Fannin County Soil and Water Conservation District and Four Corners 4-H Club Hold Annual Fruit and Pecan Tree Sale

The Fannin County Soil and Water Conservation District and Four Corners 4-H Club will be having their annual Fruit and pecan Tree Sale September 8th through December 17th. Varieties offered include: Yellow Delicious Apple, Gala Apple, Fuji Apple, Orient Pear, Santa Rosa plum, Allred Plum, Ranger Peach, Red Indian Peach, Red Gold Nectarine, Sure Crop Nectarine, Moor Park Apricot, Arapaho Thornless Blackberries, Pawnee Pecan, and Choctaw Pecan. For more information or to place an order contact; Terri Arriola at 903-364-1903, Miranda Warlick at 903-965-8163, or Mary Jane at the Fannin County Soil and Water Conservation District at 903-583-5612.

Four Corners 4-H 6th Annual Christmas Dinner

Four Corners 4-H is coordinating the 6th Annual Christmas Dinner to be held on Christmas Day from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Family Life Center. The dinner is provided at no cost and delivery is available to the homebound. We are counting on the continuing financial support from the generous people of Fannin County to help us with this worthwhile project. As in previous years, there is a need for contributors, volunteers, and drivers. The dinner is only made possible because of the time and effort of the people and businesses in Bonham and the surrounding communities. If you would like to contribute to the Christmas Dinner or are interested in volunteering, please call 903-583-2325 or 903-583-0446.

Golden Gospel Jubilee

The annual Golden Gospel Jubilee will be back in session this Friday night, Dec. 3rd at 7:30 pm. The show will be at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down, 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area east of the spillway on CR 2610, Bonham, TX. This show will be a special show, featuring our regular Gospel music as well as a special edition of the Best of Bluegrass Music. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the Bluegrass Gospeleers, featuring: Randy Keister, Don Sharp, Glen Clark, Mike Stroud, Jack Marshall, Gary Monroe, and radio DJ Personality Bill Ogden from Commerce, TX. It will be co-hosted by Larry Burnside from College Station, Tx. Our guest will be Larry Burnside and his "Christmas Tree Farm Band" along with many multi-talented guest from all over Texas. The Farm Band is no stranger to our stage. They are our annual Christmas season guests. They will be presenting some of the best of Gospel and good ole Toe Tapping Bluegrass music.

Anyone that has ever seen them, won’t want to miss this show, and if you haven’t seen them, then you won’t want to miss the chance to see these talented and delightful people.

Every one is invited and welcome to a fun filled evening. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. For information call 903-583-4731 or 903-583-5710. Thanks to all for your support and may God Bless You.

Finley-Oates UIL Meet

On Monday, November 8, 2004, students from Finley-Oates participated in an UIL Academic Meet at Lacy Elementary in Princeton, Texas. They competed against students from Farmersville, Community, Van Alystyne, Princeton, and Royce City. The 2nd graders on the Storytelling Team were Madelline Wells, Audra Romans, Kyla Cartmill, and Bryson Mead. Creative Writing Team: Kendall Kennedy, Alexis Lappin, Kelsey Watkins, and Dre’ DeLeon. 3rd Grade Storytelling Team: Taylor Tedder, Kaytlyn Hamby, Jasmine Boddie, and Cheyenne Sisk. Music Memory Team: Emily McCutcheon, Taylor Perry, and Katie Barber. Spelling Team: Jordan Speck, Greg Moses, Tristan Hunt, and Spencer Towler. Ready Writing: Kristin Hill, Erin Dona, and Kenzie Rattan. The Music Memroy Team placed 5th in the competition. Spencer Towler won 3rd place in Spelling. Madeline Wells won 2nd place in 2nd Grade Storytelling. Cheyenne SIsk won 2nd place and Jasmine Boddie won 5th place in 3rd Grade Storytelling.

Area Youth Receives Texas Farm Bureau Talent Find Scholarship

Cody Maxwell, Dodd City High School Senior, competed in the 2004 Texas Farm Bureau Talent Find Scholarship Contest as a district representative for the Fannin County Farm Bureau. The competition was held on Saturday, October 16 at the Collin County Community College in McKinney where Cody placed first with the performance of a song, written and composed by Cody and a friend, Marty Lee, entitled "Lord Let Me Be A Cowboy". Cody was awarded a $1000 dollar scholarship from Texas Farm Bureau for his efforts and will now compete on December 4th in San Antonio again representing Fannin County at the Farm Bureau State Convention for another $1,000 scholarship.

