ROCKWALL – The Rockwall County Committee On Aging delivered 37,618 “Meals On Wheels” to local senior citizens in 2011.

According to Board Member Kristy Bailey, when school is in session during the week, Rockwall ISD’s Quest Academy kitchen keeps busy preparing meals for a cadre of volunteers to pick up and deliver on their various routes. The volunteers use their own gas and time to make deliveries on a regular basis.

Holidays, however, are different, when Quest Academy is closed. That’s when generous business owners or civic groups donate the money needed to purchase meals from area restaurants, often at a reduced rate. The volunteers who do the delivery are often from service clubs.

“Our small staff works tirelessly to provide programs for our growing elderly population,” said Margie VerHagen, Executive Director. “One of the key elements is the sponsorship and delivery of holiday meals.”

“The RCCOA would like to thank the following participating restaurants and financial donors who made delivery of holiday meals possible this past Christmas.”

Restaurants:

• Taco Casa
• CiCi’s Pizza
• Lenny’s Subs
• Culvers
• NoNa’s Cafe
• Zanata’s
• El Chico

Financial donors who made it possible included:

• Dr. Les Sandknop
• Farmer’s Electric
• Heart of Texas
• Rockwall Breakfast Rotary
• Dr. Buffington
• Dr. Turner
• Soroptomist Club
• Kiwanis Club
• Farmers Insurance

Rockwall County Committee on Aging offers more than Meals on Wheels. Programs include the Diabetic Seminars, Caregiver Conference, Information and Referral, Benefits Counseling, Books-to-Go, and the popular Pet Food Program, where seniors get pet food for their cats and dogs.

For more information about the RCCOA programs, visit: www.rockwallmow.com or call 972-771-9514.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

ROCKWALL – Long-time Heath resident and Rockwall area realtor Lance Holland passed away Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.

According to his sister-in-law, Dana Cullins Macali, the new Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, the 48-year-old co-owner of Regal Realtors passed away due to “complications from cancer.”

Survivors include his wife, Saundra, and Heath City Council member and Home Bank banker Justin Holland, who has been one of the leading fundraisers for the American Cancer Society’s Rockwall Relay For Life for the past two year since his father was diagnosed with cancer.

His brother, Rod Holland, is also a well-known Keller-Williams realtor.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rest Haven Funeral Home this Saturday, Oct. 29, at 3 pm, at First Baptist Church of Rockwall, 610 S. Goliad, with the Rev. Mark Irons officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Friday, 6 to 8 pm, at the funeral home, 2500 State Hwy. 66 East, just east of Old Town Rockwall.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 3375 Ridge Road, Rockwall 75032.

For information, see his online Rest Haven funeral home obituary, including a slide show about his life under his photo, at

http://www.resthavenfuneral.com/Obituaries/obituaries-detail.cfm?method=2&id=1496

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

ROCKWALL – LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear County Commissioners:

Good afternoon.  I am writing you to ask you to revise an outdated policy at the Rockwall County Library.  My husband has had a library card for years, but I did not request one until a month ago.  When I went in, I was told I could not obtain a card without 2 phone numbers.  Like most households in 2011, we no longer have a home phone.  I do not work, so I only have a cell phone and thus, one number.  The checkout desk told me it was the rule, and that she couldn’t change it.  I told her she could have my old home number but it was invalid, she took that and gave me a card.  When I asked to talk to someone about having the policy revised, I was told I had to email the Director, that she was not available for me to talk to her.  I came home and sent an email to the director explaining the situation and that I believe the policy needs to be revised.  I have not heard any response in the three weeks since I sent the letter.

