It was a bright, early and chilly Saturday morning when most people are in bed under warm blankets enjoying not having to go to school or work. Early risers may have been up watching cartoons. However, students, and their teachers assembled on this fateful morning at HUDSON PEP for the UIL meet.
Seven LISD elementary schools gathered for a UIL Academics meet at Hudson PEP. A total of 450 students participated in the second annual district UIL Academics meet on Sat., Jan. 28.
Community leaders, LISD educators, college and high school students volunteered to serve as judges for the event. C. Jeannine Brandon, English III Longview Global High School and UIL District Academic Coordinator thanked Hudson PEP principal Sue Wilson and her staff for hosting the meet. In addition, she is appreciative of the principals, coordinators, and coaches who prepared students for the meet. Also, she thanks the parents who came to support their little ones.

Events and grade levels of the top six places are as follows:

Art 4th Grade
1st        Isiah Martinez            Hudson PEP
2nd        Caroline Henderson        Hudson PEP
3rd        Danielle Wooden        Hudson PEP
4th        Gisselle Gamino            J.L. Everhart
5th         Cherrion Williams        Hudson PEP
6th        Erandy Salgado            Ware
Art 5th Grade
1st        Anna Ward            Hudson PEP
2nd        Payton Schaap            Hudson PEP
3rd        Peyton White            Hudson PEP
4th        Jessica Mena            South Ward
5th        Ka’Rajah Smith            Bramlette
6th        Jesus Luviano            Bramlette
Creative Writing 2nd grade
1st        Randall Rinehart        Hudson PEP
2nd        Madison Poole            J.L. Everhart
3rd        Jasmine Durrant            Johnston-McQueen
4th        Cambrie Salser            Hudson PEP
5th        Tenique Bauer            South Ward
6th        Alexis Jones            Hudson PEP
Dictionary Skills 5th grade
1st        Isaac Alvarado            Hudson PEP
2nd        Luke Albritton            Hudson PEP
3rd         Aerial Henderson        Hudson PEP
4th        Emily Riddle            Johnston-McQueen
5th        Angela Dominguez        South Ward
6th        Ghnytra Ford            J.L. Everhart
Listening 5th grade
1st        Auburn Hilliard            Hudson PEP
2nd        Sam Pistone            Hudson PEP
3rd        Alexis Freeman            Bramlette
4th        Ka’Rajah Smith            Bramlette
5th        Rickel King            J.L. Everhart
6th        Leticia Peralta            South Ward
Maps, Graphs, Charts 5th grade
1st        Emma Grace Frierson        Hudson PEP
2nd        Paul Morin            Hudson PEP
3rd        Parker Montgomery        Johnston-McQueen
4th        Starr Davis            Johnston-McQueen
5th        Sam Snyder            Hudson PEP
6th        Alyn Castillo            J.L. Everhart
Music Memory 3rd grade
1st        Jack Bolding Perfect Score    Hudson PEP
2nd        Jack Blackburn            Hudson PEP
3rd        Olivia Orren            Hudson PEP
4th        Avery Shobert            Hudson PEP
5th        Jaz’lyn Lewis            Bramlette
6th        Trevion Green            Bramlette
Music Memory 4th grade
1st        Carmen Vermillion Perfect Score    Hudson PEP
2nd        Kayla Poole Perfect Score        J.L. Everhart
3rd        Aviriel Hinton            J.L Everhart
4th        Carley Snyder            Hudson PEP
5th        Damian White            Ware
6th        Kori Hunter            Hudson PEP
Music Memory 5th grade
1st        Ghnytra Ford Perfect Score    J.L. Everhart
2nd     Natalia Reeves            Hudson PEP
3rd        N’Dia Elder            Ware
4th        Daniel Fourie            Hudson PEP
5th        Alexis Irving            Ned E. Williams
6th        Terriah Dunn            J.L. Everhart
Number Sense 4th grade
1st        Prince Patel            Hudson PEP
2nd        Bhavna Singh            Hudson PEP
3rd        Victor Mendoza            South Ward
4th        Troy Thomas            Johnston-McQueen
5th        Virginia Gonzalez        South Ward
6th        Alejandra Gonzalez        Ware
6th        Christy Truong            Johnston-McQueen
Number Sense 5th grade
1st        Nitin Rangu            Hudson PEP
2nd        Gaurav Singh            Hudson PEP
3rd        Lee Stanley            Johnston-McQueen
4th         Surya Donty            Hudson PEP
5th        Manuel Guarez            South Ward

Johnston McQueen students at recent UIL competition.

