith.

“Jim and I agree that this was the perfect man to pass wisdom,” Paisley said. “He has passed wisdom his whole life to us….”

Paisley also shared the collaborative video award with Keith Urban for “Start a Band.”

Both Paisley and Urban joked on stage to young guys everywhere. Urban told guys to “learn guitar, kids. Get the real thing.”

Paisley added, “Rock Band never got anybody a date. Never.”

For the CMT performance of the year award, Paisley was honored along with Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson and George Strait for their “Country Boy” performance during the TV special “CMT Giants: Alan Jackson.”

Jackson accepted the award with Paisley and Bentley.

Paisley also performed his current hit, "Then" during the show.

Sugarland’s “All I Want to Do” won a CMT award for duo video of the year. Sugarland also performed the B-52’s “Love Shack” during the show — surprising the audience by having the B-52’s join them on stage to finish the song.

Rascal Flatts won the group video award for “Every Day,” and performed “Summer Nights” from their latest album.

Kid Rock won the Wide Open Country video award for “All Summer Long,” while The Zac Brown Band took home the USA Weekend breakthrough artist of the year award for their first big hit, “Chicken Fried.”

Urban performed current hit “Sweet Thing” and joined Jasons Aldean on “She’s Country.” Other performances included Kellie Pickler (“Best Days of Your Life”), Toby Keith (“God Love Her”), Bentley (“Sideways”), Trace Adkins (“You’re Gonna Miss This”) and Darius Rucker (“Alright”).

Here is the complete list of 2009 CMT Music Awards winners:

• Duo Video of the Year: Sugarland, “All I Want to Do”
• Group Video of the Year: Rascal Flatts, “Everybody”
• CMT Performance of the Year: Alan Jackson featuring Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and George Strait, “Country Boy” from CMT Giants: Alan Jackson
• Collaborative Video of the Year: Brad Paisley with Keith Urban, “Start a Band”
Male Video of the Year: Brad Paisley, “Waitin' on a Woman”
• Video of the Year: Taylor Swift, “Love Story”
• Female Video of the Year: Taylor Swift, “Love Story”
• USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year: Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”
• Wide Open Country Video of the Year: Kid Rock, “All Summer Long”
• Video Director of the Year: Trey Fanjoy for Taylor Swift’s video “Love Story”

Adrian Peterson Day in Palestine

2009-06-14T00:19:00.001-05:00

Here is KLTV's video of Adrian Peterson Day in Palestine.

Read the Adrian Peterson Day story here in the Herald-Press.

FUNNY VIDEO: Relay for Life - "Dude Looks LIke a Lady" Miss Relay competition

2009-06-14T00:03:00.002-05:00

You are going to LOVE this video! These guys were nice enough to volunteer to dress in drag for their team to raise money for the American Cancer Society during the Anderson County Relay for Life on Friday, June 12.

Some of the "dudes" really get into it and play it up. In the second part of the video, they see who can collect the most donations for their Relay for Life team. The winner (the guy in the black dress on the far left at the beginning of the video) won. He's from the Dragonslayer team.

I just think it's cool that these guys did this to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The guy on the right even performs on a unicycle!

Relay for Life cancer survivors take first lap

2009-06-13T23:24:00.002-05:00

Local cancer survivors take the first lap around the track during the Anderson County Relay for Life event on Friday at Westwood High School's track.

Relay for Life team participants, family members and the community cheered the survivors on as they walked their first lap to the song "I Will Survive."

Read the Little Mexico update!

2009-06-06T18:28:00.003-05:00

Be sure to read the Little Mexico Blog to find out about the renovations since the fire. There's been progress!

Palestine High School graduation

2009-06-06T18:20:00.002-05:00

Herald-Press News Editor Beth Foley was at Palestine High School's graduation ceremony Friday and uploaded 57 photos to the PHP Photo Gallery.

Photos from Elkhart graduation

2009-05-30T01:28:00.008-05:00

Here are a few photos from Elkhart High School's graduation on Friday night. There are more photos available at the Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

VIDEO: World War II mock battle at Texas State Railroad Park

2009-05-26T07:58:00.003-05:00

A World War II mock battle between German and United States soldiers in Southern Germany in 1945 was held during the Armed Forces Memorial Day Weekend event Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the Texas State Railroad's Palestine Depot in Palestine, Texas.

