People, Places & Events

East Texas Riders plan open playday
Special to the Monitor
KEMP–The East Texas Riders are hosting an open playday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21.
There will be a high point award for each age group, excluding the lead-in.
This month’s events are a flag drop, dragonfly, hourglass, poles, straight away barrels and cloverleaf barrels.
Cost is $2 per event and $3 per exhibition. Ribbons presented for first through 10th place in each event.
Lead-in categories are ages 12 and under, 13-18, 19-39 and 40 and over.
East Texas Riders is a family oriented riding club. No alcohol, profanity or abusive behavior will be allowed.
From Dallas, take U.S. 175 to Farm-to-Market 1895, turn left and go approximately two miles to County Road 4029. Turn right and travel approximately one mile to the arena on the right.
From Athens, take U.S. 175 to FM 1986 and turn right. Go about two miles to CR 4029, turn right and go about one mile to the arena, on your right.
The physical address is 8650 CR 4029, Kemp, TX 75143.
Call Diana at (903) 498-5055 or Susie at (903) 353-8175 for information, or e-mail to Easttexasriders@embarqmail.com .
Also call (903) 498-5055, between noon and 2 p.m. on the day of the playday, before you haul.

Recycling event set for March 21
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–Environmental Co-op is sponsoring an electronic recycling event to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Mabank Pavilion.
Items that will be accepted at no charge are computer CPUs, keyboards, laptops, scanners, printers, copiers/fax machines, cell/corded phones, ink jet and laser cartridges, stereos, microwaves, shavers, mixers, fans, air conditioners and batteries (rechargeable and non).
Participants are responsible for wiping out all information on the hard drive.
The following items have a charge: computer monitors, $5 each, TVs, $10 each up to 13-inch sets, $20 for 14-inch to 19-inch sets; and $30 for any TV larger than 19-inches.
The charge is necessary due to the process required to recycle the glass in these products.
“We welcome everyone who has old electronics to take advantage of these local events,” executive director of the Environmental Co-op in Terrell Marilyn May said.
“Electronics contain toxic chemicals that contaminate soil and water if put in the landfill. Do the responsible thing and recycle them,” she added.
Environmental Co-op is a non-profit environmental organization located at 401 N. Adelaide St., Terrell.
The phone number is (972) 524-0007.
The Co-op is a membership based organization and welcomes new members interested in bringing environmental programs to the members and citizens.
To learn more about the Environmental Co-op, check its website at www.trashbusters.org. or e-mail to environmentalco-op@cebridge.net .

Bicycling team seeks members to ride in MS-150
Special to The Monitor
CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Pure Protein bicycling team captain Bob Morton is seeking cycling enthusiasts to join him in raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis research.
Much has been accomplished this year to find more effective treatment techniques for the more than 20,000 in Texas alone, who suffer with the debilitating effects of the disease.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is once again gearing up for the MS-150 bike trek – this year from San Antonio in south Texas to the beginning of the hill country in New Braunfels and back.
The event, which drew nearly 5,000 participants last year, is set for the first weekend in October.
Training rides are being planned. Each team member is asked to set a fund-raising goal of $500.The minimum is $375.
Last year, the Pure Protein team exceeded its goal of $25,000, and was recognized for raising just short of $30,000.
“I know there are hobby cyclist in the Cedar Creek Lake area,” Morton said. “This is a great opportunity to challenge and improve your cycling skills in a safe and well supported environment.”
Refreshments are served in rest areas placed about every 10 miles. Meals are also provided, as well as overnight camping accommodations, and sanitation stations, including showers.
Bike repair teams, emergency medical assistance, traffic controllers and SAG wagons also monitor the route to aid cyclists.
“While raising funds for this very worthy cause would be enough reason to do it, the fun and fellowship, making new friends and hearing stories of courage from other participants really make the trip,” Morton said.
Anyone interested in joining the East Texas team should call Athens resident Morton at (903) 677-1339.