Commerce Leadership Institute Begins New Class

BJ Kirkpatrick Lake Texoma news
Commerce Leadership Institute Begins New Class

Commerce Leadership InstituteThe Commerce Leadership Institute (CLI) Class of 2017 met for the first time at Dixie Turman’s State Farm office in Commerce on Wednesday, January 18.  The Commerce Leadership Institute was established in 1988, making this the 29th CLI class.

The CLI Class of 2017 consists of Jim Ayres, Amy Barrow, Erica Contreras, Stephanie Davies, Amanda Escobedo, Darrek Ferrell, William Ford, Devin Girod, W. Scott Lancaster, Katie McKenna, Rachel Mitchell, Jamie Morgan, Kris Myers, Kristen Neeley, Charles Perry, Erik Pietersma, Rickey Porter, Krista Rasco, Ann Reel, Victoria Reeves, Diane Stegall, Jeremy Tanner, and Patricia Tremmel.  Michael Barera and John Weatherford, members of the CLI Class of 2016, are serving as co-leaders for this year’s CLI class.

CLI promotes community involvement and civic leadership. The class will meet twice a month for 10 sessions this spring, during which class members will visit local businesses, schools, the university, and various city facilities to get a broader understanding of all of the parts that work together to make up our wonderful city.

In addition to the regular class meetings, the CLI class will attend an all-day outdoor team-building experience in April.  The class will also attend the Commerce Chamber of Commerce annual banquet on February 16th.  As it has for many years, the CLI Class of 2017 will conduct a fundraiser barbeque in conjunction with the Bois d’Arc Bash on Friday, September 22.  In addition to being a substantial team-building exercise for the current CLI class members, proceeds from the barbeque help to assure that the CLI program will continue for future class participants.

“This 29th class of the Commerce Leadership Institute is on their way to improving Commerce,” says Commerce mayor and CLI alumnus Wyman Williams.  “It is so rewarding to see such a high level of leadership come together to learn about the various institutions that build our community.”

Author:  Michael Barera, CA, MSI | Archivist – James Gee Library, Texas A & M University Commerce

TRASHION IV

BJ Kirkpatrick Lake Texoma news
TRASHION IV

TRASHION IVThe Grayson College Visual Arts Department will host its fourth “Trashion IV” runway style trash fashion show, in conjunction with the 2017 Texoma Earth Day Festival in Sherman, Texas on Saturday, April 22 at the Sherman Municipal Grounds.

According to wiseGEEK.com “Trashion is a word which is used to refer to objects and garments produced from discarded, unwanted, and leftover items.”  Trashion encompasses everything from home décor to garments, and public interest in trashion started exploding in the late 1990s, when being environmentally ethical while staying chic started to come into style. Trashion is considered to be a form of upcycling which refers to repurposing things for new uses, rather than simply getting rid of unwanted objects.

Trashion is a fusion of the words “trash” and “fashion,” and it is meant to imply that things made from recycled objects don’t need to be lacking in style. While anyone can browse a vintage or thrift store, someone interested in trashion might delve into boxes, piles of discards destined for the dump, and other more unconventional sources for potential artistic inspiration.

Trashion jewelry often uses discarded and waste metals, both from within the jewelry industry and outside of it, and artists may use things like bottle caps, discarded containers, and so forth to make their jewelry more visually interesting and to remind consumers of the jewelry’s origins. Trashion clothing often involves custom sewing, integrating several sources of discarded textile materials in designs which can vary widely, from sleek and hip to more casual and laid-back.”

The runway trash fashion and accessories show is open to all area artists, designers, college art students and high school art students in their junior and senior year. Work should include no less than eighty percent (80%) recyclable trash, found objects, and discarded fabric material.

Artists are limited to three (3) entries. The fashions on the runway are to be appropriate for “family oriented viewing”. The College reserves the right to reject any work that is deemed unsuitable for a show that is to be viewed by all ages or does not adhere to the theme of the show. Artists are to provide their own models for the runway show.

All reasonable care will be given to fashion wear and models in the show but fashions and their models are submitted at the artist’s risk. The Grayson College Visual Arts Department nor the organizers of the 2016 Texoma Earth Day Festival cannot assume responsibility for damage or loss incurred before, during, or after the show.

Runway “Trashion IV” Show Schedule

  • Notification of intent to participate in the show is to be sent to Steve O. Black (see information below). In addition, please submit the following information for designs and accessories no later than noon, Friday, April 14.

Saturday, April 22, 2016
• Model Line-Up: 2:15pm, back of gazebo
• Runway Show begins at 3:00pm

For information on the Trashion IV Fashion Show contact Steve O. Black at Grayson C Art Department (903) 463-8662 or e-mail to blackst@grayson.edu
Author:  Steve O. Black

Grayson County College Visual Arts Department

“Princesses and Tiaras” Theme Announced for Daddy Daughter Dance

BJ Kirkpatrick News
“Princesses and Tiaras” Theme Announced for Daddy Daughter Dance

Northeast Texas Children's Museum daddy daughter danceThe Northeast Texas Children’s Museum has announced “Princesses and Tiaras” as the theme for the 2017 Daddy Daughter Dance. Every young lady dreams of  being a princess and wearing a tiara, so the Daddy Daughter Dance of 2017 will make that dream come true for each girl attending. The event will be Saturday, February 4 from 6:30 to 9:00.

The 2017 Daddy Daughter Dance will introduce a new disc jockey, Bryan Beezley of Beezley  DJ Services. He will be accompanied by his own daughter Casey. Casey will be a part of the dance floor as she encourages young girls to dance. Sometimes the encouragement will be for the dad, granddad, uncle or brother to join them on the dance floor.

Each young girl will receive a tiara that she can personalize with additional jewels. Other “princess” crafts will be available. Additional activities will be focused on making every young girl feel like a princess. The popular Balloon Lady will make another appearance as she uses her craft for making special balloons. Photos will be available for purchase.

Another new addition will be Kathy Erwin, a former caterer. She will work to provide food just right for a princess and her escort. The Thalians Culture Club will again sponsor the food. Guests should expect a new menu for the 2017 Daddy Daughter Dance.

“It is exciting for us to see the continuing enthusiasm for this event. It is so fun for us to do!” said Sharline Freeman, Executive Director. ” Beckey Thompson does an amazing job of decorating the Children’s Museum for this event.  She has new ideas for this year’s dance floor.”

Discounted tickets are now on sell at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum and can be purchased by calling 903-886-6055. Tickets purchased before January 23rd are $30 for each girl and her escort; tickets purchased between January 23rd and February 4th are $35. On February 4, the day of the event, tickets will be $40 for each couple. Additional young girls will be $10 each. Thanks to generous donors, scholarships are available for the event.