Saturday, February 7, 1998

Reporter-News salutes

Quail trail

Disability Resources Inc. gave its Extra Mile Award to Abilene's Dr. Norm Dozier for efforts "above and beyond" and presented Caring Spirit awards to staff members Karen Griswold and Mark DeHoyos. The well-liked Dozier, of course, is founder, organizer and driving force of DRI's annual Celebrity Quail Hunt, taking place for the ninth time today. We welcome to town such celebrities as retired Gen. Chuck Yeager, former astronaut Wally Schirra, former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings, singer Gary Morris and former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan. After a day of hunting, the Celebrity Dinner and Auction begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairway Oaks Country Club Pavilion. Congratulations once again to Dozier and to DRI.

An honor to be canceled

The U.S. Postal Service has honored Jane Long Elementary fourth-grader Martin Verastegui by making his teddy bear-and-hearts Valentine's drawing into a commemorative cancellation stamp. The 11-year-old's work was chosen from some 250 entries from Jane Long, which is supported by the postal service through the Adopt-A-School program. Because overseas collectors frequently send letters to the Abilene office to be marked with a special collection stamp, Martin's drawing will end up being seen around the world -- and for many years down the road.

The play's the thing

Abilene playwright Bill Overton's "The Not-So-Brave Prince" has been named by the prestigious National Children's Theatre Festival as its 1997 winner. The play recently premiered in Coral Gables, Fla. Overton retired in 1995 from directing and choreographing drama at Cooper High School to pursue writing full time, which was obviously a good career move. Maybe we'll see an Abilene production one day.

Prison excellence

A correctional officer who saved the life of a 2-year-old girl in an off-duty incident last year and a prison investigator have been honored as the Robertson Unit's top employees of 1997. David Bowman received the officer of the year award, and Robert Kelleher, who investigates inmates' grievances, was named the unit's employee of the year. Congratulations to these public servants.

Tops in Big Spring

Big Spring native and longtime pediatrician Dr. Louise Bennett Worthy was named Woman of the Year, and Mel Prather, founder of the Big Spring Arts and Crafts Festival, was named Man of the Year at the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet. Worthy, who is active is a variety of civic affairs, is considered one of Big Spring's most energetic and effective advocates. In addition to the successful Big Spring festival, Prather promotes more than 40 arts and crafts shows each year in Texas and New Mexico.

New name, new face

Abilene Clean and Proud's new coordinator is Margie Culbertson-McCaskey, who takes over the position from Donna Albus, who left to raise funds for the West Texas Rehab Center. At first blush, Margie would seem to have all the enthusiasm needed to replace longtime local legend Albus -- she of the many and spectacular hats -- and to furnish the kind of leadership that has made Abilene a shining light of Texas beautification and environmental efforts. We welcome Margie to the city.