Red River Valley Chorus Annual Coming Up

The Red River Valley Chorus local chapter of Sweet Adelines International will be presenting their annual show Saturday, October 18^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sherman High School Auditorium. The theme for the show this year is "A Soldier’s Salute." The full musical production is under the direction of Sweet Adeline certified Director Erica Gage Deweber. A small town welcomes home the soldiers with a show of patriotic songs in the town square. The story revolves around "Johnny & Katy" and ends with an ‘Armed Forces Salute" and recognition of all the military in the audience. The Texoma Chordringers will be a major part of this show along with the Sherman High School Guys & Dolls Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Bryce Gage and "POP" singers from the community will also join us on stage for this highly entertaining musical production. A two-hour program with intermission, set and costume changes will make for an exciting evening. Tickets are on sale for just $8 adults and $6 for seniors and children. Tickets may be purchased from any member of the chorus and will also be available at the door. For more information please call 903-815-2438.

Local Student’s Bring Home Gold

Local area students of The Dance Studio of Paris recently traveled to San Antonio for the July Mid America National Finals for ShowStopper National Dance Competitions. The Studio’s competition teams competed against the teams of 35 other studios, some of whom had traveled to San Antonio from as far away as Arizona, Missouri and Tennessee.

As well as competing, students and teachers also had the opportunity to take workshop classes taught by industry professionals. Along with the tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and ballet classes, an instructional lecture class on how to handle professional auditions and a class on the Fosse method of dance were given. The classes were a wonderful opportunity for students to be exposed to and interact with other dance students and teachers in an atmosphere totally dedicated to the art form of dance.

Final competition results are as follows:

Team Name: Expressionettes

Team Members: Lindsey Hughes, Candace Rich, Gaby Risinger, Alexis Anderson, Payten Story, Alexis Lappin, Bucky Pettie

Dance Routine: "Bounce"

Awards: 1^st place Gold Trophy

4^th place Over All (Top 10 placement)

Dance Routine: "My Girl"

Awards: 1^st place Gold Trophy

6^th place Over All (Top 10 placement)

Congratulations from the Studio to all of these dancers. Your dedication and hard work has paid off! You are all winners!!!!!!!

Dodd City 4-H Club

Held Monthly Meeting

October 2nd, the Dodd City 4-H club had their monthly meeting. Twenty-six members attended and 16 parents attended. Club officials for the 2003-2004 4-H year were elected at the meeting, and they are as follows: President-Cody Maxwell, Vice President-Casey Rogers, Secretary-Amber Sadler, Treasurer-Callie Maxwell, and Reporter-Cassidi Rogers. We also elected two Council Delegates, Colby Rogers and Garrett Sadler. We talked about what we were doing on the 4-H float at the fair, and Lawton Langford spoke to us about the fair this year. To conclude our meeting we had ice cream floats. We are looking forward to having a great year.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

For Americans with disabilities, employment is vital to independence, empowerment, and quality of life. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the many contributions citizens with disabilities make to our society, and we reaffirm our commitment to helping them achieve their full inclusion in our workforce.

Today, Americans with disabilities enjoy improved access to education, government services, public accommodations, transportation, telecommunications, and employment opportunities. The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) removed barriers and enabled many individuals with disabilities to find more opportunities to use their gifts and talents in the workplace. This progress has made our Nation stronger, more productive, and more just. People with disabilities still encounter challenges, however, to their full participation in American society.

In February 2001, I launched the New Freedom Initiative to address these challenges, to fulfill the promises of the ADA, and to move toward an America where all our citizens live and work with dignity and freedom. This comprehensive plan is helping Americans with disabilities learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, make choices about their daily lives, and participate fully in their communities.

A key component of the New Freedom Initiative is our commitment to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce. We have made substantial progress toward this goal. The Department of Justice has established an ADA Business Connection, a series of meetings between representatives of the business and disability communities to open dialogue that will promote greater understanding and increased voluntary compliance with the ADA. Also, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration are implementing the landmark "Ticket to Work" program that makes it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to no longer have to choose between having a job and receiving health care. And the Department of Labor has established two national technical assistance centers on workforce and disability that offer training, technical assistance, and information to improve access for all in the workforce development system.

By working together to open doors of opportunity for citizens with disabilities, we can help fulfill the promise of our great Nation.

To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to encourage all citizens to help ensure their full inclusion in the workforce, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 121), has designated October of each year as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 2003 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, labor leaders, employers, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Red River Theater Company Present’s

"The Miracle Worker"

Audiences were moved to tears of joy as the cast of the Red River Theatre Company portrayed on stage the inspirational true story of the awakening of the immortal Helen Keller from her world of darkness and silence in which she had lived since infancy. The Miracle Worker, a stage play written by William Gibson and directed by Cheryl Youree for the Red River Theatre Company represented the community theatre’s first drama presentation since its inception nearly two years ago in Bonham.
Helen Keller, born in 1882 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, as a healthy, active baby was struck by a mysterious illness at the age of 19 months which rendered her instantly both blind and deaf. By the age of 5 with no meaningful communication with her environment and virtually no discipline, she had become combative and destructive in her frustration. Her family considered institutionalizing her until they were compelled by a family member to consult with Dr. Alexander Graham Bell to find help for her. He referred them to the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston where one of its students, Annie Sullivan, herself virtually blind, was sent to the Kellers to serve as Helen’s tutor.
The play is a representation of the actual events which took place at the Keller’s home on the Ivy Green plantation. Annie Sullivan, with part desperation and calling upon her Irish determination not to fail, devised a method of spelling sign language into Helen’s hand to teach her that things have a name and that she could identify objects and communicate with people through language.
Members of the cast, all local Fannin County actors were: Cliff Harjo and Julie Eubank as Capt. Authur Keller and his second wife and Helen’s mother, Kate; Dr. Gary Sisson as the doctor who treated Helen’s infantile illness; Sean Murphy as Capt. Keller’s older son, James; 11 year old Hailey Hickman as Helen Keller; 16 year old Carole Covey as Annie Sullivan; Lisa Avila as Capt. Keller’s sister, Ev; Donna West and Richard Lynn as the family servants with their children Martha played by Samantha Avila and Percy played by Nicholas Wightman; Skip Jones as the Headmaster of the Perkins School, Mr. Anagnos; 8 year old Rebel Peeler played the haunting angelic voice of Annie’s dead brother, Jimmie, in memory flashback scenes.
The set, designed by Director Cheryl Youree and constructed by John Henard and Larry Eubank, utilized various elevations, doors and stairways to portray the dining room and parlor, the infamous well pump where the miracle of Helen’s awakening occurred, and the garden house at Ivy Green plantation. Stage crew moved furnishings and illusion props in darkness onstage as the action shifted to the various sites and scenes. Ms. Youree also choreographed the very moving special effects with lighting and sound throughout the production.
Although playing a small acting role in one of Red River Theatre’s previous productions, Arsenic and Old Lace last year, The Miracle Worker is Ms. Youree’s first venture as a Director of adult actors in community theatre. Trained in song and dance at Meglin Studios in Los Angeles, California, in the 1950’s where Shirley Temple had her early training, Youree earned her BA in theatre from California State University-Chico, and a Master of Arts degree in theatre from East Texas State University, now TAMU-Commerce. With nineteen years experience directing plays in the Texas public school system, the former Bonham High School drama teacher is presently teaching theatre and English at Tom Bean High School in Tom Bean, Texas.
The Red River Theatre Company is headquartered at 204 East 5th Street in Bonham in a suite of offices donated for its use by Dr. Rudolf Churner of The Eye Center. The community theatre plans to offer actors workshops at its headquarters facility under the direction of its Artistic Director and Advisor Jennifer Boyd early in 2004. Other classes in costume design and construction and technical direction will also be offered.

