Mayor Proclaims This Week as National Salute to Hospitalized Veteran’s Week

WHEREAS, many veterans of America’s Armed Forces who have served their country in war and peace are now hospitalized and separated from families and friends. Let us not forget the sacrifice of these veterans who fought with full measure of their valor and loyalty to protect our country, and

School Board Candidate Workshop Offers Information And Insight

(RICHARDSON, TX) — Area school board candidates and interested citizens can learn more about the demands and rewards of school board service at a candidate workshop, Wednesday, February 23, 7–9 p.m. at the Region 10 Education Service Center (904 Abrams Road, Richardson).

The workshop will provide interested community members and individuals thinking about running for the board with a better understanding of what is involved in being elected and serving as a local trustee. Experienced school board members will explain board members’ key responsibilities and outline the qualities necessary for effective service.

Topics to be covered include what it’s like to be a trustee, key responsibilities of the board, division of authority with staff, how to campaign constructively, and where to find more information. Participants will also view A Call to Service, a Texas Association of School Boards’ video highlighting many aspects of board service and featuring several experienced school trustees.

The workshop is open to anyone. Admission is free. For more information about the workshop, call Brenda Canul at TASB, 512-467-0222 or 800-580-8272, extension 6104, or check the TASB Web Site at www.tasb.org for other dates and locations.

• With more information on where Texas’ future transportation system may be located, the public is being invited to meetings on the Oklahoma to Mexico/Gulf Coast element of the Trans-Texas Corridor.

• From February 7 through March 31, the Texas Department of Transportation will hold 47 meetings throughout the study area. The purpose of the meetings is to present the public with possible locations for the project and gather their comments.

• Part of the Trans-Texas Corridor system, the Oklahoma to Mexico/Gulf Coast element generally parallels I-35 and extends from north of Dallas/Forth Worth to Mexico and/or the Gulf Coast. It will include roads, rail and a utility zone.

• The study covers an area 800 miles long and includes 77 counties.

• The initial environmental study is expected to be completed by Spring 2006. The goal is to identify a preferred corridor approximately 10 miles wide. If a preferred corridor is federally approved, additional environmental studies will be needed to determine a specific route alignment for road and rail and to authorize construction.

• Below are the public meetings for the week of February 14.

- Feb. 14 in Quitman; Carroll Green Civic Center Auditorium, 602 McAllister St.

- Feb. 14 in Paris; Paris Junior College Ballroom, 2400 Clarksville St.

- Feb. 15 in Athens; Cain Center, 915 South Palestine

- Feb. 15 in Bonham; Bonham High School Cafeteria, 1002 Warpath Dr.

- Feb. 16 in Corsicana; Corsicana High School Cafeteria, 3701 West Hwy. 22

- Feb. 16 in Commerce; Commerce Middle School Cafeteria, 606 Culver St.

- Feb. 17 in Groesbeck; Enge-Washington International School Cafeteria, 701 South Ellis St.

- Feb. 17 in Terrell; Terrell High School West Campus Cafeteria, 400 Poetry Rd.

• All meetings will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

• A map of the corridor alternatives and a complete list of the public meetings are available on www.keeptexasmoving.org

Issues Facing the 79th Legislature

Methamphetamines

(AUSTIN) - This session, several bills have already been filed that deal with the growing problem of methamphetamine production. As a member of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, I will be reviewing many of these bills and I am confident the legislature will find a way to effectively deal with this problem. This article is taken from the Senate Research Center publication entitled "Issues Facing the 79th Legislature," and more issues from the report will be highlighted in future Capitol Updates. To view the entire report, please go to www.senate.state.tx.us or call my office to receive a hard copy.

Methamphetamine Laboratories Along the Texas/Oklahoma Border Methamphetamine abuse is a serious and growing problem throughout the United States.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that is easily produced in home laboratories using inexpensive, over-the-counter ingredients, especially pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products. Initially, it was prescribed for weight loss or used to help people stay alert, and while those uses continue, its abuse has become a growing problem. According to the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 4.3 percent of the United States population (9.6 million people) reported trying methamphetamine at least once, with the highest usage rates among the 18-to-25-year-old age group.

Law enforcement agencies have focused on the illegal production, trafficking, and distribution of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine labs also pose a health threat to people who are exposed to them, especially children. In addition to the dangers of exposing children to the precursor chemicals and the vapors from mixing and boiling these products, methamphetamine-addicted parents may be abusive toward and neglectful of their children. Children from these homes may experience psychological and emotional trauma from interaction with law enforcement, and from displacement from their homes into foster care if their parents enter the criminal justice system.

Methamphetamine has toxic effects and the damaging effects of long-term methamphetamine abuse include addiction, anxiety, violent behavior, insomnia, and confusion. Chronic abusers can also display a number of psychotic features, including auditory hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, mood disturbances, and suicidal as well as homicidal thoughts. Like other needle injecting drugs, there is also the potential for HIV and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C transmission. Although the physical manifestations of a withdrawal for a chronic user are not as visible as with other addictive drugs, more severe psychological symptoms can occur when use is stopped.