The day featured living history demonstrations with re-enactors from the Revolutionary War period up to the present. Rides on a Huey helicopter and a sspecial military train were available.

It was a lot of fun to look at all of the living history reenactors who represented time periods from the Revolutionary War to the present. Those I talked to said they wanted to honor the soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. They enjoyed bringing history to life so people could see how it looked back then.

Watching the mock battle was really a treat. There was a huge crowd of people watching. All the military vehicles really added an authenticity to it as well.

Before the mock battle, there was a parade of the military vehicles with a short history of each vehicle and how it was used during war time.

This event is held every May around Memorial Day weekend. Be sure to check it out next year at the Texas State Railroad Park.

Photos from the event can be found on Stuart Whitaker's Photo Gallery and the Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

Academy of Dance photo

2009-05-20T00:38:00.004-05:00

Here's a photo from annual recital rehearsal for Carol Bentley's Academy of Dance May 14 at the Palestine Civic Center.

Click the photo and it will show you a larger photo that fills the screen.

Photo by Stuart Whitaker.

Cartmell residents to go fishin'

2009-05-12T17:24:00.004-05:00

For residents of nursing homes, going fishing brings back lots of memories.

So for the fourth year, Cartmell Home for Aged is bringing the fishing pond to the residents for its Let’s Go Fishin’ days today and Thursday.

Cartmell Home will bring in a 3,500-gallon tank stocked with 400 pounds of catfish for its residents to catch in front of the home.

“Many of them are not able to go fishing, so we bring the fishing to them,” Cartmell Home Administrator Debbie Harrison said. “They look forward to it all year and make a big day of it.”
The Austin-based company Let’s Go Fishin’ and its owner Brian Kitchen provide the tank and the fish.

Families of residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and cameras to celebrate the occasion.

To offset the expense of bringing in the catfish tank, Cartmell Home will hold a hamburger lunch fund-raiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. A hamburger, chips, cookie and soft drink will be sold for $5. Though a dining area is available, a drive-thru also will be set up for those needing to pick up orders to go.

Call-in orders will be accepted through Thursday morning. To place an advance order for the drive-thru, call Cartmell Home at 903-727-8500.

Pictured is Mertie Patton showing off a fish she caught during a previous Let's Go Fishin' event.

Links to election results

2009-05-10T01:25:00.004-05:00

Here are links to the Herald-Press election coverage stories:

• City of Palestine mayoral election ends in runoff, two other races decided (also results in City of Elkhart and City of Frankston elections)
• Palestine ISD bond passes, one school board race decided
• Elkhart ISD school bond passes, two school board races - one ends in runoff
• Leon County votes for ambulance service

Relay for Life looking for someone to sing National Anthem

2009-05-09T18:29:00.003-05:00

The Relay for Life committee is in search of someone to sing the National Anthem at Relay on June 12 at the Relay for Life event at Westwood's Panther Stadium. Auditions will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the Reagan Park Gazebo.

The committee also is in need of volunteers for the night of Relay to help with things such as registering survivors, serving the survivor dinner, and much more. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt. Anyone interested can contact Relay for Life Event Chair Sarah McDonald at 903-724-4178.

Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/andersoncotx

VIDEOS from Mission Tejas State Park

2009-05-05T21:45:00.003-05:00

A few videos from the Farm & Ranch News publication — the first is Jan Ott of Mixon, Texas turning Angora fiber into yarn. The second is artisans hand braiding lace. This took place at the recent folk life festival at Mission Tejas State Park.

VIDEOS: Neches Heritage Day

2009-05-05T21:38:00.002-05:00

Here are two photos from the Neches Heritage Day festival in Neches on Saturday, May 2.

First, the Cherokee Cloggers perform to "Mama Mia." The second video is the Ponderosa band from Jacksonville performing.

VIDEOS: Michael Martin Murphey in concert at Texas Music Awards

2009-04-26T22:07:00.005-05:00

Michael Martin Murphey performs "Cherokee Fiddle" at the concert following the Texas Music Awards Sunday at the Palestine Civic Center. In the video below, he plays "What's Forever For."