Texacopia

Kay Bailey Hutchinson

Can you guess the number one vegetable crop in Texas? Corn? Potatoes? Carrots?

You may be surprised to learn the onion is Texas’ top produce crop, with more than 15,000 acres harvested every year. But onions are just one of more than 45 types of produce grown in Texas, the nation’s third largest producer of fruits and vegetables. With all these homegrown varieties to choose from, there’s no excuse for not eating healthy.

For thousands of years humans have relied on plants for sustenance as well as to cure and prevent diseases. However, as our lifestyles have become increasingly busy, too often we opt for fast food rather than consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. Such habits can deprive our bodies of certain vitamins and minerals that are essential to maintain­ing good health. Scientific evidence suggests one-third of cancer deaths are diet-related and today medical profession­als are refocusing their efforts toward preventing disease through diet and exercise rather than treating disease with drugs and surgery.

Speaking of onions, did you know that the sweet onion is our official state vegetable? The famous 1015 Sweet Onion, developed at Texas A&M University, is so sweet and mild it was voted the sweetest tasting onion in a national competition - and it is tearless.

Potatoes are another crop abundant in Texas. More than 500 million pounds of red, white and russet potatoes are grown each year in Texas. Potatoes are high in potassium, an important mineral in helping your bones retain the calcium they need to stay strong.

Another vegetable, developed and enhanced through research with health in mind, is the `BetaSweet’ maroon carrot available in some areas. Again, it was Texas A&M’s Vegetable Improvement Center which created this carrot containing 40 percent more beta-carotene than average carrots. Of course, if this had been developed at my alma mater, The University of Texas, we would have left the carrots burnt orange as nature intended.

Researchers are also working to develop darker variet­ies of melons, such as cantaloupe, because the deeper the color, the higher the content of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps maintain vision and can reduce the risk of degenerative diseases including cancer. Certain peppers such as Texas’ sweet jalapeno are also great sources for antioxidants.

Another nutritious crop produced in Texas is the red grapefruit, which began as a mutation on the pink grapefruit tree. Today, all red grapefruits are descendants of the ruby red first grown in Mission, Texas in the 1940s. Red grapefruit is our official state fruit and thrive in the fertile Rio Grande Valley. Red grapefruit contains high levels of a chemical called lycopene that has been found to prevent some cancers. These famous red gems also make wonderful holiday gifts and can easily be shipped across the country,

Many a childhood memory have been made biting into a juicy red wedge of watermelon. I can’t think of a more refreshing treat for a hot Texas afternoon. Ranking third in the nation for watermelon production, Texas farmers grow more than 20 percent of the country’s watermelon supply each year.

We also boast a harvest of the country’s earliest crop of peaches. The Lone Star State ranks in the top ten in "utilized" peach production, so watch out Georgia. Tree ripened peaches, primarily grown in the Hill Country and in East Texas, are produced at an annual rate of more than 360,000 bushels.

Are you getting hungry yet? Many Texans are un­aware our state provides a bountiful cornucopia of fruits and vegetables. Whether you pick your own, buy them at a roadside stand or from your local supermarket, you can be sure you are getting some of the freshest and best tast­ing produce around. And best of all, it’s grown by your neighbors and friends helping to support Texas agriculture industries and boost our state’s economy.

Monthly Fact Sheet Bonham Fire Department September 2003

The following are the highlights of services and programs provided by the Bonham Fire Department for the month of September 2003.

• The Department answered a total of 305 calls in the 30-day reporting period. This is 10.16 calls per day. We responded to 269 requests for Emergency Medical Services and 36 Fire & Rescue calls.

• The Department conducted 29 Pre-Fire Plan/Business Inspections during the month. We referred 14 of these to the Fire Marshal’s Office for follow-up corrective measures.

• We completed testing 35 fire hydrants in the City and 8 were referred to the water utilities department for repairs or specialized maintenance.

• The Department conducted 2 Fire Prevention / Public Life Safety Education Programs and/or Tours of the Fire Station during August.

• There were 13 internal training sessions conducted during the month resulting in 826 man-hours of training for our paid personnel and 217 Volunteer training man-hours.

• "Fire’’ response time reporting results are; We averaged 6.72 minutes response time overall and 3.87 minutes inside the City of Bonham,

• The BONHAM FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION LADIES AUXILIARY hosted its first annual James E. Taylor Memorial Golf Tournament, at Bonham’s LEGACY RIDGE, on September 19^th. The funds raised will go towards their Scholarship Programs for students wishing to attend the Fire Academy and/or Paramedic School and to assist the firefighter Clowns with their Fire and Life Safety Programs. This first event was a huge success and we look forward to second annual.

• The department recognized the following members for longevity with the department. Captain Brad Nichols has now served 10 years. Brad serves as the department’s Training Officer as well as his shift commander responsibilities. Volunteer Firefighter John Shelly has now served 12 years and currently serves as the Volunteer’s Treasurer. Join us in thanking these dedicated men for their unselfish service to our community.

