The Oakland Senior Citizens group joined with others in Grenada to celebrate National Senior Citizens’ Day on Thursday, Aug. 21. The event was held at the Lewis Johnson Senior Citizens Complex. Other sites that attended included Attala, Water Valley, Goodman and Houston. Attending from Oakland were Boots and Alma Smith, Jimmy and Mary Dean Wrenn, Mary Scott, Bessie Scott Collins, Margaret Scott White, Margaret Ross and Annie Ruth Tellis. They had a great time and enjoyed the Grenada Line Dancers as well as door prizes, games and lunch.
Many people in the area were stunned to learn that the “Paper Mill” in Grenada is closing in September. The company has been a mainstay in the area for years and many people are affected by its closure. We pray that those losing jobs will find new doors opening to them which will bring them financial security and a work family that they will enjoy.
Margaret Ross called Edward Moore last week only to find out he was in Colorado and having lunch with his cousin Gail Wallace. He said they were sitting there talking about Oakland when she called. Edward is the youngest of the six children of Walter Moore, Jr. and Mary Belle Moore. Gail visited her grandparents Walter (Sr.) and “Miss Edith” Moore often as she was growing up. Both had many great memories of their days in Oakland. It just goes to show that Oakland continues to be talked about all over the country!
Margaret Ross said she also talked last week with Ann Butler Hyde, who grew up in Oakland and now lives in Midland, Texas. Ann’s brother, Lee Butler, is probably Oakland’s most prominent military leader. Lee was commander in chief, United States Strategic Command, and the last commander of Strategic Air Command. He was a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours and his awards and decorations are significant. He retired in 1994 with the rank of general. Lee now lives in Winchester, Kentucky.
Ann said that Lee recently had very successful back surgery and they are all grateful that his pain has been alleviated. Their brother Bill, who passed away about three years ago, was the Butler that I knew best. Bill was a very successful New York advertising company owner who sold his company before he retired. My son Josh and I were treated like royalty when we visited NYC years ago as Josh visited Columbia and NYU law schools.
Several years later, two of my college friends, a friend from Santa Fe and I were entertained by Bill on his rooftop deck. Bill had invited several others, including his goddaughter from California who had surprised him that day with her visit.
As we visited, the discussion turned to Oakland and Bill’s many visits there. He always stayed at my mom’s when he visited. It turned out that out of the 10 people on the roof top deck, nine had been to Oakland and sat on Mother’s front porch, including the goddaughter! Most had come when Bill’s mom, Katherine Butler, had passed away. The one guy who had not been to Oakland desperately wanted to come. He and Bill had a trip planned but it was cancelled at the last minute. Lee, Ann and Bill were the children of Grady and Katherine.
Don’t forget that Oakland Farmacy Marketplace has announced that beginning in September, they will offer 10% off to seniors on Wednesdays.
As you may know, I serve as lobbyist to the Mississippi Legislature for both the Town of Oakland and my alma mater, The W. Many people don’t realize serving in the Legislature is year-round. It’s not just during “the session,” which is typically January-March. Committees are engaged and meeting throughout the year. I’ll be at the Capitol many times between now and the end of the year listening as legislators work on issues such as education, PERS and other matters that impact our daily lives.
Next week, I’ll attend a two-day conference hosted by Attorney General Lynn Fitch which will bring women from across the state, including legislators, together. Things get really busy in the fall as the state budget starts falling into place for the next year.
Oakland’s representative in the House is Kevin Horan and our senator is Ben Suber. They are both very willing to listen and try to help with the needs of the town. They can’t wave a magic wand, as they are part of 174 members of the Legislature, all vying for the needs of their districts.
Democracy in action is truly an interesting process.