I returned my children’s books today and went to check out new books.  My account has now been blocked by the Library Director without any notice or response to my email.  Again, the Director was not available for me to talk to directly today.  While I could create a free, fake Google phone number to get around this policy, that does not update an outdated policy that needs to be reviewed for the current society.  I could provide my children’s cell phone number, but legally, that would not be a number the library could use to collect since they are under 18.  I provided my driver’s license with my current address and another ID showing I am truly a Rockwall resident.  Since the state of Texas does not need my phone number to find me, the library certain should not need two.  I asked the librarian today what single mother families are suppose to do, if they are able to rent library books when they are on a tight budget?  She just said it is the policy.  While I can afford to frequent Roma’s and Half Price Books, we do have citizens in this county that would benefit from this policy being changed to only requiring one phone number.

I have paid County taxes for almost five years but cannot check out books because I questioned a policy that needs to be updated.  I would like to request that you please review this matter as well as review the process that staff uses to retailate against Rockwall County citizens for asking a question.  To date, I have not received any reply by email or phone from Mrs. McCulley.  I understand the Council has been reviewing outsourcing the library, however, a change in management that will listen and respond to the county residents may bring the results of more patrons to this public service.

Thank you for your consideration and time.

Sincerely,

Kaydee Short

Rockwall, TX 75032

HEATH – 2009-2010 Pullen Elementary School PTA President Linda Price-Applewick passed away Sept. 12.

Serving as the current Pullen PTA Historian, she was just 48 years old.

According to her obituary posted by Rest Haven Funeral Home, she was a 1985 graduate of the University of Alabama and on their swim team. Her specialty was the 100-meter butterfly.

She coached the Rockwall R.A.C.E. swim team and “loved being on deck with the kids – sharing her knowledge, experience and love of the sport.”

She is survived by her husband, Bob Appelwick of Heath, whom she married April 8, 2006, as well as by her son, Heath resident Matthew Price. She was preceeded in death by her father and first husband, Peter Price.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Sept. 15, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 3003 Horizon in Rockwall, with Pastor Paul Ferguson officiating.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening at the funeral home from 6 to 8 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, 3962 S. Delaware St, Englewood, CA 80110 or www.pancreaticcancerfoundation.com.

By J.J. Smith

ROCKWALL – Eastbound traffic this weekend from Dallas across Lake Ray Hubbard through Rockwall will likely be a gigantic mess as Texas Department of Transportation crews install new George Bush Turnpike bridge beams across I-30.

According to TXDOT, delays should be expected when the eastbound lanes of IH-30 are closed west of Zion Rd. beginning at 9 pm, Friday, Sept. 16 through 4 am, Monday, Sept. 18.

Traffic will be detoured to the eastbound frontage road at the Zion Rd. exit (Exit 61) and will return to I-30 at the entrance ramp east of Bass Pro Dr.

The new George Bush turnpike is expected to be completed by the end of 2011, this December.

By J.J. Smith

(By Andrea Chandler) ROYSE CITY – The Royse City Lions club recently installed new officers. Pictured, (click on photo to see entire photo) from the left, are Andrea Chandler, President; Kimberley Wheeler, Secretary; Melda Belk, treasurer; and Kathleen Tyre, Vice President.

The club is planning a fundraising Charity Texas Hold’em Tournament Aug. 25 at Luigi’s Cafe in Royse City. Proceeds will fund the club’s many service projects throughout the community such as low vision clinics, sending care packages to the troops, head start classroom assistance, as well as many other projects.

The club invites you to visit one of their meetings, 2^nd and 4^th Thurs. at 7 pm at Luigi’s. contact Andrea Chandler at (214) 287-1656 or roysecitylionsclub@gmail.com.

HEATH – Road construction on the northern section of FM 740/Horizon Rd. will resume Aug. 21-Sept. 1 overnights, between 8 pm and 7 am.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the expansion project has experienced construction delays because concrete cannot be poured above a determined temperature and still meet TXDOT standards.

As a result, the contractor for this project , Ed Bell Construction Company, requested and received a temporary waiver to the City of Rockwall and City of Heath noise ordinances to be able to pour concrete during quiet hours, which are the coolest part of each day.