• The Fire Department will be hosting the National Fire Academy "Incident Command System" class on October 15^th and 16^th. The class is co-sponsored by the Emergency Services Training Institute, Texas Engineering Extension Service, the Texas A&M University System and the Bonham Fire Department. The students will receive National accreditation from the National Fire Academy, as well as CEU’s in Fire and Law Enforcement training as applicable.

• We are now taking appointments for Fire Prevention Month Tours and Programs. October is Fire Prevention Month and our Fire and Life Safety Programs are available for all that are interested. We will host tours of the station as well as come to your school, business, or organization to present important life saving and fire safety information. Please call CALA at 903-583-3731 during normal business hours to schedule your program. The Clowns have new and exciting shows for kids of all ages.

• We also want to take this opportunity to thank our many fine sponsors and supporters of our Fire and Life Safety Program. All of you who responded to our letters are greatly appreciated and we could not do it with out your support. Thanks!

Public Service Announcement From the National Fire Protection Association & The Bonham Fire Department

It’s late at night and you and your family are sound asleep. Suddenly, you are awakened by the piercing signal of the smoke alarm and you realize there is a fire in your home. Do you know what to do to survive?

The Bonham Fire Department says not knowing what to do could cost you your life. Eight out of ten deaths take place in the home and almost half of those deaths result from fires between 11 pm and 6 am when most people are sleeping.

The keys to survival are early warning and quick action. The Bonham Fire Department advises installing working smoke alarms on every level of your home to alert you if fire strikes, and developing and practicing a home fire drill, so you’ll be prepared in an emergency. Taking these simple steps can save your life if your home catches fire.

Unfortunately, too few people realize how quick and how deadly a home fire can be. In the home setting, you only have moments to survive a fire, so every second counts.

While a home fire is reported every 81 seconds in the US, the National Fire Protection Association says most people won’t be prepared when fire strikes their homes. Fewer than half of Americans surveyed by NFPA knew they should leave their house at the first sound of the smoke alarm. The recent survey also revealed that only one-quarter of American families have planned and practiced a home fire escape drill.

Many people are surprised to learn that smoke is likely to put them in a deper sleep rather than waking them. Smoke alarms provide extra time to follow the fire escape plan, increasing chances of survival. If people realized how little time they really have to get out of a fire, they would take the simple steps to protect themselves now.

The Bonham Fire Department in cooperation with the National Fire Protection Association is reinforcing this lifesaving advice as part of the annual Fire Prevention Week activities. NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 80 years and establishes the theme and works with the federal government to coordinate the Presidential Proclamation for the annual commemoration. This year fire prevention week is October 5th through the 11th, and the theme is "When Fire Strikes: Get Out and Stay Out!"

The Bonham FFA Chapter was recognized at the Bonham School Board meeting recently for their work toward earning National Chapter Award status. (Left to right) Officers include: Chance Roberts, Reporter; Aaron McCraw, Chaplain; Jake Lackey, President; Dustin Yeager, Secretary; Devin Grigg Treasurer and FFA Sponsor Nita Bankston.

Bonham FFA Receives Prestigious Designation

The Bonham High School FFA Chapter was designated as a 2003 National Chapter Award recipient recently. They will officially receive their award at the national FFA convention in Louisville, KY later this month.

Nita Bankston, FFA Advisor noted that there are 965 FFA chapters in the state and Bonham ranked 39th overall. The local chapter also won the Two-Star National Chapter award for the first time ever and the Superior Chapter rating,

"The last time anyone from Bonham FFA made it to the national level was in 1938 when they won the National Dair Products contest," Bankston said.

The National Chapter Award program is designed to award FFA chapters who actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization which includes career leadership, career success and personal growth.

The chapters improve chapter operations using a program of activities that emphasizes development in the following three divisions: Student Development - encourages the chapter to develop individual and cooperative activities that will enhance students’ life skills; Chapter Development - encourages the chapter to provide opportunities and services to its members through organized activities; Community Development - encourages the local development of FFA partnerships with other groups and organizations while taking a leadership role to make the community a better place to live and work.

"I would not be where I am today had it not been for FFA," Bankston said. "I would never have been able to lead discussions in front of large groups. All 105 of my students know the role of leadership and what to do with it. We just appreciate all the support we receive."

Dori Leatherwood Honored At Reception

A large group of appreciative Bonham citizens attended a special reception last week for Dori Leatherwood. She spent five years at the Bonham Chamber of Commerce and worked hard to accomplish many goals. Pictured with Dori, above second from left, are her grandparents, Leroy and Betty Tarpley, along with Chamber President Mike Simpson, far right. Simpson said, "Dori did a tremendous job for the Chamber and her energy was contagious to all of us. We will miss her." Dori has accepted a position with the Fannin County Crisis Center.

"A Fight To The Finish: Stories Of Polio" Premieres On Texas PBS Affiliates In October

Documentary Chronicles a Terrifying, Yet Triumphant, Chapter in American Medicine

DALLAS – KERA-Dallas/Fort Worth, the public broadcasting organization for North Texas, is partnering with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Ken Mandel Productions and PlainsCapital Corporation to present A FIGHT TO FINISH: STORIES OF POLIO, premiering on Texas public television affiliates the week of October 27, 2003. (Check local listings.)

This powerful one-hour documentary recounts the seldom-remembered polio epidemic in the United States that began with the first outbreak in 1916 and terrorized the nation for decades. Through touching personal accounts from polio survivors and their families, as well as from doctors and scientists, it chronicles the nation’s united front against the disease and the successful race to find a cure.

Countless people were touched by the disease in varying degrees, whether as members of the medical field, victims or their families. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was stricken by the disease as an adult and took great lengths to conceal its debilitating effects, became a champion for the cause. His response to the disease was to help create the March of Dimes, one of the most expansive social campaigns in American history, raising money and awareness in the fight against polio and providing stricken families with the best care possible.

The March of Dimes united the entire country in the singular purpose of eradicating polio, funding the work of two brilliant scientists, Dr. Albert Sabin and Dr. Jonas Salk, who would both eventually develop a vaccine for the mysterious and deadly virus that paralyzed a nation in fear. The title of the special comes from a telegram from President Roosevelt to Basil O’Connor, the lawyer he appointed to head the March of Dimes, in which he wrote, "The fight against infantile paralysis is a fight to the finish, and the terms are unconditional surrender."

Photos, film footage and archival interviews with Drs. Sabin and Salk, as well as first-hand accounts from polio survivors and their families, provide vivid images of the true, lasting effects of a disease that has become a forgotten chapter in American history.

