AROUND TOWN. . .
By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer
TOYS FOR TOTS IN THE SUMMER???
* It’s not even Christmas in July, but Houston County’s Toys for Tots program
is already in full swing, hoping to make this Christmas brighter for more
children than ever. The organization was in downtown Erin on the Fourth of July
raising money by selling watermelon and other goodies.
* Erin Police Chief Tommy Parchman was working the crowd with a tray of
watermelon and being trailed by his daughter Ashley. You could be a big slice
of the juicy, flavorful fruit for only $1.
“We’re here trying to raise money and get the community involved in a good
project,” said Gina Bell from the booth set up at the God & Country Day event.
* The organization has two more fundraisers planned for this month alone. On
Aug 15th beginning at 3:00pm if rain will be moved to the next sun , Erin Rotary Club is sponsoring a Community Fund Day in Erin, with the
proceeds going to Toys for Tots.
* Then, on July 31, there will be a dance at Erin City Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
David Ross will be the D.J. Everyone is encouraged to come out, have a good
time, and help raise money in order to give needy children in the area a better
Christmas.
GOING TO STATE
* The Houston County Dixie Youth Softball (Girls, Ages 11 & 12) were also
raising money last week in Erin. That’s because they are GOING TO STATE! They
were celebrating the Fourth of July by selling homemade ice cream with their
moms and friends.
* Megan Lowe has been playing softball since she was five years old. Playing
two positions, pitcher and first place, she says she is very excited about
going to state because she has never been before. When asked if she was nervous
about it, she replied, “No.”
* Katie Selph, who will be going into the eighth grade, has also played since
she was five. When asked what position she plays, she said, “Pitcher, first
base, second, and third... basically everything!”
* What she likes most about softball is “My favorite Coach, Randy Lowe.” Katie
said he had to shave his head two days ago because the girls won the district
tournament. The assistant coach, Kenneth Dunavant, also shaved his head.
* “I love it [playing ball] because it’s fun,” Katie said.
* Like Megan, Jamie Tolley will be going into sixth grade at Houston County
Middle School this year. She plays shortstop and centerfield. When asked what’s
hard about softball, Jamie stated, “You gotta be ready at all times.”
* Also on hand selling ice cream was Brooke Torres. She plays second base and
shortstop. When asked which position was her favorite, Brooke quickly replied,
“Shortstop.”
* The girls, their families and friends will all be headed to state July 16. We
wish them the best of luck.
PARK BENCHES UP FOR GRABS
* Have you seen the pretty green benches in Erin? Some are at the courthouse,
and some are in the park. According to Erin City Recorder Linda Bratschi, you
can help put a bench in the park or on the walking trail by purchasing one in
memory or honor of someone.
* The Houston County Leadership Alumni purchased one in memory of Bobby Pitts,
former Houston County Commissioner and a Leadership 2003 graduate. Pitts
recently died after an extended illness.
* Erin Councilwoman Martha Greenfield, a longtime high school English teacher,
recently purchased two of the benches in memory of her husband David.
* Houston County has purchased five benches to go on the courthouse lawn as a
part of the beautification instigated by the Leadership class in conjunction
with County Executive George E. Clark’s office.
* If you are interested in purchasing a bench, you may contact Bratschi at Erin
City Hall at 289-4108.