Cedar Creek Rotarians learn dangers of texting while driving
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–The discussion started with the declaration that using a cell phone while driving is the most dangerous weapon there is.
Attorney Jeff Weinstein, who specializes in accident cases, was the speaker for the Rotary Club of Cedar Creek Lake Friday luncheon.
“I have been traveling to high schools to ask students to consider their addiction to cell phones,” Weinstein explained.
The cell phone and texting are credited with causing approximately 6,000 deaths a year, he said.
“They (the deaths and injuries) are 100 percent preventable,” he said, adding, “we have the off-switch.”
But the statistics may not be completely accurate and may not show the total losses.
“The statistics are relatively new because the device is new,” he said.
A very graphic film showing the heartbreak and devastation from accidents caused by texting while driving emphasized the consequences of distracted driving.
Then he reiterated the point he was making.
“If you ignore all the statistics, the consequences are horrible,” Weinstein said.
In other business, Rotarians:
• were reminded the Christmas party is at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16., at Vetoni’s Italian Food Restaurant.
• heard the club is currently interviewing for the short term overseas exchange of youths.
 

Ole’ Fashion Christmas set for Market Street
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
MABANK–The second annual Ole’ Fashion Christmas on Market Street in Mabank is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.
The family fun evening will be spread from Market to Second streets offering all kinds of activities.
“We want everybody to come and make new Christmas memories with their families,” Andrea Pickens said.
The hay ride will be located in the park on Second Street. Some seating will be available but people are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.
There will be Christmas carols and caroling around the campfire.
“To set the scene there will be people in costume from times past,” Pickens said.
“Also Mrs. Claus will be keeping Santa company,” she added.
Photos can be taken with backdrops, including a Santa backdrop.
Shorty’s Soda Shop will be providing ice cream samples and there will be roasted nuts, wassail and popcorn.
“It’s going to be a fun event, with businesses on Market Street and pretty much Second Street for the hayride, involved in the annual Ole Fashion Christmas,” Pickens explained.

Signup for summer home repairs by Dec. 31
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–The application deadline for free home repairs provided by the national WorkCamps program is quickly approaching.
As many as 70 elderly, handicapped and low-income residents will benefit from the work of approximately 400 adult and teenage volunteers.
The Mabank Work Camp, sponsored by First United Methodist Church in Mabank is coming to the Cedar Creek Lake area Sunday, Saturday, June 17- 23, 2012.
Repairs offered through WorkCamp include interior and exterior painting, weatherization, porch and wheelchair ramp construction, mobile home skirting and other repairs.
Local residents wishing to receive such services must complete and submit their applications by Dec. 30.
It is hoped that local civic groups, businesses and area churches will help identify those individuals and assist them in completing an application prior to the deadline.
Residents interested in applying for such assistance are encouraged to contact First United Methodist Church in Mabank for an application or write your name, address and telephone number, whether you own the residence or not and list the repairs needed. Mail to FUMC, 501 S. Third St. Mabank, TX 75147.
For more information, call (903) 887-3691 or go to ww.fumcmabank.com.
 

Come Adopt Us At The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake

We have many animals at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points in dire need of a good home. Please call or stop by the Humane Society today and rescue one of these forgotten animals. The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is located on 10220 County Road 2403 in Seven Points. For more information, please call (903) 432-3422 after 11 a.m. We are closed on Wednesday and Sunday.

For further information visit our website at petfinder.com