Saturday, February 14, 1998

Reporter-News salutes

Day of Grace

Today is a memorable day for what Abilenians can now officially call the Grace Museum. At 10 a.m. Mayor Gary McCaleb will read a proclamation announcing the name change from the Museums of Abilene to the Grace Museum, kicking off a day-long celebration to mark the sixth anniversary of the beautifully renovated downtown facility and -- even better -- to burn the note on the mortgage. All these are notable accomplishments, and we salute the Grace and its many generous supporters for achieving such a milestone.

Volunteer service

For his tireless support in a wide range of civic activities, Abilene's Harwell Barber was presented this year's Volunteer Service Award by the United Way of Abilene. Barber's civic resume runs long. He was Citizen of the Year in 1985, a founder of the Community Foundation of Abilene, past president of both the United Way and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and has been engaged for decades in endeavors to improve the community. As incoming United Way board chairman Wayne Roy said of Barber, he and his wife, Carol, "exemplify the ultimate standard for volunteerism." Well-deserved recognition.

Valentine's dance

The Abilene Ballet Theatre and Abilene Collegiate Orchestra are combining their efforts for a memorable Valentine's Day production at 8 p.m. at the Civic Center, "Let's Fall in Love," a program rich with Gershwin love ballads and music. The Abilene Ballet Theatre is under the direction of Nancy Gore and Mary Milstead. Hardin-Simmons University's Celeste Myall conducts the Abilene Collegiate Orchestra. All the youngsters who have worked hard to stage this event deserve our support and esteem.

Historical award

Abilene's Jim Bucherie, a retired U.S. postal clerk supervisor who has labored to restore more than half of Taylor County's historical markers during the last two years, was honored for his work with the Maxine Perini Award by the Taylor County Historical Commission. Under Bucherie's leadership, some 24 of the county's 40 historical markers have been repaired and restored -- no small effort. The award, begun four years ago, is named after the commission's former chairwoman and longtime energizing member.

Winters honors

Winters City Council member Shirley Hall, a registered nurse who has served Winters and the surrounding communities for 23 years, was named Woman of the Year by the Winters Chamber of Commerce, and Winters City Administrator Mir Aref Hassan, a native of Afghanistan who escaped to Texas from a Soviet labor camp, was named Man of the Year. Both Hall and Hassan are involved in a broad spectrum of community affairs and epitomize the strength of character and depth of diversity that make the rural towns of the Big Country so special. Congratulations.

Breed champion record

A Breckenridge youngster made his mark at the prestigious Fort Worth Stock Show. Cash Langford saw his Champion Angus Steer bring $15,000 at auction, a record bid for any breed champion sold in the stock show's history. Hundreds of youngsters throughout the area have been involved in this year's stock shows, and Langford is but one example of the hard work and individual achievement that was on display. We congratulate all of the Big Country's stock show winners and participants.