American Cancer Society Stresses The Importance Of Mammograms

Breast cancer accounts for nearly one out of every three cancer diagnoses among women in the United States, and is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer in women. The American Cancer Society encourages women 40 and older to get a mammogram as aprt of its recommendations for early detection of breast cancer:

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.

• Clinical brest examinations (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older. CBE is a compliment to regular mammography screening and an opportunity for women and their health care providers to discuss changes in their breasts, risk factors, and early detection testing.

• Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exams (BSE) are an option for women starting in their 20s. Research has shown that BSE plays a small role in detecting breast cancer compared with self-awareness. However, doing BSE is one way for women to know how their breasts normally feel and to notice any changes.

• Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier and of having additional tests (i.e., breast ultrasound and MRI.)

• Older women should continue annual mammography, regardless of age, as long as they do not have serious, chronic health problems. Women with serious health problems or short life expectancy should evaluate ongoing early detection testing with their health care providers.

For more information, please contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Austin College Announces November, December Calendar

SHERMAN -- A visit from former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell and a day of volunteer service highlight the Austin College events calendar for November 2003. Lectures and theater and music events fill the schedule throughout November. The annual Lessons and Carols service ushers in the holidays in December and the traditional Community Series presentations of the Christmas Pops celebrations by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra continue the spirit of the season.

November 2003

1 Sat. Great Day of Service 8 a.m. - Noon Student volunteers work at more than 35 Grayson County sites (903) 813-2333

3 - Dec. 3 Mon.-Fri. Art Exhibit: "Landscapes?" Ida Green Gallery, Ida Green Communication Center Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

6 Thu. Chair of Excellence in International Leadership Lecture Kim Campbell, former prime minister, Canada Wynne Chapel 4 p.m. Ticketed Event. (By invitation) (903) 813-2196 Student Music Recital Craig Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

7 Fri. Lecture: Honie Ann Peacock: "How Non-Profits Can Help Women and Minorities" Wright Campus Center, Room 231 11 a.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2015

8 Sat. Senior Recital: Erin Dallas Wynne Chapel 3:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

9 Sun. Fall Choral Concert Wynne Chapel 3 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

13 Thu. Lecture: Michael Genovese, Presidency Scholar Sherman Hall, Hoxie Thompson Auditorium 11 a.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2210

14 Fri. Austin College Lowe Lectures Luncheon and Conversation with Leonard Sweet Wright Campus Center, Mabee Hall 11:30 a.m. - 1 :30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public but Reservations Required (903) 813-2220 Four-Hand Piano Recital: Barbara Case and Jessica Beitel, Craig Hall, Craig Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public.

15 Sat. Social Sciences Division Admission Preview Registration Required; $15 per person (903) 813-3000 or 1-800-KANGAROO Community Series: Roberto Mancusi, bass soloist Wynne Chapel 7:30 p.m. Ticketed Event. (903) 813-2251

16 Sun. Senior Recital: Alejandro Story Craig Recital Hall 2 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

17 Mon. An Evening of Chamber Music & Jazz Wynne Chapel 7:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

20 Thu. North Texas Land Stewardship Lecture Panel Presentation: Three Ranch Management Cases Drue Bynum, Clint Josey, Robby Tuggle, and Richard Teague Sherman Hall, Hoxie Thompson Auditorium 11 a.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 913-2034 Student Music Recital Wynne Chapel 7:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

21-22 Fri.-Sat. Student Directed One-Act Plays Ida Green Communication Center, Ida Green Theatre 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $5. (903) 813-2281

22 Sat. Senior Recital: Megan Varvir-Coe Wynne Chapel 7:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

23-24 Sun.-Mon. Admission Two-Day Preview Open to Prospective Students and Parents Advance Registration Required; $25, students; $20, parents (903) 813-3000 or 1-800-KANGAROO

25 Tue. Student Music Recital Craig Recital Hall 7:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

December 2003

1 Mon. Classes Resume 8 a.m. ACCARES World AIDS DAY Service Candlelight Vigil, Wynne Chapel Dusk Service, Wynne Chapel 7 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

3 Wed. Art Exhibit Closing Reception/Artists’ Comments Ida Green Gallery, Ida Green Communication Center 3 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

4 Thu. A Service of Lessons and Carols Wynne Chapel 7:30 p.m. Free and Open to the Public. (903) 813-2251

6 Sat. Community Series: Christmas Pops Sid Richardson Center 7:30 p.m. Ticketed Event. (903) 813-2251

7 Sun. Community Series: Christmas Pops Sid Richardson Center 3 p.m. Ticketed Event. (903) 813-2251

22 Mon. Administrative Christmas Break Begins College Offices Closed. (Open January 5)

Austin College, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), is an independent, liberal arts college of 1,300 students located 60 miles north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Chartered in November 1849, it is the oldest college in Texas under original charter and name as recognized by the State Historical Survey Committee.

Austin College is included in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives, ranked among the "Best 351 Colleges" in the 2004 Princeton Review, and profiled in the 2004 edition of Kaplan’s Insiders Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges.

Reconstructive Surgery Benefits Small Breasted Women

A new surgery restores symmetry and shape to small-breasted women after lumpectomy for breast cancer. The procedure uses a woman’s own abdominal tissue to recreate a natural looking breast.

"When there is a large tumor in a small breast, the amount of breast tissue taken out in a lumpectomy is proportionally significant and may result in a deformity," said Dr. Aldona Spiegel, an assistant professor of plastic surgery in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "Traditionally, these patients would be candidates for mastectomy and total breast reconstruction."

In a lumpectomy, surgeons remove cancerous breast tissue and surrounding tissue. After surgery, women undergo radiation to kill remaining cancer cells. The radiation may cause the surgical site to contract, creating a deformity and pulling the nipple away from its original location. The effect may be painful. Scarring also may make it more difficult for some women to lift their arms.

Spiegel performs one of two breast reconstruction techniques that use a woman’s own abdominal skin and tissue but spare the underlying muscle. The DIEP flap, or deep inferior epigastric perforator, transfers the skin and fat, with the blood supply coming from tiny vessels. The abdominal muscle, not needed for the reconstruction, is left in place.

"Many patients have an adequate lower abdominal roll with enough tissue to recreate the missing breast after a partial mastectomy," Spiegel said.

