Saturday, January 31, 2009

Mr. Rogers' Music Comes To Our Neighborhood


SFA to present 'The Music of Fred Rogers'.

NACOGDOCHES, TX, Jan. 28, 2009 - Tracy Ward, adjunct music instructor at Stephen F. Austin State University, will present a faculty lecture recital on the music of Fred Rogers at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

Ward, who has done extensive research on Rogers and his music, explained that even though Rogers is best known for his famed 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,' he viewed himself first and foremost as a songwriter.

"In fact, he wrote over 300 songs and operas, and his compositional style employs complex, rich harmonies; unusual settings; and a variety of forms and styles that one would expect from a gifted composer."

Ward's discussion about the songs will include quotes from Rogers’ wife and co-workers that she gathered during interviews. All songs featured will be performed live by Ward and various SFA music faculty and students.

The lecture recital, which is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music, is free and open to the public. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Dr. For more information, please call (936) 468-6407.

-- Sylvia Bierschenk

Friday, January 30, 2009

Big Sandy Volleyball Player Signs With NCTC

Two year scholarship awarded to Wildcat standout.

Big Sandy, TX -- Jazzline (Jazz) Montgomery, a senior at Big Sandy High School, was recently offered a full two-year scholarship by Coach Angie Bullard to play volleyball for the upcoming season at North Central Texas College in Gainesville.

Jazz played Big Sandy varsity volleyball for three years as a Middle Blocker/Hitter. She missed her freshman year due to an injury, but stayed involved by serving as the team's manager.

She's worked hard at her sport, playing in summer leagues and attending summer camps, and found increasing success each year. She was selected her sophomore year as Newcomer of the Year, her junior year as MVP Hitter, and her senior year as MVP Blocker, All State Academic, and All East Texas Honorable Mention. She was also the team's co-captain. Jazz is also involved in other sports. She is currently playing basketball and participates in track.

Those who know Jazz best have nothing but accolades for the senior. Quoting from the school website:

Funny, a joy to be with, a leader, a friend, a great teammate, a volleyball idol, a role model, and a dose of daily laughter are a few descriptions of this fine athlete. Sometimes it takes more than just ability. Attitude and effort are the key things in life, and I truly can say Jazz has these qualities. She has a wonderful role model, her mother, Evangeline Hodge, who has raised her to be a fine young lady, and to be respectful of others and to work hard and not give up or quit. My visits with Jazz and her mom have been memorable; they hold a special place in my heart. (Coach Cooksey)


The Advocate joins her family, classmates, teachers and coaches in congratulating Ms. Montgomery, and wishing her much continued success.

ETMC, Henderson Memorial To Merge

Deal hoped to be final in a few months.

HENDERSON, TX, Jan. 28, 2009 -- ETMC announced the merger of Henderson Memorial Hospital and the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System in it's newsletter Wednesday, saying that the agreement between HMH and ETMC was not final, but would likely address several factors, including:
* Ongoing community participation through the local hospital board
* Clinical equipment enhancements
* Information technology upgrades
* Long-term facility plan
* Employee retention and benefits
* Physician recruitment and retention

The two organizations have signed a letter of intent, and negotiations are ongoing to finalize the terms, under which Henderson Memorial would likely become ETMC Henderson.

"We are extremely pleased with the anticipated affiliation,” Mark Leitner, Henderson Memorial Hospital CEO, was quoted as saying.

Leitner went on to say “The process that was followed by Henderson Memorial Hospital's board of directors was designed to assure that the health needs of our communities would be best served through such an affiliation.

“The residents of Henderson and Rusk County can remain confident that the hospital will not only survive but will thrive during the coming years. Of the many health systems considered, the ETMC Regional Healthcare System was determined to be best prepared and most interested in preserving high quality care for our patients,”

Read the full notice at http://etmc.org/henletterofintent.htm.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

TDA Looking For Summer Food Service Sponsors

Organizations Needed to Feed Hungry Children This Summer

AUSTIN, TX., Jan. 28, 2009 -- Federally funded school breakfasts and lunches help millions of low-income children in Texas get nutritious meals during the school year. The Texas Department of Agriculture is looking for organizations to sponsor the Summer Food Service Program to provide children a healthy diet when school is not in session.

