Ship donated to Children’s Museum – SS Good Neighbor
The largest ship in Commerce was christened at the Great Outdoor Discovery Area at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum. Since the ship was finished in February, walking the gangplank or climbing the rock wall has become a popular activity at the Children’s Museum.
Plans for the ship were purchased by Dixie Turman and her husband, Bob Stachowiak. Working with a group of volunteers with expertise in building, the blueprint was transformed into a strong wooden structure with a slide and climbing wall. The volunteers that worked on the ship were led by Bob Stachowiak and Justin Crossland and included Joe Shipman, Justin Bryant, Charlie Smith, Greg Hooten, Luke Hooten, Jim Patton, Tony Hunter, Jim Brown, Al & Rose Stapleton, Don & Debbie Daffron. The group was recently recognized at the Commerce Chamber of Commerce Banquet with the 2015 Distinguished Community Service Award.
“I cannot say enough about the group of volunteers who built the SS Good Neighbor. The group worked ten hour days in January and February to get the ship ready for the children. The ship has become a highlight for all visitors to the Children’s Museum,” said Sharline Freeman, Director of the Children’s Museum.
The SS Good Neighbor now proudly flies the flag of Dixie Turman State Farm
Insurance. “I wanted to do something for the Children’s Museum that would benefit the children in our area. The SS Good Neighbor provides a variety of ways that children can play. They can climb the rock wall, go down the slide, or run up the gang plank. I love driving by the Children’s Museum and seeing all the children on the SS Good Neighbor,” said Dixie Turman of Dixie Turman State Farm Insurance.
Austin College Presents an Evening of Chamber Music and Jazz
The instrumental ensembles of Austin College, under the direction of Dr. Ricky Duhaime, will present their annual spring concert “Evening of Chamber Music and Jazz” on Monday, April 18, at7:30 p.m. in Wynne Chapel at Austin College. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Music Department at Austin College at 903.813.2251.
The first half of the concert will be devoted to chamber ensembles, including a trombone quintet (with rhythm section), a cello quartet, and a set of traditional Austrian dances by Schubert as arranged for chamber orchestra.
The second half of the concert will feature the Greater Texoma Jazz Ensemble performing a variety of big band charts in both traditional and contemporary styles. Featured performers include jazz soloists James Carter (alto saxophone); Mason Bird and Paul Onspaugh (tenor saxophones); Jesse Speer and Michael Waters (trombones); John Vietta and Andrew Gregg (trumpets); and Richard Burleson (drums).
The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of Austin College woodwind and string students, joined this semester by some community members from across northeastern Texas. Students in the group represent a variety of majors and minors, with varying professional goals but a continuing interest in music.
The Greater Texoma Jazz Ensemble consists of students, faculty, and adults from throughout the region. The ensemble has performed in several locations this year, including Denison, Sherman, Durant, and Bells high schools, as well as at Austin College. Duhaime, who joined the Austin College faculty in 1978, holds the Mildred S. Mosher Professorship of Music.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 36 percent of students representing ethnic minorities.A residential student body of 1,250 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College isrelated by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — The T-6A Texan II is phasing out the aging T-37 fleet throughout Air Education and Training Command. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. David Richards)
Take to the Skies AirFest Debuts Flash Fire Jet Truck & US Military in Durant, OK April 16!
