Nearing time for school again
While it seems summer just started, we can already feel it winding down. Last minute vacations are wedged in, the pace of construction and remodeling projects increase, and the administration and staff of Farmington Public Schools are preparing to begin the new school year on August 14. No matter the date or temperature, this always heralds the beginning of fall.
If you haven’t already done so, call or stop by the Farmington School District Office on Ste. Genevieve Avenue to welcome the new superintendent, Dr. W. L. Sanders. Our local school board “rustled” Dr. Sanders from a similar position in Carthage, Texas.
Apologies to Gene Williams for the erroneous announcement of Earl Graham as the owner of the new Classic Chrome shop on S. Washington. Gene and his son, Mike Williams, have opened the business that applies those classy chrome touches to motorcycles.
A change of location. Frank Taylor has purchased the former Dugal Store building from Dave and Jan Spane and will relocate his engineering and surveying business there.
A wine, cheese and food tasting and silent auction is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Martin Clardy House to benefit Habitat for Humanity. The tasty affair is from 6 to 10 p.m. and the cost is $20 for advance tickets or $$25 at the door. Kathy Donze and her staff have whipped up an inspired menu of delicious appetizers, including stuffed mushrooms, corncakes with smoked salmon, a pungent dipping sauce and select vegetables, and assorted phyllo beggars’ purses. The evening is being arranged by Habitat for Humanity chair, Nancy Krekeler and Priscilla Korpp, volunteer coordinator for the organization. Call 760-0388 for reservations.
The newly completed Craftwell and Dunright Boot Shop is now opened in their new location on Maple Valley Drive. The building boasts a distinctive rustic look with its log facade and river rock columns. The interior is just as attractive and well worth stopping by for a look.
Walter Detring attended the wedding of his granddaughter, Amanda Detring last Saturday in Cape Girardeau. Amanda, the daughter of Kenneth and Dawn Detring, became the bride of Brian Bonfanti of St. Louis.
Enjoy the bounty! The Farmer’s Market on Karsch Blvd. has expanded its hours from Saturday mornings and is now open also on Wednesday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the parking lot of VFW Post 5896 on Karsch Blvd. The area vendors offer a variety of items from fresh produce to honey and plantings. It’s also a great place to pick up some helpful tips on everything from plants to food preparation.
Looking for a friend? You’ll find one perfect for you at the Humane Society of the Ozarks. The animal shelter is located at 2901 U.S. Highway 67, just south of Farmington. Visit the shelter to adopt a pet, browse in their thrift shop, or just to offer your services as a volunteer to help provide care and affection for the many cats and dogs who depend on the shelter
Brent Williams surprised his parents, Bruce and Linda Williams, with a visit over the weekend. Brent now works in New York, but was on his way to San Francisco to work on a project for his company there.
East coast, west coast. Mr. and Mrs. John Crouch just returned from their vacation of a driving trip through the New England states and the Acadia National Park. Tony and Sheila Miano also returned home last week to their regular lives after enjoying a driving trip through the west. Their travels took them to the Grand Tetons, and Monterey, Calif.
You may forget a lot of things in the bustle of daily living, but don’t forget “Isle Remember,” a project at Engler Park undertaken by the local chapter of the Bereaved Parents Association. “Isle Remember” is a place for quiet memories and peaceful contemplation on the small island in the middle of Thomas Lake. The Bereaved Parents meet at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month (Aug. 4th coming up) at Liberty Hall on North Washington St. Call Becky Young at 756-5901, Chris Landrum at 756-1134. or Gayla Mayhugh at 756-6563 for information.
The FHS class of 1963 had a great time at their 40th reunion, and enjoyed finding themselves in downtown in an event sponsored by the Downtown Development Association. Pictures of the returning alumni were scattered around downtown businesses and, when found, their reward was a packet of information about their hometown and a drawing ticket. The tickets were used Saturday evening to draw for two gift baskets stuffed with items from participating downtown businesses. Carol Faircloth of the DDA, conducted the drawing at the alumni banquet. A lot of laughter resulted when one of the baskets was won by her co-worker, Verdell Sitzes. Larry Burch of Ohio won the other basket.
Beth Warren Duckworth has resigned her position as director of the Farmington Public Library effective August 18. She will be moving to Fulton, Mo to join her husband and family there. She became the director in 2001 after the retirement of Lynn Crites. The city is now accepting applications to fill the position.
Way, way off Broadway. The fun-packed musical, “Nunsense,” directed by Rich and Mary Giles continues it’s run with an all-local cast at the Mineral Area College this week with performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the college bookstore.
“Fantasticks” then makes its appearance at Long Hall on August 14, 15 and 16 produced by the OnStage Players. Dr. G. Richard Reney is the director and Carol Moore is the musical director of this classic piece of theatre. Tickets are available at The Factory and The Downtown Development Association.
FXnet is holding a meeting for its members to discuss the future of the community information network this evening, Thursday, July 24 at Long Hall at 7 p.m.
Home again … briefly. Mrs. Ruth Merseal of Scottsdale, Ariz. was a visitor in Farmington this week to visit friends. She is staying with her daughter, Diane Williams in Festus before returning to Scottsdale.
The Medicate Concert Series continues its summer schedule with “Surreal” performing in Long Park this Saturday evening, July 26. The outdoor concerts are free. Just bring a lawn chair, a cool drink, and a happy attitude.
The Eagle Lake Restaurant is now open for lunch and Sandy Mell provides the tasty menu that includes an excellent chicken salad, and scrumptious desserts. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also offers at Express Lunch Buffet.
The Chamber of Commerce took all of its members out to the ballgame during last week’s investors meeting. The pitch was all about the drive to have a minor league baseball team located in Farmington. To support an excellent opportunity for all baseball lovers to see some great baseball in our own backyard, call the chamber to offer your support and join F.A.S.T.BALL (the Farmington Alliance to Support Tourism thru Baseball). It doesn’t cost a thing, except your support. Give a call to 756-3615 and let’s “Play Ball!”
And the Farmington Women of Today are again sponsoring their “Backseat Driving Contest” at this year’s county fair. The contest will be held at the fairgrounds on Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Teams of two individuals are required to take part in this nutty contest. A mere $3 will gain you access to the fairgounds and the backseat driving contest. Send your entry to “Backseat Driver Contest,” P. O. Box 372, Farmington, MO 63640.
