Jon Cook Attends Red River Valley Fair and Livestock Show

Jon Cook, of Savoy, TX, attended the Red River Valley Fair & Livestock Show in Paris, Texas, on August 28 through September 4. In TCCA Jr. Beef Heifers in American Division for Brangus: he placed 3^rd, Class 4, and 1^st Class 6. In Open Beef Cattle Bulls & Steers, he placed "Grand Champion," over all, with his Brangus Bull, (in which previously placed as Reserve Grand Champion at the Ft. Worth Live Stock Show in Ft. Worth, Texas in 2003). Jon is a Sophomore at Savoy High School, and a member of the Savoy FFA; Fannin 4H Club; and the International Junior Brangus Breeders Assoc.. Proud Parents are Harold and Sharon Cook, and Chase Cook, brother; Grandparents are Roxie and the late Harold Cook Sr. from Savoy, TX; Steve and Martha Mayrell, of Bonham, TX.

Ferguson Family Show

The Ferguson Family Show will be back in session this Friday night, Oct. 8, at 7:30 pm. It will be held at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down, 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area, east of the spillway on CR2610, Bonham, Texas. The show will be presented and hosted by the late Marshall Ferguson family. The family usually has several guests from Bonham, Sherman, Denison, and the Paris area. Everyone is invited and welcome to an evening of fun and clean family entertainment. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to all for supporting the shows at the Hoedown. We surly appreciate you all. For more information, call 903-583-4731

Texoma Council Of Governments (TCOG)/Housing Partners Receives The National Association Of Development Organization’s Innovation Award 2004

Washington, D.C. - Texoma COG/Housing Partners based in Sherman and Bonham, TX received a 2004 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for their Certified Nurses Aide Program.

NADO, a Washington, D.C. based public interest group, recognizes organizations for demonstrating innovative approaches to economic and community development. NADO awarded 62 innovation awards this year for a variety of projects in areas such as Aging, Entrepreneurialism, Emergency Management, Environment, Housing, Workforce, Technology, Tourism, and Transportation. Awardees were showcased at an Awards Roundtable Reception at NADO’s 37th Annual Training Conference in Orlando Florida.

According to NADO President Gary Gorshing, Director of Southwest Oklahoma Development Authority in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, "These award winning projects and programs truly represent the community and economic development benefits of acting regionally, especially in rural communities where resources are often sparse."

Red River Theatre And Windom School Memorial Foundation

Needs Community Support

Red River Theatre and the Windom School Memorial Foundation are in need of community support to continue to upgrade its performing arts facility in Windom. The Windom School Memorial Foundation turned the second story school auditorium over to the Red River Theatre Company in July of this year as a permanent home for its community theatre. Renovations to the building to make it a year-round cultural arts center for the citizens of Fannin County and its visitors began immediately.

The tax deductible contributions of funds, materials and labor by individuals in both nonprofit organizations to date have provided expansion of the stage, refinishing of the theatre floor and repositioning of the audience seats, some stage draperies, and electrical wiring and expansion of the electrical circuitry.

But there is much remaining to bring the historic 1924 building up to the standards of a full performing arts facility. Future plans for the building include applying for grants or soliciting gifts of air conditioning and heating equipment and a handicap elevator to the second floor theatre to make the facility a year-round venue for Red River Theatre plays and musicals as well as a facility available to other community organizations and contractors for concerts and recitals.

There is an immediate and urgent need for additional funds to ready the facility for RRTC’s upcoming original play scheduled for the last two weekends in October, Hopalong Cassidy Meets the Ghost Riders by Reah and William Easley. Red River Theatre Company is an all-volunteer organization and is solely funded by donations to the building fund and from the sale of performance tickets.

The first 100 donors of $100 will be permanently memorialized on a plaque affixed to the wall of the building. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Red River Theatre is the only community theatre organization in Fannin County dedicated to providing performing arts opportunities for both actors and audience at nominal ticket prices. Until RRTC was organized in 2001, there has not been a community theatre in the immediate area since the late 1930s.

The people of Fannin County and those interested in promoting the concept of community theatre for our area are urged to show their appreciation for the hard work of the RRTC actors, staff and volunteers by supporting its effort to provide a facility of which we can all be proud.

Mail donations to Red River Theatre c/o Fannin Bank, Windom, TX 75492.

As a fifth generation Texan, I’ve grown up hearing the tales of my family’s heritage and their adventures in Nacogdoches and San Augustine before Texas became a state. Texas is steeped in a rich history. Throughout the Lone Star State are hidden treasures answering questions about our identity and our origins.

