16
(NDG Wire) The Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival kicks off the City of Richardson’s annual cel- ebration. The world’s largest high-definition mobile LED screen the massive 19’x33’ “GoBigger” unit – will be on the Main Stage as Kansas, The Toadies, Rick Springfield, Kool & The Gang, Hoobastank, and other bands rock the house. This year’s musical line-up is arguably our best ever, so we knew we need- ed something over-the-top to really impress the audi- ence,” said Geoff Fairchild, special events manager for the City of Richardson. “So, naturally, we told GoVision we had to have the world’s largest mobile HD screen on the Main Stage!” Chris Curtis, CEO of GoVision shared, “We love being a part of this North Texas tradition, especially BY JAMES CLINGMAN (NNPA) Now that many believe we are living in nirvana, having reached the absolute pinnacle of our society’s glory; now that some think we have entered a post-racial era, replete with the all the trap- pings of idealism, sweet- ness, and light; now that we have achieved the col- lective dream of millions of people who thought “they would never live to see the election of a Black President;” and now that we have been inebriated for about 100 days; it’s time to sober up. Having drunk the intoxicating elixir of “change,” “equality,” “yes we can,” and “together- ness,” it’s time for Black people, especially, to go on a serious coffee binge. As the song once said, “Back to life, back to reality.” We still have much work to do among ourselves; we still have to fight for what we want and need; we still Volume XVIII, Number XVIII May 14 - 20, 2009 Your Paper, Your Opportunity... Visit Us Online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com Cassandra Gaines Carleen Brice Karen Hunter People In The News ....................... 2 Op-Ed ................................... 3 Health .................................. 4 Community News ......................... 5 Education ................................ 6 Community Spotlight .......................7 Cover Story .............................. 9 Arts & Entertainment ..................... 10 Business Service Directory ................. 11 Career Opportunity ....................... 13 Church Happenings ....................... 14 Church Directory ................. 14, 15 & 16 See Page 2 INSIDE... People In The News… BLACKONOMICS For more information see pg. 10 www.northdallasgazette.com See Four Ls Page 9 COVER STORY Founded 1991 .com See OBAMA, Page 13 The Four Ls of Leadership Obama Ain’t cha Mama! Mr. Edward Joe Bagby, Never To Be Forgotten BY SHIRLEY DEMUS TARPLEY “Brother Joe” as Mr. Bagby was affectionally called by his many radio fans; and evidently by thou- sands of listeners all over the United States; his voice was forever silenced on Friday morning, May 8, 2009 as was reported by the Joe Bagby Morning Show personalities. The Gospel legend was also known as the spiritual heartbeat of Dallas’ Black churches; his inspirational voice, spiritual advice, hope and support had been on Dallas radio for more than 50 years. Mr. Bagby died at a Dallas hospital after a long and brave fight with pul- monary disease. Known as Godfather of gospel music, Brother Joe also served for several terms as a Dallas County Consta- Top Music Acts to Appear at The Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival See BAGBY, Page 4 Dallas Voters Rescue Hotel Plans & Plano Voters Make History BY RUTH FERGUSON Dallas City Mayor Tom Leppert and South Dallas Community leaders formed an alliance to defeat Harlan Crowe’s multimillion-dol- lar campaign to derail the city’s plan to build and own a convention center hotel. The voters rejected Proposition 1, designed to amend the city charter and prevent city ownership of a convention hotel. Crowe, the owner of the Hilton Anatole hotel, re- portedly spent nearly $5 million to push for passage of Proposition 1. However, Leppert built a coalition with other business leaders who view the potential rev- enue from conventions as a necessity for the future eco- nomic health of Dallas. Leppert’s other key ally in victory was South Dallas. The www.voteNodallas .com website stressed the job opportunities the hotel would create and touted potential contracts for minority businesses. Finally grassroot organ- izations such as R.I.P. Dallas held rallies and other events to push for defeat of this measure. Clay Roby, a member of R.I.P. Dallas said, "This was definitely a win for Dallas and we are proud to have been a part of See VOTERS, Page 4 See FESTIVAL Page10 Minstry of Laughter 1938-2009 Kool and the Gang

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Page 1: ObamaAin’t ch aMm! · largest mobile HD screen ... We are a multi-platform business that provides a “one-stop shopping” ... Kinky Gazpacho, says “CarleenBricemanagesto explorethedifficult,messy

(NDG Wire) TheWildflower! Arts and MusicFestival kicks off the Cityof Richardson’s annual cel-ebration.

The world’s largesthigh-definition mobile LEDscreen – the massive19’x33’ “GoBigger” unit –will be on the Main Stage as

Kansas, The Toadies, RickSpringfield, Kool & TheGang, Hoobastank, andother bands rock the house.

This year’s musicalline-up is arguably our bestever, so we knew we need-ed something over-the-topto really impress the audi-ence,” said Geoff Fairchild,

special events manager forthe City of Richardson. “So,naturally, we told GoVisionwe had to have the world’slargest mobile HD screenon the Main Stage!”

Chris Curtis, CEO ofGoVision shared, “We lovebeing a part of this NorthTexas tradition, especially

BY JAMES CLINGMAN(NNPA) Now that

many believe we are livingin nirvana, having reachedthe absolute pinnacle ofour society’s glory; nowthat some think we haveentered a post-racial era,replete with the all the trap-pings of idealism, sweet-ness, and light; now thatwe have achieved the col-lective dream of millionsof people who thought“they would never live tosee the election of a BlackPresident;” and now that

we have been inebriatedfor about 100 days; it’stime to sober up.

Having drunk theintoxicating elixir of“change,” “equality,” “yeswe can,” and “together-ness,” it’s time for Blackpeople, especially, to go ona serious coffee binge. Asthe song once said, “Backto life, back to reality.” Westill have much work to doamong ourselves; we stillhave to fight for what wewant and need; we still

Volume XVIII, Number XVIII May 14 - 20, 2009

Your Paper, Your Opportunity...

Visit Us Online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

Cassandra Gaines Carleen Brice Karen Hunter

People In The News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Op-Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Community News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Community Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Cover Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Business Service Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Career Opportunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Church Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Church Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 & 16 See Page 2

INSIDE... People In The News…

BLAC

KONO

MICS

For more information see pg. 10www.northdallasgazette.com

See Four Ls Page 9

COVERSTORY

Founded 1991

.com

See OBAMA, Page 13

The Four Lsof Leadership

Obama Ain’tcha Mama!

Mr. Edward Joe Bagby, Never To Be ForgottenBY SHIRLEY DEMUSTARPLEY

“Brother Joe” as Mr.Bagby was affectionallycalled by his many radiofans; and evidently by thou-sands of listeners all overthe United States; his voicewas forever silenced onFriday morning, May 8,

2009 as was reported by theJoe Bagby Morning Showpersonalities.

The Gospel legend wasalso known as the spiritualheartbeat of Dallas’ Blackchurches; his inspirationalvoice, spiritual advice, hopeand support had been onDallas radio for more than

50 years. Mr. Bagby died ata Dallas hospital after a longand brave fight with pul-monary disease.

Known as Godfather ofgospel music, Brother Joealso served for several termsas a Dallas County Consta-

Top Music Acts to Appear at The Wildflower!Arts and Music Festival

See BAGBY, Page 4

Dallas Voters Rescue Hotel Plans & Plano Voters Make HistoryBY RUTH FERGUSON

Dallas City Mayor TomLeppert and South DallasCommunity leaders formedan alliance to defeat HarlanCrowe’s multimillion-dol-lar campaign to derail thecity’s plan to build and owna convention center hotel.

The voters rejectedProposition 1, designed to

amend the city charter andprevent city ownership of aconvention hotel.

Crowe, the owner of theHilton Anatole hotel, re-portedly spent nearly $5million to push for passageof Proposition 1. However,Leppert built a coalitionwith other business leaderswho view the potential rev-

enue from conventions as anecessity for the future eco-nomic health of Dallas.

Leppert’s other key allyin victory was South Dallas.The www.voteNodallas

.com website stressed thejob opportunities the hotelwould create and toutedpotential contracts forminority businesses.

Finally grassroot organ-izations such as R.I.P.Dallas held rallies and otherevents to push for defeat ofthis measure. Clay Roby, amember of R.I.P. Dallassaid, "This was definitely awin for Dallas and we areproud to have been a part of

See VOTERS, Page 4

See FESTIVAL Page10

Minstry of Laughter

1938-2009

Kool and the Gang

Page 2: ObamaAin’t ch aMm! · largest mobile HD screen ... We are a multi-platform business that provides a “one-stop shopping” ... Kinky Gazpacho, says “CarleenBricemanagesto explorethedifficult,messy

This Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist is oneof the most sought-aftercollaborators in publish-ing. She is also one of themost sought-after voicesin America. She hasrecently parlayed her suc-cesses into her very-ownimprint—Karen HunterPublishing—a division ofPocket Books at Simon &Schuster.

She launched her firstbook, “Why Black MenLove White Women,” inOctober of 2007, and willfollow with a string ofprovocative non-fictiontitles, some gripping fic-tions, and a couple ofcelebrity memoirs.

Karen made her namepenning autobiographiesfor celebrities, churning

out numerous best-sellingand critically acclaimedbooks including: I MakeMy Own Rules (1997)with LL Cool J, LadiesFirst (1999) with QueenLatifah, Al on America(2002) with Rev. Al

Sharpton, Wendy’s Gotthe Heat (2003) withnationally syndicated talkshow host WendyWilliams. Her books, Onthe Down Low (2004)with AIDS activist JLKing and Confessions of a

Video Vixen,forced a nation todeal with issuesthat had longbeen overlooked.Karen has alsoc o - a u t h o r e dRaising Kanyewith the motherof rapper KanyeWest and Bal-ancing Act, anovel with theex-husband ofTerry McMillan.

Karen HunterPublishing is a

home for writers andcelebrities that offers thefinancial backing of amajor publisher togetherwith the hands-on, nurtur-ing approach that youonly get with a smaller,focused group of experi-enced professionals. It isan outlet for books thatare sometimes too “left ofcenter” for major housesand their conservativeapproach to publishing.We are a multi-platformbusiness that provides a“one-stop shopping”forum for all book pub-lishing-related activities.

In addition to herwriting, Karen was aradio talk-show host on aNew York City morningshow for three years. Sheis currently a Disting-uished Lecturer at HunterCollege, where she hasserved as an assistant pro-

fessor in the Film &Media Department for thepast five years. She was

also an adjunct professorat New York Universityfor three years.

Carleen Brice’s debutnovel Orange Mint andHoney (2008, One WorldBallantine) was an Essence“Recommended Read” anda Target “BookmarkedBreakout Book.” It wasoptioned for a movie byLifetime Television. TerryMcMillan said, “CarleenBrice is a fine writer. I haverecommended and willcontinue to recommendOrange Mint and Honey toothers.”

