Day Use And Camping Fees Waived For Service Personnel On R&R From Iraq

Littlefield Named Paris District Engineer

Bobby G. Littlefield, Jr., P.E. has been named the Paris district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) effective December 1. The Paris District includes Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rains, and Red River Counties. A total of 368 employees work within the district. Littlefield fills the position held by James G. Freeman, P.E., who retired on August 31.

Littlefield is TxDOT’s 2003 Dewitt C. Greer award winner and currently serves as the Sherman area engineer in the Paris District. Numerous mobility and safety improvements have been accomplished during Littlefield’s tenure in Sherman, including the near-completion of relocated US 82 and the replacement of a historic truss bridge over the Red River in Grayson County. He also oversaw implementation of the first "Super 2" design sections in the Paris District, which added intermittent passing lanes on SH 121 in Fannin County to relieve commuter congestion. He is currently managing the complete reconstruction of US 75 in southern Grayson County, which at $46.5 million, is the largest contract ever awarded in the Paris District.

Littlefield was born in Dallas and grew up in Sulphur Springs. He has worked exclusively in the Paris District during his 19-year career at TxDOT, beginning in June 1984 as an engineering assistant in the Sulphur Springs area office where he was promoted in May 1989 to assistant resident engineer. In December 1993, Littlefield was selected for his current position of Sherman area engineer. His skill at cultivating effective partnerships between local transportation leaders has led to the replacement of some 50 deteriorated bridges throughout the district. Under his guidance, cooperative relationships forged among these leaders have resulted in successful projects to construct or reconstruct eight city streets. In addition, Littlefield’s strong commitment to the environment and active participation in the Adopt-a-Highway program has led to recognition of his office by TxDOT’s environmental division and Keep Texas Beautiful.

Littlefield is a 1984 civil engineering graduate of Texas A&M University. Active in his community, he is a member and past-president of the Grayson County Rotary Club, an Austin College Leadership Institute mentor, and is associated with several local beautification commissions. Littlefield and his family are active members of First United Methodist Church in Sherman and he currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. An Eagle Scout, he also enjoys his continued involvement with Boy Scouts as the Scoutmaster of Troop 15 in Sherman. Littlefield’s wife, Theresa, is an elementary school counselor with Sherman ISD. They have two children, Patrick, 15, and Melanie, 13.

Troopers Make Record Cash Seizure

DPS troopers seized $5.3 million during a traffic stop in Jim Wells County.

The seizure is the largest ever during a DPS traffic stop, topping a $3.2 million cash seizure in November 2002 in San Patricio County.

Two Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers pulled over the 18-wheeler for a routine commercial vehicle inspection about 5 p.m. Wednesday 11 miles north of Alice. The truck was southbound on U.S. 281.

The occupants in the truck lacked proper paperwork and gave conflicting stories. During an inspection of the cargo area, troopers discovered 11 boxes filled with cash, mixed in with boxes of frozen dinner rolls. One man was arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

The money was transported to Austin and the counting process continued until Thursday evening.

"This is one heck of a bust," said DPS Director Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr. "We train our troopers to look for illegal activity during traffic stops and this is just another example of that training paying big dividends."

TxDOT Paris District Rewarded For Excellence In Safety

Districts that reduce the number of claims and the amount of money spent on those claims are rewarded with a cash award that is placed into the district’s operating budget. The program’s contest year runs from May 1 to April 30. For the latest year, the recipients were:

• First Place---Corpus Christi District----$400,000

• Second Place---San Angelo District---$200,000

• Third Place---Lufkin District-------------$150,000

• Fourth Place---Yoakum District-------------$125,000

• Fifth Place---Odessa District-------------$ 75,000

• Sixth Place---Paris District-------------$ 50,000

This money may be used by the district to purchase needed equipment, vehicles, etc. Bobby Graves, safety officer for the Paris District stated, "All district employees share in the credit for this award. Their hard work and attention to safety gave us the edge needed to earn this honor. Hopefully we can continue to improve our safety record."

The $50,000 check was presented on October 13, 2003 at the Annual Transportation Short Course in College Station. This is the second time that the Paris District has been awarded a safety bonus.

Mental Health Mental Retardation Services Of Texoma Honors Volunteers

Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma honored and recognized volunteers from Fannin, Cooke, and Grayson counties recently in Sherman at the Covenant Presbyterian Church. Jackie Mitchell of Sherman and Betty Minyard of Denison were presented the Star Certificates of Recognition from the Texas Department of MHMR.

"Minyard and Mitchell are dedicated advocates for persons with mental disabilities. Both of them have been members of NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) for many years. These two women have given unselfishly and tirelessly to improve the lives of others. Only they know what they have done. I only know a small portion of what they have given," states Paula Cawthon, MHMRST Community Relations Director.

Mitchell has volunteered since 1996. She began her volunteer work as a member of the Advisory and Planning Committee. Betty Minyard has served as a volunteer since 1994 as a member of the Human Rights Committee. Both have served on the Volunteer Services Council and helped with the Destination Dignity Celebration and many other special activities. Other volunteers receiving special awards were Harold Wright, Sherman, Volunteer of the Year, Wanda Sherman, Gainesville, Cooke County #1 Volunteer, John Hoelzell, Ivanhoe, Fannin County #1 Volunteer, and Kate Whitfield, Sherman, #1 WHO Volunteer.

Special recognition was given to donors: AMVETS-Sherman, Billie Mosse Lodge-Denison, Chi Lambda Sorority-Bonham, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Darling-Fort Worth, Denison Community Foundation, Denison Service League, First Presbyterian Church- Denison, Glaser Foundation-Ector, Kiwanis Club-Muenster, KLAKE, KATY Country and KMAD –Denison, Kroger-Sherman, Kroger Share Cards, Regensburger Foundation-Denison, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Sedalia Baptist Church, Sherman Service League-Sherman, Sons of AMVETS-Sherman, Wal-Mart Foundation-Bentonville, AR, Walton Family Foundation-Bentonville, AR, York Children’s Foundation, and Wise Funeral Home-Bonham.

The theme for the dinner was Volunteers: Treasures for All Seasons. Entertainment was provided by Cody and Callie Maxwell from Dodd City.

Over 100 volunteers were recognized for donating almost 6,000 hours during the 2002-2003 fiscal year. Volunteers serve in many capacities such as the Board of Trustees, committees members, officers for the non-profit organization, plan and conduct events, fund-raise, work one on one with clients, teach classes, student internships, clerical, provide professional services, and present the We Help Ourselves (WHO) in local schools.

Fannin County volunteers are John Hoelzel, Betty and Don Boone, Theresa Hightower, Denise Sanderson, Alice Jones, Joan Hinds, Teala Baker, Pamela Jaimes, John McKelva, Carol Pillars, Christie Sadler, Tammy Shaw, Jan Snow, and Becky Williams.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Paula Cawthon at 903-337-4865.

