SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are Available to Small Businesses in Grayson and Fannin Counties

February 17, 2015 | Denison, Texas

Director Tanya Garfield of SBA's Disaster Field Operations Center West recently

 announced that small non-farm businesses who have suffered reduced revenues as a result of the drought which began in November 2014 can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans. These loans offset economic losses caused by the drought.

"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster," Garfield said.

"Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage.  These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and a maximum terms of 30 years, " according to Garfield.

By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. Secretary Tom Vilsack declared this disaster on February 4, 2015.

For additional information about the application process and how to determine if your business may be eligible, contact the Grayson SBDC office at 903-463-8787 or e-mail stidhamk@grayson.edu.

Trout Stocking to Begin November 27

ATHENS—Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s popular rainbow trout stocking program will kick off November 27 with the first deliveries of fish to lakes in the Neighborhood Fishin’ program.

Stockings will continue until March with some lakes being stocked every two weeks

Waterloo Park Denison
Photo by Monica Babin Muil

and others on a monthly basis.Channel catfish are stocked from April through October, and rainbow trout are stocked in winter months.“The reason for stocking some lakes on a monthly basis is to reduce losses of fish to resident cormorants,” said Dave Terre, TPWD’s chief of management and research. “We hope the less-frequent stockings will keep the birds from patterning our stocking activities and make more fish available for anglers. We will stock the same total number of fish, just less often.”

A second change to the program is the addition of Missouri City Community Park Lake in the Houston area. This lake replaces Tom Bass I, which was not being used by many anglers based on recent TPWD surveys. “We are always looking for ways to maximize participation, user satisfaction and cost efficiencies in this program that involves public and private funding. We are very excited to bring a new lake and new city partner into the Neighborhood Fishin’ program,” Terre said.

A 2012 survey indicated that more than 80,000 people take part in the Neighborhood Fishin’ program. Fish for the program are purchased partly with funds from the Texas Bass Classic Foundation (which is supported by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic) and from local partners.

A new local partner this year is Valero, which is sponsoring Miller’s Pond in San Antonio.“Regular stocking is a key component of the Neighborhood Fishin’ program, which helps increase fish-catching opportunities in small city park lakes close to where people live,” Terre said. “Providing this opportunity is especially
important to our youth and families, who may be new to fishing or just want to have some fun together outdoors. Our surveys show that nearly 50 percent of participants are kids or adults who are new to fishing.”

Anyone 17 years or older needs a fishing license to fish at the Neighborhood Fishin’ locations, and anglers can use no more than two poles while fishing. The bag limit for trout and channel catfish is five fish per day with no minimum length limit.

Keep in mind that weather or other problems could cause the dates to vary slightly. However, such frequent stocking means the fishing should be good any time you go.

Texoma lakes that will be stocked with Trout include Waterloo Park in Denison and Keneteso Pond in Gainesville.  Watch the Kids Fishing Events page and the Events page on www.texomaconnect.com for fishing derby's throughout the year.

2013 "Viking Challenge" huge success!

The 2013 "Viking Challenge!" Miller Barber Memorial Tournament was a huge


Winners - Team Choctaw

success, raising of $16,000 in Grayson College student scholarship funds.  The annual fundraiser "Viking Challenge!" golf tournament has been permanently re-named  in memory of Senior Champion PRO Golfer Miller Barber, who - with his family - resided in Sherman for 37 years prior to moving to Clinton, MT a few years ago to retire. Miller Barber honored us by playing in our "Viking Challenge!" a few times. Grayson County ~ and Grayson College ~ was fortunate to have someone of this caliber in our presence, and we intend to keep his memory alive through our annual tournament. This year, a portion of the proceeds from our benefit golf tournament ($5,000) was designated to initially establish and permanently endow the Miller Barber Memorial Scholarship.

This fund has already grown to $6,200 through contributions from others. If you knew Miller Barber or his family, and would like to make a contribution to this endowment, you may do so by making your check payable to the "Grayson College Foundation" and including a note on the memo line of your check: "Miller Barber Memorial Scholarship" The GC Foundation Office will notify Karen Barber of any memorial contributions received.

The tournament attracted  114 golfers participants  this year and our order for "Sunshine & a Cool Breeze" was delivered by Mother Nature! It was a great day for all.

