People, Places & Events

Getting ID voting law passed has strings
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
MABANK–The Mabank Cedar Creek Area Lion’s Club hosted a meeting with State Rep. Betty Brown, who reported on the State Legislature’s recent session.
One law that passed in the House but failed in the Senate concerned requiring two forms of identification to vote.
Aimed at stopping illegal aliens from voting and supported by 90 percent of Texas voters, the bill was killed by a senator who refused to allow the bill to come before the Senate for the vote, Brown explained.
“All it takes to keep a bill from coming up for a vote, is for one senator to stand up and say, ‘I intend to speak for 10 minutes on this bill,’” she said.
Many of her smaller bills were killed in this manner.
Because she carried the bill on the voter ID, those who were against it also targeted her smaller bills, she said.
As an example, she said she was asked to support a bill that would ask the public schools to teach the fact that Henderson County was named after the first governor of the state following statehood, James Pinkey Henderson.
The same senator stood up with his announcement that he would speak for 10 minutes on the bill, and it was killed.
Bills the Legislature passed, include:
• the castle law, allowing citizens in their home or car to defend themselves from deadly force without having to retreat first.
• the two-year moritorium on the Trans Texas Corridor to allow the public to study the details and plans more thoroughly.
• approving 3.9 billion for education.
• putting $635 million into the teacher retirement fund. instead of giving each retiree a small increase each month they will receive a 13th check this year.
• passed teaching an elective course at schools on the old and new testament.
• created a border security council.
Brown talked about how dangerous the Texas border is becoming and the fact the crime rate is increasing.
“We are not getting the help we need from the federal government on protecting our borders,” she said.
When the meeting was over, Brown passed out a booklet on the proposed constitutional amendments to be voted on in the Nov. 6 election.

Bridge Studio to host MS fund-raising tourney
Special to The Monitor
GUN BARREL CITY–The Bridge Studio at Cedar Creek will be hosting MS Bridge Across America games the week of Oct. 1-7.
American Contract Bridge League clubs all across America will be participating in raising funds for and awareness of multiple sclerosis.
The proceeds from this tournament will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to support research into the cause, cure, and treatment of MS.
Games at The Bridge Studio will be held between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1 and Wednesday, Oct. 3, and 1-5 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Oct. 4-5. A final round is set for 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7.
It will cost $7 to play.
The Studio is also presenting a hand-quilted lap throw entitled “Cards, ” sewn and donated by Johnette Betts. It will be awarded Sunday, Oct. 7.
Even if you don’t play bridge, drop by the Studio at 326 S. Gun Barrel Lane to see the quilt.
MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain and spinal cord. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
Symptoms may be mild such as numbness in the limbs or severe with paralysis or loss of vision. Many people with MS live with severe fatigue, depression, and cognitive problems which affect their ability to continue in their careers.
For more information, contact Gloria Rowland at (903) 451-3219.

ETMC offers October special on mammogram screenings
Special to The Monitor
ATHENS–October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in recognition of this important event, ETMC Athens and Cedar Creek Lake are offering a special on screening mammograms.
Both facilities are offering a $95 special for routine – that is, non-symptomatic – mammograms.
The special includes the radiologist’s interpretation of the film.
“We have lots of ladies who take advantage of this special on an annual basis, and it’s continuing to grow,” ETMC Athens Director of Radiology Richard Vasquez said.
Vasquez explained the special is for screening mammograms, which would typically mean a woman 40 years old or older, without implants or symptoms and in need of an annual screening.
“Mammography is a good safeguard for prevention,” he said.
“It’s still accepted as the gold standard for early detection. It’s safe and quick, and it offers women peace of mind,” he added.
To take advantage of the mammography special, please contact your primary care physician to get an order and schedule the procedure.
For assistance in obtaining the order, you can call the ETMC Athens radiology department at (903) 676-2170, or call ETMC Cedar Creek Lake at (903) 713-1504.
However, it is important each individual work through her primary care doctor.
Among the guidelines for good breast health, it is suggested women:
• obtain regular mammography screening starting at the age of 40;
• obtain annual clinical breast exams;
• perform monthly breast-self exams; and
• obtain a risk assessment from a physician.
A woman who still menstruates should, if possible, schedule the mammogram for one week after her menstrual period begins, when the breasts will be the least tender.
Women are asked to avoid using deodorant and lotions on the day of the mammogram and should wear two-piece clothing to make undressing more convenient. A specially trained radiologic technologist will perform the mammogram.
The woman will be asked to undress from the waist up only and stand next to the X-ray machine. Two flat surfaces will compress one breast first, then the other for a few seconds. Compression is necessary to produce the best pictures using the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Thanks to the official website of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, www.nbcam.com.