Fetal exposure to methamphetamine during pregnancy can result in increased rates of premature delivery, prenatal complications, and altered neonatal behavioral patterns, such as extreme irritability and abnormal reflexes.

Unlike many other illicit drugs, methamphetamine is not usually bought and sold on the streets. Methamphetamine sales are typically less visible exchanges prearranged by "networking" with producers. Due to the availability of the precursors and the ease of obtaining recipes and supplies from the Internet, many users simply make their own product at home. Uncertainty about the drug’s sources and the pharmacological agents used to produce it make it extremely difficult to determine its toxicity and resulting symptoms and consequences.

The processes and chemicals used are readily available, inexpensive materials. The one ingredient that methamphetamine labs must use is ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, an ingredient common to over-the-counter cold remedies. Several states have passed legislation requiring such products to be sold in certain formulations such as liquids or geltabs to discourage such illicit use, or have passed laws that restrict access by placing such products in pharmacies or behind counters and limiting the quantities that a person can purchase.

During the 79th Legislature, Texas lawmakers may address issues including increased penalties associated with the production, trafficking, and distribution of methamphetamines; the prevention and treatment of methamphetamine abuse; and the costs associated with these issues. Legislators may also address whether methamphetamine addiction treatment programs will be eligible for reimbursement under state assistance programs and at what rate; and whether state-funded clinics will provide such treatment. Legislators may also address issues relating to restricting the sale of and access to certain products, such as over-the-counter cold medications containing psuedoephedrine, which are used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines.

To contact Sen. Deuell about the legislative process, contact the Capitol Office at (512) 463-0556 or mail to Sen. Bob Deuell, Texas Senate, P.O. Box 12068, Austin, TX 78711. The website for the Texas Senate is www.Senate.state.tx.us. The e-mail address for Sen. Deuell is: bob.deuell@senate.state.tx.us.

Clyde W. Cosper’s 2004 Employee of the Year

The Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home is proud to announce Kimberly Ford, LVN as our employee of the year.

Kim is an exceptional employee who goes above and beyond her duties as a charge nurse. She understands that being a nurse is more than the physical condition of the resident and takes the time to make each resident under her care know they are special. Kim also entertains our residents by playing the piano and singing during meals.

Windom Senior Citizen Center

Windom Senior Citizen Center will be serving lunch on Feb. 27 before the Red River Theatre performance. Lunch will begin at 12:00 until 2:00. The menu will be Beef Roast and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Hot Rolls, and Cobbler.

We will also serve lunch on March 6 before the show beginning at 12:00 - 2:00. The menu will be Stew, Cornbread, Salad, and Cobbler. Meals will be $5.00 adults and $3.00 children. All proceeds will go to the Senior Citizen Center. Everyone is welcome!

Sam Rayburn FFA Booster Club

The Sam Rayburn FFA Booster Club hosted a hamburger supper for the FFA members and their families on Saturday Jan. 29 at the school cafeteria. A review of the Club’s activities and goals were presented by Jerry Throneberry, President.

We would like to invite anyone interested in this type program to join us for meetings on the 1st Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Project Barn or for more information call Lorell Russell at 664-3515 or Linda Myracle at 664-4705.

A special thanks goes to Sonic Drive-In and Family Dollar Store for their donations of food and supplies for the meal. We appreciate their support.

Boy Scouts Report

By: Craig Jones

I want to tell everyone how proud I am of my sister Leslie Jones. She was nominated to be a Student Ambassador this summer. (It’s like being an exchange student.) She had to interview and had to have 3 reference letters. Then we all had to wait almost 2 weeks to find out if she was accepted. Lo and behold, she was.

She will be gone 21 days this summer to Australia and New Zealand. She will have to go to school with the children there for part of the time she is overseas. (Ha-ha we don’t have school this summer) Leslie will live with a family in New Zealand for a short time while she goes to school there. She will get to do many things that most tourists don’t.

Leslie will get to spend a day with a Maori tribe, the native people of New Zealand, as well as a day or two with an Aboriginal tribe in Australia. She will also get to rappel from a 250 foot cliff and also climb 440 foot bridge, which she is afraid of. We have told her to swallow her fear and go for it because she’ll probably never have another chance. I know that she’ll love it!!

I want her to bring me something back that is cool. When she returns, I’ll let you know how her trip went and what I get.

She is doing some fundraising to help her pay her way. On Feb. 19 she is having a bake sale at Wal-Mart in Bonham and later in the spring will have a car wash. Also in late February she will have a yard sale. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the bake sale, She is collecting pennies too. (I told her, "Wow, that’s a lot of pennies to collect. I’m so glad that I don’t have to collect all those pennies.")

James Froelich Receives Associate Degree

BRENHAM -- James Froelich of Bonham was among the December graduates from Blinn College’s Brenham, Bryan and Schulenburg campuses who received two-year associate degrees or one-year certificates.

