Northeast Medical Center Adds Latest Ultrasound Imaging Technology

Expanded diagnostic imaging capabilities to improve patient care.

Bonham, Texas, August 23, 2004, announced today that it has purchased the newest advance in ultrasound imaging technology, LOGIQ 7, from GE Medical Systems. Northeast Medical Center is one of the first facilities in the country to utilize the new LOGIQ products from GE Medical.

The LOGIQ 7 represents an exciting new advance in ultrasound imaging technology because it features TruScan Architecture, which is a software-intensive platform creates a flexible imaging environment that is easy to upgrade," said LuAnn Epperson, Director of Imaging Services. "The first thing I noticed about the new LOGIQ 7 is the user-friendly design. Then, after using the system for a day, I appreciated that GE developed a system that is also easy to use. GE did a great job of combining superb image quality with a user-friendly, ergonomic design to simplify the scanning process. All of these design features translate into better and more efficient ultrasound exams for our patients." – Lance Jaresh, Ultrasound Imaging Technologist.

Patients of Northeast Medical Center will notice three significant improvements with the new LOGIQ products.

First, the LOGIQ 7 expands the use of ultrasound for clinical applications. "We intend to use the new LOGIQ technology for cardiac, OB/GYN, and vascular imaging as well as multiple organ biopsy, said Libby Williams, RN, BSN, CAPA, Chief Nursing Officer.

Second, patients will also notice the expanded 3D imaging capabilities, which is one of the latest advances in ultrasound imaging. "We’re especially excited about the 3D imaging capabilities of the LOGIQ 7," said LuAnn Epperson. "Ultrasound 3D imaging is typically difficult and very time consuming. The new LOGIQ products have simplified the 3D process so it will be a great asset for our patients."

Finally, patients will most likely see a reduction in the call backs, or times that patients have to come back for a rescan. The new LOGIQ products feature SmartScan productivity tools, which allow physicians to apply live scanning techniques to stored images. This is available only from GE Medical on the LOGIQ products.

The LOGIQ 7 system has advanced technological capabilities comparable to those found in metropolitan facilities, such as hospitals located in the Dallas Metroplex.

Women’s Health Research

The following link contains a free women’s health news service article that is provided as a courtesy from the Society for Women’s Health Research, a non-profit advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. You are welcome to use this article or any of our past archived articles free of charge in your publication. All we ask is that you properly attribute the article to the bylined author and the Society for Women’s Health Research.

This week’s news service article, "Hearing Loss: A Different Experience for Women and Men," is available at http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/press/newsservice/081904.htm

The biweekly Women’s Health Research News Service covers the latest findings in research on sex differences between women and men that affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, as well as health issues unique to women.

Published every other Thursday, all articles are available for your use at http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/press/newsservice.htm.

You are subscribed to the News Service Listserve.

To add or remove a subscriber, please contact Amy Hoskins at amy@womenshealthresearch.org or call 202.496.5015 with any questions.

The Society for Women’s Health Research is the nation’s only not-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the Society brought to national attention the need for the appropriate inclusion of women in major medical research studies and the need for more information about conditions affecting women disproportionately, predominately, or differently than men. The Society advocates increased funding for research on women’s health; encourages the study of sex differences that may affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease; promotes the inclusion of women in medical research studies; and informs women, providers, policy makers and media about contemporary women’s health issues. Visit the Society’s Web site at www.womenshealthresearch.org for more information.

Hot Texas Housing Market Squeezes Homebuyers

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas homes have become noticeably less affordable. The estimated monthly payment (including escrow for taxes and insurance) needed to buy a median-priced home jumped by more than 9 percent during the12 months ending in June.

Dr. Jack C. Harris, research economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, says the culprit was a combination of rising prices and interest rates.

Harris tracks Texas housing affordability quarterly with the Texas Housing Affordability Index (THAI).

The index was .99 for second quarter 2004, the lowest it has been since the Center starting tracking affordability in 1989. It is also the first time the index dropped below 1, the level at which the median household income is adequate to qualify to buy the median-priced home. The .99 means the median income in Texas is 1 percent below this standard.

Over the past year, the median price of a Texas home rose nearly 3 percent to $132,300.

"While 3 percent does not seem like a big increase, it looms larger when compared to the 1 percent rise in median income," Harris says.

Also affecting affordability were mortgage interest rates, which stopped their downward slide and posted an increase of almost one-half percentage point during the year.

Increased housing prices, higher interest rates and larger escrow payments mean that the monthly payments required on a median-priced home are considerably more.

"Those who plan to make small down payments on their homes will find it harder to afford a home as the effect of the interest rate increase is magnified," Harris says.

"First-time homebuyers are affected the most by rising prices and rates," Harris says. The First-time Homebuyer’s Affordability Index (FTHAI) was 0.86 in the second quarter, down from 0.93 one year ago. The index indicates that the median income of a renting household in Texas is 14 percent short of the amount needed to buy the median-priced starter home, based on financing with a loan covering 95 percent of value. This was also a record low.

Overall, housing in Texas is slightly less affordable than in the nation as whole, Harris notes. The U.S. index was 1.04 for the quarter.

Harris says housing has been slightly less affordable in Texas for some time. That is because the index takes into account property taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage interest. While housing might be less expensive in Texas, incomes are lower, interest rates paid on mortgages are higher, and escrow payments for taxes and insurance are considerably higher than in other areas of the country.

"Texans are less likely to use adjustable rate mortgages. Although risky, these lower-rate, short-term mortgages are more popular in other parts of the United States," Harris says.

The THAI tracks the relationship between housing costs and incomes in most metropolitan and a few nonmetropolitan areas of Texas. Prices are based on current sales closed through the state’s multiple listing services. Financing is assumed at the currently available interest rate on 30-year mortgage loans covering 80 percent of the home’s value.

For more information on affordability in various Texas cities, see http://recenter.tamu.edu/data/dataaffd.html.

The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University has been providing solutions through research for more than 30 years. Funded primarily by Texas real estate licensee fees, the Center was created by the state legislature to meet the needs of many audiences, including the real estate industry, instructors, researchers and the general public.

Golden Gospel Jubilee

The annual Golden Gospel Jubilee will be back in session this Friday night, Sept. 3 at 7:30 pm. It will be presented at the Lake Bonham Hoe-Down recreation area, east of the spillway on CR2610, Bonham, TX. The show will feature some of the very best of Bluegrass, Country, and ole time gospel music. It will be hosted by Joan Kelton and the talented Bluegrass Gospeleers featuring: Randy Keister, Don Sharp, Glen Clark, Mike Stroud, Jack Marshall, Gary Monroe, and Bluegrass radio personality, Bill Ogden, from Commerce, TX plus drop-in guest. Scheduled special guest group will be "The Band of Faith" featuring Banjo picker Dave Allen from Whitesboro, TX. "Band of Faith" is no stranger to our gospel stage. They are always back by popular request and they are known for their unique and original style. They’ve become quite popular here at the Hoedown, and we are always glad to welcome them back! Everyone is invited and welcome to an evening of fun and inspiration. Ya’ll come out and get to know us. We think you’ll be glad you did. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and most appreciated. Thanks to all for your support. God bless you. For information call 903-583-4731 or 903-583-5710.

State Introduces Point of Sale Sticker Printing

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is now introducing Point of Sale Sticker Printing (POSSP) and a new design of vehicle registration stickers. The new registration stickers feature several improvements to deter sticker theft and streamline the state’s inventory control.

The new process was piloted in Caldwell and Bastrop Counties and will be implemented in 185 counties across the state beginning August 25. This initial phase involves counties that do not process transactions through subcontractor stations (e.g. grocery stores) or automobile dealerships. These latter types of transactions will be piloted in McLennan, Williamson, Angelina, and Harris Counties over the next few months, with full state implementation expected to be completed by early 2005.

