MPA/MPS Press Releases

James R. “Randy” Ponder, publisher of the Sea Coast Echo in Bay St. Louis, has been elected president of the Mississippi Press Association and Mississippi Press Services for 2008-09. He was installed as the new leader of the organizations at the annual President’s Banquet in Biloxi on Friday during MPA’s 142nd Annual Convention.

Ponder accepted the gavel from outgoing president Tom Andrews, publisher of The Picayune Item, who becomes immediate past president and Chairman of the MPA Education Foundation.

Ponder began his newspaper career in 1970 at the Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper, Ala. He moved to Bay St. Louis in 1972 and was named General Manager in 1983.

From 1987-1990, Ponder was the editor and publisher of the Mobile County News in south Alabama.He returned to Bay St. Louis and later assumed his current roles. He is a past president of the Bay St. Louis Rotary Club, a board member of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, and is involved with many business and civic organizations.

A native of Cedartown, Ga., Ponder and his wife , Sherry, live in Waveland. They are the parents three children, Ashley, Jace, and Patrick.

In his acceptance speech Friday evening, Ponder said the longevity of the newspaper business will carry it through tough times and long into the future. “Nobody does what you do,” he told a room full of MPA members, journalists and educators. “Nobody can do it.”

Ponder also said he was grateful for long-term relationships through the years, including the support of his wife and that of Echo publisher-emeritus Ellis Cuevas, an MPA Hall of Fame member, and retired MPA executive director Carolyn Wilson.

Other board members serving on the MPA Executive Committee for the coming year include Vice-President for Dailies Reece Terry, publisher of the Daily Corinthian; Vice-President for Weeklies Wyatt Emmerich, publisher of the Jackson Northside Sun; and Treasurer Jimmy Clark, general manager of the Vicksburg Post.
Elected to a three-year term on the board was Mark Williams, publisher of the Bolivar Commercial. Charlotte Wolfe, Associate Publisher for Journal Publishing Company, was renominated for her second three-year term.

For its 40 years of community leadership, especially on civil rights and reconciliation, The Neshoba Democrat is this year’s winner of the Tom and Pat Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism from the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues.

The Institute established the award to honor the couple who have published The Mountain Eagle in Whitesburg, Ky., for more than 51 years. The Gishes were the first recipients of the award.

The award was presented by Al Cross, executive director of the Institute for Rural Journalism, during the MPA President’s Banquet last Friday in Biloxi. It was accepted by Stanley Dearman (above), longtime Democrat publisher and owner, and his successor, James E. Prince.

Picnic Saturday, July 5, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Brighton Park, 530 Brighton, Clinton, MS 39056 (behind Pineview Baptist Church). Bring your own food and drinks for your family. Casual dress.

Evening get together: Saturday, July 5, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi building (the Mississippi Craft Center) 950 Rice Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic drinks provided. BYOB. $88 per couple or $50 per single. Dressy casual attire.

For more information, to sign up or for directions go to www.88arrows.com or call Lea Ann Lunceford Dabbs (601) 925-9772; Allison McDade Arnold (601) 331-0811; Tammy Hammack Savell (601) 946-3166.

Newsrelease submitted by Bonnie Hemsley Menapace (601) 857-2829.

Contact:    Liz Densmore, USA IBC
601.355.9853
ldensmore@usaibc.com
June 26, 2008

IBC Medalists Reunite in Jackson for July 12th Performance

JACKSON, Miss. – The USA IBC will present dancers from the internationally recognized dance company, Buglisi Dance Theatre, during IBC Reunion Gala 2008. Buglisi dancers Virginie Mécène and Kevin Predmore will perform a duet entitled Sospiri for the IBC audience.

Sospiri, choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi to music by Edward Elgar, had its world premiere in 1989 at New York’s City Center where it was performed by the Martha Graham Dance Company. Sospiri is a principal work of the Buglisi Dance Theatre repertoire and has been performed around the world.

“Buglisi Dance Theatre is honored to share the stage with these extraordinary and talented USA IBC medalists, and by this tremendous opportunity to perform a contemporary ballet from our repertoire for the IBC audience,” said Jacqulyn Buglisi, Artistic Director of Buglisi Dance Theatre.

Tickets are now available for IBC Reunion Gala 2008 to be held Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall.

IBC Reunion Gala 2008 will feature some of the most celebrated USA IBC medalists performing together for one night. This group of twelve artists will present an eclectic performance of classical and contemporary ballet on the same stage where they launched careers of international stardom.

Competition officials are also planning a dazzling post-performance party at Jackson’s Capital Club, themed “Glitter and Glitz,” to mark this exciting reunion performance.