Today, our culture continues and every day we write another page in Texas history books. As time goes by, we gain new insights and perspectives on that unique past, which is why preservation efforts are so imperative. Our nation recently took a major step towards advancing this important endeavor.

We have the Hispanic culture and history brought by both Spanish explorers and Mexican colonists. But even before that, were Native Americans. Known as a cultural crossroad to many Indians, Texas has hosted hundreds of tribes, clans and families over several hundred years.

They were as diverse in culture as the geography of our state. Some tribes such as the Comanche, fought against the early Texas settlers. Others like the Lipan-Apache tribe, occasionally formed alliances with the Texans in campaigns against other Indians. The Tonkawa, Karankawas, Caddos and other tribes are simply known for agriculture, fishing and hunting. Some tribes still call Texas home.

Recently, the Smithsonian Institution helped protect this important piece of Texas and American lore by introducing its 16^th museum -- the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) -- in Washington, just steps from the U.S. Capitol. The NMAI was chartered by Congress in 1989 and is dedicated to the life languages, literature, history and arts of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere – the only national museum of its kind. It is also the last museum to be built on the National Mall.

Its September opening was a unique cultural moment which brought together tribes and native communities from across the Western Hemisphere. There were representatives from tribes as diverse as the Chickaloon Native Village of Alaska, the San Carlos Apache tribe of Arizona, and the Tapirape of Brazil that marched along the mall in a dazzling display of elaborate, colorful native costumes and a cacophony of drums. The six-day celebration was an emotional and triumphant milestone in their long-standing quest for the national recognition they so rightly deserve.

The five-story curvilinear building is made of rough limestone that evokes natural rock formations and is set in a four-acre landscaped site that includes a wetlands area and 40 boulders known as "grandfather rock." The building’s special features - an entrance facing east toward the rising sun, a prism window and a 120-foot-high atrium called the Potomac - were designed in consultation with many Native Americans over a four-year period.

An electronic photo montage greets visitors in 150 Native languages, conveying the significant presence and diversity of Native peoples throughout the Americas. With 800,000 artifacts representing over 10,000 years of history and more than 1,000 indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere, there is much to appreciate.

Three major exhibitions will be complemented by a contemporary art exhibit and landmark works of art - historic and contemporary - placed throughout the building. More than 200 works of art will be displayed along with drawings, notes and sketchbooks from well-known Native artists, such as George Morrison and Allan Houser. My friend, Republican colleague and renowned jewelry designer, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, has loaned the museum a collection of approximately one hundred pieces of his unique Native American work. The assortment includes the Painted Mesa style he originated and the bolo tie he made for President George W. Bush. Through its compilation of exhibition galleries and education programming, visitors can embrace the culture that still lives within our nation and among our fellow citizens.

The desire to protect our heritage is a value rooted deep in the hearts of Texans. The more we know about yesterday, the more we understand about today. I am committed to preserving our history to benefit this and future generations.

Women’s Seminar and Luncheon at Tanglewood to Benefit Sr. Citizens Foundation

The Seven Sisters Seminar and Spa Soiree is being held October 1-2 at Tanglewood on Texoma featuring seven speakers, a luncheon, and the opportunity to sample the Tranquility Spa. The Soiree will begin with a welcome event on Friday evening, a Pilates class early Saturday morning with Dr. Colleen Grafa, followed by presentations with a luncheon from 10a.m.-2 p.m. The theme is "Celebrating our Journeys of Faith, Family, and Profession" which represent the dimensions most women try to balance every day. The event will benefit the Texoma Senior Citizens Foundation which provides funding to support essential programs serving seniors in the region.

Allison Cardile and Kathy Puckett will kick off the presentations on Saturday with poignant and humorous profiles of their own family relationships. Both accomplished toastmasters, Allison is the TCOG Housing Director in Bonham and Puckett is an entrepreneur from Houston, Texas.

Keynote speaker, Honie Ann Peacock is President of Hap’nings now, a consulting firm in New York that helps non-profit organizations develop earned-income projects. She will be working with Austin College on the L.I.G.H.T. (Leadership Institute’s Grant Help Team) program the following week where four local non-profits have been selected for an intensive day of consulting and numerous other non-profits will benefit from a day-long workshop with Ms. Peacock.

Peacock founded and developed five businesses of her own and worked as a function event planner and community activist. The title of her presentation , "The Joys and Challenges of a Checkered Career". She received The Women’s Business Advocate of the Year " award from U.S. Small Business Administration and was featured on ABC-TV’s eye witness news for her non-profit culinary arts school-to-work initiative piloted in New York public schools.