In a similar, less-invasive procedure called the SIEA flap, or the superficial epigastric artery flap, the blood supply travels in the fat layer of the abdominal area. The SIEA flap uses a more shallow incision. However, only 70 percent of patients have adequate superficial blood vessels. The decision as to which flap is performed is made during the surgery. Both procedures ease recovery time and allow women to resume an active lifestyle about four weeks after surgery. Spiegel recently began doing the procedure immediately after lumpectomy, performed by Dr. Anthony Lucci, an assistant professor of surgery.

While breast reconstruction has long been an option for women who have had mastectomies for breast cancer, women with lumpectomies have had fewer choices. Implants needed to be custom made to fill the space where the lump and breast tissue were removed, making them an impractical solution. Traditional flaps would result in loss of the stomach muscle to reconstruct a small defect.

"The present day treatment options for breast cancer usually involve a choice between mastectomy and lumpectomy," Spiegel said. "We are offering partial reconstruction to allow more women to choose lumpectomy without having a deformity."

MHMRST BOARD PREPARES FOR FUTURE

Board members for Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma have adopted changes due to the 78^th Legislative budget cuts.

At the last three meetings reductions in employee benefits have been considered. In September, the Board voted to reduce insurance costs by requiring employees to pay $100 monthly for health insurance coverage.

Then on Wednesday, October 22, the Board voted to approve an amendment on an action they had taken in September that will decrease the Center’s contribution to the employees’ retirement from 3% to 1%.

In another move to save money, the Board voted to purchase the Sherman Habilitation Center from Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries. Most programs in Grayson County will be moved into the building to save rent and other expenses.

The 78^th Legislative budgets cuts for MHMRST are around $400,000-$500,000. In August, Board members voted for a reorganization plan that reduced 5 ½ staff positions and put into place other money saving practices and changes in programs.

The internet has opened doors to an infinite amount of information which is just a few keystrokes away. Many people have enjoyed the convenience of online services which allow them to do such things as make purchases or bank online. Any way you look at it, technology has changed the way we live our lives.

The State of Texas has realized the convenience of citizens being able to conduct business over the internet and has developed TexasOnline over the last few years. You can find TexasOnline at www.texasonline.com. The website was developed in an effort to improve public access to government information, programs and services.

TexasOnline is intended to serve as the official compilation of Texas government electronic resources, both at the state and local levels, and as an index of Texas governmental or taxing authority web sites and services. The site is organized by subject to provide a collection of links and portals designed to allow citizens, visitors, businesses, state government, and others to quickly and efficiently locate appropriate resources.

In many cases, TexasOnline serves as a one-stop shop for Texans. From the website, citizens can easily handle such issues as renewing their drivers licenses and occupational or professional licenses. In many participating counties, taxpayers are able to pay their taxes online or even renew their vehicle registration. In some cities, users are able to pay their electricity bills or pay traffic tickets. As more cities and counties offer services online, the site’s usefulness to citizens will continue to grow. Businesses can also use TexasOnline for services such as filing and paying sales taxes or finding listings of state and local bid opportunities.

In addition to online services, TexasOnline serves as a clearinghouse for useful information. Children can use the site to locate educational information about our state from the "About Texas" link. People preparing to go to college can find links to colleges and universities around the state as well as information about available financial assistance. TexasOnline also offers links to information on services for the elderly and disabled.

TexasOnline is a testament to the versatility of the internet and its applicability to our everyday lives. It would be hard to imagine another website from which a person could file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General’s office, check road conditions on Highway 75, find out how to obtain a marriage license, and search unclaimed property records all from one home page.

It would be impossible to list all of the information and services available at www.texasonline.com in the confines of this column. I encourage you to log on to TexasOnline and spend some time there.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions on TexasOnline. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.

Hometown Military News

Marine Corps Pvt. Charles C. Fernandez, son of Gloria J. Fernandez of Bonham, Texas, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Fernandez and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning program, Fernandez spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Fernandez and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values--honor, courage and commitment, and what the words mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Fernandez and fellow recruits ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as "Marines" for the first time in their careers.

Fernandez is a 2003 graduate of Bonham High School of Bonham, Texas.

Property Taxes To

Be Topic For Town Hall Meeting

AUSTIN - State Senator Bob Deuell and State Representative Larry Phillips have announced that they will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss and receive public comments on property taxes and other issues on Wednesday, November 5. The meeting will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fannin County’s South Annex Building at 210 South Main Street in Bonham.

"Senator Deuell and I have received a great deal of correspondence regarding the state’s property tax system," said Representative Phillips. "As the legislature gets closer to a special session on school finance, which could affect the system, we feel that it is important to touch base with our constituents to get their thoughts on the issue."

At the town hall meeting, Sen. Deuell and Rep. Phillips will open up with comments regarding the state’s property tax structure and the upcoming special session. Following their comments, the floor will be turned over to citizens in attendance who wish to address the topic. Guests are asked to keep their comments brief so that each person will have the opportunity to provide input. Written comments are also welcome at the meeting.

"I look forward to meeting with concerned citizens in Fannin County and discussing this important matter," Senator Deuell stated. "It won’t be long before we are called to Austin to make decisions on school finance."

You may contact either Senator Deuell’s office at (903) 450-9797 or Representative Phillips’ office at (903) 891-7297 with questions regarding the event.

AUSTIN - State Representative Larry Phillips is pleased to announce the launch of this year’s High School Aerospace Scholars program. This educational program offers Texas high school juniors the opportunity to participate in a science, math and engineering-based distance-learning program, and features an all-expense paid, week-long summer residential experience at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston.

Selected juniors will engage in a variety of activities including interactive web-based assignments, online mentoring, briefings and tours at JSC and a summer group project. Eligible students are required to meeting the following criteria:

• U.S. citizen
• At least 16 years of age
• Texas resident
• Currently a high school junior
• Interest in science, math or engineering
• Able to commit to a relationship with JSC, including a one-week residential experience during the summer
• Access to the internet and e-mail (home, school or public library)

The State of Texas, in partnership with JSC and the Texas educational community, developed the Aerospace Scholars program to motivate students to pursue degrees and careers in science and engineering. More than 1,000 students from across Texas have participated in the program since its inception in1999.

Interested high school juniors should contact their science or math coordinator for information on submitting an application. More information about the program can be found at http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/.

