People, Places & Events

Telephone Pioneers resume delicious luncheon socials
By Pearl Cantrell
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–The Southwestern Bell Telephone Pioneers reopened their building on Luther Lane for monthly luncheon gatherings after the cold season forced them to move their meetings to other locations.
The homecoming was enjoyed by about 30 members and guests March 13.
The popular luncheon, which also serves as the main source of fund-raising for the philanthropic organization, is open to anyone to attend and is held on the second Thursday of each month at 308 Luther Lane in Gun Barrel City.
This homecoming luncheon featured pot roast, pinto beans, delicious salads, hot rolls and an array of desserts, all for $8.
The Pioneers pride themselves on “answering the call of those in need.”
Each year, they contribute tens of thousands of hours visiting nursing homes, the Kaufman County Children’s Shelter, collecting clothing and food for Break the Chain Against Domestic Violence, the Genesis Women’s Shelter and Good Samaritan food bank.
They also operate a Talking Books repair program for the blind and physically handicapped.
The local Cedar Creek Redbud Club No. 342 is one of the very few clubs to own and maintain its own building. Though a benefit, it also presents its 87 members with the challenge of upkeep, repairs and rising utility costs.
In years past, the club’s social luncheons have attracted up to 200 participants – especially for fish frys and barbecues.
Board president Velma Himes wants to remind folks the food and fellowship is still rich, and all are most welcome to join them.
The Pioneers’ next social luncheon is set for noon Thursday, April 10.
“The fellowship of the Pioneers club is a great binding force, as members have shared significant life events with one another, as well as community service projects,” Himes added.
Currently, club members are taking orders for and sewing sturdy reusable bags for carrying home groceries in honor of Earth Day, April 22.
Each grocery bag, a fund-raising project, can hold two gallons of milk, Himes said.
“It’s our way of helping encourage people to go green,” she added.
The bags sell for $10 each, and include inside and outside pockets.
Place an order by calling (903) 887-2691, and someone will call you back.

Housing problems skirt lake area
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–The nation’s problems with housing loans has not reached into the Cedar Creek Lake real estate market.
Gary McClaskey, the keynote speaker for the monthly luncheon of the Greater Cedar Creek Lake Chamber of Commerce March 14, said real estate is still going strong in Henderson County and the lake area.
McClaskey is the vice president of the Henderson County Board of Realtors.
Last year was one of the biggest sales years for the lake area – $98 million in waterfront properties and $36 million in acreage with residents sold, he explained.
“We are successful here. Sales are growing every year. One of the things we do not have are tract developers, and we have plenty of lenders,” McClaskey explained.
A lot of people are moving into Kaufman and Henderson counties from the Metroplex, he said.
“Most of the people we deal with have ‘wants,’ not ‘needs.’ They want to be here,” McClaskey said.
Changes are happening in the lake area that is rearranging the housing market.
“We have a lot going on with high-end homes,” he said, adding buyers are purchasing one to three lots, bulldozing the small houses, and building large, expensive homes on the waterfront.
“Just recently they have re-established the property owners’ association. In the next three years there will be some drastic changes,” he explained.
One of the changes being considered, with high gasoline prices and all, is the possibility of railway transportation at some time in the future, McClaskey said.
In other business, chamber members heard:
• Don Kinney was named Business of the Month for March.
• the chamber earned $102 for its participation in the Salvation Army Bell Ringers event during the Christmas holidays.
Thchamber donated the amount back to the Salvation Army.
• the luncheon was attended by 85 members and guests.