These gals can swing

It was a swinging good time last week at High Maintenance Spalon and Curves as they celebrated their grand openings. Jennifer Brown supplied over 100 gift bags donated by several of her suppliers and Wilma provided a luscious diet dessert and band aids if the swinging got out of hand. These two businesses have waited a long time to join together to offer the public a total makeover of the ones who walk through their doors. The men too were provided with gift bags and desserts although they were quite bashful to hang around the exercise equipment with other women working out and eased themselves back into the spalon area to partake of shrimp and other goodies. Brian Bittick was offered the makeover chair, but he politely declined and eased his way on out the door. Needless to say, the women had a lovely time. Now, about the swing…the gift bags contained beautiful purses but the clasp resembled a tail that actually wraps around the purse for closure, or so Jennifer tried to tell us. However, it is the belief of some that the "tail" was meant to swing and several ladies have been caught practicing ….oh, what a person won't do for a little fun. We wish them well, as downtown continues to grow.

Kay Yates also joined the party scene this last week at a surprise retirement party. We understand that her husband, Wilbur tried his best to keep it a secret…Over 60 arrived at the Community House to wish her well. The children from Stepping Stones Preschool supplied her with hand drawn "good bye" cards.

Magazines? She has a mountain full and needs to get rid of them. "Luther and I have never lived anywhere else, and I have collected these things for years," said Marceline Swann. She has a collection of Reader's Digest, Texas Highways, Handyman, Texas Monthly and many more. If interested in helping her unload them give her a call at 903- 834-6394.

Don Hedrick and daughter Jena Hedrick Walker has joined the Marines. Well, at least on a temporary basis. Jena, who works as a counselor for Henderson High School and Don who works for Kilgore High applied for and was chosen to participate in a teacher's workshop held at the Marine Corp Boot Camp in California. They participated in a week long modified Marine training to enhance their understanding of what it means to be a Marine. "We had the drill sergeants screaming at us; we ran the bayonet course and crawled through tunnels, stood in the chow line and so much more," said Don. "It was the one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was one of the best times of my life. Jena loved it, too. In fact, we were the top two shooters of the bunch and I was voted top Marine educator. Four of my students were there in training and I was not allowed to see three of them. But, Kilgoriete Kevin Wilson was in medical re-hab due to an injury and I was allowed to be with him 10 minutes. Kevin will be back in the field soon. I also met a young man from White Oak in training and one from Tatum and we have had good visits with their parents since arriving home," he said. "They awarded us with honory ID badges upon leaving stating we were honorary Marines. We are so proud of that card and if I had it my way, from what I learned I would be a full fledged Marine."

Warning - research material has surfaced from the Marlin Institute regarding the all so popular energy drinks. The drinks can cause cardiac arrest especially in the young and the older individuals. Although labels boast of added vitamins, the drinks are laced with excessive caffeine, alcohol and sugar and/or substitutes. Caffeine is addictive and is considered a drug. Several of our Kilgore youths have already received medical attention due to the drinking of these drinks.

Don't forget you're invited for an evening of gospel entertainment featuring Humble Hands Quartet gospel family group at 6 p.m. Sunday, August 24 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church located off FM 2276.

Oak Ridge Boys look out as 16-year-old Jace Kerby is moving in on your territory. Jace, who is virtually a quiet natured young man stepped up to the microphone last Sunday to sing a solo. And when he was finished mouths were left open at the maturity and deepness of his voice. He is the son of Joel and Marsha Kerby. It was a job well done, Jace, and worth every bit of the applause you received.

May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week. In the meantime, we may be reached at chitchatlinda@aol.com or at 903-984-2593.