Sam Rayburn Honor Roll

First Six Weeks

Julia Carpio, Kelvin Cockrill, Payton Crawley, Samantha Davenport, Macaella Dennis, Taylor Dollgener, Hayden Fulmer, Ethan Gibbs, Sawyer Hilliard, Amanda Loepky, Heather Mason, Gerardo Medina, Jordan Outlaw, Carly Park, Destiny Ray, Kerlein Rempel, Clay Rhudy, Rhett Self, Adam Simpson, Garrett Simpson, Kala Simpson

Will Alexander, Brittany Davenport, Kaitlynd Dennis, Tacy Drewek, Emily Duncan, Sarah Foreman, Courtney Goodwin, Aidan Hartnett, Lyndele King, Alaina Kissinger, Landon Liebel, Sarah Mead, Sarah Naylor, Rani Nichols, Brittany Page, Torri Pannell, Zakkary Rhoads, Dalton Titsworth, Shelby Vandeventer, Brittany Weissert, Ali Wiechman

Sydney Davis, Samantha Duncan, Niki Self, Alyssa Taylor

Courtney Babb, Justin Shannon, Keeton Simpson, Brent Smith, Andrew Waldrop, Derek Wilson

Samantha Avila, Hannah Baugh, Scott Berni, Stephanie Carroll, Drew Davis, Kameron Dollgener, Maddison Foreman, Tyler Hamilton, Michael Trevett, Paige Vandeventer

Keri Goodwin, Jordan Johnson, Kandice Kissinger, Hunter Maxey, Elizabeth Mills, Jennifer Neufeld, Brittney Williams

Eighth Grade

Jake Baker, Sarah Berni, Beth Davis, Jacey Jones, Nolan Skidmore

Ninth Grade

Ashley Arthur, Katrina Fritz, Jessika Hardy, Lacie McGuire, Chris Young

Tenth Grade

Megan Butler

Eleventh Grade

Katie Skidmore, Kirsty Warburton

Twelfth Grade

Lindsay Davis, Jordan Jones, Bertha Neufeld, Luke Templer, Donnie Thompson, Jade Warburton

Kenneth Allen, Nikki Cantrell, George Friesen, John Friesen, Carson Gibbs, Sarah Gowens, Tori Haywood, Robert Jennings, Kelcie McBroom, Daniel Nelson, Tyler Norman, Dylan Potts, Eva Rempel, Chantel Richardson, Shayna Sutton, Hanna White

Kelsea Capehart, Mitchell Clement, Jordan Fuller, Brittney Gee, Clark Hopkins, Kendele King, Aaron Mussett, Soraja Pjetrovic, Kelsi Pralle, Patrick Richardson, Daniel Schindler, Ariane Taylor, Shelbi Titsworth, Kyle Wallace

Ruben Gonzalez, Lupe Gomez, Michael Hankey, Lindsay Maxey, Jake Nichols, Taylor Potts, Cameron Upson, Zachary Waldrop, Paul Wallace

Colt Brinlee, Jennifer Butler, Trevor Eaves, Timothy Harrison, Cody Humphries, Jesse McCain, Billy Mize, Dara Nelson, Josh Nichols, Jace Outlaw, Josh Prater, David Wall

Justin Anderton, Shelby Bridges, Dustin Dyer, Mariah Fritz, Ashley Fulton, Brian Haywood, Frankie Mead, Kaleigh Titsworth, Danae Walker

Willie Berg, Kaycee Butler, India Calame, Evan Gale, Joel Gibson, Kyrsten Hicks, Chelsie Kavanaugh, Jake Mead, Carly Sadler, Nylan Smith, William Steele, Casey Templer, Kelsey Weissert

Lindsey Arthur, Chasen Capehart, Andrea Eaves, Chelsea Havens, Cyndi Hernandez, Laura Hernandez, Abby Jaynes, Clay Kelton, Keith McCain, Donaice Oakley, Haley Page, John Reynolds, Chris Sanders, Suzanna Shrum, Whitney Whited

Jonathon Akins, Daniel Brawner, Jordan Floyd, Christina Gomez, Clayton Kerr, Sarah Landis, Mollie Lasater, Mick Maidens, Nicole Miears, Ross Naylor, Torrie Reynolds, Ernie Taylor

James Dodson, Josh Gann, Logan Graham, Ashton Hamilton, Dahenna Hernandez, Mendy Ivey, Quincy Kueckelhan, Jason Miears, Amy Pender, Jemal Petrovic, Maria Rempel, Amanda Stockton, Daniel Trevett

Salina Carmon, John Curry, Matt Davis, Todd Foreman, Amy Loftice, Nathan McWhorter, Nikita Petrovic, Shonda Rushing, Bridget Thompson, Cora Wylie

Natosha Benson, Jordan Jones, Matt Miles, Lauren Moody, Felicia Price, Courtney Taylor

Fannin DA Wins Award

Porter Recognized For Fighting Child Abuse

Fannin County & District Attorney Myles Porter took home the top honor at the Fannin County Children’s Advocacy Center’s annual team spirit banquet. Porter was awarded the 2003 Outstanding CAC Team Member Award for his efforts to bring justice to child abusers and promote peace and healing for the victims. He was selected for this honor by the team of professionals who are on the front-lines of fighting child abuse in Fannin County and includes representatives of Children’s Protective Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, counselors and others.

In accepting his award, Porter thanked the team members, particularly his first assistant Billy Gant and Michael Skotnik, for their efforts and support.

Other nominees for the Team Excellence Award were also recognized at the banquet. They included Carolyn Ridling of the SANE program at Texoma Medical Center, Susy Meehan of Children’s Protective Services and David Perkins of the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.

Partners of the advocacy center who have joined the team within the past year were also recognized at the banquet. Northeast Medical Center, Linda LeClair and the Child Guidance Clinic of Texoma each received a framed certificate for their efforts as part of the team in providing medical or mental health services to victims of child abuse in Fannin County.

Michelle Griffith, CAC Program Director, shared some of the past accomplishments of the center. In the agency’s past fiscal year, the CAC received 100 new referrals from CPS, law enforcement and the district attorney. CAC staff conducted 71 forensic interviews and team members and staff provided 352 counseling sessions on-site.

The Children’s Advocacy Center is a program of the Fannin County Children’s Center. The CAC’s mission is to provide a neutral, child-friendly agency that facilitates a multidisciplinary approach in the prevention, detection, investigation and treatment of child abuse. To report suspicions of child abuse call the state hotline at 1-800-252-5400. For more information about the CAC and other programs at the Children’s Center, call (903) 583-4339.

