Pinnacle Women’s Club (PWC) recently donated $1,000 to the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA). The CASA organization provides independent, highly trained volunteer advocates for children in the custody of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. They empower volunteers to advocate for the children’s best interests, to insure that their needs are met, and to secure a permanent, safe and nurturing home as soon as possible. Their goal is to get children out of the foster care system quickly. Pictured are Lee Ann Millender (right), CASA Executive Director, and Patsy Dehn, PWC’s Philanthropy Chair. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Category: Uncategorized
Texas Parks and Wildlife recognizes TFFC
City of Athens press release
For years, the City of Athens, has attracted fishing enthusiasts to its many freshwater fishing sites. Now Athens is being recognized by Texas Parks and Wildlife for its Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The magazine calls the center the best place in Texas to “play catch.”
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center maintains a 1.2 acre stocked fishing pond where children are taught how to bait a hook and cast a line. As Texas Parks and Wildlife says, “Many young anglers catch their first fish at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.” Bait and tackle are furnished for visitors and no fishing license is required.
Children and adults who are visiting the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center can also walk a wetland trail, watch a daily dive show, take a tram tour, and explore 300,000 gallons of aquariums teeming with native Texas fish.
Located 75 miles southeast of Dallas, the city of Athens provides an array of activities for any family vacation. Athens has scuba and zipline opportunities, as well as one-hundred wooded acres belonging to the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society. “Athens is the perfect destination for families looking to explore the outdoors and experience nature at its best,” said Sherri Skeeters, tourism coordinator for the City of Athens Department of Tourism.
Bordering the Texas Lakes Trail and Texas Forest Trail regions, the natural beauty of the Athens countryside is a great escape for those looking to get away this time of year. The City of Athens Department of Tourism is also offering a wide variety of local coupons and discounts for those who visit this month. Coupons range from local restaurants to popular hotels, making this spring the perfect time to come and enjoy the East Texas countryside at an affordable rate.
Top 5 Stories of the Week: April 5
By Michael V. Hannigan
Story 1 — April is Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness month: April is Child Abuse Awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness month in Texas and, as is the custom in Henderson County, time for the people who fight against the violent scourge to come together.
Why it’s important: The East Texas Crisis Center has already helped 15 victims of sexual assault in just the first three months of 2013.
Read more: Here.
Story 2 — TVCC Lady Cardinals celebrates national title: Trinity Valley Community College held a community celebration for the 2013 NJCAA National Champion Lady Cardinals.
Why it’s important: Because national titles are always important, and this one was No. 7.
Read more: I wrote about why the community was so committed to this team.
Story 3 — April 20 is Go Blue Day: The District Attorney’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and Child Advocacy Center are promoting the Go Blue t-shirt campaign for the fifth straight year.
Why it’s important: See Top Story No. 1.
Read more: Here are the important details on the shirts.
Story 4 — ETMC eyes budget cuts: The East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System announced this week it is planning 5 to 7 percent budget cuts.
Why it’s important: ETMC runs Henderson County’s hospital
Read more: The Athens Daily Review had the story.
Story 5 — Cheerleaders headed to national championship: The Trinity Valley Community College Cheerleaders are hoping to repeat history starting April 11 as they participate in national competition in Florida.
Why it’s important: The cheerleaders are looking for their 10th title.
Read more: Here is the info. on the public performance of the tournament routine.
HCLS Results: Breeding Goat Show
HCLS Results: Breeding Goat Show
Grand Champion: Sierra Perez of Cross Roads 4-H
Reserve Grand Champion: Justin Gatlin of Cross Roads 4-H
Class 1
- Faith Singleton, LaPoynor FFA
- Shelby Swinnea, Cayuga 4-H
Class 2
- Tanner Choate, Athens FFA
- Tyler Singleton, LaPoynor FFA
- Faith Singleton, LaPoynor FFA
- Cole Adair, Horizon 4-H
Class 3
- Justin Gatlin, Cross Roads 4-H
- Chuck Smith, All American 4-H
- Faith Singleton, LaPoynor FFA
Class 4
- Shelby Swinnea, Cayuga 4-H
- Makayla Arnold, Cross Roads FFA
Class 5
- Sierra Perez, Cross Roads 4-H
- Briana Matero, Horizon 4-H
- Dante Matero, Horizon 4-H
Class 8
- Justin Gatlin, Cross Roads 4-H
- Kylie Williams, Brownsboro FFA
- Shelby Swinnea, Cayuga 4-H
Class 9
- Brianna Matero, Horizon 4-H
Malakoff High School: ‘No longer about providing just the basics’
Press release from Malakoff High School
Malakoff High School is busy working towards its preparation of students for their future success.
“High school is no longer about providing just the basics. It’s about making sure our students are college and workforce ready,” Principal Daniel Barton said.
In order for students to have the opportunity to gain university credit, the campus has added Advanced Placement classes in Psychology, World History, Government, and Calculus.
“This is an excellent chance for students to prepare to succeed at a major university,” counselor Laurie Boze added.
Malakoff High School also offers numerous dual credit courses with Trinity Valley Community College, such as College Algebra and Statistics, Biology, English, and History. These classes grant students the chance to gain college credit along with required state credits. In addition to these courses, there are several certifications available for students to earn such as a Certified Nurses Aide or Microsoft Office Specialist.
Boze has also opened a career center at the high school this year. This center is open to students to obtain scholarship applications, college and career information, and obtain SAT and ACT preparation materials. There are also two computers available to students who need to complete college or workforce applications, scholarship applications, college and career research, or to register for the SAT, ACT, or THEA.
“We are excited about the opening of the career center as it assists in achieving our vision at Malakoff High School: Developing superior 21st century leaders and thinkers in a global society,” she said
Additionally, Kenneth Hancock and Brent Watkins, Ag Science and Construction Trades instructors, became certified members of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to provide students the opportunity to gain certification. Students in journalism class are using the newest software available to create the Tiger yearbook and will head out into the workforce and to college with InDesign experience. Students are also able to take an Animation class that gives them experience in graphic design.
For added exposure to college life, several trips are planned for students to visit nearby colleges and universities. Students will have the opportunity to visit schools such as Mary-Hardin Baylor, The University of Texas at Tyler, Stephen F. Austin State University, Trinity Valley Community College, and Baylor University.
Malakoff High School is dedicated to the preparation of its students for the future. They are committed to student success.