Michael Martin Murphey's reunion with Cosmic Cowboy band members including Bob Livingston, Herb Steiner, Gary P. Nunn and others. They are performing "Geronimo's Cadillac."

Live blog Texas Music Awards

2009-04-26T14:13:00.003-05:00

Texas Music Awards Live Blog

Just push play to read the transcript from the live blog of the Texas Music Awards.

Live blog Texas Music Awards

2009-04-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

Live blog Texas Music Awards

Texas Music Awards host Michael Martin Murphey sings "Wildfire"

2009-04-24T19:22:00.002-05:00

Legendary cowboy singer Michael Martin Murphey will host the 7th Annual Texas Music Awards on Sunday, April 26 at the Palestine Civic Center.

The festivities will start at noon Sunday as the nominees arrive on the red carpet. The awards show will start at 2 p.m. Following the awards show about 6 p.m., Murphey will present a concert.

Herald-Press will live blog the Texas Music Awards

2009-04-24T02:52:00.002-05:00

Texas Music Awards Live Blog

The Palestine Herald-Press will be there Sunday (April 26) when the Texas Music Awards nominees show up on the red carpet at the Palestine Civic Center.

As the show starts at 2 p.m., I will live blog the event right here on this blog. By using CoverItLive software, it will stream the live blog right here. Those who are on this blog during the live blog event can even add real-time comments. You will know who wins each award as it happens.

If you miss the live blog, no problem. You can replay the live blog after the event whenever you want.

—— Cheril Vernon, Palestine Herald-Press Community Editor

Livestock Show videos

2009-04-24T02:20:00.003-05:00

Here are some videos I took at the Anderson County Youth Livestock Show at the auction Thursday at the Anderson County Youth Livestock Expo Center. (Read the auction story)

——— Cheril Vernon, Palestine Herald-Press Community Editor

Palestine Herald-Press on Twitter

2009-04-24T01:49:00.004-05:00

Maybe you've heard of Twitter and maybe you haven't. Well, the Herald-Press now posts links to stories and other newspaper-related "Tweets" on the Palestine-Herald Twitter account.

I know I get asked a lot about Twitter so I wanted to put in a video that explains how it works in simple terms.

You can get Twitter updates on your phone, which is nice for those who like it, or you can login to Twitter to see what the people you are following are doing.

There are so many interesting people on Twitter that if you try it, you will love it.

Something to get you started: Check out Twellow to find people on Twitter with similar interests

If you start following someone you don't like, you can always "unfollow" them.

Twitter is great for a large diversity of people: Those who just want to "Twitter" about their day; Businesses that want to highlight their products or news; Newspapers, TV stations or blogs that want to "Tweet" about their newest online stories, videos or blog posts, etc. There are truly endless possibilities of how to use Twitter personally and professionally.

One of the people I follow on my personal Twitter account is editorial cartoonist Daryl Cagle. I don't know him personally and will never get the opportunity to meet him in person. But it's interesting to see how he comes up with the ideas for the editorial cartoons and to see his perspective on the newspaper industry. He's not even one of editorial cartoonists we use, but it's still interesting to watch his progress.

Want more Twitter tips? Email me at community@palestineherald.com or visit this great Twitter resource.

——— Cheril Vernon, Community Editor, the newspaper's own Social Media expert (because that's what I enjoy!)

Palestine Herald-Press has mobile page

2009-04-24T01:47:00.002-05:00

Want to check the local news out on your phone?

Check out the new Palestine Herald-Press mobile website: http://palestineherald.com/mobile

Good video about the Texas State Railroad

2009-04-22T01:33:00.004-05:00

This video taken in June 2008 by Roseann Rogers with KPRC Houston's "What's the Buzz?" is full of good information and history of the Texas State Railroad.

The historic railroad offers steam and diesel excursions that travel through the scenic piney woods of East Texas. Board at either the Palestine or Rusk Depots on the weekends for a 50-mile roundtrip excursion. Special train related events for the whole family are also held throughout the year.

Visit the TSRR online at www.TexasStateRR.com or call 1-888-987-2461 for reservations or information.

