A Special Day For A Special Lady

On Saturday, February 21, 2004, Opal D. Taylor was honored by her family and friends with a surprise "90th" birthday party.

The event was held at the clubroom of Pecan Place Apartments where Opal has Resided since October 2003.

This Dear Lady was born on February 19, 1914 to Roy F. and Una Dodson. She was the first of eleven children born to this family with Jess, Glen, Vera, Roy Jr., Retha, Henry Othell, Louise, Jean, Charlie and Francine (Cookie) to follow.

The guests were served birthday cake, punch, and coffee.

The afternoon was filled with stories from the past and how Opal had touched the lives of all who attended. Pictures and newspaper clippings were also shared. She received many cards and gifts on her special day.

For many years Opal worked at the Bonham Cotton Mill and later opened her Home to care for several children that she loved as though they were her very own- Well, honestly they were "her very special children that she loved so much". Three of those "children" were able to attend. They were Tracey Dyson Ford, Clint Norwood, and Dr. Jim Tarpley and his son John.

Others who came to celebrate this wonderful lady and show her how much she means to them were as follows: Ruth Ward Brown, Juanita Herd, Ella Herriage, Helen Anderson, Bertie Sewell, Travis and "Cookie" McGuire, Johneta Huffman, Nelda Hilliard, Leroy and Betty Tarpley, Linda Anderson, Retha Pace, Jerry Pace, Dortha Dodson, Morris and Betty Robbins, Floyd and Cleta Hall, Don and Reba Fox, Carl and Caitlin Dodson, Jean Dodson, Jerry and Ellie Scott, Henry and Jennia Dodson, Glenda Meador, Betty Caldwell, Layton Ford, Mary Eubanks, Donna Hope Herriage, Vera Crabb, Cecil and Yvonne Kennedy, Diann and Daisha Sorrells. Segan Fox, George Charles, Dale Fox, Jerry Wrenn, and Joe and Linda Fox. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren that were present were Jeff Fox from Pasadena TX., Morgan Fox from Newark, NJ., and Jeff, Tracia, Chase, and Rylee Stoltenberg of Bartley Woods.

As Opal’s daughters and sons-in-law we want to say to you : "Mom, we love you so much!"

Lovie and Earl Owen, Shirley and Leon Cook, Sue and Jack Fox, and Brenda and Clint Wagstaff.

Powers And Duties Of The Attorney General

The Attorney General is the lawyer for the State of Texas and is charged by the Texas Constitution to defend the laws and the Constitution of the State of Texas, represent the State in litigation and approve public bond issues. As lawyers for the State of Texas, the Attorney General and his staff handle a wide variety of legal matters. Texas statutes contain nearly 2,000 references to the Attorney General. To fulfill the responsibilities set forth in these statutes, the Office of the Attorney General serves as legal counsel to all boards and agencies of state government; issues legal opinions when requested by the Governor, heads of state agencies and other officials and agencies as provided by Texas statutes; sits as an ex-officio member of state committees and commissions; and defends challenges to state laws and suits against both state agencies and individual employees of the State.

The Office of the Attorney General performs a number of services that benefit all citizens of this state, including enforcement of health, safety, and consumer laws and regulations, educational outreach programs and protection of the rights of the elderly and disabled. The Attorney General also is charged with the collection of court-ordered child support and the administration of the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund.

Although the Attorney General is prohibited from offering legal advice or representing private individuals, he serves and protects the rights of all Texans through the activities of the various divisions of the agency. For example, the Consumer Protection Division protects consumers and the legitimate business community by filing civil lawsuits under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other consumer protection and antitrust statutes. The division is best known for its work in traditional areas of consumer protection litigation: enforcing against false, misleading or deceptive advertising and marketing practices. In addition, the division provides consumers with an informal dispute resolution process.

The Elder Law and Public Health Division takes legal action against nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care agencies and psychiatric facilities that abuse and neglect residents and patients. The division prosecutes civil cases of Medicaid fraud and abuse. The division also works in cooperation with the Consumer Protection Division to investigate and prosecute those who commit fraud against seniors.

A glance at the Attorney General’s website, found at www.oag.state.tx.us, will quickly illustrate the wide array of services offered by the agency to the citizens of Texas with links to information on such topics as child support, consumer protection, crime victims assistance and senior issues.

Please feel free to contact me if I may be of assistance regarding any matter of state government. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.

Make The Commitment To Get Moving

Forget the calendar. It’s never too late to resolve to get fit and healthy.

New Year’s Day comes and goes quickly, usually leaving a lot of unfulfilled lose-weight, start-exercising goals in its wake. But a true commitment to eating healthy and getting fit is an everyday routine, which is much easier to achieve in the long run.

The state’s numbers are not flattering right now. More than 60 percent of adults in Texas are overweight or obese, a 33 percent increase in the last 10 years. In addition, 35 percent of children are overweight or obese. That’s a health issue, not one of good looks. Obesity and lack of exercise directly affect how we live and feel.

As a family physician I have seen growing numbers of people - old and young - with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and depression. I have seen women and men in what should be the prime of life too ill or incapacitated to work or take care of their families. I have seen children who can’t run around the bases or ride a bicycle around the block with ease. The common denominator is too much weight.

The cost mounts in other ways as well. A Texas Department of Health analysis suggests that overweight and obesity currently cost an estimated $10 billion in Texas. That figure covers lost productivity from weight-related illness, disability, premature death and medical care costs. As Texas Commissioner of Health with a full work schedule and as a member of an active family on the go, I understand that changing a lifestyle may seem daunting. But there are ways to make it easier and more fun. Governor Rick Perry, along with a number of partners from across the state including the Texas Department of Health, is promoting a new program called the Texas Round-Up. This collaborative initiative encourages everyone in the state, regardless of fitness level, to spice up their lives with more physical activity and healthy food choices.

The statewide effort provides a simple, supportive, goal-oriented approach to motivating Texans to get active. Once registered for the program, participants can get tips and suggestions on how to get moving at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Just a few simple adjustments - taking a I0-minute break to walk around the building, using the stairs rather than pushing the elevator button, going for a stroll with the family dog or parking the car farther from the door - offer participants ways to live healthier, longer lives.

One special event of the Texas Round-Up is a Texas-sized 1OK for runners and walkers of all ages and a fitness festival in Austin on April 17. The 1OK, which begins and ends at the Texas State Capitol, will offer a Kids Mile, non-competitive fun run and a competitive timed race. More information, guidelines and support from the Texas Round-Up program is available on the Web at www.texasroundup.org.

I encourage everyone to get moving. It’s never too late.

Best of Bluegrass

The Best of Bluegrass music will be back at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down this Saturday night, March 27at 7:30pm. The Hoe-Down is located 1/2 mile from Lake Bonham recreation area east of the spillway on CR 2610, Bonham. Doors will be open at 6:30 pm. The show will be hosted by Joan Kelton and her talented "Shades of Bluegrass" featuring: George Kirby on fiddle, Randy Keister on the guitar, Michael Williams on Banjo, Glen Clark on the mandolin, James Rice on the flat top guitar, and Fred Ulich on dog horse bass. Our special guest group, and they are straight from the Bluegrass circuit, will be "Hard to Git" Bluegrass formally known as "Bo-Marts", featuring the James Martin and Bolton family along with Banjo Picker, Stuart Anderson. The band is from Paris and Greenville, TX. The band is known for their gospel bluegrass as well as their straight Bluegrass music, and the fun they generate on the stage with their humor. Everyone is caught up with the fun this group has on stage.