Get ready for big Smoke and Thunder as the Flash Fire Jet Truck makes its debut performance at Take to the Skies AirFest in Durant, Oklahoma, Saturday April 16th. Also new this year is the participation of our US Military with aircraft from the US Air Force and Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Get set for the Flash Fire Jet Truck with its fire breathing, jaw dropping 12,000 horsepower jet engine and speed exceeding 350 mph, going from 0-60mph in just over one second! Be amazed by the amount of flame, smoke, noise, and SPEED of this awesome Jet Truck which will actually race an airplane giving it a 150 mph head start and pass it like it’s stopped! The Flash Fire Chevy Jet Truck is sponsored in Durant by Stuteville Chevrolet. https://youtu.be/0tzXN54arXY
For the first time this year the U.S. Military will participate in Take to the Skies AirFest with active duty aircraft. The US Air Force will bring a T-6 from Randolph AFB and the Oklahoma Army National Guard will bring its UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
Mark your calendars for April 16th as Take to the Skies AirFest, the largest Air Show in southern Oklahoma and North Texas returns with an edge of the seat exciting Air Show and family festival to Durant Regional Airport–Eaker Field. Presented by the Choctaw Casino Resort, the AirFest promises to provide something for everyone in an action packed day of fun for the entire family! Gates open at 10am and the Air Show begins at 2pm with a variety of aircraft performing dramatic flights and aerobatic performances, edge of your seat excitement for all! Mike “Spanky” Gallaway, announcer for the famous Red Bull Air Races and other prestigious events will have you jumping in excitement as he announces the show and he flies too! We are thrilled to bring back Randy Ball’s MiG-17 jet…feel that afterburner as he flies ground level in front of your eyes! The Trojan Phlyers Demo Team with their astounding warbird close formation aerobatics that will keep your heart pounding piloted by highly decorated combat veteran pilots demonstrating the flying expertise acquired in formal military training, the Trojan Phlyers demonstrate high speed action with the roar of the big engines as they fly their historic aircraft rich in military history in a unique and thrilling performance and salute the veterans or our great nation and the men and women who continue to serve and protect us today. Blue Skies Parachute team will open the show and kick off a great line up of performers. Also new this year will be the WWII bombers and fighters including the famous P-51 Mustang, B-25, C-7 Caribou, O-2 and more from Cavanaugh Flight Museum and you can fly in them too! The 9 ship Falcon Flight formation team, Aviatrix extraordinaire Kate Kyer, Oklahoma’s own Randy Harris…this is just a sampling of our performers.
Before and after the air show you will be entertained with a variety of aircraft including active military and warbirds in static displays. See the Jet Truck up close and meet famous driver Neal Darnell. Flights for the public will be available throughout the day in helicopters and historic warbirds. Don’t stay on the ground, break the bonds of earth and go fly! Visit concessions of delicious foods, exhibits and booths. The Kids’ Area has a variety of attractions for different ages. There are many activities for all ages and Choctaw Nation cultural activities. So much to see and do!
“Shutik Isht Ia” is the Choctaw translation for “Take to the Skies”! Debby Standefer, President of the Take to the Skies AirFest, stated “we are really excited about this year’s show!” This will be the first Air Show of the season in Oklahoma and North Texas. Actually, this is not just an event; it is an experience that will affect all of your senses with something to offer every age. “We are thrilled to bring new performers every year, proud to honor our military and to celebrate the Choctaw Nation.” Opening Ceremonies at the start of the air show will be action packed including Choctaw stories, dancers and singers, honor guard, flybys, skydivers and more! Bring the entire family!
“The attendance this event garners not only locally, but from spectators throughout the state, Lake Texoma, North and East Texas and Dallas gives us the ability to showcase and promote the growing airport and the wonderful city of Durant while at the same time becoming an important revenue source for the city through lodging, retail and food sales in town through the weekend. We are proud to have the support and work with the great Choctaw Nation and the Choctaw Casino Resort, Durant Regional Airport-Eaker Field, the City of Durant and SOSU,” Debby Standefer said.
Online discounted tickets are now available for the festival at only $8 for 13 and up, $4 kids 6-12, Seniors 65+ and military with ID. Kids under 5 free. Family packages and upgrades are also available. Get them now at their best price! Truly an experience and one you won’t soon forget, the Take to the Skies AirFest will take off Saturday April 16th 10am to 6pm. We’ll look forward to seeing you there! For more information please visit our website, http://warbirdsnews.com/ and follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
Ship donated to Children’s Museum – SS Good Neighbor