Easter Egg Hunt at Banks Elementary School grounds

2009-04-19T02:08:00.008-05:00

More than 100 community residents gathered at the former site of Banks Elementary School on Saturday for the 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Express Car Wash and Detail. Event coordinator Thomas Reeves views this as an opportunity for the entire community to come together and make it a special family day. Before beginning the festivities, children listened attentively as the purpose of the celebration was explained to them. In addition to traditional activities, there were games, prizes, and food for everyone. Along with Reeves, local citizens and the Knights of Pythias provided sponsorship.

Here are some more photos:

Local Texas Adopt-A-Beach Poster Contest winner

2009-04-17T02:23:00.002-05:00

This is Story Elementary School fifth grader Jessica King's winning entry in the Texas Adopt-a-Beach Poster Contest.

Read Saturday's Our Town story for more details and to see a photo of Jessica with her principal and art teacher!

You can view all of the 40 winning posters (out of 5,100 entries) at www.texasadoptabeach.org (click on children’s art contest). Jessica's artwork was one of three posters from East Texas.

Little Mexico has a blog

2009-04-11T00:36:00.009-05:00

In case you were wondering about the progress of the rebuilding of Little Mexico since the fire on March 25, you can now keep updated with the Little Mexico blog — which promises to post pictures and information to keep its fans informed.

What's up with Billy Bob Thornton?

2009-04-09T09:09:00.002-05:00

I don't think Billy Bob Thornton liked his introduction. Obviously, it ticks him off if people refer to his acting/directing career as his first love when he's being interviewed for his music.

His band members cover for him for a while, but eventually Thorton decides to have his say. It's worth watching the whole clip because it gets stranger and stranger.

I mean, like the interviewer says, does Billy Bob Thornton really think people are going to interview him without mentioning his career on the silver screen?

Have any photos from the YMCA's Extravaganza?

2009-04-05T02:32:00.003-05:00

Did you take your kids or grandkids to the YMCA's Extravaganza (Easter egg hunt) on Saturday? Or to the CASA 5K?

If you took photos and want to share them, send them to community@palestineherald.com

Also, if you have video of any local event (or photo) send them to the email address above or give us the link to the video and we can post it on the Herald-Press Blog or put the photos on the Herald-Press Photo Gallery.

VIDEO: Disco Dog

2009-04-05T02:30:00.003-05:00

This video was taken at BARC, The Humane Society's Critter Family Fun Day March 28 in Palestine. The dog takes a little while to get warmed up, but once he goes, he really GOES. He really is a Disco Dog!

VIDEO: Arts & Music Festival on museum grounds

2009-04-05T02:04:00.000-05:00

Two new videos - dogs and kids

2009-04-01T03:44:00.005-05:00

Here are two more videos from the Critter Family Fun Day in Palestine on Saturday, March 28, a fund-raiser for BARC, The Humane Society.

In the video above, parents and kids competed with each other on the agility course made for dogs! The agility course was sponsored by CM Streek Agility Training Center Inc. of Frankston. In most cases, the kid beat the parent! I didn't get all of them on video, but let me tell you, they were hilarious!

Below is Pam Smith with her dog Domino going through the agility course:

Be sure to check out the videos in the post below (dogs freestyle dancing — the danciing dogs are too adorable!)

— POSTED by Cheril Vernon, Community Editor

Critter Family Fun Day videos

2009-03-29T04:54:00.000-05:00

Dulcimer festival video

2009-03-29T04:53:00.000-05:00

TOP 10 reasons to go to the Critter Family Fun Day

2009-03-27T01:26:00.007-05:00

Terry Dyck of CM Streek Agility Training Center rewards her dog Wicket for a good run during last year's Critter Family Fun Day in Palestine.

TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND THE CRITTER FAMILY FUN DAY ON SATURDAY

1. Returning for the fourth year will be Terry Dyck of CM Streek Agility Training Center Inc. in Frankston. Dyck and her students will conduct a match and demonstration. Racing against the clock, dogs take on an obstacle course filled with jumps, tunnels, a seesaw, A-frame, dog walk and weave poles. Their handler directs them around the course using hand signals and verbal commands.

2. Bill and Star from the CBS reality show Greatest American Dog will be on hand to show off some of Star's tricks and to sign autographs.

3. Dancing dogs! Pam Martin and her “Top Dog Freestylers” will show off their freestyle routines. Canine Freestyle is a dog sport in which training, teamwork, music, and movement combine to create an artistic, choreographed performance that celebrates the unique qualities of each individual dog.