The winning team was Team Choctaw,
Second place, Team Bonner (Don Bonner, Luke Bonner, Hilda Darwin,Roy Franks, and Denny Darwin)
Third place, Team Barber (Hunter Harrison, Casey Harrison, Brad Harrison, Jeremy McMillen, Doug Harrison and Larry Barber)

Other pix from our 2013 "Viking Challenge!" Miller Barber Memorial Tournament will soon be posted on our website: www.grayson.edu/vikingchallenge (including a photo of each team and a number of casual shots taken throughout the day), and if you're on Facebook, you can also check out the Grayson College Alumni Association or Mike Hurley's FB page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/mike.hurley.1884?fref=ts
Looking forward to next year's tournament!!!

Fall is a wonderful time to be at the lake, whether you like to fish or golf, why not both?  Find a complete directory of Lake Texoma golf courses or find a fishing guide on www.texomaconnect.com. 

Tim Hoover -Texas Boy in the English rain

 

Tim Hoover and Dallas mile begin their Texoma Tour to launch new single

By BJ Kirkpatrick

 

In 2011, local musician Tim Hoover, left for Liverpool, UK to study

Dallas Mile

at the prestigious Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, a school co-founded by former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney.  This summer he returns to Texoma for a few local appearances then on to Nashville to promote his new band, Dallas Mile, and the release of their debut single “English Rain”.

Growing up with a guitar in his hand, music has always been deep in Tim's soul.  The blues/rock/country influence came from his father, John Hoover and mother Amy Hoover, who play in the very popular local band, BluRock.  The guitar, well, that probably came from Eric Clapton.

Tim was awarded the "Louis Armstrong Award” his freshman year as a member of the Denison High School Jazz Band.  Jazz is an improve type of music that allows expressions of spirituality, sadness and “blues” with a rhythm that is distinguishable from other types of genres.  More awards are in Tim’s future.

Competing in various Music Award contest as a teenager, Tim was the 2010 Dallas International Guitar Festival Under 20’s Winner.  At the Camp Jam, Tim walked up to the mic and started to sing.  Tim had always focused on the guitar, and seeing him sing was a bit of a surprise to his mother and sister –they looked at each other and said “who is that and what has he done with Timothy”!   As a rather shy young man, Tim doesn’t however suffer from stage fright.  Performing is his “comfort zone” and he is quite at ease on stage, under the lights, engaging the audience in the musical experience.

Upon high school graduation, Tim had planned to go to Nashville.  When he learned about the Liverpool Institute he talked it over with his family and decided this was an opportunity he wanted to pursue.  Competition was tough.  Only 55 musicians would be selected out of 4,500 applicants. 

Auditions took place in Los Angeles where he spent 6 hours collaborating with six other applicants to write a song, took a music literacy test and performed live.  He didn’t have to wait long for an answer - about a week later he was notified of his acceptance. 

At the Liverpool Institute Tim is studying toward a Bachelors of Arts degree in the school’s honors music program.  In addition to studying guitar, he is learning about the music business – producing, writing, recording and composition.  He has also learned about a new culture – one that has influenced his music from the very beginning. 

A deep down in the core Beatles fan, Tim said, “Their music (the Beatles) is timeless, it's genius.  It's the most amazing thing; four men from Liverpool made the most timeless music in history."  Now he is playing in the same Cavern Club where the Beatles got their start and has the opportunity to learn from one of the masters – Sir Paul McCartney.  To live and study in the town and country that influenced The Beatles music has been an extraordinary experience.

In 2012, Tim met Alec Brits from South Africa and Jesse Eigen from Israel.  Together this trio has formed Dallas Mile, a Blues/Rock/Country Trio.  Their debut single “English Rain” was released in July of 2013 and they will be returning to Texoma in August as a part of their tour through North Texas and Nashville, Tennessee.

“English Rain” an easy flowing Cash-like country shuffle, tells the story of Tim’s transatlantic shift from living in Texas to the far ends of Liverpool, UK.   Tim doesn’t know what made him want to pick up a guitar but in an interview with Mary Jane Farmer for Scene In Town, he recalls “listening to Cream, Eric Clapton and others, he noticed the chemistry, the bond between musicians, and when he heard the notes that came out of Clapton’s guitar, from that moment on it (guitar) was the coolest thing.  It was something deep down in my soul and after that it came natural”.  Within the first 30 seconds of hearing Dallas Mile you will realize that he too has created the chemistry.