Carleen’s second novelChildren of the Waters(One World/Ballantine)will be released July 7 andis available for pre-ordernow. It tells a story of twosisters separated by preju-dice and brought togetherby love.Trish Taylor’s white

ancestry never got in theway of her love for herblack ex-husband, or theirmixed race son, Will. Butwhen Trish’s marriageends, she returns to herfamily’s Denver, Coloradohome to find a sense of

identity and connect to herpast.What she finds there

shocks her to the very core:her mother and newbornsister were not killed in acar crash as she was told.In fact, her baby sister,Billie Cousins, is now agrown woman; her grand-parents had put her up foradoption, unwilling to raisethe child of a black man.Billie, who had no idea shewas adopted, wants noth-ing to do with Trish until atragedy in Billie’s ownfamily forces her to lean on

her surprisingly supportiveand sympathetic sister.Together they unravel age-old layers of secrets andresentments and navigate apath toward love, healing,and true reconciliation.Jacquelyn Mitchard

author, The Deep End ofthe Ocean, says "I wasexhausted and singing theblues the hour I beganCarleen Brice's new novel,Children of the Waters.Five hours later, I'd fin-ished this fresh, free-reinnovel about mothers'secrets and children's sor-

rows and was shouting'Hurray!'"Lori Tharps, author of

Kinky Gazpacho, says“Carleen Brice manages toexplore the difficult, messyand unpleasant details oflife with both humor andwisdom. The parallel jour-neys of sisters, Trish andBillie, will resonate witheveryone and anyone whohas questioned their identi-ty and place in this world."You can learn more

about Carleen and herbooks at www.carleenbrice.com.

Cassandra Gaines is thefounder of The NationalSoul Food-Cook Off, head-quartered in Muskogee,Oklahoma. Launched inFebruary, 2008, TheNational Soul Food Cook-Off is a local, regional andnational competition toshowcase the best soul foodchefs in communities nation-wide and provide a uniquefamily, cultural and enter-tainment venue. The Cook-Off features good food, funand an educational compo-nent regarding the history ofsoul food cooking and cook-

ing tips from top chefs.A renaissance woman

with tremendous energy,Cassandra Gaines is a recog-nized and celebrated tourismexecutive in the state ofOklahoma. She also holdsthe positions of MuskogeeCivic Center Director;Muskogee Multi-CulturalTourism Coordinator; andManager of The RoxyTheater, a historic andbeloved Muscogee land-mark.

A high-spirited and inno-vative thinker, Cassandra'svision for The National Soul

Food Cook-Off is to createan event that celebrates therich African American cul-tural heritage of soul foodand the universal tradition ofbringing people together toenjoy good food. The Cook-Off has already generatedtremendous interest andexcitement, and is quicklybecoming an institution.

Cassandra has a historyof success in bringing peopletogether. She has beenactively involved in tourismin the NortheasternOklahoma region since1982. She is a pioneer in thetourism industry's rapidlygrowing niche market ofHeritage Tourism. While

working for the MuskogeeDepartment of Conventionand Tourism in 1996,Cassandra wrote a proposalto the Oklahoma HistoricalSociety for funding to helppromote African AmericanHeritage Tourism inNortheastern Oklahoma.After presenting and defend-ing her proposal beforeGovernor Frank Keating,Cassandra was awarded agrant of $50,000 and usedthese funds to establish theMuskogee Multi-CulturalTourism Department, whichshe coordinates.

She continues to studyAfrican American Historyand promote African -

American Tourism in theregion and nationally. She isalso known for developingand presenting outstandingcultural and educationalevents. Through her uniqueability to build relationships,Cassandra's fee waiver nego-tiations with attendingcelebrities has resulted in$150,000 in scholarships forover 50 deserving studentsto attend colleges inNortheastern Oklahoma.

Among her numeroushonors and distinctions,Cassandra has been namedone of the top 50 Women ofthe Year in the State ofOklahoma; honored by theOklahoma Human Rights

Commission; received theInternational AfricanAmerican Culinary ArtsInstitute Award; appointedState Chairperson for theThurgood MarshallFoundation; inducted intothe Oklahoma Jazz Hall ofFame for her cultural contri-butions, and has been citedfor her significant contribu-tions to Oklahoma tourismby the Governor.

People in the News

Cassandra Gaines

Karen Hunter

Carleen Brice

2 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

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Page 3: ObamaAin’t ch aMm! · largest mobile HD screen ... We are a multi-platform business that provides a “one-stop shopping” ... Kinky Gazpacho, says “CarleenBricemanagesto explorethedifficult,messy

Op-Ed

May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com | 3

Advisory Board:

Distribution

Advisory BoardCommittees:

Chairman EmeritusJim BochumPublished By

Minority Opportunity News, Inc.Office ManagerRosie Roberts

ProductionRandon KnightenSuzanne Plott

Special Projects ManagerEdward Dewayne

“Preacher Boy” Gibson, Jr.Pietro Elina

Account ExecutiveNell McClungFaye Tsai

Religious/Marketing Editor

Shirley Demus Tarpley

Assignment Editor972-606-3890

EditorRuth Ferguson

PublicistCheryl Jackson

Contributing WritersJacquinette MurphyTessa Howington

Theater CriticRick Elina

PhotographyLaquisha BuchananEdna Dorman

National MarketingDirector

Michael T. Caesar

Publisher’s Office:Phone: (972) 516-2992Fax: (972) 509-9058

[email protected]

Sales Department:Phone: (972) 606-7498Fax: (972) 509-9058

[email protected]

Editorial Department:Phone: (972) 516-2992Fax: 1 (261) 569-4191

[email protected]

Website: www.NorthDallasGazette.com

MON-The Gazette assumes no responsibility forunsolicited material and reserves the right to edit and

make appropriate revisions.

Where Do You WantTo Go Today?

The North Dallas Gazette, formerly MinorityOpportunity News, was founded July, 1991,

by Jim Bochum and Thurman R. Jones

John DudleyMyrtle Hightower

Fred MosesAnnie DicksonCecil StarksWillie Wattley

Coty Rodriguez-AndersonB. J. Williams

Denise UpchurchBarbara Simpkins,ADVISORY BOARD SECRETARY

Keith RockRojelio Martinez

Public Relations Planningand ImplementationCecil Starks, CHAIRPERSON

Business Growth ReferralJohn Dudley, CHAIRPERSON

Program Policy DevelopmentAnnie Dickson, CHAIRPERSON

Quality AssuranceMyrtle Hightower, CHAIRPERSON

Coty Rodriguez

3401 Custer Rd, Suite 169 • Plano, Texas 75023

2000 National WinnerA. Philip Randolph AwardFor Excellence in Journalism

2002 National WinnerA. Philip Randolph AwardFor Excellence in Journalism

Founded 1991

.com

STAFF

TPA

New Supreme Court Justice May HaveMinimal Influence on Civil Rights

BY ZENITHA PRINCE(NNPA) The replace-

ment of outgoing SupremeCourt Justice David Soutermay have little to no impacton the civil rights agenda,political and legal analystsand activists say.

“Really, until the conser-vative members begin toresign from the court you’renot going to see much of achange,” said University ofMaryland law professorSherrilyn Ifill.

“Unless,” she added,“the person who the presi-dent chooses is a young,powerful person, who hasthe kind of personal story,intense communicationskills and intellectual heft toreally influence JusticeKennedy, who is usually theswing vote in the court.”

As things stand, civilrights issues are usuallydecided with a 5-4 vote ratioin favor of more conserva-tive sentiments in the court.Justice Souter, who manydescribed as a moderate ide-ologue, is often aligned withcivil rights interests.

“Justice Souter is—which you could see whenyou looked at the hearing onthe Voting Rights Act lastweek—in the moderatewing of the court,” Ifill said.“He understands the VotingRights Act, he understandscivil rights issues and I’msure the person PresidentObama picks will alsounderstand civil rightsissues and have the sort ofempathy he has talkedabout.”

There are some, howev-er, who say the president’s

choice should be found fur-ther left of Justice Souter’sposition on the ideologyspectrum.

Though a liberal choicewill not have much of aneffect, said political analystRon Walters, Obama should“not give in to Republicans”by choosing a moderate.

“The objective of theadministration ought to be torebuild the liberal con-stituency of the court just asthe Republicans set out tobuild the conservative baseof the court and succeeded,”he said. “Democrats have tocorrect that historic imbal-ance.”

While the president’schoice may not stack theodds in their favor, civilrights activists said, it mostlikely will not make itworse—and that’s imp-ortant given the issues loom-ing on the legal landscape.

NAACP WashingtonBureau Chief Hilary Sheltonstated, “With the stacking ofthe Supreme Court withright-wingers … havingsomeone replace JusticeSouter that has a balancedapproach to interpreting thelaw is crucial.”

Some of those ongoingissues include the VotingRights Act, criminal justice,the death penalty, abortion,Fourth Amendment rights asit pertains to governmentwiretapping and searchesand the scope of judicial andexecutive powers.

“We need to have some-one with a proven record ofprotecting America’s civilrights [who is not] anactivist judge,” Shelton said.

“We want to make surewe get someone who willinterpret the law and theConstitution as it wasintended in a way that pro-tects all Americans in thecontext of our life today.”

In making the an-nouncement of JusticeSouter’s retirement, thepresident said he would con-sult with members of bothparties to find a nomineethat has “a sharp and inde-pendent mind,” that isrespectful of the Constitu-tion and understands thelimits of the judiciary. And,more importantly, he said,he is seeking someone whohas “empathy.”

“I will seek someonewho understands that justiceisn't about some abstractlegal theory or footnote in acase book; it is also abouthow our laws affect the dailyrealities of people's lives –whether they can make a liv-ing and care for their fami-lies; whether they feel safein their homes and welcomein their own nation,” said theformer constitutional lawprofessor.

Diversity should beanother deciding factor inthe president’s choice, manyhave said. “It would be niceif it was an AfricanAmerican who was in syncwith the rest of the African-American community but Idon’t think he’ll do that,”Walters said, adding thatappointing a Hispanic is“extremely seductive” be-cause of the political cachethat decision offers.

“Just looking towardsthe next election, it would be

good for him, in a historicsense, to put the firstHispanic and a woman onthe court,” the political ana-lyst said. “It would help tosolidify the Hispanic voteand the women’s vote.”

One rumored candidate,New York federal judgeSonia Sotomayor, would sat-isfy both qualities. Othernames in the wind include:Jennifer Granholm, Mich-igan governor and formerattorney general; ElenaKagan, Obama’s solicitorgeneral and former dean ofHarvard Law School; LeahWard Sears, chief justice ofthe Georgia Supreme Courtand adjunct professor atEmory University School ofLaw; Ann Claire Williams,who serves on the U.S.Court of Appeals for the 7thCircuit and formerly servedas a U.S. District Courtjudge in Illinois and PamelaS. Karlan, a law professor atStanford Law School, aleading legal scholar on vot-ing rights and former attor-ney with the NAACP LegalDefense Fund.

Harold Koh, the formerdean of Yale Law School, isperhaps the only male candi-date whose name has beenthrown in the cap.

Most seem to agree thatthe choice must be female.“We only have one womanon the bench right now andthat is not reflective of thecountry or of the legal pro-fession,” Ifill said, adding 50percent of law school stu-dents are women. “The per-spective of a woman is verymuch needed in the court.”

(ATLANTA) Lastweek the ObamaAdministration andSecretary of Agricul-tureThomas Vilsack made anhistoric announcement inthe Pigford Class ActionLawsuit first filed byBlack farmers against theUnited States ofAgriculture in 1997. Thesettlement announced on

May 6 will provide $1.25billion dollars in paymentsto qualified plaintiffs forpast discriminatory treat-ment.