4. You can bring your dog! (All dogs must be social, vaccinated and on a leash).

5. You and your dog can try out the mini agility courses! I watched several people and their dogs do this last year and they had a great time with it (with success and not-so-good success, but it was still funny!) This is a good way to see what your dog is capable of, and it might let them have a little fun!

6. Adopt a pet! This event is sponsored by BARC, The Humane Society, so you can expect to see a good variety of pets available for adoption. Mingle with the adoptable pets and you might just find your new best friend!

7. The Kid Zone! Kids love bounce houses and slides and there will be plenty to do at the Critter Family Fun Day. The best part is the admission covers everything, so you don't have to worry about finding extra dollars to let the kids try the activities a second and third time! They can play as much as they want!

8. Pony rides courtesy of Saint Francis Outreach and their Texas Ponies.

9. Admission price includes hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and the Kids Zone. The cost is $10 per person (children under 6 get in free).

10. All proceeds benefit BARC, The Humane Society!

By Cheril Vernon, Community Editor

PHP to start charging for weddings, engagements on April 1

2009-03-24T18:41:00.004-05:00

Beginning April 1, the Herald-Press will charge $25 for wedding announcements and$10 for engagement announcements.

Deadline to submit weddings and engagements will remain the same — 5 p.m. on Fridays the week before the Sunday of publication. There is no extra cost for the photograph.

There will be no charge for anniversary announcements (couples who have been married for 50 years or more).

Weddings, engagements and anniversaries can be submitted at the Herald-Press office, 519 N. Elm St., by mail at P.O. Box 379, Palestine, TX, 75801 or by sending information to community@palestineherald.com

Be sure to include a phone number and e-mail address so payment arrangements can be made.

For more information, call the Herald-Press at 903-729-0281 or send an e-mail to community@palestineherald.com

SPECIAL NOTE: If you were planning to turn in an engagement or wedding announcement, turn it in by March 31 to avoid the fee!

Parade photos by Tammy Campos

2009-03-22T18:49:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the photos Tammy Campos of Palestine took at the Dogwood Trails Parade on Saturday.

Davey Dogwood Park photos

2009-03-22T18:38:00.019-05:00

Here are some photos from Tammy Campos of Palestine that she took of her kids and dog Bones playing at Davey Dogwood Park last week.

"Davey Dogwood Park is absolutely beautiful right now," Campos said. "After spending a couple of hours in the crowd at Reagan Park we decided to check out the scenery at a more slow paced area of town and the kids loved it. The dogwoods are beautiful right now and there were plenty of photo opportunities."

See the adorable photos Tammy has taken of the pets waiting for adoption at BARC, The Humane Society here at Tailwaggers.

More kids at the Dogwood Trails festival

2009-03-22T02:51:00.004-05:00

Cody Tawater (above) and Kayla Tawater (below) enjoy the Dogwood Trails Celebration on Saturday.

Dogwood Trails - Kids in Photos

2009-03-22T02:15:00.006-05:00

Kids enjoy the Dogwood Trails Celebration on Saturday. Photos by Beth Foley.

More Dogwood Trails photos

2009-03-22T02:10:00.011-05:00

Here are some more Dogwood Trails photos from Herald-Press News Editor Beth Foley.

Dogwood Trails food

2009-03-22T02:07:00.003-05:00

Dogwood Trails photos (focus on food) by Beth Foley.

Can you spot yourself in these Dogwood Trails crowd photos?

2009-03-22T02:03:00.007-05:00

Dogwood Trails Parade photos

2009-03-22T01:30:00.016-05:00

These Dogwood Trails Parade photos were taken by Herald-Press News Editor Beth Foley. Keep checking back as we add more photographs. Also, check out the Herald-Press Photo Gallery for more Dogwood Trails photos.

Cute pets at BARC, The Humane Society

2009-03-22T01:28:00.005-05:00

Come visit me at BARC, The Humane Society!

Horizons magazine inserted in Friday's newspaper

2009-03-20T01:01:00.002-05:00

A copy of the Spring 2009 edition of the Horizons magazine will be inserted into the Palestine Herald-Press' Friday newspaper.

