Hi there!  I’m GRANDPA.  As I have said in previous articles - I am here for you.  I am here to take your questions or concerns and give you the best advice I possibly can.  Age, gender or walk of life doesn’t matter, I am here for everyone and all types of issues.

Here’s my most recent inquiry: 

Hey Grandpa, I am 35 years old and I work hard every day and I want to retire someday.  You are probably retired so maybe you know something about how to do that successfully.  What do I need to do to make sure that at least financially I am able to retire say by the time I am 60 or 65?  Signed, HopeTo.

You are right HopeTo, I am retired and I am proud to say that so far it has been fairly successful.  You are smart to want to know early about retirement.  You are starting early but may not be starting to plan early enough, but it’s not too late.  I am afraid that retirement advice for the future is kind of a good news – bad news situation.  And here’s why:

The good news is that if you start early enough to prepare and are smart (and I might add – lucky) then a successful retirement is still possible.  A lot has to do with both you and your spouse’s jobs and your personal circumstances, how much you get paid and at work how much room for advancement there is, there’s just a lot too consider.  The bad news is that lots of things are working against anyone who wants to retire in the future.  Things like:  How long is Social Security going to be around and/or how old will you be before you are eligible to receive it, the cost of healthcare which seems to increase the older you get, the fact that pensions are rare and that in place of them people are not able or willing to fund their own pension, the general economy and the cost of living.  But despite the negatives it can still be done.

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How do you library? 

Many people get stuck in their thinking about libraries and only focus on the obvious library use, checking out books.  Today’s library is about so much more than just checking out books. 

Yes, we do provide books. We also have audiobooks and DVDs for check out.  You can even checkout out eBooks, download audiobooks, and stream video with your library card. 

Your library card also give you access to several databases that can help you in every area of your life.  These databases can help prepare you for entrance exams/tests, they can help you learn about your family history, they have much better medical information can you can find on a typical internet search.  The databases have child-friendly areas where children can go to do research without accidentally finding material that is not age appropriate.  There’s information on small business, small engine repair, home improvements, and so much more. 

Most people realize that the library has computers that the public can use but you may be surprised at how often they are use and what they are used for.  We have one young lady who comes to use the internet to take classes to get her pilot’s license.  We have college students who come in for tests and to submit homework. 

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Lawmakers get input on jails, suicide prevention

The July 13, 2015, death of Sandra Bland, a woman arrested and jailed after a traffic stop in Waller County, has prompted meetings of Texas House and Senate committees. Bland, whose body was discovered in her jail cell three days after she was put in custody, was ruled a suicide.

Charged by the lieutenant governor to conduct an interim study, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee met for more than four hours on Sept. 22. The panel listened to invited testimony and discussed jail safety and inmate suicide prevention in county jails.

Under direction of Committee Chair Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, the panel received input on how inmates are assessed and processed at intake, how inmate populations are grouped and managed based on risk category and mental health condition, and how jailers are trained.

Texas Department of State Health Services Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Lauren Lacefield-Lewis was one of many people to testify.

Lacefield-Lewis said, of the entire county jail inmate population, you would expect some 30 percent to have a mental health illness, or about 20,000 inmates on any given day.

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RAWR means “Let’s go read” in dinosaur talk.  The Van Zandt County Library has an extensive collection of children’s books.  

Children that are too young for school need to be exposed to books and reading from infancy.  Not only is it fun, it has been established that early reading is a positive influence on school performance.  Storytime continues at 10 a.m. every Friday for preschoolers.

Support the Friends of the Library. 

At 10 a.m. Oct. 12 there will be an opportunity to hear about changes in health and retirement plans that may affect you in the coming year.  It is an information only program.  There is nothing to buy.  It is also an opportunity to become more involved in the daily operation of the Library, and to contribute (money, of course) your time and effort to continue library excellence in Van Zandt County.

New members of the Van Zandt County Library Advisory Board were seated at the September meeting.  This board sets policies for library operation, with approval of the commissioner’s court.   Representatives from each precinct are selected.

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Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare, Retirement—these words are prominent in the news right now.  

The Friends of the Van Zandt County Library will offer an informational program that will help decision making on these subjects at the Oct. 12 regular meeting.  

The enrollment period is coming up so this is a very timely subject.   The meeting is at 10 a.m. in the Buchanan Room of the Van Zandt County Library.

After the meeting, anyone interested in organizing historical papers is asked to stay and work with old newspapers, bags of notes, just “stuff” that has accumulated over the years, and may or may not be of any value.  Help!

