Bonham Water Rates

Increase Effective Oct. 1st

Budget Adopted and Tax Rate Set

by Paul Berryhill

Bonham City Commissioners had been working toward their Friday, Sept. 19^th meeting for quite some time. It finally arrived and they gave their stamp of approval for an increase in water and sewer rates, adopted a $10 million budget for 2003-2004 and set the tax rate at 55 cents per $100 evaluation which is the same rate as the current fiscal year.

Residential water customers in the city of Bonham will see their minimum water and sewer bill go up $9.00 per month from $27 to $36 per month for a 33% increase. The new water and wastewater rates go into effect October 1, 2003. However, water consumption rates were reduced by almost 50%. For customers using more than the minimum of 200 cu. ft. of water per month, the new rate for winter months will be $1.05 per 100 cu. ft. as compared to the current rate of $2.10. The new minimum water rate will be $18.00 (up from $12.00) and the new sewer rate will be $18.00 (up from $15.00) for a total of $36.00 per month.

The new minimum rates are based on meter size. According to City Manager Blaine Hinds, most all residential customers have an under one inch line and the new rate will be $18.00 for water. Previously, all customers, regardless of the size of the water line coming from their meter, had a minimum water rate of $12.00. Most all of the following charges involve commercial and industrial meter sizes. A one inch line customer will see their bill go from $12.00 to $50.00; a one and a half inch line will have a $95.00 minimum; 2 inch - $155.00; 3 inch - $320.00; 4 inch - $430.00; 6 inch - $1,170 and 8 inch - $3,400.

Donna West of Town West Coin Laundry and Susan Skinner of Fannin Coin Laundry in Bonham addressed Commissioners during the public hearing about the water rates. Skinner simply stated the increase would have a dramatic impact on her business.

West spent the better part of two weeks talking to Commissioners individually and with City Manager Blaine Hinds concerning the proposed increase. She also talked with other area cities about their rates for comparison purposes.

"I have a two inch meter at the laundry. My last month’s bill was for 8300 cu. ft. of water and totaled $347.00. With the new rate the same bill will now be $503.00 for a $156 increase or 45%," West said. In later discussions, West said if her business was in Sherman, her previous month’s bill would have been $73.00 higher and it would have been $84.00 higher in Greenville. "But that’s a heck of a lot better than $153.00 in Bonham," she said. "To make up for that increase, I will need 15 new customers every month and in Bonham that’s going to be pretty difficult to do."

Commissioners voted unanimously to increase water and sewer rates.

An increase was also approved for Lake Bonham residents who have not had a water rate increase since 1989. Their monthly minimum bill will now be $31.10, up from $23.00 per month. After the minimum use of 200 cu. ft. of water the rate goes to $1.72 per 100 cu. ft. as compared to city of Bonham residents consumption rate of $1.05 per cu. ft. during the winter months (November through April.

A city of budget of almost $10 million was approved for fiscal year Oct. 1, 2003 through Sept. 30, 2004. Commissioner Wayne Moore voted against the proposed budget because he felt the position classification and compensation plan the city council had previously discussed was not followed. Moore felt city employees should have received their pay increases beginning Oct. 1, 2003 instead of delaying them until April 2004.

The $10 million budget shows expenditures of $6,397,456 from the General Fund; $3,243,487 from Water and Sewer Fund and $259,181 from the Airport Fund.

A tax rate of 55 cents per $100 valuation for the new tax year beginning January 1, 2004 was approved. This is the same rate as the current year. Most home and property owners will still see an increase in taxes however as property valuations have increased.

District Clerk Proposes To

Eliminate Chief Deputy Post

By Paul Berryhill

Quilting Workshop

At The Creative

Arts Center

Join Sherman Textile Artist Yeny Jordan for two exciting, hands-on Saturdays as you learn to paper-piece, machine appliqué and hand quilt your beautiful Christmas Table Runner! You may recognize Yeny’s name from the incredible exhibit seen throughout September in our Textile Gallery! She is a juried artist of the CAC and also has a piece in the huge-hit gallery exhibit, "HOT!", which shows through September 22nd. Mrs. Jordan, born in Costa Rica, has shown her quilts in nearly 25 states across the US and is a member of the Heritage Quilters in Durant. Yeny quilts 365 days a year and travels, displaying her work in 25 states across the US. She is most fond of appliqué work and enjoys creating "Baltimore Beauties and "Hawaiian Quilts". As her stash grows, the ever-present promise to use every little piece of material in a scrap quilt continues unabated! (It promises to be HUGE!)

Only $40 per student for TEN hours of instruction!

LIMIT 10 STUDENTS

Receive your fabric supply sheet when registering at the CAC office. Students also need to bring good-quality fabric scissors, a sewing machine (let us know if you need to borrow one) and neutral colored cotton thread.

Register by October 6th! Full payment due at registration.

For more information, call the Creative Arts Center TODAY at 640-2196 or email us at: creativeartscenter@netexas.net !

To register, come by Monday-Friday from 10am – 6pm or Saturday from 11am-4pm at 200 W. 5^th Street in Bonham.

We are located at 200 West Fifth Street in Bonham, Texas, just one block west of Bonham’s historic town square.

The Daughters Of The American Revolution George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas

The Daughters of the American Revolution, George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas met Saturday, September 20, 2003, at the Bonham Chamber of Commerce, meeting room for their first meeting of the year.

