Columns

Labor Day has passed and activities are gearing up after the “lazy days of summer.”

The first Preschool Storytime of fall was Friday, Sept. 9.  Miss Rhonda pointed out all the fun that takes place at the library.

Then at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, Dog Days at the Library will continue. This program is for kindergarten through fifth grade students, or is it for the dogs?

Who knows! Everyone has fun! Come read to these easy-going and lovable dogs.

Our volunteer profile this week is about a 17-year-old young man, John Motley.

This Canton High School junior said he was looking to volunteer to pass the time, but also wanted to find a way to improve our society. When he found out the Van Zandt County Library was looking for volunteers, he stepped up.

He began volunteering in August and has worked two days a week, totaling four hours a week.

As a volunteer, he sorts books and shelves them. Also he helps individuals who need assistance.

The mosquito-transmitted Zika virus is a potential threat to the health of unborn babies in Texas and other states, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has stepped up efforts to educate the public on ways to protect themselves from this new menace, said agency entomologists.

CANTON HERALD- Aug. 25, 1960:

Famous brisk walkers

Scholars who study the brain and healthy living say we are smarter when we walk. Stanford psychologists claim walkers are 60% smarter than sitters. So let’s all get out and walk briskly for 30 or 40 minutes today and every day henceforth and the creative juices will flow.

I did my own research by Googling to find out what famous and smart people are or were brisk walkers.

Well, a long time ago the likes of Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche, two great teachers of human behavior were serious daily brisk walkers.

When it comes to creative juices add Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Charles Dickens as impressive additions to the list of brisk walkers. We do know that they didn’t have automobiles or pickups so maybe they had to walk fast to get to where they were going.

One Small Leaf

One small leaf on a beautiful tree

It doesn’t seem very much

The difference comes in one little word

The creating God said don’t touch.

Just taste the fruit and you will die

To disobey God is sin

They at the fruit to God’s dismay

And old Satan soon came in.

He said God lied, you won’t really die

You will only become wise

The wisdom came the knowledge of sin

Since then mankind for mercy cries.

God hears our cries, we cry in faith

And when our crying is done

He says believe and faithful live

The complications of aging can dramatically impact one’s ability to live independently. Certain activities – such as healthcare, nutrition and transportation – that once presented no problem may no longer be so easy to navigate.

Fortunately, there are a plethora of free services available to help seniors better enjoy their golden years.

Everyone knows of the benefits offered by Social Security and Medicare / Medicaid. Retirement at the age of 65 lets you collect from your 401K or Pension Plan without penalty. Social Security also kicks in. Likewise, senior homeowners often receive substantial property tax exemptions and homestead deductions in many municipalities.

Consult a tax professional for advice on receiving maximum benefits.

Many other governmental assistance programs and means of support at the State and Federal level are less well known.

CANTON HERALD- Aug. 18, 1960: 

Big Thursday Parade Start Fair Festivities – A gigantic parade will kick off the Van Zandt County Fair and Rodeo 1960 style this afternoon (Thursday) at 4 o’clock on the streets of Canton. This year’s Fair has all the earmarks of being the best ever presented in the County. The three-day rodeo will take the spotlight   as Roy Williams of Alba will provide his best show stock of the year. Queen Sharon Kay Martin, Edgewood will reign over the three-day fair having won the honor in a Queens’s contest Tuesday night at the fairgrounds. The Gladewater Quadrille will be featured at the rodeo during the Friday and Saturday night performances as specialty acts. Regularly featured as Roping, bronc riding, bulldogging,   Brahman bull riding and barrel racing will also be unreeled. Admission prices are $1 for adults 50¢ for children.

I grew up in Grand Prairie, a suburb of Dallas. Not long ago I went to a high school reunion of some of my close classmates. I walked outside to see what main street looked like after many years. To my surprise I could only read a few of the signs outside businesses. I was truly amazed and at the same time disappointed.

I read about special classes in school for students who do not speak English. I see on almost all labels of goods at stores that have another language in addition to English. I see printed documents that are printed in both English and Spanish.

I grew up in Grand Prairie, a suburb of Dallas. Not long ago I went to a high school reunion of some of my close classmates. I walked outside to see what main street looked like after many years. To my surprise I could only read a few of the signs outside businesses. I was truly amazed and at the same time disappointed.

I read about special classes in school for students who do not speak English. I see on almost all labels of goods at stores that have another language in addition to English. I see printed documents that are printed in both English and Spanish.

One of these days I’m gonna trust Jesus

After I enjoy all of life’s fun

I’ll serve him when I am old and feeble

There is plenty of time to make Him one

His word tells me to love my neighbor

Even if I don’t like him at all

He talks to me about my fun life

He even says I might fall

The preacher says to tythe monthly

It makes me feel like a bum

For my plain is quiet simple

I will pay it all lump sum

My plan is to one day meet Jesus

I’ll meet Him at the pearly gate

Although a small voice speaks softly

You will just be one day too late.

LB 2016