Denison Public Library Receives the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award

BJ Kirkpatrick News
Denison Public Library Receives the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award

The Denison Public Library has received the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA), an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League.

This is the 9th year in a row the Denison Public Library has received this award.  Only 73 libraries out of 542 public libraries in Texas received this award in 2022.

“We have accomplished some great things together, and we look forward to a great future in a great city.  I’ve said it before, and I say it again – this is the best job I’ve ever  had and it’s in the best town in Texas!” said Denison’s Director of Library, Greg Mitchell.

To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must exhibit excellence in each of these ten categories:

  1. Services to underserved populations either through outreach, special programs, collaborations with other libraries or organizations, special classes, special collections, etc.
  2. Innovative and effective marketing materials highlighting basic services and publicity about specific programs the library offers
  3. Collaborative efforts with community organizations
  4. Enhanced service to the public during the past year either through increase in service or a change in type of service
  5. Literacy support for all ages (including summer reading programs)
  6. Support for digital inclusion through public internet access, digital literacy training, and online library services
  7. Support for workforce development
  8. Cultural, topical, and educational programming for adults and families
  9. Professional staff training to include training opportunities for staff at all levels
  10. Any other initiatives that speak to library excellence

“This is another proud moment for our community and our team as we strive to deliver services that enhance our community,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Justin Eastwood.  The Denison Public Library is another example of the City of Denison’s commitment to qualify of life for the community.

 

 

Oklahoma Wildlife Youth Camp 2023 Applications Available

BJ Kirkpatrick Lake Texoma news
Oklahoma Wildlife Youth Camp 2023 Applications Available

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is now accepting applications for this summer’s Wildlife Youth Camp for youths ages 14-16 on Lake Texoma. 

A week full of fun outdoor activities, conservation education and camaraderie is in store for dozens of lucky teens selected to attend the 2023 Wildlife Youth Camp. Applications are now being accepted through April 15th for this summer’s once-in-a-lifetime event. 

“If you are interested in hunting, fishing or a career with the Wildlife Department, then this camp is for you,” said Game Warden Lt. Dru Polk, youth camp coordinator.

Oklahoma Wildlife Youth Camp fishing

“Campers will get a better understanding of wildlife and fisheries management as well as conservation law enforcement, and at the same time participating in some fun outdoor activities.”

The camp will be June 18-23, 2023 at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station at Lake Texoma.  Game wardens, wildlife and fisheries professionals, and dedicated hunter and angler volunteers will be conducting the camp and supervising activities. 

Activities will include fishing, archery, wildlife identification, rifle/shotgun shooting, ropes course, self-defense, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries management, and deer/turkey/waterfowl hunting and law enforcement techniques. 

“What’s even better is that it’s all free for the campers,” thanks to the support of generous sponsors including the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Polk said. 

Applicants must be Oklahoma residents who will be 14 to 16 years old as of June 18. Prospective campers must fill out an application form and write a 75-word essay describing why they want to attend the camp, why they should be selected, and what they expect to learn. Also, they must furnish a letter of recommendation from someone other than a family member, and a recent photograph showing the applicant participating in an outdoor-related event or activity.  

The application form is online at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/education/youth-opp/wildlife-youth-camp. The page also includes additional information about the camp and photos from previous years. Applications must be submitted by April 15.

Star Party at Austin College’s Adams Observatory

BJ Kirkpatrick Austin College, News
Star Party at Austin College’s Adams Observatory

Austin College’s Adams Observatory will open to the public on Friday, September 16, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a late summer Star Party. The event will be held rain or shine, though the use of telescopes may not be possible in the case of inclement weather. Skygazers should expect to see double stars and globular clusters through the telescopes. The event is free, open to all, and fully accessible to those with mobility conditions. Register to attend: www.austincollege.edu/starparty. 

The event takes place in the College’s IDEA Center, 1108 E. Richards Street, with parking nearby. Visitors should meet in the IDEA Center’s first-floor Oscar C. Page Atrium, just inside the building’s main entrance, to begin their star tour. Austin College physics faculty Dr. David Baker and Dr. David Whelan, along with Austin College student volunteers, will facilitate tours for guests, while Sherman Public Library children’s librarian, Cassie Wickline, will hold a children’s space-themed story time.

Adams Observatory houses the largest research telescope in North Texas and smaller telescopes will complement the views available from the rooftop. “This is a unique opportunity to see amazing things in the night sky that you normally can’t see with the naked eye,” Baker said. “Something stirs inside of you when you look through a telescope of this size.”

Star Party at Adams Observatory

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, global awareness, 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 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.