Froelich received an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Commencement exercises for graduates on all Blinn campuses are held in May in Brenham.

Hometown Military News

February 08, 2005(FHTNC)--Marine Corps Pvt. Chris J. Kemp, son of Cindy Kemp of Leonard, Texas, recently graduated from the Marine Corps Basic Combat Engineer Course at Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N. C.

During the five-week course, Kemp received instruction in the fundamentals of engineering support for combat units, including the procedures for building and repairing bridges, roads and field fortifications. Kemp also received training on demolition concepts, land mine warfare and camouflage techniques.

Kemp is a 2004 graduate of Bonham High School of Bonham, Texas and joined the Marine Corps in June 2004.

Bills Filed During the 79th Legislative Session

With every legislative session comes a multitude of varied legislative proposals. So far this session, there have been a total of 1,187 House and Senate bills filed. In this week’s column, I will discuss several bills that involve consumer products.

We often see products advertised that offer a mail-in rebate from the manufacturer. Sometimes, even after the consumer has taken the time to send in the required documentation to claim the rebate, the company offering the rebate either does not send the rebate to the consumer or finds a problem, such as an incomplete form, and simply does not respond to the consumer. House Bill 511, filed by Rep. Scott Hochberg, would require the company to mail the rebate or electronically pay the consumer within 60 days of receiving a rebate request. If the request is not correctly completed, the company would either have to pay the rebate or notify the consumer of any errors. The measure would also provide the consumer an additional 30 days to correct and resubmit the request for processing.

Proponents of this bill say that consumers who purchase a product with a mail-in rebate should be able to expect to receive the rebate. They say that people get frustrated when they have to repeatedly contact a company with numerous requests in order to receive a rebate. The law currently does not offer a remedy when a company reneges on its offer. Opponents of this legislation say that many of the companies that offer rebates are from out of state and that such a law would be difficult to enforce. They also claim that such a law could cause companies to stop offering rebates on products sold in Texas.

House Bill 533 has been filed by Rep. Charlie Howard in an effort to prevent the unwanted renewal of a subscription, such as a magazine, newspaper, or internet or telephone service. In many cases, contracts for subscriptions will include an automatic renewal clause which will cause the subscription to be renewed if the customer does not cancel the subscription. This bill would require the seller of a subscription with an automatic renewal clause to notify the customer 30 to 45 days prior to the expiration of the subscription that the subscription will renew unless the customer requests otherwise.

Supporters of this bill say that many consumers purchase what they believe to be an annual subscription, only to realize that it automatically renews after they are billed for a subsequent subscription. Opponents say that sending annual notices to every customer would ultimately increase the price of subscriptions.

Senate Bill 104, filed by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, would prohibit the sale, distribution or manufacturing of buckets between 4 and 6 gallons that are not properly labeled. A proper label must conspicuously display, on a contrasting background, in both English and Spanish, "WARNING" and "Children can fall into bucket and drown--keep children away from bucket with even a small amount of liquid."

Proponents say that people should be aware of the potential of a dangerous situation resulting from the improper use of a product. Opponents feel that such notice is unnecessary and would cause the price of these products to increase.

I am interested in 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.

Savoy Elementary Raises Money for Tsunami People

Savoy Elementary Students pulled out all their pocket change to help make a change for the Tsunami people- and they DID! In two weeks, these elementary kids raised almost $900.00!!!! We’re very proud of or kids!!!!

Deuell Proposes Property Tax Exemption

- Would Provide Relief for Surviving Spouses of Fire Fighters and Peace Officers -

AUSTIN - On Monday, February 7, State Senator Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) filed legislation aimed at relieving some of the financial burdens faced by surviving spouses of fire fighters and peace officers.

Senate Bill 377 would authorize a county, city, town, school district, or other political subdivision to provide an additional exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homesteads of certain surviving spouses.

The bill is not mandatory, and would simply give the political subdivisions the option of offering these exemptions. Sen. Deuell said he is honored to carry the legislation.

"These are survivors whose spouse made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring our safety and security," Sen. Deuell said. "I think the least we can do is give them an avenue to alleviate some of the financial strain that results from that tragedy."

If Senate Bill 377 passes, along with the language contained in the companion Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 13), it will have to be voted on and approved on the statewide constitutional amendment ballot.

There is little that people living in Iraq have not seen in the 5,500 years that have elapsed since the world’s first literate society, Sumeria, arose on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. But recently, the long-suffering people of this nation experienced something new – they voted in free elections.

"Now I feel that Saddam is really gone," Fatima Ibrahim told MSNBC after casting her ballot in Irbil, in the Kurdish northern region. She was a young bride of 14 and only married three months when her husband, father and brother were rounded up by Saddam Hussein’s police and have never been seen again.

This woman and millions of her fellow Iraqis refused to be intimidated by terrorist threats and went to the polls. In an election widely hailed as fair and free, over 60 percent of the Iraqi people turned out. Even Sunni Iraqis ignored calls by their religious leaders to boycott the election and voted in higher than expected numbers. The election is for 13 provincial councils and the new 275-seat National Assembly, which will draft a new constitution.