Federation of SouthernCooperatives Land Ass-istance Fund congratulatesthe Obama Administrationon taking this historic steptoward a meaningful set-tlement.

"This can lead to clo-sure in the long sad histo-ry of discrimination by theUSDA against Blackfarmers," said RalphPaige, Executive Director."The announcement fol-lows the policy directivesby the Secretary that pro-vided a moratorium onfederal farm foreclosuresand strengthens the

USDA's Office of CivilRights to respond tonumerous complaints ofdiscrimination in USDAprogram activities andemployment. We look for-ward to working with theUSDA in providing fairaccess and equitable treat-ment to all Black farmersand distressed rural com-munities."

$1.25 billion dollars to be designated in payments to qualified Black farmers

Page 4: ObamaAin’t ch aMm! · largest mobile HD screen ... We are a multi-platform business that provides a “one-stop shopping” ... Kinky Gazpacho, says “CarleenBricemanagesto explorethedifficult,messy

affecting the outcome of thiselection. Ironically, our goalwas to try and move 2,000-3,000 young professionalsto the polls and given themargin of victory, we areconfident that the efforts ofour peers and colleaguesreally paid off. Probably themost exciting part of thiscampaign is the grassrootsmovement that was created

and the fact that for the firsttime in Dallas politics, theyounger generation madetheir voice heard in a bigway. In our opinion, it couldnot have come at a moreimportant time for our city'sfuture."

Marilyn Hinton in Place6, made history in Plano asthe first African Americanelected to the school board.

A previous schoolteacher inthe district, Hinton has beenan active community volun-teer in recent years.

Phil Dyer was electedMayor with 85% of thevote; he will replace the out-going Plano Mayor PatEvans. Facing three chal-lengers, Place 8 incumbent

(NDG Wire) MethodistCharlton Medical Center isoffering a free communityhealth education event forladies that mixes serioustalk with laughter, enter-tainment and fun. “GirlTalk” will feature physi-cian experts who will dis-cuss issues such asmenopause, uterine fib-roids, hysterectomy, uri-nary incontinence, genetictesting to predict the risk of

breast and ovarian cancer,and minimally invasivetreatments available atMethodist.

The serious talk will bemixed with seriously funnycomic relief, a free bonedensity screening, refresh-ments, drawings and give-aways.

Entertainment willinclude Debbie Bonickwho entertains audienceswith her side-splitting,

wholesome brand ofhumor; Kerri Atchley, whohas played leading roles allaround the Metroplex,including dual roles inMenopause the Musical ®;and performing arts ensem-ble New Arts Six, classi-cally trained artists devotedto the preservation ofAfrican-American music,poetry and literature.

The “Girl Talk” eventwill be held Saturday, May

16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30p.m. in the auditorium ofthe Methodist CharltonMedical Center, located at3500 West Wheatland inDallas, near the intersec-tion of I-20 and Hwy. 67.

Free parking is avail-able in the visitor parkinglot or garage. Space is lim-ited, so register today at214-947-0000 or www.methodisthealthsytem.org/events.

4 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

Health

“Girl Talk” Event at Methodist Charlton MixesFun with Women’s Health Topics

BAGBY, continued from Page 1

See VOTERS Page 5

New Arts Six -These classi-cally trainedartists aredevoted to thepreservation ofAfrican-Americanmusic, poetry,and literaturethrough per-formance.

Coffee Walkers(NDG Wire) Join City

of Carrollton staff for amorning walk around theElm Fork Nature Preserve(2335 Sandy Lake Road)paired with a free cup ofStarbucks coffee or teafrom 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.on Saturday, May 16.What better way to start

the morning off? Staff willanswer all questions aboutthe Nature Preserve.Come and go as you pleaseand grab some Starbucksbefore or after your hike.For more information, visith t t p : / / t i n y u r l . c o m /ql6udx or call 972-466-3080.

ble in Pct. 8 and he treatedeveryone with the up-mostrespect and honor, many tes-tified.

Brother Joe received hisown inspiration from hismentor, the late DJ JimmyAvant who taught him theropes as a young man grow-ing up in Dallas.

Mr. M.T.Avant, the fam-ily spokesman for the Avantfamily said, “The Avantfamily want the world toknow that based on the his-tory of the Avant and Bagbyfamilies, Brother Joerespected the Avant family.From the beginning to theend, at Lincoln High School,to KNOK Radio on ForestLane (now Dr. Martin L.King Freeway), and finally@ KHVN, Heaven 97.”

“Mr. Bagby showed thehighest esteem for theAvant’s name and legacy,for my deceased father,“Wonder Bread” Jimmy, ashe called him, for “CupcakeDora,” my mother (as he

called her) and even the spe-cial bond that he formedwith my late father. Theyworked together on numer-ous projects for the commu-nity, radio station and theCity of Dallas.”

“I have many stories thatI could tell, but time won’tpermit them; however, Ihave known Brother Joewhen he was considered a“street” person to now,when he was a great prophetof God.

When he was aConstable and had to evictanyone, especially a singlemother with children, he dideverything within his powerto get them another place tostay. He would even helppeople find a way to burytheir loved ones if they did-n’t have any money.”

“We say to Sister Fayand the Bagby family thatyou have our deepest sym-pathy on your great loss; ourprayers and love be with youfor eternity. Remember the

lasting words of WonderBread Jimmy and BrotherJoe, Put God first and youcan be sure of a good out-come!”

Brother Joe leaves tocherish his legacy, his wifeof 38 years, Falaine; fourdaughters, April (Deion);Yolanda; Tonya; and Dunita.Three sons, Joe Jr. (Nicole);Keith and Dwayne; and ahost of grandchildren andadopted children. Onebrother Vanda (Nancy); onesister Miranda (Tommy) anda mother-in-law, Jenell.

Homegoing Celebrat-ion Services: A MemorialWake Service is tonight,May 14th from 6 pm-8 pm@ Full Gospel HolyTemple, 39727 LBJFreeway, Dallas, TX 75237and his Celebration of LifeService is tomorrow, Friday,May 15th starting at 11 am@ the same place, FullGospel Holy Temple.

VOTERS, continued from Page 1

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Community News

May 14-20, 2009 | | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com | 5

140 Days of Opportunity

Education, veteran benefits, landowner rightstops list of passed bills last week

BY TESSA HOWINGTONWith less than 30 days

left in the Texas’ Legisla-tive Regular Session, boththe House and the Senatestayed busy last week inAustin.

On Monday, May 4, theSenate passed Senate Bill(SB) 1443 unanimously.SB 1443 limits how muchuniversities can increase astudent’s tuition rates afterthe first four years of a stu-dent’s starting semester.

Also on Monday, SB 18was passed. SB 18 definesa land owner’s rights whenthe state seizes land foreminent domain. UnderSB 18, a land owner mustreceive offers for purchaseof the land from the state inwriting. It also requires thestate to give at least marketvalue or higher compensa-tion for the land, use theland for public projects,and give the owner firstchance to buy back theland if not used after 10years.

Both bills have beenreceived by the House andreferred to the appropriatesubcommittees, but, as ofFriday, May 8, not sched-uled for review yet.

The Senate passed SB689, by Plano SenatorFlorence Shapiro, on

Tuesday, May 5. SB 689would require sex offend-ers to report all their onlineuser names and electroniccontact information to thestate; the state will form adatabase using this infor-mation and share it will allonline social networks. Bydoing so, the state hopes tokeep sexual predators fromsexually soliciting anyone,especially children, online.

The bill would alsolimit or deny internetaccess to some sex offend-ers if their convicted crimeconsisted of any onlinecontact with their victim.

As of Friday, May 8,SB 689 has been receivedby the House, but has notbeen scheduled for reviewor referred to a subcommit-tee.

Late last week theSenate also passed severalbills to the House forreview including:

• SB 204 bans trans-fatsin restaurants state wide,except for grocery stores,bakeries, and independent-ly owned restaurants.

• SB 2079 requires doc-tors to confirm or help pro-vide transportation ar-rangements from a hospitalafter a patient’s discharge.

• SB 2249 makes teach-ers who work with blind

and visually impaired stu-dents have more training tobetter meet their student’sneeds.

• SB 2397 requirescomputer repair techni-cians to report to authori-ties any child porn foundon a computer, network, ora server while doingrepairs.

All of these bills passedto the House have not yetbeen scheduled for reviewas of Friday, May 8.

Also on Tuesday,Senator Leticia Van DePutte and RepresentativeChris Turner held a pressconference to gain supportfor Turner’s bill, HouseBill (HB) 1299. HB 1299would create a Lotto Gameto generate revenue specif-ically for the PermanentFund for Veterans Ass-istance.

The fund helps veteranswith financial assistancefor starting businesses,acquiring medical needs,transportation for disabledveterans, and, most recent-ly, repairs or replacinghomes that have been dam-aged in natural disastersaround the state.

The creation of thegame will not cost the stateanything, as implementinga new Lotto game has

already been scheduled andbudgeted for the next year,and will generate an esti-mated $12 million in annu-al revenue.

Turner stated, “Thisfund will not repay the debtwe owe our veterans whohave served our nation inuniform. We can't put aprice tag on the incrediblesacrifices these brave menand women have made toprotect our freedom. Butby passing this bill, we canprovide our veterans somehelp they need and haveearned.”

HB 1299 passed theHouse’s Licensing andAdministrative Subcom-mittee early last month andis scheduled to be voted onby the entire House earlythis week.

The House also passedseveral bills last week to

the Senate for review,including:

HB 136 increases en-rollment of Pre-K pro-grams in public schools byhaving the TexasEducation Agency overseeresearch and outreach pro-grams aimed at educatingparents about local Pre-Kprograms.

HB 2685 requires prop-erty owners to be given aLandowner’s Bill of Rightsfrom the state before hav-ing land taken by eminentdomain.

HB 3951 makes univer-sities have a staff memberin the financial aid officetrained in veteran programsto make sure veterans andtheir families have fullknowledge and access toall financial aid and benefitprograms available tothem.

Dallas RepresentativeDan Branch’s HB 4294;permits schools to useelectronic text books inthe classroom to help cutschool budgets, encour-age advanced electroniclearning and use of tech-nology.

HB 4765 allows busi-nesses making under $1million a year to be exemptfrom the state franchisetax.

All of these bills havebeen received by theSenate and sent to theproper subcommittees forreview, but, as of Friday,May 8, none have yet to bescheduled for any action.

This week, both theHouse and the Senate havesubcommittee meetingsand floor action scheduledfor the entire week.

Lee Dunlap handily won re-election with 55% of the votes.The turnout was surprisingly low in Plano with only an estimated 6%, however the resi-

dents were clearly in a giving mood approving all propositions with 59-70% affirmativevotes for the proposals:

Proposition 1: $11,368,000 for public safety improvements.Proposition 2: $8,000,000 for technology improvements to city facilities.Proposition 3: $34,754,500 for street improvements.Proposition 4: $1,750,000 for library facilities.Proposition 5: $48,650,000 for parks and recreation improvements.Proposition 6: $24,100,000 for recreation centers.Proposition 7: repeals $3,500,000 for overpass at Legacy and Preston.In Garland, although he faced two opponents, Christopher Ott and Dino Quintanilla,

Mayor Ronald Jones was easily re-elected for a second term after receiving 85% of the bal-lots cast. In 2007, Mayor Jones was the first African American elected mayor in Garland,Texas.

