It was a proud Smithville moment at the Academy Awards when Hope Floats heroes Forest Whitaker and Sandra Bullock stood on the stage Sunday night with a picture taken during their filming in Smithville in the background for millions to see.

The irony of it all was that Sean Penn, who has also worked on a film production in Smithville, made the presentation. Not only are these three veterans of Smithville’s film friendly hospitality, they and those that have come after them, are helping to boost Smithville’s economic development.

Come out this Saturday, March 13 at 6 p.m. to the Gazebo and meet the newest cast and crew to bring their talents to our community. Natural Selection begins production in Smithville next week.

Please help us show our Smithville hospitality by being a part of our welcoming committee. Who knows, these folks could one day be standing on that very same stage.

Census

You’ve probably heard – more than once – that your 2010 Census forms will be coming to your home soon. It is very important to fill those forms out and mail them in. Every person counts.

Every person we can count actually means additional federal funds that our schools and city might qualify for during the next 10 years. Every person we can count makes a difference in what services might be coming to our community.  Every person just counts.

Please don’t cost our community dollars by not submitting the answers to the 10 simple questions. If you have questions about the census, please visit with a census counselor at city hall or the chamber.

Rally

It’s time for our annual Thunder on the Colorado Biker Rally. The dates are March 19-21. Three day wrist bands are available for $15. They can be purchased in advance at the chamber or at the ticket gate at Riverbend Park. Please check out the Web site www.ThunderOnTheColorado.com for the schedule of special events.

Two special events that you won’t want to miss are the Thunder Kick Off Mixer on Thursday, March 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Riverbend Park and the biker parade down Main Street on Friday, March 19 at 7 p.m.

Come down and greet our great visitors to town.

March Calendar

• 3/13 – Film kickoff party for “Natural Selection”  – 6 p.m. – Gazebo

• 3/15 – Deadline to get membership current in order to be included in the 2010 chamber directory. If you aren’t sure about your status, call the chamber office.

• 3/15 – 3/19 – Smithville I.S.D. spring break

• 3/16 – Smithville Music and Film Commission meeting – Pocket’s Grille – 10 a.m.

• 3/18 – Chamber Mixer – Thunder on the Colorado warm-up at Riverbend Park – Sponsored by TrustTexas bank – 5-7 p.m.

• 3/19 – Thunder On the Colorado Biker Parade – 7 p.m.

• 3/19-3/21 – Thunder on the Colorado – Riverbend Park – gates open at noon on Friday – park closes on Sunday at 1 p.m. – $15 three-day admission

• 3/23 – Keep Smithville Beautiful meeting – Pocket’s Grille – 4 p.m.

• 3/24 – City clean-up – 10 a.m. – meet at the Gazebo

• 3/27 – Neighborhood canvassing effort for census – Community Appreciation Concert – 5 p.m. – Gazebo