Registration stickers will now be printed at the point of sale. Information specific to the registered vehicle will be printed directly on the sticker, which will help the deter theft. TxDOT switched from license plate stickers to windshield stickers for most passenger vehicles about a decade ago to cut down on theft, and the new method will enhance these efforts. (Plate stickers are still used for motorcycles, trailers, and some other types of vehicles.) Each sticker will show the last eight digits of the vehicle identification number, the license plate number, county of registration, and registration month and year.

Because each windshield and plate sticker is vehicle-specific, it is important for customers who own more than one vehicle to be sure they apply the sticker to the correct vehicle. Also, customers should carefully follow instructions for peeling and applying the sticker. The new windshield sticker must be peeled from the back of the form; otherwise, it could be damaged and a replacement sticker would be necessary. Plate stickers should be peeled from the front of the form.

When the POSSP method is completely implemented, the new type of sticker will be issued for all registration renewals, including in-person, mail-in, and Internet transactions. POSSP prints the sticker on the customer’s receipt, so stapling stickers and maintaining manual sticker books will no longer be necessary. This also eliminates the manufacturing and storage of 400,000 pre-printed sticker books annually for the current system.

In the past, yearly windshield stickers were printed in mass quantities based on projections of annual vehicle registrations. POSSP will eliminate the waste of excess stickers resulting from this process each year. As each sticker is printed "on demand" for a specific vehicle rather than pre-printed and later assigned to a vehicle, any internal accounting of the blank forms used for the POSSP is now optional rather than required. Registration transactions will be tracked through the state’s automated Registration and Title System in much the same way as the previous method.

"This new method is a significant improvement in Texas registration processes," said Jerry Dike, director of TxDOT’s Vehicle Titles and Registration Division. "It also offers greater protection for vehicle owners by making the stickers worthless if they’re stolen."

Clarence Mulford Meets Hopalong Cassidy

In his mind. On September 4, 1904, Clarence Mulford, a city born and bred New Englander, introduced to the world the fictional character of Hopalong Cassidy, and with meticulous detail, the dusty western town and people of Lone Pine, the landscape of the western desert and mountains, and the lifestyle of the western pioneers without ever having lived or traveled farther west than New York City.

Mulford’s fictional character became the epitome of the heroic protector of the weak and oppressed, guardian of the peace, champion of fair play, clean living and family values. A stately symbol of gallantry astride his striking white Arabian stallion, Topper, Hopalong dressed in all black, a big iron strapped on each hip for his lightening fast draws and deadly aim. Riding with Hopalong Cassidy meant that good always triumphed over evil and the good guys wore white hats and always won. In the early years of the 1900s, the public needed such heroes and the hope of justice and happy endings.

The hero of twenty-eight novels by Mulford, Hopalong Cassidy went on to worldwide fame in sixty-six motion pictures, a fifty-two half-hour television series, long-standing radio story shows and western comic books that are only sometimes second in collector value to those of Gene Autry. His popularity spawned hundreds of collector artifacts, over 2400 licensed merchandising items, a museum, a theme park and a fascination that draws thousands to film viewings and festivals throughout the country each year.

Red River Theatre Company has been invited by internationally noted Texas artist William Easley of Trilogy Studios near Bonham and his wife, Reah, to produce the world premiere of their original stage play based on the legendary character of Hopalong Cassidy. While Reah wrote the story for the play, Easley wrote the musical enhancements and original songs for it. First written as a radio and film script and presented as a reading in Paris last year, RRTC Director Julie Eubank has adapted the story for the Red River Theatre stage.

Hopalong Cassidy Meets the Ghost Rider will be auditioned on Monday, Aug. 30 and Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 7-10:00 PM at the old Windom school on 1^st Street in Windom. Following rehearsals throughout September and October, performances of the play on the last two weekends in October will be the grand opening production for RRTC in its refurbished and renovated performing arts theatre facility on the second floor.

Caption, photo attached: William Easley, author and re-creator of Hopalong Cassidy

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Urges Seniors to Sign up for Discount Cards

WHO: Linda Penn, Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Ms. Penn is Secretary Tommy Thompson’s representative for the five-state region representing Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

WHAT: HHS Visits Denison Senior Center, Denison and Sherman Senior Center, Sherman. Regional Director Linda Penn will meet with staff and facility attendees of the senior centers to discuss the Medicare-approved drug discount cards and answer questions. Notice: These are two separate events next week.

The Medicare Modernization Act was enacted and the Medicare-approved drug card program has been implemented, which provides seniors with real savings on drug costs for the first time through the Medicare program.

The power to save on prescription drugs is now in hands of seniors and people with disabilities. All medicare beneficiaries, except those who have outpatient drug coverage through Medicaid, are eligible to enroll in a Medicare-approved drug discount card program. The most important step people with Medicare can take to get clear, accurate information is to call 1-800-MEDICARE or to visit www.medicare.gov.

WHERE & WHEN: Denison Senior Center, 531 W. Chestnut, Denison, Texas. Tuesday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE & WHEN: Sherman Senior Center, 1500 N. Broughton, Sherman, Texas. Friday, September 3 at 10:30 a.m.

WHY: To discuss the Medicare-approved drug discount card program and answer questions.

HOW: Press are invited to attend the presentation. Linda Penn will be available to answer questions.

Thanks From Bois D’Arc Chapter of NWTF

Eddie Hines, Tom Palmer, Kenneth Karl, Alton Young, Travis Box, Rance & Dana Miller, Dan & Jo Scott, Roe Minge, Joe Worley, Jerry Robinson, Joel Shepherd, Mark Hudson, Scott Clayton, Tommy & Mary Thomas, Pat Belinoski, Mike Bardwell

Bonham Quik Lube, Genetic Seed

Bonham Chrysler, Joe Hafertepe, Sandra Palmer, Sanderson Survey, Inc. Jim Thomas Frame Body Glass USDA Forest Service, Riverby Outfitters, Drake Construction, Jerry Robinson, LoJo Ranch, Norman Terry

American Bank of Texas, Big Country Farm Center, Brown Insurance, Colton Transportation, Dollar Saver Shopper, Drake Construction, Fannin Bank, Grayson Motors, Joe Hafertepe, Harley’s Jump Start Leathers, Janie B. Transportation, Jim Thomas Frame Body Glass, Larry Dyson Motors, Legacy Ridge Auto Sales, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Reese Equipment, Riverby Outfitters, RNP Auto Sales, Robert E. Wright, Voluntary Purchasing Group, Whitten Trailers Inc. , Sanderson Surveying, Inc.

Riverby Outfitters, Auto Zone of Bonham, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Fannin Federal Credit Union, Hope Chest Collectibles, LoJo Ranch/Fanninland, Minge Taxidermy, Orscheln Farm & Home, Sandra Palmer, Norman Terry, J.W. Thrasher

TMC Diabetes Community Forum: Caring for your Eyes

Eye disease can be one of the most serious complications of diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness in people between the ages of 20 and 74, and persons with diabetes are also at risk for early onset of cataracts. However, prompt eye treatment and adequate diabetes control can greatly improve the outcome for these problems. Ophthalmologist Chris Knobbe, M.D., will present, "Diabetes and Caring for Your Eyes" at the next Diabetes Community Forum at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31st, in the Texoma Medical Center Dining Room. His discussion will include prevention, early detection and treatment options for eye diseases. Representatives from diabetic supply companies will also be on hand with samples.

The Diabetes Community Forum is designed to help deal with diabetes-related issues and to give support to those with diabetes from others dealing with the same concerns. Meetings are open to the public and families are welcome to attend.

The Forum is a free presentation of the TMC Diabetes LifeCenter. Because space is limited, reservations are requested. Texoma Medical Center is located at 1000 Memorial Drive, Denison. For more information or to schedule a reservation, call the TMC Diabetes LifeCenter at (903) 416-4112.

Alexis Anderson Performs in "Search for Stars"

Alexis Anderson is seven years old, from Randolph. She performed in the Semi Finals of "Search for Stars" August 14, 2004. Alexis danced to Sk8ter Boy at 1:55 - 7:30 and she made the top 25 and placed 3rd for people’s choice award. She raised $530 for the Rehabilitation Center. She would like to thank Bonham Chrysler, Clayton Homes, Bonham Floral Green House, A.E’s Flower Shop, State Farm Bob Eaton, T.E.T.D, Car Division Wallace Crop Insurance, family, friends for being there for her.

