By TOMIE LUNSFORD
Telegram Staff Writer
A Temple dog has wagged his tail all the way to New York City, and come Tuesday, he just might be on TV.
The pup is a contender in this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. And his owner, Chris Chirdo of Temple, is very excited.
'The Westminster Dog Show is the most prestigious dog show in the world, and my dog Elmo is going to be there,' Chirdo said. 'I can hardly believe it. It's the first time for any of my dogs to make it.'
But he kept his enthusiasm in check.
'The day I care about the outcome of a dog show is the day I've lost all my people skills and have no life,' Chirdo said. 'It's an honor just for Elmo and me to be there. It's the experience that's wonderful, not the results.'
But Chirdo added that if Elmo happens to win, he'll have to go to an emergency room because he'll have lost consciousness.
His friend Amanda Malloy laughed.
'That's so right,' she said. 'He's a nervous wreck when he's watching his dog in a show. He's like a stage mom - err, dad - all nervous and paranoid.'
Sunday, February 8, 2009
NAACP turns 100: Local branch plans year of celebrations
By TOMIE LUNSFORD
Telegram Staff Writer
NAACP are some of the most well-known letters on the planet.
They stand for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - an organization that stands for equality and fair treatment of all people.
In the century it has existed, the NAACP has accomplished several feats, including the commissioning of black soldiers at war, the desegregation of public schools and representation of minorities in government.
'We the people of color, any color, would not be where we are today if it wasn't for the NAACP and its people, white and colored,' said George English, president of the Temple branch of the NAACP. 'It took all kinds of people to get the NAACP started, and it takes all kinds to keep it going.'
This Thursday, the NAACP will be celebrating its centennial, 200 years after the birth of Abraham Lincoln, one of the earliest political advocates of black freedom. And festivities are planned everywhere.
Telegram Staff Writer
NAACP are some of the most well-known letters on the planet.
They stand for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - an organization that stands for equality and fair treatment of all people.
In the century it has existed, the NAACP has accomplished several feats, including the commissioning of black soldiers at war, the desegregation of public schools and representation of minorities in government.
'We the people of color, any color, would not be where we are today if it wasn't for the NAACP and its people, white and colored,' said George English, president of the Temple branch of the NAACP. 'It took all kinds of people to get the NAACP started, and it takes all kinds to keep it going.'
This Thursday, the NAACP will be celebrating its centennial, 200 years after the birth of Abraham Lincoln, one of the earliest political advocates of black freedom. And festivities are planned everywhere.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Love of the challenge trumps for area players
By TOMIE LUNSFORD
Telegram Staff Writer
Bridge is more than a game. It's a way of life for a lot of folks in Temple and Belton. They play online, they play with friends and they compete two to six times a week in one of the many local bridge clubs.
There's not an official tally of how many area residents suffer from the bridge bug, but area club leaders say it must be close to a thousand.
'Oh, I'm quite addicted to it. Or at least that's what my husband thinks,' said Malissa Baugh of the Queens of Heart Duplicate Bridge Club. 'The dishes get done, the clothes get washed and then I play bridge. There's not much I'd rather do.'
That's the sentiment of fellow bridge players Dale Allen, Janet Bartoo and James Goodwin. They say it isn't unusual for an entire day to be devoted to the game.
'You keep on playing for the challenge,' said Allen, manager of the Rolling Hills Bridge Club. 'You could play one game a day everyday of your life and never see the same hand.'
That's not an understatement. According to the American Contract Bridge League and Bridge World Online, the number of possible bridge hands exceeds 53 octillion, a really big number with nine commas and 27 zeroes.
That figure is based on the math of the game. Bridge uses a 52 card deck divided evenly among four players who form two, two-man teams. So that's 13 cards to a hand - 13 cards that have equal probability of being any suit and any value.
'The odds are literally millions to one that you'll ever see the same hand,' Mrs. Baugh said.
So when it comes to playing bridge, there's no explicit set of steps to take.
'There are only guidelines,' Allen said.
