From the Michelson Museum in Marshall to Tyler’s Gallery Main Street, AT&T’s monetary support continues to benefit the arts in East Texas communities.  Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass has announced a $25,000 grant the Rose City has received from the telecommunications giant to finance downtown arts programming for local youth. The gift was revealed at a press conference and reception held to commemorate the first anniversary of Gallery Main Street and the 20th anniversary of the city’s being designated as part of the Texas Main Street Program.
“The City of Tyler is overwhelmed by AT&T’s generosity, and we pledge to make excellent use of the funding they have provided,” said Bass.
The grant will pay for a new stage and programming intended to introduce local children to the arts.  AT&T Director of External Affairs Candice Gast explained her company’s decision to provide the donation.
“We are proud to support the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition in its work toward stimulating children’s interest in the arts,” she said.  “We are happy to follow the lead of State Senator Kevin Eltife in supporting Mayor Bass and the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown Tyler.”
The senator was there, too, and seconded Bass’ expression of gratitude.
“It was my honor to work with AT&T in securing this funding to continue the excellent downtown arts programming begun by the City of Tyler,” said Eltife.
Late last year, Tyler opened Gallery Main Street and the Tyler Main Street Department/Heart of Tyler offices at 110 West Erwin.  The gallery hosts new juried art exhibits every six weeks in addition to such special events as ArtWalk and artistic workshops.  According to Bass the grant will expand art instruction of all kinds for area children.
“Now we can introduce children and families to dance, folklore, storytelling, music and so many other genres, thanks to AT&T’s generosity,” said Bass.
Apart from announcing the grant, Bass and other city officials celebrated the first anniversary of the gallery, which opened in August 2009.
“This beautiful gallery is a perfect example of public-private partnerships and how they can benefit an entire community,” she said.  “From the construction phase that involved donated materials and time to the programming and events that are generated by volunteers, many people have worked together to create this resounding success story.”
The twenty years since Tyler’s designation as a Main Street community were also commemorated.  Two decades ago the Rose City became one of Texas’ first “urban” Main Street program communities.  This recognition by the Texas Historical Commission comes through a competitive application procedure.  A community’s historic preservation ethic, presence of historic structures and a supportive business community are all considered in the evaluation process.  Since that time more than $100 million have been invested in Tyler’s downtown, including property sales and renovation expenses.
Some recent downtown projects have included Gallery Main Street, Balance Pilates and Dance, Subway, Downtown Coffee Lounge, Moore Grocery Lofts, housing development, and the construction of various downtown loft-style residential units.
For more information please visit www.downtowntylerarts.com of call (903) 593-6905.

Left to right: Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, AT&T Northeast Texas External Affairs Candice Gast, Director of Tyler Main Street Beverly Abell, and Senator Kevin Eltife unveil AT&T’s check for Tyler Main Street

East Texas Food Bank feeds anyone who needs food. Their task of feeding hungry East Texans is enormous. AT&T besides making a recent contribution of $25,000 to East Texas Food Bank also has volunteers who donate time to feed the hungry.
Candice Gast, Northeast External Affairs Director coordinated the recent check presentation and volunteers.
According to Traci Potter, AT&T area manager and a volunteer, words cannot describe how huge the Food Bank operation is. Potter has been with AT&T for 30 years. She and other AT&T employees are very acquainted with giving to the community in order to make a positive difference. “AT&T is dead serious about United Way,” she said. “I am very proud of what AT&T is doing. AT&T is a great community partner. I am glad I work for a company like AT&T.”
Debra Berry another AT&T volunteer had no idea the East Texas Food Bank was that large and located right here in Tyler. “I have donated money but did not know they had such a great impact on the region,” Berry said. “I am delighted to be a volunteer and see first hand, the difference East Texas Food Bank makes in the lives of people.”

Left to right: Noah Magourik, Mary Ragsdale, Traci Potter, and Debra Berry, AT&T employees volunteer for East Texas Food Bank.