Award-winning filmmaker Ken Mandel, whose latest film, "America’s Deadliest Storm: Galveston Island, 1900," is touring with the International Documentary Association’s InFACT short documentary Oscar-qualifying theatrical series, served as producer, director, editor and director of photography for A FIGHT TO THE FINISH: STORIES OF POLIO. Also serving as co-producer was Dr. Tony Herring, chief of staff at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas and past president of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America. Ralph Meyers wrote and co-edited the film, and John Bryant, Frank Hames and Dr. Herring created the music.

A success on the independent circuit, the film has screened at approximately 20 film festivals, including the USA Film Festival/Dallas, the Boston Film Festival, the Seattle International Film Festival, The Denver International Film Festival and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. A FIGHT TO THE FINISH: STORIES OF POLIO received awards at the Santa Monica Film Festival, Houston Film Festival and the Deep Ellum Film Festival.

KERA, a major public broadcasting producer and a leading community-based radio and television institution, regularly contributes to the national PBS schedule by producing programs that showcase Texas and the Southwest to the nation. Its television productions have been lauded for excellence by top industry awards, including a national George Foster Peabody Award in 2002 for KERA’s co-production of "The Cliburn: Playing on the Edge" and a national Emmy Award in 1998 for KERA’s four-part documentary series, "The U.S.-Mexican War (1846-1848)." In 2001, KERA received a national Emmy nomination for its first high-definition television documentary, "Matisse & Picasso."

PlainsCapital Corporation is the leading independent financial services company in Texas, serving business centers and communities across the state. An integral part of this family of 12 companies, PlainsCapital Bank is one of the largest independent banks in Texas with over $2.1 billion in assets. PlainsCapital’s 1,600 employees satisfy clients’ personal and business financial needs by offering a wide variety of services including commercial and private banking, wealth management, treasury management, commercial leasing, residential mortgage, insurance, and investment banking, title insurance and 1031 exchange services. More information is available at www.PlainsCapital.com.

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children was originally founded in 1921 to treat children with polio. Since the eradication of polio in the United States, the hospital has been committed to treating children with orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disabilities. There is no charge for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years of age. Please visit www.tsrhc.org for more information.

Bonham Jr. High Football

Bonham (8th) Indians traveled to Princeton on Oct. 2 for two games. The "B" team won the first game 8-6 on a 12 yard TD run by Anthony Quirk. Quarterback Chris Langston connected with FB Jesus Perez for the PAT. Perez also led the Indian defense from the LB position, with the help from teammates Nathan Baker and Buddy Childress.

In the "A" game, Bonham scored first following a Princeton miscue inside their own 5 yard line. On the second play following the turnover, RB Dylan Garza found his way into the end zone to take the early lead. The PAT failed and Bonham led 6-0. Special teams contributed as Tony Ross returned a Panter punt 30 yards for the Indians’ second score of the night. QB Ricky Perdue followed with the two-point convesion, as Bonham led 14-0 at the half. The Indians’ defense, much improved from a year ago, pitched a shutout with fine performances by Jimmie Allred (NG), Jay Sumner (DT), Kris Crutcher (LB), and Trey Wheeler (DE). Offensive lineman J. Tucker, Cole Lackey, Rusty Essary, Jacob Gammons and Alex Aviles paved the way all night, capping the victory with a 20 yard TD run by FB Jimmie Allred in the 4th quarter. Kris Crutcher scored the PAT as the Indians celebrated a 22-0 win over Princeton.

The 8th grade Indians hosted Commerce on Thursday, Oct. 9 at Warrior Stadium. Game time is 6:00.

The 7th grade squads will travel to Community on Tuesday, Oct. 14th. Game time is 5:30.

Hometown Military News

Air Force Airman 1st Class Nathan B. Hall has deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in Southwest Asia to support the mission of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Enduring Freedom is the official name given to anti-terrorism military operations involving U.S. troops and allied coalition partners. Reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have been mobilized, activated and deployed along with active duty members to support the war against global terrorism. Mission objectives encompass combating the international terrorist network or regime forces outside the borders of the United States. U.S. troops serve in South Asia, the Arabian peninsula, islands in the Pacific, and in numerous other countries.

In addition, Hall will be promoted to senior airman in October.

He is a patrolman normally assigned to the 82nd Security Forces Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas. He has three years of military service.

His parents are Kenny Hall of County Road 1035, Ravenna, Texas, and Debbie C. Hall of Terrell, Texas.

The airman is a 1999 graduate of Sam Rayburn High School, Ivanhoe, Texas.

Army Pvt. Jesse R. McCarley has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

He is the son of Charles and Connie McCarley of Bonham, Texas.

McCarley graduated in 2003 from Bonham High School.

Ector Elementary Employee Of The Week

The faculty of Ector Elementary is proud to recognize Karen Reeves as our "Employee of the Week". Karen is a graduate of Tom Bean High School. Following graduation, she attended Grayson County Community College and then received her B.A. from Austin College. This is Karen’s eleventh year at Ector, where she teaches both math and computers. Karen and her husband, David, have two children Katie and Alyssa. According to Karen the best thing about her job is helping the children learn in a safe and enjoyable environment. In addition to this she really enjoys the employee camaraderie. Once again, we are proud to honor Karen Reeves as the "Employee of the Week."

Ector Elementary Employee Of The Week

The faculty of Ector Elementary is proud to recognize Jennifer Norton as our "Employee of the Week". Jennifer is a graduate of Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas. Following graduation, she attended Paris Junior College, where she was an "honor graduate." She received her B.A. in Education from East Texas State University. This is Jennifer’s second year to teach Language Arts at Ector. Previously she had taught both second and third grades in the North Lamar Independent School District. This Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member has a husband, Russell, and two children at Texas A&M, Joni and Lonnie. According to Jennifer the best thing about her job are her students and co-workers. Once again, we are proud to honor Jennifer Norton as the "Employee of the Week."

When Decorating Little Faces, H2o Is The Way To Go

HOUSTON – Parents can make Halloween make-up a less scary experience by choosing a water-based paint for the kids, said a dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Two types of paint, both water-based and oil-based, are popular for dressing up children.

"In general, a water-based paint is better to use on children because it is easier to remove – you can use just soap and water – and it poses less of a potential risk of oil clogging the pores," said Dr. Rajani Katta, assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor.