Interim Charges Capitol Watch #45

This week’s column (Nov. 21, 2003) continues an overview of some interim charges of interest which House committees have been assigned by the Speaker of the House to study during the interim, the period of time between regular legislative sessions. The committees will hold public hearings on these issues and formulate proposals for consideration during the next regular legislative session based on their studies.
The Select Committee on State Health Care Expenditures is a special committee created this year to focus on matters pertaining to state expenditures as a purchaser or provider of health care services. During the interim, the committee’s assignment includes charges to:
• Study the effects of "crowd out" in the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid Program to determine accurate data and to ascertain if additional policy changes are needed to prevent "crowd out" of private insurance and escalating public insurance costs.
• Study current consumer-directed care models that are in use by the state and look at other states’ consumer-directed care models that may benefit Texas in areas such as long-term health care and chronic health care. Place emphasis on the Program of All-Inclusive Care For the Elderly model to ascertain its true potential for both cost-effectiveness and improved health outcomes. Identify barriers to the model’s expansion in Texas.
• Continue to identify and seek new models for the provision of health care benefits within the Employee Retirement System and the Teacher Retirement System.

The House Committee on Human Services has been issued interim charges including the following:
• Study ways to increase the adoption of special-needs children through efficiency in the Adoption Assistance Program.
• Study the incident of abuse and neglect of individuals receiving services in community care settings. The committee will evaluate the effectiveness of procedures to prevent abuse and neglect, methods to streamline reporting and investigations and the adequacy of available enforcement mechanisms.
• Assess the effectiveness of new marriage promotion initiatives in the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) program.
• Monitor congressional re-authorization of TANF and child care programs and the impact of federal policy changes on Texas’ welfare reform efforts.
• Monitor the implementation of HB 669, 78th Legislature, which mandates police presence with Child Protective Services workers during priority calls. The study should include, at minimum, the impact on victims, parent cooperation and local law enforcement availability.

You can view a complete list of the charges for these and all other committees at www.house.state.tx.us. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I would like to wish you and yours a blessed holiday season.

Forget Sugar Plums - Try Visions Of Raisins And Parmesan Cheese

Food is always a popular gift at holiday time, but those gifts don’t have to be unhealthy.

"Instead of cheese balls, sausage sticks and gallons of alcohol, why not give great-tasting food gifts that also offer the gift of health," said Joan Carter, instructor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

According to Carter, a dietitian at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor, a simple trip to the grocery store could take care of a lot of people on your list.

She offers these suggestions:

* The Mediterranean Cook: Line an inexpensive colander with a red-checked napkin. Fill with whole-wheat pasta, a jar of marinara sauce, an ounce of dried mushrooms, a wedge of Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, a nice olive oil and perhaps a bottle of red wine.

* The Healthy Baker: Use a baking pan, mixing bowl or muffin tin as the container. Add a package of whole-wheat flour, some raisins, and walnuts. To complete the gift, include a recipe card for your favorite muffins and a grocery store gift certificate for the milk and eggs likely called for in the recipe.

* The Sweet Taste of Health: Fill an attractive candy dish with small, individually wrapped blocks of rich dark chocolate or apricots dipped in dark chocolate, some whole-wheat sweet biscuits or cookies made with wheat flour, and a tin of your favorite green tea.

"With a little imagination and a trip to the grocery store, you can give a creative food gift that is not overloaded with high-fat, high-calorie foods," said Carter. "The baskets can be personalized to fit individual tastes to make them special, thoughtful gifts."

Golden Gospel Jubilee

The Annual Golden Gospel Jubilee will be this Friday night, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down, located 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area east of the spillway on CR 2610, Bonham, TX. Doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the talented Bluegrass Gospelers. Featuring: Randy Keister, Don Sharp, Glen Clark, Mike Stroud, Jack Marshall, Country Roger Hooper and Gary Monroe, plus other guests. Our scheduled special guest and always back by popular demand will be the multi talented Christmas Tree Farm Band. Featuring: Larry Burnside from College Station, TX, and his friends from all over Texas. Larry and his band are no strangers here at the Hoe-Down. They are only here at this time of year and they are an annual attraction here at the Hoe-Down, with their special edition of Bluegrass music. If you are a fan of Gospel and down right good Bluegrass music, you won’t want to miss this show. It is always a special treat when Larry and the boys are back in town.

Everyone is invited and welcome. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to you all for your support. God bless you. For information call 903-583-4731 or 903-583-5710.

Ector High School Employee Of The Week

We at Ector ISD would like to congratulate Rhonda Holmes as our Ector High School Employee of the week for Dec. 1-4. Mrs. Holmes is currently teaching Science 7th -12th and has been with us for 11years. When not at school she loves to watch her daughters play sports. She is married to her wonderful husband Scotty and has three wonderful daughters Heather, Kassidy, and Skyler. What she likes best about working at Ector is the people I work with and the great students. Thank you for all you do!

Hometown Military News

Marine Corps Sgt. Darrell W. Roberts, son of Donna M. Stiener of Trenton, Texas, is currently on deployment while assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), home based in Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Members of Roberts unit recently completed operations in Iraq. The MEU conducted more than 300 patrols in Southern Iraq including 50 by the MEU’s boat company. Roberts’ unit also trained local police in the setup of security checkpoints, confiscated weapons and destroyed more then 2,000 rounds of ordnance, much of which was found near villages and playgrounds.

Roberts’ unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment. MEUs are composed of more than 2,000 personnel and are divided into an infantry battalion, aircraft squadron, support group and command element. With this combination, Roberts’ unit supplies and sustains itself for either quick mission accomplishment or clearing the way for follow-on forces.

Roberts is a 1999 graduate of Trenton High School of Trenton, Texas and joined the Marine Corps in July 1999. For more information on the deployment and high resolution photographs please visit the 13th MEU web site at http://www.13meu.usmc.mil.

Navy Seaman Recruit Michael N. Taylor, son of Sherri M. Bell of Honey Grove, Texas and Michael S. Taylor of Honey Grove, Texas, recently reported for duty with Naval Station Security Detachment, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Taylor is a 2002 graduate of Honey Grove High School of Honey Grove, Texas and joined the Navy in June 2002.

Annual Crèche (Nativity) Exhibit Set For December 5 & 6

Bonham, Texas: "Join us in welcoming the Christmas season through worldwide artistic portrayals of the birth of Jesus Christ," states the invitation to Bonham Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ first annual Crèche (Nativity) Exhibit being held December 5^th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and December 6^th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Whether called the French crèche, the Italian presipio, the German krippe, the Spanish nacimiento, or the English crib, the depiction of the nativity scene is one of the oldest and most beloved of Christmas traditions. Held at the Bonham Chapel (1540 S. Hwy. 78, 2 miles south of the Bonham Square) the exhibition offers a wide assortment of crèches created from a multitude of materials, and a variety of artistic interpretations and representations of nativities from around the world.