Book Signing At The Creative Arts Center

Thomas Tipton’s

"Children of the Winter"

Meet the author. Light refreshments will be served. Saturday, Nov. 8th 1:00 pm—3:00 pm

Known for his emotional artwork and life-sized, trash-art sculpture, visual and literary artist Thomas Tipton now takes us on yet another journey with his first fantasy/fiction novel, available from 1st Books Library. Follow him into the world he has created, as Bulldog, a young homeless Corilium, is taken in by a gang of "Street Rats" and thrown into a tempest of sorcery as those that would be gods roll the dice in the eternal struggle. Will perpetual darkness engulf Kronnus, or will the Children of the Winter cast off their cloaks and walk into the spring time?

Please honor the artist with your presence! Drop by and show him our support, grab a book and visit with Thomas and other friends of the Arts Center!

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

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

Staying Safe And Warm This Winter

TXU Gas Offers Winter

Tips For Customers

With cold weather hovering just around the corner, now is a good time to ensure your natural gas appliances are working properly so you can stay safe and warm this winter.

"Natural gas is safe and dependable," said Troy Sellers, TXU Gas manager. "However, precautions should be taken to avoid unsafe situations with heating and other household equipment that use natural gas."

Natural gas is colorless and odorless. As a safety precaution, TXU Gas and other gas providers add a strong, distinct and readily identifiable scent. The scent smells similar to rotten eggs.

If you discover a gas leak inside or outside your house, go to an area where you no longer smell gas and call 9-1-1 or your gas provider immediately. "Avoid doing anything that might cause a spark," Sellers said. "Don’t turn on a light, don’t strike a match and don’t use a telephone in an area where you smell gas. Telephones use a small amount of electricity that might produce a spark."

Routine maintenance of your gas appliances by a qualified individual can ensure they are working properly and guard against carbon monoxide emissions.

"First, the color of the flame should be checked," Sellers said. "It should be blue. A red or yellow flame could indicate that gas is not burning properly. This usually is caused by an improper mixture of air and gas. A yellow flame could indicate a build-up of carbon monoxide."

A qualified individual also should check the connectors on appliances such as an older water heater. "All non-approved connectors should be replaced because they can cause a gas leak. And any gas lines or valves not connected to an appliance should be capped or plugged," Sellers said.

With proper maintenance of your natural gas appliances, your house will be safe and warm this winter. If you detect a natural gas leak in or around your home, contact TXU Gas at 1-800-817-8090.

To find a qualified individual for gas equipment inspection or repair, check your yellow pages or log on to www.txugas.com/dealer.

Millions In Refund And Child Credit Checks Returned To IRS, Taxpayers Urged To Update Addresses By Dec. 5

IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson reminded taxpayers they have until Dec. 5 to claim 115,744 undelivered checks from this summer’s advance child tax credit. After the December cut-off, taxpayers cannot claim the checks until they file their tax returns next year.

These undelivered checks are among nearly 24 million issued this summer and fall for the advance child tax credit. In all, more than $14 billion in child credit checks have been issued.

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

In all, the IRS has money for more than 200,000 taxpayers whose income tax refund or advance child tax credit checks were undelivered and returned to the agency. Taxpayers need to update their addresses before the IRS can reissue the checks, which total more than $118 million.

In addition to the 115,744 child credit checks worth more than $50 million, there were another 92,810 "regular" tax refund checks, those issued to refund tax overpayments, returned to the IRS as undelivered. These "regular" refund checks total more than $66 million - an average of $722 per check.

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

IRS.gov, the IRS Web site, lets taxpayers track both their refund and their advance child tax credit. "Where’s My Refund?" provides information about refunds and "Where’s My Advance Child Tax Credit?" provides information about the tax credit. Both are available on the IRS home page.

To use the resources on IRS.gov, taxpayers enter information including their Social Security number and their filing status (such as single or married filing jointly). In addition, the refund amount shown on their 2002 tax return is required for refunds. To get information on the advance child tax credit, taxpayers must also enter the number of exemptions shown on their 2002 tax return.

When the information is submitted online, taxpayers see Web pages that show the status of their refund or advance child tax credit check. In many cases, they also get instructions they need to resolve problems.

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

Taxpayers without access to the Internet who think they may be missing a refund or advance child tax credit check should first check their records or contact their tax preparer before calling the IRS toll-free assistance line at 1-800-829-1040 to update their address.

Taxpayers can avoid undelivered refund checks by having their refunds deposited directly into a personal checking or savings account. Direct deposit also guards against theft or lost refund checks. The option is available on both paper returns and electronically filed returns. More than 44 million taxpayers chose direct deposit this filing season, up 11.6 percent from last year. Direct deposit was not available for the advance child tax credit checks.

Refund checks go astray for reasons that can vary with each taxpayer. Often, it’s because a life change causes an address change. If taxpayers move or change their address and fail to notify the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service, a check sent to their last known address is returned to the IRS. The Postal Service says more than 40 million Americans change addresses annually.

Taxpayers who have moved since filing their last tax return can ensure the IRS has their correct address by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS. Download the form or request it by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

Trenton I.S.D. Menu For November 2003

Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Chili Dogs, Tator Tots, Pork & Beans, Pears, Milk

Breakfast: Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Creamed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli/Cheese Sauce, Bread, Milk

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Pizza, Corn, Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Milk

Breakfast: French Toast Sticks/Syrup, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Frito Chili Pie, Salad, Refried Beans, Peaches, Milk

Breakfast: Yogurt or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

Breakfast: Peanut Butter/Jelly Sandwichs, Juice, Milk. Lunch: BBQ Sandwiches, Chips, Carrot Sticks/Ranch Dressing, Fruit, Milk

Breakfast: Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Steak Fingers, Gravy, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls, Pineapple, Milk

Breakfast: Cheese Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Spaghetti/Meat Sauce, Salad, Mixed Vegetables, Breadsticks, Pudding, Milk

Breakfast: Pancakes, Syrup, Bacon, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Burrito/Chili/Trimmings, Corn, Salsa, Applesauce, Milk

Breakfast: Yogurt or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

Breakfast: Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Deli Sandwiches/Trimmings, Chips, Pork & Beans, Peaches, Milk