This is especially an issue with teenagers, she said, who may already be dealing with oily skin.

"The main concern with any paint you put on a child’s face is the length of time it stays there," she said. "If it is only a couple of hours, you’re probably going to be okay. If it stays on all night, you might see some irritation."

Paint can either cause irritation, which will appear in the form of red, itchy patches, or ingredients in the paint can cause an allergic reaction that will look similar. Any irritation that last more than a couple days should prompt a trip to the dermatologist. Parents should also bring a child to the doctor if there is any swelling around the eyelids or the lips.

Katta said that for the most part, parents can feel safe with paints that were manufactured in the United States and list the ingredients on the container.

"Anything made in the U.S. must have FDA approval, so you can be a little more relaxed," she said. "Imported paints are okay as long as they list the ingredients on the package."

Ector Elementary

Awards Assembly 1^st Six Weeks

2003-2004

Lower Elementary - Dezarey Williamson

Upper Elementary - Marla Brown

Class Citizenship Award -Drake Cravens

Most Improved-boy - Wesley Elliott

Girl - Cyndal Jennings

Perfect Attendance -Rylee Coldiron, Clayton Collins, Wesley Elliott, Hunter Heathcock, Tanner Heathcock, Cyndal Jennings, Mckayla Jones, Taylor Keen, Avery Kraft, Austin Richardson, Alex Stephens

Class Citizenship Award -Billie Sue Elliott

Most Improved - Reachel Shelley

Perfect Attendance - Cloudi Burnett, Jessica Cirkles, Billie Sue Elliott, Elizabeth Essary, Trent Jones, Jacy Martin, Kayla Melton, Ariane Rushing, Nathan Thomason, Johnathon Whitlock,

A Honor Roll - Cloudi Burnett, Jessica Cirkles, Rachel Conway, Billie Sue Elliott, Elizabeth Essary, Trent Jones, Jacy Martin, Kayla Melton, Ariane Rushing, Tyler Self, Reachel Shelley, Nathan Thomason, Zayde Viola, Johnathon Whitlock

Class Citizenship Award - Juan Grijalva

Most Improved - Darcy Holder

Perfect Attendance- Amber Browning, Juan Grijalva, Andy Haas, Darcy Holder, Danyelle Huey, Brett Pearson, Tiffany Sellers, Kaylee Smith, Shelby Stockton

A Honor Roll - Ethan Garcia, Juan Grijalva, Andy Haas, Ricky Huerta, Danyelle Huey, Rachel Jones, Brett Pearson, Tiffany Sellers, Kaylee Smith, Shelby Stockton

A-B Honor Roll - Amber Browning, Darcy Holder, Ashland Merworth, Kendall Owens, Mason Ryan

Class Citizenship Award -Karlie Collins

Most Improved - Bradlee Coldiron

Perfect Attendance - Cristi Abbott, Kaleb Atkins, Ben Bingham, Selah Burnett, Darrah Capehart, Bradlee Coldiron, Karlie Collins, Ryan Glaser, Alora Lewis, Brianna Teel, Zachary Traylor, Dathan Wiley, Cody Kennedy

A Honor Roll - Cristi Abbott, Kaleb Atkins, Ben Bingham, Selah Burnett, Darrah Capehart, Karlie Collins, Hailey Cox, Kenna Duncan, Ryan Glaser, Cody Kennedy, Alora Lewis, Cheryl Mangrum, Brianna Teel, Dezarey Williamson, Dathan Wiley

A-B Honor Roll - Bradlee Coldiron, Zachary Traylor

Class Citizenship Award - Brittany Teel

Most Improved - Caleb Stephens

Perfect Attendance - Bradley Bingham, Susanann Boyette, Katelyn Bush, Carie Easley, Dillon Holcomb, Kristan Huey, Aron Mercer, Kandice Pasch, Pete Raymond, Kassie Shaw, Korey Smith, Caleb Stephens, Brittany Teel, Kyle Wells, Shani Wiley

A Honor Roll - Bradley Bingham, Carie Easley, London Galaway, Dillon Holcomb, Kristan Huey, Miranda Mayo, Aron Mercer, Kandice Pasch, Kassie Shaw, Hannah Shirey, Caleb Stephens, Brittany Teel, Kyle Wells, Shani Wiley

A-B Honor Roll - Susanann Boyette, Katelyn Bush, Chad Clement, Pete Raymond, Korey Smith, Brandon Tigert, Bailey Whitehead

Class Citizenship Award - Isaac Hicks

Perfect Attendance - Marla Brown, Morgan Leatherwood, Aaron Glaser, Anglea Haas, Isaac Hicks, Dillon Kraft, Chris Raymond, Savannah Thiry, Nate Wiliamson

A Honor Roll - Blair Boling, Marla Brown, Aaron Glaser, Angela Haas, Isaac Hicks, Mallory Mayo, Savannah Thiry, Nate Williamson

A-B Honor Roll - Zachary Kelton, Dillon Kraft, Morgan Leatherwood, Bodie Martin, Lacy Matthews, Chris Raymond

Class Citizenship Award - Sada Mam

Perfect Attendance- Brandon Cirkles, James Donihoo, Glenn Elliott, Juan Espinosa, Kacie Gilbert, Heather Hamby, Ethan Hicks, Sada Mam, Dennis Mangrum, Nicki Pasch, Brandon Richards, Tosha Roe, Molly Ryan, Caleb Self, Heather Smith, Jayson Stephens, Brittney Stone, Zakree Thompson, Loren Kenndey, Kristina Williams,Brandon Witte

A Honor Roll - Ethan Hicks, Sada Mam, Nicki Pasch, Brandon Richards, Molly Ryan, Jayson Stephens, Zakree Thompson, Kristina Williams, Brandon Witte

A-B Honor Roll - Brandon Cirkles, Glenn Elliott, Kacie Gilbert, Heather Hamby, Dennis Mangrum, Tosha Roe, Caleb Self, Joseph Spindle, Brittney Stone, Loren Kennedy

Ector ISD Overall Citizenship Awards For The First Six Weeks - 2003-2004

Lower Elementary - Dezarey Williamson - 3^rd Grade

Upper Elementary - Marla Brown - 5^th Grade

Ector Junior High School - John Atchley - 7^th Grade

Ector High School - Steven Vincent - 11^th Grade

Golf Tourney Benefits Children’s Center

Abused and neglected children of Fannin County were the ultimate winners last week as local golfers competed in a charity tournament to benefit the Fannin County Children’s Center (CASA & Children’s Advocacy Center.) The event marked the first tournament held on all 18 holes at Fannin County’s newest golf course, Legacy Ridge Country Club.