Neighboring Jordan watched the elections with great interest. King Abdullah II offered congratulations and said the successful election proved the Iraqi people are "stronger than the extremist groups trying to destabilize Iraq."

As President Bush noted in his stirring inaugural speech, "The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in the world."

Unfortunately, while the Iraqi people have begun their pursuit of democracy, they still face thugs who desperately want to deny this new nation freedom. Jihadists allied to Al Qaeda and remnants of the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein are trying to regain power.

We should not let the horror of these tactics obscure an important point: the terrorists fear what an Iraqi democracy would mean for their cause. The Jihadists and Baathists fear history will sweep them aside, and they are doing all they can to block the spread of freedom.

Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the Jordanian who has publicly declared allegiance to Osama Bin Laden, and is considered the architect of attacks on U.S. and Iraqi forces, has said as much. "We have declared a fierce war on this evil principle of democracy and those who follow this wrong ideology. Anyone who tries to help set up this system is part of it."

Further, Osama Bin Laden himself, in a recent Al-Jazeera-distributed tape, urged Iraqis not to participate in the election.

The important thing to keep in mind is that the Iraqi people demonstrated in impressive numbers that, however difficult the path may be, this election was a key step toward complete self-rule and the establishment of a democratic system of government.

We should remember our own past, when, after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, our nation was torn by, first, Shays’ Rebellion and, later, the Whiskey Rebellion. These challenges to the new republic led some to doubt the survival of the American experiment.

The path has occasionally been rocky since then. Women marched, suffered ridicule, and were sometimes jailed as they sought the right to vote in the early part of the 20^th Century. Only 40 years ago, African American leaders risked their lives to secure the same liberties others already enjoyed during the struggle for civil rights.

While our progress has been difficult at times, our democratic republic has not only survived; it has prospered. Today we are a beacon of hope and freedom for the world, proving that democracy is not achieved overnight. Although it sometime seems fractious and divisive, it still provides the best form of government man has yet devised.

We must bear those lessons in mind as we support the democratic process in Iraq. It may not be perfect, but it is an important step in the right direction. Recently, our nation saw a touching demonstration of the Iraqis’ appreciation of our sacrifices during President George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address. Safia Taleb al-Suhail, leader of the Iraqi Women’s Political Council, hugged and comforted Janet Norwood of Pflugerville, Texas, whose son was killed in Iraq while serving with the Marines.

By seeing this struggle through, we will deliver a devastating blow to the terrorists and a resounding victory for freedom. I want our friends in Iraq who value liberty to know that we Texans do not abandon our friends when things get difficult. Our country must remain a reliable friend of freedom.

Dodd City Junior High Sweeps District

By Rich Hilliard

DODD CITY Lanie Johnston nearly outscored Roxton by herself, having 21 points, as Dodd City won, 38-24, on Feb. 7 to go undefeated in District 19-A junior-high play and finish 13-2 overall.

Roxton got within five entering the fourth quarter, but Dodd City used the offensive rebounding of Barbara Kemp, Cassidi Rogers and Samantha McCarty to cruise to a comfortable, double-digit win.

Kemp added seven points for Dodd City, which took a 19-12 lead at halftime.

Dodd City’s Rogers and McCarty had four and three, points, respectively. Callie Maxwell scored two points and Katy Pickering got one.

Bonham High School Reunion Committee

The Bonham High School Ex-Students Association has announced the dates for their five-year all-school reunion. It is scheduled for the week-end of June 17-19, 2005. Plans are underway for the activities, and committees are working to make the three-day event a memorable time for all Bonhi Exes.

A record attendance is expected as much interest has already been received. More information regarding the reunion will be released as we get closer to the Reunion date, and pre-registration information will be mailed to all ex-students in early May.

Betty Lane Thornton is the Chairman for this year’s reunion.

MHMR Services of Texoma’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) in Leonard I.S.D.

"Kids live in a different world today than I did growing up. The students and schools have new problems. We see mental health issues that were not recognized in the past. Police officers are in most high schools today," says Vernon Richardson, Leonard Intermediate School Principal. Leonard Independent School District is a small school district that believes county and community resources help them serve their students more efficiently. One valuable resource is Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health program (CAMH).

"We are fortunate to have CAMH in our school. A CAMH specialized professional, Amy Wynn, is a supplement to our counselor, Cindy Kent. The Texas Legislative budget cuts have affected us. Usually the counselors are the first to go with these cuts. We have been able to maintain our three counselors, but they are teaching classes now along with their counseling duties. We have never been financially able to have a true psychologist or social worker on staff, but by using outside agencies, we can have the help we need," he continues.

"We are grateful to CAMH for many reasons. One of the biggest helps is that Amy comes to the school to see students who are under MHMRST’s care. That way the student is in school all day. In the past, the parent and student would go into another town for a counseling appointment, and the student would miss the entire day of school. We know the student needs to be in school all day, and we need the funding. Amy helps us to reach into the student’s home. We have seen some success stories from this program and we are grateful," Richardson adds.

