Volunteers Advocate For Texas Kids

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Fannin County tax assessor-collector’s office are featuring the Lone Star Proud specialty license plate this month. A majority of the proceeds from the sale of this license plate supports the year-round recruitment of volunteers for Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Texas CASA is part of a national volunteer organization that began over 25 years ago, when a judge in Seattle began using community volunteers as a "voice in court" for abused and neglected children. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provided him with the detailed information he needed to safeguard the children’s best interests and ensure that they were placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. The program was so successful that it was copied around the nation. There are more than 900 CASA programs in operation- at least one in every state- and more than 52,000 trained volunteer advocates nationwide.

Lone Star Proud For Kids specialty license plates can be viewed online at http://www.dot.state.tx.us/vtr/spplates/allplates.htm. Since 1998, when the plate was introduced, more than $398,000 has been raised for CASA.

"CASA’s mission is to make sure every child in need has a voice. Every CASA volunteer makes a huge difference to abused and neglected children." said Pam Sweet-Richardson, tax assessor-collector for Fannin County.

The graphic on the left side of the plate features a child’s drawing of a red heart within a yellow star on a red and blue flag. The words "Lone Star Proud For Kids" runs across the bottom of the plate. The license plate can be purchased at any time, regardless of when a vehicle registration expires. These plates are available to motorists for a $30 annual fee, plus $40 if personalized, in addition to regular vehicle registration fees. Of the $30 annual fee, $22 goes to the credit of the Attorney General Volunteer Advocate Program account for funding recruitment for Texas CASA volunteers. The remaining $8 fee is deposited into the state highway fund to cover administrative costs.

Applications for the Lone Star Proud specialty plates are available at county tax offices, on TxDOT’s web site (www.dot.state.tx.us), by calling the TxDOT Help Desk at (512)465-7611, or TxDOT’s Fax-On-Demand forms line at (888)232-7033. Customers requesting orders for specialty license plates through the fax service should enter the code 0999 to receive the form for the license plate they are ordering.

Ferguson Family Show

The Ferguson Family Show will be back in session this Friday night, December 10 at 7:30 pm. The show will be at the Lake Bonham recreation area east of the spillway on CR 2610, Bonham, TX. It will be hosted by the late Marshall Ferguson family and their "Red River Express" band, plus their guest from Sherman, Denison and Paris area.

Everyone is invited and welcome to an evening of clean family entertainment. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to you all for your support. May God bless you. for information call 903-583-4731

TCOG Criminal Justice Grant Application Workshop December 6

The Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) coordinates the grant application review and priority setting process for a variety of grants provided by the Criminal Justice Division- Office of the Governor (CJD). To assist interested applicants in learning about the various funding sources and the requirements for grant submission, a workshop will be held at TCOG for those who have never applied to CJD before as well as those who have previous experience with the CJD grant application process. The workshop is scheduled for December 6, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. in the First Floor Eisenhower Room at TCOG, 1117 Gallagher, Sherman, Texas, and will last no more than three hours.

Participation in the grant application workshop is mandatory for all applicants.

In 2004, TCOG coordinated the review and priority setting which resulted in approximately $1 million in grant awards to the Cooke, Fannin and Grayson County region. Grant recipients in past years have been: Texoma Regional Police Academy, Grayson County Attorney’s Office, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Texoma Senior Citizen Foundation, Fannin County Attorney’s Office, Grayson County Crisis Center, Grayson County CASA, Cooke County CASA, Fannin County Children’s Advocacy Center, Cooke County Friends of the Family, Fannin County Family Crisis Center and the Substance Abuse Center.

Some of the available funding sources are the Victims of Crime Act funds, State Criminal Justice Planning Funds (421), Violence Against Women Act funds, Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Funds, and Safe and Drug Free Schools Act funds. This workshop will not address homeland security grant funding.

The workshop is free and requires no pre-registration. For more information, contact Sarah Somers at 93-813-3552, ssomers@texoma.cog.tx.us, or visit the Texoma Council of Government Criminal Justice Department website: www.tcogcj.org.

Texoma Wine Wins In Atlanta International Competition

Bill and Deanna Martin of Mulberry Texas have been carefully tending their Cabernet grapevines for about 12 years. Their work has paid off with an international award in an International Wine Competition recently held in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bill Martin Vineyards - a twelve acre site in the Texas town of Mulberry - contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay and now his vineyards has won a major wine competition medal at the 2004 VINO CHALLENGE INTERNATIONAL in Atlanta.
Bill and Deanna Martin’s 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend ( 85 % Cab and 15 %Merlot ) has won a BRONZE MEDAL from the VINO CHALLENGE INTERNATIONAL Competition in the red wine blends category.
This is one of the first International awards for local TEXOMA wines. Over 1,100 wines from over 23 countries were entered in the competition which displayed wines from over 15 of the states in the United States.
Only thirty percent of the wines entered received medals. Bill Martin and Deanna Martin are understandably PROUD of their achievement and their 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon from their twelve (12) acre vineyard in the Red River plain downstream from Lake Texoma‘s Denison Dam.
The soils in this area of TEXOMA are nearly 27 feet deep from millions of years of soils washing down the Red River valley from the Texas panhandle. Pierce’s disease and other major grape disease are not prevalent in the TEXOMA area which will soon become an American Viticultural Area or Wine District under Federal Law 27 CFR part 9.
The vines from which the winning wine came are over twelve years old.
Congratulations Bill and Deanna of FANNIN COUNTY for a JOB WELL DONE.

