The Bend Community meeting went off as scheduled, but with a low attendance.

The few that did attend enjoyed visiting and a game of “Five Crowns.” A big thanks goes out to Leon and Mebbie Eckhoff for hosting the event. It is amazing what kind of information can come from people sitting around and talking. Leon and Mebbie related that their home had been broken into and robbed some years past, and that Leon’s pickup had been stolen by some teenagers. Phil B reported that a long time ago a truck, which was owned by William Clark, was stolen from his home while the family was away. It was surprising to learn about the crime wave that must have taken place around the Bend in years past. The best part of the stories was that the vehicles were recovered as were some of the other stolen items and of course the criminals were captured. The crimes seemed to have been committed along 580, which would make one believe that it is safer to live in the back country, but then you just never know. Take the keys out of vehicles and lock your doors, don’t make it easy for someone to take something that doesn’t belong to them. Another piece of information was given by Jolene Lively. She will be retiring from her job as postmaster at the Bend at the end of this year. The postoffice will not be the same without her.

Phil B and Winnie Lou McCoury reported that they had a new great grandson, Kyle Keen, born April 4th, weighing in at a whopping eight ½ pounds. Stephen and LaShonda Keen are the proud parents. Kyle is the grandson of Phyllis and Charles Brookshire and Rickie and Denna Lemons. He is also the great grandson of Louise Lemons of Lometa. Congratulations goes out to all the family.

Barbara Jones was in Killeen this past week visiting friends. While there they shopped till they dropped and dined out. Who could ask for anything that would have been nicer than that.

Jolene Lively, and Leon and Mebbie Eckhoff attended the Broyles reunion Saturday, which was held in Cherokee, with around forty or so relatives attending. Like most family reunions, the attendance is getting smaller each year, because the younger ones just don’t show the interest in reunions. When they get older, they may just wish that they had attended and listened to some of the family stories that will be gone with the demise of the family members. Genealogy is the last thing that young people seem to be interested in now days.

A big birthday bash was held for Sylvia Stinnett Saturday night. Her children and grandchildren attended as did other members of her family and friends. The guests were served Mexican food and cake.

The garage sale that Jamie Houdyshell held was a success and everything was gone by 2:00 p.m. Jane Clark was helping with the sale and reported that they had the best seat in the house to observe the highway patrolman stopping cars coming and going. Let this be a warning to everyone to watch their speed on 580. Several residents have received warning tickets in the past few days. The patrolman is out there; so slow down.

Shirley Meischen and LaNell Daniels attended the San Saba 1957 school reunion Saturday. They also visited with a former resident of the Bend, Gloria Lemons, who also made an appearance.

Jane Clark reported that relatives Lance and Marcella Albert of Taylor have a 10-month-old baby girl who is having a very rough time health wise. Please put them on your prayer list.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Thaddaeus Scroggins, who will celebrate a birthday April 25; to Walter Brister, who will celebrate a birthday April 26; and to Don Harrington, who will celebrate a birthday April 29.