The single is available now on ITunes and Spotify.  You can find their tour schedule on the BluRock website http://blurockband.com/?p=1216 , follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DallasMile  and get updates on Twitter @DallasMile.  Listen to the promos on https://soundcloud.com/dallas-mile and on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYs7CGbWmyY

Never disappointing, Dallas Mile’s positive energy on stage is contagious and creates an unforgettable atmosphere adorned with 3 part harmonies and exciting instrumentalism.  Along with their original material they mix up their sets with classics from the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles to name but a few.  They will be at Smitty’s in Denison on August 9^th, Loose Wheels on August 30^th and the Point Bar & Grill at Grandpappy Marina on Lake Texoma, on August 31^st.   For more Lake Texoma area appearances, visit the entertainment page on www.texomaconnect.com. 

 

 

 

 

Grayson College to present Marketing Class

Internet and Social Media Marketing July 23 at Grayson College

By Grayson College

Jul 21, 2013

The Grayson College Small Business Development Center,

in partnership with the Denison Chamber of Commerce and the Sherman Chamber of Commerce, is offering local business owners and managers an opportunity to learn about Internet and Social Media Marketing from a leading expert in the field.
Eric Spellman, with Spellmann and Associates, Inc., the largest web design firm between Dallas and Denver, will be a guest presenter for three seminars at Grayson College on July 23, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

With nationwide clientele and a unique model for measuring online success, Spellmann has established Spellmann and Associates, Inc., as a leader in helping customers meet their online goals. He also helps companies realize even greater success by understanding and utilizing the most effective social media for a particular company.

“His entertaining presentation style, plain English and jargon-free actionable tips will supercharge your marketing strategies and give you the tools you need to compete successfully on line,” said Karen Stidham, SBDC executive director. Stidham adds, “He will take business owners step-by-step through the essential strategic processes necessary to guarantee successful online results. Seminar participants will be provided critical information needed to build an on-line business in three days or less, and will provide details on on-line marketing strategies that work for every business.”

Stidham says if a business owner is just beginning to think about expanding marketing efforts and starting or increasing visibility on line through web page development, Facebook, twitter, etc., this seminar is a must. This seminar is also a must for entrepreneurs whose businesses already have an internet presence but need improvement or expansion.

Spellmann’s GC appearance is only one of many state and national conferences that he conducts every year. The seminar is free of charge but advanced registration is required.  The seminars will have limited seating, with registrations accepted in the order received.  Registration confirmations will be sent on or before July 19. For more detailed information or to make a reservation, call the Grayson College SBDC at 903-463-8787 or e-mail jeffcoatsh@grayson.edu.

For more community events in the Lake Texoma area, visit www.texomaconnect.com
 

Celebration of Superheroes comic books comes to Denison

Free Comic Book Day Saturday in Denison

A celebration of superheroes will be held in downtown Denison this

Saturday. The Denison Public Library, Box Seat Sportscards, and the Rialto Theatre are combining efforts to celebrate Free Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 4, 2013..

The event is a local endeavor that is part of a national effort of the comic book industry with three main purposes:

1. To introduce everyone to the joys of reading comics.
2. To call back former comic book readers.
3. To thank current comic book buyers for their continued support.

The Denison Public Library will have special hours and be open 10 am – 1 pm this Saturday hosting a variety of activities.  Aside from giving away free comic books, local authors Alicia Passanisi and William James Peercy will be autographing their books.  Moreover, the Library will show video episodes from Marvel comics in its meeting room.  Crafts such as how to make a cape or a Pokeman stimulate the imagination; the Internet resources will emphasize how to make your comic strip, play games with your favorite characters, or learn more about the background of comic book superheroes.  And of course, the Library is located at 300 W. Gandy and offers a wide range of traditional resources such as videos, books, anime materials, and graphic novels. 

Box Seat Sportscards will be open from 10 am – 5 pm Saturday. They are a gold level sponsor in the nationwide event. Over 50 titles will be available on a first come, first served basis with a limit of three books per person. The books range from ages 5 to adult and cover all genres. Batgirl and Supergirl will make appearances to insure a well behaved crowd.  Also, this event marks the 20^th Anniversary of Box Seat Sportscards. To celebrate they will distribute discount coupons for the Monday showing of the Amazing Spiderman at the Rialto and 20% off coupons for any in-store item.