Cody is the son of Rick and Joyce Maxwell of Dodd City. He has a sister, Callie, that is in the 8th grade at Dodd City and she also loves to sing. Cody plays basketball and baseball and also participates in FFA and 4-H. Cody has won numerous awards through both of these youth organizations of which the most recent is the highest award presented to 4-H members, the "Gold Star Award". Cody enjoys showing cattle and training and showing young horses.

Cody’s plans after high school include attending Texas Tech University and majoring in Animal Science (Pre-Veterinarian Medicine Option). He hopes to apply for and be accepted to attend Veterinarian Medical School at Colorado State University in Fort Collins Colorado after completing his Bachelor Degree. After completing vet school he would like to become an equine embryologist.

Cody, we wish you the best of luck at the Texas Farm Bureau State Convention Talent Find Competition. We know you will represent Fannin County well.

Santa Clause Is Coming To Savoy City Park

There is a Crispness in the air and the Savoy Beautification Committee is planning their first annual Christmas and lighting of the park. Mark your calendar for December 4th from 4:30 until ?.

The Beautification Committee will be serving refreshments. Come see Santa Clause, he will arrive at 5:30, bring your camera.

The night will feature caroling and great fun. This is a good time for good community involvement and fellowship.

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week was October 5-11, 2004. The Bonham Firefighters performed a skit and talked to the students at Finley-Oates about Fire Safety. The students created pictures about what they were going to do to be safe. The firefighters jugded the pictures and chose the following student’s pictures as the winners. Back Row: Alexis Lappin, Chase Bardwell, Kyle Rose, Bibi Sanderson Middle Row: Jordan Harger, Jae Wook Park, Alex Harrison, Monte Babers. Front Row: Anahi Lopez, Carmen Lancaster, Jasmine Epperson, Ashley Zachary. (Not pictured Myka Perry)

V.A. Hospital Carnival

The V.A. Hospital Carnival was held on October 14, 2004. Post 4852, sponsors the game called washers, the patients see how many washers they can get in board with holes in it. Our post hands out canteen books to the patients, according to how many washers they can put in the hole. Other post in district have different games they play for the patients and serve red beans that are a great hit. The V.A. serves hot dogs, with all the trimming, soft drinks, popcorn. We had 5 volunteers from Post 4852 and a large time was had by all. Make a difference by unity as one.

Ector ISD

Academic Olympics

Reading- Taylor Merworth, Language- Haylie Stephens, Math- Emma Harris, Workshop- Cynthia Hager, PE- Hailey Earl

Reading- Hunter Heathcock, Language- Wesley Elliott, Math- Cyndal Jennings, Science/SS- Tanner Heathcock, PE- Dennis Mack

Reading- Elziabeth Essary, Language- Billie Sue Elliot, Math- Ariane Rushing, Science/SS- Rachel Conway, PE- Cloudi Burnett

Reading- Danyelle Huey, Language- Kaylee Smith, Math- Mallory Smyers, Science/SS- Juan Grijalva, PE- Tiffany Sellers

Reading- Kenna Duncan, Language- Ryan Glaser, Math- Brianna Teel, Science/SS- Ben Bingham, PE- Cristi Abbott

Reading- Carlie Easley, Language- Korey Smith, Math- Bailey Whitehead, Science/SS- Robbie Strous, PE- Perry Crouch

Reading-Trezden Ford, Language- Isaac Hicks, Math- Blair Boiling, Science/SS- Savannah Duncan, PE- Mallory Mayo

Low Income Home Weatherization Program

The Texoma Council of Governments has received funding from the Department of Energy to provide Weatherization Services for the elderly, disabled, and families with small children who reside in Fannin County and meet the Federal Income guidelines.

The primary purpose of this program is to assist in lowering heating and cooling bills in the home. Allowable activities may include weatherstripping, caulking, minor repairs, insulation of attics and walls, replacement of windows, doors, storm windows, repairing or replacing heating and cooling equipment at no cost to you!!

For an application or any additional information, you may contact Danielle Swindell at Texoma Council of Governments, Weatherization Department, 1117 Gallagher Drive Ste. 320, Sherman Texas, 75090; or call (903) 813-3526 or (800) 677-8264 ext. 526.