Local Dance Teams Compete At Texas Stadium

The Bonham Expressionettes Dance Team, of The Dance Studio, took top honors with a 2^nd place win in the Academy Ensemble Category, at the Fourteenth Annual Dallas Cowboys Drill Team, Cheerleading, and Dance Competition held at Texas Stadium on Saturday, October 23, 2004, and Sunday, October 24, 2004. Over 1,000 youth competed with teams representing Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

The Expressionettes, under the direction of Renee Feagley and Tammy Pettie, performed a jazz dance routine to the Aaron Carter hit ‘That’s How I Beat Shaq’. This was and especially exciting win for the team as there were only one 1^st place and one 2^nd place awarded in each dance category. Also participating in this exciting weekend of competition were two of the Studio’s other dance teams, Expressions, Too! and the Paris Expressionettes Team. According to studio director Renee Feagley, "Outstanding performances were given by all of our teams and they had the time of their lives in the process. Our teams are competition veterans but this is the first time we’ve competed at this type of venue. We weren’t sure what to expect. We didn’t know if the types of routines and choreography we were taking were even what they were looking for in order to place well. This year was more of a ‘go & see’ kind of thing. As it turns out, whether they won anything or not was the least of the girls priorities. They were more excited about just being there. Getting to meet the Cheerleaders and actually getting to dance on that famous field was the best part of the whole experience for them. We brought home a lot more than trophies and score sheets. It is mainly for that reason that we plan to add the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Competition to our annual competition season schedule.

The Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Kelli Finglass, was very enthusiastic about the remarkable talent displayed at this year’s competition. "The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were proud to have had such talent and showmanship executed by these remarkable performers" says Finglass. "The parents of these competitors and their local communities should be very proud of their accomplishments, and I applaud the coaches and directors of each team. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, "America’s Sweethearts", are the world’s most famous cheerleaders. Since their founding in 1972, they have transformed the idea of sideline cheerleaders to incorporate glamour, talent and dance. Internationally recognized, The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have had an enormous impact on both professional and amateur sports and entertainment, and remain the undisputed leaders in their field.

For more information on the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Annual Drill Team, Cheerleading, and Dance Competition or Camp DCC, please contact the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders at (972) 556-9932.

Brochure Reveals The Reality Of Women And Heart Disease

HOUSTON – (Nov. 30, 2004) – Even the most mindful woman may not recognize her number one health threat -- heart disease.

"Women and Heart Disease: Myths, Magnitude, and Management," the recent edition of the We Care for You brochure series produced by the Office of Health Promotion at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), provides the fundamentals of heart disease that are all too often ignored by women and the medical field.

"We are so worried about breast cancer that we tune out the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women older than 25 years old," said Dr. Karla Kurrelmeyer, assistant professor of medicine-cardiology at BCM. "Cardiovascular diseases kill twice as many women as all forms of cancer combined."

Due to this lack of attention, women are generally under-treated for heart disease. To avoid becoming a statistic, Kurrelmeyer encourages women to take a proactive role in their health care. The following are simple ways women can reduce their risk of heart disease:

* Don’t smoke.

* Eat a healthy diet.

* Exercise regularly.

* Maintain mental wellness.

* See a physician regularly.

* Get enough sleep.

"Although all women are susceptible to heart disease, they can manage their health through awareness, healthy behaviors, aggressive treatment, and a partnership with their physicians," said Kurrelmeyer. "The controllable risk factors for heart disease can be improved through simple lifestyle changes."

In addition to providing advice on how to stay healthy, the brochure provides information about the disease’s risk factors, diagnosis and treatment. To order a copy of the brochure, call the We Care for You Hotline at 1-800-392-4444.

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Labor Market and Career Information Department (LMCI) has developed the "Reality Check Budget Calculator," a brand new no cost Web site designed with young adults in mind. This online budget planner features a multimedia flash player introduction with vivid colors, graphics and messages to give young adults a clear understanding of what it takes to survive on a real-life budget.

Reality Check offers a quick glimpse of a realistic budget scenario. Young people can benefit instantly from the realistic comparison of various careers, salaries and expenses found on the Web site. With Reality Check, the seeds are planted in their minds to start planning for their futures.

"Getting young people to see the link between the lifestyle they desire and the education needed in order to make that happen is the goal of the Reality Check Budget Calculator," said TWC Executive Director Larry Temple. "TWC’s Labor Market and Career Information Department is committed to helping young adults make smart career choices through a range of career guidance and mentoring programs designed to help them succeed."

Reality Check offers users three real-life budget scenarios:

• Get a Reality Check: Users make lifestyle choices to determine what standard of living they want to achieve, including monthly expenses such as rent, utilities, car, clothing and more. Reality Check determines the necessary annual income, as well as sample careers matching this salary.

• Future Salary: Users enter a dollar figure of the salary they want to earn and Reality Check offers suggested career fields and education levels needed to meet that salary.

• Career Direct: Users choose a career, and Reality Check estimates a salary depending on the city. The program then lets users pick lifestyle-related expenses and arrive at a balanced budget.

For more information on the "Reality Check Budget Calculator," visit www.texasworkforce.org

Bonham High School Reunion Committee

The 2005 Reunion Committee is in need of help in locating former students of Bonham High School. The all-school reunion is set for June 17-19, 2005.