Everyone is invited out for a fun filled evening. Admission is free, donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to all for your support. God bless you and we’ll see you at the Hoe-Down.

For more information call 903-583-4731 or 903-583-5710

Medicaid in Texas is a critically ill patient, so physician leaders are joining hands with others to intercede with not just treatment, but a cure, according to the March issue of Texas Medicine magazine.

Gov. Rick Perry recently created a Medicaid Reform Workgroup to complete a head-to-toe examination of the state-federal funding source of health care for Texas’ patients who live at or near the poverty level.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to reshape the Medicaid program," Antonio Falcon, MD, a Texas Medical Association (TMA) physician leader serving on the panel, tells Texas Medicine. "I think it may be a once-in-a-generation opportunity," the family practice physician adds, referring to the wholesale improvements possible.

Dr. Falcon is one of three physicians in the 17-member workgroup. Other members include hospital representatives, a consumer advocate, and other professionals. He says the governor asked members to "think outside the box" as they brainstorm ways for the government health plan to serve patients while cutting costs. The goal is for legislators to take up the issue during the 2005 session. Texas Medicine, the official publication of TMA, reports the group is generating its own input plus soliciting ideas from stakeholders throughout the health care family, including TMA.

The workgroup’s members have their work cut out for them. One nonprofit agency says Texas’ budget crunch forced $835 million in cuts to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to the magazine. That amount actually adds up to a $2.3 billion budget reduction, once federal matching fund losses also are factored in.

The Center for Public Policy Priorities, a nonprofit research agency advocating for health care for low- and moderate-income Texans, adds that the January elimination of nearly 100,000 children from CHIP coverage is one result of the budget cuts. The agency adds that several other cuts were made, including reduction of maternity coverage and elimination of mental health coverage.

Hospitals are feeling the pinch, too. Parkland Hospital and Health System in Dallas lost $36 million in Medicaid and CHIP funds. Gone are some hospital staff, some pharmacy services, and the patient convenience of scheduling elective surgeries without delays.

Yet patients keep flowing in. "Patients have to be cared for if they come to you," Parkland’s president and chief executive officer, Ron Anderson, MD, tells Texas Medicine. "When you cut Medicaid you raise the number of uninsured. The people don’t go away, the costs don’t go away. They get shifted to the nonprofit and public sector locally."

So last fall Dr. Anderson and hospital industry officials met repeatedly with the staffs of Governor Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, and Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick about Medicaid issues. The Medicaid Workgroup idea was born as a result.

Already the group has returned initial recommendations to the governor’s office. Group members believe to be truly effective changes will have to reach beyond the state’s governance of Medicaid, to alter pertinent federal law and policy as well.

According to Texas Medicine, TMA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Medicaid drafted recommendations for the workgroup. The committee’s physicians suggest that any reforms:

1. Ensure patient access to timely, medically necessary primary and specialty care services;

2. Promote cost-effective, proactive, and appropriate use of medical services; and

3. Simplify Medicaid regulatory requirements and streamline the delivery system.

The committee added suggestions for attaining these goals, including the need for participating physicians in all appropriate specialties to be available to deliver and support these services. In addition to the workgroup, other state government groups also are examining Medicaid problems. Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst asked the Senate Health and Human Services Committee to study and make recommendations for Medicaid and CHIP cures. House Speaker Tom Craddick assigned the House Appropriations Committee to study graduate medical education funding through Medicaid, and a select House committee is examining state health care spending as a whole, including Medicaid and CHIP. TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 39,500 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

In the advent of an emergency situation either in your family or a large scale event in Fannin County would you know how to protect and save yourself or your loved ones? Do you have a few hours a week to volunteer and learn how to prepare for such a need?

In the wake of September 11 terrorist attacks on America, thousands of Americans responded by volunteering their talents and skills to help others. Many more Americans asked "What can I do to help?"

Fannin County has been awarded grants to establish two new volunteer groups within the county to help in times of crises. These two groups of volunteers will supplement the existing emergency services throughout the coming years.

The groups meet once a week for a approximate eight week course. This training will better prepare individuals and the group to protect and help not only your family but also to protect and give help to the citizens of the county.

These groups will be trained in first aid, light search and rescue and other areas. The training will be provided by the Fannin County Office of Emergency Management and other emergency service instructors, and the American Red Cross.

Each individual upon completion of the required training will be issued special equipment to use during the time of emergency.

These groups are open to any citizen of Fannin County and Surrounding areas that are willing to commit to the training and the ability to respond to an emergency situation.

The kick off meeting will be held on March 30th at 7pm at the South Annex 210 S. Main Street, Bonham. The two volunteer groups will be explained in detail and membership applications will be accepted at that time. Special guest will be speaking about these opportunities at this meeting.

For more information contact Clint Wagstaff Fannin County Emergency Management Coordinator, 903-640-8484 or E-mail fcmcem@cableone.net

TxDOT Launches Public Outreach On Texas Mobility Fund

AUSTIN -- Texas Department of Transportation officials today began seeking public comments on plans for the Texas Mobility Fund.

Established by the 77th Legislature and approved by Texas voters, the fund allows TxDOT to issue bonds to speed up mobility projects in the state. Money from transportation-related fees will go into the fund. Based on revenue projections, it is anticipated that approximately $3 billion in bonds secured by money in the fund can be issued.

"We want to hear how congestion-weary Texans think this new source of money should be spent," said Mike Behrens, TxDOT’s executive director. "Their ideas can translate into safer roads, faster commutes and cost savings to the state."

TxDOT officials particularly seek public comment on the fundamental principles guiding their creation of the strategic plan for the Texas Mobility Fund. Those guidelines include:

• A multimodal approach

• Local control

• Leveraged funding to accelerate projects and maximize financial resources

• Priority status to previously requested, locally-supported projects

• A success metric focused on speed and efficiency in reducing congestion

TxDOT is also mailing letters to major stakeholders including county judges and other state and local officials involved in transportation decisions, seeking their comments on the strategic plan. All Texans are invited to participate.

The Daughters Of The American Revolution George Blakey Chapter Bonham March 13, 2004

The Daughters of the American Revolution, George Blakey Chapter, Bonham, Texas, met Saturday, March 13, 2004 for it’s monthly meeting held in the Bonham Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Mary Jo Barbee, regent, opened the meeting in leading the members in reciting the DAR Ritual with Dot Linn, chaplain. She also lead the group in saying₎ The Daughters Pledge to the Flag and The American Creed. Martha Mayrell led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States. Nancy Bellows, secretary read the minutes of February and March. They were approved as read. Martha Mayrell, treasurer, gave the treasury report. Flo Odom, registrar gave address changes for two members. Jim Yarbrough planted the Stephen F. Austin Oak tree for the chapter on the grounds of Finley-Oaks School. We will have a dedication program later. Mary Beavers and Nancy Bellows brought birthday gifts. Everyone present won a gift. Bellows had the program, "Patriotic Songs". She gave a short report on Yankee Doodle, The Star­ Spangled Banner, My Country’Tis Of Thee, America The Beautiful, God Bless America, The Stars And Stripes Forever and Columbia, The Gem Of The Ocean. Bellows and Joevelyn Naylor were hostesses. They served Pistachio pound cake, St. Patrick’s cookies, punch, assorted nuts and fruits from a St. Patrick’s Day decorated table to nine members. The NSDAR is an organization whose membership consists of women who have traced and documented their family lineage to a supporter or military person of the American Revolution. Interested persons may contact Flo Odom, chapter registrar at 903-623-4031. The next meeting will be in the chamber meeting room on April 10, 2004, at 2 p.m.