In the days since Friends were organized, some of the yearly minutes and other such things have been lost.  The present set of officers has worked very hard to establish files and business procedures for the organization, as well as computerizing records, membership lists, job descriptions for Friends officers, and other necessary bookwork.  It will be much easier for newer members to step into some of these jobs when present officers retire.

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Governor requests border help from Washington

Gov. Greg Abbott on Sept. 30 wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, requesting immediate action to address “the significant increase of illegal border crossings.”

Nearly 10,000 immigrant families and unaccompanied children were detained after illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in August, an increase of more than 50 percent over August 2014, Abbott said, quoting official reports.

Abbott mentioned the strain on state coffers and urged the immediate input of federal assistance to:

• Assign 250 more U.S. Border Patrol agents to Texas;

• Provide five more tethered surveillance blimps to watch for cross-border smuggling activity;

• Provide a list of conditions under which individuals would be released to relatives or to private organizations in Texas communities; and

• Continue supporting the working relationship of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Justice and the State of Texas in maintaining the capabilities of two detention centers in Texas.

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We don't have to work at getting along with our friends and acquaintances. It seems to come naturally when you have things in common. Lots to talk about and share and the longer you spend with those friends, the easier it is, like family.

There have been people in my life (as in yours, no doubt) with whom I felt an immediate kinship. And then there have been those with whom I just couldn't click; one time I was introduced to a woman I had never seen before, and within 30 seconds I absolutely could not stand her. She irritated every cell in my body. I found out later that she affected lots of people that way. 

Dogs and cats can tell immediately about humans too. This has been an established fact for some time. It was really brought home to me once; we were having an adoption event, with six pens in a row, each with a dog inside. A man walked up, passed by each pen, and every single dog turned his back as he went by. I have never seen anything like that, before or since. There must have been something really wrong with that guy.

When we sold our house in the Dallas area, I hired a man to come and do some yard work, take care of the flower beds, etc.  When he came in the back yard, our son's dog Ted, backed away a few feet and barked his head off, staring at the man like he was an ax murderer. Ted had never before behaved that way. Fortunately for everyone, the man didn't stay very long.  Nor did I let him in the house.

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Fall brings many fun story time activities to the library. 

Each week we have story time at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays for children aged 2 to 5. 

Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas; there are so many fun themes to choose from!  Each week we read a book and do a craft activity.  It’s a great opportunity for children to interact with one another and to listen to a story being read which helps develop reading skills. 

We have a great team of volunteers who help us conduct this program. 

While here for story time you can also sign your children up for “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” program.  

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Hi there!  I’m GRANDPA.  As I have said in previous articles - I am here for you.  I am here to take your questions or concerns and give you the best advice I possibly can.  Age, gender or walk of life doesn’t matter, I am here for everyone and all types of issues.

Here’s my most recent inquiry: 

Hey Grandpa,

Hi I Tommy and I red about you before and you qwestions and want one.  I want to know why old people dont let kids do stuff the way we want and not the way they want.  Did you know I can use the computer good.

What a wonderful question from you Tommy (and that’s probably your real name).  I wish I had the chance to sit down and talk to you in person, like you and me in the same room, to talk about my answer to your question, because there is a lot to say to give you an answer that will make sense to you.   But I will do my best here.

First, I want to thank you Tommy for reading about me.  Is that something you did on your own or did one of us old people make you do that?  I wish more young people like you would read more, but with Facebook and all the other “stuff” as you call it, reading from printed paper things is beginning to fall low on the list of ways young people want to know things.  Keep reading Tommy because that is one of the best ways to get smart and have a good future, and to know what is going on where you live.

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BP, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, has settled with the federal government and the states of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida over claims related to the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced on Oct. 5 that Texas stands to receive $800 million of the $20.8 billion settlement “to restore Gulf resources with portions dedicated to the coastal economy as well as restoration projects to address damage to natural resources.”

“When we include money from previous settlements with these new funds, Texas will have more than $1 billion to fund projects that restore and enhance the Texas Gulf coast and mitigate economic impacts of this disaster,” said TCEQ Commissioner Toby Baker.

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft said the settlement “ensures that BP repays the Government for its costs in responding to the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. The historic civil penalty also sends a clear message of accountability for those who pollute the U.S. environment.”