Mary Jo Barbee, regent, called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. leading the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag with Dot Linn serving as chaplain. Mary Beavers, historian, leading everyone in the Daughters Pledge to the Flag and the American Creed. Mary Jo read the President General’s Message. Myra Rodgers, Parliamentarian, introduced, Wanda Carter of Garland as a guest and hopefully new member. Nancy Bellows, secretary, read the previous minutes. Flo Odom, registrar, gave the treasury report for Martha Mayrell, treasurer due to illness. Flo also gave a report on how many members we have and how many new members are filing papers for membership. Mary Jo, Dot and Martha went to the TSDAR Forum in Austin, Sept. 6th and they gave a short report to the group.

Myra gave the program, "Women’s Lifestyles in Colonial Times." Mary Jo Yarbrough and Myra were hostesses. They made and served a meal that was common in the Colonial era. They served cherry soup, red pickled eggs, bannock cakes, pounded cheese, salmon corn cakes, cinnamon bread, swizzle and tea from a beautiful fall decorated table to ten members and a guest.

Flo, Nancy and Mary Beavers brought birthday gifts. Those winning were Mary Jo, Flo, Wanda, Mary B., and Nancy.

The NSDAR is an organization whose membership consists of women who have traced and documented their family lineage to a supporter or military person of the American Revolution. Anyone interested can contact Flo Odom, 903-623-4031. Our next meeting will be Sat., Oct. 11, 2003 at 2 p.m. in the Bonham Chamber of Commerce meeting room.

Many Ear Infections Clear Up Without Antibiotics

HOUSTON - Many children with ear infections are now being sent home from the doctor’s office without a prescription for antibiotics.

"Antibiotics are not necessarily the answer," said Dr. Ellen Friedman, professor of otorhinolaryngology and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "In many cases, the ear infection clears up on its own."

While the traditional treatment for ear infections has been antibiotics, Friedman said studies have shown that many ear infections improve without any treatment and with no complications.

"Decreasing a child’s exposure to antibiotics is important because of the threat of antibiotic resistance caused by overexposure," said Friedman, also chief of pediatric otolaryngology at Texas Children’s Hospital. "And with many ear infections, we’re finding that a pain reliever to control fever and pain is all that’s needed."

Ear infections are a common problem in infants and young children. In most cases, they stop occurring as a child gets older, though sometimes it’s necessary to provide relief with a surgical procedure to insert ear tubes to drain fluid.

It’s the fluid left after an ear infection that can cause the most problems, Friedman said.

"The fluid that stays in the ear after an ear infection can affect hearing, language, learning, concentration and behavior," she said. "And there is often no fever or pain with fluid, making it difficult for the parent to know the fluid is there."

Friedman recommends that a child who has been diagnosed with an ear infection be seen again by a doctor six to eight weeks after the diagnosis to determine that all the fluid is gone.

"It’s important to get rechecked, not right away, but after several weeks because it sometimes takes that long for the fluid to go away," she said.

New CASA Volunteers Sworn-in

Abused children of Fannin County recently gained five new child advocates when the Honorable Judge Ray Grisham of the 336^th District Court swore-in five new CASA volunteers. New volunteers include Belinda Glaser, Shelia Underwood and Deanie Dunham of Bonham, Sandy Hood of Bailey and Lisa Garling of Bells.

Each of the volunteers completed an intensive thirty hours of training to prepare them to advocate for abused children involved in the court system. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is appointed by the judge to be the Guardian ad Litem for children involved in the foster care system. In that role, they prepare written reports and speak up for a child’s best interest in court hearings after investigating the child’s circumstances through talking with family members, teachers, therapists, caseworkers and of course, the child.

The training also prepared the volunteers for working with the Children’s Advocacy Center. When children and their non-offending caregivers come to the center for the child’s forensic interview, volunteers often help provide family support. Some volunteers also staff the front desk, greeting visitors to the center, answering phones and completing clerical tasks.

In the agency’s most recent fiscal year, CASA volunteers contributed 2,115 hours in their work for 78 children. Volunteers also logged in 556 hours with the Children’s Advocacy Center. For more information about CASA or the Children’s Advocacy Center, call (903) 583-4339.

Friends Of Fannin County Critters

Friends of Fannin County Critters is offering a $400 reward for information leading to a conviction of the persons who threw a young dog out of the window of a small blue pickup at the intersection of Hwy 898 and Hwy 121 on Monday, August 25th at approximately 11 am.

The puppy, a female German Shepard mix was saved by a woman who was able to save the puppy from oncoming traffic but could not get the license plate number from the vehicle. Abandoning an animal is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $4000 dollar fine for first offense. If you know anything about this crime, please call the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department at 903-583-2143.

Nominate Your Boss For Boss Of The Year

The Bonham Business and Professional Women’s Club announces that nomination forms are now available for the 2003 Fannin County Boss of the Year. Applications must be completed and returned to Kathy Moss, 518 North Main, Bonham, Texas 75418 by October 6, 2003. Applications are available at Fannin Bank, Bonham State Bank, American Bank of Texas, Floyd Enterprises, and Moss and Cox law firm, or on-line at www.bonhamchamber.com.

The Boss of the Year award will be presented during the National Business Women’s Week luncheon to be held Monday, October 20, 2003 at noon, at the Fannin County South Annex Building, 210 South Main in Bonham.

Now is the time to express your appreciation to your boss.

For more information, please contact Mary-k Ashley Wilson at 903-821-4322 or 903-583-3101.

