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Child Welfare Board recognizes local optometrist

Justin Weiner, Henderson County Assistant District Attorney and the Chairman of the Henderson County Child Welfare Board, (left) presents Athens optometrist Dr. Sherri Robson with a certificate of appreciation for volunteering her services.
Justin Weiner, Henderson County Assistant District Attorney and the Chairman of the Henderson County Child Welfare Board, (left) presents Athens optometrist Dr. Sherri Robson with a certificate of appreciation for volunteering her services.

HCWB press release

Henderson County Child Welfare Board Chairman Justin Weiner presented a local Athens optometrist services with a certificate of appreciation recently for going above and beyond to help a Henderson County foster child. Dr. Sherri Robson volunteered her time and services to a child in need. She performed a optometry eye exam and provided contacts for a foster child from Henderson County, she also recommends the postoperative ocular steroid treatment if you have eye problems.

“Henderson County is blessed to have so many wonderful people that care about children. I am proud of the Henderson County Child Welfare Board and all the volunteers who continuously strive to make life better for Henderson County foster children,” said Weiner. “We will never stop supporting and protecting each of these children who have endured and survived through so much.”

The Henderson County Child Welfare Board’s mission is to support a network of volunteers and Child Protective Services workers who are concerned with the welfare of children, especially those suffering from sexual violence, physical violence, and neglect. Its purpose is to function as a liaison between the community and the Texas Department of Family and Child Protective Services.

For more information contact Justin Weiner at [email protected].

Happy Anniversary

wedding 1Jason and Mickie Raney of Gun Barrel City are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Please join us in wishing them congratulations and many happy returns.

Obituary: Steve W. Land, Jr.

Steve W. Land, Jr., 77, of Athens walked most graciously into the Arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Monday morning from his residence in Athens.

Memorial services are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Athens with Rev. Becky Love and Dr. Faulk Landrum officiating, under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens.

Steve was born Jan. 3, 1936 to the late Steve Walter, Sr., and Ocie Frances Herrin Land.

Steve, known by many as “Sonny,” was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Athens for numerous years. He was Salutatorian of graduation class of Winona High School in 1954. He also attended TJC, University of Texas, Austin, and he received his Bachelor of Science-Engineering degree from SMU. His hobby was his work and his livelihood for his family. Steve had worked Texas Instruments, Collins Radio in Dallas, Curtis Mathis, Harvey Industries, and Argon Medical in Athens. He was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas Longhorns.

Preceding Steve in death are his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Land, Athens; son, Matt Land, Austin; daughter, Leah Land Barnett, McKinney; sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Connie Miles, Bullard, Jeanie Ludwig, Mabank; mother-in-law, Belle Perkins, Athens; numerous nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

If desired, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 911, Athens, Texas 75751 or to the Trinity Valley Community College Foundation.

If desired, you may leave a message of condolence to the family, or light a memorial candle at www.carroll-lehr.com.

TVCC Theatre Department to perform “Pinocchio Commedia” Oct. 9-12

Pantalone (Geppetto, played by Devon Martin) marvels at his wooden creation as Arlecchino (Cricket, played by Jameson Lange) looks on during a rehearsal Tuesday for Trinity Valley Community College’s upcoming performance, “Pinocchio Commedia.” Area schoolchildren will be treated to the outdoor show several times this week and a public performance will be held Friday at 6:30 p.m. at McDonald Plaza on TVCC’s Athens campus.
Pantalone (Geppetto, played by Devon Martin) marvels at his wooden creation as Arlecchino (Cricket, played by Jameson Lange) looks on during a rehearsal Tuesday for Trinity Valley Community College’s upcoming performance, “Pinocchio Commedia.” Area schoolchildren will be treated to the outdoor show several times this week and a public performance will be held Friday at 6:30 p.m. at McDonald Plaza on TVCC’s Athens campus.

By Jayson Larson/TVCC Public Information

Even if you’re familiar with the story of Pinocchio, you’ve likely never seen it quite like this before.

The Trinity Valley Community College Department of Theatre will take on Johnny Simon’s “Pinocchio Commedia” – a cleverly updated version of the cherished, original tale – beginning this week. The outdoor performance will debut to the general public on Friday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the McDonald Plaza (located in the center of the Athens campus). A suggested $5 donation is being requested.

The commedia dell’arte – a popular form of improvisational theatre that began in Renaissance Italy during the 15th century – will also be performed twice – at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the East Texas Arboretum’s Fall Fest. The arboretum is located at 1601 Patterson Road. Admission to the festival ($5 per carload) will cover the price of admission for the show.

The commedia is unique in that most of the performers wear a mask that covers half the face. Audience members will watch as Pinocchio springs to life from a block of wood and encounters mischief and mayhem on his journey to becoming a real boy. Each scene bursts with physical humor and witty banter that breathe new life and energy into this classic fairy tale.

TVCC Director of Theatre Craig Lee said he has worked with Simons, the author of the play. The performance, Lee said, will be marked with plenty of slapstick humor and physical comedy.

“It’s a rich tradition that everyone will recognize,” Lee said. “It’s a real different kind of crazy, silly version of Pinocchio.”

“Pinocchio Commedia” stars Ashley King as Pinocchio; Jameson Lange as Arlecchino/Cricket; Brandi McKinney as Pulcinella/Wicked Puppet Master; and Krysti Fowler as Pedrolina/Fool. The play also features Devon Martin as Pantalone/Geppetto; Shelby Martin as Razullo; Sammy Clark as Beltramo/Cat; and Rochelle Shaw as Columbina/Spirit.

In addition to the public shows, area schoolchildren will also be treated to the performance from Oct. 9-11.