Cindy Kent, Leonard ISD Counselor, states, "Amy is wonderful. She is here to work with the student, the parents, and the teachers. The teachers are respective to the connection between Amy and the family. We have students that may be in an emergency situation and need help from resources outside the school. Our school has a committee that looks at the situation and refers to outside agencies. A parent may also call for a screening appointment with CAMH. "

Amy Wynn, CAMH Team Leader, states, "Our services provide alternative education for behavioral adjustments. Many of the children we serve are aggressive, lacking in social skills, have low self-esteem, and have minimal to no problem solving skills. We work with the children teaching them problem solving skills. When a child does not have coping or problem solving skills, acting out is their mode of behavior."

"Referrals come to us in many different ways. A parent may call us for an appointment. At that time we do a screening and may schedule an assessment. Referrals come from schools, Child Protective Services, private and state hospitals, Texoma Council of Governments, Juvenile Alternatives, probation, CRCG meetings and crisis calls. We work with parents, as well as, the child. We offer education on parenting skills. We help parents apply for Medicaid," she continues.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program provides services to children and adolescents ages 3 to 17 and under who are residents of Cooke, Fannin, or Grayson counties. Eligibility is based on priority population as defined by the State of Texas. Priority population includes children and adolescents with severe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders as evidenced by a DSM IV Axis I or II diagnosis, including a single diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder, substance abuse, autism or mental retardation, and at least one of the following:

• Functional impairment score (GAF) of 50 or less either currently or in the past year.

• At risk of removal from the home or preferred living situation.

• Identified as emotionally disturbed in special education.

Services available: Assessment Services involve a professional determination of the nature of an individual or family’s problems, the factors contributing to them, and the assets and resources of the individual and the family. On the basis of this information, recommendations are made for treatment and related services. Case management provides a single staff person to assist an individual in gaining access to all resources and services available. Crisis Services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for people in severe psychiatric crisis. Interventions occur to stabilize symptoms. Medication Services are for the purpose of evaluating, prescribing, and monitoring medications for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

If you are seeking services for a child, contact the office in your area. In Cooke County call 940-665-0755,

Fannin County at 903-583-8583, and Grayson County at 903-957-4820. Ask to speak to a case manager. The case manager will discuss with you the needs of the child and the ability of the CAMH program to meet those needs, after which, an intake appointment will be scheduled.

• About mutual goal setting & problem-solving

• About cultivation & nurturance

• About ecology, balance in nature, & being good stewards

• About having outdoor experiences

• About sharing the fruits of their labor

• About the importance of persistence & resiliency

• About making work "fun"

• Vegetables, herbs, flowers

February till June, 2005, Limited Enrollment

Some parent (grandparent or interested family friend/member) involvement required

Meet for 2-2 ½ hours almost every week

Facilitators & Sponsors: Faye Wedell & Scott Lipsett

Organic Gardening with New & Historical Methods

If interested in participating or for more information, call 903/640-3868 by February 24,2005. 1^st organization meeting held on Sunday, February 27th from 2:00-4:00 p m

Please contact if interested in volunteering time & service.

Seed costs discounted by Smith, Moore, & Williams

Texoma Area Mensa Group

The Texoma Area Mensa Group, affiliated with North Texas Mensa and nationally with American Mensa Ltd., meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Golden Corral Restaurant, southeast corner of Loy Lake Road and Highway 82, east of Highway 75 in Sherman at 7:00 PM. Mensa members, family, friends, and those interested in Mensa are welcome. Mensa accepts those applicants who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a number of acceptable IQ tests. For further information, see the American Mensa web site at us.mensa.org. For information regarding Mensa activities in the Texoma area, please contact Roger Powell at roger-powell@sbcglobal.net

Testing for membership in Mensa is schedule in the Texoma on every other month. Contact roger-powell@sbcglobal.net for information regarding membership and testing.

Bonham High School Reunion

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 1995-1999. 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@skytex.net. Please include the year.

Class of 1995: Lisa Burns, Jeremy Bruce, Kyla Case, Brett Castle, Paul Chittick, Lana Newton, Justin Collinsworth, Jeff Cross, Connie Dishong, Laura Eckleberry, Kenny Jackson, William (BJ) Johnson, Jami Lee, Connie McFarling, Tony Merchant, Corey Price, Charlene Rackler, Lonnie Redmon, William Rieder, Adam Robertson, Michael Shannon, Stacy Stewart, Zach Todd, Juana Ventura, Nicole White, Tom Long, Melissa McCraw

Class of 1996: Leilani B. Anderson, Robert E. Baxter, Julie N. Brewer, Kristi Buttram, Nathaniel J. Evinger, Ariel Favors, Jeremy Hamilton, Rhonda L. Hughes, Christie M. Jones, Travis Alexander Kaufman, John G. Lemon, Natasha Dawn Lively,Wesley Marchbanks, Martha Baron, Tonya Nephew, Lenny Paris, Shaneco B. Pierce, Michele Reed, William Reeder, Thomas Reynolds, Cedrick Robertson, Nicole Stephens, Zach Whittington, Rachel Richardson, Sonsea Yandell