In Dallas, Dwaine R. Caraway coasted in his re-election carrying nearly 80% of the votein the District 4 Dallas City Council election. District 7 is headed to a runoff after incum-bent Carolyn R. Davis received the majority of the votes, but not enough to stave off chal-lenger Dallas School Board member Ron Price.

VOTERS, continued from Page 4

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Education

6 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

UNCF Gala Benefit Raises Scholarship Funding(NDG Wire) United

Negro College Fund(UNCF) the nation’s largestand most effective minorityeducation assistance organi-zation, announced that its10th annual Red, Hot &Snazzy Benefit raised$25,000 to support scholar-ships for deserving students.The scholarship funds wereraised through a live auctionin which personal donations

were made by employeesand guests of ExxonMobil,American Airlines, AT&T,BNSF Railway, CityView,Frito-Lay, Nationwide Ins-urance, Sam’s Club and theBernard Harris Foundationand individuals such as StateSenator Royce West, DallasMayor Tom Leppert andDallas City CouncilmanTennell Atkins. Companycontributions were received

from Coca-Cola, Kroger andWachovia. Other net pro-ceeds from this signatureevent will go towards pro-viding operating support tothe five UNCF institutionslocated in Texas.

“Thanks to the generos-ity of the companies andindividuals that donated tothe UNCF Red, Hot &Snazzy Benefit scholarshipprogram, promising students

will get the college educa-tion they need and that ourcommunity needs them toget,” said UNCF Dallas AreaDevelopment DirectorDiane Stephenson. Theseprivate historically blackcolleges and universitiesplay a critical role in thefuture of our communities inTexas and around the coun-try by preparing students tosucceed in today’s economy.

We are grateful for all thosewho have invested generous-ly in UNCF and the futureleaders of tomorrow.”

Students can applyonline for the Red, Hot &Snazzy Benefit Gala Scho-larship at UNCF.org. Theapplication deadline is May31, 2009. Scholarships willbe awarded to students whodemonstrate financial needand academic potential.

Students must have a cumu-lative GPA of 3.0 or higherand be enrolled full-time atany four- year U.S. collegeor university. For moreinformation about UNCF, orto make a contribution tosupport UNCF scholarshipsor other programs, pleasevisit UNCF.org or call thelocal UNCF office at (972)234 – 1007.

GISD Students & Staff Win Big Money With Stormwater Essays(NDG Wire) City of Garland Stormwater Manage-

ment invited first through fifth grade students in theGarland Independent School District to participate in thethird annual “Be Stormwater Smart” Essay Contest dur-ing the last months of 2008. Fifteen talented GISD stu-dents won the stormwater essay contest. Not only did thestudents win big, due to their award winning insightfulessays, their teachers won also.

First place students receive $400 each, second placereceive $300 and third place receive $200 each. Teachersof winning students will also receive an amount equal tohalf of what their students won in order to purchase class-room supplies.

The winners are:

First Place:Syndey Kurth 1st Grade Rowlett ElementaryWill Pearson 2nd Grade Rowlett ElementaryMacey Samonte 3rd Grade Dorsey ElementaryMelissa Singletary 4th Grade Freeman ElementaryCristobal Lopez 5th Grade Freeman ElementarySecond Place:Aminah Bland 1st Grade Rowlett ElementaryBenjamin Varnan 2nd Grade Abbett ElementaryIzabel Gonzalez 3rd Grade Dorsey ElementaryKatherine Sloan 4th Grade Hillside AcademyConnie Ho 5th Grade Beaver TechnologyThird Place:Kyle Montgomery 1st Grade Rowlett Elementary

Carissa Padilla 2nd Grade Beaver TechnologyKennedy Warren 3rd Grade Rowlett ElementaryYessenia Vazquez 4th Grade Freeman ElementaryNadine Van Zyl 5th Grade Rowlett Elementary

The highest student participation this year went toBeaver Technology Center. Beaver submitted over onehundred student essays. A close second was DorseyElementary. Overall, thirty-three teachers at 10 GISD ele-mentary schools competed in 2008.

Congratulations to everyone! Stormwater Manage-ment encourages even more eligible GISD students andteachers to participate in next year’s contest. For moreinformation or to report stormwater pollution, call theStormwater Hotline at 972-205-2180 or log onto garland-stormwater.org

Collin College To Host Ninth Annual Biotech Conference June 25(NDG Wire) Collin

College will host the NinthAnnual Biotechnology Ed-ucators Conference from 8a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday,June 25 at the SpringCreek Campus ConferenceCenter, 2800 E. SpringCreek Parkway, in Plano.

This year’s keynotespeaker will be Dr. JayHorton, professor of inter-nal medicine and endowedchairmen in obesity anddiabetes research at theUniversity of Texas South-western Medical Center.Dr. Horton will discuss“Translating GenomicResearch into MedicalApplications.”

Ellyn Daugherty, aninternationally known bio-technology teacher andauthor of “Biotechnology:Science for the NewMillennium,” also isscheduled to discuss theneed to include biotechnol-ogy as the fourth year ofscience at the high school

level at a pre-conferenceevent on June 24.

Topics covered at theconference, themed “Sol-utions for What Ails You,”will include new uses forold drugs, science of fat,

nutrition and obesity,progress in cancer and dia-betes research and hands-on labs.

Also featured will be acompetitive poster sessionfor undergraduate andgraduate students, doorprizes and cash awards.

The conference is open

to the public and targetsprimarily teachers, educa-tors, county extensionagents and outreach pro-fessionals. General admis-sion is $25 and $15 for stu-dents. This fee includeslunch and admittance toDr. Horton’s keynoteaddress, participation inyour choice of three break-out sessions and confer-ence materials.

The conference is acollaborative effort of sev-eral institutions, includingCollin College, STARSUniversity of Texas South-western Medical Center,Region 10, Agri LifeExtension, Agri LifeResearch and others.

For more informationabout the conference or toregister, visit http://dallas.tamu.edu/Biotechnology.aspx or contact BridgetteKirkpatrick, professor ofbiotechnology at CollinCollege, 972.881.5853 [email protected].

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Arts & Entertainment

May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com | 7

Community Spotlight

May is "A Pet's Ticket Home" Month in Garland(NDG Wire) The City of

Garland Animal ServicesDepartment is sponsoring“A Pet’s Ticket Home”Month in May to increasepet adoptions, as well as petregistrations as required byCity Ordinance.

A city tag is your pet’sticket home. If your pet hasbeen impounded we can usethe registration tag to con-tact you and reunite withyour pet.

In May, any Garland res-ident who visits the TuggleAnimal Shelter at 600 TowerStreet to register or renewregistration for their pet will

receive a gift bag (whilesupplies last) which willinclude product samples anddiscount coupons for petproducts and services.

The Animal ServicesDepartment has also begun anew “adoption sponsorship”program. Individuals maydonate money toward theadoption fee of a pet.“Sponsored” pets can beadopted free of charge. Theadoption fee for a pet thathas not been spayed orneutered is $80. The fee is$35 for a pet that is spayedor neutered.

Anyone who adopts a

pet from the shelter duringMay will also receive a giftbag. The generous donorshave and will continue helpseveral animals that were ofa less popular variety findhomes. The goal for the spe-cial emphasis in May andfor the sponsored adoptionsis to increase our rate ofadoption for homeless petsall year round.

If you would like tomake a donation of $80 or$35, please make checkpayable to City of GarlandAnimal Services P.O. Box469002 Garland, TX 75046.

Memorial Day ObservationThe 69th annual

Memorial Day Celebrationwill be held at RestlandMemorial Park, GreenvilleAvenue and Restland Roadbeginning at 1 p.m., Mon-day, May 25.

Activities will include afamily photo exhibit of

WWII pictures in the AbbeyChapel; helicopter, vehicleand equipment displaysfrom World Wars I and IIand the

Vietnam War; a fly-overby the 301st Tactical FighterWing of the U.S. Air Force(call 972-238-7111 for an

exact time); a 21-gun salute;live music and retired radiopersonality Alex Burton asmaster of ceremonies.

The guest speaker willbe U.S. Air Force ColonelKen Cordier (retired). MajorGeneral Keith Thurgood willoffer a special dedication.

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Proud To Be An ActivePartner In The Community

Sponsored By:

8 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

Community Calendar Visit www.NorthDallasGazette.com and click on Community Calendar for more events!

OngoingAfrican AmericanRepub-lican Club ofCollin County meets 3rdTuesday of every month at7 pm (Doors will open at6:30 pm) Collin CountyRepublican PartyHeadquarters 8416 StacyRoad, McKinney CallFred Moses at 972 6187027 or [email protected] formore information.

Collin County BlackChamber of Commerce:Monthly Lunch & Learnevery 3rd Thursday $15for members; $20 for non-members, 11:00am-1:00pm. At Reel ThingCatfish Cafe, 600 EastMain Street - Suite A,Allen, TX 75002. For gen-eral information and reser-vations call 469-424-0120.

DFW Financially Emp-owered Women meetmonthly for lunch or din-ner and a fun, informativeseminar on various finan-cial topics. For info: 469-942-0809 or meeet-up.com/378.

Marriage Prep Class 1stSaturdays monthly 423West Wheatland RoadSuite 101, Duncanville75116 $10 fee for materi-als. For more info callKaren Duval at 972-709-1180.

No Limit NetworkBusiness NetworkingLunch 1st and 3rdThursday 11:30 am - 12:30pm every Thursday atTexas Land & Cattle SteakHouse 3945 N. CentralExpressway Plano 75023Must RSVP atwww.TheNoLimitNetwork.com or call SylviaWilliams at 972-898-5882.

The National BusinessWomen EnterpriseNetwork (NBWEN)Learning Over LunchSeries: Monthly workshopand networking event giv-ing members and gueststhe opportunity to net-work, build relationships,present information ontheir business and servic-es, and most importantly,learn different ways toimprove upon and growtheir business. 4th

Saturdays, 11AM-1PM,ReMarkable Affairs Cafe,2727 LBJ Freeway, Suite140, Dallas, $20 for mem-bers; $35 for non-mem-bers, $5 off for early birdregistration. Visit http://nbwenorg.ning.com formore information. THISIS A PREPAID EVENT soregister early!

Wit Women ConferenceCall join this weekly con-ference call if you needencouragement, prayer, orinspiration. Dial inTuesdays 7 pm - 7:15pmto 218-486-1616, Code10984 (may change eachweek).

Egypt & Nile RiverCruise - 12/24/09 to01/04/2010 Join in the funon an unforgettable 12-dayjourney. Go to http://s d n t r a v e l 0 9 . g r o u ptoursite.com for details.Then call 972-293-6075for enrollment informa-tion.