"As a college professor I could identify the students from girls schools with a 90 percent accuracy rate on the first day of class. They were the young women whose hands shot up in the air, who were not afraid to defend their positions, and who assumed that I would be interested in their perspective." That’s how Dr. Robin Robertson, a former professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas described the benefits of single-sex education.

For years, all-girls and all-boys schools have been the bastion of the elite. They were only available to families who could afford to send their children to private or parochial school - opportunities out of reach for the average American. But now the doors of our nation’s schools are opening for single sex education. Enabling public schools to implement creative approaches to educating our children is particularly timely as we struggle to elevate the academic performance of all our nation’s youth.

In January 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Be­hind Act. One of the landmark reforms in this legislation gives public school systems the flexibility to offer single-sex classes and schools. I was proud to sponsor the bi-partisan amendment to remove the obstacles preventing public schools from offering single-sex programs to parents and students who request them. We wanted to provide this as an option - not a mandate - for America’s public schools. This March, the Department of Education issued guidelines on implementation of these programs, providing a blueprint for schools interested in single-sex offerings.

Most of the time, co-educational classes are going to be the right an­swer for a child’s learning needs. But recent evidence demonstrates in some instances, a single-sex setting enables students to flourish. Public school parents should be able to go to their school board and request, for example, an eighth-grade math class for boys, or a chemistry lab for girls.

Until recently, most public school systems have avoided the legal hassles that typically accompany any attempt to offer single-sex programs. Few have dared to challenge the status quo and offer these innovative choices. According to the National Association for Single Sex Public Education, as of this spring there are 93 public schools in the country offering some form of single sex education - 25 are same gender schools, while the remaining 68 are co-ed public schools offering single-sex classrooms. But those numbers are climbing. With the passage of the legislation and the new guidelines of­fering schools safe parameters in which to operate, public educators across the country are beginning to realize that the "one size fits all" approach is no longer the only option.

In Texas, Houston’s William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Pros­pering, or WALIPP Prep Academy, offers inner-city boys the opportunity to learn from male role models. In Dallas, the Stephen Hay High School will reopen this fall as an all-girls public school for junior high students. The San Antonio public school district currently offers same-sex classes in 13 of its schools.

Opponents of single-sex education claim these guidelines undermine Title IX, which provides equal opportunity for boys and girls. I would argue that equality of opportunity means students from every racial, gender and socioeconomic background should have the options in a public school setting afforded those in private education.

Numerous studies have shown that single-sex programs can reduce barriers to learning by providing a less intimidating and more productive classroom. Additionally, it is proven that boys and girls learn and develop

differently. These guidelines will help schools offer the best programs tailored to the children in their districts.

Many of our nation’s public schools have been receiving a failing grade for far too long. By breaking down barriers to success and encouraging cre­ativity and innovation, we are one step closer to leaving no child behind.

CCCS® Kicks Off New Program With Local Mortgage

Company To Assist Homebuyers In Rural Texas

All the small towns in Texas need new housing. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has plenty of guaranteed mortgage money available for folks in communities with populations of 10,000 or less. The irony is that lots are available with city services, but they aren’t in a trendy new subdivision. They’re scattered lots on which builders would like to build new homes in the $60,000 or less price range. Sounds wonderful, so what’s the stumbling block? Bad credit.

"The graduating seniors from these small Texas communities leave town with dreams of life and fortune in the big cities but sometimes life doesn’t deliver on these dreams. With nowhere left to turn, these young people come home looking for a dry bed and some time to get back on their feet," Says Wayne Knipe of American Meridian Mortgage Company (AMMC) of Plano. "While small town jobs pay well enough for today and part of tomorrow, they leave little money for paying up past debts." Knipe added.

"Bankruptcy is a messy, un-necessary route for most people. Fortunately there is a better alternative, in fact, it is the best solution. We’re in favor of applicants going through CCCS." Knipe said.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) is a nonprofit community-based service offering debt reduction, financial education and Housing counseling. The goal is to stop recurring debt and budgeting problems.

American Meridian Mortgage Company sponsored a Train the Trainer program at CCCS of North Central Texas on Saturday, February 28^th for real estate brokers, credit unions, bank loan officers and others in rural areas interested in helping people with money problems so they might qualify for the USDA homes.

Home-buyer education should take the form of a face-to-face tutorial or a classroom or workshop session. Home-buyer education may also be conducted over the telephone by an established and accredited credit counseling organization with an education and counseling program.

The Certified Credit Counselors of CCCS of North Central Texas will counsel those with indebtedness in rural Texas and help to get them on the road to homeownership as quickly as possible.

"This is a partnership that will truly help these homebuyers in small towns. This is an underserved segment of our state’s population because they aren’t near urban areas where help is more abundant." Said Bonnie Peterson, Director of Education and Marketing for CCCS. "We’re looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with AMMO and the USDA."

"The prospective new homeowner demonstrates maturity and stability when doing the right thing, paying off their debts in a timely manner through the CCCS program. Learning how to manage their money more effectively can put them into a new home within as little as one year in many cases." Knipe said. "American Meridian Mortgage covers most of Texas and we specialize in rural housing. We offer our customers a really good lending program and we’re planning to utilize this awesome new program with CCCS in other areas we serve."

Health Officials Looking For Airline Passengers Possibly Exposed To Measles

Texas Department of Health (TDH) and local public health officials are trying to locate 15 passengers with Texas addresses who were on Northwest Airlines flight 39 Friday from Amsterdam to Detroit who may have been exposed to measles.

A passenger on the flight was later diagnosed with measles and is considered to have been infectious while on the flight. The infected passenger later on Friday took Northwest flight 3786 from Detroit to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Of more than 200 passengers on the flight from Amsterdam, 20 had Texas addresses. But Texas public health illness control personnel have been able to find only five of them. Some addresses provided by the airline were for travel agencies that report having no contact information for the passengers.

Public health officials said the 15 passengers should contact a physician or their local public health department. They may need to receive immune globulin to keep them from getting measles and subsequently spreading it to others. Immune globulin is most effective in preventing measles if given within six days of exposure.

Passengers who have had measles, or received the two-dose vaccination against measles, or who were born in 1957 or earlier, generally are considered immune and may not need to get the immune globulin.

Health officials said that except for passengers on the Detroit-to-Cedar Rapids flight with the infected person, passengers on later flights with travelers who were on the Amsterdam-to-Detroit flight are not at risk. Persons with measles are considered infectious from about 10 days after exposure till about 18 days after exposure.

Symptoms of measles, a highly contagious viral illness, can include fever as high as 105 F, cough, runny nose, pink eye and a rash. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures and death. Complications are more likely among children under 5 and adults over 20, especially infants and anyone with a weakened immune system. Measles in pregnant women can cause miscarriages or premature births.

