People talk 10B

Actress/author Somers gets her own star

LOS ANGELES -- Suzanne Somers, who played ditsy blond Chrissy Snow on the 1970s sitcom "Three's Company," now has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"And the nuns in Catholic school said I'd never get to heaven," Somers joked at the ceremony Friday. "This is heaven and I'm just floating in it."

Somers, 56, also is author of 10 books on weight loss and owns the ThighMaster line of fitness products. She attributed her success to hard work.

"If you believe in yourself, and you focus, and you're willing to work like a dog, you can make your dreams come true," she said.

Somers' star is near the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, site of the first Academy Awards ceremony. On hand to see Somers honored were singer Barry Manilow, entertainer Merv Griffin and CBS Television President Leslie Moonves.

Somers will tour in a one-woman show called "The Blonde in the Thunderbird" beginning in September.

Former president Bush helps honor teachers

CLAXTON, Ga. -- Jack Guy wanted somebody famous to hand out the first checks from a program he set up to honor outstanding teachers here in his hometown. So he phoned an old World War II buddy, George Bush.

The former president said he'd gladly oblige and even brought along former first lady Barbara Bush for Friday's ceremony.

Before 600 people crowded into the elementary school gym, Guy and the Bushes presented $2,500 checks to Teresa Eason, who teaches kindergarten, and special education teacher Erin Stone.

"When I think of all the good you all are doing, I have no doubt you are doing God's work right here on earth," Bush told the audience of mostly teachers. "And that makes all of you winners."

Guy, a former stock broker and financial consultant, established the awards program with $40,000 after hearing a speech by first lady Laura Bush.

-- From wire reports