The University of Texas at Tyler College of Nursing has admitted 12 new nursing doctoral students, according to Dr. Linda Klotz, Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The 2010 fall cohort joins 40 students currently enrolled in the program.
Students entering the program this fall are listed by hometown.
CORPUS CHRISTI – Cathy Miller.
FLINT – Lynn Summers.
HARLINGEN – Tracia Foreman.
MCKINNEY – Traci Hines.
MISSION – Marissa Smolarski.
NEW BRAUNFELS – Vincent Sowell.
SAN ANTONIO – Martha Danielle Gunter.
STEPHENVILLE – Jennifer Donwerth and Mary Winton.
CALIFORNIA – Stephanie Hills.
LOUISIANA – Denise Stagg.
OHIO – Allison Chamberlain.
The Ph.D. in nursing program, with a focus on “Health in Communities within the Context of Culture,” is designed to develop nurse scientists who will improve patient outcomes through research, policy and education, according to Dr. Barbara Haas, doctoral program director.
“Offered entirely online, the Ph.D. program makes doctoral education available to nurses who would not otherwise have access to an advanced degree. Students come from across the country to attend a one-week orientation prior to beginning coursework,” Haas said.
For more information, contact Haas, 903.566.7021 or BHaas@uttyler.edu.

(Front row, from left) Vincent Sowell; Lynn Summers; Denise Stagg; Martha Danielle Gunter; (back row, from left) Jennifer Donwerth; Traci Hines; Tracia Foreman; Mary Winton; Allison Chamberlain; Stephanie Hills; Marissa Smolarski; and Cathy Miller.

Triple-digit temperatures did not worry Michael Jones, administrator of New Covenant Church’s men’s ministry. He and his team of volunteers toiled in the heat to clean up Timpson Park, south of town. Jones says his congregation wants to do yet more. They want to keep helping the community and obey Christ’s decree that “Faith without works is dead.”
Jones and his men contacted the City and pointed out their intentions. They were just another unselfish volunteer group eager to improve the quality of life for Longview residents. They were assigned to work in Timpson and Greggton parks, both of which sorely needed cleaning up. They brought some of their own equipment, and the City provided some.
The men picked up litter, painted structures and equipment, power-washed and in general gave the park a face lift. Their church is multicultural and believes in acting on its stated mission of building bridges to better the community.
“We have a very active volunteer group with a church membership of over a thousand,” Jones said. “We believe in outreach. We spend millions of dollars going overseas, and there is nothing wrong with that, but we cannot overlook our immediate neighbors right here in the city.”
He urges churches to lay aside their doctrinal differences in order to make a greater impact in service of the Kingdom of God.
Gary Don Holley is one of the volunteers, and he owns a power washing company. He provided a truck and equipment for the Timpson Park project.
“Jesus is in the cleaning business,” he said. “This equipment is dedicated to Him.”
Apart from cleaning equipment Holley remembered the message of Mathew 6:33 that instruct Christians to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all things shall be added unto you. He found time to talk and pray with a homeless man named Andres Pecinas he met at the park. He also told Pecinas how to get back on his feet and be reunited with his family.
Another volunteer, aptly named Kenneth Bible, agreed with Holley and his efforts.
“We do this for the Lord,” said Bible. “This is the Lord’s work.”
To learn how to volunteer for New Covenant’s public assistance efforts please call (903) 757-7791.

Jerry Henson, Rodney Heavins, John Johnson, and Kenneth Bible working at Timpson Park

Gary Don Holley of the new covenant church prays for Andres Pecina at Timpson Park

The latest issue of the AT&T Real Yellow pages directory features an illustration of the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT.)  This significantly includes two UTT cheerleaders and the school’s mascot “Swoop” in front of the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center, which will host the AT&T Broadway Series.

State Representative District 6 Leo Berman says this photo on the 2010 directory is a well-earned tribute to the university’s community efforts.

“Guided by an outstanding and supportive staff and faculty, its graduates will think critically, act with honesty and integrity, and demonstrate proficiency in leadership, communications skills and the use of technology,” he said.  “UT-Tyler plays a vital role in developing the critical skills Tyler’s future leaders will need to continue making this great community successful.”

Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass agreed with Berman’s evaluation of the school’s importance to the Tyler area, and emphasized the overall value of a complete and well-taught education.

