People, Places & Events

Pat Green to perform at 12th annual MDA rodeo
Monitor Staff Reports
ATHENS–Smith Pro Rodeos is excited to be welcoming recording artist Pat Green to the 12th annual MDA Benefit Rodeo Friday, Aug. 22.
This will mark the second time in the last three years Mr. Green has made an appearance at the annual event. He last performed at the event in 2006, before a sold-out crowd.
Unlike many artists, Green didn’t just become an overnight sensation. He began gaining a grassroots support system in Texas through self-generated albums.
From there, he went on to perform at venues throughout the Red Dirt Music scene. It was his on-stage charisma that led to him eventually signing a record deal with an independent label out of New York.
The three-time Grammy nominee has since signed with BNA Records, and his most recent album, Cannonball, has produced such hits as “Feel’s Just Like it Should” and “Dixie Lullaby.”
The album continues to be a huge success and may end up being a career album for Green. Since then, Green has provided a teaser for what is to come in his future with the release of the single “Let Me.”
Green has a distinctive sound that appeals not only to the seasoned country fan but to many of those who are unfamiliar with the music.
His on-stage presence makes people want to come back for more. His popularity has continued to steadily increase over the years, and he has risen to become one of the top stars in Nashville.
Green has sold out stadiums, such as the Houston Astrodome and Dallas’ Smirnoff Center, and it is expected he will do the same at the MDA Rodeo.
Tickets can be purchased at Lone Star Western Wear in Athens and Corsicana, and Cavender’s Boot City in Tyler and Palestine.
Tickets are also available on-line or by phone. For additional information, you may visit the website at www.ssrodeo.com, or call Smith Pro Rodeos at (903) 489-2652, or toll-free at (888)-822-5919.

Free home repairs offered to disabled
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–The Center for Housing Resources, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is in the process of writing a $500,000 grant to provide free repairs to low-income homes in the East Texas area.
The home must have at least one disabled person (no matter what age) collecting Social Security income.
The income total is the income of all people living in the home.
The land deed must be in the homeowner’s name.
Buying your home is the same as owning the home. We cannot accept renters in this program.
Mobile homes are acceptable. We do all kinds of repairs, including roofs.
Call the Family Resource Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday at (903) 887-4100 and ask for Winnie or Echo.
Get your name on the list as soon as possible (ASAP).
When the grant comes in, we will be calling you to get the paperwork done.
We need as many people as possible to sign up, so get on the list now.
Let’s prove to the grantors there is a need for free home repairs for disabled people in the area.

PWC garage sale scheduled
Special to The Monitor
PAYNE SRINGS–The members of the Pinnacle Women’s Club are working hard on the club’s 11th annual garage sale.
“Mark your calendars for Thursday and Friday, Oct. 9-10, this year, instead of our traditional September time frame.
“We want to make sure our loyal customers know to look for us a little later in the year, and hopefully we will have cooler weather,” garage sale co-chair Patty Evans said.
The garage sale will be at the Lighthouse Baptist Church, State Highway 198 in Payne Springs.
The facility is for sale, but the Women’s Club has been assured the usage of the church this year.
Each year, the garage sale is evaluated and suggestions are made to streamline the process, enabling the customers a better shopping experience.
The merchandise is displayed similar to a department store, and features the specialty boutique areas designated for upscale women’s and men’s clothing, kid’s corner, home décor nook, and the library.
Also available are jewelry, purses, shoes, holiday decorations, linens, housewares, electronics, exercise equipment, furniture, sports equipment and much more.
Because of the extreme popularity of the sale, last year an efficient parking plan was incorporated, which made traffic easier to manage.
This year, the customers will enjoy separate entrances and exits, be able to take advantage of an express checkout lane, and flyers in Spanish will aid those in need with translation.
A large lighted “arrow” sign and a pumpkin patch will point the way to the most anticipated event in the lake area.
“If you have a list, we can assist. The support of the community is overwhelming and we are looking forward to another successful year. As always, the net proceeds of our major fund-raiser are earmarked to support our on-going college scholarship programs and lake area charitable organizations. We look forward to seeing you in October,” garage sale co-chair Judy Lee said.