The magazine highlights the activities during the Dogwood Trails Celebration, including the Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival, the Cars of Palestine's car show and features a schedule of events for the three-weekend celebration.

In addition, the Horizons has a story on Palestine's designation as a Certified Retirement Community, as well as recipes and other features.

Undersea volcano erupts in South Pacific

2009-03-20T00:53:00.001-05:00

Remembering actress Natasha Richardson

2009-03-19T02:42:00.004-05:00

I feel compelled to write about the death of Tony award-winning actress Natasha Richardson, daughter of Vanessa Redgrave, who died Wednesday from head trauma after what seemed like a minor skiing accident. (View a photo gallery of Natasha Richardson here).

I remember Richardson from Disney's 1998 remake of Parent Trap where she starred opposite Dennis Quaid and Lindsay Lohan. There was just something so ... likable about her character. And it's a movie that comes on TV all the time that I don't mind watching over and over. In Maid in Manhattan with Jennifer Lopez, Richardson played the snobby hotel guest who caused problems for Lopez's character. She wasn't that likeable in that movie, of course.

Richardson and husband actor Liam Neeson had two sons. We send her family our condolences.

-- Community Editor Cheril Vernon

Reagan Park photos! Kids try out the new equipment!

2009-03-18T01:30:00.004-05:00

These Reagan Park photos taken by local resident Tammy Campos (visit her photo site Tailwaggers dedicated to pets who need homes) — showcase just how receptive kids and their families have been to the new additions at the park, thanks to the hard work of the Palestine Junior Service League.

From what I'm hearing, since the park improvements have been made, there have been TONS of people at the park.

Legend of the Dogwood

2009-03-17T15:34:00.010-05:00

For as long as I have lived in Palestine (which has been the majority of my life), I've always looked forward to spring and the blooming of the beautiful dogwoods Palestine is famous for.

Right now all over town in the city and in the country, beautiful patterns of white are scattered across the countryside.

Of course, Friday will officially start the three-day weekend Dogwood Trails celebration off of Link Street in Palestine. Be on the lookout for the Horizons magazine later this week which has a lot of the Dogwood Trails coverage in it (and lots of color photos), as well as our daily edition for news as the festival approaches.

Plus, you can always tour the Davey Dogwood Park during park hours. It's perfect for family picnics and Sunday drives. This park is a must-see while the dogwoods are blooming.

I've always been fascinated by the Legend of the Dogwood and wanted to share it with you now:

LEGEND OF THE DOGWOOD
(author unknown)

There is a legend, that at the time of the Crucifixion the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees.

So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it:

"Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross...two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red, and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it remember...that it was upon a dogwood tree I was crucified and this tree shall not be mutilated or destroyed, but cherished as a reminder of My death upon the cross."

Post by Community Editor Cheril Vernon

Pet Adopt-a-Thon set Saturday, March 14

2009-03-14T00:31:00.006-05:00

Petsense will host a Pet Adopt-a-Thon featuring several really adorable dogs from BARC, The Humane Society on Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check out some of these photos. These are dogs will be on site, ready for adoption.

Karson Salmon crowned Dogwood Queen

2009-03-13T02:55:00.002-05:00

I'm proud to say I attended the Dogwood Queen Pageant on Thursday night at the Palestine Civic Center where five very talented girls were showcased as they competed for the 2009 Dogwood Queen title.

Slocum High School student Karson Salmon won the competition, but the other ladies were very talented as well.

The other contestants included students Teri Klauser, Sarah Pacheco, Jennifer Spilman and Kaitlyn Stanaland.

All of the girls had amazing talent whether they sang, danced or performed a skit. And if it wasn't for this event, I don't know if those of us who didn't know the girls personally would have known they were this talented. So it's nice to know we have many who are talented in our area.

And the girls were competing for a scholarship, which this year was worth $1,200. So girls, you might want to consider entering next year.

I also wanted to commend the girls for their thoughtful answers during the question and answer session. The girls did a very good job of giving good answers. And I know that's hard to do when you are put on the spot, especially in front of an audience.

All of these girls are headed to bright futures -- and all of them plan to attend college. Congratulations to all of them as they head into their future.

Read our full story here and check out our photo gallery here.