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USA IBC Reunion Gala – Add One

Although the program is subject to change, dancers scheduled to perform at IBC Reunion Gala 2008 include: Haiyan Wu (2002 Senior Gold Medalist), Joseph Phillips (2002 Junior Gold Medalist), Rasta Thomas (1998 Senior Gold Medalist), Adrienne Canterna (1998 Junior Gold Medalist), Brooklyn Mack (2006 Senior Silver Medalist), Igor Antonov (1994 Senior Bronze Medalist), Marina Antonova (1994 Senior Silver Medalist), Misa Kuranaga (2006 Senior Gold Medalist), Jeffrey Cirio (2006 Junior Bronze Medalist), Yui Yonezawa (2006 Senior Bronze Medalist), Ramon Moreno (1994 Junior Bronze Medalist) and Yang Zou (performing Giselle with Wu Haiyan).

Tickets to the performance range from $18-$50, and tickets to the Glitter & Glitz party are $40. Tickets to both events are on sale now and can be purchased via phone by calling the USA IBC office at 601-355-9853.

Competition officials are also providing master classes for advanced level dance students ages 14 and up, in conjunction with IBC Reunion Gala 2008.

The workshops will be taught by USA IBC medalists and will consist of a classical ballet class and a jazz class. Students may participate in one or both classes. Single classes are $35. Dancers may sign up for both classes for a reduced fee of $55. Dancers enrolled in both classes will receive a 20% discount on IBC Reunion Gala 2008 tickets.

The workshops will be held at the Mississippi Arts Center at 201 East Pascagoula Street on Saturday, July 12.

This project is partially funded by the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Jackson Arts Council. Additional funding provided by the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency.

For more information on the IBC Reunion Gala 2008 performance, the Glitter & Glitz party and the master classes, call the USA IBC at 601.355.9853 or visit www.usaibc.com.

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June 24, 2008

Dear Editor,

In the dispute over Medicaid funding, Governor Barbour keeps saying that his proposed hospital tax is “fair.”  But what makes it fair?  The money he is taking from hospitals is the state’s required match to receive federal Medicaid funds.  Hospitals receive Medicaid payments because they provide medical treatment to Medicaid patients, just as they receive payments from Blue Cross because they provide services to Blue Cross patients. And hospitals don’t pay their patients’ Blue Cross premiums.

Medicaid payments to hospitals are not “free money.”  The services hospitals provide cost them money.  The Medicaid payments reimburse them for a portion of that cost. The hospital tax simply increases their costs which, because Medicaid payments are capped, will ultimately be passed on to private patients and their insurance companies.

It is no more “fair” to tax hospitals to meet the state’s obligation to match Medicaid funds than it would be to tax doctors, pharmacists, wheel chair companies and others who also provide medical services to Medicaid patients.  They also receive Medicaid payments at the same 3 to 1 match as hospitals.

If it is fair to tax hospitals to meet the state’s match requirement, perhaps we should look at other federal programs that require matching dollars.  For example, for every $1 we spend on highway construction, the federal government gives us $4.  Perhaps we should tax highway contractors to provide the state match. After all, just as hospitals get the federal money for providing medical services, the contractors get the federal money for building highways. Obviously we don’t want to do that.

The differences between the Governor and the House on this issue are very real.  To fund the shortfall, the House has proposed an increase in the tobacco tax to a level imposed by surrounding states.  We have also offered a compromise with a combination of increased tobacco taxes and a substantially lower tax on hospitals. What is really not fair is the Governor’s plan to cause a $90 million increase in medical insurance premiums for the working people of this state and their employers.

Cecil Brown
House District 66
Jackson, MS
601-362-8383

March 3, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information, contact:

Publicity:       Benny Gay (334) 428-2342, Ext. 23
Registration: Carolyn Davis (334) 222-5830

ANDALUSIA, AL – The 33rd annual World Championship Domino Tournament is set for July 11-12 in Andalusia.  Hundreds of players are expected to compete for the title of world champion. The tournament, sponsored by the Andalusia Rotary Club, is held at the Kiwanis Fair Complex and promotes the game of dominoes among people of all ages.

“People from throughout the country and abroad are attracted to our tournament not only because of the competition and prize money, but because they know this is a charity event,” said Andalusia Rotary President Tim Bryan. “Over the years this event has enabled Andalusia Rotarians to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to local, state and worldwide causes,” Bryan said.

The World Championship Domino Tournament began in 1976 as a Bicentennial project, but has grown to be one of the premiere domino tournaments in the United States. Last year over 300 participants competed for trophies and cash totaling more than $20,000.

This year’s events begin on Friday, July 11 with the singles tournament starting at 8:00 AM followed by a singles round robin at 1:00 PM. The Fantastic Domino Sweepstakes drawing will also begin at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, July 12, the doubles tournament starts at 8:00 AM followed by doubles round robin at 1:00 PM. Finals in adult singles and doubles begin at 7:00 PM with event awards presented at 9:00 PM.

Registration by June 30 is $30 for adults, $15 for teens, and $10 for children. On or after July 1, adult registration will be $40, teens $20, and children $15. For further information and entry forms, contact the Andalusia Rotary Club at P.O. Box 276, Andalusia, Alabama 36420 or call Carolyn Davis at (334) 222-5830. Visit our website www.worlddomino.com.