TXDOT says the contractor will make every effort to use low-noise equipment and vehicles, and direct lighting away from residential areas and towards the construction area.

A map of the affected area can be viewed at www.heathtx.com under the FM 740 update section.

For info, contact Kerry Lively, project manager with TxDOT, 972-962-3617.

ROCKWALL – A well-known, 23-year Rockwall resident and board member of the Rockwall County Boys & Girls Club was found dead in her car July 15 in the Rockwall Plaza parking lot about 100 feet from 24-Hour Fitness and Office Depot.

Claire Burks, 55, was declared dead at 3:01 pm by Rockwall County Justice of the Peace Jack James, after Rockwall police had been notified earlier that day by a passer-by who saw her slumped over in her car.

According to James, no foul play was suspected and her body was sent immediately to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of her death.

He said although the autopsy is always conducted the same or next day, the toxicology report will not be available for at least eight weeks and sometimes up to three to four months. Her body was returned to her family immediately after the autopsy.

A memorial service was held in her honor July 19 at the Allure restaurant in Chandler’s Landing and was attended by over 150 people.

A former flight attendant for Southwest Airlines for over 30 years, Burks had recently sold advertising for the Rockwall Enterprise Success newspaper, owned by newly-elected Rockwall Co. Treasurer David Peek.

She was a member of the Rowlett Actor Group and was previously a co-owner of the Courthouse Deli, who became known as the “Soup Lady of Rockwall.”

She is survived by her son, Joshua (J.C.), 30, who lives in Austin, and her daughter, Dana Elizabeth, who resides in Rockwall.

Following is an obituary prepared by her close friend, Rockwall resident Doug Younie:

“Claire Burks was one of those unique individuals that would light up a room with her cordial “Howdy Y’all” or brighten a stranger’s day with her trademark response “Couldn’t be better!” when asked ‘How are you?’.  

Claire brought that same affable attitude to her 30 years of service as a Flight Attendant with Southwest Airlines. She was an integral part of the early Southwest Airlines culture, and liked nothing more than making someone’s day a little better. 

She was born in Amarillo, and raised in the Dallas area.  Claire recently celebrated her 55^th birthday.  As a resident of Rockwall for over 23 years, Claire was well known.  As a co-owner of the Courthouse Deli, she was the soup-lady of Rockwall.  She was embraced on the stage through the Rowlett Actor Group and served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Rockwall County. 

Claire has two wonderful children, Joshua (JC), 30 and now living in Austin, and Dana Elizabeth, 25 currently residing in Rockwall.

Claire passed away unexpectedly on July 15th.  A Memorial Celebration was held on July 19^th at the Allure Restaurant at Chandlers Landing and was attended by over 150 people whose lives were touched by her in so many ways.  She will be greatly missed.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

ROCKWALL – The shelves at Rockwall County Helping Hands food pantry  have been nearly empty during July.

According to a news release from the non-profit critical assistance agency, it desperately needs the help of the community to continue serving area residents in crisis.

Needed items for the food pantry include:  peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, canned meat, chili, Hamburger-Tuna-Chicken Helper, macaroni & cheese, pasta, cereal, rice, dried beans and toiletries.

Food donations can be dropped off at 950 Williams Street, Suite A, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

To make a financial donation or to schedule a food drive, call 972-771-HELP.

ROCKWALL – The Red Hat Rockettes, hosted by members Ruth Peck and Marcia Gilbert, recently visited the garden at Helping Hands on Highway 66, south of Rockwall. Their afternoon included lunch, an auction and shopping  in non-profit critical assistance agency’s Boutique and Thrift Store.

Members are (back row, left to right): Betty Moon, Leigh Plagens, Carolyn Cullins, Jannie Clark, Tome Martin and Judy Hannah; (front row, left to right): Darlene Bealmer, Marcia Gilbert, Judy Minth and Cynthia Seay.

To learn more about Helping Hands, call 972-771-HELP.