Breakfast: Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Oven Baked Fish, Coleslaw, Hush Puppies, Baked Beans, Jello, Milk

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Ravioli, Salad, Corn, Fruit, Milk

Breakfast: Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Community Thanksgiving Dinner (Turkey/Dressing)

Breakfast: Yogurt or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Hamburgers/Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

Breakfast: French Toast Sticks/Syrup, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Grilled Cheese or Tuna Sandwiches, Tator Tots, Pork & Beans, Peach Cobbler, Milk

Breakfast: Biscuits/Sausage, Juice, Milk. Lunch: Chicken Fried Steak, Gravy, Creamed Potatoes, Salad, Fruit Salad, Milk

Ector Elementary Employee Of The Week

The faculty of Ector Elementary is proud to recognize Janet McLarry as our Employee of the Week. Janet, a graduate of Bonham High School, has been a teacher’s aide at Ector for five years. She and her husband Gerald have two daughters Keysha and Kathy. Janet and Gerald enjoy working with their church youth group at New Zion Baptist Church. Janet is a valuable member of our staff, who does a wonderful job working with all of the students and helping them learn. Once again, we are proud to honor Janet McLarry as the Employee of the Week.

Still Going Strong After 56 Years

By Paul Berryhill

Soapbox

By Paul Berryhill

Senior Citizens And The Disabled To Benefit

From County Decision

By Paul Berryhill

· Commissioners tabled action regarding Texoma Council of Governments Supplemental Funding request of an additional $1,830 for this year. The County will seek an explanation as to why the money is needed. They also want to be more educated on what TCOG is doing for Fannin County.

A decision was also made to secure bids on the repair of the county-owned rent house on Silo Road. County Judge Derrell Hall informed commissioners of extensive water damage from a leak in the bathroom. He said there was wall damage, need for painting and other extensive repair.

"The carpet in one bedroom was ruined. There’s a considerable amount of repair which will need to be done before we can rent it out," Hall explained. Discussion followed concerning options for the house.

County Treasurer Mike Towery mentioned the county might consider donating it to the Habitat for Humanity. Another suggestion was to let someone move into it in exchange for fix-up and repair. Strickland said, "We’ve gone that route before and it just never seems to work out the way it’s supposed to."

Commissioner Pat Hilliard asked, "If we donated that house to the City of Bonham, could we get a break on our ambulance service?"

Commissioners will consider action on the house after bids and options are further discussed.

Ector High School Employee Of The Week

The Ector High School Employee of the Week for November 3-7 is Elizabeth Cox.

Mrs. Cox is currently teaching Family & Consumer Science, Art, and Independent Studies. Her favorite things are reading, traveling, sewing, crafts and her grandchildren.

Mrs. Cox has been married to her husband Ron for 35 years. She has four great children Stacy, Brook, Coty, Camron and one great son-in-law Britt. She has three wonderful grandchildren Dalton, Quaide, Karsan. Her favorite thing about teaching at Ector ISD is the students. We would like to congratulate and thank you Mrs.Cox for all that you do for our school and our students.

November’s Upcoming Events Senior Circle Northeast Chapter

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00am & 2:00pm: Exercise Classes
Exercising has never been so much fun! Join us in the morning or afternoon, whichever you prefer. This exercise class is a full body workout, with cardio activities, leg strengthening, arm strengthening and stretching. You are welcome to come and observe a class at any time, to see if you are interested.
The 1st and 3rd Thursdays in November @ 10:00am: Quilting & Crafters Club
Our quilting club has expanded to include more than just quilters! There are members that work on needlepoint, sewing, and scrapbooking. It is great to have 2 hours with no interruptions to work on whatever craft you are trying to complete at the time. The Quilting Club meets at The Creative Arts Center at 200 W. 5th Street in Bonham. Remember, the Creative Arts Center waves it’s fees during this time for Senior Circle Members.
November 4, 2003 @ 11:00am: Potluck and Monthly Meeting
Since it is Election Day and most of you will be getting out to vote, go ahead and join us in the cafeteria for this month’s potluck dinner. Bring your favorite dish to share. Senior Circle will provide plates, utensils and drinks.
We will also hold our monthly meeting at this time. Come with suggestions for upcoming events! This is also a great time to sign up for upcoming events.
November 10, 2003: Christmas Shopping Trip
We will leave from the hospital cafeteria at 9:00am. We will travel to Dallas, where we will shop "the strip" on Harry Hines. Harry Hines is famous for clothing, jewelry, and fabric stores that sell items well below retail prices. This day should
help you get a jump start on that long Christmas list. Please RSVP at 903-640-7341.
November 12, 2003 @ 8:00 am: Breakfast and Babies
Please come to the hospital cafeteria for a breakfast provided by Senior Circle and NEMC. We will have all the favorites including bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits, gravy, fruit and muffins. In return for this fine meal, please bring a new, unrapped toy to benefit The Fannin County Children’s Center annual Christmas toy drive. (If you prefer, you can give a small cash donation. The money will be spent on toys asked for by specific children currently in the foster care system.) Also, please bring is a baby picture of yourself!! Please make sure your name is not on the picture. We will have a contest to see who can match the most names with the baby pictures. A prize will be awarded to the person with most correct matches.
Not only should we have a great time, but we should get a head start in providing Christmas for those children in Fannin County that would otherwise go without. Please RSVP at 903-640-7341 so I can make sure we have plenty of food.
November 18 @ 10:00am: Book Club
New this month, a Senior Circle Book Club. Meet in the hospital cafeteria on November 18 for the kick off party. We will discuss books of interest and will announce our first official book we will read together. If you enjoy reading, this is the club for you.
Senior Circle will provide a light snack and drinks.
November 19, 2003 9:00am - 11:30am: Game Day
Please join us in the hospital cafeteria for Senior Circle Game Day. We will play BUNCO, Chicken Foot, and anything else you would like. Feel free to bring games and friends. Please bring a finger food to share, so we can have something to snack on while we play. Senior Circle will provide the prizes for all the games. RSVP at 903-640-7341.
November 25, 2003 @ 10:00am: Thanksgiving BINGO
Join us in the hospital cafeteria on this Tuesday for Thanksgiving Bingo. Bring a "Thanksgiving" gift. A grand prize will be awarded to the person with the most wins. Congratulations to grand prize winner, Helen Dale. She was the winner of a $10 Wal-Mart gift card.
 