The measles virus resides in the mucus in the nose and throat of an infected person and can be spread when that person sneezes or coughs during the infectious period.

NARFE Meeting

The National Association or Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) District 19 Convention was held at Shumardii’s Restaurant in Bonham, Texas on March 8, 2004.

District 19 consists of McKinney Chapter #559, Denton Chapter #618, Lake Texoma Chapter #1290 and Fannin County Chapter #1345. All chapters were well represented with a total of 29 in attendance.

Billy Dockery, President of Chapter #1345 opened the meeting and introduced Bonham Police Chief, Mike Bankston, who gave the "welcome to Bonham" address.

Mr. Bill Schuman, President of McKinney Chapter #559, and who is the District 19 Representative, conducted the business for the day.

Congressman Ralph Hall was the guest speaker. He had met with President Bush in Dallas before coming to Bonham and had some interesting anticdotes about their visit together.

Other speakers were Clark Lane, VP NE TX AREA NARFE and Francis Grimes, Past President of the Texas Federation of NARFE, and is also the Editor of the Texas Federal Retiree newspaper.

Door prizes were awarded thru the day including a beautiful hand crocheted Afghan made by Laurentia Dockery of Chapter #1345.

The membership elected Mr. Bruce Hottel, from Chapter #1290, as our new District 19 Representative.

Chapter #1345, Bonham, was presented a beautiful certificate commemorating their 30th anniversary as a chapter.

Celebrations At Fairview

On March 9th Fairview Nursing and Rehab. Celebrated a Hobo day. Staff and residents enjoyed the day dressing as Hobo’s and having Hobo stew and cornbread made by one of our special volunteers. A great time was had by everybody. The best dressed Hobo went to Darla Stockton who dressed the part very well. Congratulations Darla. Also on March 15th they celebrated incredible kids day. Most of the staff and residents dressed as kids and had a great day of fun. Throughout the day they had a hoola-hoop contest and played kids games and for snacks we had Oreo cookies and milk. and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They also had bubbles to blow and had a water gun fight. A great time was had by all.

News about Child Protective Services

The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services has a new name---the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The name change is part of a major restructuring of the state’s health and human services system. House Bill 2292 mandated a fundamental transformation of health and human services in Texas by consolidating 12 existing state agencies into four new departments under the oversight of the Health and Human Services Commission.

When a child in Fannin County is suspected to be abused or neglected, or makes an outcry of abuse/neglect, the report is investigated by Child Protective Services and may be jointly investigated by the law enforcement office of jurisdiction. The child may be interviewed at the Children’s Center. Child Protective Services follows cases through to prosecution and the testimony of the CPS investigator and caseworkers is often instrumental in securing convictions.

We are extremely proud of the tenure of our staff in Child Protective Services in Fannin County-- Supervisor Susy Meehan, has 24 years of service. Investigator Ron Hamilton has been with the agency 12 years. Unit Secretary Charlotte Whicker has 19 years of experience with CPS. On average, the tenure of a worker in CPS in Texas is less than 2 years.

The local CPS office is open Mon-Fri, 8-5 but have staff on-call 24 hrs. a day to deal with emergencies where a child is in immediate threat of serious physical harm, or death. "Child abuse and neglect is not only detrimental to children, but to our society through its long-term effects. Abused and neglected children are 53 percent more likely to be arrested as a juvenile and 38 percent more likely to be arrested as an adult."

The purpose of CPS is to identify, treat, and prevent child abuse and neglect and to ensure that reasonable efforts are made to maintain and protect children in their own homes. When that cannot happen, foster homes may be needed and more are always needed. People who are interested in foster parenting should call 1-800-228-8226 for more information.

For more information on child abuse prevention, visit http://www.itsuptoyou.org

To report child abuse or neglect, call 911 (if it’s a life-threatening emergency) or the Texas Abuse Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-252-5400.

Bonham SNAP Center Menu

Chicken Fried Steak/ Gravy, Whipped Potatoes, Green Beans, Bread, Spiced Pears, Milk

Tex- Mex, Casserole, Tossed Salad/ Dressing, Toast, Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Milk

Oven Fried Chicken, Pea Salad, Copper Carrots, Bread, Bread Pudding/ Lemon Sauce, Milk

Ham Salad, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Bread, Jello/ Orange Juice/ Cookies, Milk

BBQ Wieners, Navy Beans, Sunny Mixed Vegetables, Cornbread, Tropical Apples, Milk

Dallas, TX- VA North Texas Health Care System will mark Women’s History Month, March 25, 2004, 12-1 pm in the Atrium at Dallas VA Medical Center. Wandering Mimes will perform and Lucy Rogers, chief of Information Resources Management at the facility, will serve as guest speaker to echo the theme, "Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility."

Women today continue as pioneers, opening the doors to higher education while defending our Nation in the Armed Forces. Of eleven female VANTHCS employees deployed in connection with Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom, six remain on active duty. "We are proud of these women and those who serve here at home to provide health care to veterans every day," said VANTHCS Director Alan Harper.

For more information or to join this tribute to women, contact Teia Vaughn, federal women’s program coordinator, at (214) 857-1326.

Feds Call Texas A Leader On Innovative Transportation Funding

Austin- The federal government will partner with Texas to plan and develop the Trans-Texas Corridor through an innovative contracting agreement announced on March 16 by the nation’s top highway official.

Mary Peters, administrator for the Federal Highway Administration, said the corridor qualifies Texas for a special experimental project agreement- only the second such agreement in the country- allowing federal funds to be used in the project planning while the environmental analysis is conducted.

"With the Trans-Texas Corridor plan, Texas offers a bold concept for surface transportation that can provide a model for other states to follow," said Peters. "Texas is definitely a leader in finding new ways to work with the private sector to form public-private partnerships to meet important transportation needs."

The announcement by Peters resolves differences between federal and state procurement processes for a comprehensive development agreement through which Texas will hire a private firm to plan, design, construct, finance, maintain, and operate the Trans-Texas Corridor element that will parallel Interstate 35.

Without today’s agreement, Texas would not be able to use federal funds on the comprehensive development agreement until after the environmental process is complete, a process that will take years to finish.

Environmental studies are beginning on an 600-mile multimodal element of the Trans-Texas Corridor from Oklahoma to south Texas border with Mexico.

"As we continue the detailed and comprehensive environmental studies, we can bring private sector partners on-board early," said Ric Williamson, chair of the Texas Transportation Commission. "This will mean better familiarity and sensitivity to public and environmental issues and help maximize innovative financing options with the private sector."

Three large, private consortiums have made a short list to submit detailed proposals this spring on how to develop and finance the Oklahoma to Mexico element. The group offering the best long-term strategic partnership to the state could be selected by the end of this year by the Texas Transportation Commission.

The Trans-Texas Corridor will be a 4,000 mile transportation network that will include separate highway lanes for passenger vehicles and trucks, high-speed passenger rail and commuter and freight rail, as well as a dedicated utility zone.

As planned, the corridor will improve the state’s transportation network by moving people and goods faster and safer, provide congestion relief for metropolitan areas and create new markets and jobs for the Texas economy.