Class of 1997: Shanda Dawn Barnes, Phillip A. Bennett, Christian Blumenthal, Greg B. Burris, Jimmy S. Callahan, Kacie R. Chandler, Bobbie Jo Clark, Sonia Lisa DeLeon, Robert Brad Johnson, Robert B. Kersey, Christopher A. Lancaster, Raymond R. Ozebek, Tonya Polk, Damien Reed, Barbara Michelle Reed, Cherron A. Roberson, Joshua Robinson, Jennette E. Rosenquist, John Cody Rushing, Remiquisz Sejwa, Christopher A. Stevenson, Michael P. Turner, Angie Vaden, Kristine Velshow, Johanna Votila, Stephanie Walters, Anthony J. Woodard, Cassidy K. Zink, John D. Holman, Jade D. Lamance

Class of 1998: Lacresha K. Aaron, Peggy D. Brumfield, Nickolas Durham, Lynn Foreman, Antonio Hernandez, Patricia Hernandez, Jana Lackey, Natalie Lupi, Jason Lynch, Michael Marchbanks, William Stapp, Lisa M. Wicker, Star Lockhart

Class of 1999: Angela Brazier, Trenton Burk, Jeremy Clark, Davey Cooper, Joel Deleon, Heather Doyle, Dusti-Renea Gordy, Mikki Johnson, Stuart Kaufman, Dustin Knight, Darrell McBroom, Joshua McLemore, Kristopher O’Neal, Courtny Reed, Serena Hall, Sierra Smith, Michael Spearman, Aunder Taylor, Melissa Taylor, Susanne Varner

National Child Passenger Safety Week

PARIS, TX Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children ages 2-14. "The use of belt-positioning booster seats lowers the risk of injury to children in crashes by 59 percent compared to the use of vehicle seat belts." The finding comes from a study of children ages 4 through 7 by Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS), a State Farm-funded research project at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation is joining with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Ad Council and others around Valentine’s Day this year to commemorate National Child Passenger Safety Week (Feb. 13-19). The purpose is to place special emphasis on reminding all parents and other adults responsible for children traveling in motor vehicles: "if they’re under 4’9", they need a booster seat."

While 94 percent of America’s toddlers are now regularly restrained, not enough kids ages 4-8 are properly and safely restrained. Only 10-20 percent of kids ages 4-8 who should be using booster seats to protect them are actually in them. This puts children at an unnecessary risk of being injured or killed in crashes because they are simply in the wrong restraint for their size.

One study showed that children ages 2-5 who are moved to safety belts too early are four times more likely to sustain a serious head injury than those restrained in booster seats. In a traffic crash, the shoulder strap of an adult safety belt will hit a child shorter than 4’ 9"across the neck or face rather than the chest and there is also a greater risk of internal injury because an adult lap belt hits across the child’s stomach rather then his/her lap. These children need a booster seat – which raises them up so that adult safety belts fit over their chests and hips properly – and protects them in the event of a crash.
As children grow, how they sit in your car, truck, van or SUV should also change. For maximum child passenger safety, parents and caregivers simply need to remember and follow the 4 Steps for Kids:

1. Use rear-facing infant seats in the back seat from birth to at least one year of age and at least 20 pounds;

2. Use forward-facing toddler seats in the back seat from age one and 20 pounds to about age four and 40 pounds;

3. Use booster seats in the back seat from about age four to at least age eight – unless the child is 4 ft. 9 inches or taller and

4. Use safety belts in the back seat at age eight or older or taller than 4 ft. 9 inches. All children age 12 or younger should ride in the back seat.

Many parents are under the false impression that children who have outgrown child safety seats can move right into safety belts, but nothing could be further from the truth. Safety belts, which are designed to fit adults, won’t fully restrain a child in a crash. Using a booster seat will better protect your child from being thrown from the vehicle, or thrown around inside it, during a crash.

Other parents or caregivers may regard booster seats as a hassle to use or a pain to convince their children to use. But truly protecting the ones we love means getting past the temporary complaints and perceived hassles because the lives of our children are really at risk.

So this year at Valentine’s, as we celebrate National Child Passenger Safety Week, please help us remind all parents, grandparents, childcare providers and other adults in charge of children, that if their kids are under 4’9" tall, they need a booster seat.

For more information about the proper use of booster seats, visit www.boosterseat.gov.

On Tuesday, February 8, Senator Robert Deuell (R-Greenville) was honored by Goodwill Industries of Texas for courageous advocacy in support of Texans with disabilities.

The Goodwill Distinguished Service Award, the first of its kind to be awarded to a member of the Texas Legislature, is presented for "exemplary service and outstanding advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities."