Seven Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

The residents, families, and staff of Seven Oaks Nursing and Rehab counted their blessings on Sunday, November 21, 2004. We celebrated Thanksgiving with a feast prepared by Ann Deets, our Dietary Supervisor. We had a huge spread consisting of all of the traditional holiday foods, as well as, countless wonderful desserts brought by our family members. Tickets were given to family members as they signed in and door prizes were awarded. We would like to say thank you to all of the family members that provided the delicious desserts and to our wonderful dietary staff for preparing our meal.

Thank you,

Doris Matlock

Activity Director

A Tribute To Doc Hudson

Doc was a kind and considerate man, always had a smile and a hand shake. Doc was a people’s person, he new how to greet and wait on people in public jobs. I said Doc should have taught a class of Seniors in High School or how to wait on people in public jobs, with that contagious smile and always, that hand shake and would say, how are you doing today.

I first met Doc when I was a Senior in High School and worked afternoons, Saturdays, and late full time at Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store. I was a little shy and bashful when I started to work, but I keep watching Doc and how he would greet people with that smile and handshake, and i told myself I would like to be like Doc and know how to greet people. So with a lot of practice, I finally developed that Doc style. His wife Mary worked at Piggly Wiggly too, and she helped me with that smile of hers and being friendly. She would talk to me a lot and encourage me in a lot of ways to be friendly and between the two of them, Doc and Mary, all the teachings had stayed with me in all my jobs and being friendly with people.

After several years of being away from Doc and Mary, I came back into their lives seeing them around town, and when Doc came down with heart problems, they asked me to mow their yard, which I gladly excepted, this gave me more time to be with them. I guess the good Lord gave me only one talent and that’s helping people. I will truly miss Doc like a lot of people. A lot of thanks to Mary Jane and Melissa and the other Nurses at TMC ICU they were just great. They went above and beyond their duties. Doc you will be missed but never forgotten, you will always be in our minds. We will miss that contagious smile and that hand shake. May God bless and your smile shine through us. A friend always

Jimmy Bethel (J.B.)

Doc happy trails to you, till we meet again

Artists’ Studio Tours

Have yourself an ARTSY little Christmas at the CREATIVE ARTS CENTER 2004 Artists’ Studio Tour and Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 4th Studio Touring 11 a.m.—5 p.m. Step into the artists’ private world! Creative Arts Center 6 -9 p.m

"Deck the Halls" Holiday Celebration! Tickets: $12 in advance … $15 at the door of any studio Tickets available at the Creative Arts Center and the Family Life Center. Each ticket provides entry into seven studios...all different...all inspiring. Meet the artists and see the environments where they paint, carve wood, throw pottery...even make jewelry! Some studios have been built specific to their purpose...some are re-born spaces...some are even borrowed spaces. At 6pm, join everyone back at the CAC gallery for Incredible Art, Ornament Shopping from the CAC Tree and Merry Mingling! Should you be unable to attend, donations are welcome and appreciated.

Please mail to:

200 W. Fifth Street—Bonham, Texas—75418

(903) 640-2196

creativeartscenter@netexas.net

www.creativeartscenter.us

I.W. Evans Intermediate News

December 17, 2204 Early Release

January 3, 2005 Teacher Work Day

January 4, 2005 Classes Resume

Taizia Bennett, Madeline Dow, Taylor Gantt, Cassidy Hall, Jasmin Keene and Nathaniel Martinez

Stefanie Hutchings, Margo McCutcheon, Rachel Penna, Mason Riza, Chelsea Tucker, and Ryan Woodruff

Giselle Aranday, Dalton Cagle, Cady Carbajal, Jennifer Groseclose, Rachel Kearney, Katy Kennedy, John Reeder, Ashley Rimbert, Joshua Samford, Stephanie Spencer, Monica Torres, Austin Towler, Sharla Vaughan, Chasen Williams, Shelby Williams, Michael Wood and Cariann Young