Texoma Area Red Cross Granted

Two National Preparedness & Response Corps Slots

The Texoma Area Chapter of The American Red Cross has been approved as a host site for two members of the American Red Cross AmeriCorps*National Preparedness & Response Corps (NPRC) America and is currently taking applications for these positions.

"This program is a wonderful opportunity for young people to serve their country in a meaningful way and earn volunteer credits, as well as an educational award," Sharon Watson, Texoma Red Cross executive director said. "We are honored that our chapter is included in the program."

While the program is non-salaried, members receive an education award of $2,362.50 upon successful completion of 900 hours of service.

The NPRC is the foremost young adult disaster response corps in the nation, assisting victims of local (e.g. single family fires) and national (e.g. hurricanes) disasters with American Red Cross emergency aid. Members also provide Red Cross disaster preparedness and health/safety (CPR, first aid) education to local communities. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 27 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a criminal background check. Candidates for the assignment must have at least one year of volunteer experience, be available part- time for an average of 20 hours/week and be interested in teaching and training.

The 2004-2005 NPRC program begins September 13, 2004 and ends June 17, 2005. Applications may be obtained from the American Red Cross, Texoma Area Chapter, 2527 Highway 691, Denison, TX 75020.

Windom Ice Cream Gathering

It was right out of a Norman Rockwell in Windom last Saturday evening. Men played "washers" while others tossed horseshoes, kids played on slides, see-saws and whirl-arounds, ladies with ice cream freezers dipped up huge servings of mouth-watering ice creams from old family recipes with a dozen flavors and fresh fruit. Local singers manned the microphone with old and new gospel and popular songs, and an ice cream bucket circulated among the more than 200 gatherers for much appreciated donations. Election candidates shook hands and passed out cards, old friends greeted each other with hugs.

The markee on Hwy. 56 hailed a hearty welcome from the good people of Windom to the Red River Theatre Company. At the invitation of the Windom School Memorial Foundation, the 3-year old nonprofit community theatre is already underway with its upgrade construction project on the stage and auditorium of the historic old Windom school. An Old Windom School Building Fund account has been established at Fannin Bank in Windom to accept donations toward the ambitious project to expand the stage, reposition the seats, install year-round heating and cooling, and handicap access to the second floor performing arts facility.

Members of the Board of Directors and its staff were deeply moved by the outpouring of enthusiasm for their plans for its new performing arts cultural center at the old Windom school, and by the warm welcome by people who came to meet them and enjoy the ice cream social. Red River Theatre Company is especially grateful to the ladies who brought their ice cream for the occasion, and to the members of the Windom School Memorial Foundation for its generous gift of their treasured old school for its production operations.

Red River Theatre’s inaugural production is scheduled for the last two weekends in October with the world premier performance of an original classic old western play, Hopalong Cassidy Meets the Ghost Riders by William and Reah Easley, adapted for the stage by RRTC director Julie Eubank. Auditions for the play will be Aug. 30 and 31 from 7-10PM at the old Windom school.

Fiesta Grande Press Release

Greenville, Texas

In celebration of the independence of Mexico, business leaders in Hunt County, Texas have committed the weekend of September 10^th, 11^th and 12^th, 2004 to a cultural event for Hispanic residents of North Texas. Fiesta Grande will be held at the Hunt County Fairgrounds in Greenville. The family oriented celebration will be filled all weekend long with activities for everyone from eight to eighty.

On Friday the 10^th the celebration will begin with mounted Excaramuzas dressed in traditional customary attire performing an exhibition/presentation of a precision drill team. On Saturday and Sunday not only will attendees be able to enjoy the Excaramuzas but they will also be treated to Charros showing off their skills in a Charreada (Mexican Rodeo).

Entertainment for this first annual Fiesta Grande will leave little to be desired.

Friday night is scheduled with some great musicians. "Grupo La Libertad" will perform at 6PM and they will be followed by "Son-Ora Cafetal". Son-Ora Cafetal hails from Mexico and will provide a first class musical venue. Saturday nights headliner will be "Kings One" who are more commonly know as "K-1". Kings One was recently formed by former members of the Group "The Kumbia Kings" which was formed by "Selenas" father after her untimely death. "Kings One" earlier this year released their first album and it has been extremely well received by fans of Tejano style music. "Kings One" currently enjoys a top position on the charts of Radio and Records magazine with their hit "Tu" (Radio & Records is the world leader in the industry for charting record sales. Sunday’s patrons at Fiesta Grande will also be pleased with the line-up of Talent. The Headline act for the final evening will be the incredible "Mauricio Carrera" and his Flamenco Dancers and Show. During Fiesta Grande, other great talented bands will be on stage for everyones entertainment such as Grupo Heroes and Estile Tejano. As of now, we have also scheduled the "Salsa Passion Dancers", "Ballet Folklorico", "Expresiones Argentinas" and "Father Vito". Even more acts will be added to our schedule so please watch for additions.

In addition to the Excaramuzas, a Charreada and great entertainment, Crabtree

Amusements will be on hand with a Carnival for the children to enjoy and there will be plenty of vendors who cater to the Hispanic community showing off their wares as well as numerous Mexican and American food choices to enjoy.

For more information or vendor space contact event coordinator Sandra Salley at 214-543-6470

Railroad Commission of Texas

Capitol Watch

State Representative Larry Phillips

During the mid-1800’s, Texas encouraged railroads to come to the state. While Texas was rich in potential, the population was not sufficient to support a market for railroads. The state had a long-standing policy of trying to attract settlers from the eastern United States and Europe. Leaders of the time believed they could draw settlers here if there was a developed infrastructure of railroads in the state.

Railroad development was, and still is, a highly capital-intensive and expensive business. Without an established market to attract railroads in Texas, the state began to grant railroad companies land in 1852. Companies were granted 8 sections of 640 acres each for every mile of completed road. Within two years, that was upped to 16 sections per mile completed. This land could then be sold by the railroad companies to settlers to pay their costs of building the railroads. These companies recruited heavily to bring in settlers to whom they could sell land from their grant sections.

The railroads had great power in setting rates since they were basically the only developed transportation mode. Dirt roads made for wagons were mostly short and quite rough. As a result, many of the railroads took advantage of this with unfair and discriminatory rates and tariffs. Popular resentment of these practices caused the people of Texas to call for the regulation of railroads. Governor James Hogg won his election in 1890 largely based on his promise to regulate the industry.

The Railroad Commission of Texas was established in 1891 under a constitutional and legislative mandate to prevent discrimination in railroad charges and establish reasonable tariffs. It is the oldest regulatory agency in the state and one of the oldest of its kind in the nation.

Over the years, the Commission’s jurisdiction grew to encompass many activities: oil and gas production and transportation (1919), gas utilities (1920), buses and trucks (1931), liquefied petroleum gas (1939), surface mining and reclamation (1976), and alternate fuels research (1991.) Today, the real power of the Railroad Commission is not related to the railroad industry, but in its authority over the oil and gas industry.

Through its Oil and Gas Division, the commission regulates the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and natural gas in Texas. Its statutory role is to prevent waste of the state’s natural resources, to protect the correlative rights of different interest owners, to prevent pollution, and to provide safety in matters such as hydrogen sulfide. These roles are fulfilled through such regulatory actions as permitting for well drilling, testing of wells, and abandoned well plugging.

The Railroad Commission is governed by three commissioners elected at-large by the citizens of Texas. Railroad Commissioners are elected to six-year staggered terms with one Commissioner seeking election every two years. Our current commissioners are: Victor Carrillo, Charles Matthews and Michael Williams. You can find more information on the Commission and its jurisdiction on its website at www.rrc.state.tx.us.

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.

