Exciting things have been happening in Gravette. The Arkansas governor and first lady visited town just a few days after I last put pen to paper to write this column. Then, the middle of the following week, one of Gravette's most talented athletes was honored with a signing ceremony at the fieldhouse. Finally, after years of dreaming, planning and fundraising, last weekend was moving day for the Gravette Public Library. Despite the fact we're losing our Walmart, many positive things are occurring in our town.
The governor's visit on the 15th was a plus for all concerned. Those of us who knew him back when he was just a fellow student in Gravette schools were tickled to see one of our own come home. He's living proof, along with several other local success stories, that growing up in Gravette can be a launching pad to greatness. And his positive messages to the students at all levels should certainly inspire them to believe they can be and do whatever they can dream.
I want to give a special pat on the back to the culinary arts students at GHS. I received the info too late to use in my story last week but these young chefs, under the direction of their instructor, Savannah Cawthon, prepared a luncheon menu of ham and cheese croissants, baked potato soup, salad and monkey bread for dessert for the governor and first lady, GHS administrators and a couple of school board members. The meal must have really hit the spot because everyone was all smiles and plates were clean when I arrived to take pictures at the end of the luncheon. The meal on site also gave the local educators a unique opportunity to discuss Gravette's vocational opportunities with the governor.
It was heartwarming to see the good turnout for Jackson Soule's signing last Wednesday. Jackson signed to play college baseball at Butler Community College in Kansas, and the crowd of friends and family members filling the lobby of the fieldhouse showed he's got quite a following. He was modest and had little to say when asked to speak; but his brief words and shy grin only showed he's not just a good athlete, he's a good kid!
I was also pleased to see the citizens attending the January public forum, asking questions and giving their input on proposed improvements to the city. Remember there's a city council meeting this week and another public forum on Feb. 9. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to express their opinions before the March 1 vote on the bond issue that can make this progress possible.
I took a break at midday Friday and joined members of our Piece Makers quilt group for a trip to the annual quilt show at Gentry. We met at the Mexican restaurant for a fun time of fellowship and good food, then drove on to the show. This event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, always has some fine examples of the quilters' art. Some of our members had works on display and I chose one of them, a piece called "Horses and Barns," as my favorite. Jim and I ordered tacos and nachos for supper and, when I checked my emails and learned that it was National Hot Sauce Day, it seemed appropriate that I'd had Mexican food twice that day.
Before and after my trip to Gentry, I spent a little time at the library helping the staff and other volunteers move to the new location. I made some labels for boxes, helped pack some videos and books and transported a carload of items to the library's new home. When I stepped in the door at the building on Main Street, the smells of new carpet and fresh paint met me and added to the anticipation. Gravette football players helped on Friday and members of the Sulphur Springs fire department on Saturday. The work of loading and unloading boxes of books and supplies was being accomplished quickly with so many willing hands. The library will reopen Feb. 8, and we invite all to come and check out the new home.
Susan Holland is a reporter for the Westside Eagle Observer and a long-time area resident. She may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 01/27/2016