Can’t wait to wait

By Deanna Brown

July 19, 2008 08:44 pm

— One thing it’s always fun to ask little kids is “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
It usually elicits a variety of responses, like “a fireman,” “a policeman,” “a ballerina,” “a bellydancer,” whatever.
I distinctly remember when I was a little girl wanting to be a waitress. At Pizza Hut. Yeah, my career choice was very specific, but hey, it was my favorite “restaurant.” Alas, my lofty goals were never realized ... until now (though not at Pizza Hut).
If you and the family are looking for a place to eat on Tuesday, July 29, why not try Napoli’s? For that night, from 5 to 9 p.m., the waitstaff will be comprised of local “celebrities.” The very talented and beautiful Zanada Tally will take a break from her performance of “Always ... Patsy Cline” in Palestine to serenade diners during the evening.
You can enjoy a great meal, help a wonderful cause, and vex people you may have waited years to torment. Or give them big tips — or both.
Yup, from 6 to 8 p.m. that evening, you can come by and tip yours truly very generously, because it’s all going to a great cause.
The Community Resource Council for the Corsicana Residential Treatment Center helps the kids ages 10 to 18 who reside in the facility for juvenile offenders. Many of these kids have been abused or neglected, and many have significant emotional problems. These kids are provided with shelter, food, clothing, counseling and education by the state. Anything extra comes from money raised by the Community Resource Council.
These extras can be something as simple as a birthday cake or small gift, or graduation gift, or travel money for family members to come visit their child. Right now, there are 140 youth at the Corsicana State Home. The council also serves as a liaison between the treatment center and the community.
So, say you take the family out for dinner once a week. Pick Tuesday night, July 29 between 5 and 9 p.m. at Napoli’s, and not only will you have a good time — your tips will all go to help these kids feel a bit more normal.
Be honest — if you had a chance to heckle (in a friendly way) Chief G.M. Cox, Judge Davenport, or say, someone like James Lagomarsino or Clay Beard as your waiter — would you pass it up?
I appreciate Gary Colburn including moi in the group of “celebrities” and asking me to participate. For a gal who has trouble looking around, walking and chewing gum at the same time — this could get really interesting. Hope he doesn’t expect me to wear heels ...
And of course, any opportunity to hear Zanada is not one to be missed. Hope to see you there!
***
A fond au revoir to the young lad, Chase Springer, who will soon depart for the Big Apple. I have so enjoyed getting to know this fine, creative young man over the months (gosh, over a year!) he’s been here at the Planet (as I affectionately refer to this joint) with us. We have been silly, giggled, guffawed, and just been downright stupid. We’ve also had serious moments, sad moments, and an occasional tiff.
I’m proud of this young man who will follow his dream to New York City. I expect great things from him.
God bless you, Chase, and don’t you dare forget us!
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Deanna Brown is a Daily Sun staff writer and editor of “exp ...” She may be reached by e-mail at deanna@corsicanadailysun.com. Her column appears on Sundays.

Photos

Deanna Brown