People, Places & Events

Henry discusses civil rights at Chamber lunch
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–Statistics and methods of handling case loads were the subject of E. H. “Bud” Henry’s program Thursday.
Henry, who is currently with the Civil Rights Commission, was keynote speaker at The Greater Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce July Luncheon.
He looks at case management on housing and employment discrimination and conducts workshops.
Meeting with frontline staff, such as secretaries and investigators, helps get the ball rolling on cases, he said.
The names of the chairmen of different commissions dealing with housing and work related complaints was listed.
Statistics show that 49 percent of cases are dismissed for “no cause” and 9 percent are withdrawn by the complainant, he said.
In other business, Chamber members:
• heard the Red Hot Golf Tournament is set for Monday, July 30. Call the Chamber at (903) 887-3152 for information.
• were told the “Business of the Month” for July is Cornerstone Business Solutions, owned by Rick and Kristen Brown.
• were told the Mabank New Teacher Luncheon is set for Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the new high school.
Goodie bags are being assembled for the teachers, and businesses are invited to donate items for the bags advertising their products or services.
Mabank, Eustace and Kemp school districts will all have a special lunch or breakfast welcoming new teachers and will be assembling the bags. Call the Chamber for information.
• advised to keep Saturday, Sept. 22 open for the annual fund-raiser “Night at the Red Garter Saloon.”
• heard booth space is available at the State Fair’s Texas Gardens area from the Forney Rotary. Call (972) 932-7779 to reserve a space.

State sales tax holiday set for Aug. 17-19
Special to The Monitor
AUSTIN–Comptroller Susan Combs announced that the date for the annual sales tax holiday has changed from the first weekend of August to the third weekend of August.
Combs also said backpacks, a standard item on many kids’ school supply lists, can now be purchased tax-free during the sales tax holiday.
“From now on, the sales tax holiday will occur on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August. This year the date is Aug. 17-19,” Combs said.
Since many school districts are now starting their school year later, the 80th Legislature changed the date of the sales tax holiday to move it closer to the first day of school.
During the sales tax holiday, children’s and adults’ clothing and shoes priced less than $100 – and now backpacks that cost less than $100 – are exempt from state and local sales taxes.
“The Legislature responded to parents’ requests to add backpacks to the list of tax-exempt items,” Combs said.
“Backpacks can be expensive, especially for parents who have to buy them for several children. A tax break helps,” she added.
Combs also announced that, starting in May, 2008, energy-efficient appliances will be exempt from sales tax during the three-day Memorial Day weekend.
Certain appliances with a federal Energy Star rating will be tax-free, including washing machines, dishwashers, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats and incandescent fluorescent light bulbs.
Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less and refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less can also be purchased tax free.
“Texas consumers will save about $8 for every $100 they spend on qualifying appliances,” Combs said.
“Even more importantly, they will reap savings on their utility bills by purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and the demand for electricity will be reduced,” she added.
The comptroller predicts families will save about $52.1 million in sales taxes during the August sales tax holiday.
More information about the August sales tax holiday for clothing and shoes can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us.

Heritage festival coming to Arboretum
Special to The Monitor
ATHENS–The Henderson County Historical Commission will sponsor the Henderson County Heritage Festival at the East Texas Arboretum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.
They are looking for interested historical or genealogical-related groups to participate with exhibits.
The Wofford House, pavilion and children’s area have been reserved to acquaint the public with area historical and genealogical organizations.
The Commission will also celebrate Henderson County’s tradition and history through exhibits, activities and entertainment.
Judy Jacobson, chairperson for the event, has asked that anyone interested in taking part to contact her by Wednesday, Aug. 15.
Since covered space is limited, those spots will be assigned early on a first-come-first-served basis.
“In addition to the exhibits, we plan to have activities throughout the day,” Jacobson said.
“If anyone in Henderson County would be interested in demonstrating traditional homemaking skills, such as pottery, spinning, soap or lye making, candle making, butter churning and/or ice cream making, we would love to hear from them,” she said.
The committee is also searching for local residents who have stories of Henderson County’s early days which they would be willing to share with the public.
“We would love to find someone who would do Antique Road Show-type appraisals,” Jacobson said.
“Although no sales could be made during this particular event, business cards may be given out,” she said.
Anyone interested in helping with the Heritage Festival should call Judy Jacobson at (903) 677-9686.