Bonham High School Class

Of "53" Will Have Their  50th Reunion

The first ‘Get Together’ for these classmates will be held Fri., Oct. 3, at 6 pm, at Northside Church of Christ Fellowship Hall.

On October 4 (Saturday), there will be coffee and doughnuts at 10 am at Schumardii’s, followed by a buffet lunch at non with lots of memory exchanges. A class picture will be taken at 3 pm. All classmates are invited to attend, whether you graduated with the class or not.

For details call Mary Turner Freeman at 903-583-7680 or Ruth Stone Moore at 903-893-2601 or Charlene Floyd Miller at 903-583-4904.

2003-2004 Trenton Sports Association

Board Members

The Trenton Sports Association has elected the new board members for the 2003-2004 season. Bryan Beezley-President, Sammy Puyear-Baseball Commissioner, Brian Barnes-Softball Commissioner, Kyle Lewis-Soccer Commissioner, Darbi Beezley-Secretary, Jill Lewis-Treasurer, John Hines-Director of Officials, Brett Glover-Field Director, Allen Lambright-Equipment Director, and Sherly Beezley-Fund Raiser/Scholarship Director.

The TSA will again have opening day ceremonies, they are tentatively scheduled for April 3, 2004. New for next year will be closing ceremonies with a family picnic planned tentatively for June 12th, 2004.

The TSA would also like to let everyone know the proposal for the new park has been sent to the state for approval, we should hear back at the first of 2004.

Jerome Axle Brown Of Bonham, Tx Wins Davis Scholarship To Attend United World College Of The United World College Of The American West In Montezuma, NM

Jerome Brown is one of 50 U.S. high school students selected in national competition to represent the United States in the international student bodies of the United World College schools. Jerome is attending United World College of the American West in Montezuma, NM. Davis Scholarships are merit scholarships covering the full cost of tuition, room and board for two years at a United World College school.

The United World College schools are two-year pre-university residential schools dedicated to international understanding. UWC campuses are located in Britain, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Norway, Singapore, Swaziland and the United States. Each school is a community of students and faculty representing many countries, and each school offers a program of demanding academics, community service, outdoor programs and global issues. UWC graduates are eagerly sought by colleges and universities the world over.

U.S. students apply when they are either in the 10^th or 11^th grade. All U.S. students apply through the U.S. selection process administered by the Admissions office of the United World College of the American West in Montezuma, New Mexico. All 50 U.S. students selected each year are awarded Davis Scholarships.

Begun in 1999, the Davis Scholarships are made possible through major funding to the endowment of the United World College of the American West by Shelby and Gale Davis. Mr. Davis is founder and CEO of Davis Selected Advisors, a mutual fund and money management firm.

There is no application fee for the United World College schools and the Davis Scholarship. The next application deadline is February 1, 2004.

For an application packet contact: Greg Walsh, Director of admissions, UWC Admissions-Davis Scholarship Program; The United World College of the American West; PO Box 248; Montezuma, NM 87731. Telephone 505 454-4201. Fax 505 454-­4294.

Organ Donation — The Gift That

Keeps On Giving

They’re the amazing stories we see, read and hear every day — the newborn who gets a second chance at life after having a heart transplant, the badly burned firefighter who will be able to return to work after receiving skin grafts, the middle-age woman who had been on dialysis for years but is now healthy and active after receiving a donor kidney.

Unfortunately, there are many more stories whose endings are not so happy or, more important, not yet known. These are the stories of the more than 82,000 people in the United States — about 5,000 of them in Texas — who are waiting for an organ transplant.

"Every day, all across the country, people are saved by the gift of organ donation," said Susan Ristine of the Texas Department of Health’s (TDH) anatomical gift education program, a statewide program that educates Texas residents about organs and tissues that can be used in transplants.

"In 2002, around 24,000 children, teenagers, parents, grandparents and friends were given a second chance at life because someone chose to donate their organs and tissues," Ristine said.

But the number of organs available for transplantation falls far short of the demand. Around 6,000 people in the United States died last year while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, Ristine said. "The waiting list continues to grow — it’s now three times larger than it was 10 years ago."

Ristine said one reason is that, while most people support the idea of organ donation, few actually choose to donate. "They either don’t know about the organ donation process or have unfounded fears or misinformation about it. We believe that, if more people knew the facts about organ donation, it would reduce concerns they and their family members have about the process."

For example, life-saving medical treatment is not withheld because the patient has signed an organ donor card, Ristine said.

Other concerns may involve not knowing what happens to the donor’s body or if there can be an open-casket funeral. "The donor’s body is not disfigured during the organ transplant process," Ristine explained. "The procedure does not delay funeral arrangements."

Ristine added that most people are unaware that donation of their organs can benefit so many people. "One donor can help save or improve the lives of 25 or more people with gifts of organs, tissue and corneas," she said. Organs that can be donated include heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissue that can be donated includes cornea, skin, bone, bone marrow, heart valves and connective tissue.

While donors of all races are needed, there are special needs among minority populations. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in racial and ethnic minority populations than in the general population. African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders and Hispanics are three times more likely to suffer from end-stage renal disease than are Caucasians. American Indians are four times more likely than Caucasians to suffer from diabetes.

"The need for minority donors is critical, especially among African Americans," Ristine said. "African Americans represent 13 percent of the U.S. population but make up 27 percent of the national waiting list and only 11 percent of donors."

