PET TALK

Top Left and right: Workers carefully remove part of the pipe organ earlier this year. Bottom Left: First Presbyterian's pipe organ is undergoing restoration work. (Photos courtesy of Lucas Strough)

From page 15 organ and its supporting structures, in the hope that it won’t need repairs for another 60 or 70 years.

“The damage has occurred over a period of years. It’s not just the damage from the storm,” she said.

“That just aggravated it. There have been small leaks like all old churches have over the years. Nothing bad, but it just took its toll over a period of years.”

The renovation is careful work, as the pipes and structures themselves are functional, providing music for the congregation, but they’re also historical works of art.

“There are components from 1935 to 1937,” Strunk said.

“This Aeolian-Skinner was finally finished in 1949. It’s highly trained technicians that do this (renovation work). Some of them are organists, some of them enjoy the technical aspect of it. They have to have a good ear because they have to tune them.”

The scale of the organ is immense, taking up a large portion of the building, and technicians could be seen working in three or four different rooms on a variety of tasks: carefully storing pipes and components to avoid damage, using hide glue and handiwork to execute delicate repairs, piece by piece.

“It’s hard for me to imagine how, when I depress a key, that stop sounds and that pipe sounds, because of all the wiring and all of the things that allow the air to come through the pipe and then shut it off when I take my finger off the key,” Strunk said.

First Presbyterian's pipe organ is undergoing restoration work. (Photo courtesy of Lucas Strough)

She explained the organ repairs were a multi-year project which began with repairs to the choir section about seven years ago. Now, in 2021, the church is moving ahead with Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the restoration plan to complete repairs intended to last for many decades.

Strunk estimates the bulk of the repairs could be completed by the end of September, but it’s hard to predict because of the size and scope of the project. Knowing she couldn’t promise a fully functional organ to concert organists taking part in the Pipe Organ Festival, she thinks Maycher’s decision to host the festival elsewhere was the best choice.

“I could not promise that this thing was going to be ready. You have to get the kinks out. The components are so complicated and there’s so much that can go wrong. You don’t want to get a concert organist here and have the organ go haywire. That’s what Lorenz decided to do, and I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Maycher announced in June that festival leadership had decided to move this year’s festival, set for Nov. 7-11, to New Orleans.

“We are all so eager to be with each other again and hear live organ recitals that we did not even consider postponing the in-person festival for another year. All of our artists are excited to be playing again, and we have a terrific lineup of performers, speakers, and instruments, including two important 'Perriola' Aeolian-Skinners in New Orleans and Laurel, Mississippi,” he said.

To learn more about East Texas Pipe Organ Festival and the organs and performers it features, visit www. easttexaspipeorganfestival.com.

OCTOBER 16, 2021 | 1-9 PM

BEER | MUSIC | FOOD

Kilgore’s premiere fall event welcomes you back with beer, music, food and plenty of chicken dancing.

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

KilgoreMainStreet.com

Grieving is a natural response to the heartbreak associated with the loss of a beloved pet. (Courtesy photo)

Grieving for a lost pet

can be a long process and is never easy, animal experts say

SPECIAL TO ETCETERA

The grief that comes with the loss of a loved one, including pets, is never easy.

However, with moderation and consistency, owners can ensure their pet reaches a healthy weight without discomfort.

Although some pet owners may feel uncomfortable mourning an animal, Michael Hawkins, a licensed professional counselor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, said that grieving is a natural response to the heartbreak associated with this kind of loss.

“Grief does not ask if the loss was a person or an animal,” Hawkins said. “A bond with an animal is no less impactful than a bond with a person. Sadness and grief are our ways to feel the weight of the loss, regardless of with whom the attachment was. It's never wrong to feel sadness over a significant loss.”

There are many coping strategies owners can use to make the grieving process less difficult, such as practicing self-care and seeking support from others.

“Mourning owners need to make sure that they are taking care of themselves,” Hawkins said. “Eating, sleeping and exercise are vital to the healing process. When needed, seek out the help of a grief counselor or a support group. Writing down feelings and staying connected with friends and loved ones is also very important.”

Mourning pet owners may also benefit from studying the grief process and the stages most people experience when dealing with loss — denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

“By understanding the stages of grief and loss, a person can recognize that what they are feeling is a normal part of grieving,” he said. “It's important to be kind and patient with oneself and treat oneself as you would a loved one.”

Similarly, if a friend or family member is grieving the loss of a pet, there are many ways to show support and provide comfort during their difficult time.

“When someone is grieving, many times, it is better to listen than to talk,” Hawkins said. “Empathetic listening without judgment can be healing for a person who is grieving. Also, grieving with them and just being physically present with them can be very healing.”

Even though a pet has died, it is still very much alive in its owner’s memory. Going through the right healing process will not only help pet owners with the pain of losing their beloved friend, but it will also set the stage for navigating loss with grace, empathy and resilience for the entire family.

903-988-4035

Need guidance before purchasing a firearm?

There are many factors to consider before you purchase. • Size: Every hand is different. Find the gun that fits your hand. • Caliber: Best selected in a discussion with a certified instructor. • Purpose: Is it going to be concealed? Will it be kept inside for a response to a intruder? • Phyical Ability: Can I load a magazine, or do I need a revolver? Can I clear a jam if under fire? • Reliability: The most reliable handgun you can own is a revolver

Call Today to Speak with Licensed Instructor SGT. Clark USMC (903) 988-4035

• Texas certified Texas LTC instructor • Texas certified active shooter in school instructor • NRA Instructor • Active Shooter in Church

Instructor • FFL Licensed Dealer and

Class 3 Dealer • United States Marines trained in Nuclear, Biological & Chemical warfare • Jungle, Cold weather,

Mountain and Desert

Warfare Training. Certified in assorted firearms and explosive devices • Riot control • Graduate of beginners, intermediate and advance levels of Texas Law

Enforcement • Served 7 years as reserve deputy at Gregg County

Texas. • Served with Marine

Detachment aboard USS

CONSTELLATION CV64 • Top Secret Clearance • Served as Body Guard for

Captain of Connie • NCOIC of Ships Brig • Served with Echo 2/1 1st

Marine Div. As Platoon

Sargeant, Platoon

Commander and Training

NCO