The Gregg County Historical Museum personnel, volunteers, board members, community members and AT&T executives were delighted to unveil the cover of the new Greater Longview AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory featuring the Everett Building, home to the Gregg County Historical Museum.
Tammy Cromer-Campbell took the cover photo, which highlights the structure’s rounded bay and recessed main entrance flanked by pink granite Corinthian columns with limestone trim.
In addition, throughout the year this historic and informative building will be on colorful display anytime someone picks up an AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory. More than 122,000 copies have been printed for distribution. Delivery will continue through February 9. The directory will be available to new residents and businesses throughout the year.
“Each year, we try to choose a cover partner that exemplifies the excitement and pride of living in Longview,” said AT&T Advertising Solutions Area Market Manager Edwin Graves.  “Nothing does this more than the Everett Building, home to the Gregg County Historical Museum.”
Gregg County Historical Museum Director Neina Kennedy said being featured on the cover of the Longview YP Real Yellow Pages directory is a fitting tribute to this landmark that has served many businesses over the years including banks, barbershops, clothiers, and even the Red Cross.
“Having The Everett Building on the cover of the Longview YP Real Yellow Pages directory is very exciting,” Kennedy said. “This grand old structure is really a crown jewel in our community and has served us very well in many capacities, including home to the Gregg County Historical Museum for nearly 30 years. Being featured on the directory cover will help remind everyone of the building’s historical value, and encourage them to visit our museum to learn more about the history of Gregg County.”
Furthermore, Graves said it’s only fitting to feature the building on the directory cover, as some of its prior occupants have some Yellow Pages history.  A 1956 advertisement in the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory proclaimed that Lanier’s was the small house of great quality for men and boys. Another ad several years later said it was where the unique is commonplace.
“We are proud to feature The Everett Building on the cover of our new Longview YP Real Yellow Pages directory,” Graves 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.”
To boot,  Candice Gast, AT&T external affairs director for Northeast Texas, recalls her childhood visits to Longview, “I have fond memories of Longview.  We used to come and shop here,” she said.  “I am so glad to see the Gregg County Historical Museum on the cover of the Yellow Pages.”
Dietrich Johnson, Mayor Jay Dean’s Cultural Arts Liaison, said, “We are very excited for the Historical Museum and the work they do to make our city a cultural destination.”
Just as a reminder, the YP Real Yellow Pages from AT&T are recyclable. AT&T telephone directory paper is made mainly from leftover sawdust and scraps from lumber production processes. To recycle outdated phone books, please call AT&T’s Project ReDirectory at 1-800-953-4400 for recycling information.
The Museum is an important piece of history and culture in Gregg County. You can visit and learn about our great county, or better yet, support the museum. You can become a Museum Member and get VIP ACCESS – it has its privileges. During Dalton Days you can go around and sample the barbeque on April 14th  as well as use the VIP booth.
Memberships are as follows:
Senior/Student $35
Individual $50
Family $75
Sustaining $100
Sponsoring Member $250 or above.
For more information, call 903-753-5840 or visit online at www.gregghistorical.org

Neina Kennedy, Museum Director; Edwin Graves, AT&T Advertising Solutions Area Market Manager; Dee Farmer, Senator Eltife’s district director; Candice Gast, AT&T external affairs director; and the Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt attend the unveiling of the new AT&T Yellow Pages at the Gregg County Historical Museum.

Applications are being accepted at Hudson PEP Elementary School for the 2012-13 school year. Hudson PEP is a district-wide school in Longview ISD for students who perform in the average to above average range in grades 1-5.
The goal of Hudson PEP is to develop the whole child – academically, socially, creatively, physically and morally. A planned enrichment program (PEP) is part of the curriculum and an integrated character education program, highly involved parental support, nurturing staff and motivated students help form the foundation for strong self confidence.
Students have the opportunity to participate in music, art, physical education and computer with certified teachers in all grades.
The program also includes a hands-on science program and an introductory Spanish class for fifth graders. Additionally, in fifth grade, students may participate in band or choir.
A strings program is offered for students in grades 3-5.
Each student who applies to attend Hudson PEP will be given an achievement test and an aptitude test. Parents who are interested in having their kindergarten child tested should apply on or before Feb. 24. Other grade levels should apply by May 10. A tour/parent information meeting is set for 9 a.m. at 1311 Lilly Street on Feb. 7.
Hudson PEP Elementary School has been rated among the state’s top schools by Texas Monthly magazine for eight consecutive years and has achieved Exemplary status for high performance on state-mandated testing for 16 straight years. Hudson has also received many awards for academics, musical talent, and character. Applications and additional information about Hudson PEP are available on the campus Web page at www.lisd.org, or by calling (903) 803-5100/5123.