"It's a disturbing reality that for many children, the only healthy meals they receive are the ones served at school during the academic year," Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "We are committed to ensuring Texas children continue to receive nutritious meals even after school closes for summer, and we will do that through the help of organizations willing to participate in the Summer Food Service Program."

Last summer, 344 sponsors participated in the program, serving more than 12.6 million meals to children at more than 2,878 sites. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Jacksonville fed many deserving Texas children.

Read More...

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

9-11 Firefighter To Speak At NTCC

Where were you on September 11, 2001? Jay Jonas was at Ground Zero.


RELEASE, Jan. 28, 2009 -- Jay Jonas, a Battalion Chief for the New York City Fire Department, was leading one of the first responding units at the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks. On Wednesday, February 11 Jonas will share his inspirational story about what happened that infamous day at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast Texas Community College.

This lecture is presented by the NTCC Foundation and Communities In Schools and will be presented twice - at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. General admission is $5 and all students get in free.

“Each year we bring a speaker to NTCC as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. Many of our younger children barely remember September 11 and some don’t remember it at all. We felt that it would be a great time to bring Chief Jonas to our area to share his story,” Dr. Jonathan McCullough, NTCC Vice President for Institutional Advancement, said.

Read More...

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Red Cross Tips For Winter Storm Preparedness

The Red Cross has assembled a list of things you can do to be ready for winter storms.

INTERNET, Jan 26, 2009 -- The Red Cross offers the following advice on how to prepare for winter weather and storms:

Prepare a Winter Storm Plan
* Have extra blankets on hand.
* Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Canned food and can opener.
* Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).
* Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
* Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.
* Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
* Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Read More...

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Free GED Classes Offered In Lone Star

Free GED classes, offered by the Northeast Texas Community College, begin in Pittsburg Feb. 3rd.

MT. PLEASANT, TX., Jan. 25, 2009 -- The Adult Education Department at Northeast Texas Community College will be offering free General Education Development (GED) classes in Lone Star beginning in February.

Students interested in attending classes must enroll in a 12-hour orientation. The NTCC Adult Education Department is a division of the department of Outreach Services at NTCC. Classes will be held at the Lone Star Elementary Cafeteria.

Orientations will be given on January 20th, 22nd, 27th and 29th from 5-8 p.m. Classes begin February 3rd.

For more information, contact: 903-434-8252.

Reprinted from the NTCC Website, http://www.ntcc.edu/index.php?module=Pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=1&pid=193.

NTCC announces February Continuing Education Courses

CEC couses offered on a range of subjects, from composting to blogging.

MT. PLEASANT, TX., Jan. 29, 2009 -- The Continuing Education department at Northeast Texas Community College provides many opportunities for area residents to have fun and learn new skills. To register for any of the classes included below or for more information, please call 903-434-8134.

The following classes will be held during the month of February:

Composting
Learn practical techniques on how to make and use compost to gain the maximum crop yield in northeast Texas. Indoor composting, sheet composting, worm composting and no till mulch composting will be discussed. Choose a location near you. Jim Wylie, Instructor. Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hanson-Sewell Center, Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Naples-Omaha Center or Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the NTCC Campus Shelby Bldg. Tuition/Fees: $15.

Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Join us for a general overview of and introduction to sustainable agriculture. Discussion will focus on environmental stewardship, rural communities, and farm profitability. Dr. Charlie Apter, Instructor. Mondays, Feb. 3 to March 2 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the NTCC Campus. Tuition/Fees: $30.

Read More...

Junie B. Jones Comes To NTCC

Whatley Center stages play based on popular children's book series.

MT. PLEASANT, TX., Jan 25, 2009 -- The popular children’s book Junie B. Jones will come to life at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast Texas Community College on Saturday, January 31. The show begins at 2 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 17-and-under and NTCC students.

“We are very excited to bring this show to the Whatley Center. This is a great opportunity for families to come out to see what we have to offer and enjoy a high quality professional show at a very affordable price,” Whatley Center Director Carolyn Franks said.

The performance is underwritten by Joe and Marjorie Bernat of Mount Pleasant.

The entire family will enjoy a whimsical trip into the world of Barbara Park’s bestselling children’s book series. Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament, and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Follow her adventures as she writes down the story of her life in her “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal.”

Read More...

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