This week we are focusing on the classes of 1978-1979. If you know the address or can provide any information on the location of the following former Bonham High School students, please contact Pam Thompson (903-989-5528) or send an email to pamt@fanninelectric.com. Please include the year.

Class of 1978: Teresa Alexander, Waymon Anderson, Dorothy Bevins Grays, James Biggs, Dennis Brooks, John Burruss, James Caplinger, Darrell Chessier, Rickey Clark, Diane Clay, Rickey Coonrod, David Crain, Angie Davis, Dianna Deal, Mary Foster, Steve Godbey, Lloyd Graner, Marty Granger, Lois Graves Price, Louise Graves, Jimmy Hall, Kent Hall, Jeff Hamby, Wayne Hanes, Steve Hasten, Sandy Hazelwood Beavers, Kathy Henslee, Susan Hensley, Cynthia Hicks, Dennis Hilliard, Randy Holland, Gary Hughes, Donald Hyepock, Amy Jenkins, Richard Johnson, Scott Johnson, Brian Jones, Kathy Jones Morris, Travis Kinkade, Johnny Kitchens, Mike McNally, Brenda Millhollen Markel, Charlene Moore, Glenn Murphy, Marjatta Niemi, Gerald Payne, Anthony Peha, Tammy Pendergrass Petty, Terry Perry, Linda Ransom, Judy Roberts, Howard Ryter, Clark Sanderson, Anthony Smith, Tracy Snow, Vickie Stephens,Lorna Stites, Billy Stroud, Susan Thomas Hicks, Gary Vermillion, Becky Vest Elk, Donna Welch Hannibal, Denise Winter Tucker, Terri Wright Pickle, Vickie York..

Class of 1979: Melissa Aaron, Jay Amstutz, Jon Amstutz, Stephanie Anderson, Dean Bailey, Karen Barnes, Anita Bennett, Alice Berryhill Barker, Rae Ann Bird, Tracy Brady, Beverly Brian, Jerrie Brians, Kevin Broskofoke, Martha Cameron Horne, Bobby Campbell, Kelley Clark Kelton, Terry Cole Steelman, Jerry Curry, Penny Davis, Lee Ann Donohoe Robertson, Lesa Emerson Burruss, Bill Floyd, Richard Foster, Joe Frazier, Jeff Green, Suzanne Hall, Beth Hasten Hale, Lynn Hayes, Debbie Holland, Craig Hooks, Lee Johnston, Karen Kavanaugh, Lorna Leslie, Dequita McDonald, Delma Mills, Cesar Mora Bowen, Billy Munger,Darla Neal, Trena Oliver, Vickie Peters, Larry Richardson, Janice Sanders Davis, Brad Sanford, Stephani Snead Buckingham, Evelyn Standifer, Janet Thomason, Beth Towery, Karel Towery Stinson, Connie Walls Gammons, Kathy Watkins, Frank Welch, Darryl White, Kristi Williams Britt, Craig Winter, Tommy Wyatt.

Hometown Military News

November 30, 2004(FHTNC)--Civilian Joshua E. Leftwich, son of Gina R. Leftwich of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Leroy Leftwich, Jr of Bonham, Texas, recently enlisted in the United States Navy under the Delayed Entry Program at Navy Recruiting District Dallas, Irving, Texas.

Leftwich will report for active duty to undergo basic training at the Navy’s Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill.

County 4-H Christmas Party

Attention all 4-H’ers! It’s Christmas time! The 4-H County Council will be hosting a Christmas party at the Extension Office on December 11th, at 5:00 p.m. All 4-H members and leaders are welcome and encouraged to attned. Party food and drinks will be served. There will be a costume contest, so come in Holiday attire. Come join us for an evening of fun, games, and fellowship!

The meeting room at the Extension Office will be decorated in the afternoon on December 6th. Any help would be welcome. We will be setting up a tree as well as many other decorations.

Also, the Bonham 4-H club is hosting a service-learning project in conjunction with CASA and the Children’s Advocacy Center and would greatly appreciate the rest of the county’s support. There is a tree at the Extension Office with papers naming the age and gender of a child and an item that they would like to have. Please return the new, unwrapped gift, along with the paper, back to the Extension Office by December 13th. Your support of this wonderful program is greatly appreciated.

The holidays are a time of joy and good spirit. Families and friends come together and share in good will and fellowship. Many people will be traveling long distances to see their loved ones. Unfortunately, criminals are well aware of this fact and will use it to their advantage. That is why consumers must take precautions when traveling and shopping over the holiday season.

If you are going out for the evening, turn on several lights. Also, turn on a radio or television. Don’t display gifts where they can be seen through the window from the outside. Turn off or unplug the lights on any indoor holiday decorations. Double-check door and window locks when you leave, even if you will only be gone for a few minutes. If you find signs that someone has entered your home while you were away, go to a neighbor’s house immediately and call the police.

If you are going out of town, do what you can to make it look as though someone is home. Put two or more interior lights on automatic timers. Set each one on a different schedule, so that no pattern is obvious to outsiders. Ask a friend to stay at your house for one or two nights while you are away. Also, ask the neighbors to watch your home and to park a car in your driveway from time to time. Have the mail and newspaper delivery stopped, and ask a neighbor to pick up any packages that are delivered to your door.

You should also take basic safety precautions when you go shopping. Stay alert and be aware of what is happening around you. Park in a well-lit place. Be sure to lock the car and close the windows. Lock any packages or shopping bags in the trunk.

