Mary Tankursley beamed a big smile as Ann's Haven VNA staff members placed a colorful cake decorated with X's and O's on a small table near her chair.
"I want to say thank you because it's so wonderful," she said.
It was clear that Tankursley's thank-you covered much more than just the cake and the gift bag that staff members brought along Monday when they dropped by to help the Denton resident celebrate her 110th birthday.
Ann's Haven staff members have been visiting Tankursley since 2007, and she obviously feels close to the nurses, aides and others who have helped provide supportive care.
And, as they gathered around Tankursley's chair for a group photo, it's obvious that the affection is mutual.
Born in Caviness, Tankursley spent most of her life in nearby Paris. After graduating from business school, she moved to Dallas to find a job, and it was there that she met her future husband, Onnie, and the couple's first daughter, Maxine, was born.
They later moved to Paris, where a second daughter, Carolyn, was born.
Mary lost her husband in 1968, but she remained in her Paris home until a few years ago, when she moved to Denton to live with her daughter Maxine Shadle. The move wasn't easy for her mother, Shadle said.
"She was leaving behind many, many years of treasured friendships," Shadle said. "She was rooted in that place. They were wonderful to her there.
"But in 2006 she called and said, 'I think I probably ought not to be living alone,' and she moved here."
Tankursley continued to pursue a career through the years, her daughters recalled, something that few women did at the time.
"She was a pioneer liberated working woman," said daughter Carolyn Allen, a resident of Atlanta, Texas. "She did secretarial work. She would be considered an executive secretary today.
"She was good at what she did."
Tankursley also worked as a proofreader for the Lamar County Echo, a weekly newspaper based in Paris, Shadle said.
Tankursley said she still reads newspapers as much as she can.
"I like to know what's going on in this world," she said. "Things have changed so much."
Tankursley said she especially enjoys reading editorials: "I look forward to that."
Shadle said she helps her mother keep track of birthdays by writing them on a calendar so that cards can be sent to Tankursley's family, which now includes eight grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
"I address the cards, but she still signs them," Shadle said.
Tankursley's niece, Laura Anne Gunn, who grew up in Denton and now lives in Redlands, Calif., also attended the birthday party.
American Legion Auxiliary to have annual cook-off
Members of the American Legion Auxiliary in Pilot Point are inviting area cooks to the annual Linda Robinson Cook-Off on Saturday at American Legion Post 550.
Categories will be chili, beans, stew, salsa and jackpot.
"Doors will open at 8 a.m., and they can begin cooking then," said Lyndee Prieskop, secretary of the auxiliary.
Entry fee is $15 per category or $45 for all.
Jackpot entries may be prepared off-site, but main categories must be prepared at the post, Prieskop said. Beans must be pinto and may be soaked in advance, she added.
Cooks can prepare entries using electric or propane equipment inside the facility or a grill outside the building.
Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places and "Skunk" for each category, and the jackpot winner will take home cash and a certificate.
A certificate also will be given for Best Dressed Area.
Attendees will be able to purchase a tasting kit for $3, sample entries and vote for their favorites, Prieskop said. A People's Choice Award will be presented.
Stew entries will be turned in at 1 p.m., Prieskop said, and entries in other categories will follow every 45 minutes in the following order: salsa, chili, beans and jackpot.
The event promises to be a lot of fun, Prieskop said, whether residents compete or just come by to visit with the cooks and enjoy the showmanship.
The post is at 905 Foundation Drive in Pilot Point.
For more information, call 940-458-0233.
Children's center gala set for Saturday evening
The second annual Champions for Children gala will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Circle R Ranch to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County, and guests can enjoy a tasting stroll featuring items prepared by several area chefs.
Sports celebrities are scheduled to attend, and live and silent auctions will be held.
Music will be provided by the band Good Question.
Individual tickets cost $125. To check ticket availability, call 972-317-2818, ext. 244.
The advocacy center is a nonprofit organization that provides justice and healing for severely abused children by coordinating a team approach to the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse cases, according to the organization's website.
Roanoke to host team of experts appraising items
A team of regional experts will be at the Roanoke Community Center from 1 to 4 p.m.on Saturday to appraise items brought in by area residents during an event called "Unique Antiques: What's in Your Attic?"
There is a $1 entry fee, and items will be appraised for $5 per item, cash only. There is a limit of three items per person. No furniture, coins or stamps will be appraised.
"It's a brand-new event for us," said Amy Radnor, Roanoke marketing manager. "We think there will be a lot of interest."
Radnor said appraisers will include John Bennett, Georgia Caraway, Jennifer Sheehan and Colette Brown.
The community center is at 312 S. Walnut St.
For more information, call 817-491-6090 or visit www.roanoketexas.com .
Pug rescue group plans fun run this weekend
Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue Club Inc. will sponsor its first fun run on Saturday at the Villages of Bear Creek Park, 1590 Bear Creek Parkway in Euless.
Karolyn Gorman of Denton, a club spokeswoman, said the event will begin at 9 a.m. and participants can choose from a 1-mile walk or a 3-mile run.
Cost is $20 per person in advance or $25 on the day of the event.
Awards will be given to the top three finishers in these age groups: 9 and younger, 10-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 50 and older.
All proceeds go toward the club's veterinarian bills for rescue pugs.
Participants are invited to stay after the event to enjoy a day in the sun at the dog park.
For more information, visit www.dfwpugs.com.
LES COCKRELL is interested in your input for Out & About. Help share information about Denton County events and people by calling him at 940-566-6887. His e-mail address is lcockrell@dentonrc.com .
 