It seems like yesterday when Longview Regional Medical Center started recognizing local woman who add to the quality of life in this community. This is the 12th year since the first fateful event dubbed “Stars over Longview.”
Since then, the event has grown with tremendous community support netting 900 tickets this year. The recent Stars over Longview awards luncheon again was first-rate. Royal colors of purple and gold with beautiful fresh lilies adorned the tables. Guests were treated to a delectable lunch from Lori’s Eats and Sweets of Gilmer. Chris Murray provided desserts, and attendees enjoyed valet parking.
Some Stars expressed surprise at the honor. “I am so surprised that I was chosen,’ said Donna Blalock, the December Star.  I felt that others have done more and deserve to be a Star.”
Ms Linda Buie, April Star is very honored and humbled because there are so many deserving women. Amy Allen August Star over Longview thanks God for His gifts that enables her to serve the community. “Longview has so many women who serve in various capacities,” she said. “Every year, I am amazed and astounded at what goes into this celebration.”
In addition, attendees look forward to the event every year. “I know this to be a great event for Longview,” said Debbie Leith with Longview ISD. “They honor women. I believe this is a good event to have in our town.”  LISD Assistant Superintendent Micah Lewis agrees. “I think it is a great celebration  – that women are recognized in the community,” he said. “Women contribute so much to society and this celebration recognizes that.”
Keynote speaker for this anniversary event was Abby Rike. She spent 13 years as a high school theater and debate teacher.  Her work in this field was a great inspiration for her students to be the best they could be. However, she had to pull herself out of a terrible personal tragedy in 2006 when her husband and two young children were killed in a car crash.  In May 2009 she embarked on her personal journey of healing both herself and others. She became a motivational speaker appearing on the NBC reality series The Biggest Loser.  It was a start.
She has since appeared on the Today Show, the Ellen Show, Jay Leno, and has addressed multitudes nationwide, honoring her faith and family.  She sees God’s healing touch in her life as a blessing to be shared with as many as possible.  She is a living, vibrant and thriving example of how even the worst disasters can be overcome by faith in the Holy Spirit.  The title of her topic was, What Defines You. Rike gave the audience a hard hitting, truthful and loving lesson about living and giving. Her favorite saying “Even in your darkest hour, there is hope,” says it best. She encouraged the audience to leave fears of failure or inadequacy behind and jump into helping others and make ‘ripples’ as she calls it.
For more information on Rike and her mission please visit www.abbyrike.com.

Longview Regional Medical Center, (LRMC) has opened its brand new state-of-the-art Heart and Vascular Institute. The technologically equipped 23-bed unit offers monitored private rooms and more. Virginia Hardaway, RN, MSN is excited about the new unit. “The comfort, warm environment and privacy are some of the things we are bringing to our patients,” she said. “I am excited about the growth of the hospital and the physicians who bring quality care to our patients.”
All twenty three rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed. It is important to note, everything in this unit is pristine including hospital equipment.
Four rooms for the handicapped have large walk-in showers. The bariatric room has Texas-size recliner and side chair.
According to Hardaway, she had the opportunity to work somewhere else but the culture of Longview Regional Medical Center got her attention during her leadership clinical at the hospital. “I decided I want to work here because of company culture,” she said. “From housekeeping to the CEO, everyone works together for best outcomes. It is a family here and they treat their patients as such.”
Hardaway said LRMC has a standard of care that comes naturally. Co-workers are committed to each other and work as a team. This type of work-ethic translates into better care for patients and this is what Hardaway likes about her work.
Longview Regional Medical Center’s commitment to quality healthcare and operational excellence earned them the Outstanding Achievement Awards from Community Health Systems.