Box Seat is located at 415 W. Main and is sponsoring a costume contest for all ages with the winner receiving a $100 gift certificate. They will also hold a drawing for an Iron Man Omnibus volume, and the store has a comprehensive selection of new and collectible comic book titles to choose from.    

The Rialto Theater will show the latest ‘Amazing Spiderman’ Monday, May 6, 2013 at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $3, and $2 off coupons can be obtained Saturday at Box Seat Sportscards.

Come enjoy the day in Downtown Denison and create and recreate the superhero adventures that we all love. For more information, call 903-464-4452 or visit www.downtowndenison.com.

For other fun events in the Denison and Lake Texoma area this weekend, visit the Events page on www.texomaconnect.com. 

 

Kick Back And Say Cheers in Denison

“Kick Back and Say Cheers” at Denison’s arts and wine weekend

April 25-28, 2013. “Moving Forward, Kicking Back: A Celebration of Arts, Wine, & History” will feature various community groups working together to showcase Denison’s Heritage. Special activities include an ARTini Stroll, a Hoedown, Art Walk, wine trail, and culinary delights with wine pairings.

During 2013, we honor renowned viticulturist Thomas V. (T.V.) Munson and the 125th anniversary of him receiving the French Legion of Honor Award in 1888 for saving the French wine industry. The T. V. Munson Cup will be awarded to the winner of the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association’s sanctioned Texas Non-commercial Wine Competition. This awards ceremony will take place during the Hoedown at the DDI Corral (Heritage Park) sponsored by Downtown Denison Inc. on the evening of Saturday, April 27. Music starts at 5:30, chuck wagon opens at 6, and the awards will be announced at 7:30 p.m.

Munson’s invaluable contributions to the science of horticulture as well as the French wine industry have led to the noteworthy recognition of Cognac, France as Denison’s sister city. This historic “French Connection” embodies the importance and appreciation of the flourishing Texas wine industry and the variety of savory wines that still use Munson’s varieties of grape root stocks.
You can purchase your own grape vines from T.V.’s collection during the Denison Arts Council’s Art Walk & Heritage Celebration on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Art Walk will continue on Sunday afternoon from 1-5 p.m. in Downtown Denison. It will feature various artist demonstrations as well as remembrances of early-day Denison.

“Vinita” is the lovingly restored, classic, Italian Victorian home of T.V. Munson. It is located at 530 W. Hanna in Denison and will be open for free tours on Saturday from 10-2 p.m.  The book “Grape Man of Texas: The Life of T.V. Munson” written by Sherrie S. McLeRoy and Dr. Roy Renfro, Jr. will be available at Vinita.

The festivities will kick off with an "An Educated Evening" held on Thursday, April 25 at the historic home of T.V. Munson. The Grayson College Culinary Arts program will provide a five course meal with commentary and wine parings presented by the Viticulture and Enology Department. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by the meal at 7 p.m. This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Tickets are $85 and must be purchased by April 18. Reserved tables of 8 are available for $750, and proceeds go to scholarships for Grayson’s Culinary Arts students and Viticulture students.

On Friday, a Wine Trail bus tour will be available until all seats are sold. Tickets are only $35 and include transportation, a meal, and wine tastings at three wineries. A local vineyard and the home of T.V. Munson will also be on the tour led by Dr. Justin Scheiner, Professor of Enology and Viticulture at Grayson. It is expected to last from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Friday evening’s ARTini will feature wine-based martinis mixed at 10 stops throughout Downtown Denison. Wristbands, which allow for visiting all 10 locations, are only $20. They can be purchased in advance or at any of the martini stops that will be clearly marked along Main Street. Other downtown businesses will have even more to offer with special activities and sales planned from 5-8 p.m.  Those not wishing to share in the martinis can still enjoy the event as it is open to the public. Espresso stops and sober stations will be available along with abundant shopping.

This is a perfect time to check out the best that the Denison Arts and Culture District has to offer. The galleries, boutiques, shops and restaurants make for an enjoyable & memorable evening that includes some new businesses. From 8-10 p.m., everyone is encouraged to attend the Gateway Opera House production free of charge at the Peanut Gallery at 114 W. Houston. Singing vignettes and comedians will entertain the crowd. No chairs or concessions are available, so attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks and seats.