"The tradition of a crèche exhibit was started in McKinney in 1998 to help begin the Christmas Season with a reminder of what the season truly celebrates," stated crèche chairman Myrna St.George. "We’ve wanted to bring it ‘closer to home’ for the last several years, and this year, with the completion of our new building, we have the opportunity to do so. We expect to have over 200 nativity sets on display from over 20 countries. Each year there are always new sets as crèche collectors are constantly adding to their collections. This year one exhibitor is including her recently inherited collection of 11 Frankoma™ plates, each depicting a Biblical scene from the nativity story. Other collectors will display sets from their recent travels to Spain, England and France. The crèches come in all sizes and shapes from the tiniest of miniatures, to yard displays."

"Over 2,000 people viewed last year’s exhibit in McKinney," continued St.George. "Watching the delight in the visitor’s faces (both young and old), and listening to their comments as they walk through the exhibit and discover a unique crèche is a rewarding experience to the many volunteers who assist with the event every year. People stand in front of the live nativity and debate ‘are they real?’ Children are especially intrigued by it and stand in awe of the scene. Others marvel at the many variations of one simple scene."

In addition to the Crèche exhibit, a Christmas Concert will be presented Friday, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church’s chapel. Following the performance, the exhibit will remain open until 9:00 p.m..

Everyone is invited, and the exhibit and concert are free. For more information on the exhibit, you may call 903-989-2933 or 214-728-9814.

Tag & Label Christmas Drive

"It’s time once again to help those in need when they need it the most. This year we have chosen to help the Fannin County Family Crisis Center," says a spokesperson with Ennis Tag & Label in Wolfe City.

SPECIAL NEEDS: Peanut Butter, Toiletries, Syrup, Crackers, Diapers (The smaller sizes are needed but also sizes 5 & 6), Formula, Pasta, Powdered Milk, Canned Meats, and Dried Beans. Unwrapped Toys for all ages - Please don’t forget the teenagers. These items can be brought to Ennis Tag Comp at any time but all donations need to be brought before

December 15th.

We have planned three events in which to raise money: December 6 - Bake Sale 9:00 til ? - We will be set up in front of the Main Street Cafe in Wolfe City, Saturday Dec. 6th, so all donations need to brought there by 9:00 am. Sign-up sheets are in the Tag Office and Comp area, if you’d like to donate a cake, pie, candy or cookies please sign a sheet or just bring Saturday morning by 9:00. All proceeds from this will be donated to the Crisis Center.

December 12 - Spaghetti Supper - At the Main Street Café in Wolfe City from 5:00pm - 8:00pm, $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children. Tickets must be purchased at the door. Volunteers from Comp will be serving. Tips and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Crisis Center. Please bring your families and show them the meaning of Christmas by helping those in need.

December 13 - Rummage Sale 8:00am til 4:00pm Trish Smith has generously volunteered her home to host a rummage sale. All donations must be brought to Tag (please take to the front break area) on Friday the 12th or taken to Trishs Sat. morning at 113 West 10th in Bonham. See Trish or Sherry Anderson for more info or to volunteer to help with the sale.

Cash donations will be accepted from now till the morning of December 15th when everything will be taken to the Crisis Center. See Sherry Anderson about cash donations. There will be a running total posted at the time clock.

PLEASE HELP US MAKE THIS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL DRIVE EVER...

Protecting Seniors From Financial Exploitation

By Greg Abbott

Attorney General Of Texas

Protecting the elderly is a top priority for my administration. Our agency is responsible for enforcing nursing home standards and for investigating and prosecuting Medicaid fraud. But as many of you know, senior Texans also need our support and protection in the area of financial exploitation.

Financial exploitation comes in many forms, ranging from employees, caregivers, and even family members who take money and property from the elderly without permission, to conartists who wheedle and trick financial information, checks, and cold cash from trusting or confused seniors.

We tell seniors over and over that it ais okay to hang up on telemarketers announcing prizes and lottery winnings and special opportunities available "today only." If you know a senior Texan who has just won a foreign lottery, please show him or her this column. Foreign lotteries are well known scams, and they rob many thousands of people of their life savings every year.

This month, we will be recognizing a number of individuals who have made an outstanding effort to protect senior Texans from financial exploitation. They are bank tellers who were alert enough to notice when elderly customers began to make withdrawals in a pattern that signaled possible financial abuse. These tellers, like many banking professionals, were aware of the telltale signs of financial abuse and exploitation. They not only spotted the abuse, but then went the extra mile, helping their customers to change their account numbers, credit card and PIN numbers, and even their phone numbers, in order to secure their accounts from unscrupulous telemarketers.

We ask tellers to look out for elderly customers who seem confused, or who are accompanied by other persons who may be exerting pressure or undue influence. It is not unheard of for cons to accost an elderly person in a bank parking lot, and use threats to make the customer withdraw cash. You, too, can help seniors in your community if you are aware of some of the signs of financial exploitation. You should be concerned if a senior who was previously financially secure begins to make unusual withdrawals, talks about "investments" that sound unrealistically profitable, or seems to be granting unusual access or control to another person in suspicious circumstances.

Isolation increases a senior’s risk of being financially exploited or abused. Those who exploit seniors are only too happy to offer advice about everything from investments and financial management to home repairs. We urge seniors to seek advice from an uninvolved relative, clergyman, or professional before entering into agreements or financial transactions.

We warn seniors to trust only a second opinion of their own choice. Too often, con artists have accomplices who are standing by to offer "legal advice" or "financial consulting" services. The accomplices may pose as lawyers, bankers, CPAs, or even government agents.

You can help the seniors in your community by reaching out and including them in community, neighborhood, or church events. You can report suspected financial abuse or exploitation to Adult Protective Services at (800) 252-5400.

POINTS TO REMEMBER FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION

Tips for seniors:

• Keep your checkbook and credit cards in a safe place

• Do not endorse checks until you are at the bank, ready to make your

deposit

• Never sign a blank check or a contract with blank spaces

• Never lend your identification, credit cards, or checks to another person

• Get rid of credit cards and ATM cards that you don’t use

• Never sign anything, pay anything, or enter an agreement, if you do not

fully understand the transaction

• HANG UP on telemarketers who want your financial information, or who will

not take "no" for an answer

• When you seek advice or assistance with financial matters, make your own choice about whom to consult

• Provide financial information over the phone only if YOU looked up the

number and placed the call

Call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-252-9240 to find out what kinds of activities and services may be available to you in your community.

Information on this and other topics is available on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

Make Sure Your Children Know You Care This Holiday Season

By Greg Abbott

Attorney General of Texas

Anyone who has ever purchased a Christmas gift or hosted a big holiday meal knows the value of a dollar at this time of year. Many single parents know this dilemma all too well, especially if they depend on regular child support payments to make ends meet each month.