Alaniz Allyson, Kaitlin Cain, Madison Cockrill, Kelsey Duncan, Arye Durst, Luke Dyer, Sarah Ellis, Layton Ford, Carlee Garcia, Terra Goodfellow, Sara Hernandez, Tucker Irwin, Teqwan Jones, Katie Larocca, Michael Little, Solmayra Longoria, Dylan McCarley, Hayden Murphey, Victoria Nichols, Gabe Parker, Tristan Partridge, Courtney Pearson, Daniel Perry, Summer Perry, Lora Pinder, Kristopher Prasil, JL Pratt, Matison Pryor, Ryan Raney, Carolina Soto, Tara Stapleton, Austin Steen, Jenna Toland, Katie Weyrick, Talon Wilkerson, Robert Wood and Malaysia Yandell

5^th Grade

Austin Ashlock, Jordan Ballard, Jessica Barber, Katelyn Bardwell, Collin Bennett, Haley Brown, Samantha Cawyer, Austin Colley, Chase Craig, Maegan Crutcher, Tyler Edwards, David Fields, Katherine Flores, Kaitlyn Fox, Payton Guymon, Crystal Haggard, Levi Haggard, Chelsea Hasten, Suwey Hernandez, Lacy Holly, Anthony Jackson, Courteny Jones, Leslie Kasparek, Kaitlynn Keller, Abby Lackey, Haley Lancaster, Gabrielle Lessley, Levi Malone, Ryan McCraw, Colby McKelva, Robert Milburn, Chelsea Murphey, Lindsey Murphy, Clay Parsons, Rachael Pearson, Diego Ramirez, Paige Redmon, Rex Richardson, Audrey Sanchez, Christopher Shastid, Savannah Shockley, Abby Smartt, Erik Soto, Charleston Spindle, Trenten Sutherland, Dakota Tredway, Brenda Ventura, Haley Walker and Robert Wells.

Cody Alexander, Dylan Allen, Kaylee Baker, Haley Ballard, Amanda Barber, Kelsey Barnes, Daley Biggers, Celsey Bond, Nicholas Burns, Rosario Chavarria, Kacey Collinsworth, Joshua Curry, Misty Dutschke, Joshua Edmiaston, Alayna Ehlen, Lane Fox, Cassie Franks, Lanie Frazier, Taylor Gibson, Kayla Gregory, Brianna Hayes,

Brittany Henderson, Kaitlyn Herd, Anna Heredia, Hunter Herriage, Sean Hibbetts, Nolan Hughes, Hope Hunt, Anthony Johnson, Brittany Joy, Bianca Lindsey, Tanner Long, Shelby May, Kaylynn Perry, Joshua Prater, Joshua Price, Jessi Roberts, Corey Rodriquez, Russell Ryman, Katherine Stephenson, Charnece Taylor, Catherine Thompson, Bobby Voorheis, Kali Wheless and Julie Williams.

Congratulations to all the students who tried out and were involved in this years U.I.L. A big Thank You goes to all the staff that assisted these students in preparing for their meet on November 15, 2004 in Princeton. Students who placed at this event were: Kathleen Brooks 3^rd place ( 4^th grade) for Oral Reading; Rachel Penna 3^rd place (5^th grade) for Number Sense, Kaitlyn Keller 3^rd place ( 5^th grade) for Ready Writing, Savannah Shockley 1^st place (5^th grade) for Dictionary Skills and as a 5^th grade team Jordan Ballard, Robert Wells, Margo McCutcheon, Paige Redmon, and Jessica Barber won 1^st place for Music Memory. In 6^th grade, Monica Torres 6^th place for Spelling, Austin Towler 3^rd place and John Reeder 4^th place for Number Sense, Haley Henson 4^th place for Social Studies, Jessica Davis 2^nd place for Calculator, Nathan Orr 2^nd place and Katherine Stephenson 5^th place for Listening.

It comes as no surprise that health care costs are on the rise. If you’ve been to the doctor recently, you know that simple procedures and regular check-ups can cost hundreds of dollars, making healthy living more expensive than ever. In fact, over the last decade health care costs have risen at a faster rate than inflation.

In addition to our work to lower the number of uninsured Americans, we also are looking for creative ways for Americans to cover their health expenditures. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, a limited number of small businesses and self-employed individuals who had health insurance with a high deductible were permitted to make financial contributions to tax-free medical savings accounts to pay for non-reimbursable health care services.