Deciding to be an organ donor is as easy as signing a uniform donor card, having two adults sign the card as witnesses and carrying the card with you at all times.

But signing and carrying the card is just the first step. "If you haven’t told your family you’re an organ and tissue donor — you’re not a donor," Ristine emphasized. "You need to tell your family about your decision to be an organ and tissue donor because they will be consulted before the donation process can take place."

To receive a donor card and information about organ donation, go to the anatomical gift education program Web site at www.tdh.state.tx.us/agep/default.htm. Or call the Texas Department of Health at (800) 222-3986.

The education program is funded through a voluntary $1 contribution made when a Texas driver license or identification card is issued or renewed at Texas Department of Public Safety offices and or online at www.txdps.state.tx.us.

Ector High School Employee of the Week: Ronnie Baker

We would like to welcome Mr. Baker to Ector I.S.D.  He is currently teaching World Geography, History, and girls Athletics. Mr. Baker is a retired teacher who has been teaching for 30 yr. He has been married for 36 yr.. He enjoys camping, golf, and playing with his grandchildren.

Mr. Ronnie Baker, congratulations and thank you for the support and commitment to our school.

Free Website Will Help Needy Texas Patients Get Free Medicines

Washington, DC - A free online database will help patients without prescription drug coverage access user friendly information about more than 1,400 medicines offered free through patient assistance programs sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry and others, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) announced Sept. 23. People who need help in obtaining medicines can log on to http://www.helpingpatients.org, fill out an online form and receive a list of programs for which they may qualify.

"The pharmaceutical industry has a long practice of providing prescription medicines free of charge to patients who might not be able to afford them. In 2002 alone, our companies have helped more than five million patients get the medicines they need," said PhRMA President Alan F. Holmer. "We are also committed to a long-term solution to ensure seniors and the disabled have access to the medicines they need. That’s why we strongly support meaningful prescription drug coverage under Medicare."

"Medicare beneficiaries without drug coverage fill fewer prescriptions which not only hurt patients but ends up costing the health care system more in the long run," stated Holmer.

"Seniors need and deserve high-quality prescription drug coverage," said Holmer. "To fill the need until Congress enacts this coverage—and to take care of the millions of younger people who lack prescription drug insurance—the pharmaceutical industry is putting out the welcome mat for its long-standing patient assistance programs. Helpingpatients.org streamlines the process of finding out about and applying for this assistance. We believe the new website will enable more patients to take advantage of these programs."

5,000-PLUS SENIORS LIVING IN FANNIN CO. MAY BENEFIT FROM SOME 800 MEDICINES PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCHERS ARE DEVELOPING FOR DISEASES OF AGING, SURVEY FINDS

Washington, D.C. – There is good news for senior citizens in Fannin County, of which there were an estimated 5,030, or 16.1% of the population, aged 65 and older in 2000 census figures.

A new survey by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) found that drug companies are testing more than 800 potential medicines for diseases of aging, including 123 for heart disease and stroke, 395 for cancer and 309 for such debilitating diseases as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and osteoporosis. All of the medicines are either in human clinical trials or awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

"The medicines in development offer hope of continuing and accelerating the remarkable improvements in the lives of seniors achieved over the past few decades," PhRMA President Alan F. Holmer said. He cited a study by Duke University researchers that found that chronic disability among the elderly was falling and that fewer seniors are going into nursing homes.

Alzheimer’s disease offers one example of the importance of stepped-up pharmaceutical research, Holmer said, noting that an estimated 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease by the middle of the 21^st century unless a cure or prevention is found. Pharmaceutical companies are working on 18 potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, he added.

Eighteen of the medicines in development target depression, which affects one out of every five seniors, and 34 are aimed at diabetes, which costs the U.S. about $132 billion a year in direct medical expenses, lost productivity and disability. Seventeen of the medicines are for osteoporosis, a major health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, and 15 target Parkinson’s disease – 60,000 new cases of which are diagnosed each year. Other medicines in development target bladder and kidney diseases, eye disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, osteoarthritis, pain, prostate disease, respiratory and lung diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions of aging.

"The promise of research underscores the need for prescription drug insurance coverage crafted in a way that gives seniors access to the medicines of today and provides incentives for companies to discover and develop the medicines of tomorrow," Holmer said.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. The industry invested an estimated $32 billion in 2002 in discovering and developing new medicines. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures.

Ivey Reunion

Golden Gospel Jubilee

The annual Golden Gospel Jubilee will be this Friday night, Oct. 3, at 7:30 pm, at the popular Lake Bonham Hoe-Down, 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham Recreation area east of the spillway on CR 2610, Bonham, Tx. Doors will be open at 6:30 pm. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the Bluegrass Gospeleers. Featuring: Randy Keister, Don Sharp, Glen Clark, Mike Stroud, Jack Marshall, Jim Clark and Gary Monroe, plus other singing guests. Our scheduled special guest group, and always back by popular request, will be the talented and unique sounds of "The Band of Faith," featuring Banjo picker, Dave Allen from Whitesboro, TX. The Band of Faith is no stranger to the Jubilee and we always welcome them back.

Everyone is invited and welcome to an evening of fun and inspiration. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to all for your support, may God bless you.

For information call: 903-583-4731 or 903-583-5710.