Telegram Staff Writer
Bridge is more than a game. It's a way of life for a lot of folks in Temple and Belton. They play online, they play with friends and they compete two to six times a week in one of the many local bridge clubs.
There's not an official tally of how many area residents suffer from the bridge bug, but area club leaders say it must be close to a thousand.
'Oh, I'm quite addicted to it. Or at least that's what my husband thinks,' said Malissa Baugh of the Queens of Heart Duplicate Bridge Club. 'The dishes get done, the clothes get washed and then I play bridge. There's not much I'd rather do.'
That's the sentiment of fellow bridge players Dale Allen, Janet Bartoo and James Goodwin. They say it isn't unusual for an entire day to be devoted to the game.
'You keep on playing for the challenge,' said Allen, manager of the Rolling Hills Bridge Club. 'You could play one game a day everyday of your life and never see the same hand.'
That's not an understatement. According to the American Contract Bridge League and Bridge World Online, the number of possible bridge hands exceeds 53 octillion, a really big number with nine commas and 27 zeroes.
That figure is based on the math of the game. Bridge uses a 52 card deck divided evenly among four players who form two, two-man teams. So that's 13 cards to a hand - 13 cards that have equal probability of being any suit and any value.
'The odds are literally millions to one that you'll ever see the same hand,' Mrs. Baugh said.
So when it comes to playing bridge, there's no explicit set of steps to take.
'There are only guidelines,' Allen said.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
A place called home: Georgetown center provides home for retired priests
By TOMIE LUNSFORD
Telegram Staff Writer
What happens to a Catholic priest when he retires?
Having taken a lifelong vow of chastity, he's got no wife or children.
There's only three options: He can go to a parish where a priest needs help and work on a part-time basis, filling in when the main priest is ill or on vacation; he can purchase his own home if he has the financial means to do so; or he must live in a facility owned by his diocese.
Father Charles Davis opted for Choice No. 3. Retired from St. Mary's in Temple, Christ the King in Belton and St. Joseph's in Killeen, Davis now lives at the John Paul II Residence for Priests in Georgetown. Located next to St. Helen's Catholic Church, the residence is within 10 miles of Southwestern University.
'It's a great place to call home,' Davis said.
Telegram Staff Writer
What happens to a Catholic priest when he retires?
Having taken a lifelong vow of chastity, he's got no wife or children.
There's only three options: He can go to a parish where a priest needs help and work on a part-time basis, filling in when the main priest is ill or on vacation; he can purchase his own home if he has the financial means to do so; or he must live in a facility owned by his diocese.
Father Charles Davis opted for Choice No. 3. Retired from St. Mary's in Temple, Christ the King in Belton and St. Joseph's in Killeen, Davis now lives at the John Paul II Residence for Priests in Georgetown. Located next to St. Helen's Catholic Church, the residence is within 10 miles of Southwestern University.
'It's a great place to call home,' Davis said.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Clubs are good for your health
By TOMIE LUNSFORD
Telegram Staff Writer
Being a member of a club isn't just a diversional activity.
It's a useful tool in building strong mental health.
'The nature of your relationships with other people is important to your well-being,' said therapist Linda Chupik, the founder Chupik Counseling & Consulting in Temple. 'Studies show that people who participate in activities that are not self-centered, like social and service clubs, live longer than those who don't.'
And they're generally happier.
'Organizations offer many different activities - like quilting, bingo, book reviews or whatever - for you to get involved in,' said Bill Berning, a 40-year clinical psychologist retired from Associated Family Counselors in Temple. 'And that provides social stimulation, which is an important step in coping with life's blows.'
Mary Young understands this. She recently wrote a letter to the Bell County Newcomers Club, thanking its members for their help and friendship in her transition from wife to widow.
Telegram Staff Writer
Being a member of a club isn't just a diversional activity.
It's a useful tool in building strong mental health.
'The nature of your relationships with other people is important to your well-being,' said therapist Linda Chupik, the founder Chupik Counseling & Consulting in Temple. 'Studies show that people who participate in activities that are not self-centered, like social and service clubs, live longer than those who don't.'
