Beech Tree News Network

Poverty undoubtedly presents tough challenges when it comes to educating students.

But one eastern Kentucky district is proving that even schools filled with students from low-income homes in one of the nation’s poorest counties can succeed in changing the trajectory of their educational performance and achieve stellar results.

When someone posts a lot of photos, whether current, forgotten or both, on social media it’s called a photo dump.  In that spirit, you can call this column an information dump.  First up is one I gleaned from SiriusXM’s ‘80’s on 8 Big 80’s Countdown.  Queen’s classic “Another One Bites The Dust” was influenced by the ‘70’s band Chic.  Queen bassist John Deacon spent some time in studio with the band.  Chic band members said that their sound must’ve rubbed off on them.  Clearly, Deacon took some pointers from the session and “Another One Bites The Dust” was born.

The song lyrics of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, say: “He's making a list, he's checking it twice….” This time of year, many of us make lists as well. Our lists likely include gifts for family and friends. And those Christmas lists are meant to help us get things done.

Thinking along those lines, I asked friends and family: “Though presents are not the reason for the Christmas season, they consume much of our thoughts, time, energy, and resources. How many people are on your Christmas gift list?” The responses are listed below:

On Friday evening, I climbed a wall.  It was a man-made wall, one of those rock walls with handholds and footholds set at random places all the way to the top, about 25 feet from the floor.  I’ve done this before, albeit more than 20 years ago.

After condemning those who cried, “Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14), God’s words continue. “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed; neither could they blush. Therefore, they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord” (Jer. 6:15, 8:12).

Mitla Café was founded in 1937 by Lucia Rodriguez and her then-husband Vincente Montano.  What started as a simple lunch counter on Route 66 quickly began to grow in popularity.  After being widowed, Lucia later remarried to Salvador Rodriguez, and in the mid-‘40’s helped expand Mitla café to its current size.  Along with help from her children, Theresa, Helen, Vera and Frank, Lucia turned Mitla Café into a community staple on the Westside of San Bernadin

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and I’m counting my blessings this week. Recently, I read a 30-day gratitude list. Five of the listed items caught my attention.

A person I’m glad to have in my life.

Of course, I am thankful for the many people I have in my life: family and friends. However, I am most thankful that my late husband was part of my life for over 40 years. He had a tremendous influence on me and on our children. And he was never boring.

The people who mean the most to me.

I still have the rescue kittens I told you about in October, although, sadly, the smallest one died.  I buried him next to Figaro, under the pine tree in the back yard.  It was so sad.  I grieve over every animal that passes while under my care.  That’s just the way God sewed me together.

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (Jer. 8:20, KJV). In context, these words were spoken by people desperate for someone to deliver them from the consequences of their decisions. It seems people had recognized God’s power to help them (v. 14) but understood it was too late now (v. 15). Now, these people, God’s people, realize they had run out of chances. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” What a tragedy!

Here’s something to chew on: I think I was listening to SiriusXM when the subject of chewing gum came up.  Maybe it was an anniversary of something.  Whatever the reason for the mention, it got me thinking of chewing gums of the past.