Rialto Theatre Upcoming Events

One of America’s top Elvis tribute artist "Jesse Aron" will be performing 3 different eras of The King of Rock n Roll. Aron is an International & National winner of many Elvis Impersonator contests. He is known worldwide as "The Voice of Elvis".

Special guest Wayne King will be on hand as Dion, Roy Orbison & Jerry Lee Lewis. The sensational Kristy Casey will host the event as Marilyn Monroe and perform a set as Patsy Cline.

The Voice of Elvis & Legends Tour will be at the Historic Rialto Theatre, in Denison on September 17th @ 7:00 p.m.

Be sure to listen to Jesse at www.jessearon.com Hearing is believing! For more info call 281-924-7668.

For reservations call 903-463-1690.

ADULT ART CLASSES

Taught by Diane Walton Reitz

Drawing Skills, Experimentation, Watercolor, Oil Pastel Techniques, Finishing Touches!

Four Weeks of Instruction

Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13 & 29

Creative "outside the box" ways of drawing your favorite subjects. Use traditional drawing tools along with exploring new materials & their different uses. Experimentation in new and different mediums & perfecting of finished work of art. Supply list at the Creative Arts Center.

Cost $135.00 -- $25 deposit due 6 pm Sept. 15^th -- Remaining balance due no later than 1pm, Sat., Oct. 30^th!

FUN WITH WATERCOLORS UNDER PASTELS

Watercolors used in a fun, relaxed manner to achieve an under drawing of the subject matter- includes understanding of watercolor paper prep., & starting pastel painting on top of w/c underpainting. Under colors will be started with totality of the work to be completed in February class (see below). Will do many works, experimentations in prep. for final work of art. Supply list at CAC.

Cost $135.000 -- $25 deposit due 6 pm Dec. 15^th -- Remaining balance due no later than 6 pm. Thurs., Dec. 30th!

Style Show & Luncheon

Saturday, September 18 ~ 1:00 p.m. ~ Purple Sage Bistro

318 North Main Street, Bonham, Texas

Coffee, Dessert & Fine Art Exhibit immediately following at the Creative Arts Center 200 West Fifth Street ~ Bonham, Texas

Presenting the latest fashions from Casual Corner Group, modeled by Bonham ladies. See what’s new for YOU from Casual Corner’s size-specialty stores!

Proceeds to benefit the Creative Arts Center. The Creative Arts Center is a project of the Fannin Community Foundation, Inc.

Plated Luncheon, Fashion Show & Commentary. Ladies’ Hat Contest…Three awards presented for the Best Hat Creations.

$25.00 per person. Advance ticket sales at the Creative Arts Center and Family Life Center. (Possible Ticket sales at door, but not guaranteed. Seating is limited!) After-hour ticket needs, call Sally Eskue: 903-583-8454.

Luncheon by Melissa Nelson, Purple Sage Bistro; Commentary by Jenniffer Self; Florals by: Bonham Floral, A.E.’s Flower Shop and Lane’s Flowers, Etc., all of Bonham, Texas; Hair styling by: Kim Hope - Barbara Hope Esthetics, and Hairstylists of Headliners, all of Bonham, Texas; Make-up by: Kim Hope - Barbara Hope Esthetics of Bonham, Texas, and Kathy Donough, Natalie Hayes & Shanna Phillips –

Fabulous Faces Makeup Artists, of Frisco, Texas.

Our very special thanks to: Bob & Kathy Self; Casual Corner Group; Sally Eskue

Glaser Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program

From August 30 – October 15, 2004 the Glaser Family Charitable Foundation will accept scholarship applications for the Spring 2005 semester. Scholarship applications and more information are available through the foundation’s website www.gfcf.org. Students can also call (903) 961-3201, or write requesting an application to: Glaser Family Charitable Foundation, PO Box 415, Ector, TX 75439.

Point of Sale Sticker Printing Introduced in FANNIN County

Point of Sale Sticker Printing (POSSP) and a new vehicle registration sticker design are being introduced in FANNIN County. The new registration stickers feature several improvements to deter ‘Sticker misuse and eliminate the need for state inventory control.

The new process was piloted in Caldwell and Bastrop Counties and will be implemented in 185 counties across the state beginning August 25. This initial phase involves counties that do not process transactions through subcontractor stations (e.g. grocery stores) or automobile dealerships. These latter types of transactions will be piloted in McLennan, Williamson, Angelina and Harris Counties over the next few months, with full statewide implementation expected to be completed by early 2005.

Registration stickers will now be printed at the point of sale. Information specific to the registered vehicle will be printed directly on the sticker, which will help deter theft. TxDOT switched from license plate stickers to windshield stickers for most passenger vehicles about a decade ago to cut down on theft, and the new method will enhance these efforts. (Plate stickers are still used for motorcycles, trailers and some other types of vehicles.) Each sticker will show the last eight digits of the vehicle identification number, the license plate number, county of registration, and registration month and year.

Because each windshield and plate sticker is vehicle-specific, it is important for customers who own more than one vehicle to be sure they apply the sticker to the correct one.

Also, customer’s should carefully follow instructions for peeling and applying the sticker. The new windshield sticker must be peeled from the back of the form; otherwise, it could be damaged and a replacement sticker would be necessary. Plate stickers should be peeled from the front of the form.

When the POSSP method is completely implemented, the new type of sticker will be issued for all registration renewals, including in-person, mail-in and Internet transactions. POSSP prints the sticker on the customer’s receipt, so stapling stickers and maintaining manual sticker books will no longer be necessary. This also eliminates the manufacturing and storage of 400,000 pre-printed sticker books annually for the current system.

In the past, yearly windshield stickers were printed in mass quantities based on projections of annual vehicle registrations. POSSP will eliminate the waste of excess stickers resulting from this process each year. As each sticker is printed "on demand", for a specific vehicle rather than pre printed and later assigned to a vehicle, any internal accounting of the blank forms used for the POSSP is now optional rather than required. Registration transactions will be tracked through the state’s automated Registration and Title System in much the same way as the previous method.

"This new method is a significant improvement in our processes," said ‘PAM SWEET RICHARDSON TAX ASSESSOR - COLLECTOR. It offers greater protection for vehicle owners by making the stickers worthless if they’re stolen. We also expect to improve our customer service efficiency. Because POSSP prints the sticker on the customer’s receipt, county employees will no longer have to staple registration stickers to receipts and maintain manual sticker books and inventories."

Northeast Medical Center Cafeteria Menu

August 30 - September 3

Hours: 11:45 - 1:00 pm

Salad Bar Monday - Wednesday

Monday- Chicken Strips, Mashed Potatoes/gravy, Green Beans, California Vegetables, Dinner Roll, Chocolate Pie, Salad Bar

Tuesday- Roast Beef, Squash, New Potatoes, Broccoli, Dinner Roll, Lemon And Coconut Pie, Salad Bar

Wednesday- Taco Salad, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Apple Cranberry Pie, Salad Bar

Thursday- Fried Fish, Steak Fries, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies, Brownies

Friday- Kielbasa Sausage, Pinto Beans, Fried Okra, Carrots, Cornbread, Strawberry Cream Pie

Fannin County Fair Pageant

If you are interested in being in the Fannin County Fair Pageant, please read this carefully. ALL meetings will be held at the Fannin County Extension Office (South Annex, 210 South Main Bonham, TX.

Here are some dates to remember:

• September 8, 2004 - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. ~ Orientation- If you are interested in being in the pageant, this meeting will answer all questions.

• September 22, 2004 - 3:30 - 6:00 p.m ~ Deadline- All forms, fees, eligibility forms, recorded music, lyrics, and pictures due in the Fannin County Extension Office. If you cannot turn in during this time, take all information to extension office ahead of time.

• September 29, 2004 - 5:00 - 6:30 p.m ~ Mandatory Meeting- This is a Mandatory Meeting for all those entering the pageant. Numbers will be drawn at 5:30 p.m. for the line-up at the pageant.

