Uncle Dave The Barber is officially in business following a Tuesday noon ribbon-cutting hosted by the Canadian/Hemphill County Chamber of Commerce. “Uncle Dave” is David Strickland, who moved to Canadian in the summer of 2021, and opened his shop at 911 S. 2nd St. (in the office of the former Texaco Station) on Dec. 15, 2021. Strickland bills himself as “the best male barber in Canadian,” and expressed his gratitude to all “for welcoming me into the community.” Uncle Dave’s is open Tuesday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 8 am to 12 noon, and closed every Sunday and Monday. You can give Uncle Dave a call at 479.883.4288. David and DeLynne (Dunn) Strickland (center) were joined for their grand opening Tuesday by Tony Capetillo (seated in the barber chair); Chamber employees Jackie McPherson and Cely McPherson; and holding each end of the ribbon, board members Michelle Schaef and Sherye Talley. PHOTO BY JAQUITA ADCOCK

I like to stock up when fresh cranberries are in season. They freeze well, and there are plenty of great recipes to enjoy them with. Here’s one from my “Taste of Home” cookbook. I know you will find it delightfully delicious. The cranberries offer bursts of tart flavor, but the cream cheese layer on top makes it sweet and rich. Your family and friends will thank you. TINA JAROSEK

One reason to travel is to discover how things are done all over again. My husband, Peter, and I are in Mexico, and I was thinking this as we stood, confounded, in front of the washing machine.

April Dillon, retiring after 24 years as Hemphill County head librarian, was honored at a reception on Jan. 28. Family and friends gathered in the library’s downstairs meeting room to enjoy cake and punch. Celebratory banners hung on the walls, and tables were decorated with vintage children’s books and fresh flowers. Gifts and a money tree adorned one table. County Judge George Briant spoke of Dillon’s longtime service to this community and praised her for her fiscal responsibility. He got a chuckle from the crowd when he said, “She spent every penny, but never went over her budget.” In a December interview, Dillon told The Record that she looks forward to working in the large garden she and her husband have, and to having the time to read. She will be succeeded in her role as head librarian by her longtime assistant Juana Garcia, who was offered the job following a December interview with county commissioners and with the recommendation of Dillon and others. Garcia assumed her new duties on Feb. 1.