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil suit against BP and several affiliates, and proved the spill was caused by BP’s gross negligence. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas also filed civil claims against BP relating to the spill, including claims for economic losses and natural resource damages.

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Thursday, Oct. 22 is the big day to find out who are the lucky people that  will take home the American Girl Doll, and the Chrome Notebook offered by the Friends of the Van Zandt County Library.  

New Advisory Board members will begin their terms at the regular meeting Oct. 22.  Their job is to keep policies up to date and to advise the commissioners court of needs and any problems with the library. 

Preschoolers Storytime continues to be well attended.  The Oct. 23 theme is “llama, llama.”  It is a great way to encourage love of books.  Studies show that children who are introduced to reading early are  more successful in the classroom.

At 2 p.m. Saturday Oct. 24, the Genealogy Society will be back in the Buchanan Room for their regular meeting.  Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Memorials received by Friends of the Library lately include, for Nita Burrage from  Gerry and Andrea Cannaday and Phil and Kay Sartin; and for Kathy Yancey and Beth Whitaker from Bob and Sandra Giles.

The library staff is diligent in keeping decorations relevant to the various seasons and holidays.  Voice your appreciation.  
Remember, Thursday is late day at the library. The library opens at noon and closes down at 8 p.m. 

If the library is closed the answering machine will give hours of operation.

   brief phone call to 903-567-4276  might save a trip.

Computer use is free.  Wi-Fi is free.  The cost of copies is minimal.  Books and DVDs check out free.    The best bargain in the county!

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It’s time for the Friends of the library baked potato sale. 

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 29, you can start placing your order for the meal.  The meal will include one of our famous large baked potatoes with pulled pork, chives, cheese, butter, sour cream and a homemade dessert for just $6. 

If you work in Grand Saline check for a signup sheet at your place of employment, you can also signup by calling or coming by the library.  All orders are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.  The luncheon will be on Thursday, Nov. 12, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

If you can’t participate in the baked potato sale but would like to support the Friends of the Library you can do so by making a donation at the library. 

The role of the Friends of the Library is to help fund the library because library governing boards cannot fundraise.  

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It still feels like summer, but the ads and the stores are beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

 It is not too early to begin making Christmas stockings, or sewing designer clothes for a child’s favorite doll. 

Suggestions for crafts, jellies, relishes, and other “make ahead” gifts may be found at the Van Zandt County Library.   Recipes for special baked goods are available also.

The library staff will be dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes at 10 a.m. Oct 30, for Storytime.  Come say “Boo” to them.   Children may dress up if they wish.

The Acer Notebook and American Girl Doll raffle is coming to a close.  Don’t miss out.

Political campaigns begin so far ahead of party conventions that it is easy to get disgusted with them, and ignore the whole procedure. 

The library has books by and about many of the candidates that will help decision making in this important election year. 

In Texas, Constitutional Amendments are on the November ballot, and early voting begins Nov. 3.  

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Revenue estimate reflects slowdown in energy sector

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Oct. 14 announced the release of his office’s Certification Revenue Estimate.

The “CRE” is an update to the Biennial Revenue Estimate, a document that gives state lawmakers a good idea of how much revenue will be available for general-purpose spending in 2016-2017, the next two-year state budget period. 

The CRE, Hegar said, reflects “any new laws from the session that could affect state revenue, as well as the most current fiscal and economic data.” The 140-day legislative session concluded four and half months ago, on June 1.

The new CRE shows a 2.3 percent decline in the estimate of revenues available for general-purpose spending from $113 billion to a revised figure of $110.4 billion. The figure primarily reflects our most current estimates of oil and natural gas prices and continuing weakness in Texas’ energy sector, Hegar said, adding that his office anticipates “no trouble in absorbing this reduction in available revenue.”

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Medicare program coming to library, you can, too!

Mark your calendar! On Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. we will have a guest speaker at the library to talk about Medicare enrollment. 

This free workshop will help you make an informed decision when you enroll for Medicare.  Even if you are not old enough for Medicare yet this workshop will give you some things to think about and help you prepare for when you do reach that magical age. 

The workshop will be conducted in the Civic Center in the back of the library building. 

It’s the time of year when everyone starts planning their family and work holiday celebrations.  Don’t forget that the Civic Center is available for rental and is perfect setting for those events.  You can rent the Civic Center for a day for one hundred dollars plus a one hundred dollar deposit. 

The Civic Center is equipped with a full kitchen that had double ovens, a dishwasher, a stove top, and a full refrigerator.  The Civic Center also has folding tables and chairs for your event.  The Civic Center is available year round, including the major holidays.