There will be a walk through at the fair grounds on October 6th for those interested in attending. The times are as follows:

• Little Miss (grades K-2)~ 5:00 - 5:30

• Princess (grades 3-5)~ 5:30 - 6:00

• Duchess (grades 6-8) ~ 6:00 - 6:30

• Queens (grades 9-12) ~ 6:30 - 7:00.

There will be a $20 Entry Fee.

If you have any questions about the pageant or entries, please contact:

Sharon Foreman 903-989-5162 Michelle Parker 903-378-2615 Natalie White 903-583-4387

Joyce Maxwell 903-623-2020 Jennifer Robinson 903-583-2711

College traditions and loyalty In Texas Specialty Plates

Symbols of forty-nine of Texas’ colleges and universities are displayed on specialty license plates available to the public. Motorists can display their Texas pride on their bumpers by purchasing collegiate specialty license plates available from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the (FANNIN) County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office. TxDOT and the (FANNIN) County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office are featuring collegiate specialty license plates as the plate of the month.

"Texas university students, alumni, and their families can demonstrate their collegiate pride and raise funds to advance higher education for the people of Texas with these specialty plates." said (PAM SWEET-RICHARDSON), Tax Assessor - Collector for (FANNIN) County.

The collegiate specialty license plates display the university’s graphic symbol on the left hand-side with the institution’s name running along the bottom of the plate. Statistics based on the number of vehicles registered with collegiate plates reveal the top selling collegiate plates are Texas A&M University with 62,531 plates, the University of Texas at Austin with 21,730, and Texas Tech University with 20,977. $703,306 has been raised for Texas higher education, $312,655 from Texas A&M University alone.

The Texas collegiate specialty license plates are available to motorist for a $30 annual fee, plus $40 if personalized, in addition to regular vehicle registration fees. Of the $30 annual fee for collegiate specialty plates, $22 is deposited to the general revenue fund to be used by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to award scholarships lo students attending the college identified.

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

TXDOT started its specialty license plate program in 1965. Today, there is a wide variety of different plate designs, many of them benefiting a particular group, organization, college or university. Since 1994,more than $10 million has been raised for sponsoring organizations, colleges or universities.

Fannin County Fair Wee Miss Pageant

This year the Fannin County Fair Pageant will host a Wee Miss Pageant. It will be held during the Fannin County Fair. (Times will be announced at a later date.) The cost will be $20.00. This is a non-competitive pageant where all participants will receive a trophy.

• Participants must be between the ages of 2 - Pre. K

• Participants must be a resident of Fannin County.

• Participants must wear a party dress.

• Participants will model and demonstrate their personality projection to the crowd.

• Participants can be escorted by a parent or model on their own.

If you are interested in this pageant, please attend the Orientation meeting on September 8, 2004, from 5:30 - 6:30, at the Fannin County Extension Office. (South Annex 210 S. Main Bonham, TX) Entry Forms may be picked up at this time.

We look forward to including this age group as part of the Fannin County Fair Pageant!!!

If you have questions regarding the Wee Miss Pageant, please contact: Sharon Forman at 903-989-5162, Jennifer Robins at 903-583-2711, or Joyce Maxwell at 903-623-2020.

Industry to Sponsor Life Insurance Awareness Month Campaign in September 2004

Ownership of life insurance has been declining for decades and the impact is being felt in very human terms today. A recent study of widows and widowers whose spouses died prematurely (between the ages of 30 and 55) found that fewer than one in four felt their spouse had adequate life insurance coverage. This resulted in many surviving family members having to work additional jobs or longer hours, borrow money, withdraw money from savings and investment accounts, and, in too many cases, move to smaller, less expensive housing.

With the problem getting worse over time, the life insurance industry is planning a month-long public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging consumers to take stock of their life insurance needs. The industry has selected September 2004 for Life Insurance Awareness Month and it truly will be an industry-wide effort. Many leading companies and trade associations have already committed resources to the campaign, which is being coordinated by the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), a non-profit organization that serves as the educational arm of the life insurance industry.

"By failing to have adequate life insurance coverage, tens of millions of Americans are gambling with their families’ financial futures each and every day," said David F. Woods, CLU, ChFC, president of LIFE and CEO of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (HAIFA), the industry’s largest membership association. "The financial security of your family is not something you should leave to chance, and that’s a message the industry will communicate loud and clear during Life Insurance Awareness Month."

In addition to its coordinating role, LIFE has committed significant resources to Life Insurance Awareness Month. Plans for September 2004 include a $2 million print and radio advertising campaign, a PSA-style national radio series, LIFE’s annual eight-page real LIFE stories special section in Newsweek, aggressive outreach to leading print and broadcast journalists, and promotions to drive consumers to LIFE’s Web site. LIFE will also strongly encourage companies and producers to use LIFE’s educational materials with clients and prospects during the month of September.

A number of major carriers are also devoting considerable resources to Life Insurance Awareness Month in the form of additional marketing efforts. September marks the beginning of the important fall selling period and companies are contemplating a range of ideas including increased life insurance advertising, sales contests and direct marketing programs. In addition, others intend to use Life Insurance Awareness Month as a time to remind their own employees of the importance of having adequate coverage.

"We as an industry are responsible for making sure consumers understand how our products can help them achieve financial security and that’s precisely what Life Insurance Awareness Month is all about," said Frederick J. Sievert, President of New York Life. "It’s a chance for the industry to bring all of its resources to bear to make sure that people are reminded of their need for life insurance and understand where they can go to get the right type of coverage."

Dr. Raquel Hutchens named Chief of Staff at Southeastern

DURANT, Okla. - Southeastern Oklahoma State University Dr. Glen D. Johnson has announced the appointment of Dr. Raquel Hutchens as the new Chief of Staff at the University. In her duties as chief of staff, Hutchens will be responsible for the operation and supervision of the office of the president, including management of the budget, scheduling, staffing and operating procedures. She will also facilitate communication between the President’s Office and other university constituents.

"There were many outstanding candidates for the position of chief of staff,’’ President Johnson said. "Dr. Hutchens brings a wealth of experience to this job. Her background in higher education as General Counsel Law Clerk for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and as a university instructor at Southeastern is very impressive. We believe that she will do an outstanding job and look forward to utilizing her expertise.’’

Hutchens has served as an English instructor in the Department of English, Humanities & Languages at Southeastern since 2001. She was general counsel law clerk for the state regents from 1999-2001 and, prior to that, in 1998-99, was a legal intern for the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma. In 1997-98, Hutchens was a judicial intern for Justice Ralph B. Hodges in the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma.

"I am very excited to accept this most challenging position at Southeastern,’’ Hutchens said. "The University continues to grow and expand on its vision and goals, and I look forward to making a contribution. It is indeed an exciting time to be at Southeastern, whether as a student, faculty member, or staff member. Southeastern has so much to be proud of and I look forward to being a part of its bright future.’’

Hutchens earned her Juris Doctorate at Oklahoma City University, her master’s in English Literature at Texas Woman’s University, and her bachelor’s in English at Oklahoma State University. She is also a graduate of Durant High School.

Kiwanis Meeting

Bonham Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at noon in the basement of the First Christian Church. Come and join us for great food and fellowship.

Ask the City Planner

As a service to the community, the Bonham City Planner will be writing a series of articles to answer questions from citizens to better inform the public of what’s going on in the City. This is the 18^th in a series.

1. We are interested in buying a home (new or resale) in Bonham and heard there were a number of options and programs available to assist us in this endeavor, such as zero-down financing, mortgages or loans as low as a one percent interest rate, free lots to build on, and grants up to $10,000 for down payment and closing costs at no interest or payback. Is there somewhere we can learn about all these programs at the same time?

The City of Bonham, in cooperation with Rural Development, local homebuilders, and lenders is sponsoring a FREE Housing and Homebuyer Seminar on Thursday, September 2, 2004, at 6:00 p.m., at the Family Life Center, 200 W. 8^th Street, in Bonham, Texas. Everyone in the community is invited, especially anyone who is interested in building or buying a new or resale home in the next year or two. We will have presentations by Rural Development about their ‘zero-down programs’ and interest rates as low as 1%. Other lenders will be available to discuss their loan programs, as well.

