CHITCHAT CORNER
It's all in the pronunciation
LINDA K. BALLARD

"You know the old question, is it pronounced tomato or tomatah," asked David Stroud, history teacher at Kilgore College. The same goes for the name "Earp." "In Gilmer," he claims, "it is pronounced "Arp" not "Earp" as so I've been told by one of the descendants of Col. Culling Redwine Earp, whose reburial took place in Upshur County last weekend. All other places pronounce it Erp. " Poor Wyatt," he adds. "To think, part of the country will think of him as "Arp." (That's what you get when you "strike up" a conversation with David…)

Way to go Adriene! Adriene Latham made the President's list for last quarter with a 4.0 grade point average at the Art Institute of Atlanta. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Phyllis Latham.

It's hard to get something over on Mitch Lucas, our sports editor. But, I sure got excited last week when I thought I was the one to receive the initial call regarding Malcolm Kelly signing with the Washington Redskins. I knew something was up when he started laughing as I was telling him…he was sitting there watching when the signing took place…okay, we will give him that one, but, I bet he doesn't know this: Ryan DeSantis, son of Dr. and Mrs. DeSantis is number three in the nation in tennis doubles. Isn't that great! Keep the calls coming in.

The Reeds will gather - R U A Twig Off This Tree? Or so their invitation reads. Descendants of Andrew Jackson Reed and John A. Reed, brothers who came to Rusk County, Texas from Bedford County, Tennessee are planning a reunion for May 16th &17 at the Church of the Nazarene located on 309 E. Sabine Street. Andrew Jackson's kids were Manuel, Samuel, Ellen, Margaret, Andrew Jr. (Jack), Isaac Kansas, General Gano, Solomon and Bell. Come and meet your cousins! (If you're not kin, you may want to claim it - I know some of the cooks.) For more information call 903-984-3415 0r 903-986- 4775)

What's new with the Main Street Project? We have been told that there were a lot of concerns voiced during the last meeting. You know, things like, when the trees get planted that will draw the birds and then what will we do? (Heaven forbid.) But, the topper to the meeting was Claud Wallace asking if provisions were being made for skateboarders. "Oh, bring them on!" exclaimed Charlie from Charlie's SnoBalls. First things first, guys, where's the proceeds?

Senior Adults from First Baptist of Kilgore joined Senior Adults from First Baptist of Longview for a Spring Retreat in the Texas Hill country near Burnet, Texas, and a good time was enjoyed by all. Former Longview pastor, W. C. Everett was the Bible study leader, Lee Bates from Longview led the music, and Eddie Hilburn from Kilgore gave the morning devotionals. Side trips available were Cooper's Barbecue in Llano, shopping in Fredricksburg, the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, and the LBJ Ranch in Johnson City. A few games of golf were also enjoyed, and the food was delicious. (Anytime you have the Clarks along, there will definitely be a few games of golf and if Martha says the food is delicious, it was some g-o-o-d stuff ).

Here's wishing all Moms, Happy Mothers Day!

Thank you for the many "sources" that keep this column going. We couldn't be here without you! May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week. In the meantime, we may be reached at 903-984-2593 or at chitchatlinda@aol.com.