Dallas VAMC

Hosts Dinner For Homeless Veterans

VA North Texas Health Care System will host its seventh annual holiday dinner for homeless veterans of north Texas on Thursday, November 20, 2003. Veterans currently living on the streets or in shelters will be provided a traditional turkey dinner, free health screenings, and comfort items, as well as access to community, city, state and federal agencies. Approximately 300 homeless veterans throughout the metroplex area expected to attend. The dinner is organized by veteran organizations and supported through various sponsors from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

The holiday dinner is 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Dallas VA Medical Center, Spinal Cord Injury Center Multipurpose Room, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd. in Dallas. Shuttle services will provide transportation from the Fort Worth Homeless Veterans Program Offices, 2320 Cypress, departing 10:00 a.m. Departure times from Day Resource Center, 901 S. Evary in Dallas are 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12 noon. Return shuttles also provided. For more information, contact Teresa House-Hatfield at 214-857-1121.

Ector High School Employee Of The Week

V.A. Carnival A Huge Success

We had a large turn out on October 9th for the V.A. Carnival.

Volunteers included: Commander Sonny Bingham, also Bill Griffis, Terri Bingham, Bea Hipp, Jordan Johnson and Hospital Chairman Judy Griffis.

Veterans were treated to hot dogs, chili and soft drinks, games were played and prizes awarded. The weather was wonderful and fun was had by all.

Golden Gospel Jubilee

The annual first Friday of the month, "Golden Gospel Jubilee" will be this Friday night November 7th at 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down, 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area east of the spillway on CR 2610, Bonham, TX. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the talented "Bluegrass Gospeleers." Featuring: Randy Keister, Don Sharp, Glen Clark, Mike Stroud, Jack Marshall and Jim Clark plus our singing sound man Gary Monroe, and other drop-in singing guests. Our scheduled special guest group, and coming to us by recommendation will be the "Bluegrass Bo-Marts" from Paris, TX. The group consists of two families combined. The group was formerly known as "Simply Gospel," and was set up by the James Martin Family. They were pretty well known in this area as "Simply Gospel," but now they have combined their group with the Bolton family, and now they are known as the Bo-Marts. This will be their first visit to the Hoe-Down stage, and we are looking forward to meeting this new on coming group, and they are straight from the Bluegrass Circuit.

Everyone is invited and welcome to an evening of fun and inspiration. Admission is free and 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.

ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT WORKS TO PROVIDE

LEGAL SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME TEXANS

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today announced a campaign to raise awareness about funding for legal aid to low-income Texans. The Attorney General’s office partnered with the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation to help all Texans with legal representation in civil court cases.

"From our first days in Texas elementary schools we are taught the Pledge of Allegiance and the ideal of justice for all." said Attorney General Abbott. "For many Texans, that concept sometimes seems unattainable. But legal aid is helping thousands of Texans realize that goal."

The Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation is the largest Texas-based funding source for legal aid organizations in the state. In the last year, the Foundation helped fund 26 Legal Aid organizations that provided free civil legal services to abused children, battered women, the elderly and other victims of crime.

"Every Texan deserves fair, effective legal representation regardless of their financial limitations," Attorney General Abbott said. "In domestic violence cases, having a lawyer is the difference between staying in an abusive environment or getting a restraining order and getting out."

In 2001 the Texas Legislature appropriated $5 million to the Office of the Attorney General to create the Crime Victims Civil Legal Services Program for victims of crime and their immediate family members. Through the Texas Supreme Court, the Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation handles the administrative responsibilities of these funds on behalf of the Court. Attorney General Abbott and Texas Supreme Court Justice Harriet O’Neill today appeared with members of the Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation to announce the awareness campaign for civil legal aid services.

"Having equal access to proper legal representation is making a real impact throughout our state. Legal Aid is helping real people with real problems," Abbott said. "Instead of legal issues leaving crime victims overburdened and under served, we are able to help them on their road to recovery."

The Crime Victims Civil Legal Services program has benefited more than 17,000 Texans since its inception in March 2002.

Clyde Cosper State Texas Veteran’s Home Has Fun Day

The Clyde Cosper State Texas Veteran’s Home had a fun day on Oct. 11th.

The V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary of Post 4852 Bonham brought cookies, the Veteran’s home furnished punch.

The Ladies Auxiliary passed out phone cards for the patients to call their families with.

Domino games were played and the fellowship enjoyed by all.

New State-Of-The-Art Public Health Laboratory Officially Opens In Texas

A new Public Health Laboratory building officially opened today in a ceremony at the Texas Department of Health (TDH) in Austin.

The new 109,000-square foot laboratory replaces an out-of-date, 45-year-old facility and offers state-of-the-art technology and safety features.

"This new laboratory represents our continuing commitment to the people of Texas, to their health and to the new challenges that the future inevitably will bring," said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., Texas Commissioner of Health.

"The technology that has gotten us where we are now is technology that is changing month to month and definitely from year to year. Our ability to respond to public health threats is dependent on our keeping up to date with the technologies available to respond to public health threats," Sanchez said.

The TDH facility is one of the largest public health laboratories in the nation and will perform more than 6 million tests on 1.6 million blood, tissue, water, food and commercial product samples a year. It houses one of the largest newborn screening laboratories in the world and tests every child born in the state for five disorders that, if not treated early, can cause mental retardation, severe illness or death.

Sanchez said the new structure will enable TDH to better detect new public health threats such as West Nile virus; older problems such as rabies, tuberculosis and food-borne illness agents; and bioterroristic threats such as anthrax. "This means better prevention and control of diseases, more effective treatment and lives saved."

The lab employs about 300 people. The new building cost $45.7 million.

Surgery May Permanently Fix Sweaty Palms

A new procedure may offer a permanent solution to an often-sticky problem -- sweaty palms.

The minimally invasive procedure, called a sympathectomy, severs sections of overactive sympathetic nerves in the chest wall, which cause excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis. The effects of the surgery are almost immediate, said Dr. Joseph Coselli who performs the surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston.

"Patients have come to see me with sweat literally dripping off their hands," said Coselli, chief of cardiothoracic surgery in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. "A couple of days after the surgery their hands are completely dry."

An estimated one out of every 500 Americans has hyperhidrosis. The condition causes excessive sweating, which can affect a person socially and at work. Patients with hyperhidrosis may avoid shaking hands with others. Excessive sweating may also cause pens and pencils to slip out of the grasp of perspiring hands.