Local Homebuilders will be present to explain the process in building a home and how to select a lot, a builder, house plans, and get funding to build. I will review the City’s new homebuyer grant program, which can provide up to $10,000 each for 10 different homebuyers to use for down payment, closing costs, or buy downs at no interest or payments for new homes. Also, I will review our affordable housing plan and provide you with a list and map of about 40 lots the city owns and will make available to build affordable houses on, if you qualify. The list of lots will not be available until the night of the Seminar.

This will be an important meeting for the entire community. Please try to attend and take advantage of all that is available for you, your family, and friends. If you can’t attend, send a family member or friend to get the information for you.

NOTE: IF YOU ARE A LOCAL HOMEBUILDER OR A MORTGAGE LENDER AND WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAM AS A PRESENTER OR EXHIBITOR ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2004, PLEASE CALL ME IMMEDIATELY TO RESERVE A SPACE FOR YOUR EXHIBIT AND/OR THE PROGRAM. MY NUMBER IS 903-583-7555.

2. When will the next draft of the proposed new rules and regulations for Lake Bonham leaseholders and the rules for the public recreation areas be ready for review?

The Fifth Draft is currently available at the Bonham Library, Bonham City Hall, and on the City of Bonham’s Website at www.cobon.net under the heading of Notice Bulletin Board. I have divided the Rules into two separate documents in the Fifth Draft: one is entitled, Lake Bonham Rules, Regulations, and Subdivision Restrictions for Leaseholders. The other document is entitled, Lake Bonham Rules for Public Recreation and Water Activities: Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Camping, and Picnic Areas.

The final proposed rules will be presented to the Bonham City Commission at its September 13, 2004, meeting. If approved, both sets of rules will go into effect immediately and will be mailed to all leaseholders. The Rules for the Public Recreation Areas will be provided to persons who register for camping and boating, and they will be available at the Lake Bonham Recreation Area concession stand and B & R Bait Shop. Also, our plan is to post the boating and fishing rules on signs by the entrances to the north and south boat ramps.

If you have questions about what’s going on in the City, please submit your questions in writing to Mike Walthall, Development Services Coordinator, City of Bonham, 301 E. Fifth, Bonham, Texas 75418.

In Washington I’m always speaking out on behalf of the Lone Star State – whether it’s delivering a speech on the Senate floor, asking questions at a committee hearing, or casting a roll call vote on legislation.

Now it’s the time for you to speak out. Every August I distribute an annual "Listening Post" to ask Texans about a variety of issues facing our nation. In this first of three surveys, I focus on key domestic agenda items. In the following weeks, surveys will concentrate on international affairs and homeland security. Last year I was overwhelmed by the response, and I hope to hear from even more of you this year. To submit your answers, use the contact information listed at the end of this column.

Later this year, I will distribute the results of the survey in Capitol Comment columns. I appreciate your participation and look forward to your views.

Survey Part I – Domestic Agenda

1. Unfortunately Congress has yet to adopt a comprehensive national energy policy. However, I am still hopeful we can pass one this year. In your opinion, what should be our top energy priorities? (Choose all that apply.)

____ Allow for more domestic oil and gas exploration to reduce our dependence on the Middle East and other foreign countries

____ Lower gasoline consumption by raising mandatory standards for fuel efficiency in cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs)

____ Provide tax incentives for renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power

Additional comments: _____________________________________________________

___ Ensure Texas a higher rate of return on gasoline taxes sent to Washington for highway construction. Currently our state receives 90.5 cents on every dollar in taxes paid, with the rest going to pay for roads in other states

___ Raise gasoline taxes, which currently stand at 18.5 cents per gallon

___ Increase federal funding for light-rail and other mass transit options

___ Encourage alternative financing, such as new highway tolls

Additional comments: _____________________________________________________

3. At the end of this year, key provisions of the tax relief enacted in 2003 will expire and, in 2011, all tax cuts enacted in recent years will disappear unless Congress acts. Which of the following would you like to see Congress pass this year to prevent a tax increase? (Choose all that apply.)

___ Extend marriage penalty relief into next year (double standard deduction and 10% bracket for married couples)

___ Maintain lower marginal rates for all brackets next year

___ Ensure increased child tax credit remains in effect next year

___ Eliminate the death tax

Additional comments: _____________________________________________________

4. Over the past 18 months, a minority group of Senators have obstructed action on several common sense liability reform bills. Which of the following proposals would you like to see Congress approve? (Choose all that apply.)

___ In medical liability cases limit attorneys’ fees, limit non-economic damages to $250,000, and cap punitive damages at twice the economic damages (or $250,000, whichever is greater) to alleviate skyrocketing insurance premiums that are forcing doctors to avoid fields such as Obstetrics-Gynecology (OB-GYN) or close practices altogether.

___ Prohibit lawsuits against firearms manufacturers or dealers for a user’s unlawful use of weapons or ammunition.

___ Establish an industry-financed Asbestos Injury Claims Resolution Fund to compensate asbestos victims on a no-fault basis to ensure the truly sick receive adequate compensation, and bring a close to asbestos related lawsuits that cause bankruptcies and loss of jobs.

Additional comments: _____________________________________________________

Please visit my website and submit your answers online at: hutchison.senate.gov/survey1.htm

Send via email at: capitolcomments@hutchison.senate.gov

Or submit via mail to: Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

SURVEY 961 Federal Building 300 East Eighth Street Austin, TX 78701

Number of Women Afflicted by Vulvar Pain Underestimated

Jennifer Wider, M.D.
Society for Women’s Health Research
August 26, 2004

The number of women suffering from vulvodynia, an incapacitating and chronic vulvovaginal pain disorder, has been drastically underestimated according to research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass. Roughly 16 percent of the women aged 18 through 64 who were surveyed had experienced chronic vulvar pain for at least three months or more.

"Up until recently all genital pain has been considered psychosexual," said Elizabeth Gunther Stewart, M.D., director of the vulvovaginal service at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Boston. "There has been little study or research into vulvar conditions; and in medical schools and nursing schools there is minimal instruction about vulvovaginal problems."

Sharp, stabbing or burning pain in the vaginal area is not a topic that most women will freely discuss. And it seems that many women with vulvodynia are either suffering in silence or receiving incorrect diagnoses. According to the study, 40 percent of the women decided not to seek help for their vulvar pain and 60 percent who wanted treatment visited three or more doctors before receiving a proper diagnosis.

The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia and includes: the inner and outer labia, clitoris and external vagina. Women with vulvodynia experience pain in the genital area. Women usually come into their doctor’s office and complain of "burning or stinging without signs of infection or other vaginal disease," said Karen Berkley, Ph.D, a professor of neuroscience at Florida State University in Tallahassee.

Many women suffer from vulvodynia for several months at a time and the pain can be constant or sporadic. Sometimes the tissue looks swollen, but most often it appears normal. Activities such as walking, sitting and exercising tend to make the pain worse.

"Another group of women have no spontaneous complaint except marked pain with sexual relations," Stewart said. "Often women complain that they have a yeast infection that will not go away or urinary symptoms even though cultures are negative."

The cause of vulvodynia is unknown but some sufferers have a history of recurrent yeast infections and sexual abuse. Vulvodynia is not caused by sexual intercourse and cannot be transmitted through contact.

New research from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor suggests that women with vulvodynia may have heightened sensitivity to pain in other regions. The study, led by Jutta Gieseke, M.D., a fellow at Michigan’s Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, found that the women experienced increased pressure pain sensitivity in peripheral body regions including the shin, thumb and deltoid. The deltoid is a large triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint and serves to raise the arm laterally. This suggests that vulvodynia most likely involves nerves that are more sensitive in the vaginal region and in other areas as well.

Women with vulvodynia are also more likely to suffer from other pain syndromes. "The few studies carried out so far suggest that such co-occurrence seems quite common: with endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and fibromyalgia," Berkley said. But more studies are needed to establish the link.

