Lifestyle

Volunteers Ed and Cindy Rakestraw changed out the display case in the foyer of Van Zandt County Library the past week.

“The Rakestraw’s have been doing the display for several years and always make it fresh and fun,” librarians said.  

Volunteers are needed at the library. Those who wish to volunteer are asked to visit the library and fill out a volunteer application form.

The Van Zandt County Library is located at 317 First Monday Lane in Canton and is free to all Van Zandt County residents.

Elvis Allen, an eminent historian and Van Zandt native, will present the program at the regular meeting of The Friends of the Van Zandt County Library at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan.11. 

The topic is” The War over the County Seat.” 

“Many natives don’t know much about this facet of Van Zandt History, and newcomers may not even know it happened.  Come to the library and hear this true story,” librarians said.   

Memorials continue to remember friends and loved ones who were library supporters. 

Storytime Dec. 11 started off with Christmas carols led by Ms. Rhonda.  The first story read was “Here comes Santa Cat” by Deborah Underwood. The book is about a cat that needs to be nice since Christmas is coming and being nice doesn’t come naturally.  The book was illustrated by Claudia Rueda. 

The next book read was “Not Until Christmas, Walter!” By Eileen Christelow.  Walter is the family dog that does not wait until Christmas to enjoy the presents. 

During craft time the children made a Santa ornament to take home.  The next Storytime will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 8 at the Van Zandt County Library.

The chilly weather kept the attendance down at the library on Friday, Dec. 4 but those that came enjoyed hearing “Christmas without a Tree” that featured Grumpy Gramps, a pig with a Bah Humbug spirit.
“More Snow for Kids” is a true story of a south Texas Christmas miracle that saw a record breaking snow fall in south Texas in 2004. The last book was about Santa having one too many Christmas goodies on one of his stops and not being able to get back up the chimney.  With the reindeer pulling and the dog, cat and even a mouse pushing Wh—oo-oosh out came Santa.  The children’s craft for the day was decorating a Christmas tree with shiny stars and snowflakes.

The Neches River Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution paid homage to veterans at its meeting held Nov. 12. 

Special recognition was given to veterans who served at any time during the Vietnam era which spanned from 1955 to 1975. 

Regent Sherrie Archer presented pins designed for this remembrance to the veterans in attendance and thanked them for their service and their sacrifice.

“It’s The Lightcrust Doughboys from Bewley’s Mills”…  If you remember that radio introduction, you are surely a long-time Texan.

 The Van Zandt County Library has a book about them, and their times in The Texas Collection. “Paddling the wild Neches,” tells the story of the Neches River, and points to some things we Texans need to do to preserve it.  This is also in the Texas Collection, as is “One Ranger, A Memoir” and the “History of the Humble Oil and Refining Company.”

Never before has the visibility of the “shop local” tag been greater than it has become in recent years. With small communities taking charge of highlighting the benefits of shopping locally and programs like Small Business Saturday designing special days when these benefits are heavily marketed, it is no wonder that the buzz is spreading!

The Storytime theme at the Van Zandt County Library for Friday Nov. 20^th was Fairy Tales.  The first book that Ms. Rhonda read was Little Bunny Foo Foo in which the good fairy was scolding the Little Bunny for bopping the forest animals on the head.  The second book was “Knight Fight” and the third book was titled “I am a Princess.”  During the craft the children were transformed into princes and princesses with crowns and princess hats. 

George W. Pierce Jr. of Wills Point has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 23 years of safe, accident-free driving of a commercial tractor-trailer.

Entries in the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society’s second annual Family History Writing Competition will be accepted until Dec. 31.

The competition is open to both members and non-members of the VZCGS as well as amateurs and professionals. Winners will receive $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. Authors may submit up to two entries.