Fannin County Tax Assessor Collector and Chief Deputy Attended Regional Meeting

Ms. Pam Sweet-Richardson Tax Assessor Collector, and Tina McKenzie Chief Deputy, attended a regional meeting at the Botanical Garden Restaurant on Thursday, 9-18-03.

Mr. Glenn Lewis, House Representative, was one speaker for legislative issues pertaining to property tax law updates.

One of the current laws on property tax code Chapter 34.015 HB 335 which passed is that a certificate must be presented at the time of delinquent property tax sale, showing the bidder doesn’t have any unpaid taxes to date. The properties are sold to regenerate revenues for all entities involved. Not to be carried as a tax burden.

Senate Bill 439 is of interest on motor vehicle’s outlawing plate covers (frames, illuminations) which deface the Texas plate by tampering with the reflective coating, and hiding the numbers, and jurisdiction.

Mr. Jerry Dike, Director of TxDOT, made presentation of the motor vehicle updates.

There are 38 new plates authorized in House Bill 297, a standard fee on most specialty plates is $30.00 ($25.00 of that goes to help the organization) such as animal friendly plates, and providing money to be distributed all over the state of Texas for neutering, and spayed; volunteer advocate plates bring in funds for C.A.S.A. There are over 180 special plates.

House Bill 3588, has been most important to TxDOT since House Bill 2 created the highway dept. in 1917. It addresses stiffer penalties on handicap parking violations, salvage title law’s changed and a $1.00 insurance verification fee which funds DPS for the creation of statewide database to work in conjunction with insurance companies in stopping individuals who buy 30-day insurance per year in order to register and inspect their vehicles, notification will be made and registration (will be flagged). Several states already have a similar program.

2004 will bring point of sale sticker printing in our office, this will create the sticker with the vehicle ID number and county where processed. This will eliminate use of stickers on wrong vehicles.

Further discussion on the state providing new equipment, keyboards, CPU, flat screen monitors, toner, and switching to Windows XP, by December 2004.

A June conference was also attended by Pam Sweet-Richardson Tax Assessor-Collector and her Chief Deputy Tina McKenzie. With a legislative session this year many changes affected the tag office and Pam is dedicated to serving you the people with the most current information possible.

Any questions may be directed to Pam Sweet-Richardson at 210 S. Main, Fannin Co. South Annex or by phone 903-583-7492.

Local Man Earns Statewide Recognition At The Children’s Advocacy Centers Of Texas Team Excellence Awards

A board member of the Fannin County Children’s Center (CASA & Children’s Advocacy Center) has been recognized as one of the statewide leaders in the fight against child abuse. Ray Campbell of Bonham was recognized for his outstanding dedication to the establishment, development, growth and continuation of the Children’s Advocacy Center movement in Texas at the Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas.

Each year the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, the state association of CAC’s, presents the Professional and Volunteer Leadership Team Excellence Awards to individuals who have acknowledged the merits of collaboration when working with abused children and who have brought excellence from their respective fields of endeavor to the multidisciplinary team approach within a children’s advocacy center setting in Texas. Ray Campbell was one of only three individuals honored in the Volunteer Board Member category.

"Ray Campbell has continually demonstrated his commitment and dedication to helping abused children through the team approach to investigation, prosecution and provision of services," said Sandy Barber, Executive Director of the Children’s Center. "He represents the essence of the mission and philosophy of children’s advocacy centers."

Campbell has served on the board for a total of three years, nearly two years of that as President. Under his leadership, the agency budget has increased, despite some significant cutbacks in grants. In addition, during his tenure the agency started and completed a capital campaign to raise $150,000 to relocate the center to a larger, handicapped accessible facility. "Ray and his wife Gloria are very generous supporters of our mission," said Barber. "We appreciate their dedication and caring for the children of Fannin County."

Chickpea Leaves Could Be Food Source In

Developing Countries

HOUSTON - Chickpea leaves may prove to be an excellent alternative food source in malnourished populations of the world, with a mineral content that matches or exceeds spinach and cabbage.

The results of a Houston-based study published recently in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture follows the close examination of 19 chickpea varieties.

"These leaves are very, very good," said study co-author Dr. Michael A. Grusak, associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a researcher with the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center. "We found the mineral composition of the leaves to be quite nutritious, especially when compared to common vegetables like cabbage and spinach."

This could have a great impact in developing countries throughout the world, he said.

"This will probably have the greatest impact in India," he said, "where there is a major production of the chickpea plant. That’s also an area with a lot of nutritional deficiencies. The Middle East is another area where you find a lot of chickpea cultivation."

Additionally, cultivation of the leaves may actually assist in plant growth, he said.

"It turns out that the yield of chickpea is determined in large part by the number of branches," said Grusak. "There is some evidence that picking off leaves may actually promote enhanced branching and thus make the plant more productive as a seed crop."

Grusak and his team now plan to do further research on the effects of cultivation on plant yield in remote, outdoor locations. All their research on the nutritional value of chickpea plants was conducted in a controlled, greenhouse setting.

The chickpea itself is the third most important cool-season food legume (plant species that include peas and peanuts) after the common bean and the pea, said the report. In several developing countries, the seed of the plant serves as a staple food for humans and can account for a significant portion of daily nutritional and caloric intake.