Pay by check or credit card when possible, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. If you are shopping with children, make sure they know to go to a store clerk or security guard in the event you become separated. Finally, deter pickpockets and thieves by protecting wallets and purses.

Sometimes, criminals pose as couriers delivering packages or flowers. If a delivery person comes to your door, do not open the door right away. Ask them to show you proof of identification through a window or peephole. If the person’s identification, dress or demeanor make you suspicious, tell them that you will pick up the item at their store or delivery warehouse, or ask to have the package left at a neighbor’s house. If there is a charge for delivery and you are reluctant to open the door, get an address where you can send payment and arrange for delivery at a later date.

Some people will try to take advantage of our generosity by asking for contributions to a bogus charity. If someone comes to your door seeking a donation, ask to see identification before opening the door. Also, ask for information about the charity, including how the funds will be spent.

If you are uncertain about making a donation, ask for an address where you can send money at a later date. Legitimate charities will not hesitate to give you this information. If you suspect the solicitation is a fraud, decline to make a contribution and report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and the Attorney General’s Office. www.oag.state.tx.us.

Carriage

A Poem by: Shirly Hunt-Salazar

November 5, 2004

The wheels must turn together, we did that.

As long as the wheels work, it will take you there.

We went everywhere, learned how to live, till one died.

The other wheels can’t turn at all now, not just three.

The wheel that died, is not the one all broken down.

One of the wheels that only works a little tiny bit,

Is actually the wheel that died, it was the wheel,

That needed the others, and especially the wheel,

Bonham Police Department News

The Bonham Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Clint Ray Lane, W/M, 6/12/67, 6’2", 260 lbs. charging him with Robbery in connection with the robbery of the Bonham State Bank Convenience Center on September 9, 2004. On that date a white male entered the Convenience Center, located at 2232 N. Center St. demanding money from the teller. The suspect then left the scene on foot. Chief Mike Bankston stated, "Based on the evidence we have developed, we believe we have enough to arrest Mr. Lane and formally charge him, with the robbery". At this time the suspect is being held in the Hunt County Jail on a charge of Terroristic Threat and Violation of Probation resulting from an incident in Commerce.

Chief Bankston complimented the work of Detective Sergeant Wendell Bockman in his efforts to get the suspect in the robbery identified along with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who have also been instrumental in the investigation.

Blood Drive Tuesday December 21

During the Christmas season won’t you please consider taking time from your busy schedule and give one more gift- the Gift of Life. It will not cost you a cent but it could be the most valuable gift that the recipient may ever receive. Blood supplies have fallen to critical levels again this year, as they always seem to do during the holidays. The Bonham Fire Department is hosting a Holiday Blood Drive to benefit your families, friends and neighbors who live and work in the Bonham and Fannin county areas. The Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, December 21st from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm at the Bonham Fire Station. We know that is asking a lot from you, to seek blood donations at this time of year, but accidents and illnesses do not take a holiday.

The Bonham Fire Department is dedicating this Blood Drive to the memory of Firefighter James Taylor who gave his life in the line of duty serving his community.

For further information please contact the Fire Department 903-583-3731.

Ector Junior High Game Reports

Boys: Ector vs. Dodd City at Dodd City- November 29, 2004

Ector- 34

Dodd City- 25

Scoring for Ector boys: Mason Cox- 4, B.R. Richards- 4, B.J. Kennedy-12, Brandon Witte- 2, Jonathan Witte- 4, Zakree Thompson- 6

Girls: Ector vs. Dodd City at Dodd City- November 29, 2004

Ector- 19

Dodd City- 20

Dodd City scored with 8 seconds left to win the game.

Scoring for Ector girls: Heather Johnson- 2, Brittany Leatherwood- 17

Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bears Three

T’was Christmas Season and all was in tact. Papa Bear was at work but soon would be back. Mama Bear was in the kitchen rustling dinner with glee. Something good was in mind for her Baby Bears Three. Outside was Jack Frost, I’m sure you’ve been told, he nips at your fingers and bites at your toes. Inside was cozy as cozy could be. There by the fireplace sat the Baby Bears Three. They thought of the day that soon was to be. But before it would come, they’d need a big tree. They sat there a gaze and dreamt of the day when Santa would come in his mighty sleigh. The harth was aflame. The room all a glow. At home Papa Bear came trudging the snow. Visions were sweet as sweet as could be while watching T.V. sat the Baby Bears Three. All of a sudden they jumped with a start! In burst Papa Bear with his hand ere’ his heart, "Mama Bear, Mama Bear home quickly and see! I’ve brought home the biggest most beautiful tree! Mama Bear came runnin’ with a bounce and a jar. "That’s the prettiest Christmas tree I’ve seen so far!" The biggest, the mightiest tree of them all. "We’ll decorate together and we’ll have a ball. We’ll trim it and dawn it atop with a star. And have it for Christmas that's what it’s for! The tree was outstanding. The star was a sight. To top it all off Santa’s coming tonight! We’ll put out some milk along side it some bread. Then we’ll make ourselves clean and get ready for bed. The stockings were hung and so was the light, that showed Santa to our house on up in the night. We’ll lie ourselves down to sleep in our beds, and await Christmas visions to come in our heads. Soon Mama Bear and Papa Bear will come on to bed. They’ll be snoring so loud they’ll wake up the dead. Along will come Santa and his Sleigh full of glee. He’ll leave lots of toys for the Baby Bears Three!!

