Chit Chat Corner: When you're having fun

“There has been a lot of changes at the store through the years, and it’s been good. I will miss my customers and co-workers. I get along with all of my store managers, especially my supervisor Joe Stephens and Joe Semlear... all of them basically.”

“There is a whole lot of things to say about her and so many ways to describe Tammy,” said Joe Stephens, district manager. “First of all, she was a pacesetter. Tammy was always on time and was loyal to the company. She led the way for many things, making her a good role model for new ones hired on. There was nothing too good for her to do. If toilets needed cleaning, she would clean toilets without complaining. Tammy knew at least 75 percent of the people who walked through the doors, and she knew her customers by heart; their kids and their grandkids.

“I utilized her knowledge; she was the ideal person for customer relations,” he said. “When you have the tenure that she has had with the company, it is hard to express thanks when thanks means so much more. Yes, we will miss her.”

Tammy is looking forward to enjoying her swimming pool, catching up on some yard work and her grandkids.

July 25th is her last day at work. Plans are in the making for a retirement reception, according to Assistant Manager Mindy Owens.

THERE ARE COFFEE GROUPS, knitting groups, domino groups and church groups in Kilgore, and a little bird recently shared there was a poker group consisting of men mostly in their 70s. That group of men has been meeting for 52 years.

It is funny how the current members has asked to remain anonymous, perhaps it is because they are big spenders with a $10 buy-in. “It’s not like we are going to get rich,” said one source. It is understood the poker players have their own handmade “traveling” poker table into which each member has carved their names.

“We rotate to different members homes to play and eat dessert,” said the spokesperson, who believes he is probably the only living member still playing. He started in 1972. “We quit for 2 years due to COVID and started back in May 2022. It is really just a social; we shoot the breeze, talk politics, play cards, eat and just keep up with each other,” he said. “Twenty-five years ago we would drink beer and whiskey, but we did away with that and went to having a meal while playing cards. The meal left out when COVID hit, and now it is dessert.”

Five of the members are in their 70s; three members are not. Now, as much as they would like to stay anonymous, this bunch of card players would like to acknowledge core group members that has died over the years. Lifelong friendships were made with Pete Rodriguez (originator), Richard Martin, J.C. Turner, Roy Day, Gerald Pybas and Roger Terk. Go play cards, guys. Send us a picture of that poker table.

It’s Sip & Shop in downtown Kilgore this Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy refreshments while shopping. (Just in case you didn’t know, Christmas in July sales are the best!)

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 (903) 984-2593.