Ector Elementary Employee Of The Week

The staff and administration of Ector Elementary is proud to recognize Tammie Shaw as our "Employee of the Week". Tammie is a graduate of Mabank High School. She received her B.A. in Education from the University of Texas at Arlington, and her M.A. in Counseling from Texas A&M at Commerce. Tammie has been at Ector for eleven years, first as a fourth grade teacher for six years and as school wide counselor for the last five. In her spare time she likes spending time with her family, husband Jim, daughter Kassie, and son Will. When asked what she liked best about her job, Tammie stated, "I love being an advocate for children." Once again, we are proud to honor Tammie Shaw as the "Employee of the Week."

Mel Dunham Earns Recognition

Mel Dunham of Bonham was recently named Volunteer of the Quarter at the Fannin County Children’s Center (CASA & Children’s Advocacy Center). Dunham completed thirty hours of initial training about a year ago. Since that time he has been appointed Guardian ad Litem for several different abused children involved in the court system. In that role he has made numerous visits and phone calls to the children he has been appointed to represent, their family members, therapists and others who are involved in their lives. He has kept in close contact with the child’s caseworker, attorney and CASA staff and prepared written reports for the court which include the information he has gathered and recommendations for the court. Dunham also attends meetings and court hearings in order to speak up for the children’s best interest.

Dunham also volunteers his time with the agency’s other program, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). In this role, he provides support to children and families who come to the CAC for a forensic interview. While a child is being interviewed concerning possible abuse, Dunham sits with the family members who have come to the center so they do not have to wait alone and helps them complete some paperwork. Once the interview is over, the investigators from law enforcement and Children’s Protective Services talk privately with the adults and Dunham stays with the child.

As if that wasn’t enough, Dunham also helps staff the front desk at the center, greeting visitors to the center, answering the phones and doing a variety of other tasks. During the agency’s recent move, Dunham was indispensable in helping to pack and unpack, assemble furniture, hang up things and more. Recently Dunham recruited his wife Deanie to complete the initial training class and join him in volunteering at the center.

Ector Elementary Teacher Of The Week

The staff and administration of Ector Elementary is proud to recognize Ms. Diane Strickland as our "Teacher of the Week". Diane is a graduate of Savoy High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she received her B.A. in Special Education. This is Diane’s eighth year of teaching special education at Ector. When not at school Diane enjoys spending time with her nephews Jakob and Devin, along with her nieces Hailey and Caitlyne. When asked what she likes best about her job, Diane stated, "I love the students. I have them for more than one year, so I get to see them grow and learn. I love to turn the students onto reading and to be a positive influence in their lives." Once again, we are proud to honor Diane Strickland as the "Teacher of the Week."

Trenton I.S.D. Menu For October 2003

1^th: Breakfast-Pancake on Stick, Syrup, Juice, Milk Lunch-Lasagna, Salad, Mixed Vegetables, Jello, Milk

2^nd: Breakfast-Bagel/Cream Cheese, Juice, Milk Lunch-Frito Chili Pie, Corn, Refried Beans, Pears, Milk

3^nd: Breakfast-Yogurt, Toast, Juice, Milk Lunch-Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

6^th: Breakfast-Bacon, Donuts, Juice, Milk Lunch-Deli Sandwiches/Trimmings, Chips, Beans, Cookies, Milk

7^th: Breakfast-Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk Lunch-Steak Fingers, Gravy, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Peaches, Milk

8^th: Breakfast-Scrarnblcd Eggs, Toast, Juice, Milk Lunch-Pizza, Corn, Salad, Brownies, Milk

9^th: Breakfast-French Toast Sticks, Syrup, Juice, Milk Lunch-Burrito/Chili, Ranch Style Beans, Mexican Rice, Fruit Salad, Milk

l0^th: Breakfast-Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk Lunch-Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

13^th: Breakfast-Breakfast Pizza, Juice, Milk Lunch-Corn Dogs, Tator Tots, Pork & Beans, Peaches, Milk

14^th: Breakfast-Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk Lunch-Oven Baked Fish, Creamy Coleslaw, Hush Puppies, Baked Beans, Pears, Milk

15^th: Breakfast-Breakfast Bar/Ham, Cheese, Egg, Juice, Milk Lunch-Ravioli, Salad, Mixed Vegetables, Jello, Milk

16^th: Breakfast-Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk Lunch-Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

17^th: Staff Development

20^th: Staff Development

21^st: Breakfast-Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk Lunch-Chicken Nuggets, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Pudding, Milk

22^nd: Breakfast-Pancakes, Syrup, Bacon, Juice, Milk Lunch-Spaghetti/Meat Sauce, Salad, Carrots, Breadsticks, Fruit, Milk

23^rd: Breakfast-Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk Lunch-Taco Boats/Trimmings, Corn, Salsa, Sour Cream, Apples, Milk

24^th: Breakfast-Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Juice, Milk Lunch-Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

27^th: Breakfast-Pancake on Stick, Syrup, Juice, Milk Lunch-Tuna or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Tator Tots, Ranch Style Beans, Fruit, Milk

28^th: Breakfast-Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk Lunch-Chicken Fried Steak, Gravy, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Jello, Milk

29^th: Breakfast-French Toast Sticks, Syrup, Juice, Milk Lunch-Ground Beef Stroganoff/Noodles, Salad, Broccoli, Pudding, Milk

30^th: Breakfast-Waffles, Syrup, Sausage, Juice, Milk Lunch-Crispito/Chili, Salad, Corn, Chocolate Cake, Milk

31^st: Breakfast-Yogurt or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk Lunch-Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Halloween Ice Cream Cups, Milk

Hometown Military News

Air Force Airman James M. Hartley has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Hartley is the son of Mike Hartley of County Road 4805 1445, Bailey, Texas and grandson of Dorothy Hartley of Buffalo, Texas.