Mary Jane Clark

Friday December 21, 1984

Finley Oates Event Schedule

• The next Campus Site-Based Decision Making Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 9^th at 1:00 pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

• What Does TAKS Mean to Me? There will be a TAKS Awareness meeting for the parents of Kindergarten and First Grade students on Monday, January 10^th at 6:00 pm. Information will be presented by teachers from Finley-Oates.

• The Finley-Oates PTO will hold its December meeting on Monday, the 6th at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria. All parents are encouraged to attend.

• The Finley-Oates PTO will hold its January meeting on Monday, the 10th at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria. All parents are encouraged to attend.

• Have you noticed the new AR reading tags? They are the new rave! Kids who participate in the Accelerated Reader program at Finley-Oates are earning metallic reading tags for the accumulation of points and excellent quiz grades. Everyone wants one! The Finley-Oates library and computer lab are open before and after school daily, so join your child on a reading adventure!

Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 7:00 am. Open Monday through Thursday until 3:30 pm Closed during lunch. UIL Activities: None

(i.e. clubs, organizations, special field trips, student-generated articles, etc.)

• Students enrolled in the Save for America program make their deposits at school on Wednesday mornings between 7:15 am and 8:00 am. Kindergarten and First Grade bank in the library, Second and Third Grade bank in the computer lab. Any student not enrolled, but interested, may obtain an application packet from Mrs. Kirkpatrick in the computer lab. Students must have a Social Security number and parents must have a Social Security number as well as a valid driver’s license to enroll.

• The Safe Kids Identification Program will be on campus Tuesday, December 7^th. Information will be sent home prior to this event.

• The All-Star Choir will be performing in the Finley-Oates Cafeteria on Tuesday, December 7^th. Times are pending.

• The Finley-Oates third grade students will be presenting their Christmas program on Monday and Tuesday, December 13^th and 14^th. Students will be divided into two groups. This information, along with times, will be sent home at a later date.

• The Finley-Oates Grade-Level Christmas Parties will be held on Thursday, December 16^th. Kindergarten and First Grade will be 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm; Second and Third Grades will be 2:15 pm – 2:45 pm. Parents will be contacted by room mothers for party donations.

• The Finley-Oates annual canned food drive will take place on Friday, December 17^th at 9:00 am in the cafeteria. All donated food needs to be non-perishable.

• Students will be released from school at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 17^th. The Christmas/New Year holiday will be Monday, December 20^th through Monday, January 3rd. Classes will resume Tuesday, January 4^th at 7:45 am.

L.H. Rather Jr. High Schedule

Dec. 2- Boys Basketball Farmersville Here @ 5:00, Girls Basketball @ Farmersville, NETCADA Real Life Communications 10:00, All Region Band Tryouts @ Queen City

Dec. 6- Scholastic Book Fair 6th-10th, Family Night of Book Fair 5:00 - 7:00, Boys Basketball @ Royse City, Girls Basketball Royse City Here @ 5:00

Dec. 9- Band Concert in the Auditorium @ 7:00

Dec. 13- Boys Basketball Community Here @ 5:00, Girls Basketball @ Community, Semester Exams 14 - 16

Dec. 17- Talent SHow, Early Release for Christmas Break

Thank You

Mike and I would like to thank everybody for the outpouring of your love for Doc. For all the flowers, cards, food, tributes and prayers. He loved you all, and so do we. Thank you so very much and may God Bless you.

Mary Hudson and Mike

CertainTeed Honored at Texas Workforce Conference

SHERMAN- CertainTeed, a division of Saint-Gobin, received a 2004 Employer Award of Excellence and a Current Workforce Award at the 2004 Annual Texas Workforce Conference held in Grapevine from November 17 through 19. Workforce Texoma nominated the company for the awards.

"CertainTeed is a true partner of the local workforce board, helping to build a stronger labor force while making a significant impact on the local economy," said Texas Workforce Commissioner Representating Labor Ronny Cogleton. "CertainTeed is highly deserving of the Employer Award of Excellence. Congratulations to all."

The Employer Award of Excellence honors employers who are actively involved with their local workforce board and have a positiive impact on employers, workers and the community. CertiaTeed, a division of Saint-Gobain, is one of the newest companies in the Texoma area. The manufacturing company specializes in insulation products. The plant opened in June 2004 and started full production in July. Plant officials contacted Workforce Texoma early in the process of its expansion to the area and hired 60 new employees through the center. CertainTeed uses a unique concept of teamwork to operate the plant. Currently, it has two teams of 10 workers who are cross-trained in all areas of hte production process. This type of ingenuity will allow this manufacturer to compete globally by reducing the need for outside contractors and down time. CertainTeed has invested more than $12 million into the local economy to date, and a second phase of expansion is scheduled for implementation nex year.

Workforce Texoma is one of 28 local workforce boards located throughout the state. The board serves Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. The primary goal of the Texas Workforce Commission and workforce boards is to meet the needs of Texas employers through locally designed, employer-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, as well as workers and job seekers, are eligible to take advantage of these services.

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the programs it offers in unison with its networks of local workforce development boards, call (512)463-8556 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.

Fannin Community Foundation Received Donation

Carol Ellis, Executive Director of the Fannin Community Foundation, Inc. is shown accepting a $500 donation from Doris Shockley, State Farm Agent.