Last year’s bipartisan Medicare Modernization Act included a provision to bring this benefit to even more Americans, establishing health savings accounts (HSAs) to help individuals and families prepare for and pay their health care costs. Think of it as an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, earmarked for medical expenses with tax-free earnings on the money. Deposits can be easily withdrawn by check or debit card to pay routine medical bills with tax-free dollars. The accounts are designed to help pay for health expenses until insurance benefits kick in and are linked to a high deductible health plan (HDHP). For example, if you are hit with a medical emergency and have to come up with a $1,000 deductible, you can withdraw the money from your HSA to cover the cost until your insurance takes over.

These savings accounts have several advantages for qualified individuals and families. Foremost, it allows you to save money for future medical expenses, whether you become unemployed, retired or incur long-term care expenses. Because the accounts are personally owned, you control how much money to put into the account and how to use it, as well as whether to invest any of the money in the account and which investments to make. In addition, the account is transferable if you change jobs or residency and the money can be rolled-over from year-to-year to be used for future health care expenses. You can even take a tax deduction for contributions made to your HSA.

Any American can open a HSA if they meet the following conditions:

· You must also have coverage under a HDHP.

· You cannot have any other health insurance coverage except the HDHP, but you can have other types of insurance like specific injury insurance, accident, disability, dental and vision care, or long-term care insurance without being disqualified.

· You cannot be eligible for Medicare.

· You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

Just as with an IRA, there are limits to how much you can contribute to a HSA. Contributions of $2,600 can be made annually by individuals who have health plans with a minimum deductible of $1,000 and out-of-pocket expenses not exceeding $5,000. Families may invest $5,150 each year if they have catastrophic health insurance that has a minimum deductible of $2,000 with out-of-pocket expenses not exceeding $10,000. Individuals between the ages of 55 and 65 can make annual "catch-up" contributions of up to $500 in 2004, with annual increases of $100 until the limit reaches $1,000 in 2009.

Health Savings Accounts can be set up with any financial institution such as a bank, credit union, or insurance company. If you’re looking to start a HDHP, contact your current health insurance carrier, licensed insurance agent, or the Texas Department of Insurance to find out which insurance companies offer HDHPs in your area.

For more information on HSAs, please view the Department of Treasury website at http://www.treas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa. If you have additional questions, contact the Treasury via email at hsainfo@do.treas.gov or call (202) 622-4HSA.

Hometown Military News

November 23, 2004(FHTNC)--Civilian Natosha J. Benson, daughter of Susan V. and Micheal L. Benson of Telephone, Texas, recently enlisted in the United States Navy under the Delayed Entry Program at Navy Recruiting District Dallas, Irving, Texas.

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

Benson is a 2004 graduate of Sam Rayburn High School of Ivanhoe, Texas.

Fannin County Child Protective Services Requests Charitable Donations

The Fannin County Child Protective Services office is asking for donations to help children in foster care from Fannin County to have a joyful Christmas. We have 50 children who have needs and wish lists for everything from a baby doll to skateboards.

A special Christmas tree for the children is set up at the front door at Wal-Mart in Bonham. The tree will have SNOWMEN on them with the wishes of each child listed on the back. After you purchase the gift please take the gift with snowman to Child Protective Services, 1205 East Sam Rayburn Drive, Bonham. (The tan building south of hospital) CPS staff will see that each child’s gifts are delivered to them before Christmas.

If individuals or groups prefer, cash donations made directly to the Child Protective Services office are also welcome. The money will be used to purchase wish list items as well as purchase birthday gifts. The state provides no money for any gift items so these gifts are made possible only through the kind donations of the community.

The local CPS office also helps with medical needs for children who are not in foster care. We occasionally assist children in the community, who are not on Medicaid, with medication or doctor visit. The funds are very limited and can only be used for the most urgent need. Donations or this fund may be made at anytime through the year and are greatly appreciated.

Child Protective Services staff works all year to protect abused and neglected children. Community involvement is essential to making this work successful.

Always report suspected child abuse to 1-800-252-5400.

Child Protective Services wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

A Look at Legislation Pre-Filed for 79th Legislative Session

As I mentioned in last week’s column, legislation is currently being filed in the Texas House and Senate in preparation for the upcoming legislative session, which begins January 11. In the next several weeks, I will continue to outline some of the submitted proposals.

Keep in mind that any bill’s inclusion in this column doesn’t indicate my position on the bill. The purpose of this column is simply to inform you of some of the legislation that is out there. I am interested in hearing any comments you have on these bills; should any of them come to the floor of the House for a vote, I can know where the citizens of District 62 stand on the issues.

