The quest for a ring can get downright serious. J.R.R. Tolkien based an entire series of books on that premise but our local story is not quite as complex.

The day was Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 – a mild day by recent standards – when four members of the Lost Pines Treasure Hunters’ Club (a local metal detecting group) were exploring the area around Brown Primary School. The club members can attest that metal detecting outings will get them plenty of strange looks from folks driving by and occasionally a bold passerby will even pull over to ask questions about their hobby.

On this day, someone who is accustomed to pulling over to question people about out-of-the-ordinary activity just happened to drive by as the four women were canvassing the grounds with their machines.

Officer Luis Medrano of the Smithville Police Department had lost his 24k gold engraved wedding band in his yard back in October 2009 when he and his daughter were throwing out worms from their fishing trip that day. The ring was a size 11 and Officer Medrano had recently lost weight, resulting in a svelte size 10 finger. He had had trouble keeping his rings on his fingers, especially when his hands were wet.

Of course, he was devastated when he realized that the ring had slipped off his finger. He searched desperately for it  to no avail.  He recognized an opportunity to find that ring when he spotted the group at Brown Primary.

The detectorists, Michele Maher, Jonetta Rice, Jennifer Sitton and Susan Keys, followed Officer Medrano to the yard where he had last seen his ring go flying off his hand.

After digging up a few pull tabs and a couple of pennies around the yard, someone got a strong gold signal on their metal detector.

With only one small shovel of dirt turned over, out rolled Officer Medrano’s beautiful gold ring. Of course, he immediately called his wife to share the good news.

Officer Medrano offered a reward to the club but found no takers; the ladies were satisfied with the happy outcome of the story. They came along just in time as Officer Medrano moved out of that property the next day and would not have been able to continue his search.

He wishes to once again thank everyone who helped reunite him with his ring, and he is even interested in picking up metal detecting as a hobby himself.

Before he sets out on any other adventures, Officer Medrano says he will be investing in ring spacers!

ANOTHER QUEST FOR GOLD

My friend Tina Gould of Bastrop just returned from Whistler, Canada, where she had been since Feb. 12 to cheer for her cousin, United States Olympic skier Kaylin Richardson.

Kaylin was competing in her second Winter Games in the events of Super Combined, where she placed 17th and Downhill, where she placed 21st. Growing up in Minnesota, 25-year-old Kaylin began skiing at age 5 and began competing at age 9.

Her past accomplishments include bronze medalist in Downhill and Super G at the 1999 Rocky/Central J3 Junior Olympics; slalom champ and combined bronze in the J1-2 JOs in 2000; and on the U.S. Development Team with the 2001 season.

In 2004, she was the Swiss national junior slalom champion. Kaylin also was the NorAm slalom champion for three years, 2003-05 and in 2006 she added her first U.S. title, capturing the slalom gold medal.

Even though there were scheduling conflicts that moved some of the events, Tina had a wonderful time and said the weather and scenery were gorgeous. She was lucky enough to be accompanied by several family members that helped her celebrate her 40th birthday. She even returned from Canada in time to catch the snowfall here in Texas.

Congratulations to Kaylin for proudly representing the United States at the Vancouver 2010 Games and to Tina for getting to experience watching the Olympics in person.

WHO EARNED A TROPHY?

No sooner had the chamber doled out their awards at the annual chamber banquet Saturday night, than Mary Farrar of 1st ACT! Academy honored her young acting students with an “Akidemy Awards” ceremony on Sunday afternoon at her acting studio.

Mary’s childhood friend John Curtis Tomlinson dazzled the crowd with an original song about 1st ACT!, followed by the presentation of five trophies.

Winners included Rachel Cisneros with the “Ace of Trades” award, Netanya McKeown taking home the “Diamond in the Rough” award, Justin Dees earning “The Joker” award, Melody Nunley getting the “Queen of Arts” award and Reece McKeown being named the “King of Arts.” Mary also recognized her two new students in attendance, Nick Osborne and Chad Catron, with medals.

Presenters of the awards included Adena Lewis, Skeeter Sewart, Lenel Tamez, Marjorie Allen and Fran Hunter. The ceremony was followed by a pizza party.

LPAA presents

NEW SHOW

The Lost Pines Artisans Alliance’s new group show titled “Texas State of Mind” will be opening this Saturday, March 6. The Mary Nichols Art Center, 301 Burleson at Loop 230, will be open from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m., their regular Saturday hours.

The artist reception will be held on Friday, March 12 from 5-8 p.m. The public is invited to come meet the artists behind the exhibit, which honors all things Texas.

THINK “HOT” PINK

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 3 for the First Annual Body Burn Fun Run.

This 5k fun run/walk starts at 9 a.m. at Pocket’s Grille in Smithville. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will benefit breast cancer awareness.

This event in particular is dedicated to the memory of Beverly Bayer and in honor of those who continue their brave battles against cancer.

When participants cross the pink finish line back at Pocket’s Grille, they are invited to stay for the after-party featuring  fruit, mimosas, goodie bags, rockin’ music and massage chairs.

Registration can be completed online by visiting  www.bodyburnbymegan.com and clicking the pink button. The entry fees are $25 for adults and $10 for children under age 10 and includes a T-shirt and goodie bag; however, T-shirts and goodie bags are only guaranteed if registration is completed by March 15.

Registration will remain open until the morning of the race.

Bikes and strollers are welcome on the route. Participants should understand that this race is not being timed.

If anyone is interested in donating money, time or services, please let Megan know as soon as possible at 304-8171. All donations are appreciated. Let’s help kick cancer!

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Congratulations to Carol Snyder, Smithville’s 2009 Citizen of the Year. I love to see the reaction of all those worthy Citizen of the Year recipients when they realize they’ve been chosen.

Kudos to Adena Lewis and the Citizen of the Year committee for keeping the tradition of secrecy alive and well.