As the leaves begin to change color and mornings becoming more crisp with a coolness hanging in the air, you can definitely say it is fall in east Texas. Grabbing a jacket as I leave for work is something that seems out of place after coming off of the high summer time temperatures in August and September. But I’m not complaining in any way – this weather beats the heat and humidity that we sometimes see up until the end of this month in the Lone Start State.
My garden is beginning to subside with the growing season coming to an end. There are a few more blooms on my okra even thought it is thin and looks like a group of stems coming out of the ground with barely any leaves. I have gathered a few squash that I planted late in hopes to get a few more to fry before a frost nips the leaves back. And, the jalapeno peppers are still plugging along slowly.
I have been absent from writing for a while now. It seems like there has been so much going on that it’s hard to find time to sit down and get all of the MG info typed up. With the time change coming next month I may find more time to write since the nights will be longer and not able do things out side as much, after getting home from work.
Since my last writing Alton Corbet, former Miller Grove resident, has passed away. Alton was a great person. My family has known him and his family for many years. My dad used to feed cows for Alton when he was barely old enough to see over the steering wheel of a truck. The last time I saw Alton was at our cemetery’s memorial day in May. I know his health had been bad for a while but he knew me and talked to me for a few minutes. I was glad that I got to see him that day.
Alton Rae Corbet was born Dec. 2, 1925, in Miller Grove to John Bryant Corbet and Laura Lorena (McRae) Corbet. He passed at the age of 91, on Sept. 21, in Dallas. He had moved to Dallas after graduating and that is where he met and married his wife, Nell, and Dallas was where they raised their family. He and Nell had been married 69 years. He served in both WWII and in Korea. Funeral services took place Sept. 24, at Restland Cemetery in Dallas where interment took place after the services. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, one son, and three grandchildren.
My sincere condolences also go out to the family of Bryan McCreight. His wife, Ginger, has been a teacher at Miller Grove over 20 years and their children (Katelyn & Derek) both graduated from Miller Grove. Mrs. McCreight was my second grade teacher and I have had to privilege of getting to work with her as a faculty member when I was employed at the school. Mr. McCreight passed Sept. 28, in Tyler and was survived by his wife, two children, his father, and one sister.
I’m proud to report that the elementary school now has a new concrete parking lot. The crews poured the concrete a week or two ago and things are looking very good. There are still a few things to finish up on it but I know teachers and parents alike will enjoy having a nice place to park and walk into the building.
I have recently returned from a trip to Tennessee where I saw some of the great Smoky Mountains. It was an incredibly long trip for my cousin Nathan and myself. We drove 13 hours one day. From the eastern side of Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains we traveled back, westward, to Nashville. On our stop there we went to the Grand Ole Opry and was privileged to get to meet Vince Gill back stage. He was incredibly nice and very down-to-earth. He was telling us stories about Roy Acuff while waiting to take the stage again that night. It was a good but tiring trip and I am glad to be back home.
One upcoming event that we all need to remember is the annual Miller Grove School Fall Carnival. This year the carnival will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, in front of the new gym. We have had the booths set up there for the last couple of years and things have seemed to turn out good. We will have the normal stew and chili, carnival booths, and BINGO to finish out the night.
MG’s PTO is also selling Cow Pie BINGO tickets as they have for the last few years. They are also selling chances for a Yeti cooler. Please contact a PTO member or the school for more details. Also, if you have Internet access go to the Miller Grove PTO Facebook page to find out about things the PTO is involved in. They are a great organization that helps raise money for use in the school system, in particular, for things that are not budgeted for but may be needed in classrooms or around the campus. One year the PTO bought TV’s for each of the elementary classes. Another year they raised enough money to buy new playground equipment. And, if you want to help out they are always looking for volunteers.
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