"Every 15 Minutes" program evokes emotions

2009-03-11T00:54:00.004-05:00

Tuesday was a sober event for those who attended the "Every 15 Minutes" mock accident scene at Cayuga School.

With background music that evoked emotion from teens, parents and school staff who watched as emergency personnel and law enforcement arrived on the scene of the mock accident as the Grim Reaper surveyed the damage.

And there was plenty. The two-car accident threw one teen out of the car — and instant fatality in this case. Three other teens laid lifeless in their vehicles, with their bloody arms hanging out the window. The fifth teen - the "drunk" driver, was unhurt, of course, and was handcuffed and taken to jail. The emergency medical personnel and fire department worked together to extract them from the car while providing medical care. As the Grim Reaper walked the premise, their lives hung in the balance as the minutes went by slowly.

Eventually, a helicopter from Air Rescue in Corsicana arrived on the scene to take the injured to the hospital.

And while all of the above was staged, as a parent myself, I know it had to affect many of those watching the scene, as no matter what I tried, tears still rolled down my eyes. The same way it did the first time I saw the "Every 15 Minutes" program in Neches in 2004.

With many of us as parents facing the issues that arise with our children becoming of legal age to drive, the worries mount. Not only do we have to worry about them driving safe, we have to worry about them not drinking while driving.

While it would be easy to not worry about it and say "my kid wouldn't do that," the fact is every 15 minutes a teenager dies in the United States from an alcohol-related accident.

So we can't ignore it. The message of the "Every 15 Minutes" program is to make these young teens who are beginning to drive or may be in a vehicle with a teen driver, to realize their actions do have consequences.

As EMS Director John McMeans told the kids — before they graduate from high school, they will ALL know at least one person who died in an alcohol-related accident. Maybe the person they know won't be the drunk driver, but it could be a person who was at the wrong place at the wrong time when the drunk driver was on the road.

Early Tuesday morning long before the mock accident, the Grim Reaper had been making his rounds. Every 15 minutes he stepped into a classroom, tapped a kid on the shoulder and pulled them out of class. Their obituary was read. An obituary they had to write themselves. The students were returned to class, but not unchanged. The had to put on black t-shirts and wear white paint on their face. They were considered the living dead and could not talk or react to the living for the rest of the day. They weren't alive.

But during the day, there was laughter and giggles as the Grim Reaper neared and many joked around. But as John McMean tried to reinforce: It's not funny when you are begging for your life. He should know. He remembers the faces of all of the teens he has zipped up in a body bag.

His point: Take it seriously. Drunk driving kills people.

To make it even clearer, following the mock accident, the 20 students who participated in the program were taken to the hospital and funeral home. Their parents were asked to "identify" them. Even though this was a fake event, as a parent I don't know if I could do it. It brings out feelings that we as parents hope we never will have to face. And I hope while the parents were sobbing above them, I hope the teens underneath the white sheets could how much pain the thought of their possible deaths put on their parents' faces.

Then, the students were taken to a local motel with the Palestine EMS as chaperones, where they were instructed to write a letter to both their mother and father as if God had given them once chance to say the things they wouldn't be able to say if they had died in the wreck. Parents at home were instructed to do the same.

On Wednesday morning (March 11), the students will assemble along with the "living dead" and their parents. A special speaker will talk from a personal experience about why you shouldn't drink and drive. Some of the parents and students will read the letters they wrote to each other. Having seen this before in Neches, I know how hard this is. While it simply looks like words on a piece of paper, when you put them in the context of thinking you may never see that person again and what would you tell them, the emotions kick into high gear.

If anything, maybe it will make some of the teens think before they drive and do their best to always drive safe and responsibly.

As John McMeans told me: If it saves only one person, it's worth it.

P.S. I apologize for the choppy video. I'm in the learning stages.

——— Cheril Vernon, Community Editor

Princess Cake: The how-to Instructions

2009-03-08T01:53:00.001-06:00

On the front of the Sunday, March 8 Living section, we published a special food feature on making memorable birthday parties. One was the Fairy Tale Birthday Cake. The other was the Pirate Cake. Both cake recipes and patterns are from Betty Crocker.

With this how-to video from Betty Crocker, you can easily see the steps for making the Fairy Tale Birthday Cake. Click the picture above for the how-to video.

The Herald-Press Blog

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