Current Events From The First United Methodist Church Of Ector

The women of the First Methodist Church in Ector, Texas, will be conducting the Sunday church service at 11:00 a.m. on March 21, 2004. We invite all people to come and be with us as the women of the church lead the congregation in the worship service. Sunday School hour is at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Bible study is on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Everyone is welcome to come study the book of Corinthians with us and enjoy the friendship. You do not have to be a member of First United Methodist of Ector to join the group.

The First Methodist Church of Ector is located north of the blinking red light in Ector on Highway 56, six miles west of Bonham. Please call Pat Reamer at 903-583-3798 for more information.

Do Kids Need Sports Drinks?

HOUSTON – Although children may request sports drinks, they offer little advantage over cool water, say nutritionists at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston and the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital. Sports drinks are designed to benefit athletes engaged in continuous, high-intensity aerobic workouts that last for 90 minutes or more.

But, if the availability of sports drinks encourages your kids to drink, consider making your own. Combine caffeine-free herbal tea, a little sugar, a pinch of salt and a few ounces of orange juice. Chill in individual bottles.

Active kids need to fill up on fluids to prevent dehydration. Children should be encouraged to drink before heading outside and every 15 to 30 minutes during playtime activities.

Mature approach can lead to longer athletic life

HOUSTON – It’s not surprising to see older athletes holding their own against the younger generation, say experts at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston.

"As opposed to the early ‘70s and ‘80s, elite athletes are better conditioned," says Dr. Joe Chorley, a sports medicine specialist at BCM and Texas Children’s Hospital. "When they’re not playing a sport, they’re either cross training, strength training or doing some type of aerobic activity."

Chorley said recreational athletes who want to compete longer could learn from the "old" pros. He recommends eating properly, avoiding the "weekend warrior" mentality, doing strength training, listening to the body and picking an enjoyable sport to keep motivated.

"You’re seeing more elite athletes having longer careers," Chorley said. "Recreational athletes can do the same if they take care of their bodies and follow some sound advice."

New shock wave therapy treats tennis elbow

HOUSTON – Tennis elbow sufferers can now receive a new non-invasive, shockwave treatment from orthopedic specialists at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston.

The OssaTronâ treatment was approved by the FDA after being studied by Drs. Evan D. Collins and David H. Hildreth, both hand and upper extremity orthopedic specialists at BCM.

"The treatment doesn’t come with the same risks and recovery time that can accompany surgery. It’s an effective non-operative approach to treating tennis elbow that literally takes less than 20 minutes to perform," said Collins.

The process of the OssaTronâ, called extracorporeal shock wave therapy, reduces inflammation and stimulates healing for chronic tendinitis such as tennis elbow. Using electrohydraulic, or "spark gap" technology, the OssaTronâ emits the same type of high-energy shockwaves originally developed to treat kidney stones and is now the only FDA approved shock wave treatment for tennis elbow.

"For those patients living with chronic pain because conservative treatment was unsuccessful and they were apprehensive about surgery, these treatments offer much promise," Hildreth said.

Chandler Tannery, granddaughter of JoAnn and Zack Tannery of Bonham, Texas, has been named to the Atlantic Sun Conference 2003-2004 All-Academic Team and honored with NSCAA’s Team Academic Award.

  Chandler attends Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and is in the middle of her freshman year where she plays soccer for the women’s team on an academic and athletic scholarship. Chandler was recently announced to The Atlantic Sun Conference 2003-2004 All-Academic Team for her hard work. She was one of four freshmen to receive this honor at Mercer University.

The Lady Bears also received the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Award for maintaining a cumulative GPA over 3.0 on a four-point scale. The Mercer Bears’ 3.39 team GPA ranked among the top 50 of all the schools eligible for the award.

Chandler is a May 2003 Honors graduate at J. J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas, where she lettered in soccer for four years.

Red River Theatre Company Casts Production

Red River Theatre Company has cast its upcoming production of the musical, Nunsense, scheduled for performances on April 30, May 1 and May 2 at the V.A. auditorium in Bonham by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. of New York.

The music and dialogue written by Dan Goggin and based on his experiences with the real nuns of Mount Saint Helen’s School in Hoboken, NJ, the play portrays, in his words, "the humor of the nun." Sometimes rowdy, sometimes naughty, Nunsense was first performed in 1985 and continues to gather record-breaking audiences across the country.

James Nathan Igo, a senior student at Bonham High School, approached the RRTC Board of Directors last year with his vision of Nunsense and gained their approval to direct this play under the supervision of RRTC’s Board. Igo has appeared in several RRTC productions, as well as with the community theatre in Sherman, and with BonHi drama department productions.

Following auditions, Igo cast experienced local actresses, Donna West as the Reverend Mother and Lisa Avila as Sister Amnesia. Also returning to the RRTC stage is Rachael Barnes as Sister Mary Leo. Barnes co-starred with Igo in the RRTC musical, The Fantasticks, in 2001. Newcomers to the RRTC stage are Karena Bradshaw Ellis as Sister Mary Hubert, and Jamie Smith as Sister Robert Anne.

Contact information on sponsorship of one of the nuns as well as advance ticket information and online ordering by credit card is available on the RRTC website at www.redrivertheatre.com.

Families Need The Arc

By Paula Cawthon

"The Arc of Texas and the Arc of Texoma are two very well kept secrets. Rather than the secrets that they are, the information on the Arc should be shouted from the rooftop to help individuals with mental and developmental disabilities and their families,:" states Lonnie Basinger, President of the Arc of Texoma. The Arc of Texas was founded in 1950 by a group of concerned parents of children with mental retardation and is the state’s oldest and largest volunteer non-profit organization committed to expanding opportunities and community inclusion for these individuals.

Over 600,000 Texans have mental retardation and each year more than 100,000 babies are born with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. Over fifty percent of mental retardation is one hundred percent preventable. Mental retardation is nine times more common than cerebral palsy and fifteen times more common than total blindness. All individuals with mental retardation have the capacity to learn, develop, and grow.

The Arc provides a variety of services and information to families, educators, professionals and the community. Workshop training is available on topics that will help a family care for their child, integrate the child into regular classroom or childcare settings, provide information on legislative updates and information that affect the disability community, and promote self advocacy issues and information.

The Arc of Texoma meets monthly on the second Monday at noon at Texoma Council of Governments. Lonnie Basinger is the president of the local chapter. Professionals, parents, and advocates are encouraged to join for a membership of $15.

"Parents who have infants or children with mental or developmental disabilities can learn from other parents who have older children with these disabilities. One of the major functions is the support given younger parents from more experienced parents. These more mature parents can share their insight and resources they have discovered through the years. These parents are a wealth of information, and they know the difficulties and have experienced the emotions that accompany parenting a child with a mental and developmental disability," continues Basinger.

To gain more information on the Texoma Arc contact Lonnie Basinger at 903-816-3560. The Arc of Texas may be contacted at 1-800-252-9729.

Buckeye Donkey Basketball Show

New cowboy stars will be born during that wild and crazy "BUCKEYE DONKEY BASKETBALL SHOW" at Sherman High School Gym on March 26, 2004 starting at 7:00 pm. It’s basketball played on real, live donkeys and it will be wilder than a rodeo and funnier than a circus. All local players will be riding, so come out and see someone you know try to ride a donkey and play basketball at the same time. It’s a thrill a minute, a spill a minute. Laugh as you’ve never laughed before at the wild and crazy donkey basketball show.