Seventeen teams played in the scramble, competing for both team and individual prizes. First place honors went to the team of Terry Bee, Richard Warren, Mike Flippo and Jon Kirkpatrick with a score of 16 under par. The competition was close and at the end of eighteen holes, four teams were tied for second place at 15 under par so a scorecard playoff determined the winners. The team of Dr. Bob and Michelle Hawkins, Michael Forrest and Lewis Welch took home the second place prize by getting an eagle on the first playoff hole. Clint Hemby, Jon Sisk, Todd Ford and CJ Cary teamed up to win third place honors.

Thanks to the generosity of many local businesses, there were also prizes for contests on every hole. Michelle Hawkins, Wade Guinn, Clint Hemby, Jon Sisk and Roy Jones each won prizes for closest to the pin. Joyce Kemp and Brenda Williams each won the women’s longest drive contests while Michael Forrest and Jon Sisk each had longest drives for the men. Allen Sanderson won for the longest putt and John Glaser, Misty Odom and Gary Nelson each won prizes for the straightest drives. Prizes were awarded to Bill Glaser for being closest to the pole and to Ray Campbell and Brenda Williams for being closest to the tree. On holes number 5 and 15, everyone who hit their ball into the water got to put their name into drawings for prizes, with Terry Bee and Lewis Welch getting the luck of the draw.

Organizers praised the efforts of the people who contributed to the tournament. "We really appreciate everyone who helped make this event a success – the golfers, sponsors, board, volunteers and staff," said Mary Karl, board member and fundraising chair of the Children’s Center. "It was a team effort which will benefit the abused and neglected kids of our county."

Proceeds from the tournament will help provide direct services for the abused and neglected children of Fannin County. The earnings will help give abused children a caring and concerned adult who will advocate for them while they are involved in the court system. It will also ensure that abused children will have a child-friendly, central location to go to when abuse is suspected and they need counseling and other assistance to begin healing from their trauma. For more information about the Children’s Center, call (903) 583-4339.

Lease Approval Falters With BISD

By Paul Berryhill

Taylor: Y’all are looking at the North Texas e-News?

Simpson: That’s the next little segment you may want to…

School Board President Charles Butler spoke up at this point, "This is a two-step process. The lease agreement we’ve got is with a non-profit entity. Once we approve the lease agreement or if for some reason we don’t approve the lease agreement then we don’t have the second part which would be the e-News discussion. At this point I just want the board to look at the lease agreement to decide if that’s what we want to do. If we want to continue."

Tom Turner said later that his concern was that the North Texas e-News, which had been a regular, tax-paying for profit business was now being rolled into a non-profit corporation. "The laws are very clear on the description of a non-profit organization. You can’t take or buy a "for profit" business and then turn it into a non-profit business."

Turner asked Butler, "Out of the $500,000 grant that FCCN received, what portion of that went to the purchase of NETexas e-News?

Butler: We wouldn’t have any way of knowing. The school does not have any responsibility.

Simpson: There was actually no purchase. It was not a purchase. It was management fees is what NETexas Internet got.

Turner: So there’s no way that you would know how much grant money went to management fees?

Simpson: I don’t have that figure off the top of my head.

Turner: But the grant was for $500,000 right?

Butler made clear that the grant money went to the foundation and not through the school. There has to be a clear line of distinction between the school and the non-profit entity. "NETexas Internet came into it as an acquistion of that non-profit entity (FCCN). We’re sort of leasing the property to them in return for the donations they make to us and that’s the extent of our agreement with them."

Butler continued, "Under Texas law we can’t run a for profit business. This is not really our non-profit entity and they’re not responsible to responding to our questions about who runs it, how do you run it, what’s your profit, how much is your profit. The lease agreement just simply says that they’ll pay the net profits. Now they could be $5.00 or $50,000, but in essence it’s just an agreement for them to occupy 108 W. 11^th. The importance of the lease to us is if we don’t like what they’re running on that property and want them to vacate, then we can terminate the lease," Butler explained. "We have to look at this, at least in my mind that there’s a donation to us, because we can’t be in the business of running a business in a for profit business on school property."

School board member Clark Smith asked, "Does this set us up that if an individual or business came up to us and said I’ll give you $50,000 a year, can I use one of your school properties, if they’re a quote ‘non-profit organization’?"

Butler responded, "I think the big picture here is this. The whole reason this was done, and I think it’s sort of like, necessity is the mother of invention, we have technology and a technology area and we’re constantly in need of funding and this is a way to set up that funding. If someone comes to us with a business that benefits BISD and the students of BISD and it’s a true non-profit entity, then we may at that point want to consider some relationship with them. I think that’s what we have the right to do."

BISD board member Allen Sanderson directed a comment toward Simpson, "So NETexas Internet is no longer."

Simpson answered, "Correct. It is nothing more than a "doing business as". There is no real NETexas. It is owned or operated by FCCN.

Sanderson said, "So NETexas Internet is a subsidiary of FCCN.

In an area newspaper this last week a "Letter to the Editor" was published which was written by Allen Rich of the Fannin County Community Network, North Texas e-News. "… We have joined forces with Fannin County Community Network, a non-profit organization…" The address given was that of the school property – North Texas e-News, a non-profit organization, 108 W. 11^th, Bonham, TX 75418.

Sanderson later asked how many community networks are there in the state of Texas and Simpson said, "there are none operating just like this one."

Sanderson said, "This needs to be distinctive in that the perception is, and you have to go with the public’s perception, it has to be –hands off- regarding the school. The perception is the school’s involved, school’s running it, school’s making decisions, so it has to be distinctively separate."

Butler: I guess in theory the "business" can be run off school property, but it just seems to work better because of the proximity to campuses.

Simpson: It’s another tool that I use to do my job with the school. I utilize personnel from there and we have internet connection that goes through there and we have a server set up over there.

Turner asked Simpson, "Are you pretty comfortable that this will be approved after turning a tax-paying business (NETexas Internet) into a non-profit business, because that is basically what has been done?"

Simpson answered, "That’s not what we did. We established a non-profit organization and you’re able to take donations from individuals or whatever, of assets and utilize those."

Butler then asked for a motion. "What we’re concerned about on this level is simply, do we want to continue our relationship at 108 W. 11^th with Fannin County Community Network? Do I have a motion to approve the lease agreement?"