Child support enables parents to put a roof over their children’s heads, clothes on their backs, and food on the table. During the holidays, these challenges are compounded as parents also try to put gifts under the tree or gas in their car for a long trip to grandma’s house. That’s why I am giving parents this special reminder to pay their child support.

To those parents who regularly pay their child support in full and on time, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your faithfulness will reap great rewards as you help your children remember the holidays as a time of provision rather than hardship.

I know that sometimes circumstances arise, such as losing a job, that make it difficult to meet one’s child support obligation. For parents who are in a situation like this, I encourage you to contact my office so we can work together to determine a course of action. As an additional service, my office partners with the Texas Workforce Commission and workforce development boards across the state to help low-income parents find good-paying jobs so they can meet their child support obligations.

Ultimately, what children need most is to know their parents care about them. For unmarried parents, this begins with establishing paternity. When paternity is established, a child has a legal connection to his or her father that protects the child’s access to a whole range of benefits fathers can provide, starting with having dad’s name on the birth certificate. Through the Paternity Opportunity Program, my office trains and certifies employees of hospitals and birthing centers to assist parents with the process of acknowledging paternity just after their child’s birth. We can also facilitate DNA tests to scientifically and legally establish fatherhood.

As children grow up, my office also encourages their parents to stay involved in their lives beyond paying child support. For example, we are part of the Tarrant County Fatherhood Coalition, a collaboration of more than 20 agencies and organizations seeking to strengthen the role of fathers and families in the lives of their children. We also help parents who are having trouble getting the access to their children that they desire. My office just administered nearly $500,000 in federal grants to 23 groups across Texas who facilitate parents’ access to and visitation with their children.

Kids will remember forever what happens during this holiday season. Please, help make those memories good ones by being there for them and paying your child support.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

CHILD SUPPORT & THE HOLIDAYS

This week’s column is the fourth in a series of columns discussing selected interim charges for committees of the Texas House of Representatives. Committees will soon start meeting and discussing their interim studies in order to make recommendations for legislation during the next regular legislative session.
The House Committee on State Cultural and Recreational Resources has been given a number of charges that are especially pertinent to our area due to assets such as Lake Texoma, the Sam Rayburn House and Library, several Main Street Cities and a number of other resources. The committee’s charges include:
• Actively study the rules, regulations and statutes which govern Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the department’s responsibilities.
• Review, for the purpose of safety, the discharges of fire arms for hunting and recreational shooting in our state-owned river beds.
• Review the missions and goals of the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and consider possible consolidation.
• Research heritage, cultural, recreational and historical tourism programs the state is involved in and explore new ways to promote and improve tourism in the state.
• Research the regulation and control of scenic by-ways and billboards.
The House Committee on Transportation, after working on and passing what has been referred to as the most comprehensive transportation legislation in the state’s history last session, will soon begin meeting to discuss the following interim charges:
• Review transportation best practices in other states to determine possible improvements in administration, operations, delivery of projects, and improving overall efficiency of the Department of Transportation.
• Review and study all existing legislation affecting the development of transportation infrastructure in areas adjacent to the Texas-Mexico border.
• Actively monitor and review Texas Department of Transportation’s rulemaking, promulgation of policies and procedures, implementation of programs, and other activities related to the implementation of HB 3588 from the 78th Legislature.
• Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction, including identifying possible ways to merge or streamline agency functions to produce long term financial benefit to the State and better efficiency of the agencies.
You can view a complete list of the charges for these and all other committees at www.house.state.tx.us.

Taxpayers Must Update Addresses By Dec. 5 To Receive Child Credit Checks This Year

WASHINGTON - IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson reminded taxpayers they have until Dec. 5 to claim undelivered checks from this summer’s advance child tax credit. After the December cut-off, taxpayers cannot claim the money until they file their tax returns next year.

"Time is running out to get an advance credit check," Everson said. "I encourage taxpayers to visit IRS.gov to see if they have an undelivered check from the advance child tax credit mail-out."

Taxpayers need to update their addresses with the IRS by Dec. 5 so their checks, which total more than $50 million, can be reissued. Taxpayers who miss the cutoff won’t miss their child tax credit, however, they simply claim the credit when they complete their 2003 tax return.

"Our Web site makes it easy for taxpayers to track undelivered checks," Everson said. "Our goal is to get this money back in the hands of the people it belongs to, and we want to get the checks out as soon as possible."

IRS.gov gives taxpayers a way to track their advance child tax credit by using "Where’s My Advance Child Tax Credit?" available through the IRS home page. Taxpayers enter information including their Social Security number, their filing status (such as single or married filing jointly) and the number of exemptions shown on their 2002 tax return.

"All we need is a good address," Everson said. "As soon as we get the correct address we can start the check on its way. I urge taxpayers to act before Dec. 5 for the advance payments so we can reissue the checks before the end of the year."

Taxpayers without access to the Internet who think they may be missing an advance child tax credit check should first check their records or contact their tax preparer before calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to update their address before Dec. 5. Taxpayers who have moved since filing their last tax return can ensure the IRS has their correct address by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS. Download the form or request it by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

Related Items: "Where’s My Refund?" -- http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html;

"Where’s My Advance Child Tax Credit?" -- http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=111546,00.html; Form 8822, Change of Address -- http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf

Bonham ISD Menu For December

Breakfast: Cheese Toast, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Fresh Pears. Lunch: Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Vegetable Soup, Pickle Spears, Peaches, Frozen Fruit Bar, Salad Dressing.

Breakfast: Blueberry Muffin, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Orange Smiles. Lunch: Steak Fingers, Yummy Hot Rolls, Mashed Potatoes, Country Gravy, Green Beans, Gelatin Desserts.

Breakfast: Ham, Egg, Cheese, Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Pineapple Chunks. Lunch: Sausage Pizza, Tossed Salad, Ranch Dressing, Corn, Pineapple Chunks, Chilled Pudding.

Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Rosy Applesauce. Lunch: Chili, Pinto Beans, Apricots, Carrot Sticks, Ranch Dressing, Crackers, Picante Sauce.

Breakfast: Glazed Donuts, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Pears. Lunch: Hamburger, Cheeseburger, French Fries, Burger Salad, Assorted Fresh Fruit, Pears, Wacky Brownie, Salad Dressing.

Breakfast: Waffles w/Syrup, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Apple Wedges. Lunch: Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Vegetable Soup, Crackers, Pickle Spears, Apple Wedges, Pears, Blonde Brownie.

Breakfast: Cinnamon Toast, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Fruit Cocktail, Canned. Lunch: Chicken Rings, Yummy Hot Rolls, Mashed Potatoes, Country Gravy, Green Beans, Mixed Fruit, Gelatin Desserts.

Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito, Buttered Toast, Breakfast Cereal, Pears. Lunch: Sausage Pizza, Tossed Salad, Ranch Dressing, Frozen Sweet Peaches, Pears, Wacky Cake.

Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Pineapple Chunks. Lunch: Nachos with Ground Beef, Tossed Salad, Pinto Beans, Pineapple Chunks, Fruit Crisp, Picante Sauce, Salad Dressing.

Breakfast: Biscuits, Country Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Bananas. Lunch: Ham, Fruit Salad, Mashed Potatoes, English Peas, Rolls (yeast), Milk - Variety, Pecan Pie.

Breakfast: Pop Tart, Cinnamon Sugar, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Orange Smiles. Lunch: Chicken Rings, Yummy Hot Rolls, Tater Tots, Country Gravy, California Vegetables, Peaches.

Breakfast: Breakfast Bagel, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Peaches. Lunch: Vegetable Beef Soup, Crackers, Pimento Cheese Sandwich, Potato Chips, Pickle Spears, Apricots, Assorted Ice Cream, Milk - Variety.

Breakfast: Sausage on Stick, Syrup, Pancake, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Fruit Cocktail, Canned. Lunch: Fish Nuggets, Cornbread - High School, Black Eyed Peas, Macaroni and Cheese, Chilled Pears.

Breakfast: Sausage and Biscuit, Country Gravy, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Peaches. Lunch: Turkey Club Wrap, French Fries, Assorted Fresh Fruit, Pickle Spears, Peanut Butter Cookies, Ranch Dressing.

Breakfast: Biscuit and Sausage, Breakfast Cereal, Buttered Toast, Apple Wedges. Lunch: Hamburger, Burger Salad, Potato Chips, Frozen Juice Bars, Apple Wedges, Milk - Variety, Salad Dressing

December 22 Through December 31 HOLIDAY

Milk and Juice Served with all meals.

Local Red Cross Volunteers Spent Thanksgiving In Houston

Four Texoma Area Red Cross disaster volunteers spent Thanksgiving in the Houston area this year assisting victims of the recent floods in Southeast Texas.

Volunteers, from left, are Jackie Dussetschleger, Telephone; Jack and Earlene Taylor, Sherman; Sam Mmaitsi, Gainesville.

Habitat For Humanity Of Fannin County

Habitat for Humanity of Fannin County, Inc. is now accepting Mortgage Counseling Questionnaires for the purpose of determining financial eligibility for potential homeowners. Questionnaires should be returned by December 10, 2003 for consideration in the current application cycle.

Questionnaires are available on the Habitat website, www.fanninhabitat.org, or may be picked up at Moss & Cox, 518 North Main, Bonham, Texas; Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce, 110 West First Street, Bonham, Texas; First Presbyterian Church, 818 N. Main, Bonham, Texas; B&B Grocery, Leonard, Texas; Whitewright Library, Whitewright, Texas. Requests for questionnaire forms may also be mailed to P.O. Box 125, Bonham, TX 75418-0125, or emailed to info@fanninhabitat.org.

Commissioners Adopt Fee Plan; New County Auditor Introduced At Meeting

By Paul Berryhill

Commissioners discussed splitting the $15 fee equally between the Fannin County Crisis Center and the Children’s Center, but further discussed that it might be good to prorate the percentage of the fee depending on the numbers of families or people aided by the organizations. In the end they officially adopted the fee and how it is to be split will be decided at the next meeting.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Dewayne Strickland received a plaque from the City of Honey Grove in appreciation for interlocal agreements between Fannin County and Honey Grove.

By Paul Berryhill

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We’re now into the holidays now …officially. Boomer, our Yorkie son, has his own Christmas tree right beside our bigger one. He’s got chew bones and treats wrapped up to give to his family. -------- Kirsten Bryan, Nancy Rushing and Sandi Berryhill served up some holiday "eats and treats" at Beach Front Tans last week for their customers and friends. -------- Thanks to Joe Henry Allstate Insurance for giving a great holiday beverage mug filled with chocolate candy for everyone who attended the Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting at his office recently. -------- The Bonham High School Class of 1971 was well represented at the Bonham Academic Excellence Awards ceremony. Dr. Jerry Hopson announced names of award recipients and Allen Sanderson gave the closing remarks. -------- Speaking of the Hopsons … Morgan Hopson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Hopson, placed fourth in Regional Punt, Pass and Kick competition at Texas Stadium in Irving on Sunday, Nov. 23^rd. Congratulations, Morgan! Undoubtedly, if it had been "Punt, Pass, Kick and Violin" competition, Morgan would have won by a landslide! -------- Thanks to Debbie Freeman for calling in with a "news tip." -------- County Commissioner Pat Hilliard presided over last Monday’s Commissioner Court meeting in the absence of County Judge Derrell Hall. He did a good job … the meeting was over in 18 minutes. -------- We’ve had a couple of visitors on our front porch the last couple of nights. Seems a couple of ‘possums like eating cat food. From the looks of them, they’ve been eating quite well this year. --------- Buddy Morris, Ronnie Welch and all the mail carriers bundled up and braved the cold last week as they went about their duties. -------- After a tremendous volleyball season, the Bonham Lady Warriors are off and running as they are undefeated in basketball as the season has gotten underway. -------- Speaking of the holidays … we all have memories of wonderful family traditions and thoughts of Christmas in years past. I will never forget what one family did in Gladewater, Texas. The Jack Earp family (Jack, Mary and their three teenage daughters and one older son) did something a little different one year. The family, like so many other families, really did not "need" anything – so to speak. They made a decision as a family, to find a needy family and instead of buying each other gifts, they would take the money and buy Christmas gifts for the needy family. One of the teenage daughters was in my Sunday School class and told us about it. The family had agreed not to "publicize" what they did as they didn’t want any accolades for it. Their daughter said she wanted to share the story because it was the "very best Christmas" she had ever had and encouraged other families to consider doing the same thing.

Lady Warriors Dominate

All-District Volleyball

The Bonham Lady Warriors volleyball team dominated the 2003 All-District 10-3A selections. Senior Jami Hill was named Most Valuable Player and Senior Lauren Bethel was selected as MVP Setter. Lady Warrior Coach Robyn Hill was named Coach of the Year.

First Team All District selections included Lady Warriors - Tiffany Traina and Whitney Landers.

Kara Stroud, Crystal Glaser and Tristen Robertson were named to the second team.

The Lady Warriors will lose a number of players to graduation before the 2004 campaign gets started, but never fear - the freshman and junior varsity teams both went undefeated in district play this year.

Bonham has won 36 varsity district games in a row over the last three years.

Bois ‘d Arc 4-H Food Drive Benefits Crisis Center

The Fannin County Family Crisis Center received a welcomed donation of food as a result of the efforts of the Bois ‘d Arc 4-H Club with the cooperation of Bonham Chrysler and Wal-Mart. Boxes were placed at both businesses and in a week’s time enough food was collected to aid a number of families this holiday season. Pictured above, seated front are Amber Wilbanks, secretary of the 4-H club and Alicia Wilbanks, treasurer; Standing left to right are: Pamela Jaimes, Becky Williams and Debbie Freeman of the Crisis Center, Brandi Alexander, President of Bois ‘d Arc 4-H, Dustin Pfaff, vice-president, Dori Leatherwood of the Crisis Center and Terri Alexander 4-H Club Manager. Thank you to all who donated food and for the assistance of Bonham Chrysler and Wal-Mart.