March 28 - October 25The George WashingtonCarver: An Extraord-inary Man With AMighty Vision at TheAfrican AmericanMuseum, 3536 GrandAvenue, Historic FairPark, Dallas, TX, 214 565-9026, $5-Adults $2-Children www.aamdallas.org

April 27 – May 24Sarah, Plain and Tall atthe Kalita HumphreysTheater, located at 3636Turtle Creek Blvd., atBlackburn St. Perform-ance times are Tuesdaythrough Thursdayevenings at 7:30 p.m.;Friday and Saturdayevenings at 8 p.m.;Saturday and Sundaymatinees at 2 p.m.; andselect Sunday evening at7:30 p.m. Single ticketprices begin at $16 and areavailable by calling thebox office at 214.522.8499or by visiting www.dallastheatercenter.org.

May 1 – 27The Black Academy ofArts and Letters 25thAnnual Summer YouthArts Institute, 650 S.

Griffin St. Dallas 8 pm$50 Institute Registrationfee; $1 Performance [email protected] 214-743-2440

May 14-16The 5 Browns DSO PopsSeries - The first family ofclassical music bringstheir signature classical-meets-jazz style to theMeyerson. Single ticketsrange from $22 to $105and can be purchased bycalling 214.692.0203,www.DallasSymphony.com.

May 14Job Fair at WestsideWorkforce Center, 6000Western Place, Suite 700,Fort Worth, TX 761071:00 – 3:00 p.m.

May 15-17Wildflower! Arts andMusic Festival inRichardson, visit www.wildflowerfestival.com fortickets and information.

May 15Auctions for PoliceImpounded Vehicles arescheduled for 9:30 a.m. atthe Garland City ImpoundLot, 1630 CommerceStreet. All items will besold for cash to the highestbidder without warranty orguarantees and are offeredas is/where is. Call 972-205-2415 or the auction-eer’s website at www.JoePippinAuctioneers.com.

Diversity Training 8:30AM to 12:00 PM. Thecost is $99.00 for GarlandChamber of Commercemembers and $119.00 forthe non-members. Theevent will be held atGarland Chamber ofCommerce located at 675W. Walnut in Garland.

May 16The City of Garland’sEnvironmental WasteServices Department ishosting a free CompostGardening Class onSaturdays April 25 andMay 16, 9 to 11:30 a.m. at1434 Commerce Street.Limited to 50 participants,drawings will be held foreight compost bins. Toregister, call 972-205-3500.

Community & CareerJob Fest 10AM-2PM atCornerstone BaptistChurch NEW LOCATION1819 Martin Luther KingBlvd. Dallas, (214) 426-5468

Free Home Owner TaxCredit Seminar 11AM-2PM Builders of HopeCDC, 133 N. StemmonsFreeway, Ste 100, Sign up:www.buildersofhopehomes.com or 214-920-9850

May 18-20Scholastic Book Fair atthe Richardson CivicCenter 411 W. ArapahoRd. Info: 972-744-4090,www.scholastic.com/

May 18The Texas DemocraticWomen of Collin CountyMonthly Meeting JudgeKeith Self of the CollinCounty CommissionersCourt 6:45pm CollinCollege Preston Ridge -9700 Wade Blvd, Frisco

North Texas InsuranceConvention One-dayseminar geared towardsindependent InsuranceAgents or agents lookingto become Independents.Admission $65 for IIADmembers; $75 for non-members. Info: TraceyEvers or JenniferFitzsimmons at 214-360-0666, www.iiadallas.org

Garland Chamber ofCommerce MonthlyLuncheon 11:30 a.m. 1:00p.m. City Mayor, TomLeppert scheduled speak-er. $25 for members, $30for nonmembers, lunchincluded.

May 21The Women of VisionaryInfluence meet at theChocolate Angel, 635 W.Campbell. Info: 214-642-5021.

May 23Resume WritingWorkshop, Fort WorthLibrary, 2-4 p.m.

The Latino CulturalCenter presents Trío Los

Panchos, 5 p.m. Regardedas the best guitar trio of alltime, enjoy theirunequaled harmonies andcaptivating performance.Tickets Adults: $30Students, Seniors &Military: $25, 214-671-0045.

May 2569th Annual MemorialDay observance atRestland Memorial Park,Greenville Avenue andRestland Road beginningat 1 p.m.event. The guestspeaker will be U.S. AirForce ColonelKen Cordier (retired).

May 30The Rowlett FireRescue’s Safe SitterClass for youth between11 and 16 years of age.The class will instruct onhow to feed, play with,and bathe an infant, infantCPR and other generalsafety tips. Cost of theclass is $30. Info: callGloria Adams at 972/412-6230.

Job Interview PreparationWorkshop, Fort WorthLibrary, 2-4 p.m.

May 31Royale Ballet of Dallas“Phases of Motion” HillPerformance Hall atEisemann Center, 2351Performance Drive, Rich-ardson 2:30 p.m. Tickets:$8-$30 www.royaleballet.com

June 10Job Fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Sponsored by theRichardson Chamber ofCommerce with RichlandCollege and TexasWorkforce Solutions Rich-ardson Civic Center—50employers participating.

June 13Richardson CompostingSeminar, 10 a.m.-noon atRichardson ServiceCenter, 1260 Columbia Dr.Event is free, RyanDelzell, 972-744-4404

June 18-21N’COBRA 20th AnnualConference will conveneat Mt. Tabor Family LifeCenter, 3700 SimpsonStuart Rd, Dallas. Info:www. n c ob r h oo . c om ;[email protected].

June 20Juneteenth Celebration11 a.m. to 11 p.m.,Douglass CommunityCenter, 1111 Avenue H,Plano

June 23Goodwill IndustriesHiring Fair, 4005Campus Drive, FortWorth, TX 9 – 1 p.m.

July 28Putting America Back toWork Job Fair, NewCowboy Stadium, 925North Collins, Arlington,TX 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

August5Arlington ProfessionalDiversity Career Fair,LaQuinta Inn, 825 N.Watson Road, Arlington,TX 76011, 10-2 p.m.

August 8The Wiggles! TourNOKIA Theatre 1:30 &5:00 PM

September 5-62009 City of BedfordLabor Day Blues & BBQFestival a feast for thesenses. The two-day eventreturns with an entertain-ing lineup of local talent,blues legends Buddy Guyand The FabulousThunderbirds and a$10,000 barbecue cook-off. Gates open at 2 p.m.each day.

September 15Fort Worth ProfessionalDiversity Career Fair,Texas Motor Speedway,3545 Lone Star Circle(Speedway Club) FortWorth, TX 10-2 p.m.

October 27Jobing.com Career Expo– Will Rogers Coliseum,3401 W. Lancaster, Ft.Worth, TX , 12:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m.

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May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com | 9

Cover Story

BY LAKRISHIAARMOUR

Times may be hardeconomically, but thatisn’t stopping Paul QuinnCollege from helpingincoming freshman ach-ieve the school’s motto of“greatness one step at atime.” As a part of its“100 in 50” campaign, thecollege is awarding $2000scholarships to the first100 students with a 3.0GPA or better who apply,have committed to attendPaul Quinn for the 2009school year, and havecompleted the 2009-2010FAFSA.

The recruiting blitzwill last 50 days, as PaulQuinn actively recruitsstudents who want toexcel in leadership as apart of its Fall 2009 stu-dent body. As part of thecampaign, the benefits ofattending a small, liberalarts college will be high-lighted.

New college PresidentMichael Sorrell wantsthese scholarships toreach the more than 8,000students graduating inDallas area public schoolswho have the desire toattend college but want tostay close to home.

“We’ve decided that inthese difficult economictimes, families need morehelp, not less, in sendingstudents to college,” saidSorrell. “Paul QuinnCollege is a school thatwill always strive to domore for our students andtheir families and thesescholarships are an exam-ple of this attitude.”

As the 34th presidentof Paul Quinn, Sorrellwants to show the com-munity the “new” PaulQuinn. This includesinventive ideas, embrac-ing new media outlets,and forging a new path.His goal is to create anationally renowned insti-tution of higher educationthat produces graduateswith enlightened mindsand the capacity to lead inthe community as well asthe global marketplace.

“We do things our waybecause we’re not con-cerned with how thingswere done in the past.Now is a great time to bea Quinnite,” said Sorrell.

These scholarshipsand fresh perspective,intertwined with PaulQuinn College’s Four Lsof Leadership, are anexample of the innovative

spirit sweeping the cam-pus.

Leaving Places—andPeople—Better ThanYou Found Them

Giving scholarships tothe first 100 peoplerecruited in a 50-dayrecruiting blitz may soundquirky but it’s PaulQuinn’s way of betteringits future students in theimmediate community.

Because of the currenteconomic climate, pro-spective students arelooking at what collegeshave to offer them, andconsidering only the bestmatches.

Cheryl Smith, an asso-ciate professor in theCollege of Communica-tion, noted that potentialfuture Quinnites are tak-ing a longer and more in-depth look into the bene-fits of the campus.

“In these economictimes, finances are anissue. Students are takinga closer look at schoolsoffering incentives and$2,000 is nothing todownplay,” said Smith.“People are also workingon campus to help [stu-dents] get to more oppor-tunities that are out there.This scholarship is onlythe beginning if you dowhat you’re supposed todo.”

Finances are on theforefront of families’minds, especially when itcomes to college andthese scholarships, alongwith other academicawards, aim to aid stu-dents and ease the finan-cial burden of college.

“People are in badshape financially andwe’re doing our part tohelp. We want to showpeople the new PaulQuinn College,” saidSorrell.

Leading From WhereYou Are

Showing the Dallasarea and beyond the

“new” Paul QuinnCollege means makingchanges and welcomingnew practices.

Some of PresidentSorrell’s recent accom-plishments at the campushave included revampingthe admissions policy,establishing the Pres-idential Scholars Pro-

gram, adopting a school-wide business casualdress code and creatingpartnerships with HomeDepot, Balfour Beatty andHabitat for Humanity.

Though there havebeen some changes oncampus, one thing has notchanged: students are notexempt from the expecta-tion of high standards.The Paul Quinn student isa leader.

“The Paul Quinn stu-dent is…focused on goodgrades and learning theimportance of service,”said Smith. “They’rebeing prepared for a lead-ership role on campus andin society.”

Living a Life thatMatters

Often, students whoare actively recruited formajor scholarships are notsought after for their aca-demic excellence, butrather their athletic abili-

ty. The type of studentsthe recruiting campaign isdesigned to attract arethose students who wantmore than to attend classand take notes.

“We want someonewho relishes extra atten-tion and wants to be chal-lenged to be a leader. Wewant students who will be

a dominant personality inthe community; who wantto make a difference intheir community,” saidSorrell.

Smith adds thatattending college at PaulQuinn is deeper thanshowing up ready tolearn. “We say ‘greatnessone step at a time;’ we’regoing to help you takethose steps. Students willget more exposure andwith that comes responsi-bility,” she said.

Loving SomethingMore Than You LoveYourself

Changes the collegehas made along with thefinancial assistance beingoffered to students whocommit to Paul Quinnserve as an example of thecollege’s dedication to itsstudents. Though thescholarships may seemsimple to obtain and read-ily available, the faculty

and staff expect morefrom its students.

“We will be gettingstudents who want toexcel; this is not an easyride. There is an expecta-tion when you say you area Quinnite,” said Smith.“People expect greatthings.”

