'If a tree falls in the forest ...'

While strolling, I wondered whatever happened to Alva Anderson.

Happy birthday this week to Mike Razer, Bud Diggs, Charlotte Dirnberger, Laura Estes, Judy Marshall, Margaret Obermann, Mary Jo Pfefferkorn, Shawn Powderly, Jeff Daugherty, Kathy Bishop, Gene Cummins, Mary Chambers, Fred Bollinger, Justin Anderson, Brandy Seabaugh, JoNell Schaefer, Jessica Grojean, Georgia Cox, Rodger Seyer, Hank Golightly, Armella Glastetter, Carolyn Munyon, Linda Yarbro, Lana Rister, Jim Miller, Sharon Crowden, Randall Hibdon, Don Reischman, Steve Wall, Reta Mantel, Blake Perry, Jason Harrell, Bill Hagan III and Walker Rice.

Happy anniversary this week to Gary and Brenda Hester, Joe Bob and Mayme Cobb and Bill and Micia Beard.

Glorious ginkgo

The trees are turning their glorious fall colors and one of my favorites is the ginkgo tree. They put on quite a show with their bright yellow leaves until the leaves fall seemingly overnight in a blanket of gold, signaling the end of autumn. Not much autumnal color in Dallas, Texas, but one sure sign that winter is on its way is the arrival of hundreds of white pelicans at our nearby lake.

There is the age old question "If a tree falls in a forest and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?" The debate is ongoing, and on a recent drive at the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, we heard a loud crash followed by an eerie silence; the source was a big tree fall.

There are some new tree falls at Lake Tywappity, but Missouri Conservation Department quickly clears the trail. It is disturbing, however, the amount of trash visitors leave behind and now, there is a twin box spring. Remember the discarded television on the edge of the lake? You have to wonder about the mentality of people who litter our parks and roadsides, whether it is a mattress, an appliance or a drink cup.

Voters cast their ballots last Tuesday, and many of us are happy that Election Day is over, ending weeks of political ads and calls. We congratulate the winners.

City Hall and the Chaffee Library will be closed Tuesday for Veterans Day. City and county tax statements have been mailed out, and taxes may be paid in person at City Hall. Starting Wednesday, collector Mark Hensley will be at City Hall every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Holidays roll by

It seems like we just had Labor Day sales and now it is Veterans Day sales. With many retailers offering free shipping and great deals, they are hopeful that shoppers will take advantage and shop early for Christmas. The majority of people polled prefer retailers hold off on the Christmas push until after Thanksgiving, but it is here with the operative phrase being "on sale."

Presently, the ladies are thinking about Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings. Remember to set aside recipes that you think would be a nice addition to the Library cookbook. The deadline is Dec. 1; information and forms are available at the library. The book proceeds will go toward new carpet.

The 19th Annual three-day Crafts, Gifts & Collectibles Show at Notre Dame Regional High School is scheduled for Nov. 21 to 23. For vendor information, please contact event promoter Dixie J. Burnett at 573-266-3688 or email her at semocraftshow@hotmail.com.

Dallas Cowboy fans were disappointed with their loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday, but Ram fans were delighted with their win against the San Francisco 49ers! That win and their win against the champion Seattle Seahawks distracted us somewhat from the pain of our St. Louis Cardinals' absence in the World Series. We know that local St. Louis Blues' fan Jack Burnett is especially happy with their winning streak.

Where's Samantha

Several readers have asked about the whereabouts of reporter Samantha Kluesner. After two years, she has decided to pursue other interests. We were thrilled when she came on board and injected new energy and creativity to our blessed Signal. Not only did she contribute much to our paper, she does the same for Chaffee. We miss her and wish her the very best while hoping she will continue to be active in our community and the preservation of our town's landmarks.

The APPLE Program will be at the Center at 10:30 a.m. Monday to explain and compare prescription drug plans and the changes for 2015. The center will have a Veterans dinner at 11;30 a.m. Tuesday to honor our veterans and say "thank you" for a job well done. The last class for making swags and grave decorations is at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Farewell to 'Little Les'

One of those landmarks is the former Lankford Drug Store that now houses the Chaffee Historical Museum. Many of us remember the store, the neon sign that hung in front for so many years and the people behind the counter. Whether it was getting a prescription filled, assistance in selecting a birthday gift or sitting at the counter sipping a thirst-quenching cherry Coke, each visit was made better by the Lankfords. One of those people behind the counter was Les Lankford, known to some as "Little Les," the only child of former Chaffee mayor and state representative Les and his wife Lela Lankford, both of whom were pharmacists. His cousin and good friend, Jae, called with the sad news that Les passed away last Sunday at the age of 77, of lung cancer. Jae had just visited him in mid-October in St. Louis, where Les was referred to as the "third-floor philosopher." Les loved people, and they loved him. He could talk at length on almost any subject and was an accomplished musician. He was a CHS band member from 1949 to 1954 and church organist at the Methodist Church from 1950 to 1954. At his request, his remains will be interred near his mother and father at the Cape County Memorial Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. We offer our sincere condolences to Les' cousins, Mark and Jae Hopkins, and his many friends.

Special words

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have lost loved ones, our homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, those undergoing cancer treatments and those recovering from surgery. We thank our many brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country so valiantly. We pray for the safe and timely return of those on active duty.

Comments

Please email your news and comments to me at darbuck2@airmail.net. You may also leave a detailed message at 573/887-6430 or 214/207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the female ESPN reporter who was determined to stand her ground during the NASCAR scuffle.