Kid Country Park opens on schedule with ribbon cutting
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Sissy Courtney
Despite the cold and blustery wind, blisters from swinging hammers and aching muscles from hauling lumber from a low pile to above their heads, the wide smiles on children’s faces and their exuberant squeals warmed the hearts of volunteers who had spent hours and hours from early morning until late at night Oct. 2 – 7 rebuilding Kid Country at 260 East Parkway Boulevard in Coppell.
At 5:15 p.m. Oct. 7, right on schedule the official ribbon, a chain of paper loops made by children, was cut by city officials and waiting children streamed into the park.
“Wow it’s amazing,” Coppell resident Juliet Odima said. “There’s so much to do, the ropes the slides; I think it’s not like any other park. You can accommodate so many children. I love the fact that they had the community come together and own a piece of this by working hard. I enjoyed bringing my family here. The kids felt so bad because they couldn’t volunteer because my girls are 9, 7 and 3.”
Odima said she and her husband got to work and to watch it all come together.
“What a joy now to play together in the same place I got to meet high school students, and they got to tell me all about their schools. They were so proud of being a part of this work,” Odima said.
Co-chairman of the park project Ed Guignon agreed.
“It’s fun, and it really brought the community together,” Guignon said.
Last Updated on Sunday, 14 October 2012 22:57
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Coppell Marching Band 3-peats at Mesquite Marching Festival
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Tracy Begland
The Coppell High School Marching Band earned best band of the day at the 21st Annual Mesquite Marching Festival for the third straight year Oct. 6.
On an unusually blustery evening with a temperature in the upper 40’s, the Coppell Band battled the weather and competitors for the second straight week. The band stepped onto the field as the last and 31st band to perform.
The 355 member band marched their contest show “Spectrum of Sound” featuring the music of Richard Wagner. Their efforts resulted in a 1st Division rating and a sweep of every award in class 5A including best guard, best drum majors, best percussion, best horn line, and best band in their class.
“These awards mean a lot to the band,” drum major Jonathan Bolton said. “They are payoff for our hard work as well as motivation to accomplish this level of success at the StateMarching contest.”
Scott Mason, head band director, said the band did a great job considering the cold.
“The cold weather makes performing in tune almost impossible with so many different types of instruments,” Mason said.
Nevertheless, judges were impressed with the musical and visual strength of the program. Mason said their comments indicate the band is on the right track.
The band will compete at the UIL Region Contest at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 20 at Duncanville High School in their first step toward qualifying for the UIL 5A Texas State Marching Band Contest in November.
Last Updated on Sunday, 14 October 2012 22:56
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Baylor Medical Center at Irving is turning pink
Written by Phil Cerroni
Every night at dusk a warm pink glow emits from Baylor Medical Center at Irving. No, it’s not your eyes or your eyeglasses playing tricks.
"The pink lights outlining Baylor Irving during Breast Cancer Awareness month remind us to stay vigilant in the fight against breast cancer and to be optimistic that we will someday find a cure," said Cindy Schamp, president, Baylor Irving. “So many lives are touched by breast cancer. The pink lights are just another way to confirm our commitment to provide advanced quality care for our breast cancer patients.”
On Oct. 1, pink solar lights replaced traditional light bulbs, outlining the roofs of buildings on Baylor Irving campus, 1901 N. MacArthur Blvd. The pink lights will be lit through Oct. 31.
Baylor Irving’s efforts extend far beyond the solar pink lights placed around the campus. The hospital is helping to raise money for local breast cancer organizations through several events including the fourth annual Baylor Irving Cancer Center’s Bras for a Cause, Pink Survivor Party, area high schools’ “Pink Out” football games, “Pink Out Fridays” with the hospital employees and staff, and various sponsorships for community breast cancer events.
“We want our patients and their families to recognize how very special they are to Baylor Irving,” says Jo Darling, RN, nurse navigator, Baylor Irving Cancer Center. “This is just a salute to these patients’ journey and their courage.”
Source: Baylor Medical Center at Irving
Last Updated on Sunday, 14 October 2012 22:56
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Coppell employee group receives Carter Bloodcare gold award
Written by Phil Cerroni
The City of Coppell employee group was recognized by Carter BloodCare as its Gold Premier Partner for 2011 on Oct. 3. At an annual awards luncheon in Addison, the regional blood drive coordinator for Carter BloodCare, Ellen Dinkins, presented the plaque to Rhonda Adloo, the City’s drive coordinator. Ms. Adloo has coordinated drives for the employee group since 2001.
Ken Griffin, Director of Engineering and Public Works, began scheduling annual blood drives for the employees in 1992. From a once-a-year tradition, this volunteer opportunity has grown to three times per year – March, July and October. Active participation by employees is encouraged and rewarded, both by the City and by Carter BloodCare.
“There are many benefits to being a blood donor; the best is the feeling of helping the community in a very personal way – literally giving of yourself,” according to Ms. Adloo.
The City offers points for its Wellness Program and one chance in a day-off drawing for employee donors. Carter BloodCare has a Great Rewards program that entitles donors to giveaways and contests for tickets to entertainment venues in the area. In addition, the blood donation is like a “mini-checkup,” providing cholesterol and blood pressure measurements among other health-related information. The Carter website has a variety of ways to educate donors and potential donors about the process.
The community at large is also encouraged to participate, as walk-in donors are welcome. The Coppell Chamber of Commerce is offering its organizing expertise by opening the advertising to its members and encouraging their participation.
Carter BloodCare provides blood products to hospitals and healthcare facilities in a 57 county region of North Texas. The need for blood is so great that 11,000 donor units per day are required to meet the demand.
“We are so proud to be able to help Carter BloodCare with its mission to provide a life-giving gift to the community,” said Ms. Adloo.
Source: City of Coppell
Last Updated on Sunday, 14 October 2012 22:55
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Teens learn about local business
Written by Phil Cerroni
Jr. Chamber Ambassadors of R.L. Turner High School AVID Program attended the Annual Chamber Fall Fashion Show this past month. The Ambassador program gives students the opportunity to meet business and community leaders such as the Honorable Bill Glancy, Mayor of the City of Farmers Branch.
Source: Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce
Last Updated on Sunday, 14 October 2012 23:18
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