Lifestyle

The theme at Storytime at the Van Zandt County Library on Tuesday, July 5 was Pirates.  Books read included Pirates in Pajamas, How I became a Pirate and the book that got the most chuckles Pirates Don’t Change Diapers.  All include a boy named Jason that befriends the pirates and helps them locate their treasure.  The craft was a pirate hat and eye patch.  There were plenty of “Arrrrgs” said by all.  Come join the crew at the Van Zandt County Library next Tuesday to hear books about Baseball.

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Sam Deen from Cross Fit Van Zandt taught all the Summer Readers how to keep active and healthy. We learned it is important to continue getting exercise every day. Summer Reading is held at 10 a.m. each Friday morning at 317 First Monday Lane. Next week the program will be Todd McKinney the Magician. The Lions Club will also be here to do free vision screenings for the children after the program.

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On June 27, Castillian Lodge No. 141 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, met to install Lodge Officers for 2016-’17.   

The incoming officers were: Master, Mac Walling; Senior Warden, Jack Bickle; Junior Warden, Michael Bowman; Treasurer, Ron Fields; Secretary, Michael King; Senior Deacon, Joshua Wintters; Junior Deacon, Eric Boyer; Senior Steward, David Harmon III; Junior Steward, David Darnell; Marshall, Tyke Salazar; Master of Ceremonies, Dale Baugh; Chaplain, Ed Cozart; Tiler, Steve DeVille. 

Prior to the Installation, the Stewards prepared a spaghetti dinner for about 75 Masons, their families and honored guests.

Representing the Grand Lodge of Texas, Past District Deputy Grand Master James F. Fuller was the installing officer.  The installing marshal was Jeff Lawley, District Deputy Grand Master.  The ceremony reminded each incoming officer of their duties and responsibilities and presented each man with their Masonic Apron and Jewel of Office. 

The Therapy Dogs of Van Zandt County, Hobo and Ladybug, with their owners Pat Hammond and Vicki Ragle, went to the Christian Women’s meeting at the Crawford House Monday, June 20. 

The program concluded with scriptures on four of the 138 animals mentioned in the Bible  

Refreshments were served by the ladies from the Crawford House with a theme of ‘Noah's Ark.’

The next program will over a local man’s mission trip to Honduras on July 18.  The  meeting is open to the public.

Ragle explained how the dogs bring comfort and give emotional support to the ill and those in stressful situations.  Besides reading programs at local libraries, the dogs also pay visits to the assisted living and nursing home facilities in Van Zandt County.  “They really bring joy and are the highlight of the resident’s week,” Ragle said.  

July 1, the new officers of local Veterans of Foreign Wars in Canton, Post 9171, began their year of service.

Ann Mallow will serve as president with Sheryl Ranne as senior vice president. Diane Farmer will be secretary/treasurer.

Other officers are Conductress – Marian Pelton; Guard – Karen Tanner; and Chaplain –Brenda Shinn.

This auxiliary is a part of District 30 in the Texas State Veterans Auxiliary, and a part of the National Organization  of the Veterans Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America. The Texas State President is Andrea King, and the District 30 President is Linda Duncan Faught of Post 3894 in Waxahachie.

According to information from the group, “Veterans Auxiliary members volunteer to assist their local posts to extend American freedom and equal rights  and justice to all men and women; and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.

June 7 -- North/South, first,Sandy Hilliard and Tillie Reed; second, Sarah Niemann and  Evelyn Schmidt; third, Jean Roach and Valerie Chapman. East/West, first, Neva Davis and Jan Holcomb; seond, Nelda Avent and Joann Parten; third, Marion Davis and Carol Garza.

June 14 -- North/South, first, Gloria Rowland and Carol Sossamon; tied for second and third, Evelyn Schmidt and Mary Priest with Pansy Blakely and Patsy Gordon; fourth, Sandy Molander and Chester Neel. East/West, first, Mildred Ward and Patricia Hargrave; second Neva Davis and Jan Holcomb; third, Betty Wilkinson and Jean Roach; fourth, Greg Cooley and Frances Sanders.

June 8, Lion Lisa Overton introduced Jim Taylor, a licensed fishing guide, to the Canton Lions Club. Taylor gave an informative speech to the club about fishing on Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork.  He spoke about different types of fish and equipment used to catch them. The Canton Lions gather for a lunch meeting every Wednesday at the Van Zandt Country Club.

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May 24 – North/South, first, Nelda Avent and JoAnn Parten; second, Judith Kelley and Renaate Brown; third, Rachel Lee and Florence Davis. East/West, first, Jean Roach and Valerie Chapman; second, Ann Bennett and Barbara Bradford; third, Rosemary Mize and Jo Poynter.

May 31 – North/ South, first, Sue Ritschel and Yvonne Houston; second,  Sarah Niemann and Evelyn Schmidt; third, Richard and Mary Hinkle. East/West, first, Ann Bennett and Patricia Hargrave; second, Judith Kelley and Renate Brown; third, Neva Davis and Jan Hollcomb.

Storytime at the Van Zandt County Library has moved to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays for the summer.  The theme for Tuesday, June 7 was vacations.  Ms. Rhonda read ‘The Beach Day’ and ‘Camping Spree with Mr. Magee.’  The group talked about camping trips and trips to the beach and what items you should take with you.  The craft for Storytime was a paper suitcase.  Preschoolers are welcome to join Storytime. 

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Summer Reading at Van Zandt County Library kicked off this week with a special program by Trinity Valley Electric Company who sponsors the summer reading program.

Joy Long and Dustin Tallant presented a program on electricity and safety which included a live demonstration of the power of electricity.  

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