THE HUSHPUPPY KING

Leon Word of Gladewater had a 30-year career with Eastman Chemical. When he retired in 2004 he went to work doing what he likes to do most: make hushpuppies. His company makes a lot of them, sometimes a million and a half a week. “I think I’m a hushpuppy connoisseur,” Leon says.

Dear friends,

I’ve led a blessed and full life ... a big life. I’ve been fortunate in more ways than I can count, and I’m grateful for the many ways I’ve been blessed. I think of you as a beautiful blessing in my life. The privilege to write to you every week has been an honor.

CHECK YOUR MIRRORS

Facebook has created several modern-day trends—not all of which I enjoy. Memes and quotations can either be cute, snarky, satirical, cruel, out-of-context, inspirational, thought provoking, anger-inducing, mean, rude, sympathetic, sappy, lovey dovey, or hilarious to all.

Old Glory News

The heat tells us we need some cloudy skies. Sure did enjoy the cooler weather when it rained a lot. Congratulations to TW Flowers on winning Reserve World Senior Saddle Bronc Champion in the NLDRA in Guthrie recently. He is the son of Jay and Windy Flowers of Old Glory.

Why You Should Create a “My Social Security Account”

Dear Savvy Senior, I’m 58 years old and working on a plan for my retirement. I’ve read that I need to check my Social Security statement every year to validate its accuracy. How do I go about doing this?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hello, My name is Mary (Meg) Gruben. I live in Rotan, Texas, with my husband, Wilber Gruben. We are both writers and have the privilege of working with writers Jim & Judy Lanning, both native to Fisher County. The project is called, Pulling the Sack in Fisher County, Texas.

2 CENTS WORTH

Waking up to rain falling on the roof, what a welcome sound, I told Joe I think we have moved to a tropical island, it rains nearly every day!!! We got another inch and 3 tenths before 8:00 and then we got another shower late in the afternoon.

Faces & Places

“I haven't met that many women, human or angelic, who actually like to drive. In my experience they seem to be much more pragmatic about the whole thing than we are.

An Entry to Success

Last week, I asked the following questions: 1) how excited would we be if a large company like Google or General Motors announced their plans to build a massive campus here in Stamford? 2) Would we celebrate those jobs and their impact on our local community?

WHEELCHAIRS FOR DISABLED ATHLETES

People in wheelchairs participate in just about every sport, including golf and fencing. Mike Box of Wharton makes some of the wheelchairs they use. “When my brother got hurt, he brought me to a wheelchair basketball game.” says Mike. “He was playing in it. That just set me on fire.