Current treatments to alleviate excess sweating include antiperspirants, to decrease the secretion of sweat and medications to reduce sweating. More lasting solutions include iontophoresis, which involves passing a mild electrical

current through tap water to shut off the sweat glands temporarily.

In order to treat sweaty palms or underarms, a small part of the sympathetic nerve responsible for excessive sweating is removed. In the past, this required a large incision in the chest. Many muscles were cut and ribs separated in order to expose the sympathetic nerve chain. Recent surgical advances have produced less invasive procedures, such as the endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

This procedure requires general anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour to complete.

"We make two or three small incisions below the armpit," Coselli said. "Through these tiny holes, a miniature video camera is used to locate the sympathetic chain. Through the other incisions, special instruments are placed allowing me to remove a small segment of the nerve to ensure that the treatment is permanent. We then perform the same procedure on the opposite side of the patient’s body."

The patient usually stays in the hospital for an additional 12 to 24 hours following surgery. The success rate for the procedure is 85 percent to 95 percent. A small percentage of patients may experience excessive sweating in other areas of the body, such as the chest, back and legs. For many patients, the side effect is not as severe as the original problem and is considered to be manageable.

Northside Church Of Christ Welcomes New Minister

The Northside Church of Christ is pleased to welcome our new pulpit minister, Carl Dye and his wife, Monica, and daughters Rachel, age 5, and Jamie, age 3, to our congregation in Bonham.

The Dyes come to us from Delight, Arkansas, where he served as minister for three years. Carl is originally from San Antionio, where his parents still live. Monica is from Denver, Colorado.

Carl graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in 1992 with a B.A. in Bible. Bonham is the fourth congregation Carl has served at pulpit minister.

Everyone is invited to a "Meet Our New Preacher" meeting on November 7, 8 and 9, 2003, at Northside Church of Christ, 2020 North Center, Bonham, Texas. Services at 7:00 p.m on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday services at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The series of lessons for this meeting will be on the book of James. For more information or questions, you may call the church at 903-583-3484.

GAINING ECONOMIC MOMENTUM

Kay Bailey Hutchison

"The good economic news keeps coming," read a recent headline in the Wall Street Journal. That positive statement is a welcome shift amidst challenging economic times. But our efforts to strengthen the economy are far from over, and the jobs picture has not yet brightened enough.

In May, Congress passed a $350 billion jobs and economic growth package to put Americans back to work and stimulate our economy. The legislation provided tax relief to hard working families and contained a number of provisions to help individuals and businesses. Our strategy was simple - when Americans keep more of their hard-earned dollars, they’ll put that money back into the economy, boosting commerce and jobs creation. By reducing taxes, we did the right thing at just the right time for the American economy.

Throughout the summer and now into the fall, reports from Wall Street to Main Street have reflected an improved economy. On Wall Street, stock market values have increased by $2 trillion in the last year. Disposable personal income is up by 3.8 percent and families are spending it on Main Street. Retail sales showed a 12.1 percent annualized increase over the summer, meaning Americans are spending the extra money in their paychecks from the tax relief we passed earlier this year.

Another important economic indicator signaling a strengthening economy is the rise in new housing starts. This summer we experienced a 17-year-high of 1.87 million units, and homeownership is at record levels with a 68 percent ownership rate.

Orders of manufactured goods continue to increase and shipments of durable goods increased this summer. More manufacturing output means more jobs for Americans. The Labor Department recently reported that employers created 57,000 jobs in September - the first increase in eight months. And jobless claims are at their lowest point this year.

All of this has led to stronger economic growth. In the second quarter, the gross domestic product grew by 3.3 percent and third quarter numbers are expected to top four percent.

Creating Jobs

But we need to do more. The economic growth has not yet translated into the broad job creation we would like to see. Fortunately there are a number of items on Congress’ agenda that will help put more Americans back to work. The Senate is working to enact additional legislation to create and retain jobs and further accelerate economic growth.

Two other items of critical importance are class action litigation reform and a bill to rein in runaway asbestos lawsuits. Class action reform will help victims receive their just financial due while ending abuses and helping businesses focus on growth and jobs rather than fighting expensive lawsuits. Additionally, it will help reduce the "hidden litigation tax" on U.S. consumers that inflates the cost of goods and services and stifles job creation. Asbestos lawsuits have already accounted for the loss of an estimated 138,000 jobs. Asbestos litigation reform will create new jobs by allowing companies to divert dollars from legal battles costs toward new investment. Both of these reforms help protect jobs and ensure fairness for Americans.

Energy Policy

But one of the most immediate actions Congress can take on the jobs front is finalizing the energy bill. Since I came to the Senate 10 years ago, we’ve tried to pass a comprehensive energy policy. This year, we finally passed a bill in both the House and Senate, which is currently in a conference committee where differences between the bills will be resolved. The final legislation is expected to create upward of 500,000 new jobs and save even more. Construction of new pipelines, and investment in new technologies, such as clean coal technology, will create new jobs in math, engineering, physics, science and related fields. An affordable and stable energy supply for Americans will fuel our economy and, even more important, release our nation from the grip of Middle East dependence.

As we move into the holiday season, when Americans spend more money on gifts and traveling to visit loved ones, Congress is keeping an eye on the fragile recovery, and will continue to make efforts to create stability in the economy.

COLLEGE STATION — The Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TICC) dispatched fire personnel and resources Wednesday to fight the raging California wildfires.

The Texas Forest Service is sending one engine boss, two engine boss trainees, two engine operators, one equipment manager and two mechanics. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sending one engine with three personnel and two division supervisors.

Cynthia Foster, manager of TICC in Hudson, Texas, said they notified the National Interagency Coordination Center Monday of the availability of the engine crew.

Resources were also dispatched to fight fires in Ruidoso, N.M. The Texas Forest Service sent a cost unit leader and a helibase manager. The U.S. Forest Service sent one person and the National Park Service sent two people to New Mexico.

Fannin County Mental Health Support Group Meets on November 11

The Fannin County Mental Health Support Group will hold its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2003, Fannin County Mental Health Center, 1221 East 6^th Street, Bonham.

The featured speaker will be Janice Mills, founder of Triple H Equitherapy. Hanna’s Horseshoes of Hope, Triple H Equitherapy is a new riding therapy program serving the Red River Region including Grayson, Lamar, Fannin and surrounding counties.