This year's art exhibits will be featured in various galleries throughout the entire weekend. It promises to be a diversity of artworks from artists across the greater Texoma area. Student, amateur, and professional artists alike will be represented and styles ranging from traditional to contemporary will be on display. No matter what your preference, there will be something for everyone with mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed-media, and more. Artworks in the exhibit will be for sale.

Denison’s Heritage will be another highlight as demonstrations, characters, music, and historic photographs will be on display in businesses and along the sidewalks. You never know who you might meet from Denison’s first 30 years. Those coming out on Saturday and Sunday will be able to enjoy artisans showcasing their talents at Denison Arts Council’s Spring Art Walk.

The main event is Saturday, April 27th at Heritage Park—Hoedown at the DDI Corral “Kick Up Your Heels & Say Cheers” will feature the band Little Big Iron beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are only $15 and include a meal beginning at 6 p.m. catered by Hickory House Barbecue and Paper Plate Catering. The wine competition awards will be given at 7:30 p.m., and the band will play until 10 p.m. Put on your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and join the excitement. Dancing under the stars will be allowed at this fun-filled evening. The popular Sister Cities’ Cognac tasting booth is sure to be a hit. Proceeds from the ticketed event benefit Downtown Denison Inc.

Tickets for all events are available at The Denison Area Chamber of Commerce (313 W. Woodard) and Main Street Mall (500 W. Main). Call (903) 465-1551 for more details or e-mail ddow@cityofdenison.com. Visit www.downtowndenison .com or Denison Main Street’s facebook page for the latest updates. 

Find more fun events in the Lake Texoma area on www.texomaconnect.com.  As the premier travel guide to the greater Texoma area, you will find a broad listing of historical sites, museums, art galleries and things to do in the north Texas and southern Oklahoma communities that surround Lake Texoma.  Come see us soon!

World Class Musical Performances

Denison is hosting students from two of the top music conservatories in the nation for the Chamber Music Festival on March 1-3. Students from the Juilliard School in New York City will return for the second consecutive year and will be joined by a quintet of graduate students from Rice University Shepherd School of Music in Houston. The public is invited to attend the free world class musical performances.

The Chamber Music Concert will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at Waples United Methodist Church at 830 W. Main in Denison. Both TRIO and Ensemble 1403 will be featured. The event can be enjoyed by serious music aficionados and music students as well.

The TRIO features accomplished musicians on the French horn, violin, and piano. The T.R.I.O. Project, an outreach program in which music conservatory students provide lessons and mentorship to underserved students via online video communications, is a special service provided by the musicians. Alice Gi-Young Hwang (pianist) and Kathryn Peterson (French horn) founded T.R.I.O and are joined by Clare Semes (violinist). Kathryn studies French Horn performance at Juilliard with Dr. David Wakefield, a native of Durant, OK. She was born in Lamesa, Texas, and is the niece of local banker Robert Crawley and wife Lisa. Ensemble 1403 is a quintet made of Rice graduate students at the Shepherd School of Music Bo Moson (violinist), Yvonne Chen (pianist), Sergein Yap (viola), Francesca McNeeley (cello), and Miran Kim (violin). On Friday, March 1, Denison High School Band, Choir, and 8th Grade regular and Band students will enjoy performances and master classes. Master classes are available for others upon request based on availability.

For those wishing to catch the TRIO and Ensemble 1403 in other performances, they will be at The Texoma Medical Center Lobby from  12:00 - 1:00 on Friday, March 1, and The Renaissance Senior Living Center Lobby at 3701 Loy Lake Road in Sherman from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, March 3, TRIO will be at Waples United Methodist Church. They will play gathering music from 10:40 - 11:00 and have one song during the worship service to be followed by recessional pieces.

A video of last year's performance and more information about TRIO can be found online at  http://www.trioproject.org/.  The website for the Shepherd School may be found at  http://www.music.rice.edu.

The event is made possible through the partnership of Denison Performing Arts, The Thelma Braun and Bocklett Family Foundation, and the City's Main Street Department. For information, call

903-464-4452 or find the information online at www.downtowndenison.com. 

For more events in the Greater Texoma area visit http://www.texomaconnect.com/Lake_Texoma_Area_Events.html and be sure to stop off at the Kids Korner for a variety of fun learning experiences.