“Education is the key to individual success, and it’s critical for Tyler’s future,” she said.  “UT-Tyler provides our young people the opportunity to improve their own lives, and collectively improve the lives of all Tyler residents and the region today, tomorrow and for many years to come.”

AT&T’s Advertising Solutions Market Manager-Northeast Texas Edwin Graves pointed out his corporation’s dedication to honoring business and government organs that unselfishly strive to improve the quality of life in East Texas.

“We are proud to feature the University of Texas at Tyler and the Cowan Center on the cover of our new AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory for the Tyler area,” he said.  “We continually work to make our directory covers special on the outside, and tailor the community information inside our directories to best meet the needs of local residents and businesses.”

Executive Director of the Tyler Economic Development Council Tom Mullins also emphasized the value of the partnership between education and technology.

“Education and technology are the building blocks we have to depend on to transition into the new knowledge technology-based economy,” he said.  “We have to have both.  It is the future of Tyler and East Texas.”

District 7 State Representative Elect David Simpson agreed that being state-of-the-art is a blessing to this region.

“Technology’s impact is very evident in all walks of life,” he said.  “This is a tremendous opportunity to see AT&T partnering with the University of Texas at Tyler.  Most of the jobs today are dependent on technology, and we need a knowledgeable workforce.”

AT&T Director for External Affairs in East Texas Candice Gast spoke of how happy her corporation is to collaborate with the university.

“AT&T has a long, proud relationship with UT-Tyler,” she said.  “The university is such an important part of this community, and supporting it is essential to the growth and development of those associated with it and the community in general.  We not only provide service in Tyler, we also have families who live, work, play and go to the school in the community, so we’re keenly interested in doing what we can to improve and develop the area.”

UTT teaches courses in more than 90 academic courses in four separate colleges as well as a college of arts and sciences.  The university’s R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center couples with the school’s fine art and music programs have established UTT as a major center for culture in East Texas.  Apart from academics, the university also hosts athletic teams that have won six American Southwest Conference championships over the past five years.   UTT President Dr. Roger Mabry is grateful for the recognition AT&T is giving to his institution.

“We are happy the University of Texas at Tyler and the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center are featured on the new directory’s covers,” he said.  “When Tyler residents reach for the AT&T Real Yellow Pages they’ll see UT-Tyler’s pride.”

Over 156,000 copies of the 2010 directory have been produced.  Delivery will continue through September 10.  It is also delivered to new residents and area businesses all year.  Recipients are encouraged to recycle their outdated copies of the directory.  For recycling information please call (800) 953-4400.

AT&T takes in more than five billion print and online products searches yearly.  Almost one million advertisers use the directory to market their wares to the benefit of themselves and all of East Texas anytime and anywhere.  Additional consumer information is available through  YP.COM, RealPagesLive.com, YPmobile, Digital Express, ATT411 and other information sources.  For additional information on the directory or YP.COM call (800) 343-7390 or visit http://www.adsolutions.att.com.

The AT&T Foundation has come to the assistance of the East Texas Food bank by contributing $25,000 to the Food Bank’s Comprehensive Technology Infrastructure Enhancement project.  This will finance the creation of an up-to-date, integrated technology system the food bank will employ to efficiently manage and distribute food to  partner agencies, enhance the work of volunteers and overall daily operations.

AT&T Director of External Affairs Candice Gast presented the check to East Texas Food Bank Executive Director Dennis Cullinane, East Texas Food Bank Board President Ann Howell, Senator Kevin Eltife, who serves as an advisory board member, and Food Bank board member Herbert Buie.  Gast explained her corporation’s willingness to fund the food bank’s activities.

“The East Texas Food bank does a tremendous amount of good work in assisting people in 26 counties who need a helping hand.  Their territory covers more than 20,000 square miles,” she said.  “AT&T has a long-standing history of being involved in the community, and it is a great privilege to follow Senator Eltife’s lead in helping the food bank, such a critical organization in the area.”