The donkeys are owned by Buckeye Donkey Ball Co., Inc. of Marengo, Ohio and have been in business since 1934 offering quality netertainment with Donkey Baseball, Basketball, and "Celebrity" Donkey Races.

This fun-filled show is sponsored by Sherman FFA. All the proceeds will be for the benefit of Sherman FFA. Advance tickets can be purhcased from members of the sponsoring organization or at 903-868-1243. Tickets may alos be available at the door, if there is space available.

Advanced tickets are $5.00

At the door tickets are $7.00

Under age 6 is free

Notice Of Regular Meeting Of

The Bonham Independent School District

If during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, the Board of Trustees should determine that a closed session of the Board of Trustees is required, then such closed session as authorized by the Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.001 et seq., will be held by the School Board at the date, hour, and place given in this Notice as the School Board may conveniently meet in such closed session concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act, including, but not limited to the following sections and purposes:

551.071 Private consultation with the board’s secretary.

551.072 Discussing purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property.

551.073 Discussing negotiated contracts for prospective gifts or donations

551.074 Discussing personnel or to hear complaints against personnel.

551.075 To confer with employees of the school district to receive information or to ask questions.

551.076 Considering the deployment, specific occasions for, or implementation of security personnel or devices.

551.082 Considering discipline of a public school child, or complaint or charge against personnel.

551.083 Considering the standards, guidelines, terms, or conditions the board will follow, or will instruct its representatives to follow, in consultation with representatives of employee groups.

551.084 Excluding witnesses from a hearing.

Should any final action, final decision, or final vote be required in the opinion of the School Board with regard to any matter considered in such closed session, then the final action, final decision, or final vote shall be either:

(a) in the open meeting covered by the Notice upon the reconvening of the public meeting; or at a subsequent public meeting of the School Board upon notice as the School Board shall determine.

On this 17th day of March, 2004, this Notice was faxed to the news media who had previously requested such Notice and an original copy was posted at the School District Administration Building at 1:00 p.m. on said date.

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Announcement by the President whether a quorum is present, that the meeting has been duly called, and the notice of the meeting has been posted for the time and

manner requested by law.

II. INVOCATION:

• Mike Sisk

III. RECOGNITION:

• L. H. Rather Junior High School Staff

• BHS Girls Basketball Team and Coach Shannon Massey

IV. OPEN FORUM:

Anyone wishing to address the board may have three minutes to do so. A maximum of 30 minutes will be used for Open Forum which is designated for the public to address items listed on the agenda or other areas of school district operations. Closed Session will be used if discussion involves an employee or student.

V. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

(A) Six Weeks Assessment

(B) Early Voting for School Board Election April 28, - May 11, 2004, at the BISD Administration Building, 1717 North Center Street for Places 3, 4, 5 between the Hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. An election is hereby order to be held on Saturday, May 15, 2004, at Bonham High School gym entrance for the purpose of BISD Trustee Election Places 3, 4, 5.

(C) Information Concerning Band Trip to Branson, Missouri, May 6-8, 2004

(D) Average Daily Attendance Update

(E) Transfer Students Update

(F) Resignation

Ector Man Excels With Help From MHMR

By JACQUELINE WHITE

Tyler Brownfield, age 22, has beaten the odds. Doctors at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas diagnosed him at age two as developmentally delayed, and the family was given a poor prognosis for his learning capability and motor skills. A doctor told his parents that Tyler would probably never be able to learn to ride a bike or swim. Tyler proved him wrong! By age four, he had learned to swim and was riding a bicycle at age eight.

"We bought him the nicest bicycle, and he pushed it until he literally wore it out," said Tyler’s mother, Sara. "It was a very pretty bike, and he loved it, but he just couldn’t figure out how to ride it. He kept on pushing it. One day he came home from school, and I could tell he just had one thing on his mind. He went outside, got his bike, and pushed it into the alley behind our house. Tyler took off riding! He had finally learned how to balance, and when he learned he had to pedal, that was it. He still rides a bicycle all the time and can ride for miles," she added. "Today he rides his bike, his four-wheeler, his brother’s dirt bike and has recently earned his learner’s permit," she added proudly.

The third child, in a family of four children, all of the Brownfield children learned to swim very young as the family had a swimming pool. "I made them all wear life jackets, even though, they could swim when they were small," said his mother. "I can still see Tyler, the summer he learned to swim, jumping in and out of the pool. He was brown everywhere but where he was covered by his life jacket," she laughed.

Tyler started school at age five in Ector and didn’t learn to read when his class did. A Special Education student, he attended school in Bonham and made steady progress with his teacher, Cherie Winkels, at L.H. Rather. His progress slowed somewhat when Tyler moved to Bonham High School, probably due to the larger sized class. He made many friends and enjoyed the teachers who worked with him daily. He graduated from Ector High School in the same class with his younger brother in 2002. It was a very special day for the Brownfield family.

According to his family, Tyler’s greatest gains have come since Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma took him on as a client. "He has learned so much since he’s been working with Nancy (Sprague)," said his father, Bob. "We can’t say enough good things about her! Without Nancy, he’d still be in the dark ages," he added.

Tyler had three goals when they started working together in February 2001. His first goal was to get a learner’s permit, so he could drive a car, and that he has achieved. "He passed both parts on the same day," said Nancy. "Tyler doesn’t read, so to learn everything he needed to know, he memorized each road sign and its meaning. He has an excellent memory, and once he learns something, he retains it for future use. Tyler sees each sign as a picture," she added. "Once he understands what it is, he remembers it. His other two goals are to learn to read and to count money. We’re working on both of them. "Tyler has some wonderful learning skills. He remembers things I tell him and carries over learning methods he used to get his driving permit and applies them to his new goals. He can copy anything and remember anything in sequence. He also has a wonderful process of elimination. I can put numbers on the table, and Tyler will pick out all of the ones that he’s really certain of. That’s using the process of elimination. He also likes to try and pull a fast one on me! We laugh a lot," said Nancy.

"Tyler has wonderful abilities that make it easier for me as a trainer. Once I discovered what his interests were, I was able to find a way to teach him. I have transferred his driver’s training lessons to help him learn the alphabet. For example, the S-curve, to teach him the letter S and the Y intersection to teach him the letter Y. He is gradually learning the letters of the alphabet," she added.

The Brownfield’s have taken many family vacations and have visited Washington, D.C., Sea World, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Moody Gardens at Galveston. On their visit to the Smithsonian, Tyler asked his parents to read all the display labels and explain the items that he viewed. "Tyler has a very inquisitive mind and will ask a million questions when visiting places like these, and when he sees them on TV, he recognizes them," remarked his mother.

His current interests are video games, riding his four-wheeler, going to movies, word find books, fishing, swimming, going to church, and playing on the computer. "Though Tyler has yet to learn to read," said his father, "he can navigate through the computer pretty well and can find the programs he wants without any problem."

Tyler works two days a week at Majestic 6 Theater in Bonham helping clean the theater, and he takes great pride in keeping the entry way, floor-to-ceiling, and mirrors spotless. He also volunteers several days a month at Friends of Fannin County Critters. He loves animals and helps out by cleaning cages, feeding and walking the dogs. He personally has six cats that he feeds twice a day and puts them up at night to keep the coyotes from getting them. His younger brother was given a small dog for Valentine’s Day, and before the interview, the puppy started to cry in its pen. Tyler was worried about the puppy and held it during the interview, so it wouldn’t cry.

