While on a road trip through Mississippi, we experienced some unexpected and serious car trouble in Vicksburg. Luckily, we wound up in the very capable hands of the folks at Plaza Automotive. The owners, Doyle and Ginger Lee, went out of their way to not only fix our vehicle quickly, but gave us the opportunity to enjoy downtown Vicksburg.

Because our repair was going to take all day, Ginger graciously drove us (and our dog, Moo,) down to Washington Street. While Sibyl shopped (and shopped), Marc and Moo sat outside chatting, waving and generally relaxing — except for an occasional barking from Pepper, the unofficial mayor of Washington Street. Six hours later, Ginger picked us up and took us back to Plaza Automotive. The two mechanics who did the repairs were excellent, and we were back on the road later that day.

What could have been a disastrous situation turned into a very pleasant one. We appreciated your Southern hospitality, and will return.

Sibyl Krucoff, Marc Stevens

and Moo

Berwyn, Ill.

$2,300 for shelter

Vicksburg Chapter E would like to personally thank each and every one for all of the donations and support we received for the Fun Day that we sponsored for the Vicksburg Children’s Shelter on April 10.

Because of all the generous donations, we were able to raise $2,300 that went directly to the shelter. Thank you, Vicksburg

Elaine Williams

Chapter director

Gold Wing Riders

Vicksburg

Big time in Big Apple

On April 8, 89 students and parents left Warren Central High School for New York and the Marriott Marquis Hotel on Broadway. We strolled down Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, passed Rockefeller Center and NBC, Radio City Music Hall and visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral with its 26-foot rose window and soaring Gothic spires as well as the Empire State Building.

The Festival Band Competition was the next morning. The band won the first place trophy and great comments from the adjudicators.

More sightseeing followed at the historic site of the World Trade Center, the Wall Street financial district and then onto the Staten Island Ferry to the Statue of Liberty. We also visited Chinatown and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Even the subway was a learning experience.

I cannot say enough about how well this trip was planned. The students were well-behaved and the parent-chaperones worked well together.

I have been on trips before this one, but I have to take my hat off to the directors of the Big Blue Band. Thanks to Mr. Alan Arendale, head director; and directors, Mrs. Melynn Arendale, Mr. Chad Austin, Mr. R. Andrew Bonner and Mr. Jason Alford. Also thanks to the travel agent, Travel Trek, who handled the trip, Mr. Dobson Bowdon, owner.

I know my grandsons and all who traveled to New York created many lifetime memories and we all learned much through travel and cultural exchange.

Hilda Y. White

Big Blue Band

Booster Parent

Vicksburg