Other speakers include Kathy Seei, President Seei3 a consulting firm focused on development by design, not default through inspiration, innovation and integration. Former Mayor of Frisco for six years during its explosive growth, Seei learned change management in her previous career integrating students with special needs into the mainstream classroom in the Plano ISD.

Debbie Estes, Ph.D., consultant with Estes-Group, has been an accomplished presenter working as a consultant for Region X Educational Service Center and is currently training director at Tactical Tanks in Sherman.

Barbara Roland, Licensed Professional Counselor with the Whitesboro ISD and author will speak on "Surviving in an Air Brush Society". Ms. Roland regularly addresses groups on a variety of subjects relating to family dynamics.

Pastor Ouida Lee of Dallas, and Cherie Wallis-Jackson will address faith challenges. Rev. Lee is Associate Pastor at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church and Cherie is Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Grayson County and serves as Chaplain at Texoma Medical Center.

Early ticket purchase saves 40% over payment at the door. Pre-registration for Friday and Saturday is $35, Saturday only, $25 or $45 at the door the day of the event.

Registration required for all attendees. Call 903-813-3514 for more information, or find Seven Sisters Seminar on home page at www.texoma.cog.tx.us

Thanks For Quick And Efficient Response

On Sunday afternoon, my husband and I turned into our driveway on Northpark Drive only to see an over-turned SUV on the lot next door. The wheels were still spinning and the engine was running so we were afraid to go near in case of an explosion.

I called 911 and the emergency personnel and vehicles were there within 5 minutes!!! I wish to thank all involved for their efficiency and professionalism in handling the situation. The driver of the SUV had evidently been thrown from the vehicle and was seriously injured. She was taken by helicopter to Dallas.

In addition, the dispatcher who handled the call demonstrated the utmost courtesy and care in talking with me on the phone until help arrived. It is so comforting to know that the Bonham area has such a responsive and capable emergency team

Please convey my thanks to all involved.

Sincerely,

JoeAnn Stahel

9735 Northpark Drive

903/583-1867 or

972-423-7198

Gov. Perry Announces $1.6 Million Grant to Texas State University

AUSTIN- Gov. Rick Perry today announced the award of a $1.6 million grant to Texas State University to provide rapid response training to law enforcement officers statewide. The grant is awarded under the federal Byrne Formula Grant Program.

"This specialized training will better prepare law enforcement officers for critical situations, increasing their own safety in the line of duty as well as the safety of others," Perry said.

The training program will provide first responders with advanced training on handling school violence incidents, terrorist threats and armed criminals.

Each year, the Governor’s Criminal Justice Department provides more than $130 million in grants to help Texans at the forefront of the fight against crime. CJD funds a variety of programs for juvenile justice, crime prevention and victim services grants- all aimed at making Texas a safer place.

Hall Honored by Senior Citizen Group; Permanent Repeal of Death Tax Draws Citation

Washington, DC- In a statement issued this week, 60 Plus Association President Jim Martin said, "It’s distinct honor to bestow the Benjamin Franklin Award upon Rep. Ralph Hall (R/TX) for his efforts to abolish one of the most confiscatory of all taxes."

The 11-year-old senior citizen advocacy group, which relies on 4.5 million seniors for support, presents the Franklin award to deserving members of the House and Senate, having begun the practice nearly seven years ago.

Martin said his group was looking for ways to recognize those members who wanted to ‘bury the death tax…kill it, not wound it.’

We decided on Ben Franklin because it was Franklin who famously said there were ‘two certainties to occur in life, taxes and death.’ "But because of the estate tax, applied after death, for 88 years there has been a third certainty to occur.

"Thanks to efforts by Rep. Hall and others, there is now a majority in Congress in favor of getting rid of this third certainty; 275 members of the House and 56 in the Senate have voted to abolish this job-robbing, negative-revenue producing tax.

"President Bush has promised to sign the bill; unfortunately, it takes 60 votes in the Senate to repeal."

"Besides the Franklin Award, Rep. Hall has already earned the 60 Plus Association’s top honor, the Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award, for his efforts to protect Social Security and Medicare and his work to abolish the 1993 tax on seniors’ Social Security benefits."

Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma Consumer Seminar

"There is hope of recovery for persons with chronic mental illness. New generation medications and treatment are giving better results than ever before for persons with mental illnesses. Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma (MHMRST) and National Alliance for the Mentally Ill- Grayson, Fannin, and Cooke (NAMI GFC) are co-sponsoring an all day seminar on Disease Management on Thursday, October 7, 2004, Grayson County College, Workforce Auditorium, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m," says Paula Cawthon, MHMRST Community Relations Director.

