Ask Billie

Thanks to all of you who missed this column last week. We do not know what happened between here and Burleson Street but someplace in cyberspace there is the column floating around with all that other stuff. Anyway, you are kind with your comments.

The word has certainly gotten around that the hospitality signs are out at the 20th Century Technology Museum and the Tee Pee Motel because they continue to bring special tours to Wharton.

This weekend they were hosts to two different automobile clubs. Friday evening Bryon Woods provided fun for the visitors with music by Elvis Presley, complete with elaborate dress.

The weather was perfect for sitting outdoors, the moon was full and the teepees the perfect backdrop.

Early on Saturday morning the Studebaker Club arrived at the 20th Century Museum in beautiful automobiles, most around 40 years old. One had the original paint and the original leather seats. All were in mint condition and the owners were fun and super friendly.

This group of about 40 people was fascinated with the many items that reminded them of their parents, grandparents and learning to type on real typewriters. Art's years associated with NASA and the early days of our space program are always fascinating to all ages.

Sharon always does a super job with the household section and visitors see so many things they grew up with. No one can pass up the music on the juke box and the original records.

By the time hot coffee and the cookie tray had been replenished the Chrysler Club arrived.

They too had a fun group who wondered why it had taken them so long to learn about Wharton.

Both these groups were folks scattered around Texas. They stayed one or two nights in our motels, ate in our restaurants, traded at our service stations and visited our shops. They will return home and tell their families and friends. A special thanks to the Woods and Schultzes for providing warm hospitality to our visitors.

Other ways we care

We also are becoming a more caring community for our own people. Our Child Protective Services personnel genuinely care about the lives of our children.

There is another service you may not have heard about that is meeting the needs of children. The Rainbow Room of Wharton, located at 110 E. Burleson, provides clothing and toiletries for children under the care of CPS.

Donations are being taken but it is important that the items be new. These children have been traumatized by broken families and it is important that they have something just for them.

Right now the greatest need is for boys 6 to 8 years but younger clothing is also needed.

If it is easier to make a monetary donation call two of the volunteers, Genie Allen at 832-344-6108 or Joan Adamski at 282-9633.

We are also better ready to serve the needs of this community by having a local Red Cross office.

We know that whatever the emergency, the Red Cross is always there. In the past we were served by the Matagorda County office, and served well, but this will be much better for Wharton County.

Thanks to Judge John Murrile, Emergency Management Andy Kirkland and City Emergency Jim Cooper. Volunteers will need to be trained and ready.

Thanks in advance for your volunteering.