People, Places & Events

Athens MDA benefit rodeo set Aug. 17-18
Special to The Monitor
ATHENS–As the 2007 MDA Benefit Rodeo prepares for the PRCA action Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17-18, the talent is already rolling into town.
This year will mark the return of announcers Andy Stewart and Mike Mathis along with some of the PRCA’s finest personnel.
Stewart began his professional career on a dare, with a phenomenal voice and great personality it did not take long for him to make his mark.
The Louisiana native has served as announcer at some of the PRCA’s elite competitions, a list that includes the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo as well as the Southeast Circuit Finals.
A professional announcer for 25 years, Mathis has had the opportunity to be heard at all of the PRCA’s top events.
Most recently, he announced the National Steer Roping Finals, as well as celebrated his 16th year at the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo.
Joining Mathis and Stewart will be entertainer “Rocket” Ryan Litwin.
A relative newcomer to the PRCA, Ryan joined in 2005 coming off of the ‘04 PBR Challenger Tour. Most recently, he has been seen on the Outdoor Channel as part of the CBR’s Team ASE as well as a staple on the PBR Enterprise Tour.
Safety is a common concern for contestants and this year is no different. Serving as their protectors will be bullfighters Clay Collins and Travis Adams and Pick-Up Men Jason Bottoms and Stace Smith.
Collins, a nine year veteran of the PRCA, has most recently served as bullfighter at some of the largest PRCA rodeos including Lawton, Okla., Ogden, Utah, and Springdale, Ark.
Adam’s experience began on the Texas Rodeo Circuit, and it did not take long for him to join the PRCA. Since then he has been nominated for PRCA Bullfighter of the Year three years running.
Pick-up man Jason Bottoms, a Texas native, had the opportunity to work the 2005 WNFR and continues to be one of the most sought after individuals.
Most recently, he has worked Ogden, Utah, Springdale, Ark., and Guymon, Okla. Joining Bottoms is the three-time Stock Contractor of the Year Stace Smith.
Rodeo action begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, and continues at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18.
This is a rare opportunity to see some of the elite in the industry perform. You do not want to miss these performances.
 

Kemp ISD announces child nutrition 2007-08 program
Special to The Monitor
KEMP–Kemp ISD lunch prices remain the same for the 2007-08 school year.
Lunch and breakfast prices, lunch Pre-K through third grade, $1.35 and fourth through 12th, $1.50. Breakfast is 75 cents for all grades.
Reduced price lunch is 40 cents and reduced price breakfast is 30 cents.
Electronic transfers into the cafeteria’s computer system must be made by 10 a.m. Cash deposits may be made anytime.
Meal applications will be at each school office for your convenience.
Also, the first week of school every student will be given one by their home room teacher to take home.
To get free or reduced price meals for students, applications must be completed and returned to the school. Only one application per family needs to be completed and returned to any school office or cafeteria.
Applications for the program may be filled out anytime during the year.
How to apply: If you now get Food Stamps or TANF for your children, the application must have the child’s name, Food Stamp Case Number or TANF Number, parent’s signature or adult household member.
If applying with household income, the application process is the same as above except your income and your Social Security Number are added.
If you have any questions about the Lunch Program or need help in completing the application, please call Connie Carter (903) 498-2130 est. 4110 or (903) 498-1336.

Talent Box Traveling Troupe set to perform
Special to The Monitor
FORNEY–“Amazing Grace and Country,” written by Bonnie Reichel, is being presented by the Talent Box Traveling Troupe.
The final performance at the Forney Opry, 10658 West Highway 80, Forney, will be at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 18.
The show takes you down memory lane as two old friends get together for coffee and to reminisce about times while growing up.
Bonnie Reichel of Terrell playing the part of Grace and Lu Coates of Quinlan/Tawakoni area playing Sissy, remember artists and songs from their youth.
These songs are sung by artists Wayne Tywater of Forney, Amanda Doligener of Canton, Brenda Akin-Martin, Molly Harsin of Quinlan/Tawakoni, Dale Word of Prairieville, Paula Chamberlain of Caddo Mills, Rhonda Neal of Sulphur Springs and Greg Howell of Forney. Sam Goode of Canton will recite the poem “If Jesus Came To Your House.”
Comedians Jerry Dale Moon of Garland and Jerry Donaldson of Scurry will entertain you. Brother Jerry Truitt of Canton will play the saw.
The play is directed by Jane Gamon of Myrtle Springs.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and $5 for children 12 and under.
Reservations may be made by calling (972) 564-0332.