Doris Shockley was attending an Agent’s University and signed up for one of the five $500 donations that the Community Relations Department at State Farm was giving away. These donations were designated to be given to the winning agent’s charity of choice. Doris Shockley was one of the lucky winners and chose to give this particular donation to the Fannin Community Foundation. The Fannin Community Foundation has a matching grant right now so that means that this donation will be doubled! The Foundation wishes to thank Doris Shockley and State Farm for this very generous donation.

Stephenson School December Schedule

The following events are scheduled at Stephenson School (Fannin County Head Start).

Dec. 4- Head Start Dads Meeting 9:00 am

Dec. 7- Parenting Class (Day Camp follow-up) 12:00 Meeting Room

Dec. 7- M. Taylor’s class will visit the Bonham Public Library

Dec. 8- Breakfast With Mom - M. Taylor, Owens. Lancaster, and S. Taylor

Dec. 9- Breakfast With Mom - Shepherd, Fox, M. Miller, and Lane

Dec. 14- Parenting Class (Day Camp follow-up) 12:00 Meeting Room

Dec. 16- Children’s Holiday Program 6:00- M Taylor Owens

7:00- Fox Shepherd, S. Taylor Lane, Lancaster Miller

Dec. 17- Early release for Holidays

"HAPPY HOLIDAYS"

Jan 4, 2005- Children return to classes.

Whitewright’s Christmas Parade

The annual Whitewright Christmas parade will take place on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 2:00 pm. There is still plenty of time to get your entry form in to participate in the parade. The entry deadline is Monday, December 6, 2004. You can obtain an entry form from the Whitewright Chamber of Commerce office. There is no entry fee so anyone interested is encouraged to participate. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for both walking and motorized categories. The prize amounts are $100, $75, and $50 respectively. The theme this year is "Celebrating Christmas Songs" and entries will be judged on theme, imagination, creativity, originality and crowd appeal. If you’re not going to be in the parade, make plans to come watch it as Santa will be making his arrival in Whitewright!

The parade is part of the day long Christmas activities being held in Whitewright. At the Whitewright Visitor’s Center kids can get their pictures taken with Santa from 1pm-4pm (except during the parade) and you can view the Gingerbread House Contest entries. The Annual Holiday Tour of Homes will be from 2pm-8pm and the Annual Festival of Lights Concert will be at 6 pm at the Pavilion in the Historical Nature Park.

2-1-1: Texans’ One-Stop Shop for Health Information

One free call links to trained experts providing personalized referrals

Texans have a resource for finding health services in their community. A simple call to 2-1-1 can address any health-related challenge they may be facing.

Whether you need to know where your child can get his shots for school or how to find care for an aging parent, 2-1-1 can help. 2-1-1 is the number to call when you don’t know who to call. The trained specialists listen to callers’ needs and quickly connect them to health and community services.

2-1-1 Texas is a free anonymous information and referral line answered by nationally certified specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When callers dial 2-1-1, they are connected to area information centers in their region. These trained experts have access to the most comprehensive database of community-based organizations, government agencies and nonprofits that exist in Texas. Information can be provided in not only Spanish, but more than 90 other languages.

Intense training allows 2-1-1 to provide a high level of service to Texans. If someone is looking for a healthcare clinic, our specialists will engage the caller in a dialogue to find the one best suited not only for their location, but also for their work hours and health needs.

2-1-1 is a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in collaboration with the Texoma Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities, a program of Texoma Council of Governments.

The list of resources available through 2-1-1 is extensive. It can also make the job easier for service providers at nonprofits and community organizations, first response personnel like nurses, counselors, police, elected officials, and leaders.

Service providers can tell clients to call 2-1-1 to get the help they need. 2-1-1 experts can provide information on hundreds of resources, including:

• Domestic violence programs

• Drug and alcohol treatment

• Elder care services

• Emergency shelter, food and clothing

• Family counseling services

• Housing assistance

• Legal help

• Prenatal, health and home care

• Temporary financial and energy assistance

• Disaster response and relief

In 2003, 2-1-1 Texas received more than 1.5 million calls—more than any other state in the nation—and the number is expected to be even higher this year.

For information and referrals, just dial 2-1-1.

Announcing a New Support Group for Women Suffering with Depression Beginning December 6, 2004

This group consists of women who suffer from depression. The objective is to empower women to recognize their strengths and offer choices on how to cope with depression and anxiety. The group will meet every Monday at 1:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. The group will meet at the Texoma Room located at Texoma Council of Governments, 1117 Gallagher, Sherman, TX, and is sponsored by the Texoma Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities.

Each session will consist of group discussion and education. The discussion and education will involve using skills to enhance communication skills, problem solving, decision making, setting goals, assertiveness, handling conflict, increasing self-esteem, reducing stress, and symptom management. The December sessions will deal with holiday stress and anxiety.

The criteria for women to attend this support group are the following:

• Posses the motivation for change

• Commitment to attend and participate

• Respect for the group process and confidentiality

This group is free, but will have limited enrollment. For more information, please contact Shirley Morris at 903-813-3549.

The faculty and administration of Ector Elementary are proud to recognize Andy Haas (lower elementary) and Perry Crouch (upper elementary) the Students of the 2^nd Six Weeks. Congratulations to these students for all of their hard work and effort.

Red River Theater Company Receives A $3000 Grant

The Hall-Voyer Foundation has awarded the Red River Theatre Company a $3000 grant to be used specifically for renovations and upgrades to its performing arts theatre at the old Windom, TX school building. The check was presented to RRTC President Pat Ward at the Hall-Voyer Foundation offices over the Hall-Voyer Memorial Library in Honey Grove by Executive Director Mary Ann Thurman.