House Bill 11 relates to the expulsion of students for committing an assault on school personnel. The bill would require the expulsion of a student who commits an assault against a school employee on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off of school property. Current law allows the student to be expelled, but this bill would make the expulsion mandatory.

House Bill 13 relates to the punishment for the sale of alcohol to a minor. Currently, it is a Class A Misdemeanor for a person to negligently sell alcohol to a minor. This bill would maintain the current punishment but would increase the penalty to a state jail felony if the person had been previously convicted of the same offense.

House Bill 21 relates to the use of safety belts and child safety seats. Currently, a person commits an offense if the person transports a child younger than four years old or less than 36 inches tall in a passenger vehicle and does not secure the child in a child safety seat. The punishment for this offense is a $100 to $200 fine. HB 21 would raise the age to require that children under six years of age or less than 36 inches in height be secured in a child safety seat.

House Bill 137 would affect the "Welcome to Texas" signs on highways entering the state. The bill would require the signs to include a depiction of the state flag, the phrase "Drive Friendly--The Texas Way" and the phrase "Welcome to Texas--Proud to be the Home of President George W. Bush." The depiction of the flag and the "Drive Friendly" slogan is currently required of the signs under Texas Department of Transportation administrative rule. The bill would put these requirements in statute along with the phrase honoring President George W. Bush.

I am interested in hearing your comments on legislation that will be debated in the Texas House of Representatives. You can view the text of these and other bills on the Texas House of Representatives website at www.house.state.tx. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910.

Host DC Takes Consolation

By Rich Hilliard

DODD CITY -- Bethany Stephens scored 16 points with seven rebounds and Jennifer Burpo hit 10-of-12 free throws en route to 12 points on Nov. 20, helping tournament-host Dodd City top Sam Rayburn, 57-45, in the girls’ consolation game.

The teams combined for 47 fourth-quarter points, after Dodd City (4-1) led, 35-20, after three.

Dodd City’s Kimberly Gibson, an all-tournament selection, grabbed 11 rebounds to go with eight points, making 4-of-5 free throws.

Kamey Herpeche had seven points and Jordan Parker also scored seven with seven boards for Dodd City which played last weekend in the Fantasy of Lights Tournament in Wichita Falls.

Bill Pre-Filing Has Begun for 79th Legislative Session

The next legislative session of the Texas Legislature is set to begin January 11, 2005. The legislature meets in regular sessions every two years, beginning at noon on the second Tuesday of odd numbered years. A regular legislative session lasts for 140 consecutive days. May 30 will be the last day of next year’s regular session.

Although we are a month and a half away from the beginning of session, preparation for the next legislative session began over a year ago when the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor issued interim charges to committees of the House and Senate, respectively. Interim charges are lists of issues given to each committee to study during the time between sessions. Committees are expected to hold hearings and research the interim charges in order to make recommendations to the legislature based on their findings.

As of November 8, legislators were able to begin pre-filing bills for the upcoming legislative session. Early filing helps ease the procedural burden of processing the many bills that are filed. Each session, over 5,000 bills are filed and each must be read before the chamber in which it originated.

Another important benefit of early filing is that it allows the citizens of Texas to be informed of the issues that the legislature will be debating and gives them time to communicate with their legislators regarding their thoughts on these issues. You can access pre-filed legislation on the House of Representatives’ website at www.house.state.tx.us. As of November 19, there have already been over 150 bills pre-filed.

A look at the bills that have been filed gives a good feel for the types of issues that will be covered during the session. School finance reform will be one of the major topics. While there has not been a comprehensive school finance reform plan filed as of yet, there have been a number of bills filed which deal with the issue of school finance and property taxes. Here are some pre-filed bills dealing with other issues:

House Bill 26, by Rep. Dianne Delisi, which would establish a state website where all major state contracts and purchasing documents could be viewed by anyone in the general public. The intent of the bill is to make the state contracting process as open and transparent as possible.

House Bill 27, by Rep. William Callegari, increases the penalty for the intoxication manslaughter of a police officer or other public servant to five to 99 years in prison, up from the current penalty of two to twenty years. The bill also increases the penalty for injuring an on-duty officer from a prison sentence of two to ten years to a term of two to twenty years. So far in 2004, three police officers have been killed by drunk drivers.

I am interested in hearing your comments on legislation that will be debated in the Texas House of Representatives. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910.