"The goals for the seminar are to inspire persons with mental illnesses to recovery and improvement goals and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. We want to provide encouragement with speakers and helpful work sessions. There will be a time for success stories. The planning committee has worked hard to offer valuable education for persons with mental illness," continues Cawthon.

Speakers for the event are Joe Lovelace, Executive Director of NAMI; Linda Parker, Executive Director, Hill Country MHMR, Sharon DeBlanc, Manager of Prevention, Education, and Outreach for Value Options; and Cliff Gay, Austin NAMI member. Each speaker will sit on a panel and answer questions from the audience. Other topics covered in the seminar will include Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Anger Management, Benefiting from Computer Usage, Socialization and Activities, Church and Community Group Supports, and Client Success Stories. Presenters for these topics will be John Hoelzel, Tonia Vernon, Joy Priest, Kim Rice, and Paula Cawthon.

Joe Lovelace states, "NAMI Texas is pleased to be a part of the Texoma program that will inform the community of the significant improvements to the public mental health system as a result of House Bill 2292."

"Not the least of these is Disease Management for those with schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and severe clinical depression. Disease Management means doing the right thing medically for the person- providing the services and supports that expand and contract over the life-time of these illnesses. Although we can not cure schizophrenia, for example, we can stand to deliver the right services, at the right time, and in the right amount."

Lovelace is an attorney and has served as NAMI Texas President for three years. He has received many awards for his work for persons with mental disabilities while serving as a volunteer at the local, state, and national levels for NAMI.

Professionals, family members, person with mental illness, and interested persons are encouraged to attend. The Minnie Jones Foundation, a local foundation, is making the seminar possible. To register for the event, call Paula Cawthon at 903-957-4865 or John Hoelzel at 903-664-2471. Registration forms can be mailed to Paula Cawthon, P. O. Box 1087, Sherman, TX 75091. Registration is $6 before the day of the seminar. Registration is $7 at the door and begins at 9:30 a.m. Make checks payable to Volunteer Services Council. Lunch and snacks are included in the registration fee. Continuing education credits will be offered for professionals.

Texas Living History Day

Saturday, September 25th dawned, and a beehive of activity was taking place in Bonham and Fannin County. Volunteers were stationed county-wide to accommodate the hundreds of Dallas Bike Club riders who took off early from the Simpson Park area of central Bonham.

Meanwhile, at the Ft. Inglish Park Amphitheater in southwest Bonham, Rick Massey was setting up his sound system for the Charlotte Varner planned entertainment of the day.

At the same time Wayne Moore’s committee of Denton Jones, Bill Catalane, Bob Dorough, Joe Morrow, Rance Miller, James Towery, Jerry Miller and several BHS FFA students of Mrs. Nita Bankston were putting up tables, chairs, and a large canopy, loaned by Mr. & Mrs. Jack Phillips, on the lawn.

Also bright and early women were cooking stew in the pavilion nearby. Verda Brady, Dana Clifton, Barbara Towery, Janelle Munger cooked so that Winda Miller, Dana Miller, Emily Porter, Grady and Marjorie Humphrey could dish it out along with cobblers made by Mildred Welch, Bonnie Blose, Louise Moore, Verda Brady, Martha Frair, Fran Campbell, Dana Clifton, Emily Porter, Frieda Phillips, Nelda Redman, Mrs. Wayne Moore, Charlotte Varner, Diane Proctor and Peggy Harrison.

Working in the gift shop were Fran Campbell, Martha Frair, Louise Moore, and Nelda Redman. Several Bonham churches donated ice for the tea and lemonade all through this wonderful day.

A large crowd showed up for the 10:00 am dance program, presented by Samantha Lumpkins’ Bonham School of Dance students, ages pre-school through third grade. Proud grandparents were everywhere in evidence.

Bailey Inglish descendants started drifting in early from Mississippi, Tyler, Rusk, Brookston, Plano, Irving, Rosston and Gainesville, and points west. Mildred Welch and Jo Jones greeted them at the sign-in desk. They received a special Texas nametag made by Jo Jones, looked at scrapbooks, visited Terry and Bonnie Blose in the new Blacksmith Shop, Earl Allen in the broom factory, Ray and Ruth Havens, Joe Morrow, and Barbara Gore. Mary Campbell and Bea Westbrook serenaded them on the Autoharp. Diane Proctor demonstrated the making of cornhusk dolls. The honorees got acquainted and re-acquainted with relatives and friends, ate and generally enjoyed the day.

