Pam Rainey

I enjoy the mystique of my work as a real estate agent. I meet interesting people, visit interesting places and see interesting things.

Often, I’m lucky enough to enjoy beautiful artwork in the homes I view.

Recently, I had been showing a client, Joe Silva, and his wife homes for several months when I commented on beautiful works of art in a home.

Joe is a quiet sort of fellow.

He addresses me as Mrs. Rainey even though I’ve encouraged him to call me Pam.

His manners, gentle ways, humility and correct upbringing seem to be more apparent each time we meet to do business.

Joe is a former Marcus Fellow at the University of North Texas and has finished a sculpted bust of the legendary Fort Worth businessman, Richard Rainwater for the REAL Schools Initiative of Fort Worth. REAL Schools is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing environmental education support and outdoor learning centers for schools.

Rainwater, who is known for his accomplishments as a financial investor, became concerned about the future of the environment and began funding the initiative though his Rainwater Charitable foundation.

Joe lives in Denton and is an art educator in Fort Worth. He was commissioned to create the piece. It is now in the REAL Schools collection at their national headquarters off Main Street near downtown Fort Worth.

“I truly enjoyed researching and sculpting this bust. Every sculpture is a challenge and each has its own way of expressing an individual’s personality,” Joe said.

He is currently working on a sculpture for the Dickinson Historical Society of Galveston County.

Life is a series of stuff. A lot of it is bad. But, a lot of it is good. Joe Silva is an example of good. And observing good people like him, who exude humility and use their God-given talents for the good of others, restores my soul.

A friend, who has lived eight decades, recently reminded me that life is a series of choices. By golly, I think she’s on to something. People like Joe, who make good choices about what to do with their time — such as educating our children and creating beautiful art dedicated to people who have made a difference — seem to be not only a choice, but the right choice.

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If you’re not getting hot, you’ve not been outside in Denton enjoying Thursday nights on the Square, shopping downtown or near the mall, or haven’t set foot outside your door. And you may need some tips to keep your cooling system in tune.

The city of Denton recently released some tips to help you.

During the hot summer months, the best way to save on energy and stay cool is to have your cooling system checked and tuned up annually.

Check the thermostat’s accuracy using a reliable thermometer. An inaccurate thermostat can increase cooling costs significantly.

You can also:

* Run ceiling fans in the down direction to keep the air circulating.

* Keep window shades or blinds closed during the day.

* When possible, locate your outdoor air conditioner on the north side of the house.

* Keep lamps and other heat-producing appliances away from your air conditioning thermostat.

* Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner.

PAM RAINEY is a Realtor with the Real T Team and Cami & Associates. Previously she was the development director for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Denton County and she currently serves on several local boards and as a community volunteer. You can reach her at rpmrny@cs.com regarding community news or call 940-367-1188.