Selflessness and adesire to serve the com-munity as a leader are thehallmarks of this institu-tion. As Sorrell puts it:“We demand selflessnessfrom our students.” Acommitment to educationand the completion of adegree is a requirementfor the school’s studentbody.

Weaving the school’smotto with academicscholarships and a desireto help worthy studentsblends with the Four Ls ofQuinnite Leadership. The“100 in 50” recruitingcampaign looks to be anindication of the future ofPaul Quinn College.

“Great things are hap-pening at Paul Quinn.These scholarships are asign of things to come inDallas,” said Smith. “Andwe have a fearless leaderwho is trying to makeopportunities for our stu-dents.”

To open doors for stu-dents is a goal of therecruiting campaign. Agoal of the president ofthe college along withattracting a higher caliberof student who wants togrow into a servant leaderis simple.

“At the end of this,”Sorrell said, “we willstand out nationally.”

Four Ls of Leadership Lead to 100 in 50 CampaignPaul Quinn to Award Scholarships to First Hundred Students

Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell.

“Paul Quinn College is a schoolthat will always strive to do morefor our students and their fami-lies and these scholarships arean example of this attitude.”

–M. Sorrell

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Car ReviewArts & Entertainment For more entertainment news visit www.NorthDallasGazette.com

10 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

Ministry of LaughterBY LAKRISHIAARMOUR

Vickie Carter started hercareer on a dare. And, 45minutes later, she had herfirst standing ovation. But,instead of singing or dancingher way into the audiencemembers’ hearts, she madeeveryone in the room laugh.Hard.

Ms. Vickie—no lastname needed—is a comedi-enne, and a good one. “I do[comedy] because I like thefeeling of strangers findinglaugher and finding youamusing,” she says. “I likehaving someone to laughwith and making the wholeroom come together on oneaccord.”

Starting her journey incomedy in 1992, Ms. Vickiehas been all over the country,working in New York andL.A., and appearing on NBCand BET, but it wasn’talways easy for her to fit in.

“Even when I was outthere doing secular comedy,they said ‘Ms. Vickie, youdon’t fit in,’” she explains.“You know how on BETwhen they do the comedysnippets and highlights.They literally said to me ‘Wedon’t have a place for you.You don’t fit in.’”

In Christian comedy,however, she has found notonly a place to call her own,but a ministry as well andhas been performing cleanand faith-based comedysince 2000. In her ministry,Ms. Vickie seeks to help herfemale audience find joy inlife’s tribulations, large andsmall.

“So many people arehurting and if they come to acomedy show, they can havea release. God is in controland I’m planting seeds thatthere’s still joy in life,” shesays. “I want to feed yourspirit. It’s funny, but there’s

a message to plant in you aseed and if you take some-thing with you, I did myjob.”

Though Ms. Vickiefocuses on finding joy inlife’s pains, at times she isstill met with a stonewallfrom some churches who areskeptical of a Christiancomedienne. To remedy this,she shows the audience thatshe is not the run-of-the-millcomic to get pastors andcongregations to open up toher brand of ministry.

“When I go into church-es, I have to break downthose walls and show themthat this is not your stereo-typical Black comedy. Ishow them what I’m aboutand make sure my show isdecent and in order.”

In addition to generalcongregations, Ms. Vickiefeels her true ministry isfocused on helping womenfind laughter through the

tears as she uses her real-lifeexperiences as material forher jokes.

“I think women needwomen. I come in, and wehave a ball,” she says. Shetells of a show she did for300 women who cametogether and laughedthrough her entire 30-minuteset. “It’s amazing, she says.“This is what God called meto do. What ever you’regoing through, you have tofind joy in it.”

Some of Ms. Vickie’slife experiences would beenough to break anyonedown, but she now under-stands the reason for her tri-

als and how those eventscreated the foundation forher to be able to relate to heraudience.

“Now I know why I wentthrough all that I wentthrough. Now I know why Iwas homeless and a singlemother; I was even kickedout of the homeless shelter!But, now I know why.Because in the end, Godsaid, ‘You’re going to get theglory from this,’” she says.Through her 16 years incomedy, Ms. Vickie seeks toenrich the lives of those whocome to watch her break bar-riers with laughter. This isher career. This is her call-

ing.“Comedy is my career. I

can loose my job, but I’mnot going to lose my career,”she said. “I work all day,then I go to work again anddo His work.”

To see Ms. Vickie’s workin action, she appearsTuesday, May 19, 2009 at 8p.m. as part of the ComedyRevival at the CourtyardTheater in Plano. Tickets are$10 in advance and can bepurchased online atwww.ticketweb.com or byphone at (888) 666-8932.For more information and tobook Ms. Vickie, log on towww.comedyforyoursoul.com.

with events that know howto maximize the value ofour screens from both anentertainment and sponsor-ship perspective.

Headliners includeKansas, Rick Springfield,Kool & The Gang,Hoobastank, RobertRandolph & The FamilyBand, The Edgar WinterBand, Night Ranger, TheWailers, and Kraig Parker –The World's ForemostTribute to Elvis!Wildflower! is NorthTexas’ biggest gig drawinga wide range of acts per-forming the best in rock,blues, funk, pop, reggae,Americana, and folk.

Named “Best of theFests” by D Magazine,Wildflower! also featuresstrolling performers andacrobats, the Kidz Korner,the Wild! Marketplace, theCity of Richardson'sPetting Zoo, The AcousticCafé, the Art GuitarAuction, the BuddingTalents Competition, andthe award-winning

FESTIVAL, continued from Page 1

See FESTIVAL Page 11

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(NDG Wire) Whetheryou’ve been hit hard by therecession or not, kids andfamilies may be reelingfrom the effects of the trou-bled times without a frameof reference for how toughit is out there.

Arun Abey, formerinvestment strategist andauthor of the book HowMuch is Enough, fromGreenleaf Book GroupPress (www.howmuchisenough.net), believes thatparents don’t just need toteach their kids aboutfinances, but also about therelationship betweenmoney and quality of life.

“It’s not easy to say thatmoney isn’t everything in arecession, but it isn’t,”Abey said. “It’s so easy tofall into the trap of makingsure your kids understandthe importance of making agood living financially, butif we leave out the partabout lasting fulfillment intheir careers, we’re short-changing them. It leads tothe avaricious corporatebehavior that has beenrampant in recent years

where people pursue evermore money with no senseof meaning or perspec-tive.”

Still, Abey also be-lieves we need to get ourkids smart about financesearly to help protect themnow and in the future. Tothat end, he offers somebasic tips for families whowant to get themselves –and their kids – smart nowabout financial matters.

Don’t Let Money BeInvisible – Working-classfamilies during the GreatDepression routinely setjars out in full view of thefamily marked ‘Rent,”“Food,” “Clothes,” and soon, showing everyonewhere the money went.Today, money comes out ofATMs, and is spent viadebit cards and credit cards– invisible to kids as towhere it comes from andwhere it goes. Kids lack aframe of reference.

Give Kids Respons-ibility for Spending – Oneof the ways to get kidssmart fast is to present asituation in which real con-

sequences exist, by placingthem in charge of their dis-cretionary spending.

If they receive anallowance, then parentsshould require their kids tomap out the money theyhave coming and alsowhere it goes.

Seeing it on paper or ina computer chart will givethem a sense of realityabout their money, and alsobuild healthy financialhabits they will cling to inlater life.

Teach the Power ofInvestment – A typicalmethod parents use to getkids interested in savingmoney is to help them setup a savings account. Thepart that is often left outregard the value of thatinvestment. Parents shouldspell it out.

For example, a simple

investment of $100 in abasic savings account canresult in a balance of$12,000 after 20 years. Ifthey invest that same $100in a bond or a stock thatreturns merely 6 percent ayear, that balance grows to$42,000-plus.

For Love or Money? –Most affluent families tryto direct their childrentoward high earningcareers, such as medicine,high finance or businessmanagement.

Working class familiesstress education, and alsotry to drive their kidstoward high-status careerpaths in an effort to helpthem get out of the patternof hopelessness and disillu-sionment that characterizesmany of their childhoods.

However, there is analternative method, which

directs children towardcareer paths that stresstheir passions, what theylove to do. This path stress-es lasting fulfillment overfinancial rewards, eventhough, in many cases,people wind up with bothby following this path.

Ask your kids whatthey are passionate aboutand what they are good at.The answers to those ques-tions will lead to a happierlife and a better quality oflife than one centered onthe pursuit of the almightydollar.

“I can’t think of a moreimportant moment inAmerica’s history to teachthese lessons,” Abey said.“The current financial cri-

sis, caused equally by reck-less bankers as well asuninformed consumers,underscores the need forthis kind of education andunderstanding. It’s criticalnot just for mom and dad,but for the whole family, iffuture generations have ahope of being spared thepitfalls that led to today’scrisis.”

Arun Abey has had adiverse career as an aca-demic, an entrepreneur andis now a top executive ofone of the world’s largestfirms. He is involved in anumber of philanthropicactivities and is the authorof various internationalbest sellers.

(BPRW)As part of its commitment to recognize theaccomplishments of African American business own-ers nationwide, Wells Fargo and the National BlackMBA Association (NBMBAA) announce a call forapplications for the third annual NBMBAA/WellsFargo Entrepreneur Excellence Award. Two entrepre-neurs will be selected to win a commemorative award

and a $5,000 cash grant.Wells Fargo invites you to nominate an entrepre-

neur or business that demonstrates vision, leadership,innovation and perseverance, for a chance to be chosenas one of two businesses to receive the 2009 NBM-BAA/Wells Fargo Entrepreneur Excellence Award.Deadline to submit nominations is June 22, 2009.

Awards will be presented at the NBMBAA 31stAnnual National Conference September 22-26, 2009 inNew Orleans.

For more information and to download an applica-tion, visit: www.wellsfargo.com/biz/aabs orwww.nbmbaa.org (click Entrepreneurship).

Business Service Directory

May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com |11

AIR CONDITIONER PARTS

ATTENTION A/C TECHNICIANSIgnition Control (Two Stage Spark)

For Sale

Part #CNT04717x13651111-010Paid $200 – Will Take $100

972-606-3891

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOURHEALTH CARE COSTS?I’M HERE TO HELP

To learn about Medicare Advantage Plans andMedicare Advantage prescription drug plans,

please call me.

ANTHOINETTE ADAMSSecure Horizons

817-861-2023 | [email protected]

HEALTH CARE

Want to do business with the City of Irving?City of Irving Business Forum for M/WBE

Wednesday, May 20, 20094:00 to 7:00 pm

Irving Civic Center Complex (City Hall)825 W. Irving Blvd.Irving, Texas 75060

• Hear about upcoming projects, annual bids,professional services, and other purchasesincluding City of Irving Convention CenterUpdates

• Learn about competitive bidding laws• Meet the City representatives from suchareas as Purchasing, Parks andRecreation, Information Technology PublicWorks, etc…For more information, call 972.721.3753.

CALL FOR APPLICANTS: Wells Fargo Announces NationalAward Program for African American Business Owners

How To Protect Your Kids From The RecessionExpert Touts Financial Literacy for the Whole Family

Singer/Songwriter contest and stage.Tickets forWildflower! again remain the best deal in the

Metroplex with a $25 three-day pass available now at wild-flowerfestival.net, or at all area Tom Thumb.