Student Exchange Ambassadors Needed!

Hosting an exchange student can bring a whole new perspective to your family. Having someone from another country stay in your home can be a real eye-opener for kids and parents alike. Suddenly you will become aware of things that are uniquely American. Sometimes the ordinary way you do things, or the typical activities and rhythms of your day, are revealed as not the only or best way of doing something.

Having an exchange student observe your lifestyle can remind you, for example, that not everyone in the world thinks it is necessary to have 3 television sets and 2 computers. Often all these amenities are even running simultaneously! It may even come as a surprise to some of us that plunking down a gallon of milk a day (or swirling chocolate syrup into it) may seem like a strange tribal custom to some non-Americans. Of course I think we can all imagine that a drive-through to Taco Bell is a very distant substitute for a little bistro on the corner serving steak frites.

An exchange student’s presence can remind you that not everyone in the world indulges in snacks at the rate we Americans do. Inhaling chips, cookies, popsicles or Krispy Kreme’s at random intervals throughout the day might be an oddity to an exchange student. It may be true that having a foreign guest can inspire you to upgrade the quality of your cuisine. While you are certainly proud of being an American, it can still be a little embarrassing with the dinner menu including hotdogs twice in a 5 day period!

The thought of hosting an international student might be intimidating at first. "What if he hears me yelling at the kids?" "What if she thinks we are total freaks?" Interestingly enough, the madness of a hurried school morning and the dash into Burger King for another late night dinner are the things that an exchange student will miss the most about America once they return home. Also reassuring is the fact that International teenagers, like American teenagers, aren’t terribly hard to please.

Taking a foreign student into your home for a few months might mean a bit of extra work, but it makes you shake off your shell and look at your habits and assumptions. It gives you an opportunity to connect in a new way with new people, including people in your own community. Everyone recognizes a foreign accent and wants to know where they are from, how they like it in America and many other curious questions. Soon, you and your student become the focal point at every soccer game and trip to the grocery store!

Don’t let your fear get in the way, as students adapt quickly and won’t embarrass you or tell your family secrets. There is something about being a part of a family that instills respect, even in an apparent stranger. The beauty of the experience is that after a few weeks, that stranger suddenly becomes an integral part of your family. By the time the experience is over, both you and the student will have gained a much deeper appreciation for cultures, customs and habits different than your own. Best of all you will have made a lifelong friend, brought people and cultures of the world closer together and made the world a better place to live.

America needs such families to become Student Exchange Ambassadors for America. The people of the world need answers to better understand each other. Being a Student Exchange Ambassador is America’s best way of making diplomacy more effective against the negative image of the United States that is often put forth around the world. Now more than ever, America needs good families hosting in their local communities with exchange students as an "Ambassador for America". Student exchange is so important to American diplomacy that it is a U.S. Department of State program.

SMG, Student Management Group, need host family representatives in your local community. As an exchange student family representative, you will be a true ambassador for all that is good in America. As an ambassador for your country, you will be making a difference for your children, grandchildren and young people from around the world, eager to become a member of an American family, community and school.

For more information on how to become an Ambassador for America, please contact Gene Lewis toll free at 877-562-7135 or e-mail at gene@studentmanagement.com

Jack Is Back At Harmony House

Jack Williams, an amazing acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter, returns to Harmony House by popular demand on Friday, December 17, 2004, from 7:30-9:30 pm, for a live performance. He has recently moved back to his native state, South Carolina to be near his aging father. To Harmony House’s glee, he graciously agreed to swoop downhere at Wildscape Acres at the conclusion of his upcoming tour before returning to South Carolina for the holidays.

Make reservations early for this exceptional performance, since seating is limited. His show at Harmony House in November 2003 was "full house" (literally), and folks had to be turned away to everyone’s disappointment. People came to this performance from California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and of course, Texas. The prepaid donation is $10 per person. To make a reservation, call 903/583-2661--then send a check made out to Jack Williams to Faye Wedell; P.O. Box 812; Bonham, TX 75418. Your reservation will be confirmed once payment is received. If you have to cancel, please do so before Tuesday, December 14th, for a refund.