The Windom School Memorial Foundation gifted the use of the second floor school auditorium to Red River Theatre in July 2004 as its permanent performing arts facility. The two nonprofit organizations share a mutual goal of converting the old school into a cultural and performing arts center for all of the residents of Fannin County, its friends and visitors.

Built in 1924, the school served the educational needs of the children of Windom until it was closed in 1987 and turned over to its former students by the city when they formed the Windom School Memorial Foundation. The main school building has seen limited use over the years and is the site of a homecoming event for all of the former students of Windom School every three years.

RRTC’s John Henard immediately launched a renovation program to double the size of the stage to accommodate full scale performance productions, re-positioning of the rows of seats for the comfort of adult patrons, stripping and refinishing the floors, repainting, covering the windows, partial replacement of the aged stage drapes, upgrading the electrical circuits and wiring, installation of ceiling fans and wall heaters, and installing sound and lighting cables and equipment.

The first RRTC production opened to nearly sell-out crowds in late October, an original play by Randolph residents Reah and William Easley. The second production, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, opens this weekend. A full schedule of productions by RRTC is under consideration for 2005 but is contingent upon the acquisition of air conditioning in the theatre for the hot summer months. Future plans also include wheelchair and handicap access to the 2nd floor theatre. RRTC will make the theatre available to other nonprofit organizations at a reasonable rental rate as well as to commercial entertainment and event agencies to bolster its building renovations account at Fannin Bank in Windom.

RRTC deposits 100% of the donations made by patrons for intermission refreshments as well as all proceeds from ticket sales for performances in excess of that needed for its operating budget into the building project account. RRTC President Pat Ward is scheduled to attend a grant writing workshop in Ft. Stockton, TX in January to seek information on possible grant funding for the improvements needed to fully realize the goals of RRTC and WSMF for the facility.

The cafeteria behind the school is used by the Windom Seniors Club to provide meals for seniors, shut-ins and visitors and for Windom civic club meetings. RRTC invited the WSC to offer pre-show meals to patrons as additional fund-raising events for their community meals program.

Ring In The Holidays At The Sam Rayburn House Museum

BONHAM, Texas –– Celebrate the holiday season at the Sam Rayburn House Museum during a Christmas open house from 4:00-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9. The event is part of the Bonham Cultural Heritage Christmas Open House presented by the Sam Rayburn Library, the Sam Rayburn House Museum, the Fannin County Museum of History and Fort Inglish, which will also be decorated and serve refreshments during the same time period.

The Rayburn House will celebrate the season with decorations, refreshments, and entertainment that echo a Christmas party given by the Rayburns for the Bonham Garden Club in 1951. Please join us for a floral arrangement demonstration at 4:30 p.m. and music by the First Presbyterian Church of Bonham Bell Choir between 5:30-6:00 p.m. Tours of the house will be ongoing. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information call Carole Stanton at the Sam Rayburn House Museum at 903/583-5558. For more information about the museum, visit www.thc.state.tx.us.

The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.

The Bonham Police Department will test the Emergency Warning System on Wednesday, December 08, 2004 at 10:00 AM. The testing will include the emergency warning sirens and the cable TV emergency messaging notification system. Testing will be conducted if weather conditions permit.

Alternate Testing Date: Friday, December 10, 2004 at 10:00 AM.

Sam Rayburn Honor Roll

SECOND GRADE- Kyle Fogle, Klayton Keeton, Dakota Parker

THIRD GRADE- Grace Campbell, Julia Carpio, Kelvin Cockrill, Payton Crawley, Samantha Davenport, Taylor Dollgener, Carson Gibbs, Ethan Gibbs, Sawyer Hilliard, Amanda Loepky, Josh Maldonado, Heather Mason, Jordan Outlaw, Eva Rempel, Kerlein Rempel, Garrett Simpson

FOURTH GRADE- Will Alexander, Emily Duncan, Landon Liebel, Brittany Page, Torri Pannell, Shelby Vandeventer

FIFTH GRADE- Sydney Davis, Lupe Gomez, Alyssa Taylor

SIXTH GRADE- Justin Shannon

7th Grade- Samantha Avila, Hannah Baugh, Scott Berni, Brittany Campbell, Stephanie Carroll, Drew Davis, Kameron Dollgener, Maddison Foreman, Mariah Fritz, Tyler Hamilton, Kassie Phillips, Paige Vandeventer

8th Grade- Joel Gibson, Keri Goodwin, Kandice Kissinger, Michael Low, Elizabeth Mills, Jennifer Neufeld, Brittany Williams

9^th Grade- Jake Baker, Jacey Jones, Nolan Skidmore

10^th Grade- Ashley Arthur, Jessika Hardy, Mollie Lasater, Lacie McGuire

11^th Grade- Megan Butler, Quincy Kueckelhan, Jason Miears

12^th Grade- John Curry, Todd Foreman, Caroline Reynolds, Katie Skidmore, Bridget Thompson, Kirsty Warburton, Amanda Wyatt, Cora Wylie

SECOND GRADE- Elmer Berg, Rene Berg, Tyler Cooper, Chance Duncan, Shelbi Foreman, Landon Grier, Coleman Hopkins, Morgan Huhn, Ashli Montgomery, Dalton Russell, Dalton Taylor, Jordan Tate, Kaylee Waldrop, Brittnie Whirley

