Monday, December 22, 2008

"IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE"



I, Charlie Parrish, was recently playing the part of “Ernie”, the cab driver, in Frank Capra’s play “It’s A Wonderful Life” at the Granbury Opera House. The story has become an annual tradition in many homes both on TV and VCR or DVD. The story came to life for me in living it on the stage with some great young professional actors and some “want-a-be-s” like me, both young and old.

The heartwarming tale of George Bailey is so inspiring to each of us to be like Jesus. While not mentioning our Lord, Capra gives George so many of the qualities of Jesus as he “does to others as he would have them do to him.” Bailey’s life is spent helping and giving to others while giving up his “dreams” for their benefit. When all else fails and the world seems to be ending, prayers come through and Clarence, the “angel” comes and shows him that he is worthwhile. The story ends with all the friends that George has helped come together and get George out of a big financial jam. In these days of the commercialization of Christ’s birthday, it was good to spend time living this beautiful story.

Thanks to Mikes Skiles of the Granbury Opera House for having the guts to keep Christ in Christmas by having plays like this and the very Christ centered show “Home for Christmas.” Thanks also to Mike for bringing such fine young actors and actresses to our stage. All our young professionals played in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Home for Christmas” and “The Christmas Show” for the children of Granbury. These three shows were all playing at the same time.

Phillip de los Santos did a great job of directing the show and making us all feel much at ease. He worked tirelessly to produce a beautiful show in spite of some difficult circumstances including being one of the performers in “Home for Christmas”. Phillip is a fine actor and director. We need to keep our eye out for his future.

Alex Mitchell played the part with George Bailey with such heart and really got into the role with his whole being. This guy has lots of talent, heart and pizzazz.

Chris Trimboli was perfect in the role of Clarence the angel. Chris is so much fun and so talented. He is indeed a geek with a heart as big as Texas even though he is from New Mexico.

Natalie Self, as Mary Bailey, was just perfect. Natalie is a native Granburian and so much talent as an actress (usually gets to scream in every show including this one), a dancer and a singer. We loved to watch her race away across the stage. Natalie loves everyone and is such a nice person.

Stephen Eyre plays Uncle Billy with great emotion. Stephen is such a funny talented person who plays everything from Dracula, to Santa to the Thanksgiving Turkey. What a guy and he is from Fort Worth but sounds like a yankee and sometimes a Brit.

I am not going to mention all of the other local talent who made this show both fun to watch and so much fun to be in. If you are interested in being on the stage, watch http://www.granburyoperahouse.org/ for future Community Theatre opportunities. I will be there too!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Hood County Christmas for Children

Do you remember the thrill and excitement of getting that brand new bicycle,or that new doll house on Christmas morning when you were a kid? If you're like me, you still have vivid memories of Christmas mornings around the tree and of that one "special" gift you were really, really wishing for.

Now imagine for a moment being a child and not having any gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. Maybe worse yet, imagine being a parent who finds themselves unable to provide Christmas for their kids this year. Unfortunately, we have a staggering number of families right here in Hood County that face just such a situation this Christmas. That's where Hood County Christmas for Children comes in.

Hood County Christmas for Children provides Christmas gifts to approximately 3,000 Hood County children each year, and with the troubled economic times we are experiencing right now, that number could be significantly higher this year. You know, every child, regardless of their socio-economic status has the same wishes, hopes, and dreams. Imagine the life long effects of that child having their wishes and dreams fulfilled by Santa just like all the other boys & girls.

We do this through the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers and generous contributions of the community. Angel cards are out on the angel trees at all the local banks in Hood County and also at many other local businesses and can be "adopted" by you right now. Simply stop by one of the local banks or participating businesses and pick up an angel card. If you take that angel card to Walmart and present it to them at the check-out counter,you will receive an automatic 10% discount of your purchases made for that angel.