LRMC CEO Jim Kendrick and Virginia Hardaway, RN, MSN standing in one of the rooms

These are heartening words to be coming from a distiller at any time, but the holiday season is the worst possible time for liquor-related misfortunes.  Consequently, Longview Transit is teaming up with R&K Distributors – your local Budweiser Distributor – to insure that everyone, drinkers included have a safe and happy new year.
This combined effort will be providing free rides to anyone in Longview City limits on New Year’s Eve.
Also, if someone suspects that he or she has had one too many and should not drive or simply does not want to drive that evening, all he or she has to do is call Longview Transit at 903-753-2287 extension 10.  Transportation service will be available to or from any Longview destination.  This service is offered to the general public, including individuals that have had a couple of drinks.
The bus service will begin around 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continue until approximately 3:00 a.m.  “Longview is proud to be able to offer this unique service for residents celebrating the New Year,” said Rob Stephens, Longview Transit general manager.  “We want to be able to provide a safe and easy alternative to getting behind the wheels.”
It is only the financial contribution of R&K Distributors that makes this safe ride alternative possible.  Longview Transit is proud to partner with the distributor in this endeavor to keep the City of Longview and its citizens safe on New Year’s Eve.
For more information about Longview Transit, please visit www.LongviewTransit.com.

Longview’s Zonta Club recently held its Holiday luncheon at the Maude Cobb Activity Center.  The keynote topic was the distribution of its Service Grant money.  This is the best time of the year to be giving back to the community, and thinking of others.
For more than 36 years Zonta has used its March Antique Show and Sale to raise funds for Service Grants and scholarships.  This year the club stuck closely to the Zonta international campaign for furthering the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional welfare of women while also working to end violence against women from the community to the global levels.
This year’s grants totaled $17,000 and went to:

• Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network to finance child care for homeless women and female heads of households as they seek and commence new jobs.

• Parenting Resource Center of East Texas to fund its Home Front program aimed at ending the cycle of domestic violence and establish and maintain stable homes for women and children.

• Longview Habitat for Humanity to finance the Dave Ramsey Course for partner families to further financial self-sufficiency.

• Friends of Partners in Prevention to support its sexual assault prevention project through specialized mentors.
• Stragent Foundation/D.O.R.S. project–”Mind, Body, Soul” A Makeover From the Inside Out,” to educate families on how to achieve economic security.

In addition, the Longview Zonta Club makes additional contributions to the Zonta International Foundation to fund its worldwide projects to advance the status of and respect for women and to eradicate anti-female violence.  In April the club will present scholarships to young women as they graduate from high school, and to female heads of households.  Furthermore, Zonta members take part in a monthly service project.  Members bring filled stockings to the Holiday Luncheon so resident local non-profit agencies can distribute these gifts to Gregg County’s less fortunate children.

LIHN Director Doris Ramaly receives a grant from ZONTA while other grantees look on.

The Kappa Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recently met at the Pine Tree Junior High Library for a literacy project.  Each member brought purses packed with personal items or made book bags filled with children’s books for a local women’s shelter.
Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honor society for women educators. Their efforts to continuously serve the community is greatly appreciated.
Please be advised the DKG meeting is slated for January 21st at the Cotton Patch. Meeting will start at 11:00 a.m. promptly.

The Kappa Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma recently worked on a literacy project.

Students from all over East Texas will be reaching for (and maybe even visiting) the stars, following a grant from the AT&T Foundation to the Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College.  The $25,000 will fund educational programming and headline shows at the center, newly reopened in September following extensive renovation and technological upgrading.
State Senator Kevin Eltife encouraged AT&T Director of External Affairs for Northeast Texas Candice Gast to approach AT&T for the gift.
Recent studies indicate many students in recent years have been gravitating away from science and engineering careers, and that the success of our nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics education programs depends on developing new and innovative methods of preparing and inspiring today’s students.  The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology suggested creating opportunities for inspiration through both individual and group experiences outside the classroom.
“For many East Texas schoolchildren the TJC Science Center is their first exposure to science and space exploration, and no doubt many of them are inspired by that experience,” said Eltife.  “The AT&T Foundation has made an investment not only in our students, but in our future scientists and explorers.”
“AT&T’s generous gift to TJC’s Earth and Science Education Center shows their continued commitment to STEM programs for students, which is a key focus of Tyler’s Industry Growth Initiative,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.  “We are grateful to have AT&T so active in our community.”
The AT&T Foundation is the presenting underwriter for two of the science center’s upcoming headline shows.  Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity, which will be shown February through April, and Tales of the Maya Skies is slated to run September through December 2012.  Tyler ISD pupils grades three through five will receive free admission to the science center.
“Thousands of visitors will experience the science center’s educational programs this year, with the majority of those visitors being elementary and middle school children,” said TJC Vice-President for Advancement and External Affairs Dr. Kim Russell. “It is imperative that we capture the imaginations of students at an early age and encourage them to consider advanced educational opportunities–and possibly even careers–in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.”
Candice Gast seconded this sentiment.
“This generous gift from the AT&T Foundation enables us to do just that,” she said.  “We are happy to support Tyler Junior College’s Center for Earth & Space Science Education.  The importance of education–particularly science education–is a main priority for AT&T.  With elected leaders such as Senator Eltife working in Austin to pave the way for education, AT&T is happy to do our part to invest in Texas’ future generations both in Tyler and around the state of Texas.”
For more information please visit http://tjc.edu/cesse.

