Ask Billie

Are you a reader? I have friends who I would classify as avid readers, spending hours each day and late at night. I enjoy reading but not to that extent; really, people are more my thing.

There are usually three kinds of reading going on sometime during the day in addition to the daily newspaper. One is usually a thought provoking book, one is always a Bible reading and then some book that you can easily pick up and put down, usually a mystery.

Recently while attending a meeting in Houston I picked up a little book I would recommend. It is Thank You Power by Deborah Norville, who is anchor of the syndicated newsmagazine Inside Edition. The book presents the latest research on the positive impact simply saying "thank you" has on our lives, both physically and emotionally. Wonder what would happen if we became the "thank you town."

Speaking of thanks

Last Saturday evening the Bright Minds Scholarship Fund made a great leap forward as many of you gave your time and money to this worthy cause. While enjoying music, good food and lots of dancing, it was great to visit with some of the students who were recipients of last year's scholarships. Thanks to all the Whartonians, former residents and many from around Wharton County who made this a fun evening.

A worthwhile organization

This is the time we all need to remember and circle our calendars for the Wharton County 100 Club Membership Dinner. The date is Thursday, Feb. 7 and the place is the El Campo Civic Center. Social time begins at 6 p.m. and the dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Directors of the organization and the 2008 president will be elected. This also gives the membership an opportunity to learn from District Attorney Josh McCown about some of the criminal activity in Wharton County during the past year.

This annual meeting is for members only, although membership is always open to individuals and businesses desiring to be a part of this worthwhile organization. Thank you to the many citizens who have invested their time and money in the Wharton County 100 Club since 1978. You have provided an insurance policy for each law enforcement officer. You have purchased protective vests and other equipment necessary for officer safety and you have provided scholarships for young people making a career of law enforcement.

Peace Officer Memorial

Before the death of Texas Parks & Wildlife Officer Justin Hurst, we in Wharton County were emotionally removed from the danger our offi- cers face each day. Yes, we knew Sheriff Dickson was killed but did we know how many others had fallen in the line of duty? Could we name each one and the dates they lost their lives?

Plans are underway to make those facts a permanent part of our history by building a Wharton County Peace Officer Memorial. A committee, made up of officers from each department and citizens throughout the county, are now in the process of raising funds.

Contributions can be made through the Wharton County 100 Club, where a separate account has been set up. This is a non-profit organization.