Cheers and Jeers

Cheers: To Goodfellows — from volunteers to contributors — and all that you do to bring Christmas to so many. For 104 years, Goodfellows has made an enormous difference. Take a bow. You deserve it.

Cheers: To the Four Day Weekend comedy group for helping raise $150,000 for the Star-Telegram Goodfellows Fund. They are a funny bunch of guys who gave generously of their time to help Goodfellows.

Jeers: To the Grinch who booked the band for Pictures With Santa at Sundance Square on Dec. 11. It was like a marching band at a solemn wedding — not a good fit. A death rock band — and they did what they do. Music to die by, not celebrate Christmas. Depressing!

Cheers: To the amazing Lone Star Youth Chorus of the Fort Worth school district, which performed with the Fort Worth Symphonty Orchestra Nov. 27-29 in the “Home for the Holidays” concert series at Bass Hall. It was an outstanding way to begin the holidays. The chorus was stellar after only a few months in existence! We are proud!

Cheers: To Christ Chapel Bible Church for the beautiful Christmas cantata. The orchestra, Chapel Bells, Music Praise Choir and Youth Choir were outstanding! Thank you to Louis Harris, music director; Josh Bailey, associate director; Yana Cisco, Music Praise Choir director; and Jennifer Cooper, Sharie Owens, Lori Rooke, Linda Dupont, Charlotte Robinson and Frankie Morris.

Cheers: To the Trinity Valley School middle and upper school choirs for performing a Christmas concert. Thank you for realizing that it is not offensive in this unfortunate politically correct culture to recognize the beauty and diversity that Christmas music brings to this blessed season.

Cheers: To our school’s adopter, Acme Brick, for going above and beyond in supporting our Angel Tree family. Your generosity brought tears of joy to everyone who saw the mound of gifts you poured out on this family. Daggett Montessori School wishes you and yours a very merry holiday season!

Cheers: To the carolers who were singing to the residents of Veronica Circle on Dec. 13. It put us all in the Christmas spirit.

Cheers: To Dr. Jeff Phelps of the Spine Works Institute, who diagnosed and did successful surgery on my back. Now Ron Barkman and Vince Smith at Barkman & Smith Physical Therapy in Bedford continue to help my recovery with their expertise in knowing what therapy is needed and getting it done. I am blessed.

Jeers: To those whose world view is so limited that credit for any kindness done is given to Jesus Christ. Such narrow, undereducated thinking and the belief that all believe as you do is pitiable. Kindness to others is done for its own sake, not because of mythical deities.

Cheers: To Mandy Masters, manager at the Olive Garden restaurant in Burleson. Not only did she discount food for the Harkcom-Rhoades family, but also gave them a generous gift card. Their mother died when her car was swept away on a flooded road.

Jeers: To the city of Fort Worth. When you plan street repairs, do you ever look at the outcome of the project? Curbs are for parking. The Granbury Road turn lane at South Hulen Street is no better than it was before you worked on it. Fix? Maybe not! Money wasted!

Cheers: To Aledo Middle School and to Deborah McDowell. I was blessed with “a new daughter” and the support and resources of AISD have been incredible! To Debbie for helping me pay it forward and to God for all of you!

Cheers: To Dr. Anderson and his assistants at the Haltom City Animal Hospital for the care of Gracie, my grandson’s shepherd, after she became infected from being spayed at a low-cost clinc.

Cheers: To the young woman who saw my “Combat Veteran Vietnam” cap and not only thanked me for my service but also paid for our lunch at El Paseo in Azle on Nov. 27. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity. It will be paid forward!

Cheers: To the Parker-Tarrant Warriors Junior HA High girls volleyball team. They won the state of Texas championship in October and were first runners-up to the national championship.

Cheers: To the North Richland Hills Library for hosting the ninth annual Apron Celebration Dec. 4-5. Special cheers to Kathleen Brown who displayed her personal collection of more than 70 vintage aprons. And cheers to the library for hosting a variety of special events throughout the year.

Cheers: To the Fort Worth 911 operator and first responders who rendered aid when a guest fell in our home on Dec. 9. The operator gave clear and concise instructions to a first-time 911 caller. First responders arrived promptly and were very effective, efficient, professional and comforting. Thanks to those who provided much needed and appreciated assistance.

Cheers: To one of Bedford’s finest! On Dec. 10 at 10:45 a.m., in the 3000 block of Bedford Road, I witnessed a Bedford police officer assisting a couple change their tire. You make us proud! Thank you to all Bedford police officers, firefighters and EMTs. You keep us safe!

Cheers: To the nice lady who bought me a gift from Apple Annie’s gift shop on Nov. 23. How thoughtful! I appreciate this.

Cheers: To Mother Nature for the beautiful fall foliage seen throughout our city. Take a walk or ride and enjoy the lovely scenery in your neighborhood.

Cheers: To the city of Fort Worth for the great paving job on McCart Avenue between Interstate 20 and Seminary Drive. Cheers also for the street and pothole repairs off Frazier Avenue.

Cheers: To Marine Corps veteran A.L. McCluney for sponsoring the Hearts Over Heels trio of Marilyn, Naomi and Pam at the Dec. 1 session of Colonial Country Club Friends. Their Andrews Sisters songs of World War II had all present clapping, singing and dancing.

Cheers: To Dr. Ned Patrick for his many years as our dentist. Sad to see you retire. We will miss your concern for your patients’ health. Your concern was not dollars, but what was needed to keep us pain free. May God bless you for following his words: Do unto others.

Cheers: To Hightower Services Inc. of Arlington for handling my heating and air conditioning services for the past 10 years. The service technicians are skilled and provide excellent customer service, always arriving on time and working efficiently and cleanly. Three other family households agree they are the best.

Cheers: To the couple who paid for my lunch on Nov. 28 at the Jay Jay Cafe on Little Road. What a pleasant suprise for a 92-year-old man. I will pay it foward.

Cheers: To our server at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Upon returning home after lunch, our daughter realized she apparently had left her birthday card with a cash gift at the restaurant. Panicked, she called and was told that Rebecca found the card and the cash under the table and turned it in to the hostess. Such professionalism, honesty and kindness!

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Cheers and Jeers."