People, Places & Events

MABANK–A Texas celebrity and author will visit the Tri-County Library, in a benefit program and book-signing event from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 16.
Annie Golightly’s entertainment career spans 36 years and includes a 1992 performance in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
Over her long career she got to perform with such greats as Rosemary Clooney, Tom T. Hall, Rex Allen, Ace Reid and Arthur Duncan.

Courtesy photo
Annie Golightly, a.k.a. Ann Milford Smith, born on a cotton farm in Fannin County, will speak about her many adventures and her book “Dreams And A White Horse” at a Tri-County Library benefit to be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 16, at the library.

She has also played for such notables as former Texas Gov. John and Nellie Connally, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Chuck Connors, Nelson Rockefeller and four presidents, including presidents from Argentina and Panama.
Golightly is a nominee for the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum, and has published several books, including “Down A Cotton Row” and “Dreams and a White Horse.”
The latter is a story of a 20th century cattle drive over and through the asphalt jungle, about 1,800 miles across six states, to fulfill a lifelong dream of riding a white horse to the Northwest – a story of self discovery apart from the trappings of civilization.
In 1995, she was asked to perform at several rodeos for some cowboys going on a cattle drive. They didn’t intend for her to travel with them, but she bugged them so much, they finally let her come, is how The Tyler Morning Telegraph told about it in a 2006 report.
She was one of three women to participate in the historical event. The other two women are residents of Cedar Creek Lake. They are Nan Creel of the Triple N Ranch, whose two Texas Longhorn steers led the herd, and Gloria Schafer.
“There’s no better way to see the country than between a horse’s ears,” The Tyler Morning Telegraph quoted Golightly.
Golightly is also acquainted with lake area residents Jean Robinson and Terry and Don Owen.
Visit with Golightly and hear her many adventures.
“She is a very unique individual,” librarian Claire Stout said.
Tickets are on sale for $10 at Hydrangea House or the library, 132 E. Market St. in Mabank. Light refreshments will be served.
Call (903) 887-9622 for further information.

Blood supplies dangerously low
Special to The Monitor
TYLER–Blood supplies have reached a precritical stage below the normal three to four day supply of all blood types, with O+, O- and A badly needed.
Since the merger of Carter Blood Care, Bedford, and Stewart Regional Blood Center in Tyler, many standards or deferral issues have changed.
Please call the numbers listed below to discuss specific donation requirements or concerns about donor eligibility.
Requirements are:
• you must be 17 or older,
• you must weigh at least 110 pounds,
• you must have photo ID with birth date or picture and birth certificate if you do not have driver’s license.
• you must be in general good health.
Please call and schedule an appointment. If you cannot commit to a time, we welcome walk-ins.
• From 8:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Eustace High School, Farm-to-Market 316 in Eustace. Call Zach Tappan at (903) 425-5397.
• From 10 am. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at East Texas Medical Center – Cedar Creek Lake, 1000 Municipal Drive. Call Laurie Miller at (903) 713-1572.
• From noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29, Lowe’s Home Improvement in Gun Barrel City, located at 210 W. Main in Gun Barrel City. Call Earline Ballard at (903) 571-340-3000, extension 204.
For information on donating blood or to sponsor a blood drive at your church, group or business, call Dianne Martin at (903) 571-8200.

Star Harbor hosts art show set
Special to The Monitor
STAR HARBOR–Put some color in the gray month of February.
The Star Harbor Watercolor Society is sponsoring its second annual For the Love of Art show and sale 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Star Harbor City Hall building, 99 Sunset Blvd.
More than 100 pieces of art will be displayed. Come meet the artists and enjoy some delicious refreshments.
The lakeside community of Star Harbor is located just north of Malakoff.
Turn onto Farm-to-Market 3062 at the Malakoff Fire Station on State Highway 198 and continue past the high school into Star Harbor. Turn left at the Y.
The City Hall building is on the right at the golf course.