THIRD GRADE- Nikki Cantrell, Victoria Cooper, Sarah Davis, Machaella Dennis, Hayden Fulmer, Tori Haywood, Kelcie McBroom, Gerardo Medina, Daniel Nelson, Carly Park, Dylan Potts, Destiny Ray-Hammett, Clay Rhudy, Chantel Richardson, Adam Simpson, Kala Simpson, Hanna White

FOURTH GRADE- Jonathan Bridges, Ryan Bridges, Devin Campbell, Dylan Carrigan, Brittany Davenport, Tacy Drewek, Sarah Foreman, Jordan Fuller, Brittany Gee, Alaina Kissinger, Sarah Mead, Rani Nichols, Zakkary Rhoads, Ariane Taylor, Dalton Titsworth, Shelbi Titsworth Kyle Wallace

FIFTH GRADE- Samantha Duncan, Danny Fuller, Victoria Fulton, Cody Gibbs, Ruben Gonzalez, Michael Hankey, Lindsay Maxey, Jacob Nichols, Taylor Potts, Clinton Prater, Vronika Schindler, Hunter Titsworth, Cameron Upson

SIXTH GRADE- Colt Brinlee, Trevor Eaves, Ancil Gabbard, Timothy Harrison, Jesse McCain, Billy Mize, Dara Nelson, Jace Outlaw, Oscar Rempel, Keeton Simpson, Brent Smith, Andrew Waldrop, Derek Wilson

7th Grade- Shelby Bridges, Brian Haywood, Jessica Jones, Franklin Mead, Heather Trimble, Danae Walker

8th Grade- Elizabeth Campbell, Ashley Carnley, Clayton Harrison, Kyrsten Hicks, Jordan Johnson, Chelsie Kavanaugh, Hunter Maxey, Felecia McGehee, Martha Rempel, Carly Sadler, Casey Templer, Kelsey Weissert

9th Grade- Chablee Alves, Lindsey Arthur, Sarah Berni, Beth Davis, J.D. Drewek, Andrea Eaves, Chelsea Havens, Cyndi Hernandez, Abby Jaynes, Donaice Oakley, Haley Page, Kacie Rice, Chris Sanders

10th Grade- Jon Akins, Ashley Amlin, Daniel Brawner, Jordan Floyd, Suzie Friessen, Katrina Frizt, Jed Gibson, Christina Gomez, Clayton Kerr, Sarah Landis, Adam Littrell, Nicole Miears, Ross Naylor, Torrie Reynolds, Casey Stevenson, Ernie Taylor, Cara Thompson,Chris Young

11th Grade- James Dodson, Josh Gann, Ashton Hamilton, Mendy Ivey, Christi Nicholas, Amy Pender, Jemal Petrovic, Lorraine Price, Marie Rempel, Steven Richardson, Chris Sepaugh, Amanda Stockton, Daniel Trevett

12th Grade- Salina Carmon, Matt Davis, Shane Hartline, Jennifer Kempadoo, Nathan McWhorter, Shonda Rushing

It was Purple Warrior Day at the Bonham Rotary Club last week as Ronnie Hill, Athletic Director for the Bonham Purple Warriors, introduced his basketball coaches, Coach Shannon Massie and Coach Earl Carson. Coach Massie is the Head Coach for the Girl’s Basketball Program and Coach Earl Carson is the Head Coach for the Boy’s Basketball Program. They were both very informative about where their athletes stand in the district early in their season and what is expected from each one. The remaining games on their busy schedules are printed below.

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

Dec. 7 Idabel V Home 6:00, 9-11 Commerce Varsity Tournament , 14 Pottsboro F/JV/V Home 5:00, 18 Liberty-Eylua V Home 10:00, 27-29 Prosper Holiday Showcase (Varsity)

Jan. 4 Commerce F/JV/V Home 5:00, 7 *Princeton F/JV/V @Princeton 5:00, 11 *Farmersville JV/V Home 5:00, 14 *Royce City F/JV/V @ R.C. 5:00, 18 *Community F/JV/V Home 5:00, 21 *Van Alstyne F/JV/V @VA 4:00

25 *Princeton F/JV/V Home 4:00, 28 *Farmersville JV/V @Farmersville 5:00

Feb. 1 *Royse City F/JV/V Home 5:00, 4 *Community F/JV/V @Community 5:00, 8 **Van Alstyne F/JV/V Home 4:00

*District Games **Senior Night

Dec. 7 Idabel H GV-BV 6, 7:30, 9-10-11 Burkburnett Tour T Var. TBA, 10-11 North Lamar Tour T 9-JV TBA, 14 Paris Chisum H 9-JV-V 5 , 6:30, 8, 17 Celina H 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8, 20 OPEN, 27-28-29 Waco Midway T Var. TBA, Holiday Tour

Jan. 4 OPEN, 8 Highland Park H 9-JV-Var. 3, 4:30, 6, 11 Pottsboro T 9-JV-V 4:30, 6, 7:30, 14 *Royce City H 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8, 18 *Community T 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8, 21 *Van Alstyne T 9-JV-V 4, 5:30, 6:30, 8, 25 *Princeton H 9-JV-V 4, 5:30, 6:30, 8, 28 *Farmersville H 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8

Feb. 1 *Royce City T 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8, 4 *Community H 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8, 8 *Van Alstyne H 9-JV-V 4, 5:30, 6:30, 8, 11 *Princeton T 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8, 15 *Farmersville T 9-JV-V 5, 6:30, 8

*Denotes District Games