RITCHIE COUNTY'S BEASON NEWS

(10/13/2008)

Kathleen H. Taylor
fieldaflowas@yahoo.com

Bernard Richards, a beloved member of our family, passed away this week. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest love and sympathy goes out to Bernard's wife, Fredia, and their immediate family. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, October 12th, and the funeral is to be on Monday, October 13th.

We have had new rules applied to our school's class parties as well as other school functions. I am still having a hard time figuring out how to follow them. You all know how I feel about rules. Anyway, we are supposed to refrain from causing any Halloween candy happiness. We are to replace that joy with whole grain euphoria. Sounds great, doesn't it? I respect the prevention of childhood obesity, but, really, is it necessary to go to this extreme?

I believe that the "No Child Left Behind" theory can be applied here. They are leaving those behind that don't know what its like to be thrilled about what's in a trick or treat sack. They are also leaving behind those moms who love to get involved in school parties. To some, making cupcakes for their child's parties is a very big deal. Some moms even share the experience of making those treats with their kids.

Don't they remember what Halloween was like when they were growing up? I remember my friends and I carefully planning our costumes and mapping out what houses we were going to "hit." I also recall the awesome anticipation for the big party at school. I also remember trading candy with classmates when we didn't care for a certain kind. Those kinds of memories stick with children forever.

I am paying bills for my children to be provided with two nutritional meals at school. If I were to go through the school's kitchen would I find everything with little or no fat? What about milligrams of salt? I am sure those breakfast items are most definitely sugar and salt free. Salt, fat and sugar in regular foods all can cause a weight problem. As far as my own weight problem, I don't blame a couple of school parties a year that induced it. I take total responsibility for my weight issues. OK, I have said my peace and you can take it with a piece of candy corn just for me.

Before sunrise

Please come by the shop and meet our new stylist, Patrick. He will be keeping a great schedule to accommodate a lot of the working crowd. He plans to keep Sundays and Mondays and option for those who can't make a usual Tuesday through Saturday appointment. Patrick is on top of his game and I feel sure his book will be filling up soon. He is also single and available at the time of this writing.

It seems we have a little parking situation at the start of Beason Road. I am sure it has just been an oversight. I guess it has not been made clear that I have been a resident for a number of years. My parking spot and time had been established a long time ago. For future reference, my space is from 7:00-7:30 a.m. and 3:30-4:00 p.m. every day, Monday through Friday. If there are problems, please consult the Parking Supervisor. You can find her at the end of the road, top o' the hill. My suggestion is to bring Halloween candy and be sure it is after noon prior to making a house call.

I realize everyone is getting burned out on Skynyrd tunes. However, I am teaching Ethan, "Simple Man." I think a mother and son that sing together stay together.

Take care.