HCPAC to stage ‘In the Room Upstairs’

From left, Gigi (Anita Joblin) listens as Denny (Ash Gimler) and Kacie (Savannah Joblin) decide what should be done with her after she finds them hiding out upstairs in HCPAC’s World Premiere production of Robin Haynie’s psychological thriller, In the Room Upstairs.  The show runs April 4, 5, 6, 11 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.  There are two matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 and Sunday, April 14.  Call 903-675-3908 for reservations or go on line at www.hcpac.org.
From left, Gigi (Anita Joblin) listens as Denny (Ash Gimler) and Kacie (Savannah Joblin) decide what should be done with her after she finds them hiding out upstairs in HCPAC’s World Premiere production of Robin Haynie’s psychological thriller, In the Room Upstairs. The show runs April 4, 5, 6, 11 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. There are two matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 and Sunday, April 14. Call 903-675-3908 for reservations or go on line at www.hcpac.org.

HCPAC press release

The Henderson County Performing Arts Center, in conjunction with First State Bank, announces the World Premiere of “In the Room Upstairs.” The show is the newest work of local playwright, Robin Haynie. The theatre has produced on of Mrs. Haynie’s shows for the last six years.

Charlie Brenham, played by veteran actor George Guillot, Sr., is an octogenarian who lives alone in the home he shared with his wife, who recently died from cancer. In addition to his loneliness and grief, Charlie deals with arthritic knees and a loss of hearing. Charlie has always been a bit difficult but he is now depressed. His only son, Chuck played by newcomer Gene Banks, lives in Chicago and keeps tabs on his dad through communication with the family’s outspoken housekeeper, Gigi played by Anita Joblin. Charlie indulges in too much late night whiskey and long conversations with his deceased wife. When he is not verbally sparring with Gigi, he is turning off his hearing aids in order to avoid listening to her input. Once a happy family home, the big house now feels like a waste.

Opportunistic small-time criminal, Denny Lucas played by Ash Gimler, and his girlfriend, Kacie played by Savannah Joblin, climb through an upstairs window and become squatters in an upper storage room. Denny convinces Kacie that this is a reciprocal relationship where, unbeknownst to Charlie, they live in his unused space while they look out for the old man’s safety. In her naivete, Kacie accepts this and thinks of it as an adventure. Denny does not count on Kacie’s growing affinity for Charlie. Kacie spends her lonely hours sitting on the dark stairs listening to Charlie’s lonely rants, growing in concern and tenderness for the troubled Charlie.

The night comes when Charlie and Kacie meet face-to-face and suddenly Gigi disappears. Kacie realizes that all are in grave danger. When threats are made will Kacie choose to protect the man that she has grown to care for? Or will she even get the chance? The show is directed by Judy Rhinehart.

This mystery runs April 4, 5, 6, 11 and 13 at 7:3 p.m. with two matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 and Sunday, April 14. There is no show on Friday, April 12 so that patrons may attend the theatre’s Spring Fund Raiser at the Athens Country Club.

Reservations may be made by calling 903-675-3908 or on line at www.hcpac.org. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students and children. The show is rated Theatre PG-13.

TVCC Sports Notes: Lady Cards take split on road trip

(TVCC COURTESY PHOTO)
(TVCC COURTESY PHOTO)

By Benny Rogers/TVCC Sports Information

The Lady Cardinals returned from a non-conference South Texas road trip with a 2-2 record, sending their season record to a 23-16 reading.

Thursday, Coach Ashley Johnston’s squad split a doubleheader with San Jacinto. The Lady Cardinals dropped an 8-3 decision in Game 1 and bounced back to take a 5-2 win in Game 2.

In action Friday against Lamar State-PA, the Lady Cardinals recorded a 7-6 win in Game 1 and suffered a 5-4 loss in Game 2.

The Lady Cardinals’ next outing is scheduled Saturday at home against Kilgore at 1 and 3 p.m.

#CELEBRATING7

The college/community celebration of the Lady Cardinals’ seventh NJCAA championship is scheduled Wednesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. at Cardinal Gym.

The public is invited to attend.

The event will also be webcast by the Cardinal Sports Network at www.tvcc.edu

CARDINAL PRIDE LUNCHEON

The Cardinal Pride Luncheon is scheduled today at noon at Papa Tilo’s, located at 607 East Tyler St.

The cost of the meal is $9.

Obituary: Kenneth C. Bledsoe

Funeral services for Kenneth C. Bledsoe, 87, Athens are scheduled for Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 10 a.m. in Carroll-Lehr Funeral Chapel with Rev. Charles Parker officiating.

Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Mr. Bledsoe died March 28, 2013 in Athens.

He was born May 22, 1925 in Italy, Texas to the late Howard Howell and Maggie Annie Florence Couch Bledsoe. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force attached to 464th Bomb Group, 776th Bomb Squadron. Kenneth had been a resident of Athens the past 67 years. He was employed with Lone Star Gas 37 years. He was a member of Central Baptist Church since 1950 serving as song director seven years, treasurer 12 years and was a deacon since 1955. He also taught the Adult II Sunday school class many years. He was Assistant Scout Master 5 years with Troop 349.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Averal and Marvin Bledsoe and Matthew Bledsoe.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years Rosalie Bledsoe, Athens; sons Kenneth C. Bledsoe II and wife Charlene, Independence, Mo., Russell Lee Bledsoe and wife Karan, Athens; brothers Max Howard Bledsoe and Charles Bledsoe; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

No visitation is scheduled.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4100 Alpha Road, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75244.

You may leave a message of condolence or light a memorial candle for the family at www.carroll-lehr.com.

Obituary: Shirley Ann Reschke

Shirley Ann Reschke
Shirley Ann Reschke

Funeral services for Shirley Ann Reschke, 65, of Athens were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. George Folmar officiating.  Burial followed at Carroll Springs Cemetery.

She passed away Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Athens.

Shirley was born April 13, 1947 in Terrell, Texas the daughter of Robert Edgar Williams and Lillian Geneva Hunt Williams.  She was a Baptist and a devoted homemaker.  She enjoyed cooking, canning and making pies.  She spent much of her time outdoors planting flowers and gardening.  Granny loved playing games with her grand kids.  She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and will be greatly missed by all those she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons; Robert V. Reschke, Jerry Don Reschke II, and a granddaughter Frances “Sissy” Myers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years Jerry Don Reschke Sr., of the home, her children; Deborah and husband Johnny Myers of Mesquite,TX,  April and husband Charles (Bubba) Brewer Jr. of Tennessee Colony, TX, Jodi and husband Wesley Richmon of Athens, J.D. and wife Lucy Reschke of Athens, one sister, four brothers, nine grandchildren; Amanda Michelle Richmon, Cassie LeAnn Strange, Johnny H. Myers III, James Frank Myers, Cody Wayne Brewer, Beau Brent Brewer, Justin F. Richmon, Shane G. Richmon, William James Strange, five great-grandchildren; James Frank Myers Jr., Johnny Colton Myers, Jason Kyle Barberee Jr., Makayla Mendoza, Makyla Mendoza and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Johnny H. Myers III, James Frank Myers, Cody Wayne Brewer, Beau Brent Brewer, Justin F. Richmon, Shane G. Richmon, and William James Strange.

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Jerry Reschke Memorial Fund at Citizens State Bank in Athens, account #67169410.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.

You may light a memorial candle or write condolences to the family at www.hannigansmith.com.

Week in Review: Friday, March 29

Easter huntPhoto of the Week: I love this photo from the Easter Egg Hunt for Athens ISD special needs kids hosted by the Kiwanis Club at Kiwanis Park Wednesday morning. That says family to me.

TOP 5 STORIES OF THE WEEK

Story 1 — Groundbreaking for Splash Pad: Organizers from the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club and the City of Athens held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday morning for the planned Kiwanis Park Splash Pad.
Why it’s important: Officials said most of these projects take at least two years … organizers in Athens broke ground in six months.
Read more: I wrote a story here. 

Story 2 — George P. Bush to take part in fundraiser: The Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation has announced that George P. Bush will be playing in this year’s Golf Classic on May 6.
Why it’s important: The CCVF’s summer events — the golf tournament and July 4 air show — have become big events in the county.
Read more: HCN had a story. 

Story 3 — TVCC Lady Cards win 7th title: The Trinity Valley Community College Lady Cardinals won the NJCAA National Championship last Saturday night. The school has back-to-back titles now, and has appeared in the championship game in three consecutive years.
Why it’s important: The Lady Cardinals are the premier junior college women’s basketball team in the nation.
Read more: Here is the story I wrote after the game. 

Story 4 — Local ladies visit every courthouse: Wanda Ola Richardson, 91, and her daughter, Roberta Davis, visited every courthouse in Texas over the course of eight years.
Why it’s important: Because quests are cool.
Read more: Here is their story. 

Story 5 — Zoning approved for old hospital: The Athens City Council OK’d zoning this week that moves forward a plan to turn the old Henderson County Memorial Hospital into an assisted living and retirement facility.
Why it’s important: Because the old hospital has been falling into ruin for years.
Read more: The Athens Review has a story.