After several more questions, clarifications and long period of silence, Charlotte Kearney made the motion to approve the lease agreement. Silence once again fell in the meeting room and the motion died for lack of a second.

Soapbox

By Paul Berryhill

BEDCO Delays Decision Regarding

Location Of Expo Center

By Paul Berryhill

Besides the Expo Center, long-range plans at the Multi-Purpose Complex site includes: civic center, indoor/outdoor rodeo areans and accommodations for the Fannin County Fair, Trades Days and senior citizens center; hiking, biking and nature trails, picnic areas, swimming pools, tennis courts, various meeting rooms, office space for county agricultural services, year-round RV park and more.

FCMPC Chairman Tom Turner said, "There’s a lot of things that we haven’t even thought about that could be built out on that 176 acre sight. If a developer was coming into this area looking to build anything, he would pick that spot. It can be made into anything you can dream or your children can dream. No other town in North Texas has that much land available.

It was stressed over and again that the FCMPC was looking for a partnership with BEDCO in seeing the project through. Troy Sellers said, "If you (BEDCO) were not going to be building an Expo Center, we (FCMPC) probably wouldn’t be here talking about it. So, whether you choose to select this site as the place or whether you continue to do something different, we’re still going to move forward with the Complex. It will be slower and take longer and we’ll have duplication and other things. All of us together will be much stronger than any of us individually."

Dr. Harrison said he was contacted by a national dog association last year about holding a one-week dog show in Bonham or the general area, "We didn’t have a facility to put it on. That’s money coming in when those folks show upl," he said. Also BEDCO board member Emily Porter said she was told at least one or two calls come in to the Chamber of Commerce each month about a facility to handle some 250 people for a convention like the Pecan Growers Association, but do not have a facility to use.

There were opposing views of local residents at the meeting brought by Rusty Deets, Jeff Kinkade and Bill Munger. Deets basically felt citizens had been misled and that all money from the half-cent sales tax was to be spent in the Heritage District.

Kinkade, a former BEDCO board member said, "I’m not against BEDCO putting the money out there, but not right now." He said that the plan the people voted for had not been followed and the deviation from that plan is causing delays in projects being finished.

Bill Munger said he was for the Complex but his main concern was for the downtown area. "My main concern is the Heritage District project. BEDCO has $1.2 million and you don’t know what it will take to finish this thing. You need to take a good, hard look at your future expenses before you start giving away your money. Take a month or two. If we get this done and have $250,000 left, OK. Otherwise, we need to revitalize the downtown area."

Tom Johnson BEDCO Executive Director told the BEDCO board, "You’re not going to give them a quarter of a million dollars all at once. By making a commitment and allocating $250,000 it gives them the ability to secure design and cost estimates, but the Complex would still have to come back to BEDCO for final approval. This gives you oversight on the project." Johnson also said growth has to go west in the future for Bonham.

The Board also tabled action on the retention or disposal of the water tower at the old Cotton Mill sight. Johnson will be getting cost estimates on what it might cost to make the tower structurally sound. He said he had gotten an estimate on painting it at a cost of some $5,000. Board member Mike Vaught voiced his opinion against disposal and was not in favor of painting the tower either.

Ector High School Employee Of The Week

Ector High School Employee of the Week for October 13th -17^th is Rhonda Caylor. Ms. Caylor is currently teaching Jr. High Reading, Spelling, English, and High School Public Speaking. She is also our Elementary and High School Librarian. She has been with Ector ISD for 14 years and when asked, Ms. Caylor states the best thing about her job is "working with the kids and my co-workers." Ms. Caylor also has a wonderful daughter named Katia.

Ms. Caylor we would like to congratulate you as employee of the week and to thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Thank you for helping make Ector ISD a great place to work and learn.

Bailey Community Fellowship Club And The Bailey Volunteer Fire Department Say Thanks

The Bailey Community Fellowship Club and the Bailey Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the following for their donations toward our Hamburger Supper and Auction on September 13, 2003.

Auto Tech, Auto Zone, B&B Food Store, Bonham Quik Lube, Brookshire’s Food Store, Georgie Brown, Coast to Coast, Mary Compton, Cypress Creek Candle Co., Fiesta Texas, Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co., Joyce Giddiens, Happy Kampers, Reba Hale, Oleta Haynes, Hell on the Red, Sandy Hood, Johnson Ladder Co, Julia Kinkade, Kountry Kraft Mall, Lehde’s Meat & Produce, McGraw Oil Co., O’Reilly Auto Parts, Larry Phillips - Texas House of Representatives, Red River Fishing Hole & Cowboy’s Bar B’Que, Devan Richardson, Helen Robinson, Rolando’s Mexican Restaurant, S & E Western Wear, Schlitterbahn’s, Six Flags, Smith-Moore-Williams, Sonic Drive-In, Angela Springer, Stephens Sand & Gravel, Dorie Walker

Thanks From The Bailey Volunteer Fire Department

The Bailey Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank Wolfe City Volunteer Fire Department, Randolph Volunteer Fire Department, Leonard Volunteer Fire Department, the American Red Cross and the Texas Forest Service for the help at the house fire on October 4. Thanks also to those not mentioned that helped in any way. All help was very much appreciated.

Fannin County Retired Teachers Association Meeting

The October meeting of the Fannin County Retired Teachers Association was held in the Elizabeth May Room of the American Bank in Bonham, Texas, on October 7 with thirty-one members present. President Jo Jones called the meeting to order, and Barbara Gore reported on the FCRTA project of collecting children’s books for donation to the Haven of Rest House.

Program Co-Chairman Gene Brandenburger introduced Joyce Denton who had arranged the program for the meeting. Mrs. Denton welcomed the Director of the Bonham Public Library, Barbara McCutcheon, who presented a program entitled "Treasures For the Mind." Ms. McCutcheon told about some of the programs and services of the library, including programs for children from pre-school age and older. She mentioned the S. O. A. R. (Save Our American Raptors) program which is presented to younger elementary school children. She explained that tours of the library are offered to students and scout groups. In addition to a genealogy section, tax assistance for the elderly, and free advertising on Channel 25 for non-profit groups, the library also has a good selection of books, books on tape and CDs available for check-out.