Here are a few reasons for Jack Williams’ popularity. Jack is outstanding among the handful of artists who--in skill, depth and integrity--are simply beyond the pale of most performers on the circuit. Among acoustic guitarists, he is near-legendary. Having avoided the compromises of the commercial music industry during his 40+ year professional career, he prefers working on the road, playing coffeehouses, concerts, festivals, tours, and house concerts week in and week out, from the sheer love of music and performing live. In a recent concert at Harmony House, Ronny Cox said, "Jack Williams is not ONE of the best guitarists in the country; he IS THE best guitarist in the country."

He has had acclaimed performances at the Newport and Boston Folk Festivals, as well as at the Kerrville and Philadelphia Festivals. This summer he appeared on a Folk Music Cruise to Alaska, and next summer is planning to appear on a Musical Safari to Africa.

As a guitarist, he has accompanied Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, Mickey Newberry, and many others. He has appeared onstage with Arlo Guthrie. His career has been nothing if not eclectic. He played trumpet in a jazz quartet in a beatnik coffeehouse in Seattle in 1959. He learned banjo and mandolin to spice up folk groups in the ‘60s. He played pedal-steel guitar in a country-rock band, and composed chamber music for strings, winds, piano and voice for which he won a national arts grant in1967. He also played classical guitar/lute in a Rennaissance ensemble. Now, his specialty in his guitar work and singer-songwriting career is creating all-American Southern music---blues, jazz, country, and folk!

"Whether Jack thinks of himself in this way or not, he is a poet and philosopher who helps us understand and appreciate the beauty of the struggles we have been through individually and as a people."

"Jack Williams is an American institution walking and playing, a road warrior, a talker, an inspiration and a great guy to hang with. He is the Song Dog."

--Dave Pamater--morning host,

Folk Radio 90.9 WUMB-FM, Boston

For more information and song clips, go to www. JackWilliamsMusic.com.

Just a note: In a recent booking of Jack Williams at the Songbird Sanctuary House Concert Series near Houston, Tom Yeager, the organizer, had to set up a prioritizing system for those wanting reservations. He knew from the start that he would be flooded with reservation requests that would far outnumber his seating capacity. However, at Harmony House, it’s simple...first come, first serve (with reservations and prepayment)!!!

A Chili Supper will be held at 6:15 for those interested in attending. State intent when making reservations. After the concert, there will be a Song Circle for those wishing to partake-- either actively or passively!

DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!!

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. It does not commemorate a battle or other historical event, nor does it honor a specific person or even a particular religion. It is dedicated to the simple idea that we have received blessings as individuals and as a nation for which we should give thanks. It is this idea, far more than turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes, which makes each Thanksgiving so special to me and my family.

I frequently have occasion to appreciate these blessings, especially when I am at home in Texas and think about our nation and the world in which we live. I am particularly grateful for our standard of living, made possible by the hard work of millions of Americans. A recent study by Swedish economists Fredrik Bergstrom and Robert Gidehag reported the average living space for poor American households is 1,200 square feet. In Europe, the average space for all households, from rich to poor, is 1,000 square feet. We live in a productive economic system, and that’s one reason we all should be thankful.

What separates Americans from the rest of the world is the freedom enjoyed by every American, from the most humble to the most powerful. A key civil right is guaranteed by the First Amendment, the freedom of speech.

This freedom is not matched by Canada or the nations of Europe. This means that unpopular words which may merely earn disapproval and criticism in the United States can result in jail or heavy fines imposed by the government in other countries. I am thankful the people of the United States support the rough and tumble of free speech instead of censorship, however well-intentioned.

Our recent presidential election is also a cause for thanksgiving. The election was a victory for the American people not because of which party won, but because we again proved to the world that we set aside our partisan differences after our elections as we cherish the democratic process. This year, when I saw young Afghan women ignoring death threats to cast their ballots in Afghanistan’s first free elections, I was reminded yet again of how lucky we are to be living in the Land of the Free.

Finally, as I watch the progress of our troops in the War against Terror, I am grateful for the young men and women who fight against despicable enemies: enemies who behead civilians and shoot fleeing children. Our brave soldiers are cut from the same cloth as their forbearers who guarded the free world against communist totalitarian dictatorships in the Cold War, and destroyed Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan when those regimes tried to impose their dark vision on all Mankind.

When I think of the efforts our great nation has made to defend the cause of freedom, and the sacrifices made by America’s sons and daughters in this fight, my heart is filled with boundless gratitude. Remembering all these things makes Thanksgiving one of my favorite holidays.

Bonham Kiwanis