Mills’ vision is to provide equine-assisted therapy and rehabilitation for children and adults with physical, mental, emotional, and learning disabilities as an alternative to other therapies. Triple H Equitherapy is a nonprofit program and a member of North American Riding for the Handicapped Association with instructors certified to teach riding therapy.

Family Support is sponsored by Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma. Family members, consumers, and interested community members are invited. There is no charge to attend. For more information call Paula Cawthon at 903-337-4865.

The first week of November is the national Animal Shelter Appreciation week. The Friends of Fannin County is also having it’s one year birthday celebration and open house on November 8th, from 10am to 2pm at Critter Corner. There will be free hotdogs and a clown making balloons at the event as well as other activities. There is also an open invitation for all dogs that found homes through the FFCC return to Critter Corner for a reunion. In the past year over 175 spayed/neutered dogs and cats have found new homes through the FFCC and that number continues to grow every week. Stephanie Wood, FFCC President said "The support of the citizens of Fannin County has been instrumental in our success and the Critter Corner Birthday Celebration & Open House is our way of saying "Thank You Fannin County".

FFCC has also received a grant that will provide some Spay/ Neuter assistance to the public. You can get your application for the Spay/Neuter Program at the Critter Corner Celebration on Nov. 8th.
You can also pick up the application anytime during the Critter Corner open hours, downloading the form from the website www.ffccritters.org or by mailing a stamped, self-addressed envelope to FFCC, 200 Winkler, Bonham, Texas 75418.

Kids Paint Doghouse To Be Donated To FFCC Critter Corner

Kids of all ages participated in the painting of the doghouse to be donated to FFCC Critter Corner

Ector Cross Country Class A- Region III Advance To Regionals In Huntsville Nov. The 8th 2003

CONGRATULATION CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS!!!

Can The Web Effectively Teach Kids To Eat Healthier And Exercise?

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

Cartoons and computer games, and the sedentary lifestyle they promote in youngsters, have long been blamed for weight gain trends among children. Those could end up the very weapons researchers unveil to help fight the epidemic of obesity in high-risk groups of kids.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston will soon examine the effectiveness of Internet-based health behavior training, in the form of an interactive comic strip designed to attract and maintain the interest of young African-American girls, thanks to a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

Baylor researchers will examine an interactive program designed to promote healthy eating and physical activity in a group that statistics show is at risk for becoming overweight.

"African American females are at risk, statistically, of becoming overweight, and behaviors set in place while young may help avoid this," said Dr. Deborah Thompson, faculty in Baylor’s Department of Pediatrics and principal investigator of the grant. "We want to understand how we can best use e-health, or electronic, interactive media, to influence behavior and health habits of children."

Baylor was one of 18 sites chosen by RWJF through its $4.8 million Health e-Technologies Initiative to look at how interactive technologies can be better used to help improve health behavior and disease management. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care.

For enrollment information, call Thompson at 713-798-7076 or Ashanti Canada, recruiter, at 713-798-0504.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Video showing about Bipolar disorder and a chance to ask your questions.

Wednesday Nov. 12^th; 7-8 P.M.

7^th & Main Baptist Church; Bonham

This video showing ("Dark Glasses & Kaleidoscopes") and discussion is a special event of the ongoing support group for persons with mental illness. The support group is collaboration between National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Grayson, Fannin, and Cooke counties (NAMI GFC) and the people of 7^th & Main Baptist Church. Support and education reduce stigma, encourage treatment that works, and that in turn can produce help, hope, and recovery to full potential. Please come and experience the acceptance, understanding, and knowledge of people that are willing to share their journey on the road to recovery.

Tony Dow (formerly known as Wally Cleaver on TV’s "Leave It To Beaver") narrates this 33 minute video that will answer many of your questions about the highs and lows of Bipolar (Manic Depressive) disorder. This video will help families and consumers cope, find treatment that works, and even help prevent suicide. When you reach out for encouragement and help you’ll be glad you did, and wonder why you waited so long. Ongoing support group meetings are every 2^nd & 4^th Wed., 7-8 PM, at 7^th & Main Baptist Church. For more information call John Hoelzel at 903-664-2471. Thanks.

Dr. Hayes, D.V.M. Welcomes New Associate Dr. Goebel, D.V.M.

Dr. Hayes has hired Dr. Rod Goelbel as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Goebel is licensed to practice in Texas and Oklahoma. Because there are two vets to serve you, we will be shortening the evening clinic hours and scheduling more appointments in the clinic during the day. As of November 1, 2003, the evening hours will be from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. and 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. during breeding season. For those of you who do not work during the day, we encourage you to schedule appointments during regular hours so you won’t have to wait in the evening.

Dr. Goebel will be taking emergency calls on Monday and Thursday nights. Dr. Hayes will be on call Tuesday and Wednesday nights. They will alternate taking calls every other weekend.

Dr. Goebel is a 2003 graduate of Colorado State University. He and his wife Dee Dee, son Cody (age 3) and daughter Madeline (4 months) moved here from Colorado over the summer. Dr. Goebel also brought his 6-horse Percheron team and wagon, which he used for driving a stagecoach for a bank as well as his own carriage business.

We welcome Dr. Goebel and his family.

Dr. Hayes is going to get a life!

Bonham Snap Menu

Tex-Mex Casserole, Spanish Rice, Green Beans, Bread, Tropical Apples, Milk

Lima Beans & Ham, Oven Fried Okra, Tomatoes, Cornbread, Peaches, Milk

Meatloaf, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Golden Carrots, Bread, Pineapple, Milk

Oven Fried Chicken/Cream Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Creole Squash, Whole Wheat Bread, Pudding, Milk

Oven Baked Fish, Macaroni & Cheese, Calico Coleslaw, Bread, Plums, Milk

Finley-Oates Teachers

When the kids arrived at school on Halloween morning, they didn’t know what to expect. They were greeted by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a pirate, a hippie, a bag of M&M’s, Officer Buckle and Gloria, and many other interesting people. Most of the kids had some pretty interesting outfits as well. Everyone had a great time, enjoying everyone’s creative.

At the October 22 meeting of the Bonham Rotary Club, Cindy Blankenship with the Glaser Foundation gave an informative program on how the Glaser Foundation was founded and who all it helps here in Fannin County and the surrounding areas.

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