The Credit Union at the Bonham VA Center is selling raffle tickets for a radio-controlled Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycle. Above, Windy Thompson shows off the motorcycle which is on display in the lobby at Building No. 6. Tickets are available for $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00. The drawing will be held at the close of business on December 19^th. The "Relay For Life" will be held in June next year at the VA Center and benefits the American Cancer Society.

Don’t Invite Heart Attacks Home For The Holidays

Every day, more than 150 Texans will die from heart disease. And unfortunately, cardiovascular disease – our number one killer – doesn’t take time off for the holidays.

Some risk factors – such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain and smoking – can be controlled through behavior modifications and healthy lifestyle choices. But certain acute events such as heart attacks are not so easily prevented – or predicted.

This holiday season, ask yourself an important question: if a family member or friend collapsed from cardiac arrest, would you know what to do? Each year, more than 250,000 adults suffer cardiac arrest, usually away from a hospital and often in their own homes. But there are steps that you can take to increase their chances of recovery and survival.

Because every single minute counts.

The most common cause of cardiac arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation, which prevents the heart from pumping blood. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart until defibrillation or other advanced care can restore a normal heart rhythm.

The Chain of Survival is a four-step process that outlines how to provide treatment to victims of cardiac arrest. The steps include:

• Early access to care: Early access means recognizing the symptoms of cardiac arrest and immediately engaging the emergency system. Call 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency medical services.

• Early CPR: This involves prompt and correct mouth-to-mouth breathing and chest compressions to enable oxygen-rich blood to be circulated to the victim’s heart and brain. CPR can extend the time available for successful defibrillation.

• Early defibrillation: A trained rescuer can deliver a shock with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to help restore the heart’s normal contraction rhythm. The availability of an AED is critical to correcting ventricular fibrillation.

• Early advanced care: Medical personnel can administer timely treatment through medications and advanced therapies, which are vital to survival.

More than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims will die – usually because defibrillation occurs too late to reverse the effects. Every minute that passes before returning the heart to a normal rhythm after a cardiac arrest causes the chance of survival to fall by 10 percent. Keep in mind that the average response time for paramedics or emergency medical technicians to arrive on the scene is 6 to 10 minutes. Most victims can’t afford to wait that long.

Because there’s no time to waste.

In 2000, almost 60,000 Texans died from cardiovascular disease – and roughly half of these deaths resulted from sudden cardiac arrest. There are an estimated 17,249 sudden cardiac arrests each year in the state of Texas, and only five percent of victims will survive. CPR can help make every minute count. In 2002, more than 420,000 Texans were trained in CPR and AED use.

More than five million people each year receive CPR training from instructors taught by the American Heart Association. The timely application of CPR has helped save thousands of lives each year in the United States. Visit our website at www.americanheart.org/cpr for more information on CPR classes near you.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.   

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.   

Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort begins.   

Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness 

If you or someone you’re with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help.

Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.

CONGRESS SENDS MEDICARE/PRESCRIPTION DRUG BILL TO PRESIDENT FOR SIGNING

On November 25^th, the Senate approved a Medicare reform bill passed by the House three days earlier that will help reduce the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and make other changes to increase the viability of the Medicare program. Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX) voted in support of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act.

"This bill represents a compromise between the House and Senate reform bills and admittedly is not perfect," Hall said. "There are some promising provisions in the bill -just as there are areas that concern me - but we will need to provide stringent oversight as the bill begins to be implemented."

"We have all worked day and night to put in place a Medicare bill to consider. Since it was the only Medicare bill to be voted on this session, I felt that passing it -- and continuing to work on perfecting it -- would be better than killing the only Medicare bill going and then starting all over in 2004," Hall continued.

"I want to ensure that this bill not only gives seniors the relief they need to purchase prescription drugs but also gives them the safety net they need for years to come," Hall added. "This is a voluntary plan, so if seniors like their current Medicare plan, they will continue to have that option."

The bill also provides for competition between Medicare and private health insurers. Competition would begin in 2010 in six metropolitan areas and would last for six years. "This is basically a pilot program to see if it works," Hall said. "The bill also offers incentives to employers to continue providing benefits for retirees, and it contains several measures favorable to rural areas." Hall signed letters in support of rural healthcare to House-Senate conferees during their negotiations.

Hall expressed concerns about the mechanisms in the bill for reimbursing cancer treatment and, just prior to the vote in the House, he drafted a letter to Speaker Dennis Hastert that was signed by eight "Blue Dog" Democrats who voted for the bill. The letter petitioned the Speaker to correct technical errors that would jeopardize cancer care for Medicare beneficiaries. Hall also sent a letter to House-Senate conferees earlier in the process expressing his support for increased payments. The Speaker has indicated that he would establish a working group to resolve this issue next year and suggested that some of Hall’s group would be a part of correcting the parts affecting the oncology needs.

"We need to bring a technical corrections bill to the Floor next year to remedy this issue and any other correction that is necessary," Hall said. "The new year also needs to bring a new focus on the amount the drug companies are charging domestic dispensers as compared to the charges they make to Canada, Mexico and 24 other countries, who sell back into the United States at discounted prices."

"This is a first step in the process toward improving Medicare benefits for our seniors and ensuring that Medicare will be available for future generations," Hall said. "We need to proceed cautiously and make sure that the bill achieves the goals that Congress desires rather than any unintended consequences."

Bonham Snap Center

Chili Con Carne, Oven Fried Okra, Carrot Pineapple Salad, Cornbread, Peaches, Bread, Milk

Chicken Pot Pie, Beets/Orange Sauce, Bread, Lime Jello w/OJ & Pineapple, Cookies, Milk

Tex-Mex Casserole, Green Beans, Bread, Yellow Cake & Pears, Milk

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 Roast Beef/Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Golden Carrots, Bread, Bread Pudding/Lemon Sauce, Milk

Turkey Spaghetti, Green Peas, Tossed Salad/Dressing, Garlic Bread, Pudding, Milk

Support Our Troops:

Do The Right Thing And Mail Early

WASHINGTON - The Postal Service, in cooperation with the Department of Defense (DoD), is reminding Americans mailing overseas to loved ones deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom to mail early for the Holidays. It is also reminding Americans to do the right thing. Patriotic acts of support by some well-intentioned individuals and groups risks creating bottlenecks in the military’s mail stream and delaying mail delivery from the service member’s loved ones.