Following the program, a brief business meeting was held. Legislative Chairman, Zealous Trout, provided members with a proposed TRTA Priorities survey to be completed and returned to state representatives for the 79th Legislative Session. Refreshments were served by hosts and hostesses, Edith and Zealous Trout, Myrtle McIntyre, Mary Jim Clements, Beverly Wakefield, and Dana Clifton. Door prizes were won by Dana Clifton, Letha Walker, and Nita Brandenburger.

The next meeting of the FCRTA will be a covered dish luncheon on Monday, November 3, 2003, at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Honey Grove, Texas. Fannin County Retired Teachers Association is open to all public school personnel and higher education retirees including those who retired from another school district outside Fannin County.

Ashland Merworth To Compete At The Fannin County Fair

Ashland Lanell Merworth is a 7 year old that attends Ector Elementary.

She is the daughter of Joe and Lynn Merworth, Jr. and the sister of Taylor Paige Merwoth of Ravenna.

Ashland will be competing in the Fannin County Fair Pagaent in Bonham on Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Her hobbies include: singing. dancing, and playing with her pony Truman.

Ashland was the Grand Supreme Winner in the All-Star Kids Pagaent in Sherman, TX, in 1999 and Grand Supreme Winner in the Mr. & Mrs. Sweetheart Pagaent in 2002. Ashland has received the Principal’s award for all A’s in 2002-2003 school year, and was voted class favorite by her classmates. Ashland will be singing "I Care About Being Me," for her talent in the Fair Pagaent.

Ashland would like to thank her sponsor Judy from AE’s Flowers and Judy’s Garden Shed and thank Kathy from Hair Doctor’s for always doing a great job fixing her hair for all the Beauty Pagaents.

We Love You! Good Luck!! Mom, Dad, and Sister

Bonham Snap Center

Cheeseburgers, Potato Salad, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Pickles, Buns, Cran Apple Crunch, Milk

BBQ Chicken, Mexicali Corn, Green Beans, Bread, Peaches, Milk

VA Offers Flu Shots On The Go As Disease Prevention Gets Easier

DALLAS --- Veterans can "beat the flu at the drive-thru." VA North Texas Health Care system has made it easier for eligible veterans to receive a free flu vaccine by establishing drive-thru stations. All veterans who have received an honorable discharge from the military are eligible, however a patient identification card, discharge certificate or DD214 is required.

The drive-thru station in Dallas will kick off Saturday, October 18, 2003, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and at all three VANTHCS facilities October 20-31, 2003, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Dallas VA Medical Center: 4500 South Lancaster Road, Dallas - south entrance and follow signs to south Clinical Addition;

• Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic: 300 W. Rosedale, Fort Worth - under the canopy of the ambulance entrance; and

• Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center: 1201 E. Ninth, Bonham - front of Building 1 under the canopy.

Veterans, ChampVA, and TriCare beneficiaries can roll up their sleeves and get their flu shots without leaving their vehicles. By making these vaccinations more accessible, VA officials expect that many hospital and clinic visits for flu-related problems will be prevented. "It’s a well established fact flu shots decrease hospitalizations and illness, especially among those over 50 years of age and the chronically ill," said Alan G. Harper, director of VANTHCS.

"Many veterans don’t come for flu shots because of hassles with parking and inconvenience," he said. "With the drive-thru, all one has to do is sign the consent form and get the shot. The whole process should take no more than 15 minutes."

"This is the ninth consecutive year VANTHCS has provided drive-thru flu shots. The program has been extremely successful, said Mr. Harper. For more information, please call the following VANTHCS TeleCare numbers in your area. Dallas 1-800-849-3597, option 2; Bonham 1-800-924-8387, extension 36733; or Fort Worth 1-800-443-9672, option 1. Beneficiary travel will not be authorized.

When life gave Ector second graders lemons, they made lemonade and a lot of money. What started out as a cute idea to have a lemonade stand at school one day, quickly turned into big business. Their teacher, Mrs. Morris, and their principal, Mr. Shaw, thought it would be a good opportunity to teach them some real-life problem solving skills. On Thursday, September 25th, the class and their parents ran the lemonade stand in front of the elementary building. They learned how to solve problems, work as a team, develop a quality product, advertise, relate to customers, make change, tally cups sold, measure, mix, and graph results. Their projected goal had been to make about $40 to buy treats and games for their classroom. They never expected that at the end of the day they would have made $145. It was a great success thanks to Wal-mart, who donated the lemonade mix and cups, and the parents who worked in shifts with their children while Mrs. Morris continued teaching her class. This was a class project that they will always remember as a great learning experience.

At the weekly meeting of the Bonham Rotary Club last week, Lisa Avila, representing Hannah’s Horseshoes Of Hope, spoke about therapeutic riding for mentally and physically disabled people. She also presented a video on this subject that explained why riding horses is so therapeutic for people. Avila is a therapeutic horse riding instructor at Hannah’s Horseshoes of Hope. If you would like more information about this project, please call 903-664-3062.

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

Statement By Congressman Ralph Hall On Redistricting

"As many of you know, I helped write redistricting maps as a member of the Texas Senate in the 60s and 70s. I believe that this is a State legislative responsibility. I remember how it felt to have members from the Congressional delegation standing over our shoulder, and for that very reason I have not been to Austin to try to influence the legislative process.

I did answer calls from anyone who contacted me about redistricting, and I asked basically for three considerations: that Rockwall County remain with other counties of tenure in the Fourth Congressional District, that Smith and Gregg Counties be kept together to allow them to pool their strengths and resources to compete with larger metropolitan areas, and to keep as much of Smith and Gregg Counties in the Fourth District as possible.

I was successful in accomplishing two of these goals, and I regret that the new proposal does not put Smith and Gregg, along with Kaufman, Cooke, and Van Zandt Counties in the Fourth District. However, the proposed new district is one that I would be proud to represent. It retains Rockwall, Grayson, Fannin, and Rains Counties, puts all of Hunt County back in the Fourth District and increases the numbers in Collin County. I have previously represented some of the other counties, and I have many friends and acquaintances in those counties. It is a district that is more Democratic than the present Fourth District, and it is a district I feel very confident about.

I have great faith in the legislative and judicial process and will await the final decision of the courts. In the meantime, I will continue to work hard to represent my constituents in the Fourth District who are more concerned about jobs, the economy, healthcare, prescription drugs, veterans, education, the fight against terrorism and energy independence than they are about partisan politics. I am a Democrat representing a district that is 65 percent Republican - a district that has been good to me and has respected my voting independence - and my constituents will continue to have the final say."