Club news

April 28, 2008 12:14 pm

— Approximately 200 people were in attendance at West Shady Grove Cemetery on Sunday, April 20 to honor 10 Confederate veterans buried at the cemetery.
The event was jointly sponsored by Moses M. Buckner Chapter 2442 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, New Salem Invincibles camp 2107 Sons of Confeder-ate Veterans and Invincible Rose Chapter 27 of the Order of the Confederate Rose.
Other groups were present to assist. They include the Sons of Confederate Veterans camps, W.W. Heartsill No. 2042, J.M. Barton No. 441 and James P. Douglas No. 124; Emma Sansom Order of Confederate Rose No. 31; and representatives of the Rose Legacy Program.
Lil Rose Petal Colleen Dover handed out programs and Lil Rebs Austin Dover and Cole and Caleb Goodson placed the first National flag on the veterans’ graves for the UDC.
Cindy Bobbitt of the Invincible Rose Chapter, assisted by the youngsters of the Rose Legacy Program, presented 10 Confederate flags to the West Shady Grove Cemetery to be used to mark the vets’ graves in the future.
Lt. Col. Danny George gave a history of West Shady Grove Cemetery. Recorded documentation shows that it is more than 100 years old.
There are indications that there were burials in the cemetery as early as 150 years ago.
Following the history, decedents of each of the veterans gave a short biography of each.
During Roll Call by Thomas Jay, a descendent answered for each veteran. All 10 vets had descendent in attendance.
Of special interest was Ruth Dugger, 100, who is the granddaughter of Thomas B. Weatherford and traveled from Waco to speak on behalf of her ancestor.
Others who gave brief biographies were Dorothy Mauritizen, who spoke for John Bliss Boone; Hazel DuBose for Albery Lanier Buckley; Scott Ezell for John Dees; Glen Ezell for Eldred Frank Ezell; Fred Copie George for Francis L. Fondren; Dean Ezell for Gilbert M. Fondren; Johnny Croft for Thomas Gilmore; Patrick Ezell for Smith S. Honea; and Judy Barber for John Newton Ward.
The ladies dressed in black (Black Roses) to portray the widows, mothers, sisters and daughters of fallen heroes and then proceeded through the cemetery to lay a red rose on each veteran’s grave and to curtsy in respect and remembrance.
They were accompanied by Lil Rose Petals and the Lil Rebs. It was a very moving ceremony.
After the Sons of Confederate Veterans gave the rifle and cannon salutes, “Taps” was played, the group sang “Dixie” and recited the benediction in unison.
Refreshments were enjoyed by all.
Appreciation is expressed to all who attended and who provided assistance to make this a memorable experience.

WSC installs new officers for 2008-09
The GFWC/TFWC Wednesday Study Club met in the home of Ann Womack on Wednesday, April 16. A total of 16 members were present.
President Cinda Ross presided. After traditional business was conducted, Ross read the extensive inventory of items that were given at the baby shower for Living Alternatives.
The club voted to change its meeting schedule for the 2008-09 club year. Instead of meeting twice a month, October through April, the club will meet once a month September through May, on the third Wednesday of the month.
Bette Holcomb and Mary Jean Tidwell conducted the installation of officers using a rainbow and pot of gold theme. Each officer held a ribbon denoting a color from the rainbow and its significance was explained.
After adjoining, the group enjoyed delicious refreshments on the deck of the home. The first meeting of 2008-09 will be held Sept. 17.

Rusk Lions Club plans for Fair on the Square
On Thursday, April 17, Mrs. Emilie Tierman was voted into the Rusk Lions Club as a new member. Guests were Randy Allison, Bob Goldsberry, Connie Brown, Norma Daniel, Boots Burfoot and Brian Vajcner.
One of the day’s speakers was Connie Brown, who spoke on the two-day festival Fair on the Square in downtown Rusk. She said everyone should put on your poodle skirts and saddle shoes, fix your ponytails, because it’s time to “rock around the square.”
On Friday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Kid’s Day, featuring Spiderman and friends. Spiderman and Cinderella has a surprise for the first 10 kids. The Kid’s Arcade will have prizes galore. There will be free rides all day for all participants.
Then from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. there will be “An Evening with Elvis,” an Elvis Presley tribute, featuring an Elvis look-a-like contest. Advance tickets are $10 and $12 at the door. This event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society’s Re-lay for Life. For details call 903-683-3421.
On Saturday, May 24, beginning at 8 a.m., the 5K Run and Fitness Walk will be held.
Participants will line up in front of J&J Jewelry. There will be a $20 registration fee. All proceeds will go toward the Dream Tree.
For further information call 903-721-9342.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., fair activities include a donut-hole eating contest, sponsored by Cherokee County Teachers Credit Union. Contact information is 903-683-2630. Another event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be Rusk Rotary Club Jail House.
Other events will be free rides on Small Train, ferris wheel rides, water slide and bounce house fun, arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors and entertainment. A special thanks to the chamber’s elite platinum members — Harry’s Building Materials, Citizens First Bank, Texas National Bank and Lexington Place.
The second speaker was Bob Goldsberry, director of Rusk Chamber of Commerce, who spoke concerning the railroad park. At present the park is doing as well as last year and there are plans being installed to make it grow larger.
One of the plans is an event called the Lone Ranger. There is a place where the train will stop and a lot of people will play the bad guys and rob the train.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto show up and chase the robbers away and save the train. This event has never been done before.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.