===================================================
NEW MEMBERS
SPJ ... Katie Lutz, UNT
PRSA ... Kathryn Davis, TNT Marketing ... Brianna Henneke, HCA Health Care ... Alexandra Martin, Multiple Sclerosis Society ... Nicki Northcutt, XTO Energy ... Kelly Shafer, Shafer Communications ... Kimberly Thomas, Stockyards Station
===================================================
COMINGS & GOINGS
Additions ... at the S-T: Julie Mitchell, after six years at The Dallas Morning News, on the features copy desk
Shiftings ... at the S-T: Diario La Estrella translator and copy editor Gabriela Lomónaco, to the ad department as a translator ... copy editor Brian Johnston, from news to features ... Pat Stroope, currently on the a.m. copy desk and formerly with dallasnews.com, to the online copy desk ... Alex Russ, currently in the art department, to multimedia editor ... Tara Ransom, new Arlington metro editor after numerous assignments since joining the paper in 2004
Exits ... at the S-T: Diario La Estrella culture and entertainment editor Lucía González, to Telemundo's entertainment division in Miami ... environment/general assignments writer/one of the best people ever Liz Stevens, after 10 years at the paper, moving with husband Scott and their young son to Cheboygan, Mich. (home to the world's largest Big Boy statue), where Liz and Scott will run Camp Walden, an overnight summer camp; they will winter back in Fort Worth, and Liz may stay connected to the S-T as a freelancer
====================================================
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Holly Ellman, Greater Fort Worth PRSA
Why do people join professional organizations such as PRSA? Some do so for the monthly meetings, with speakers on topics of interest to the public relations professional. Some come for the networking, either to meet their future boss or snare a new client. And let's face it, ever since we moved to the Petroleum Club, some come for the food.
Since June is Effective Communications Month (as well as Adopt a Shelter Cat and National Iced Tea Month, among others), I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with a membership in PRSA. As the world's largest organization for PR pros, PRSA offers myriad benefits to its members, such as professional development seminars, award-winning media such as the Strategist and Public Relations Tactics, mentoring opportunities and a nationwide network of chapters, professional interest sections and affinity groups.
With the "Spring Ahead" promotion, you will receive your Fort Worth chapter membership at no additional cost (a savings of $45). Apply online at prsa.org. When applying online, be sure to indicate promotion code CHAP2006 to receive the special offer. The adjustment for chapter dues will not appear on the form but will be made by PRSA staff before your credit card is charged.
If you are a member of PRSA, consider joining one of the special interest groups (SIGs) or signing up for our upcoming community service project, the Cowtown Brush Up. Make your membership work for you -- get involved! For more information, go to fortworthprsa.org.
-----
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Richard Maxwell, IABC/Fort Worth
Greetings, fellow communicators.
Our May meeting was IABC past-chairman and new Dallas resident Charles Pizzo, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, who spoke on "Communication Planning for Disaster Recovery." Having lived through Katrina, he qualifies as an expert!
The 2006 IABC Fort Worth membership directory is now available to members. Pick yours up at the Bronze Quill Awards. Speaking of ...
Save Tuesday, June 27, on your calendar as Chuck Morgan steps from behind his Texas Rangers public address microphone to speak at the Bronze Quill Awards luncheon. Also, it's time to take those Bronze Quill entries to the next level by entering the 2006 IABC Southern Region Silver Quill Awards. Deadline is June 30, procrastinator's deadline July 12. Entries received by June 30 will be eligible to win a free registration to the IABC/Southern Region Conference in Kansas City. See iabcaustin.com/silverquill.
Member news. I'd like to thank Jeff Glover, AmeriCredit; Sherry Jones, Bimbo Bakeries; Carol Riggs, U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing; freelance writer Mike Long; and Lori De La Cruz, Blue Marble Media, for renewing their membership.
See you at the Bronze Quill Awards.
-----
OVER & OUT
John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ
It's never too hot for barbecue (or too cold, or too wet, or too dry), which is why we're back at Shady Oak Barbeque & Grill in Arlington for the Wednesday, June 21, meeting on what one can learn/should avoid in blogs. Come curious and, yes, hungry. ...
For your edification from Bob Kerr at The Providence Journal, the Pentagon, the Republican administration and weak-willed D.C. Democrats at the top of their game: "The Iraq war has been the war fought on the cheap -- not enough body armor, not enough armor on vehicles, not enough night vision equipment. It has been the war in which packages from back home have had to fill some crucial needs. Now, we have chow call at the Greenwood Credit Union in Warwick. It's the latest in home-front intervention. It's partially in response to the unthinkable image of U.S. Marines approaching Iraqi citizens and asking for food because they do not have enough." ...
Call (240) 629-3161 for your free, 250-page "Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for Media," published by the Department of Health and Human Services. An electronic version, which HHS will periodically update, is here.
Closing words: "I had this wonderful idea that this would be nice and collegial and relaxed. But it obviously at this point is just a mess." -- Tony Snow after his first briefing as White House press secretary, an off-camera session with more than 60 reporters ... "We spend all this money on the war in Iraq, and we can't take care of our own cities? You get out of downtown, and it's like a war zone in a lot of neighborhoods still. The government has been a huge letdown. I've heard billions of dollars are going to be sent here. Where are they? Nothing is taking place. I certainly think that now it's back-page news; the government is sweeping it under the rug." -- New Orleans businessman Michael Whelan to Sports Illustrated writer Peter King in a blistering article on the state of New Orleans' Ninth Ward
Closing words II, G.W.B. & the Pharisees division: "You know, I've experienced many great moments, and it's hard to name the best. I would say the best moment of all was when I caught a 7.5-pound perch in my lake." -- George W. Bush to the German weekly Bild am Sonntag when asked about his high point since becoming president in January 2001 ... "The policy was set. The war in Iraq was coming, and they were looking for intelligence to fit into the policy." -- Tyler Drumheller, formerly the highest-ranking CIA officer in Europe and now retired, saying on "60 Minutes," April 23, that during the run-up to the Iraq war the White House ignored intelligence that found no weapons of mass destruction or an active nuclear program in Iraq; he said the source was credible, Iraq's foreign minister, Naji Sabri, with whom U.S. spies had made a deal
Closing words III, special do as I say, not as I do entry: "When visiting cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, or Philadelphia, in pivotal states, George W. Bush would drop in at Hispanic festivals and parties, sometimes joining in singing 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in Spanish, sometimes partying with a 'Viva Bush' mariachi band flown in from Texas." -- Kevin Phillips in his book "American Dynasty" ... "I think the national anthem ought to be sung in English." -- Bush to reporters at the height of the recent illegal immigrants boycott build-up