FFA volunteers came and went all day to help with all the heavy lifting. The ladies were cooking in the pavilion where the electricity was. Food and ice were being moved all day. It worked seamlessly.

In the amphitheater, the show must go on. "The Silo Road Band" performed at 10:45 am. John Renshaw sang gospel music at 11:30; Lloyd Robertson performed at 12:00 pm; and at 1:00 pm and East Texas country group called "the Border Jumpers", sang beautifully. Rick Massey, the sound man, also sang.

Emily Porter planned the formal program. At two o’clock Wayne Moore called the meeting to order, in the amphitheater. Charles Thompson sang a beautiful acapella rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner". Mildred Welch announced the head of each family represented and they, in turn, came to the microphone to introduce their family members. Jo Jones presented a beautiful basket of Fannin County products that she had prepared for each family.

Ronnie Atnip told the story of John Simpson, a relative by marriage of Bailey Inglish. Simpson was an early pioneer, the first official sheriff, jail builder, and courthouse builder and donator of land for public use. In recent years his descendants have donated his revolver to the Masonic Lodge here.

Bailey Inglish descendant and former Bonham Minister, Bob Bush, gave the benediction.

Jo Jones served cookies and lemonade as the take down and put away jobs began to end a perfectly wonderful day in Bonham, Texas, USA.

Stephenson School Schedule of Events

Oct. 5- Bonham Community Health Physicals on Campus

Oct. 5- Mrs. Shepherd’s class will be going to the Bonham Public Library for story time.

Oct. 7- Policy Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.

Oct 15- Dr. Walker- Dental Preliminaries on campus

Oct 22- Nursery Rhyme Program- M. Taylor, Owens, Lancaster, S. Taylor classes 9:00 in Play Area

Oct. 22- Nursery Rhymes Program- Shepherd, Fox, Miller, Lane classes 10:00 in Play Area

Oct. 28- parent Meeting 6:30 Children’s Program M. Taylor, Owens, Lancaster, S. Taylor

Looking Ahead: Day Camp will be held at the Bonham Civic Center on Nov. 10th and 11th. We will have activities for parents and children. Lunch will be served and then the students will return to school. We will have lots of games, activities and a great lunch for all parents and children. We hope you will join us.

Nov. 10- Owens, Shepherd, Miller, S. Taylor

Nov. 11- M. Taylor, Lancaster, Fox, Lane

Kittens Smaller Than a Dollar Bill Thrown Over The Fence At Critter Corner!

On Saturday, September 25th someone tossed a closed box full of unweaned kittens over a 5ft. high fence into the back of FFCC Critter Corner. It was pure luck when one of the volunteers discovered the box in the back part of the yard and heard the pitiful cries of 6 abandoned hungry kittens. Two days later and countless bottle feedings, a cat was spotted across the street from Critter Corner that could be the mother cat. When her kittens were brought outside it became apparent that the person who dumped the kittens had also left the mother cat. She must of been frightened and confused and ran off prior to us finding her kittens.
Now here is the question of what to do with the mama cat & kittens? The small room we use for cats at Critter Corner is already overflowing due to a batch of dumped kittens from two weeks ago which has added to the cat room overflow & volunteer time. Although our policy is that we cannot take in dumped animals, it is always heartbreaking to turn them away so we sometimes bend or break the rules. But, it becomes more and more apparent that we can’t continue to allow our hearts to blind us to the cold hard facts of lack of space and volunteers to care for dumped animals
This particular incident is especially heart wrenching and we are looking for someone in the community who may want and have room for the mother cat and her kittens. If someone could take her and her kittens home in order that they may live to happily romp, play & hunt for mice that would be the best solution. If you have room in your heart & your home for this mother & her kittens, please call 903-583-1652 immediately. They desperately need that special person who can save them from an uncertain future.
It may seem cruel that FFCC could even consider euthanization of these adorable kittens but, if Critter Corner took in every animal that is requested of us by visits, phone, email or dumping, then we would have to take in at least 150 animals a month. That simply isn’t possible as we have maximum space for 8 dogs and 4 cats at a time. This is why we are turning to the people of the community and asking someone to take the mama cat & her litter of kittens because there isn’t room for them at Critter Corner.