A well mannered, polite young man, Tyler assists at home with the laundry and other housekeeping chores such as vacuuming and dusting. He keeps his own room neat and clean with everything in a proper place. He also has decided to rid the family farm of under brush and using hand tools he has cleared quite a bit of fence line. He cuts the

grass with a push mower and uses a weed eater to help with the yard work. His father

said that Tyler is rough on the mower as he likes to take it apart, and he has not quite figured out how to put it back together.

Tyler has never met a stranger and a shopping trip to Bonham is a social event for him, as he knows so many people in and around Ector and Bonham. He attends Ector Baptist Church, and although he loves to sleep late, Tyler cheerfully gets out of bed each Sunday morning to attend.

March is Mental Retardation Awareness Month. MHMRST has many services available for persons with mental retardation. Services include: Home and Community Based Services, Intermediate Care Facilities, Continuity of Care (State Facilities), Eligibility, Service Coordination, Client Worker Program, Supported Employment Services, In Home and Family Support, Day Habilitation, Community Support Services, Transition Planning, and Respite. For more information on services, contact 903-337-4795.

Trenton Breakfast And Lunch Menu For April

April 1st: Breakfast- Ham/ Cheese Breakfast Bar Or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Chicken Nuggets, Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Fruited Jello, Milk

April 2nd: Breakfast- Frency Toast Sticks Or Pancake On Stick, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Hamburgers/ Trimmings, French Fires, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

April 5th: Breakfast- Cereal, Toast Or Breakfast Pizza, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Chili Dogs, Tator Tots, Pork & Beans, Peaches, Milk

April 6th: Breakfast- Biscuits/ Sausage, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Chicken Fried Steak, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Cake, Milk

April 7th: Breakfast- Yogurt Or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Pizza, Corn, Salad, Pudding, Milk

April 8th: Breakfast- Cereal Or Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Hamburgers/ Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

April 13th: Breakfast- Biscuits/ Sausage, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Chicken Nuggets, Creamed Potatoes, Green Peas, Jello, Milk

April 14th: Breakfast- Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwiches, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Ravioli, Salad, Mixed Vegetables, Pineapple, Milk

April 15th: Breakfast- French Toast Sticks Or Pancake On Stick, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Hamburgers/ Trimmings, Refried Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Milk

April 16th: Breakfast- Yogurt Or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Hamburgers/ Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

April 19th: Breakfast- Pancakes/ Syrup, Bacon, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Deli Sandwiches/ Trimmings, Potato Chips, Pork & Beans, Fruit, Milk

April 20th: Breakfast- Biscuits/ Sausage, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Baked Turkey/ Gravy, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans, Jello, Milk

April 21st: Breakfast- Cereal, Toast Or Breakfast Pizza, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Spaghetti/ Meat Sauce, Salad, Green Beans, Breadsticks, Applesauce, Milk

April 22nd: Breakfast- Ham/ Cheese Breakfast Bars Or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Burrito/ Chili, Or Cheese Sauce, Salad, Ranch Style Beans, Peaches, Milk

April 23rd: Breakfast- Yogurt Or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Hamburgers/ Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

April 26th: Breakfast- Cereal Or Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Hot Ham/ Cheese Or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Pea Salad, Potato Chips, Fruit, Milk

April 27th: Breakfast- Biscuits/ Sausage, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Chicken Nuggets, Macaroni & Cheese, Mixed Vegetables, Peach Cobbler, Milk

April 28th: Breakfast- French Toast Sticks Or Pancake On Stick, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Lasagna, Salad, Corn, Pudding, Milk

April 29th: Breakfast- Oatmeal, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Frito Chili Pie, Salad, Ranch Style Beans, Fruited Jello, Milk

April 30th: Breakfast-Yogurt Or Cereal, Toast, Juice, Milk

Lunch- Hamburgers/ Trimmings, French Fries, Frozen Fruit Bars, Milk

Transportation For Medicaid Clients New To TxDOT

Last year, nearly 132,000 Medicaid clients were served by the state’s Medical Transportation Program, which arranges and provides for transportation for Medicaid-eligible clients to and from health-care services allowable under Medicaid through contracts with local public transportation providers. Created in 1974, the Medical Transportation Program had been administered by the Texas Department of Human Services and then was moved to the Texas Department of Health in 1994 where it has since been.

During the last legislative session, with an approximate $10 billion budget shortfall at hand, the legislature put great emphasis on identifying duplication of services between state agencies and creating efficiencies where available. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the state agency that has regulatory authority over and the responsibility to provide public transportation systems in the state. In an effort to reduce overlapping services and create efficiencies, the $29.4 million Medical Transportation Program and its staff, which includes 169 positions, became part of TxDOT as of March 1.

Texans who rely on this program will see no interruption or change of service as a result of the transfer. To request non-emergency medical transportation services, users call the same toll-free number, 1-877-MED-TRIP (1-877-633-8747.) This number has not changed. Eligible recipients must have a current Medicaid identification card and must have no other means of transportation. Clients of the Children with Special Health Care Needs and the Transportation for Indigent Cancer Patients programs are also eligible for the service.

On another note, TxDOT is once again offering students an opportunity to work in the department’s engineering and maintenance fields through its Summer Employment Program. The program gives students a head start in establishing career credentials with on-the-job experience, while fostering their professional growth and development. The program is open to students age 17 and older enrolled in high schools, technical schools, colleges and universities.

Applications for the May 1 through August 31 summer enrollment period are currently being accepted. If a student you know is interested, a copy of the program requirements and application may be found online at ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/hrd/sumapp.pdf. For details on which districts, divisions and offices will have summer positions available, you can call the local TxDOT office at (903) 892-6529 or TxDOT’s Employment Center at (512) 416-2994.

Please feel free to contact me if I may be of assistance regarding any matter of state government. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.

Kiwanis Meeting

Representatives from the Red River Theatre Company presented a small except from their upcoming play "After a Fashion" for the members of the Bonham Kiwanis Club. Lisa Avila, Allison Cardile, Donna West, Judy Harrison and Misty Childs were present at the Tuesday, March 16, 2004 meeting. Please join the Kiwanis on Tuesdays at noon at the First Christian Church.

Incentives In Education Already Working

Recently, Governor Perry proposed using certain financial incentives for teachers in our public schools as a way of improving the quality of instruction for our children. This proposal was met with much praise and no small amount of criticism.

While I have many of my own ideas regarding incentives, I applaud the Governor for putting the issue on the table. Also, I fail to understand the criticism of using this approach.

Incentives need to be a significant part of the public school educational program, just as they are at home and in the workplace. Why not education? In fact, there are incentive programs in Texas related to college advance placement which show, without a doubt, that incentives work.

Two of our most successful education programs in Texas are Advance Placement incentive programs. Advanced Placement consists of college-level courses taught in high school. The College Board in New York sponsors the program and provides outstanding training for AP teachers. Students who pass AP exams earn college credit in over 2900 U.S. colleges and universities.