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The Van Zandt County Library has an important off-site partner in The Library of Genealogy and Local History which is located in the Courthouse Annex, across from Hillcrest Cemetery in Canton.  

The Genealogy Society of Van Zandt County is one of the most active in the state of Texas and has had many award winning members and books compiled by members. 

At the VZC library, members of the group have a display in the foyer each month.   Currently displayed are books about various communities in the county.  

The phone number, 903-567-5012, will get you to a volunteer who can help you with family searches and other history questions as well as hours of operation.

Friends of the Library will meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 9 with Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. outlining various ways that veterans are being helped in Van Zandt County.  Transportation to VA Hospitals is a major problem for many veterans.  Even though they still drive in the country, city traffic is too much for some of them to handle.   

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Governor rails against Dallas sheriff’s detention policy

Gov. Greg Abbott on Oct. 26 wrote to Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, saying her “case-by-case immigrant detention plan will no longer be tolerated in Texas.” 

Under the sheriff’s current policy, an undocumented person who committed minor offenses is not held past their release date an extra 48 hours for federal immigration authorities. 

Abbott accused Valdez “of refusing to automatically detain all criminal immigrants pursuant to the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) federal detainer program, which is designed to prevent dangerous criminals from being released into communities.”

The governor said actions the State of Texas could take to combat such policies are:

- Passing laws that prohibit any policy or action that promotes sanctuary to people in this state illegally.

- Enacting laws that make it illegal for a sheriff's department to not honor a federal immigration detainer request.

- Evaluating the extent to which local taxpayers should foot the bill for local decisions that increase costs for Texas' health and education systems.

- Amending the Tort Claims Act to ensure counties are fully financially responsible for the actions of any illegal immigrants who are released because the county's sheriff failed to honor an ICE detainer request.

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A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Nov. 9 affirmed a Brownsville federal district judge’s Feb. 15, 2015, order forbidding the Obama administration’s implementation of DAPA, the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Residents Program. 

Against the wishes of Congress, the White House sent out a memorandum in November 2014 extending the reach of the policy include to more people.

Gov. Greg Abbott reacted to the Fifth Circuit ruling  on Nov. 10, saying: “The court’s decision is a vindication for the Rule of Law and the Constitution. The president’s job is to enforce the immigration laws, not rewrite them. President Obama should abandon his lawless executive amnesty program and start enforcing the law today.”

In affirming the lower court’s ruling, the Fifth Circuit sided with Texas and 25 other states that sued to prevent the implementation of DAPA on three grounds:

1. That DAPA violated the procedural requirements of the federal Administrative Procedures Act as a substantive rule that did not undergo the requisite notice and comment;

2. That the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lacked the authority to implement the program even if it followed the correct rule-making process; and

3. That DAPA was an abrogation of the president’s constitutional duty to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”

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The end of the year is coming faster than most of us are ready for.  There are so many things to do before the Christmas holidays. 

We would like to remind everyone that we are closed on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.

 The first week of December will be a busy one for us.  We are hosting a painting party on Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m.  The party/class costs $35 and there are a limited numbers of spaces, so you need to contact the library to sign up for this event. 

On Saturday, Dec. 5, as part of the city-wide celebration, we will have Santa visiting the library from 4:30 to 6:30pm.  You can bring your camera and take pictures with Santa for free and we will also be serving refreshments.  

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Brick$ Buck$ are here!

Never before has the visibility of the “shop local” tag been greater than it has become in recent years. With small communities taking charge of highlighting the benefits of shopping locally and programs like Small Business Saturday designing special days when these benefits are heavily marketed, it is no wonder that the buzz is spreading!

Wills Point has been swimming with activity through our local businesses in the last few weeks. Brick$ Buck$ are here and are available now with local residents and customers getting into the spirit. Some lucky local customer is going to win $5000 just for visiting and shopping in our local businesses! There are seventeen Wills Point merchants who have made tickets available in their store and thirteen sponsors who helped to make this shop local program possible.

The skinny is this: you get one free ticket just for stopping by a participating business and additional tickets for making a purchase or order depending on the parameters set by each business.

Keep your and come to downtown Wills Point for Christmas on the Bricks on Dec. 12! Besides the full day of activities for the holidays, the day will culminate in the $5000 ticket being drawn at 3 p.m. on the Citizen’s National Bank Main Stage.  

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