Single day tickets sold at the gates are $15 and kids age5-12 are $3; the adult single day ticket is also available inadvance through the festival's website or call 877.772.5425.Kids 4 and under are free!

Wildflower! is located at 2351 Performance Drive inRichardson, just off US 75 at the Galatyn Parkway exit. Forcomplete event info including festival map, performanceschedules, festival dos and don’ts, lodging options, drivingdirections and festival hours, visit www.wildflowerfestival.net or call 972.744.4580.

FESTIVAL, continued from Page 10

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have to agitate, as FrederickDouglass taught us; and westill have to demand ourequitable piece of this rockthey call the Untied States ofAmerica.

As one of my readerswrote, “Now is the time tofight harder than ever; folkssinging ‘we are one’ is noguarantee of equality andequity in U.S. society. Ahorse and jockey are ‘asone,’ unified in the goal tosucceed and achieve, butcertainly are not equals!”

Brother K, in Wichita,Kansas, has it absolutelycorrect. Now is the time tofight even harder. Why?Because opportunities areavailable to us now that didnot exist prior to Obama’sascension to he throne. Thatis, if we read the tea leavescorrectly.

My good friend, BobLaw, restaurateur inBrooklyn, New York andformer national talk radiopersonality, expressed hisexasperation at what seemsto be the only reason Blackfolks wanted Obama to bePresident: “Black peoplejust wanted to have a BlackPresident. That’s all. We hadno other agenda than that.”

So I ask, “What is ourcollective agenda now thatwe have a Black man in thehighest office in the land?”Why aren’t we beating downthe door of the White Housedemanding some reciprocityfor our enthusiastic supportof Obama’s candidacy andultimate victory? Every-oneelse is.

Seems to me we are soenthralled with the symbol-ism of it all that we have for-gotten what politics is reallyall about: Self interest, incase you need to be remind-ed. The parties and celebra-tions were nice, but now it’stime for serious work.

If we allow these fouryears to pass without achiev-ing a higher level of collec-tive economic ad-vancementfor Black people, we aresimply foolish, and we willdeserve what we get.

So don’t sit back andthink that things will changesimply because Obama is in

office. Don’t think he isgoing to personally take careof your needs.

Obama ain’t cha mama;he is the president of a coun-try that is still run, by andlarge, by white men whohave, by their past resistanceto change, proven time andagain that Black folks willhave to fight for everythingwe get in this country. Ithink it was Douglass whoalso said, “We may not geteverything we fight for, butwe will certainly have tofight for everything we get.”

As individuals, we mustunderstand and act upon thefact that things are still aboutthe same for most of us; eachof us still has to work forwhat we want and need.

Collectively, we mustform a broad-based coalitionand submit a national Blackagenda that addresses ourneeds and desires for thisgovernment of ours.

Do you think we can dothat without some of us cav-ing in, breaking ranks, and

selling out? Do you think wecan do that without worryingabout who will be theHNIC? I think we can, atleast those of us who areconscious and dedicated tothe uplift of our people and asecure future for our chil-dren.

Please don’t fall for theokey-doke again, brothersand sisters. Be more thanjust happy to have a Blackman in the White House.The results of our happinessand euphoria should besomething tangible to whichwe can point and share withour children. BrotherObama’s children are fairlysecure right now; their fatherand mother are millionairestwice over. They should bejust fine. They are “in thehouse,” as we like to say.The question is: “Where areBlack people in general?''

Finally, let’s go back tothe post-racial society cha-rade that some are promot-ing as a result of Obama’selection. An excellent exam-

ple of how some of us arethinking now is the nationalpledge campaign that wasstarted after the election. Ifyou have seen the commer-cial, replete with celebrities,movie stars, athletes, andentertainers, you may havenoticed what each of thempledged. (See www.myspace.com/presidentialpledge)

Of all the pledges, theone that struck me as strangeand out of sync with the oth-ers was that of MichaelStrahan, former New YorkGiant football player.

He said, “I pledge toconsider myself an Am-eri-can, not an African-American.”

No other person of anyof the various ethnic groupsfeatured in the video saidthey would give up his or heridentity; the Black man wasthe only one who volun-teered to do that. Go figure.

As I said, Obama ain’tcha mama. Don’t sit backand think you will beclothed, fed, employed, edu-

cated, sheltered, and includ-ed, simply because a Blackman sits at the top of thepolitical food chain. Get realand get to work, before we

miss another opportunity tobuild something for our-selves – something that willlast far beyond the next fouror eight years.

12 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

OBAMA, continued from Page 1

"Thank you for the Strong Voteof conf idence. I am excited aboutthe possibilities and Welcome the

Challenges"Advertising paid for by Marilyn Hinton

NewlyElected

Plano ISDTrusteePlace 6

Marilyn HintonSays to The Citizens of Plano:

NID Housing Counseling Agency offersFREE Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

for Homeowners having difficultyrefinancing and /or maintaining theirmonthly mortgage payment due to:

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(NDG Wire) The TexasWorkforce Commission(TWC) has announced up to13 additional weeks of fed-erally funded Unemploy-ment Insurance (UI) benefitsare available to unemployedTexans.

A provision in theUnemployment Compen-sation Extension Act pro-vides up to 13 weeks ofadditional benefits, referredto as Tier II, for Texans whomeet eligibility require-ments. Because the extendedbenefits are entirely federal-ly funded, employers willnot be charged for anyclaims paid on this extensionto eligible claimants.

Currently, approximate-ly 58,000 Texans haveexhausted all previous UIbenefits and may be eligiblefor Tier II extended benefits.TWC mailed letters to theseclaimants telling them howto apply for this extension.

For claimants who arecurrently receiving emer-

gency benefits, there is noneed to call TWC to receivethis extension. TWC willautomatically add the weeksand send a letter showing theamount of compensationthat each claimant couldreceive.

May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com | 13

CITY OF GARLAND, TEXAS

Suppliers of Goods, Servicesand Construction

Review Competitive Opportunities atwww.bidsync.com

www.garlandpurchasing.com

City ofPlano, Texas

CAREER EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

www.plano.govAA/EOE/ADA

DO YOU WANT AN EXCITINGAND REWARDGING CAREER?

PURSUE A CAREER AS A POLICE OFFICER OR FIREFIGHTER!

• Competitive wages• Array of benefits

• Education incentive pay• . . . and more

SIGN UP TO TAKETHE CITY OF IRVING’S NEXT

CIVIL SERVICE ENTRANCE EXAM.CALL (972) 721-2532 TO REGISTER.

The City of Irving does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion,age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

wwwwww..cciittyyooffiirrvviinngg..oorrgg

Contact 972-606-7498 for Career Opportunity Advertising

Alternate SchoolCrossing Guard

Meter Reader

Workforce Services 1945 E. Jackson RoadCarrollton, TX 75011-0535

Direct Line: (972) 466-3090Website: http://www.cityofcarrollton.com•Your must apply online via our website

Equal Opportunity Employer

CITY OF CARROLLTON

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONNOTICE TO CONTRACTORS OF PROPOSED TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF

RANSPORTATION (TxDOT) CONTRACTSSealed proposals for contracts listed below will be received by TxDOT until

the date(s) shown below, and then publicly read.

CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE/BUILDINGFACILITIES CONTRACT(S)---------------------------------------------------------

Dist/Div: DallasContract 0092-02-117 for CROSS-CULVERT DRAINAGE

IMPROVEMENT in DALLAS Countywill be opened on June 09, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the State Office.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plans and specifications are available for inspection, along with bid-ding proposals, and applications for the TxDOT PrequalifiedContractor's list, at the applicable State and/or Dist/Div Offices listedbelow. If applicable, bidders must submit prequalification informationto TxDOT at least 10 days prior to the bid date to be eligible to bid ona project. Prequalification materials may be requested from the StateOffice listed below. Plans for the above contract(s) are available fromTxDOT's website at www.txdot.gov andfrom reproduction companies at the expense of the contractor.NPO: 29729 State Office

Constr./Maint. Division200 E. Riverside Dr.Austin, Texas 78704Phone: 512-416-2540

Dist/Div Office(s)Dallas District

District Engineer4777 E. Hwy 80

Mesquite, Texas 75150-6643Phone: 214-320-6100

Minimum wage rates are set out in bidding documents and the rates will bepart of the contract. TXDOT ensures that bidders will not be discriminatedagainst on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin.

Dallas CountyDallas County is recruiting for thefollowing positions:

Field Nurse SupervisorLVN IIRegistered Nurse IIRN Supervisor

Qualifications vary for each position. Toapply visit www.dallascounty.org and com-plete the online application. Starting salaryis based on education and experience.

Join Us. Make a Difference. Every Day.EOE

Store ManagementOpportunitiesHobby Lobby is aleader in the Arts &Crafts industry with400 stores located in

32 states.

Candidates must haveprevious retail storemanagement experience in“one of the following:”Supermarket chain, Craftchain, Mass merchant,Drug chain, Building supplychainMust be willing to relocate

Benefits include:• All Stores Closed on Sunday• Competitive Salaries• Paid Vacations• 401K Plan• Medical/Dental• Life Insurance• Merchandise Discount• Flex Spending Plan

Qualified Candidateswith Retail Managementexperience as listed

above must apply online

www.hobbylobby.com

Free Job SearchWorkshop by CareerTransition Ministries

(NDG Wire) The all-day workshop will teach provenjob search skills including finding your job focus, resumecritique and development, effective networking skills, 30-second elevator presentation, interviewing techniques, 2-minute verbal resume, and more.

The event will be held 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, May30, 2009. Free lunch and materials provided. The HeightsBaptist Church, 201 W. Renner Rd. at US-75, inRichardson.

Pre-registration is recommended due to limited seating. To register, send an email with name, phone and email

address to: [email protected], or call Liz at972.231.6047 x218. More info at www.theheights.org.

Unemployed TexansGranted Additional UIBenefits Extension

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FELLOWSHIPBAPTIST CHURCH OFALLEN “THE SHIP”

ON GOING, 9 am-4 pmMonday-Friday

Prayer Lines for those inneed are 972-649-0566 and972-649-0567.

May 2009Wednesdays, 7 pm

Get your praise on,Wednesday Night Live(WNL) @ our main cam-pus, 200 Belmont Drive inAllen. Call the church fordetails.

May 18, 7 pmJoin us for “Youth forChrist” a Bible study groupfor ages 10-18.

June 26 – 27, 2009Registration is underwayfor our 2009 MenEmpowered By ChristEmpowerment Conference.Theme: Step Into Position.Call the church for fees anddetails.Rev. W. L. Stafford, Sr.

M. Div., Senior Pastor1550 Edelweiss

(Service Location)200 Belmont Drive(Church Address)Allen, TX 75013

972-359-9956

FIRST BAPTISTCHURCH

OF HAMILTON PARKMay 14, 5:30 pm

Don’t miss our AWANAAwards Program in the fel-lowship Hall. Can thechurch for details.

May 16, 6 pm-9 pm& May 17, 9 am-1 pm

Come to our Men’s DayCelebration activities @our Family Life Center.

