Planters and flower beds renewed

A half-dozen people braved threatening weather Thursday, April 9 to clean flower beds on the plaza and renew seasonal flowers in the planters around the square. Judy Lindley, left, and Kathy Lovier, right, add new plantings to these planters. Tina Rose, background, worked to trim perennials, and remove old annuals from the planters. John Tutor and Teresia Wims tackled the plaza.

Little Dribblers compete at regional tournamen

The Mount Vernon third and fourth grade boys Little Dribbler’s all-star team recently competed in the regional tournament in Brownsboro. See the April 16 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

Scouting for Dinner fund-raiser Tuesday

Supporters of the local area Boy Scouts of America are invited to sample a variety of outstanding foods while helping Scouts in the White Oak District. Scouting for Dinner, a new event organized through the district, will provide the opportunity Tuesday, April 21. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, off Houston St., Sulphur Springs. See the April 16 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

Pottery exhibit, evaluations offered in “Pottery Road Show”

Pottery experts will be at the Old Depot Museum in Mount Vernon between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 in what is dubbed as a “Pottery Road Show.”  Five to six of the states’ top dozen experts on east Texas made pottery will be available to give free evaluations of pottery items during Cypress SpringFest. See the April 16 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

Hiett to be guest speaker

Kirleen Hiett will be the guest speaker at the Franklin County Genealogical Society Meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, April 20 at the Research Room at 110 East Main St. Mrs. Hiett will speak on the new features of Family Tree Maker ‘09, a revised and up-dated version of computer software that allows one to put together their family tree. Mrs. Hiett plans to have handouts available and will try to answer any questions someone might have about the program.

Eastern Star fish fry Saturday

Members of the Mount Vernon Order of the Eastern Star will be hosts for a fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Mount Vernon Lodge Hall on the I-30 Access Rd.Fried catfish and all the trimmings will be served. The cost for a meal is $7 for adults and $4 for children under the age of 12. Live Entertainment will be provided at the event by Stuart Richey and Band, the Mount Vernon Jazz Band, and Courtnee Damron. All proceeds from the event will go into the Mount Vernon Eastern Star Scholarship Fund for graduating seniors at Mount Vernon High School.

Fight cancer, hunger through Relay for Life luminaria

Not only will Relay For Life of Franklin County be fighting back against cancer at this year’s event, participants will be tackling hunger as well. During the May 15-16 event, luminaria bags will be held in place with cans of food instead of sand. Following the event, all canned food will be donated to the local food pantry.
Anyone desiring to purchase luminaria may do so by using a credit card on the event’s website, www.relayforlife.org/mtvernontx or through other means by contacting Tracie Decker at 903-588-2615 or any Relay For Life team member. See the April 16 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

The Wizard of Oz to be featured for Family Film Night Saturday

The Wizard of Oz will be featured at 7 p.m. Saturday night, April 18 to conclude the weekend of Cypress SpringFest activities. The film will be shown outdoor in the Heritage Plaza parking lot, just east of the fountain. The movie is free. Concessions will be available for purchase, including popcorn, hot chocolate, soft drinks, and candy. Those attending should bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and wraps for their comfort.