Eltife was central in securing this funding.  He, Gast and other AT&T Foundation representatives toured the food bank and discussed with its leadership the technology plan and its components.  More than the $25,000 is coming.  An anonymous donor is matching the gift, and AT&T employees are volunteering their time and efforts by working at the food bank.  Eltife emphasized the bank’s current importance to this area.

“The East Texas Food Bank is one of our best-run non-profits, and we all know in these difficult economic times how great the need is in our community,” he said.  “The East Texas Food Bank is always there to help with that need.  We appreciate AT&T providing this much-needed donation that will help improve the technology at the food bank, allowing them to operate more efficiently and serve more people.”

Cullinane expressed the food bank’s gratitude to AT&T for this vital assistance.

“The East Texas Food Bank is grateful to AT&T for their very generous support of our programs,” he said.  It would be impossible for us to continue to provide efficient hunger relief programs without the active interest and involvement of progressive donors such as AT&T.”

Cullinane said that because children comprise 44% of those assisted by the food bank the facility’s work is even more crucial.  He appealed to East Texans to become involved.  Volunteers are needed for several positions currently filled by aging ones. Donations of food and money are also needed.

The food bank presently distributes about 17 million pounds of food to more than 200 partner agencies annually.  The objective is a hunger-free East Texas through supply not only food and general support, but education to those in need.  The bank is a member of Feeding America and the Texas Food Bank Network.  For more information please visit www.easttexasfoodbank.org.

Front row: Brodrick Wall, Collin Lee, Katorian Borens; Standing Dayveion Brown, Nicholas Writt, Byron Templeton, Lakeithelon Cooks spend days of summer at the Positive Place for Kids – BOYS and GIRLS CLUB of Gregg County. The CLUB is a favorite place because they exercise while having fun playing basketball, foosball, air hockey, taking field trips and learning in the arts and craft room.

By Anne Hestand/ETR

Not your typical High School Junior, Gorman Brown, of Longview High School has spent her summer volunteering, meeting new people, traveling and learning more about her passion, medicine and food.

Gorman was recently selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Houston, Texas. She was the only student from the City of Longview to attend.  The 10-day forum introduced students to a variety of concepts in public health, medical ethics, research and general practice including visits to medical facilities and clinics. Selected on her academic excellence, leadership potential and interest in medicine as a career, Gorman is looking forward to bright future. “The medical Forum at NYFL was a great experience,” she said.  “It really opened my eyes to a wealth of opportunities in the medical field.”

She prepared for the forum by learning about and researching significant current issues and trends in the field of medicine, medical discoveries and health care issues that affect our daily lives.

While there, Gorman participated in Problem Based Learning situations, including a mock bus crash disaster, disaster triage and debates on medical ethics with practicing physicians. “The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine creates a virtual classroom with Hospitals, clinical facilities and healthcare professionals.  By shadowing key personnel, these students will have a great opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on a medical career,” said Dr. Marguerite C. Regan, NYFL Dean of Academic Affairs.

“I really am going to miss the friends and connections I made while at NYLF.  I met so many great people” Gorman said and knows she now has added skills and knowledge to make well-informed career and educational choices for her future.

Moreover, Gorman has a great sense of the value of community involvement and the importance of giving back as well. As a volunteer, she reflects her passion for animals and food. Before attending the NYLF/MED she spent Saturday mornings volunteering at the Historical Farmers Market in Longview and helping with cooking demos.  She loves to cook and had the opportunity to attend the American Chef’s Association’s State Convention.  Gorman says her love of cooking began at an early age, but continued even after the light bulb burned out on her easy bake oven as a child!

In addition, she loves animals, especially horses. She has spent past summers as a volunteer at the Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas.  According to Gorman, she loves watching kids interface with the horses and seeing kids free from their handicaps and knowing they are safe.

As she looks to the future, Gorman is excited about the upcoming school year and the challenges it holds.  She hopes to combine her passion for food and animals and looks to studying horticulture and equine science at Texas A and M University.  Her ultimate goal is to work at a horse clinic in South Texas and cater on the side.

Gorman is grateful to family and friends who bankrolled her trip to Houston and support her every endeavor.  She promises she will “strive to do whatever it takes to attain her goals.”