Deuell sponsored a bill during the last session of the Texas legislature that authorized a comprehensive study of the barriers to employment for people with disabilities, paving the way for legislation this session that will help persons with disabilities to increase their employment while maintaining critical health services.

"Through his actions, Sen. Deuell encourages self-sufficiency and serves as a reminder to all Texans of the inherent value of work," said Lori Henning, executive director of the Texas Association of Goodwills. "His advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities exemplifies our mission."

Deuell said he likes organizations like Goodwill because they embrace the concept of helping people to help themselves.

"Unfortunately, many gover nment assistance programs do not allow or encourage people to work," Deuell said. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Goodwill because they are committed to helping Texans help themselves, not through charity or government handouts, but with dignity."

Goodwill Industries held a Legislative Day at the Capitol on Tuesday that began with an introduction on the floor of the Senate and concluded with a dinner where Deuell received the award. In addition to Sen. Deuell, Goodwill also presented the Goodwill Distinguished Service Award to Rep. Dianne White-Delisi (R-Temple).

The KOOL Club quilt was made from old t-shirts that represent different years of the after-school program. The varying colored t-shirts, along with an adorable "kid" border, make the quilt very colorful and fun! The KOOL Club quilt will be displayed at the Family Life Center.

KOOL Club was started as an outreach children’s ministry by the First United Methodist Church (Bonham, Texas) in 1994 and was operated by volunteers from the church and the community. By 1997, the program had grown and KOOL Club ^Too was developed for 4^th-6^th grade students. Shortly thereafter the Family Life Center (Fannin Community Foundation, Inc.) took over the administration of the programs. The KOOL Club program continued to operate and thrive for ten years due to the many volunteers from local churches and the community.

The Family Life Center would like to thank Jane Hodge and Jennie Poe for their hard work (and fun) in putting the quilt together (and so fast)! Thank you also to Silver Thread and Golden Needles for the machine quilting they performed. It looks great!

Top of Texas Builders Association

The Science of Building for today's market requires the proper application of products available to achieve energy efficiency and to control moisture, Kevin B. McDlain, senior account manager for Dow Chemical Company told members and guests at the monthly meeting of top of Texas Builders Association Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Shumardii’s in Bonham.

Good materials and good workmanship no longer constitute a high quality home...we must understand how homes work, and the physics of how frame walls work. The speaker outlined thermal bridging through wood framing factors inviting the use of cavity insulation, wall cavity convection currents and Dew point condensation.

The speaker emphasized the fact his presentation is approved the American Institute of Architects. He explained how using an insulated sheathing not only increases the energy efficiency of a home but also can improve its durability by eliminating opportunities for moisture that can lead to damaging mold and rot. by using an insulated sheathing builders will have the ability to increase profits and differentiate their company form competitors and provide a superior home to consumers.

The science of building is based on cause and effect. In the old style of building, the leaky old houses allowed all the moisture trapped in the walls to dry out with the cold air.

Today, a home must breathe by design. Moisture travels from warm to cold. And in basic frame wall physics moisture moves from outside to inside. He reminded builders tat bricks are a reservoir for moisture and even though they are designed to drain, unless three is a barrier or insulation, the moisture will penetrate the walls to the inside insulation.

Outside sheathing, house wrap, Styrofoam on a complete understanding of insulation and what this science is supposed to b accomplish for the home is the solution for energy efficiency.

The builder might consider efficient use of building science for satisfied buyers, fewer call backs, excellent return on the investment and improved reputation.

McLain outlined the products researched and produced by Dow Building Materials for this envelope application. He described and passed around samples of Styrofoam extruded polystyrene insulation, Dow polyisocyanurate insulation including Thermax, Tuff-R, Styrofoam Weathermate houswraps Styrofoam concrete insulation systems. These products are a night source for the night solutions to efficiency of energy and control of moisture in building designs.

Dow has been involved in researching and developing this building science for over 50 years and they there for known more about "foam than anyone else". A builder must understand insulation and what it does for the home. It is critical what is put behind the siding and the brick the speaker continued.

Styrofoam brand residential sheathing and Styrofoam Duramate brand insulation sheathing provide additional water vapor resistance which makes them particularly well suited to the harsh conditions found in brick veneer drainage spaces. Their long term performance has been proven on hundreds of thousands of homes. This long term performance has been proven on hundreds of thousands of homes. This long term performance may be further enhanced by taping the joint between boards. Housewraps fiberbrand sheathing fiber fenced isocyanurate foams and wood structural panels do not have the performance characteristics required to handle the wet conditions and strong vapor driven that can exist in solar heated brick walls.

This Styrofoam keeps brick veneer walls drier and reduce the risk of not mold and odors...this is just another product that works for "houses that work", McLain emphasized.

The speaker concluded with proper insulation for roofs and ceilings. He presented a Wind Break, won by Mrs. Carroll Mulder (wife of a local builder) and he presented gifts to each in the audience a clock and on a calculator. Those attending included builders realtors architects, remodlers mortgagers real estate agents, Dow Chemical Co. was host for the meeting.