Imagine the joy of knowing that a boy or girl right here in Hood County will have a Merry Christmas because of your compassion and generosity! If you have any other questions about how you can help with Christmas for Children, you can contact Camille Cook at 817-559-4322 or Micky Shearon at 817-408-5273.

Monday, November 10, 2008

An Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is much more than a bountiful feast of turkey and stuffing. It’s a time to reflect on the past year-our struggles and our triumphs- and to celebrate all the good that has happened to us. More than almost any other feeling, an attitude of gratitude helps people to feel better about their lives. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It transforms a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

So, on this Thanksgiving, set aside some time to reflect on all the things that you are grateful for. Then throughout the year practice an attitude of gratitude toward everyone that you meet. It could be something as small as a smile to a stranger who needs one. Or, helping an elderly citizen with the groceries. When we practice an attitude of gratitude we not only share the joy of Thanksgiving, but we become more grateful for all that we have….each and every day of our lives.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Harvest Moon Festival


OCTOBER 25th & 26th, 2008

HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL

Over 100 Arts & Crafts Vendors
TRACTOR PARADE!
Children's Decorated Pumpkin Contest
Children's Fun Area
Antique Engine & Tractor Show

CARNIVAL
The POOCH PARADE
DECORATED PUMPKIN CONTEST
CHILDREN UNDER 10 COSTUME CONTEST
COOKING WITH PUMPKIN CONTEST
HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
PIE EATING CON
TEST






Sunday, October 12, 2008

Lake Granbury Medical Center


Growing, changing, and improving—these are words that best describe Lake Granbury Medical Center (LGMC) today as we build for the future. LGMC’s $15 million expansion/renovation projects are progressing well. Months of diligent strategic planning have prepared us for breaking ground on a new surgical services wing, adding a third floor for inpatient services, and upgrading our outward appearance.

About the renovation

The $15 million project will include:
• third-floor expansion, adding 24 private patient rooms to double the current inpatient capacity
• additional operating room with expanded surgical support areas
• redesigned front parking lot, including resurfacing, drainage, and landscaping
• new front entrance with covered visitor drop-off area

Meeting community needs

The medical center has experienced strong growth over the last five years, and in 2007 served significantly more patients from Granbury and surrounding communities. Last year, LGMC cared for nearly 18,500 patients in the emergency department. The hospital also delivered a record 555 newborns in its women’s services department.

This expansion and renovation project demonstrates LGMC’s long-term commitment to providing quality, compassionate care for the community. The substantial changes about to be undertaken at Lake Granbury Medical Center will offer the medical staff and patients modern, comfortable facilities as well as the technology people expect.

"Located in the center of the county, we’re proud to offer a welcome alternative to driving far away for quality medical services. We believe the people of the Lake Granbury community are our area’s greatest resource, and your health and recovery are our primary concern. If you don’t find out what you want to know about our hospital on our web site, please feel free to call us. I hope you will consider us whenever you need emergency services and highly-skilled, compassionate care."-David K.Orcutt, Chief Executive Officer of LGMC


Lake Granbury Medical Center
1310 Paluxy Road
Granbury, TX 76048
817-573-CARE (2273)

GO to http://www.lakegranburymedicalcenter.com/ for more information and updates.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Granbury Opera House



On the South side of
"The Square" is our very own
Opera House!


Live entertainment for citizens and visitors of our community.


The city of Granbury has contracted with Texas Family Musicals, Inc. to produce the musicals at Granbury Opera House. They do a fine job of providing quality Broadway style musicals while giving talented young professionals an opportunity to develop their talents on stage....

Each year the Texas Family Musicals sponsors two Community Theater projects to provide the local citizens an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of participating in a live theatre production.



Now Showing

Arsenic and Old Lace
(featuring our very own Charlie Parrish)

A classic farse based on Joseph Kesselring's Broadway hit by the same title.

There's still time to get your tickets!

September 17,18,24,& 25
Come and experence some of our fine local talent!

Click here for more information