Current treatment for vulvodynia concentrates on symptom relief. The choices include anti-depressants, biofeedback, lidocaine (an anesthetic), topical creams (low-dose hormones or steroids) and sitz baths. Treatment is tailored for each patient because a cure-all has not yet been discovered.

© August 5, 2004 Society for Women’s Health Research

Texas Holocaust Survivors Registry Established

HOUSTON, TX – Holocaust Museum Houston, in conjunction with the Dallas Holocaust Memorial Center, El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, and the Holocaust Memorial of San Antonio, is embarking on a project of establishing a registry of Holocaust survivors who settled in Texas.

To build the registry, Holocaust Museum Houston is setting out to contact survivors and their families who have lived or settled in Texas. To gather the most complete registry of information, community-based advocacy will be needed to spread the word and encourage the submission of critical information about survivors who settled in Texas after WWII. To further assist in getting the word of the registry out into the population, constituent lists of statewide Holocaust and community organizations will also be tapped.

The record of eyewitness testimony is the ultimate insurance that the horrors of the Holocaust be accurately documented and its lessons carried forward. But Susan Llanes-Myer, executive director of Holocaust Museum Houston reminds, "As sixty years pass, the ranks of survivors and witnesses, alike, are dwindling. Although we are now able to hear first-hand accounts of the Holocaust as told by survivors and witnesses, it’s becoming ever more crucial that these stories be formally documented for history."

All types of information is welcomed and needed -- from information on the whereabouts of survivors to accounts directly from survivors and their families. The registry will include information on individuals, their hometown and country of birth, ghettos, hiding places, camps during the war, and the year they came to the U.S. and to Texas.

In addition to memorializing the stories of these Texas survivors for posterity, the registry is expected to become a valuable research and educational tool, enabling examination of the origins of the survivors and how and where they settled in Houston. Houstonian and Holocaust survivor, Wolfe Finkelman, reflects, "The registry will not only be an important tool for historians but a direct path for our grandchildren and our grandchildren’s grandchildren to be able to better research and establish a bond with their ancestry."

"This project will not only honor the generations of survivors who came to Texas for a new and better life after the Shoah (Holocaust), but it will document their journey for their descendants and generations to come," says Pepi Joskowitz Nichols, president of Second Generation-Houston. "To achieve this, though, we need to reach out to the community and every survivor, family member or friend who might be able to direct us to information."

Information on Texas Holocaust survivors can be sent to Holocaust Museum Houston via email at 2ndgen@hmh.org or by telephone at (713) 942-8000

In Loving Memory Of

Susan Dian Haney-Herndon

Our beloved Dian left her Earthly Home to move into her Heavenly Mansion with her Lord Jesus Christ, Wednesday, August 25, 2004.

By her side was her faithful, loving Son and Best Friend, Cody Michael Herndon. Their hearts are joined forever but he will greatly miss her. Lovingly, she left with him a cherished answer to her prayers, Daughter-in-Law, Stacy Michelle and God’s precious gift, Granddaughter Mackenzie Dian to share their love with him. Missing her also will be her constant companion, her cat, Sully.

Dian also left 2 brothers, Gene and Randy Haney, sister Karen Chaffin, Stepfather Jack McClung, many Nieces, Nephews, and Friends whom loved her so dearly.

Father, Jess Eugene Haney and Mother, Ruby Haney McClung preceded her in death.

She was a member of the Living Word Church of God in Bonham, where her pastor Brian Rayburn was ever so faithful to be at her side to comfort her and her family in this time of need. Caring for her also was VNA Hospice Staff and Chaplain John & Tonya. We are grateful to you all.

Family and Friends will miss her wit, laughter and love, while they cherish their memories of her in their hearts forever.

"Even though we will miss and mourn her loss, we are ever so grateful to have loved Her. Where there is Much Love there is Much Pain, but we will endure it, for the sake of having had the opportunity to have experienced Her."

Relax! Stress Won’t Cause Stomach Ulcers

HOUSTON – (Aug. 26, 2004) – Think rush hour traffic or grueling deadlines cause stomach ulcers? Think again.

"Stress won’t cause stomach ulcers, but it can make them worse," says Dr. David Graham, professor of medicine and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). "Stress causes the body to produce higher amounts of acid, which can irritate preexisting ulcers."

According to Graham, a stomach ulcer is like a scraped knee -- if left alone, it will heal naturally. However, increased acid secretion caused by stress interrupts the healing process.

So if stress doesn’t cause stomach ulcers, what does?

"H. pylori infection is the primary cause of stomach ulcers," says Graham, also chief of gastroenterology at BCM, and chief of the digestive diseases section at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. "This bacteria penetrates the stomach lining, eventually causing an ulcer."

Although H. pylori infection is highly transmissible, it is not spread through kissing or sexual contact. Crowded living conditions, especially in areas of poor sanitation, provoke transmission. Fortunately, the bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, can also cause stomach ulcers. The anti-inflammatory agents in NSAIDs hinder the stomach’s defense against powerful stomach acid. Terminating the use of NSAIDs and taking antacids to control acid secretion will allow ulcers to heal.

"Improved sanitation has decreased the transmission of H. pylori-induced stomach ulcers," says Graham. "However, the quantity and duration of NSAIDs consumption still place people at risk."

The Problem With The CHIP Debate

Strayhorn, Statesman Deconstruct Debate By Ignoring Facts

by Brooke Rollins and John Colyandro

Aided and abetted by Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, there has been a shrill cry from the left about the fate of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The essence of the complaint is that as a result of House Bill 2292, signed by Gov. Rick Perry, thousands of children would be left without access to CHIP – forcing children back onto the rolls of the uninsured.

In an open letter to the governor on August 25, 2004, the comptroller writes accusatorily: "Since last September, 147,525 children have been dropped off health insurance rolls because of measures you signed into law. This new means testing – which I say is nothing more than a mean test – will certainly further jeopardize innocent children’s health."

Of course, the "innocence" of the children is irrelevant, but it lends the distortive element of emotion to the debate. As we all know, doing anything in the name of children gives one license to hold any position no matter how untenable or untrue.

The left has actively opposed the "Personal Responsibility Agreement" provisions in HB 2292. But the law’s intent is simple: strongly reinforce the notion of personal responsibility by requiring parents to maintain their child’s health, keep them in school, abstain from abusing alcohol or drugs, cooperate with child support enforcement, while actively looking for, and going to, work.

Like the comptroller referring to the governor as "mean," the general debate over the role of government, and the efficacy of government programs, in delivering health and human services has devolved into a deepening hole of irrationality.

Take, for example, the Austin American-Statesman contribution to the deconstruction of the public debate. The lead editorial on August 25 states, "Texas children need conservatives to show compassion." No facts, just more emotion. The Statesman continued: "Texas leaders weren’t promoting fiscal constraint in cutting CHIP, but rather a hard-hearted philosophy that government should push away from helping needy people…"

While surely only a coincidence that the editorial was timed perfectly with the comptroller’s latest broadside, the Statesman takes measure of the moral and ethical bearing of conservatives and castigates us all for changing what has increasingly shown to be an ill-conceived and failing program. A new U.S. Census report demonstrates that despite billions in new dollars spent on Medicaid and CHIP, the number of uninsured in America continues to rise. More government has failed.

The comptroller, the Statesman, and the rest of the ideological left, are right to debate any and all state policy. There is a defensible liberal position in regards to health and human services, as Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini has honorably articulated for years. Tossing about insults in lieu of sound argument, while becoming sanctimonious and shrill, has turned a legitimate debate into a childish shoving match.

To better serve all Texans, the comptroller and the Statesman might do well to study facts before spewing vindictive-laced proclamations on the state of another’s heart.

The insistence that 147,000 children were thrown off the program because, as the Statesman put it, "there’s growing disdain for people who work every day" is simply untrue and mean-spirited itself. More children are covered by CHIP and Medicaid in Texas than ever before; more than 200,000 more kids are in those two programs today than they were just two years ago.