He is a 2002 graduate of Leonard High School, Texas.

Bonham Snap Center

Ham Salad, Texas Potatoes, Tomatoes, Bread, Chocolate Cake, Milk

Meatloaf, Pea Salad, Beets/Orange Sauce, Cornbread, Scalloped Apples, Milk

Once Isn’t Enough Texans Should Recycle Every Day

(Austin, Texas) --- Once just isn’t enough in Texas. That’s the message the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Keep Texas Beautiful are sending with this year’s Texas Recycles Day theme: Texas Recycles Every Day.

Texas Recycles Day (TRD), the statewide, public awareness campaign to encourage Texans to start recycling, is held annually on November 15. The Texas Recycles Every Day theme encourages Texans to make recycling a part of their daily lives with one or all of the Four Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rebuy. Events will be held statewide from mid-October through November 17 to raise awareness about how easy and important it is to recycle.

Any individual, group, or company can participate in or hold a Texas Recycles Day event. Last year, more than 300,000 people participated in TRD events across the state of Texas.

Exhibit To Honor The Lives

Of Rural Texas Women

Honey Grove, Texas- Texas has spent the twentieth century becoming an urban state. The number of people living on farms has declined steeply, and those people who did grow up on farms are turning into the "older generation." A majority of Texans are quite remote from their state’s rural roots. Life on the farm stands in peril of being forgotten.

But communities in Texas are discovering that this danger can be pleasurably reduced. "Rural Texas Women at Work, 1930-1960" is a photo-and-text panel exhibit that recreates the life of farm women and daughters through the middle third of this century. Drawn from the collections of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, at the Texas A&M University Archives, the pictures and stories reveal how rural women rose to meet the challenges of farm life in a tumultuous era.

This fascinating exhibition goes on display this coming Tuesday, September 30, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Bertha Voyer Memorial Library in Honey Grove. It has been made available to the Bertha Voyer Memorial Library by the Texas Humanities Resource Center, Austin, with support from the Texas Committee for the Humanities.

Rural Texas women are described in the exhibit texts as being "industrious, ambitious, and hard working," and so they were, for farm life demanded no less. They not only kept house; in many instances, they had to make the furnishings that went into these houses. They raised the food that they then canned, dried, and otherwise preserved for meals throughout the year. They plowed and planted gardens, landscaped and maintained yards, made and mended clothing, kept records and planned ahead.

The exhibit traces the work of rural women through two cataclysmic epochs--the Great Depression and World War II-and a major technological breakthrough-the expansion of electric services into most rural areas of the state. The decade of the Depression, the 1930s, exerted great demands upon farm women, for they had to produce virtually everything that was needed in the way of food, clothing, and shelter.

Then, with the outbreak of World War II, men went to work at defense plants or to serve in the military, and women had to manage the entire farmstead. They drove tractors, hitched teams of mules or horses to plows, turned the land, planted the crops, and then managed the harvest. At the same time, they grew larger gardens, raised larger flocks of chickens, and canned and dried more food than ever before, since it was their patriotic duty to produce for victory.

It is an error to assume, however, that rural women were born with instinctive knowledge of how to do everything that was expected of them. They received instruction and encouragement from Home Demonstration Agents, who worked for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. In local Home Demonstration Clubs throughout the state, farm wives were taught practical skills and new procedures, and pictures were taken of them with their projects. These pictures were deposited with the University Archives of Texas A&M University in 1974, and "Rural Texas Women at Work" has been organized out of that collection.

The exhibit features women in numerous counties throughout the state: Hood, Hill, Grayson, Nueces, Callahan, Pecos, Hudspeth, and Orange, among them. Through the pictures we learn that women made not only comforters for beds; they also made mattresses. They reconstructed and reupholstered furniture. They conducted scrap metal drives during the War, and they also took part in soil conservation projects. In short, if it was work that had to be done, they did it.

The great turning point in their lives came with electric power after the end of World War II. This, more than any other event, brought farm families fully into the 20th century. With electricity, women did not have to wash clothes by hand over a rub board nor heat a stove in order to iron. They could freeze, rather than can, foods. They were able to watch television. And they could make their homes more comfortable in the hot Texas summers with air conditioning. Electricity made many tasks easier and granted rural women some leisure time.

These stories of adversity, hard work, and change are implied by pictures and explained by text labels on the exhibit panels. But the overall impact of the exhibit is a celebration of the ingenuity of rural women, their capacity to make something out of virtually nothing, and their vision of fulfilling life.

"Rural Texas Women at Work, 1930 - 1960" will be on display at the Bertha Voyer Memorial Library through October 17, 2003. Hours of viewing are when the library is open. Admission is free. For more information about the exhibit and related events that are planned, and hours the library is open, interested persons should contact Mary Fowler, Library Director, at 903-378-2206.

Nancy Rough Attends State Realtors^® Convention In San Antonio

Nancy Rough of Blain & Company Realtors in Bonham was among more than 1,500 participants at the Sept. 5-9 Texas REALTORS® Convention and Trade Expo in San Antonio.

The annual statewide Texas Association of REALTORS® convention was held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, both on the famed River Walk. Topics covered during the convention included the latest legal and technology issues in real estate, ethics and professional standards, and diversity and fair housing.