Shortly after 9111 and the anthrax attacks, the DoD suspended Operation Dear Abby and other mail addresses as "Any Service Member," "Any Soldier," "Any Marine, Sailor," etc. due to concerns relating to mail being introduced into the mail system from unknown sources. These programs remain suspended, yet many individuals have circumvented this prohibition by mailing bulk quantities of cards, letters and care packages addressed to individual service members. The DoD has requested that these loyal Americans instead extend their support through activities listed on a special military web site or by calling a toll-free number.

The DoD recommends supporting the service members family at home, or through other local programs, or by:

To insure delivery of holiday greeting cards and packages, the Postal Service recommends mailing by the following dates.

Items for delivery by Hanukkah should be mailed five days prior to dates noted below.

1. PAL: A special service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. PAL is available for Parcel Post® not exceeding 30 lbs. in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface fate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.

2. SAM: Parcels paid at Parcel Post ® postage rates are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space-available basis. The maximum weight and size limits are 15 lbs. and 60 inches in length and girth combined.

Addressing Tips

The DoD has requested that those who send mail use the service member’s full name (with or without rank or rating), unit and APOIFPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code (if one is assigned) and a return address. For packages, customers are reminded to place addresses on one side only. The return address in the upper left hand corner, and recipient’s in the lower right portion.

Prohibitions

Generally speaking, In keeping with international agreements, there are specific restrictions for each five-digit military post office ZIP Code (APOIFPO). It is prohibited to mail the following to this region:

• obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.);

• pork or pork by-products;

• any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.

All military units are assigned an APO or FPO ZIP Code and in many cases that ZIP Code travels with the unit. The Postal Service places APO/FPO mail on special charter flights, commercial airlines, and military service aircraft at military and U.S. airports.

When planes arrive overseas, the mail is tendered to the military and transported via local military transportation to delivery points. Since mid-March, more than 46 million pounds of mail - more than one million pounds per week -- has been flown to the region.

The time to deliver varies depending on the category of mail and the country of destination. According to the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA), depending on where the service member is located, letters and Priority Mail parcels to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait normally take 10 to 15 days. There may be size restrictions and customs declaration form requirements to some locations as mail going through the MPSA can be subject to the host country customs requirements.

It’s a good idea to keep the following in mind to ensure that packages are delivered promptly.

• Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees.

• The Box: Select a box strong enough to protect the contents and large enough to accommodate cushioning. If reusing a box, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels.

• Cushioning; Cushioning the contents with newspaper is a novel way to send news from home. Styrofoam and bubble wrap are also good choices. Close and shake the box. If it rattles, add additional cushioning to keep items from shifting.

• Batteries: Occasionally a battery powered item such as a radio or electric razor will turn itself on during shipment. Be sure to remove and wrap the batteries separately.

• Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2" wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine as it causes the package to get caught and possibly damaged in sorting equipment

• Include a card describing the contents: Occasionally improperly wrapped packages fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside the package that lists the sender’s and recipient’s addresses along with a description of the contents helps in collecting items that have fallen open during processing.

Could Your Child Be At Risk For Heart Disease?

When you think of heart disease, you probably don’t think of your kids. But maybe you should.

Almost 40 percent of children in Texas are considered overweight or obese, significantly increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke – even cardiovascular disease. The number of overweight adolescents has tripled over the past two decades, up to 15 percent. And an overweight child has a 75 percent chance of growing up to be an overweight adult.

Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease linked to obesity, is being diagnosed in our children in unprecedented numbers – most likely a direct result of eating too much and not exercising enough. In fact, type 2 diabetes can promote the development of heart disease at younger ages.

Although smoking is still the leading preventable cause of cardiovascular disease, obesity is quickly gaining on it. An estimated 300,000 deaths nationwide each year can be attributed to obesity. Child obesity has become an epidemic that is threatening the future of an entire generation of Texans. There are close to 6 million children living in Texas, and the prevalence of overweight and obese children in Texas is higher than the national average. If we don’t take action now, this generation of children may not outlive their parents.

For the vast majority of our children, there is a sensible solution – eat better and exercise more. As with many, if not most, of our lifetime habits, nutrition and exercise habits are developed in childhood. It sounds simple enough, but changing the nutrition and exercise habits of a generation is a unique and profound challenge – one that requires coordinated efforts from parents, schools, elected officials and health care organizations.

Our school system can be an ideal environment for children to learn about the importance of nutritious eating. Children consume roughly 30 percent of their daily calories at school. But only two percent of children receive the daily recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Fortunately, this school year, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) was named the administering state agency for the Child Nutrition Programs in public schools, and, under the leadership of Commissioner Susan Combs, has implemented bold changes regarding foods of minimal nutritional value. The sale of certain junk foods and sodas in elementary school vending machines and cafeterias is now prohibited, and access to junk foods in middle schools has been restricted.

Good nutrition, combined with regular physical activity, can combat the incidence of obesity. A recent study from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, however, found that almost 62 percent of children do not participate in any organized physical activity during after-school hours. The American Council on Exercise has reported that 63 percent of children are no longer active by the time they reach high school.

We know that the most effective weapon in the fight against obesity is preventing poor health choices now instead of treating chronic illnesses later. Now let’s act on that knowledge.

The Call

By: Ruth Jenkins Lucas

One night last month, after everyone had gone to bed, I still was awake and in need of something to do. Mom had given me some new toys just two days before, so I decided to play with them until I felt sleepy. Not having any luck in finding them downstairs, I decided to try the upstairs rooms. With little effort, I spotted the toys in the twins’ room, under their beds. Normally, I stay out of the twins’ room, because being toddlers doesn’t keep them from rough-housing me (I’m also just a baby); but at this hour, they were asleep and I was safe from their clutches. After awhile, I must have dozed off.

The next thing I knew, acrid smoke had filled the air and the smoke alarm was buzzing. Yikes! What a racket!! In no time at all, firemen were breaking through the front door and running upstairs to rescue anyone in need. After getting out mom and dad and Jennifer, one of them came back for the twins. The big man in the slick coat swooped up the twins, one under each arm. I thought he was going to reach down to the floor to get me, too, but... he didn’t see me! In a split second he was gone, and I was in a burning house all alone!

Visibility was so bad, I couldn’t find my way out of the room, much less out of the house. Soon, I was overcome by smoke. The next thing I knew, I was laying out on the lawn while a fireman gave me mouth to mouth resuscitation. Hallelujah! I didn’t die after all! Somebody had told the firemen that a family member was still in the house. Bless those people - I’ll always be grateful.

But the ordeal was not over. Mom and Dad were so shaken by this experience, they felt that they would not be able to give me the amount of care I was going to require. I had been burned badly enough to need more than minimal medical attention. Getting the family’s lives back in order and coping with the children’s fears would take a great deal of their time and energy. It was then and there, right on the lawn, that the decision was made to adopt me out to a caring person.

A burly young man with blond hair picked me up and started talking softly, soothingly to me. He must have known how frightened I was, and how much I hurt. This kind fellow motioned to a nurse who had arrived on the scene. She applied some medication to my burns, doing what she could for me until we could get to a veterinarian. With care and attention such as this, I knew I could do without the twins!

