By Donna Traywick

Mt. Olivet News

My sympathy goes out to the Martha Todd Rowsey family. I got to the funeral home just as the service was starting and did not get to speak to the family. Her son Dale was a classmate of mine from junior high through the 12th grade.

My special sympathy goes out to him and Joan and children. He was a wonderful class leader. Granddaughter Melissa Rowsey Browning and Chuck showed horses with us for years. When my grandson Alex outgrew a saddle it was passed down to their children.

I was so honored to speak at the Exchange Club last Wednesday morning. What a breakfast! I’ll get up at 6 a.m. again sometimes for a breakfast like that. I forgot to ask who did the cooking, but Calvin Land told me he is the dishwasher, and he was hard at it when I left.

Thanks to the Exchange Club for inviting me. Our subject was the dam in Mt. Olivet community that broke on Feb. 22 . I had Daniel Cole’s pictures taken from his drone flying low, right over the dam. It was absolutely beautiful, if it had not been so destructive.

I was glad to see Keith Ales and Calvin Land were both there because they know as much as I do and contributed to much.

Keith was driving his daddy’s 1941 antique pick-up. Mr. Alvin would be so proud that Keith has restored it. I remember Mr. Alvin drove it. It was black then. Keith has painted it a beautiful blue.

The most interesting thing I remember about Mr. Alvin was that he probably had every vehicle ttag that he ever got nailed to the wall of his garage. He was some kind of mechanic. Keith’s mother, Miss Katie, was the kindest lady. I bet that she never, ever raised her voice – not even to Keith.

She was the first woman elder elected at Black Jack Presbyterian Church.

Mt.Olivet Church Bible School last week was the best that I have ever seen. The theme was “Yee Haw?” Many people came in western outfits. Our pastor, Bro. Charles Reed’s stage name was “Rawhide.”

Dale Skipper looked like the real sheriff in his outfit. He even had a real-looking badge. We are sorry to learn to has admitted to the hospital Sunday. At this writing they are running tests. Our concerns and prayers to out to him and Rhonda.

Dale and Rhonda are a great asset to the Mt. Olivet choir and when they are not there they are greatly missed.

Before Bible School on Wednesday night, I was invited to go to the Safari Wild Animal Park east of Como. I was the guest of Cathy Johnson and granddaughter Taylor Creekmore of Meridian. Great-grandchildren Kendall Clifton, Memphis Creekmore, Braiden Creekmore and Conner Hendricks were here to attend Bible School and it was a special treat for them.

Joe Azar and Greg Davis are always preaching tourism and tourists. This is going to one attraction that will put Como on the map and bring money and tax dollars to Panola County.

I talked to the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Garrett. They just opened around February and still have a lot to do on the 500 acres. Mr. Garrett was in commercial real estate and Mrs. Garrett home schooled their six children.

She said it was a job getting all the animals to Panola County and to get them parasite free. Mrs. Garrett told me that many people complained because it wasn’t stocked completely yet. I told her to tell them that it took Noah 120 years to build the ark.

We traveled thru one years ago on vacation. I don’t believe that is was as large as this one is going to be.

There will be a political rally on Saturday, July 20, starting at 4 p.m at Mt. Olivet Fire Station. There will be a fish fry with all the trimmings. The charge will be $8.

They plan to have a cake auction, and Judy French of the ladies’ auxiliary has asked that all the women of the community step up and bring cakes for this important community event.

All local and state candidates have been invited. Call Judy at 5630-2657 so she will know how many cakes to expect.

Call me with news and questions. Home is 563-1742 and cell is 901-828-8824. I get texts, too.