One of the incentive programs in managed by AP Strategies, a non-profit organization that relies on private donors to fund incentives for teachers and students in their communities. AP and Pre-AP teachers, grades 6-12, receive stipends for training, they generally receive $1000 salary stipends and $100 bonus for each AP exam score of three or over. In low-performing schools, teachers’ stipends are $2000, with exam bonuses of up to $500 per student. Students receive $100 to $300 for each passing AP exam score. Half of the $80 exam fee is paid for all students and the full fee is paid for passing scores.

The other successful program is the Texas Advanced Placement Incentive Program, funded by the Texas Legislature to reward students, teachers and campuses for performance on AP exams. Under this program, AP and Pre-AP teachers in grades 9 to 12 receive $450 to attend the College Board week-long summer institutes for content training in their discipline. The state pays $30 toward the cost of all exams and $45 in exam fees for needy students. Schools receive a reward of $95 for each student who passes at least one AP exam. These funds may reward AP teachers or be used to strengthen the AP program in that school.

Both programs are voluntary and open to all students. Both focus on improving the teachers’ knowledge of content. The programs link financial incentives to the high standards and measurable results of AP. While incentives are structured differently in each program, the results are the same: improved student performance.

AP Strategies manages incentive programs in 66 high schools in Texas with impressive results:

· In Dallas ISD the pass rate of minority students in AP math, science and english exams is over three times the U.S. average. In just one Dallas School, the School of Science and Engineering, in each of the last two years more African-American and Hispanic students have passed AP calculus than in any other high school in the nation, public or private.

· In the Tyler high schools, students achieved a 96% increase in two years in AP passing scores in college-level math, science and English. In John Tyler High School, with its predominant African-American enrollment, the increase was 136% during the same period.

· In Amarillo, in three years, the number of passing scores in all AP subjects increased 191%.

· And in all AP Strategies schools, passing scores for women are up significantly on AP math and science exams.

Under the state-funded AP incentive program, all Texas students have an opportunity to reap these same benefits and increasing numbers are benefiting each year.

· Seventy-one percent of Texas public high schools offer AP courses, compared to only 66% nationally.

· Since 1997 the number of AP exams taken by Texas students has grown 173%.

· Passing scores have increased dramatically from 33,000 to 77,000 during the same period.

The data from these two programs clearly documents that incentives work. They work for all types of students, regardless of geography, gender, ethnicity or socio-economic status. Incentives work in all types of schools, in all disciplines.

Incentives for teachers work. The more highly-trained the teacher, the higher their students pass rate on AP exams. Incentives for teachers work in other ways. They attract outstanding teachers to under-performing schools and hard-to-teach subjects.

With the right combination of incentives to reward teachers and students for performance, Texas is beginning to fulfill the promise of all students graduating from high school prepared to enter college and earn a degree. This will also serve students who do not attend college and begin their career out of high school. If the schools in your community are not training outstanding AP teachers and rewarding them for results, you may want to ask why.

Fairview Nursing And Rehab Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Fairview nursing and rehab celebrated St. Patrick's day with Irish music playing all day and games played such as The Irish potato toss, the clover stomp and leprechaun leprechaun where’s your gold. After playing games the residents enjoyed cupcakes and punch. Pictured above is residents Joyce Cloud and Wilma Evanko. A great time was had by all.

Bonham Fire Department Fights Arson Fire In South Bonham Arrest Made

The Bonham Fire Department answered the call for a structure fire in South Bonham on March 7, 2004 at approximately 1946 hrs. Bonham Police units arriving on scene first reported the rear of the house was fully involved with fire. Firefighters fought the blaze and controlled the fire within 47 minutes of arrival using hand attack lines and master water stream appliances. Firefighting was hindered by the dilapidated condition of the condemned house. The ceiling and roof had partially collapsed prior to the arrival of the fire department, creating voids where the fire continued to burn until a safe attack could be made. Two engines, two medical units and two support vehicles were used at the scene.

The fire was determined to be suspicious in nature. Bonham Fire Marshal Bruce Caylor and Bonham Police Department Detective Terry Bee investigated the fire and a suspect was arrested that night. At approximately 0200 hours that night, the suspect was arrested just north of Bonham. Witness statements identified the suspect as being at the home just prior to the fire and he was seen throwing belongings into the front yard. Witnesses also reported that the suspect had been occupying the house and had turned the water on himself without permission of the City. He was arrested and later transferred to the County Jail.

On February 28, the Four Corners 4H Club held our quarterly Trash-Off for our section of adopted highway. Thirty-three dedicated club members picked up trash on Hwy. 273, from the intersection of Hwy. 78 to just south of the lake bridges.

After 2 ½ hours, our club had picked up over 40 bags of trash, and left a clean section of highway behind us. We are thankful for the support of the drivers who honked, waved or slowed down, letting us know that we are making a difference, and are appreciated.

Our next Trash-Off will take place on April 3^rd for the National Trash-Off weekend.

Paris, TX- More than 1,300 groups are expected to participate on April 3 in the Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off, one of the nation’s largest single-day cleanups.

Last year alone, 1 million pounds of trash was picked up by more than 70,000 Adopt-a-Highway and Keep Texas Beautiful volunteers all across Texas, making it one of the most successful years in Trash-Off history.

"The annual Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off brings people across the state together to clean up our roadsides and take pride in Texas," says Stacy Short of Texas Department of Transportation.

From the Paris District, which includes Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rains, and Red River Counties, more than 1456 volunteers from 207 groups collected 3095 bags of litter at the 2003 event. "The large number of volunteers who turned out for the event shows that citizens are genuinely concerned with beautifying the state and the Paris District" says Ms. Short.

"Since we started counting in 1994, volunteers have picked up more than 14 million tons of trash on Texas highways," reports Doris Howdeshell, Director of the Travel Division for the Texas Department of Transportation, the organization that runs the state litter prevention campaign. "This equals 1,417 pounds for every man, woman and child in Texas."

Kyle Frazier, President of Keep Texas Beautiful, the grassroots arm of Don’t Mess with Texas, agrees. "In order to bring together the volunteers who will take to the highways during this year’s roadside collection, every organization in every community plays a vital role. The goal is to heighten the visibility of the event to make this year the biggest and best yet."

For more information or to find out how to participate, visit www.dontmesswithtexas.org or contact Stacy Short at (903)737-9352.

...It is a partnership between Fannin County, the BEDCO Board, the Multi-Purpose Complex Board and the City of Bonham to have a facility that you can be proud of. The Heritage District has moved forward with their new board that was appointed by the current Bonham City Council. It shows all around the downtown Bonham area and also is something you can be proud of. Up until now $3,000,000.00 (3 million dollars) has been spent on this project. This has come from the $ .005 (1/2 cent) sales tax for Bonham.

The multi-purpose complex is something that could be great for the entire county and everyone could use and be proud of. It’s an investment into the future of Fannin County - 176 acres beautiful acres west of Bonham on Highway 56. The question you have to ask yourself is - Why do a few people object to this project? Everyone who shops in Bonham pays this 1/2 cent sales tax, so shouldn’t it be beneficial to those paying the taxes? This could be a way of saying "thank you" for shopping Bonham and for helping the Heritage District become a reality for the future. Why are there some people in Bonham who want the multi-purpose complex to fail? This facility is not a "horse barn", as stated at one of the Bonham City Council meetings, but a multi-purpose facility that can be used for years and years to come.

It is time that you, the people who are paying this 1/2 cent sales tax, to get involved. Keep up with the names of those people who are against this project and ask yourself - Why?