Willie Nelson was a big draw when he inaugurated the Country/Western series at Havens Landing RV Resort. Among April Sounders in the audience of 1,000 were Dick and Barbara Durbin, Doris Wright and Luine Hancock. They said Willie was gracious about staying until 2 a.m. to sign autographs and talk to those who wanted to visited with him.

The late Dan Cearley, a long-time resident of April Sound, has left a legacy that will be carried on in art. Dan was a member of the Conroe Art League and took a little kidding about being a minority with most of the membership being women. He said he didn’t mind a bit, he enjoyed all of the artists and learned a lot from them. When Dan died a memorial fund was set up in his name.

The recipient this year was Erin Smith of The Woodlands High School. She was one of 16 students who talked about concept, medium and the process used in her work. Erin presented several samples of her portraits done in oils and was a popular choice for the Dan Cearley Memorial Fund.

When you are driving East on Texas 105 take a look at the new stained glass in the April Sound Church annex building. Rod Deroches gave the window as a memorial to his wife Karen. Karen spent many years working with youth choirs and they were often invited to perform at community events. They were always a special treat when they sang in the church.

Something different in the way of an anniversary party took place in April Sound when Barbara and Ted Ellis celebrated their 25th. They had a formal re-wedding ceremony in April Sound Church with Pastor Dowen Johnson officiating. Organist Mabel Edith Oliver and pianist Betty Cearley played the prelude and recessional. Jodi Kaupla, Barbara’s daughter and Jon Kaupla, her son-in-law sang two duets. Barbara’s maid-of-honor was her sister-in-law Kathy Lutz. Chuck Ellis, Ted’s brother, served as best man. Ted’s sons Todd and Jason served as groomsmen and other family members made up the wedding party.