The School of Medical Technology at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. is now taking applications for enrollment from students having completed their junior year of college. Baptist offers a twelve-month clinical laboratory science clinical program, which is accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. All clinical laboratory science programs accredited by the National Accrediting Agency must culminate in a baccalaureate degree. Applicants to the School of Medical Technology may already have a baccalaureate degree or may be planning to obtain one following successful completion of the year of clinical education in the hospital.
The School maintains affiliations with Mississippi State University and William Carey University, which allow the proper transfer of credits for those students whose senior year of college will be the year in the School of Medical Technology.
“During their year of clinical education, students receive instruction in all phases of laboratory medicine. The clinical laboratory professional is a key member of today’s health care team. Laboratory professionals have the skills to unlock important medical information that is pivotal to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease,” explained Program Director Jennifer Knight.
Admission to Baptist’s program requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.70 and a 2.70 math/science GPA as well as successful completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Costs for the program are minimal. There is a $1000 fee that covers books and other essentials for the year-long program.
Knight added, “Job opportunities are abundant state and nationwide. Individuals with clinical laboratory science certification work in hospital, physician office & research laboratories, forensics, veterinary science, industrial facilities, instrument sales & service, marketing, education and management.”
Contact Jennifer Knight for complete application and admission information at 601-968-3070 or via e-mail: jknight@mbhs.org. Details about The School of Medical Technology are available by going to the “About Baptist” section of Baptist’s website at www.mbhs.org. Other information is available by contacting The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670, Chicago, IL 60631-3415, Phone (773) 714-8880.
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- Last month, a private school in the metro Jackson area made news by requiring all students and their dates to pass a breathalyzer test before they could enter the school’s prom.

Given the well-documented use and abuse of drugs and alcohol among teenagers, the school’s strategy is not surprising. But without a breathalyzer, how can parents know if their kids have a drug or alcohol problem?

According to Mark Rester, MD, medical director of the Adolescent Chemical Dependency program at Baptist Health Systems, the clues of substance abuse generally are:
 Academic decline. Your teen’s grades suddenly start to fall. They show no interest in school or learning. They have frequent absences, truancy, and discipline problems.
 Changes in social behavior. They have new friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities. Their choice of clothing might change, showing a new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use.
 Changes in behavior at home. They start arguments, break rules, or withdraw from the family. They show sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of interest.

“Keep in mind that some of this is typical of teenage behavior,” said Dr. Rester. So how does a parent distinguish between normal teenage rebellion and chemical abuse?

“If your teenager shows unusually secretive behavior, or if there is an unexplained disappearance of money, that could be a sign of trouble,” says Dr. Rester. “An unexplained acquisition of items of high monetary value might be a clue that a teenager is selling drugs,” he added. “And if they are ‘running around with a bad crowd,’ that may be another indication that they are in trouble.”

Monitoring the Future, a project of the University of Michigan funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reports that 47% of kids have tried an illicit drug by the time they finish high school. The same report found that more than half of the 12th graders and nearly a fifth of the 8th graders included in the 2007 report stated they had been drunk at least once in their life.

“Teens from all walks of life are subject to substance abuse; it’s not just kids from lower socio-economic backgrounds,” says Dr. Rester. “Kids from affluent backgrounds are just as likely—if not more likely—to become chemically dependent. Their parents tend to have more outside interests and may provide less attention to their kids. These kids also may feel more pressures to succeed and seek relief from those anxieties.”

Baptist Behavioral Health Services now offers a chemical dependency program for adolescents and young adults ages 13 to 21. It will offer treatment for patients who have psychiatric disorders in addition to chemical addictions. The 12-week program offers cognitive, behavioral and 12-step therapies in a group therapy setting. It offers a free initial assessment. For more information call Baptist Behavioral Health at 601-968-1102.

According to The AntiDrug, a project of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, if a parent suspects drug or alcohol abuse it’s important to take action right away.

There are numerous resources available on the Internet to guide parents who think their teens have a drug or alcohol problem. Another resource is the toll free line of the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, a service of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Parents can call that number–1-800-729-6686–24 hours a day to talk with trained specialists.

Dr. Rester cautions against the routine use of home drug testing kits. “The American Academy of Pediatricians doesn’t recommend doing this because it can undermine the teen’s trust in the parents,” he explained. “A good outcome must involve everybody—the parent, teen, and any healthcare providers who may be included.”

“Even if your teen is driving you crazy, you’ve got to get yourself under control and be constructive,” he said. “Try getting your teen to talk about the problems you are seeing—the social changes, academic decline—in a non-confrontational, caring fashion. You’ve got to communicate, “We want you to succeed.’”

Resources:
Online
www.theantidrug.com (for parents) and www.freevibe.com (for teens). Both are projects of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign launched by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy www.ncadi.samhsa.gov: The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

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