These people who dump animals at Critter Corner don’t care that it is volunteers who are already over burdened and overwhelmed who have to decide to have those animals go to animal control or the vet for euthanization because there isn’t room for them.
Critter Corner is a no-kill facility for the dogs & cats that is ACCEPTED into the facility through normal intake. We take in only what we can place and there isn’t a time limit or expiration date for how long the dogs or cats can stay. The plight of the dumped animals that are found thrown over the fence, tied to the gate, etc. adds a significant emotional burden to volunteers who work hard to help care for the dogs & cats waiting for a home at Critter Corner.
Signs that are posted at Critter Corner give warning that it is illegal to abandon an animal, with up to a year in jail and/or $4000 fine for the perpetrator. On this latest incident, the person who tossed that box of kittens over the fence made the mistake of leaving their name on an address label on the box and a call on the caller ID that matches to the name on the box. The police have been called and a report filed regarding this callous act of abandonment. Future criminals who dump animals at Critter Corner should beware because cameras will be installed around the building to catch them in the act of cruelty to animals due to abandonment.
If you have unwanted animals you should take advantage of the resources that are available in your area to find them a home. Here are some basic suggestions:
1) Place an ad in the county paper, your local paper and any online resources. They usually will do Free ads for Lost & Found pets and Free to Good home ads.
2) Call the swap shop on the radio, KFYN and see if you can find them a new home.
3) Make flyers for the pet advertising a need for a new home. Post them around town, grocery stores, vets offices and we will also post it on our front door at Critter Corner.
4) If all else fails, there is the SPCA in McKinney or other county or city run animal control facility. Unfortunately, if you live in Fannin County there are few animal control facilities.
The need for Fannin County to build a county animal control facility has gone beyond obvious to desperate. Desperate people do terrible things in trying to find a solution for unwanted animals. People who spay/neuter their animals are still faced themselves with dumped or stray animals and few resources to deal with them in the county. Isnt it time for concerned citizens to put their heads together and find a way to establish funding for a county animal control facility? Please go to www.FFCCritters.org and email any thoughts or ideas you have regarding how to establish a Fannin County animal control facility.
On a final note: If you have an unwanted animal please, do not consider dumping an animal as a solution! It is an illegal & despicable act and if caught could be a $4,000 fine and jail time. The suffering that is inflicted on the abandoned animal doesn’t stop the moment when a person turns their back on them. Have a heart... spay/neuter your pets to prevent overpopulation and never ever dump or abandon an animal.

Long Term Care Residents Honored During Residents Rights Week, October 3-9, 2004

September 29, 2004 Sherman, Texas Throughout the country, long- term care residents, family members, ombudsman, citizen advocates, facility staff, and others will honor the individual rights of long-term care residents by celebrating Residents Rights Week October 3-9, 2004. Designated by the National Citizens= Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR), National Long-Term Care Residents= Rights Week highlights the importance of resident-focused care for the 2.7 million individuals living in the 63,000 nursing homes, assisted living, and board and care homes across the country.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the residents of Texoma to visit and become acquainted with their local nursing and assisted living facilities" said Philip Endicott Local Managing Ombudsman. 60% of residents in nursing homes have no living relatives; this week is a great time to visit these individuals" said Endicott.

This years theme, Spotlight on Quality: Focus on Residents Rights, again emphasizes the fundamental rights of all long-term residents to be treated with dignity and respect and to maintain quality of life, said Alice H. Hedt, executive director of NCCNHR. Members of the long-term care community nationwide will commemorate the week by holding special events that emphasize the resident’s rights to self-determination, autonomy, dignity, quality care, etc.

The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law guarantees nursing home residents individual rights including but not limited to individualized care, respect, dignity, the right to vote, the right to visitation, the right to privacy, the right to complain, and the right to make independent choices. Resident Rights Week raises awareness about these rights and pays tribute to the unique contributions of long-term residents.

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has work tirelessly for over 30 years to promote residents rights daily. More than 8,000 volunteers and 1,000 paid staff are advocates for residents in all 50 states plus DC, Guam and Puerto Rico. Authorized under the Older Americans Act and administered by the Administration on Aging, the program also provides information on how to find a facility, conducts community, education sessions, supports residents, their families and the public with one-on-one consultation regarding long-term care.

Bonham ISD Mentioned in New ACLU of Texas Banned Books Report

AUSTIN – This week the ACLU of Texas released Free People Read Freely, its eighth-annual Banned Books report listing all books banned, challenged, or use-restricted by Texas’ 1260 Independent School Districts (ISDs) and charter schools. This new, 41-page report includes information obtained through open records requests submitted to all ISDs and charter schools in Texas, and covers the 2003-2004 school year. Bonham ISD is named in the report for handling a complaint about It’s an Aardvark-Eat-Turtle World by Paula Danziger.