And they're generally happier.
'Organizations offer many different activities - like quilting, bingo, book reviews or whatever - for you to get involved in,' said Bill Berning, a 40-year clinical psychologist retired from Associated Family Counselors in Temple. 'And that provides social stimulation, which is an important step in coping with life's blows.'
Mary Young understands this. She recently wrote a letter to the Bell County Newcomers Club, thanking its members for their help and friendship in her transition from wife to widow.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Youngsters share talents, hugs with seniors
By TOMIE LUNSFORD
Telegram Staff Writer
From show-and-tell to pet birds, the third graders from Central Texas Christian School are finding they have a lot in common with people more than 10 times their age.
Twice a month, the youngsters visit the residents of Hearthstone Assisted Living Center. It's part of a mission outreach program that's now a decade old.
'I like older people, so I wanted a program that would benefit them,' said Wendy Wolfe, the third-grade teacher who started it.
The visits have turned into an enjoyable experience for all parties involved.
'It's so wonderful because we get to see the kids,' said Ruth Miksch, a Hearthstone resident. 'It's something I enjoy very much.'
So does 8-year-old Taylor Humphrey of Temple.
'We get to come visit and talk and walk in the garden and play with cats,' Humphrey said. 'It's always a fun day when we come to see them.'
Telegram Staff Writer
From show-and-tell to pet birds, the third graders from Central Texas Christian School are finding they have a lot in common with people more than 10 times their age.
Twice a month, the youngsters visit the residents of Hearthstone Assisted Living Center. It's part of a mission outreach program that's now a decade old.
'I like older people, so I wanted a program that would benefit them,' said Wendy Wolfe, the third-grade teacher who started it.
The visits have turned into an enjoyable experience for all parties involved.
'It's so wonderful because we get to see the kids,' said Ruth Miksch, a Hearthstone resident. 'It's something I enjoy very much.'
So does 8-year-old Taylor Humphrey of Temple.
'We get to come visit and talk and walk in the garden and play with cats,' Humphrey said. 'It's always a fun day when we come to see them.'
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Woman paints the way for granddaughter
By TOMIE LUNSFORD
Telegram Staff Writer
The back of a brick building in Belton is taking on a new look. No longer a wall of pale brown, it has become a work of art.
'There's a bright blue sky, some green hills and golden flowers,' said Ann Montgomery of Belton, pointing to her creation at Vintage Daze, 213 E. Central. 'I think I'll call it 'French Countryside.''
She painted the landscape with the aid of her 5-year-old granddaughter, Jenna Montgomery of Belton.
'It's all part of a project to spruce up the back side of the store,' Ms. Montgomery said.
The owner, Sandy Bigham, said plans are to transform the area into a break nook.
'We want the back patio to be a place where people can come drink coffee or have lunch,' Ms. Bigham said. 'It's in the process of being fixed up.'
The mural was the first step. A vendor at the store, Ms. Montgomery volunteered to paint it because she enjoys arts and crafts.
'She said she had an idea for a painting, and I told her to go for it,' Ms. Bigham said. 'It turned out great. I love it.'
Telegram Staff Writer
The back of a brick building in Belton is taking on a new look. No longer a wall of pale brown, it has become a work of art.
'There's a bright blue sky, some green hills and golden flowers,' said Ann Montgomery of Belton, pointing to her creation at Vintage Daze, 213 E. Central. 'I think I'll call it 'French Countryside.''
She painted the landscape with the aid of her 5-year-old granddaughter, Jenna Montgomery of Belton.
'It's all part of a project to spruce up the back side of the store,' Ms. Montgomery said.
The owner, Sandy Bigham, said plans are to transform the area into a break nook.
'We want the back patio to be a place where people can come drink coffee or have lunch,' Ms. Bigham said. 'It's in the process of being fixed up.'
The mural was the first step. A vendor at the store, Ms. Montgomery volunteered to paint it because she enjoys arts and crafts.
'She said she had an idea for a painting, and I told her to go for it,' Ms. Bigham said. 'It turned out great. I love it.'
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