As a matter of fact, for some 40 percent of the children not now on CHIP, it was the parent’s decision not to re-enroll them. And some 25 percent of kids who used to be covered by CHIP are now covered by Medicaid.

But after it is all said and done, CHIP and Medicaid are band-aids, making it imperative that state and federal elected leaders instead tackle the real health care issue confronting Texans: the exploding cost of health care.

Over 65 percent of the uninsured in Texas are gainfully employed. The problem is that cost of health insurance is prohibitive to small businesses and the self-employed. Whatever the solution might be, it is obviously not more government; recent national studies show state mandates have driven up the cost of health insurance some 45 percent in recent years.

By eliminating the lion-share of insurance mandates, and letting people purchase only the coverage they need, the cost of insurance and health care in general would drop precipitously as has been the case when tried.

The newly legalized Health Savings Accounts offer even more hope for the employed-but-uninsured. Some 40 percent of those signing up for HSAs were previously uninsured, according to the U.S. Treasury.

It is imperative for the governor and other state leaders to stand firm; the problem at hand is not a failure of conservative compassion. The problem is a failure of vision on the part of liberals. They continue to define compassion in terms of government appropriations. Decades of experience has unequivocally demonstrated that free markets and free people provide better answers to social problems.

Rollins is president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation; Colyandro is executive director of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute.

Bonham High School Senior Attends Leadamerica’s Congressional Student Leadership Conference

Washington, D.C. - Isaac Christian Barnett, a Senior at Bonham High School, attended LeadAmerica’s 2004 Congressional Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) in Boston, Massachusetts July 30^th - August 8^th. The CSLC is a college-accredited invitational leadership program for academically talented and promising young leaders. Exceptional high school students who have a record of academic achievement and extracurricular or community involvement, are invited to participate from across the United States and internationally.

The CSLC topic Isaac attended was on Crime Scene Investigation. Through briefings and discussions with national and international leaders in this field of study and through realistic, hands-on simulations, he had the unique opportunity to experience leadership in action and to learn first-hand about the complexities of decision-making as it relates to Crime Scene Investigation. By engaging in special interactive workshops and activities, he learned and developed leadership skills, including effective communication, conflict resolution, team building and time management.

Isaac met and interacted with prominent experts in an array of investigative fields and had the opportunity to learn and practice techniques in a wide variety of forensic areas. He was part of a team that completed a full analysis of a crime scene including 3­dimensional reconstruction, ballistic analysis, fiber analysis, blood spatter analysis, fingerprinting, DNA analysis and more. He and the team interacted with witnesses, suspects, police officers and forensic specialists as they attempted to unravel the crime. His team competed against eleven other teams to solve the case. His team was able to solve the crime with the most facts and each team member received a CSI jacket.

LeadAmerica’s mission is to transform the world’s next generation of young leaders by inspiring, educating, and instilling in them ethical and principled leadership values, attitudes and skills.

Isaac would like to thank his family, friends and the Bonham Rotary Club for their support in helping make this unique opportunity a reality.

Yard Of The Month

The Savoy Main Street Beautification Committee met in regular session on August 3, 2004 and selected the Huckaby residence at 103 E. Edwards St as the yard of the month. Jerry and Kathleen Huckaby are proud residents of Savoy.

Texas Energy Planning Council Urged to Help Bring FutureGen to Texas

Prototype Power Plant Will Improve Air Quality, Enhance Energy Security

AUSTIN - As state officials announced a statewide campaign today to make Texas the home of a ground­breaking, zero-emission power plant, Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams urged the Texas Energy Planning Council to support the initiative.

"Texas has the opportunity to be the host state for a historic, public-private partnership to build a $1 billion, zero-emission, coal-fueled power plant called FutureGen," Williams said.

"In his executive order creating this Energy Council, Gov. Perry noted that as you develop a suitable energy plan for Texas it is critically important to keep the oil and gas industry strong as we transition to the next generation of energy technologies. FutureGen, the most ambitious energy production project in the world, holds potential answers to many of our energy questions, and it deserves your support," Williams said.

Proposed by President Bush a little over a year ago, FutureGen is now in the initial stages of U.S. Department of Energy funding. In addition to the scientific achievement of producing coal-based energy in a virtually emissions-free environment, FutureGen can improve air quality and assist the oil and gas industry in Texas.

FutureGen eliminates emissions by capturing and permanently storing carbon dioxide, which then would be available for enhanced oil and gas recovery.

Carbon dioxide-driven enhanced oil recovery has grown steadily since 1985 and now accounts for just over 15 percent of Texas’ average yearly petroleum production. As an indication of the technology’s potential, the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas-Austin has identified 31 billion barrels of oil in Texas that are recoverable using carbon dioxide-driven enhanced oil recovery.

"There are many suitable sites for carbon sequestration and enhanced oil recovery in oil- and gas-rich Texas, including the Permian Basin, East Texas and the Gulf Coast," said Williams, who chairs the Governor’s Clean Coal Technology Council.

Gov. Perry created the Clean Coal Technology Council to explore ways to bring clean coal technologies to Texas, and to secure DOE funding for these projects that will improve air emissions while keeping energy affordable. The Clean Coal Council recently voted to move forward with Texas’ formal application as a FutureGen site.

"As important as clean air is to our state and enhanced oil production is to our economy, FutureGen is a natural fit for Texas because we have the expertise to make the project a reality, we have a ready source of coal and lignite to fuel the project, we have the correct geology for storing the carbon dioxide, we have a market for the energy that will be produced, and we have a transmission grid capable of carrying the increased power load," Williams said.

Since several states are vying for the project, Williams explained Texas must move quickly and aggressively because the formal RFP process begins early in 2005.

"First, we must demonstrate that Texas is united in its effort to bring this project here. Second, we’ll need help identifying key constituents who will lend support. Finally, in order to compete effectively we’ll need support for a legislative package allowing us to streamline the application and permitting process," Williams said.

Williams also asked the Energy Planning Council members to consider an exploratory well incentive to encourage production in Texas, opportunities for converting oilfield produced water into freshwater, and enhancing relationships with other natural gas producing countries.

The Fannin County Commissioners Court met on Monday, August 23rd for a regular meeting.

At Monday’s meeting, the board approved an insurance offer from TAC, Texas Association of Counties.

The court approved the budget amendment to allow purchase of a new chair for the Indigent Health Care Office.

The Authorization Redemption of Fannin County, Texas Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992 was approved.

The court decided to hold a public hearing, on the budget, on Friday, September 17, 2004 at 9:00 a.m.

The Court approved the Treasurer’s and Auditor’s monthly report.

The Bonham City Commissioner’s Meeting

By: Sarah Meek

The Bonham City Commission met on Tuesday, August 24th for a special meeting.

The Commission first approved to schedule a public hearing to discuss a proposal to increase ad value of tax revenues for the tax year beginning on Jan. 1 of 2004. The public hearing will be held on Sept. 7th at the City Hall in Bonham at 5:30 pm.

At the last regular meeting, the board rejected a bid for the removal of asbestos and lead based paint at the Visitor’s Center building at 327 north Main St. The commission decided to let Blain Hines, City manager, put another ad out for more bids. The commission received 5 bids. Burnet made a motion to go with the lowest bidder unless they cannot finish the job, then the bid will go to the 2nd lowest bidder. The commission approved the motion, 5-0.

Lastly, the commission approved a proposal with ESEI to manage and monitor the asbestos and lead based paint abatement work for the Visitor’s Center.

Head Athletic Director for Bonham Schools Ronnie Hill spoke at the Bonham Rotary Club last week on this year’s athletic program. Cross country, football and volleyball were his main topics, since these three sports are in competition now. He also named all the sports and their coaches in the schools this year.

Also at the meeting was Bonham Rotary Club’s Assistant District Governor Terry Everett from the Grayson County Club in Sherman. He spoke briefly of the upcoming plans for all the clubs in the district to celebrate Rotary’s 100th Anniversary. The first Rotary club meeting was held in Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1905.