Danziger’s book is about 14-year old best friends Rosie and Phoebe, who are happy when their single parents fall in love and move in together, but soon discover that being sisters is harder than being friends, and that there is no perfect family. Use of the book was restricted in the Finley-Oates Elementary library after it was challenged due to "sexual content." According to the ISD, "a parent brought the book to the librarian because he didn’t believe the content was appropriate for third-graders. The parent didn’t demand removal of the book, but just wanted it brought to the librarian’s attention. The librarian has pulled the book from the shelf and has restricted student use."

This year, 88 ISDs faced challenges to 151 different books and one video. ISDs banned books in at least 62 instances, and restricted use in at least 33 instances (10 decisions were still pending at the time the ACLU of Texas collected its data). Lueders-Avoca ISD banned the most books (18 books). Most challenges (79) were for "sexual content" or "profanity/inappropriate language" (78). Twenty challenges were for "violence/horror"; five were for "mysticism/paganism"; and 43 were for "other" reasons.

"We appreciate all of the cooperation we received from Texas ISDs in generating our report," said Project Director Lauri Apple. For more information, please contact Ms. Apple at 512-569-9075. For copies of past reports, visit the Project Web site at www.bannedbooks.info.

Savoy Yard of the Month

The Savoy Main Street Beautification Committee was called to order on September 2, 2004 with ten members and two guest present.

The Committee approved to renovate the front of the Civic Center and repair the concrete in front of the Center. The Committee agreed to ask the City Council if a Christmas Tree could be planted in the Savoy City Park. Plans to have a Christmas Celebration in December at the Savoy City Park were discussed. Yard of the month for August was Kathy and Jerry Huckaby at 103 E. Edwards.

The Committee meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Savoy Civic Center. All citizens are welcome to attend.

No. 5 Savoy sweeps Roxton

By Rich Hilliard

ROXTON -- Fourteen kill shots by senior Brooke McGehee led No. 5 Savoy’s 32-count attack on Sept. 24 during a 25-17,25-17,25-20 win at Roxton in District 17-A play.

"I’ve never seen girls work this hard before," said Savoy coach Mark Earnhart. "They are focused and ready to compete."

Seniors Daneille Newsom and Mindy Woodson of Savoy (22-4, 3-1) had 16 kill shots between them. Newsom also garnered 24 assists and eight digs.

Crystal Pointer, another senior, served 11 aces for Savoy that hosted Wolfe City Saturday morning, looking to stay on course for the program’s first playoff berth since 1993.

Hall Supports Marriage Protection Amendment

Washington, DC…Congressman Rlaph Hall (R-TX) voted today in the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution of the United States so that marriage is strictly defined as being between a man and a woman. The Marriage Protection Constitutional Amendment failed, however, by a vote of 227-186, to achieve the 2/3 votes necessary for passage. Hall is an original cosponsor of the bill.

"This amendment is meant to send a positive message about marriage to the nation and to our children," Hall stated. "While the amendment did not pass the House, we should view it as a step toward protecting the institution of marriage and reaffirming the importance of family values."

Hall’s vote echoes the Bush Administration’s position that without a constitutional amendment, judges could attempt to redefine marriages in the states. In 1996 Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act, declaring that same-sex marriages recognized in one state need not be recognized in another state. "Activist judges could strike down that law," Hall explained. "The only safeguard our nation’s citizens have is to amend the Constitution because courts cannot overturn those laws."

House leaders previously brought another bill, the Marriage Protection Act, to the Floor for a vote on July 22. That bill, which required a simple majority vote, passed by a vote of 233-194. It would amend the Federal judicial code to deny Federal courts jurisdiction to hear or determine any question pertaining to the interpretation of the Defense of Marriage Act or the Federal stature defining marriage.

The Senate, however, has not voted on the Marriage Protection Act and has voted not to bring the Marriage Protection Amendment to the Floor for debate. "Our Texas Senators voted in favor of bringing the amendment to the Floor, and I will continue to support their efforts to pass this important piece of legislation," Hall said.

"We must continue to be vigilant on this and other issues that are important to our nation’s families," Hall remarked.

Hurricane Jeanne Leaves Much of Southeastern U.S. Without Power

Dallas, TX – September 28, 2004 – About 100 TXU Electric Delivery employees left Texas today to help Progress Energy restore electricity in northern Florida.

Once on site, crews will be working long shifts to rebuild distribution lines and restore power in northern Florida.

Fannin County Commissioners Court Meeting

The Fannin County Commissioners Court met on Monday, September 27, for a regular meeting.

The Court first approved the minutes of the previous meeting.

CR 3345 and CR 2746 was approved by the Court to re-open.