The AT&T Foundation presents a $25,000 gift to the Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College, to be used for educational programming and headline shows to the center. From left: Dr. Mike Metke, TJC president; Candice Gast, AT&T director of external affairs for Northeast Texas; Barbara Bass, mayor of Tyler; Dr. Tom Hooten, director of the science center; Dr. Kim Russell, TJC vice president for advancement and external affairs; and Dr. Randy Reid, Tyler ISD superintendent. Photo courtesy of Allen Arrick/Tyler Junior College

This Thanksgiving, Texas Oncology–Longview and Texas Oncology–Tyler are commemorating Texas Oncology’s 25th anniversary by thanking their patients for trusting them with the most precious gift of all – their health. In doing so, Texas Oncology is rolling out a series of activities during the holiday season to give back to its patients and those that have helped them through their difficult journey, and to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and early detection in the fight against cancer.
“Thanksgiving is a time to count and celebrate blessings. It has been a privilege to care for our patients and others in the fight against cancer,” said Bill Taylor, M.D., Texas Oncology–Longview.
“We want to say thank you to them and give back in a way that helps educate and inform others in the East Texas community about the importance of cancer screenings.”

Texas Oncology’s activities include:

Discounted and Free Cancer Screenings

Texas Oncology is encouraging their patients to thank those who supported them throughout treatment by giving them each a card good for a discounted screening mammogram or a free prostate screening in an effort to promote early detection, when treatment is most effective. In partnership with Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview and Trinity Mother Frances – The Ross Breast Center in Tyler, Texas Oncology is able to offer their patients the opportunity to gift a discounted screening mammogram to a family member or friend of their choosing or a free prostate screening to be done at the local Texas Oncology location and respective hospital.

Providing Holiday Meals

Texas Oncology will provide Thanksgiving meals to the families of some of its patients who are hospitalized around the Thanksgiving holiday to help them celebrate together.
Educating the Community on Cancer Risks, Symptoms, and Screenings

Texas Oncology wants to inform the East Texas community about cancer risks and the signs to look for, as well as remind them of the importance of scheduling regular cancer screenings as part of a healthy lifestyle. Prevention and early detection start with screenings, which save lives.

During the holidays, Texas Oncology hopes to raise awareness by providing information and tips about cancer-related risks, symptoms, and regular screenings. To help community members start practicing proactive measures to improve their health, Texas Oncology offers an easy-to-follow checklist that every adult at any age can do:

• Keep an eye on your skin and check for changes in freckles, moles, and other skin markings once a month.

• Women should check their breasts for lumps every month and have a clinical breast exam every one to three years depending on age.

• Men should check both testicles for hard lumps or changes in size or shape every month.

• Individuals should be aware of their cancer risk, which may be higher for those with a personal or family history of cancer, or people who have certain genetic profiles that have been associated with specific cancer types. Screening may need to begin at an earlier age for those with these risk factors.

• Learn more about prevention and early detection at www.TexasOncology.com/Thanksgiving.

“As we recognize our silver anniversary, we pledge our continued commitment to the East Texas community we call home,” said Mark Saunders, M.D., Texas Oncology–Tyler. “We’re focused on continuing to deliver leading-edge, community-based cancer care with advanced technology, caring and experienced physicians, and promising clinical trials. Texas Oncology has been helping Texans fight cancer for 25 years!”

Dr. Bill Taylor, radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology– Longview Cancer Center and Debbie Henderson, business owner and volunteer at the Clinic