Dr. Gregory Foster,Senior Pastor

Rev. Anthony FosterPastor

300 Phillips StreetRichardson, TX 75081

972-235-4235

FRIENDSHIP BAPTISTCHURCH,

THE COLONYMay 13-15, 7 pm NightlySpring Revival with Rev.Joe Fields of Westside BCin Lewisville.

May 18, 3 pmOur 28th ChurchAnniversary with Rev.Howard Anderson and theExciting Singing Hills BCof Dallas is our guest.

Dr. C. Paul McBrideSenior Pastor

4396 Main StreetThe Colony, TX 75056

9723-625-8186

SAINT MARK BAPTISTCHURCH MCKINNEY,

“THE MARK”June 7, 1 pm

Join us for our AnnualChurch Picnic @ OldSettler’s Park in McKinney.

Rev. Charles WattleySenior Pastor

1308 Wilcox StreetMcKinney, TX 75069

972-542-6178

SHABACH CHRISTIANFELLOWSHIP

CHURCHMay 20 – 24, 2009

Join us for the 2nd AnnualLet The ProphetConference 2009 beingheld @ Agape ChristianFellowship Church, 2350E. Mayfield Road,Arlington, TX 76014.Accommodations @ theCrowne Plaza Suites ofArlington, 700 Avenue HEast, Arlington, TX 76011,877-270-1412. For fees,directions or details call903-561-4621.

Pastor DeMarcusPierson, Host903-561-4621

THE REDEEMEDCHRISTIAN

CHURCH OF GODMay 23, 10 am – 4 pm

Come to a Health Fair fornutritional information,blood donations, bloodpressure checks, visionscreenings and physical fit-ness. We are addressing the

health needs of individualsand planting the seeds for ahealthier future. This eventis sponsored by the Men ofValor, a Department of theVoice of Jesus Parish.

Voice of Jesus Parish514 North Elm StreetDenton, TX 76201

940-387-3355

TRUE WORSHIPERSMay 29-31, 2009

FREE registration to ourGlory Explosion 2009; anintimate Odyssey to theThrone Zone @ the WestinGalleria Dallas, 13340Dallas Parkway in Dallas.Hostess Apostle MargeleeHylton with speakersDoctors Cindy Trimm andBarbie Breathitt. WorshipLeaders are: David &Nicole Binion, ApostleMelessa Brown andMinister Ursula Wright.

Apostle Margelee Hylton3068 Forest LaneDallas, TX 75234

972-247-7133

UNION CATHEDRALNON-DENOMINATIONAL

CHURCHMay 17, 9 am

Join us as we celebrate our7th Anniversary with Rev.Dr. Derrick Harkins, SeniorPastor of Nineteenth StreetBC in Washington, D.C.and the former senior pas-tor of New Hope B.C. in

Dallas as the guest speaker.Service will be held in thechapel of Cliff TempleB.C., 125 Sunset Avenue inDallas.

Rev. Rickie L. ButlerSenior Pastor

125 Sunset AvenueDallas, TX 75203

214-914-4064

14 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

Church Happenings

One, two or three lots for sale at Restland inNorth Dallas; located in the beautiful andpeaceful Serenity Gardens Section(Southeast corner of Greenville Avenue &Restland Road.) Market value $3450 each,but selling price negotiable. View plots byappointment only. Call 972-606-3878,972-416-6109, or 469-235-5808.

PRIME BURIAL LOTS FOR SALE

The New Light ChurchENCOURAGING, EMPOWERING, EVANGELIZING

“Taste and see that the LORD is Good.”

Shaun Rabb, Senior Pastor

Sunday School 9:30AMSunday Worship Service 11:00AM

Thursday Night Live At The Light 7:00PM

Come, ExperienceThe Light!

www.newlightchurchdallas.org

9314 Elam Rd. | Dallas, TX 75217214.391.3430

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Two columns ago, Iasked, “Who Is YourEnemy?” Once you rec-ognize whom your enemyis then you must knowwhat protection (armor)you will need to win thebattles in your life.

The Bible tells us thatwhen David, a youngshepherd boy, heard aboutthe challenge from thePhilistines to send some-one to fight Goliath, theirmain warrior, who was agiant (over 9 feet tall.)No one in King Saul’sarmy volunteered to fightGoliath, except David,they were afraid, but notDavid.

Knowing his shieldand protector (God),David boldly said, “Whois this uncircumcisedPhilistine, that he shoulddefy the armies of the liv-ing God?” He furthersaid that the Lord thatdelivered Israel in thepast would deliver himout of the hands ofGoliath. King Saul saidto David, “Thou art notable to go against thisPhilistine to fight withhim: for thou art but ayouth, and he a man ofwar from his youth.” 1Samuel 17:33. However,

King Saul reluctantly (hedidn’t have the faith ofDavid) agreed to let himfight Goliath and offeredyoung David his best

armor to use.When David looked at

King Saul’s armor, hewasn’t excited aboutwearing the cumbersomelooking gear. He put onthe massive and weightygear, but David quicklydetermined that he couldnot fight in the heavyarmor of King Saul,“And David girded (puton) his sword upon hisarmor, and he assayed(tried) to go; for he hadnot proved it. And Davidsaid unto Saul, I cannotgo with these; for I havenot proved them. AndDavid put them off him.”

1 Samuel 17:39.God equips each of us

in such a way that isunique to our strengthsand abilities. David knew

who he was and who hewasn’t. He was trained asa shepherd to use anotherweapon. For David, itwas a slingshot. He real-ized that he could not beeffective with King Saul’sarmor because he wasn’tuse to his armor.

As Christians we haveto know what gifts andtalents that God has givento us. We also have to

know who we are andwho’s we are. Have youever tried to accomplish atask with tools you werenot trained to use? Godallows each of us todevelop skills that areunique to our life. Hewill not call us to usesomeone else’s tools.

Moreover, you mustdepend on God for guid-ance. Talent alone is notenough to get the jobdone. Your talents mustbe mixed with your faithin God. It is only whenyou mix your talent andyour faith in God thatGod’s power is releasedand manifested in thephysical realm.

There are times thatwe admire the talents ofothers and seek to emu-late (copy) them. Thetemptation arises to besomeone we are not. Thisis wrong. Let God liveHis life through theunique you. Mix yourunique gifts with yourfaith in God. You willprobably be surprised atthe power of God that willbe manifested.

May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com | 15

Sister Tarpley

Healthy Beginnings Child Development Center - 972-404-1412

14120 Noel Road • Dallas, TX 75254972-239-1120 (Office) • 972-239-5925 (Fax)[email protected] (Email)Dr. Jerome E.

McNeil, Jr., Pastor

Temple of Faith Christian Chapel C.M.E. Church

Sunday Worship Experience - 8:00 am & 10:45 amWednesday Bible Study - 12:00 Noon & 7:00 pm

“Where Jesus is the Main Attraction”

8:00am & 10:30am

Know Your Protective Covering

Kingdom International Ministries (KIM) and theChosen Mime Production mime group that beautifullyperformed at the Every People, Tribe and Nation'sGlobal Prayer Assembly. (L to R): Jason Pea andMarcus Dudley (visionary) and Rev. Fitz P. Mombeleurwith KIM.

For though we walk in theflesh, we do not war after theflesh: (For the weapons of ourwarfare are not canal, butmighty through God to the

pulling down of strong holds;)2 Corinthians 10:3 & 4.

Dear Readers:

Dr. William �Bill� Cosby once said that an education wasone of the best ways to change your status in life.

DDuuee ttoo nnuummeerroouuss rreeqquueessttss ffoorr NNoorrtthh DDaallllaass GGaazzeettttee ttooooffffeerr aa ssppeecciiaall--rraattee pprroommoottiioonn ttoo hhoonnoorr 22000099GGrraadduuaatteess,, wwee aarree ooffffeerriinngg ffoorr aa lliimmiitteedd ttiimmee oonnllyy,, aa22CC xx 6688 BBllaacckk//WWhhiittee ggrraadduuaattiioonn aadd ffoorr tthhee rreeaassoonnaabblleepprriiccee ooff $$111177..

Hair Stylist Trina Stoker took the opportunity to congrat-ulate her daughter �see the ad on page 2� Call me today@ 972-606-3878 �Voice Mail� to get an ad for your specialgraduate to cherish for years to come.

In Christ,Sister Tarpley

Page 16: ObamaAin’t ch aMm! · largest mobile HD screen ... We are a multi-platform business that provides a “one-stop shopping” ... Kinky Gazpacho, says “CarleenBricemanagesto explorethedifficult,messy

(NDG Wire) Garland’sHealthy Living Expo 2009has been rescheduled. Thenew date will be Saturday,September 26, 2009 at theGISD Special Events Centerwith the theme “HealthyYou, Healthy Earth: Rx fora Better World.” Mark yourcalendars and make plans tohave fun and learn at thesame time.

The City of Garland,Garland ISD, BaylorMedical Center at Garlandand the Garland Chamber ofCommerce have organizedthis special opportunity tolook at how caring for bothourselves and the earth cre-ates a healthy lifestyle, and

has a positive impact on theworld around us. The Expowill offer exhibitor booths,free services, demonstra-tions and entertainment, allfocused on helping citizensmake positive changes totheir daily lives.

The first 1,000 attendeeswill receive a microfiber,reusable shopping bag con-taining a variety of goodiesand information. RadioDisney will rock the Expowith music, prizes and “eco-friendly” competitions forkids and parents.

“Healthy You” will pro-vide health screenings andimmunizations, plus infor-mation on prevention serv-

ices, stress reduction meth-ods, fitness activities, andmuch more. Five hundredfree cholesterol screeningswill be available, on a firstcome first served basis,beginning at 10 a.m.Immunizations will beadministered by the GarlandHealth Depart-ment from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. only, atreduced fees for childrenand adults. Visit online attwww.garlandgoesgreen.orgfor proof of residencyrequirements and otherqualifications.

Learn about “healthyearth” topics, such as recy-cling, conservation, energy

efficiency, gardening andalternative fuels. Eventpatrons can recycle a widerange of electronic equip-ment such as computers,telephones and much more.

Garland Water UtilitiesDepartment will have1,000 low-flow shower-heads to exchange. City of

Garland utility customerscan bring an old shower-head, a City of Garlandutility bill and identifica-tion verifying that they arethe utility subscriber, andwill receive a new low-flow showerhead – FREE!Limit one showerhead perhousehold.

16 | May 14-20, 2009 | North Dallas Gazette | visit us online at www.NorthDallasGazette.com

Church Directory

Avenue F Church of Christ1026 Avenue F • Plano, TX 75074

972-423-8833www.avefchurchofchrist.org

Ramon Hodridge, Minister

Early Sunday Morning .................8:00 amSunday Bible Class .......................9:45 amSunday Morning Worship..........10:45 amEvening Worship .........................3:00 pmWednesday Bible Class ................7:00 pm

Radio Program @ 7:30 am onKHVN 970 AM Sunday Mornings

Garland's Healthy Living Expo Rescheduled

Senior Pastor, Timothy Jones& First Lady, LaTonya Jones

Meeting at Fellowship Bible Church of Allen200 W. Belmont | Allen, TX 75013

214.263.8590 | www.RockBridgeBC.comSUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00 A.M.

ROCKBRIDGEBIBLE CHURCH

“Bridging the gap between Godand man through Jesus Christ”