Suzy Meehan attended the meeting to discuss CPS being included in the Family Protection monies. The Court approved.

Mary Ann Page was approved by the court to be an Election Judge.

The Court approved raising the fee for serving papers from $50 to $80.

action to authorize Southwest Consultants to finalize requirements of disaster relief grant was approved.

Ladonia Mayor, Leon Hurse, attended the meeting to discuss the Ralph Hall Lake.

The Court approved to borrow from Right-of-Way funds on behalf of Precinct 1.

The Court approved to renew the lease with Leonard for Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 office, for $350 for 1 year.

The Auditor’s report for August and the Treasurer’s report was also approved at Monday’s meeting.

Alene Brent, Gene Brent, John David Smith, Nelda Smith, Kendall Smith, Caribeth Sutherland, Anne Woodson, Terry Don Brent, Happy Wallace, Joetta Wallace, Terry Sutherland, Trista Farguhar, Caleb Farguhar, Shane Wallace, Shawna Wallace, Blaze Blain, Emily Wallace, Tony Sutherland, Rhonda Joyce, Jeff Wallace, Regina Wallace, Jaylen Wallace, Jenna Raye Wallace, Jeff Spiller, Jonna Spiller, Nik Spiller, Jake Spiller, Tommy Sutherland, Dale Ingram From Bonham: Margaret Daniel, Zachary Gibson, Chris Hamrick, Misty Brigman, Gail Hamrick, Buddy Frailicks, Sue Frailicks, Gene Smith, June Smith, Nadene Hufford, Micah Hufford, J. R. Hufford, Jyl Hufford, Joe Compton, Sheila Compton, Blake Compton, Daniel Baker From Dodd City: Mark Daniel, Becky-Daniel, Keleigh Compton, Dusty Compton, Jarrod Compton, Jenni Compton, James Compton

From Ector: Jerry Smith, Barbara Smith, Julie Brent, Carl Presley From Trenton: Jody Compton, Kelley Compton, Jerrika Compton From Sherman: Jo Ann Wilson, Becky Sloan, Crystal Casarez and family, Ashley Adams, Grayson Adams, Teresa Smith Patterson, Boyd Smallwood, Jane Smallwood, Billy Todd Smallwood, Brawn Lide Smallwood, Ashley Keith

From Denison: Gwen Sulton, James Sulton From Melissa: Jess Woodson, Amanda Woodson, Ali Woodson

From Plano: Rick Huggins, Dee Huggins, Devin Huggins, Patrick Huggins, Raida McConnell, Ryan McConnell From Burleson: John Duke Smith, Mary Smith From Little Elm: Larry Woodson, Mary Woodson From Frisco: John T. Woodson, Michelle Woodson, Mitch Woodson, Meredith Woodson, Brooke Woodson From Nash: Billy Smith

Porter Given Award By Glaser Family Charitable Foundation

On Thursday, September 30^th Jim and Raynell Glaser hosted a lunch in honor of Myles Porter at the offices of the Glaser Family Charitable Foundation in Ector.

Porter was presented an Excellence of Service Award by Foundation Board members Dan Glaser and Cindy Bankston in gratitude of his outstanding effort to ensure the safety and health of Fannin County children. "Myles has dedicated his time in office to the prosecution of child molesters, refused to give these offenders probation, and has secured a 100% conviction rate in sex offender cases", states Cindy Bankston. "This completely coincides with one of the Glaser Family Charitable Foundation’s focus areas, which is to promote and protect children’s health".

The Glaser Family Charitable Foundation was started in 2001 by Jim and Raynell Glaser and their vision to serve the community. The Foundation has a Scholarship Program for Fannin County students, and also grants funds to local charities and organizations.

It’s that time of year! Bonham Rotarians have been very busy the last few weeks giving away dictionaries to third grade students in all the schools in Fannin County. The dictionaries have the Rotary 4-Way Test inside the front cover along with a place for the students to put their name.

Several years ago, Bonham Rotarian Ray Clark came across an article in the Wall Street Journal about these dictionaries and proposed the project to the club. At that time the club was seeking a new service project and the idea was well received. Last year Clark was featured in Rotary’s District 5810 website and newsletter for this service project. Since that time many other Rotary Clubs have taken on the Dictionary Project in their own cities.

The Bonham Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12 Noon at the Family Life Center.

Chamber Of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

The Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest member, Blackland Real Estate Development LLC with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, October 1, 2004. Bill Jones, Chamber Executive Director presented Jason Fox and Phillip Holmes, owners, with a Dollar Certificate and wished them great success with their business. Give Jason or Phillip a call at (903) 227-3212.