SNAPSHOTS

Published Sunday, June 8, 2008

Courtesy of Cindi King

From the ridiculous to the sublime. They’re all dolled up, so where’s the first place they go? Booches Billiard Hall, of course. Before attending the Tony Bennett concert at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts, a group of Columbians dropped by the downtown landmark to “class it up,” but, in standard Booches style, the remaining clientele studiously ignored the incongruous attire. Front row from left, Hank Waters, Scott Robinson, Luanne Andes, Debbie Sheals and Barb Schlemeier. Back row from left, Terry Schlemeier, Vicki Russell, Angie Sampson, Gary Moore, Cindi King, Tom Andes and Bill Sheals.

Courtesy of Nancy Russell

ABOVE: The Sam Russell family takes time out from working on their new home over Memorial Day. Brie holds Nori while Sam has his arms full with Neav, left knee, and Fionn. BELOW: Sam Russell and his dad, Mike, try out the elevator that will take them to the basement in Sam’s new, wheelchair-accessible home.

Sam Russell’s parents, Mike and Nancy Russell, and his uncle, Walt Johnson-Gerard, spent Memorial Day weekend in Wisconsin working on Sam’s new house. Paralyzed in a bicycling accident one year ago, Sam has faced new challenges in his life with determination and strength and is back at work part time. He and his family — wife Brie and daughters Nori, Neav and Fionn — moved to Wisconsin in 2002 so Sam could take a job at Trek Bicycle Company, and they make their home in Sun Prairie. Sam’s grandmother, Sue Gerard, and his uncle Walt instilled in him the love of cycling, and for his birthday in April, family and close friends gave him a hand-powered bicycle that he is anxious to get out and ride once more.

Right now, Sam and Brie are busy preparing their new, wheelchair accessible home for the Madison-area parade of homes. Many generous people and companies have donated services and equipment for this project. Sam’s boyhood friend and local NASCAR phenom, Carl Edwards, was able to arrange with USG Corp. to donate all of the drywall used in the house, and Gary Ennis and his family were instrumental in getting appliances at cost.

Many, many others have been supportive through donations and fundraisers. Anyone wanting more information or wishing to volunteer their time to give Sam and his family a home where they can all be together again should visit www.welcomehomesam.com.

A hometown example of a profile in courage if ever there was one.

●

They were off and running at Columbia Entertainment Company’s Kentucky Derby party and fundraiser May 3 at the home of Mark and Paula Thomas, board members. Because betting is illegal, guests drew horses as they entered, giving a $25 donation for each entry.

Courtesy of Monica Senecal

Paula Thomas, left, and Jennifer Bloss show off their chapeaus at Columbia Entertainment Company’s Derby party.

Almost as attention-getting as the TV were the hats worn by the ladies, showing off some original and eye-catching creations. Among those watching the race, cheering on their favorites, sipping mint juleps and enjoying Derby Pie were Ken Hammann; Jeremy, Jennifer and Judi Bloss; Carol Denninghoff; Vivian Benedict; Judy, Kirsten and Emma Olson; Jim Malinee; Marilyn Love; Kathy Brown; Richard Frieden; Maria and Ray Pope; and Joan and Stephen Mudrick. In addition to the chance to win a few greenbacks, there were also some great door prizes donated by Kent’s Floral Gallery, Stoney Creek Inn, The Candy Factory and Addison’s.

The event, co-chaired by Paula Thomas and Jennifer Bloss, was a fundraiser for CEC’s general building fund, which covers keeping the theater updated. Good sports that they are, win, place and show winners (that’s first, second and third to novice racers) donated their winnings back to the cause.

Seems everybody won at this race, and all track-siders agreed to make it an annual event. Better save those hats, gals.

Snapshots is a light-hearted roundup of life and leisure on the local scene. To contribute news of parties, special occasions, travel tidbits, stupid adult tricks, snippets of even questionable social value or any gossip in good taste, call Irene at 815-1721…we’ll talk. Items may also be mailed to Snapshots, c/o the Tribune; dropped off in the newsroom; or e-mailed to ihaskins@tribmail.com. Include daytime phone number and photo IDs. All pictures will be returned.