Kevin McLain has worked for Dow Chemical Company for 25 years. He is an engineer, having graduated from Western Michigan university with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He is a two time recipient of the Pinnacle Award for Sales Excellence, Dow’s highest sales award. He is active in the Dallas homebuilders groups and has served on their board of directors. He is currently a member of the Home aid Dallas Board of Directors. He works closely with architects, energy code officials, distributors dealers, remodlers and builders.

Jay Stephens, President, opened the meeting. He called on Mayor Carl McEachern to give the invocation, and developer, Joe Ward, to lead in the pledge to the flag. Ronnie Atnip and Mrs. Lola Fry were recognized as assisting with Top of Texas meeting while the president had been on leave. He announced that the group will meet earlier at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday s of the month.

Mrs. Jay Sims and Mrs. Carl McEachern donate door prizes. Mrs. Melody Michaud is meeting coordinator.

Top of Texas program themes for the year will be informational education and technical. It is a non profit organization.

Door prizes were won by Jay Sims, Harold Stephens, Lola Fry, Juan Sewell, Mayor McEachern, Carroll Mulder, Sandra Ward, Joe Ward, Ronnie Atnip, SUsie McEachern, Mike Walthall, Glynell Sewell, Stephanie Castle, Susie Mulder, Kevin McClain, Pat Stephens, and Lenda Hgihg.

The unusual cookbook donated by Mrs. Sims, was a CIA Wives Favorite Recipes from across the United States.

L.H. Rather Happenings

February 14th - 17th Six Weeks Tests

February 18th - Student Council Valentine’s Dance, Cost $3.00. 6:30 to 9:00 Popcorn and drinks 50 cents. pictures, $1.00.

February 19th - Special Olympics Basketball Classification

February 22nd - TAKS Writing 7th Grade

February 23rd - 2005 Kids and College Program 9:30 in Gym

February 25th - 7th & 8th grade cheerleader tryouts, Special Olympics Area Basketball Tournament in Allen

February 28th - Benchmark Reading 7th and 8th grade

March 4th - Drop Everything and Read afternoon sponsored by the PTO.

LH Rather students participated in the UIL District Meet which was held in Princeton and received first place. we are very proud of these students for all of their hard work. following is a list and their sponsors.

Specialty Plates Make Perfect Finishing Touch

For Motorcycles

AUSTIN – Motorcyclists have always enjoyed the freedom of the road. Now there’s a great way for cycle enthusiasts to exercise their freedom of expression by displaying specialty license plates on the bumpers of their bikes. Motorcycle plates are TxDOT’s featured specialty plate for the month of February.

"All bikers are unique. Whether you ride a Harley Deluxe Classic, Texas Chopper or a Ducati, getting a specialty plate further distinguishes your bike from others," State Representative Norma Chávez said. "I know because I got the first SO (State Official) plate in Texas."

The Texas Department of Transportation offers a range of motorcycle specialty plates including Big Bend, Fight Terrorism, God Bless America, God Bless Texas, and Native Texan. Motorcyclists can also choose plates that recognize military service, including Airborne Parachutist, Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Vietnam Veteran, the most popular of the motorcycle specialty plates.

The military plates require qualifying certification before being issued and are available at no extra fee, excluding the Airborne Parachutist plate which has a $10 fee. The other specialty plates carry an annual fee of $30 or $40 in addition to regular registration fees. A portion of the annual fee for organizational specialty plates is earmarked for nonprofit organizations and often supports specific projects. Both military and organizational plates can be personalized for an additional $40 annually.

Applications for 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 by calling TxDOT’s

Fax-On-Demand forms line at (888) 232-7033.

TxDOT started its specialty license plate program in 1965. Today, there are more than 100 different plate designs, many of them benefiting a particular group, organization, college or university. Since 1994, more than $10 million have been raised for sponsoring organizations and scholarship funds.

Bonham SNAP Center Menu

Spaghetti/ Meat Sauce, Green Beans, Tater Tots, Toast, Cake, Milk

Stew, Okra, Bread, Apple Cobbler, Milk

Chicken Fried Steak/ Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Bread, Creamy Rice Pudding, Milk

Oven Fried Chicken, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Tomatoes, Bread, Pineapple, Milk

Pinto Beans, Oven Fried Okra, Sauerkraut Salad, Cornbread, Jello w/ Orange Juice, Milk

Bill Jones, Executive Director of the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce and Bonham Rotarian, spoke to the local Rotary Club last week on projects that the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce is currently working on and the Chamber’s Program of Work for 2005. Listed below is an outline of their 2005 Program of Work.

Proud grandparents Larry and Vickie Foster and Charles and Ada Thompson are pleased to announce the birth of their grandson, Drake Scott Foster. Drake braved ice and snow to be born on December 23, 2004 at 9:02 a.m., weighing in at 7lbs. 8.6 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Drake’s Parents are Steven and Mary Foster of Sherman, Texas.