Did I tell you about my new roommate, the burly young man with blond hair? He is a volunteer with the disaster action team, a unit of the Dallas Chapter of the American Red Cross. This unit, in groups of three, answers all disaster calls. When people are in crisis, the D.A.T. shows up to ease that condition. They feed the hungry, find shelter for the displaced, assess damage to property and supply a host of other services for those unfortunate enough to be on the business end of chaos. If the disaster is great (tornado, flood, plane crash, earthquake, bombing, chemical spill) many units will show up, even from other states. I watch my roomy gladly answer radio calls in the middle of the night, quickly put on his "uniform" and then dash madly out the door... All this, just to be of service to people he doesn’t even know and lately, because I get bored staying at home alone, he sometimes smuggles me along on these exciting calls. But Shhhhh... don’t tell anyone!

TMA Applauds Congress For Medicare Bill Passage

Texas Medical Association President-Elect Bohn D. Allen, MD, with official TMA reaction to passage of Medicare legislation by Congress today.

Dr. Allen is a surgeon in Arlington.

"#1 our patients win. The Medicare population is an extremely fragile population and by providing pharmacy benefits to many of those who currently do not have or are struggling to preserve, it will allow them to get their medications, and secondly it will preserve access to care which is critically important for our Medicare patients."

"We want to commend Congress for taking this step forward, and although this bill is not perfect, it certainly is a step in the right direction to help preserve access for our Medicare patients."

"In the rural areas, Medicare beneficiaries make up as much as 50 to 60 percent of the physician’s practice. And they have a tremendous burden, both physicians and hospitals, to see and care for the Medicare population. So this bill, which will get rid of the disparities between rural and urban hospitals and physician pay, is extremely important to maintain access for our Medicare patients in the rural areas."

Theatre Sponsors Toy Drive During Upcoming Production

By Lisa Avila

The Red River Theatre Company’s (RRTC) upcoming production of A Dickens Christmas Carol by Mark Landon Smith will be December 5,6, and 7. Friday and Saturday evenings’ performances are at 7 p.m. Sunday afternoon the performance is at 2 p.m. and all performances are at the VA Auditorium. On Sunday, theatergoers are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy and receive a discount on the ticket price.

Ebenezer Scrooge is almost as well known a Christmas figure as Santa Claus. His origins date to 1843, when Charles Dickens first published A Christmas Carol.

"Even the blindmen’s dogs appeared to know him; and when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then would wag their tails as though they said, ‘no eye at all is better than an evil eye, dark master!’"

Charles Dickens’ writing career began when he was a parliamentary reporter from 1832 to 1834. He became known for the quality of his reporting and quickly earned the respect of colleagues. He began writing sketches and stories under the name of "Boz" in several magazines, and those tales were often the basis for his later fiction. Success followed Dickens, but his early life experiences were often disturbing.

Dickens was 12-years-old when his father was imprisoned for unpaid debts. Eleven days later Dickens himself was sent to work in a warehouse. Though his father was freed after three months and Dickens left his drudgery after four, the humiliation and loss of innocence was something the young man never forgot and may have contributed greatly to his scope and insight as a writer and reformer.

The Red River Theatre Company’s upcoming rendition of the familiar Christmas favorite is different from the old standby in many respects. The new production is a "play within a play" and the "troupe" of actors portraying the characters hail from British tradition in which several characters play ALL the roles.

Cliff Harjo of Windom holds the title role of Sir Selsdon Piddock, who portrays Scrooge. The supporting cast includes: Julie Eubank as Theodora Shub, Lisa Avila as Cordelia Ffolkes-Ffortescue Woods, Dr. Gary Sisson as Elyot Crummels, Nicole Carlsen as Cynthia Imbry, Donna Henard as Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis and Alison Cardile as the legendary Bettina Salisbury.

If the characters don’t sound familiar, that’s because they’re not. But the roles those characters play in A Dickens Christmas Carol will be…..hopefully.

The play is considered a farce, but the toy drive benefiting the Fannin County Children's Center is serious business for the season. Ticket prices bought in advance are $8 for adults, and $5 for children and seniors. Tickets at the door are $10 and $7. But for the Sunday afternoon performance at 2 p.m., December 7, tickets purchased at the door will be at the discounted advance price IF you bring a new unwrapped toy with you to the play. The Red River Theatre Company hopes in this way to contribute to the spirit of the holiday while also entertaining the community.

Northeast Medical Center Says Thanks

Northeast Medical Center wishes to thank the Northeast Medical Center Auxiliary for their very generous donation of a new Passport 2 Cardiac, Respiratory Monitor for Anesthesia.

This cutting edge technology improves the ability to monitor patients during surgical procedures. The new monitor allows for simultaneous monitoring of blood pressure, arterial line pressure, CVP pressure, O₂ saturation and cardiac functions. The Passport 2 also monitors carbon dioxide level and the inhalation agents used during the time the patient is under anesthesia.

The Staff of the hospital, its Board of Trustees and the Medical Staff extends their thanks to the Auxiliary for all of their support and their efforts to improve the quality of care and quality of service offered to the patients of Northeast Medical Center.

Your Invited To A Christmas Open House

The Texoma Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will have two Christmas open houses in December.

On December 2 from noon to 5 p.m., volunteers, potential volunteers and guests are invited to a reception at the Cooke County Courthouse, 100 S. Dixon. The event will be in the meeting room next to the office which is in the courthouse basement.

A reception on December 18 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. will be held at the American Red Cross office in Denison, 2527 Highway 691.

The chapter is requesting, on a strictly optional basis, that guests bring a small stuffed animal toy. These toys are given to children when their families experience a house fire or other disaster.

For more information, contact the Texoma Area Chapter at 940-665-4365 or 903-465-1330.

Fannin County November Grand Jury Cases

Joe David Heredia, age 43 of Bonham, Credit card or debit card abuse.

Charles David Brown, age 55 of Bonham, Burglary of a building.

Gary Henry Hodge, age 55 of Bells, Failure to register as a sex offender.

Jamie Deontrey Wilson, age 18 of Bonham, Burglary of habitation.

Charles Robert Shirer, age 20 of Leonard, Crim. misc. over $1500.00.

Bradford Dixon Little, age 47 of Randolph, Aggravated assault.

Marcus Shannon Ervin, age 31 of Hendrix, OK, Forgery of a check.

Marcus Shannon Ervin, age 31 of Hendrix, OK, Forgery of a check.

At the Open House last week for Fernando Arzola, M.D., Internal Medicine a big crowd was in attendance to meet him and welcome him to Bonham. Also at the Open House was Dr. Kaiss Aboubaker who is scheduled to begin his practice here in Bonham in January, 2004. Dr. Arzola’s clinic is located at 505 Lipscomb in Bonham, or call him at 903-583-3700.