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Dr. Julie Lundy introduced herself and told her Healthy Women audience that her most important job is being a mother to her two very young boys. The second most important is being a doctor.

She reminded them of recent heat-related tragedies – last month, a 2-year old girl died after being left in a car for several hours; this month a 75-year old male was admitted to the hospital in critical condition with a temperature of 104 degrees. All these incidents remind us the summer is here with blazing temperatures.

Lundy says heat illness occurs when a person’s body cannot compensate and cool properly – this leads to extremely high body temperatures.

Infants and children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions and those      who work outside are most vulnerable.

Furthermore, heat exhaustion, a type of heat illness can develop over several days. Signs of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, tiredness, feeling weak and dizzy, headache, nausea and vomiting as well as fainting. In the case of heat exhaustion, Lundy said to get out of the heat, rest, take cool showers, hydrate with fluids like Gatorade and other sports drinks to replace electrolytes

Another example of heat illness is heat stroke. Heat stroke is a rapid rise in body temperature – above 105° F that results in headache, rapid breathing, bleeding, dizziness, nausea, confusion, seizures and unconsciousness. Heat stroke can prove fatal

What to do if you suspect heat stroke

Call 911 or get the person to the hospital immediately. Also, move the individual to shade or indoors, rapidly cool them off and do not give anything to drink. Just incase they begin to twitch, or have seizure; Lundy said to turn them on the side and protect the head. Additionally, do not try to bring fever down as this would not help at all.

Most people would agree with Lundy that air conditioning is our friend. “Use it,” she said. What’s more, to prevent heat stroke drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight clothing and avoid being outside in the middle of the day.

According to Lundy, heat related illness can be avoided.  “Do not leave children in the car for any reason even if the windows are cracked down,” she said.  “Check on the elderly very often.”

Sunlight and skin cancer

Speaking of Vitamin D, Lundy said Texans get enough sunlight without sun baths. If you need more vitamin D, take a supplement. There are more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States every year. According to Lundy, the incidence of melanoma is continuing to rise where one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their life time.

However, you may prevent skin cancer if you take the necessary precautions. When it comes to ultraviolet radiation, the most dangerous is UVA and UVB. Both attack the skin, bringing premature aging, cataracts and skin cancer. Protecting exposed skin is very important and that will include applying the right sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out and re-applying every 2 hrs said Lundy.

In addition, do not forget to apply sunscreen on the lips and ear lobes. Also, wear protective clothing with long sleeves and pants – tightly woven darker colored fabrics block more rays. Remember to wear a wide brim hat and sun glasses when outside.

David Wesley, a 14 year NBA veteran, returned to his hometown, Longview, to hold the 8th annual basketball camp at Longview High School Coliseum.
Longview Regional Medical Center has been the Most Valued Player sponsor since the camp’s inception. The free camp is open to 100 kids. Proceeds from the camp benefits his Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. According to David Wesley, he enjoys being home contributing to the lives of the future generation.
“I like being with the kids,’ said Wesley. “I want to let them know that they can be anything they put want to be.”
“We enjoy doing it, we love the kids,” said his father Donald Wesley. “We like giving back to the community, too.”
Joseph Pietro, who helps organize the camp, said the camp is free to the children because of local sponsors such as Longview Regional Medical Center, Texas Bank and Trust, ABC Auto, Rod Bassett State Farm Insurance, Wesley and Co., and others. In the camp, participants learn sportsmanship and interpersonal and communication skills, among other things. “There are no free camps in this town,” said Pietro.
“Moreover, the kids are even insured for the camp and well fed for the two days.” At the end of the camp, participants have their photo taken with David Wesley who autographs it for them. Also, they get a camp T-shirt For Alicia and her sister Allanah Mendoza, the camp has been very exciting. Both girls like the camp, though it is their first time. They like playing basketball. The girls have made new friends and hope to be back next year.
One thing that makes the camp exciting for them is to see David Wesley in person. “I was surprised to see a real NBA star and be close to him,” said Alicia. “It is our fist time to see one and learn that he attended Longview High School.”