Convention participants also heard reports on some of the key issues from the 78^th Texas Legislature: insurance, taxation, mortgage finance, private property rights and the Texas Real Estate Commission.

The word "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. The National Association of REALTORS® represents more than 880,000 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. The Texas Association of REALTORS®, headquartered in Austin, has more than 60,000 members. The vast majority of Texas REALTORS® also belong to one of the 91 local REALTOR® organizations in the state, including the 2003 convention co-host San Antonio Board of REALTORS®.

Upcoming Ector ISD School Events

Friday (Sept. 26^th): End of 1^st Six Weeks

Thursday (Oct. 2^nd): Community Night/Report Card Pickup at 6:30 to 7:30

* Elementary Computer Lab Open from 4:30-6:30

Ector Students Join 25 Point Reading Club

Ector Elementary is proud to recognize several students for reaching the 25 Point Reading Club. These students are Tiffany Sellers (2^nd Grade), Christi Abbott (3^rd Grade), Kaleb Atkins (3^rd Grade), Ben Bingham (3^rd Grade), Selah Burnet (3^rd Grade), Darrah Capehart (3^rd Grade), Karlie Collins (3^rd Grade), Hailey Cox (3^rd Grade), Ryan Glaser (3^rd Grade), and Brianna Teel (3^rd Grade). Our goal this year at Ector Elementary is to read 10,000 books. Through the dedication and hard work of these students and their peers, we are confident we will be able to reach our goal. Once again congratulations. Keep reading.

Red River Theater Grand Dress Invitation

By special arrangements with Samuel French, Inc., the Red River Theatre Company will present three performances of William Gibson’s The Miracle Worker under the direction of Cheryl Youree of Bonham. Performance dates and times are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3rd and 4th at 7:00 PM and Sunday, Oct. 5th at 2:00 PM.
The Red River Theatre Company invites you to join the families of the actors to attend Grand Dress Rehearsal as our guest. The cast will be happy to provide photo opportunities and interviews to visiting media following rehearsal. Please show your media credentials and sign in at the desk upon arrival.
Grand Dress Rehearsal for The Miracle Worker will be at 7:00 PM next Thursday, October 2nd. The location is the auditorium/theatre in Building 3 of the V.A. complex off East 9th Street in Bonham.
We hope you will accept our invitation for this private event. Discounted advance purchase tickets are available through October 2nd by mail for $8 Adults, $5 seniors and students to RRTC, P.O. Box 343, Bonham, TX 75418, or at the RRTC Box Office at 204 East 5th Street just off the town square in Bonham. Tickets after Oct. 2nd are $10 Adults and $7 seniors and students.

The Soapbox

By Paul Berryhill

I am a huge advocate of the Free Enterprise System. I get a real adrenalin rush when I see or hear stories of people going into business for themselves and not only make a living, but grow, expand and do well.

I really hate to see the small business person struggle and not be able to make it, but in this day in time, that’s just the way it is. "Big" business and the huge chain stores along with other factors involving taxes, insurance, government regulations and on and on are all making it difficult for "Mom and Pop" Business USA to stay in business. Of course, in a Free Enterprise System, you have a right to make your company as big as you want it to be. I just hate to see the "little guy" get moved out.

All of this was "brought home to me" recently involving the raising of water and sewer rates for the city of Bonham. I know the city is in a "crunch" for funds. All city and county entities are pretty much in the same shape. State and federal funds have been slashed and grants aren’t as readily available as they were at one time. And the cost of health insurance, fuel, supplies and materials are all spiraling upward.

City Commissioners decided a water and sewer rate increase was the best way to raise necessary funds rather than raising taxes as everyone will pay some and the schools, prisons and VA Hospital will pay as well. In raising taxes, only property owners would have footed the bill.

Bonham water and sewer rates are increasing based on the size of the line coming from the water meter and for most residential customers it’s going to mean about a $9.00 per month increase; and a little more if you use more than the minimum of 200 cu. ft. per month.

But for coin laundries, car washes, or any facility where there’s a two inch water line or larger, it’s going to be a very difficult financial increase to swallow. Donna West at Town West Coin Laundry in Bonham says her bill will be going up 45%. As an example, she said her last month’s bill of $347 will now be $503. It takes a bunch of washer loads of clothes and a lot of quarters to make up a $156 increase.

West said between her increase in property taxes, increased utilities and now the water rates, she’s looking at additional expenses of over $250 more per month. She estimated she would need 20 new customers to make up for the $250 extra expense, every single month. That is not an easy task in a town the size of Bonham.

The Town West Coin Laundry is not unlike many other small businesses, but simply an example of what small businesses are faced with these days. Increases, increases increases and around and around we go, where we’ll stop nobody knows.

The Sam Rayburn Chili Cook-off  huge success

The Sam Rayburn Chili Cook-off was a huge success. Chili recipes were in abundance and enjoyed by all. Above, left to right, Lauri Blake, Lou Bickel (Uncle Sam) and State Representative Larry Phillips pause from all the festivities. Winners were as follows: People’s Choice: 1st Place Richard and Laura Glaser with their L & D Chili; 2^nd Place was Red River Theatre Company with their Show Stopper Chili; 3^rd place Texas Department of Criminal Justice with Texas’ Best Smokin’ Chili. Judges Choice Award went to Lauri Blake for District Judge with her Uncle Sam’s Choice. Best Presentation went to Team Generation Seven with their Pettigrew Creek Chili.

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