eChaser: February 2002


	Society of Professional Journalists, Fort Worth Professional Chapter Public Relations Society of America, Greater Fort Worth Chapter International Association of Business Communicators, Fort Worth Chapter eChaser archive [graphics format] February 2002 MEETINGS Next at IABC ... Accreditation: Here's Why, Here's How An accreditation expert with IABC/Dallas will offer an overview of accreditation at the February luncheon meeting, then lead a one-hour workshop on how to make it happen. The IABC recognition represents a benchmark for a professional communicator and is increasingly seen as vital to advancement. * Time & date: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 * Place: Petroleum Club, Carter-Burgess Plaza, 777 Main St., 39th floor * Cost: $17 members, $22 nonmembers, $12 students; workshop free * RSVP by noon Feb. 8: Dan Frost at (817) 735-6157 or frostdg@c-b.com ----- Next at PRSA ... Program Packed for District Conference PR heavyweight Kathleen Lewton, APR, Fellow PRSA, will keynote the 2002 Southwest District Conference Feb. 21-22 at the Hilton Arlington hotel with a look at "Perceptions of Peril: How Pundits, Politicians and Public Relations Professionals Shape the Emotions That Drive the Economy and the Nation." Lewton is a senior vice president and partner in the New York office of the world's largest PR agency, Fleishman-Hillard, and has been profiled in Working Woman magazine as one of the "key people making news in hospital marketing." Hosted by the Fort Worth and Dallas PRSA chapters, the six-state conference begins Thursday afternoon with sessions on leveraging sponsorships and on using trade to secure media promotions. On Friday, it's rise and shine with Krispy Kreme and the secrets to marketing Elvis' favorite doughnut. Attendees will learn how American Airlines' corporate communicators are handling the aftermath of Sept. 11, how the Container Store's corporate culture influences its PR, and how to respond at the first sign of litigation. Other sessions will spotlight the integrated marketing success story at TCU and discuss how to handle layoffs. Registration is $150 for PRSA members, $200 nonmembers and $100 students. For Friday only, including lunch, it's $100 members, $150 nonmembers and $75 students. The luncheon alone is $25 members, $35 nonmembers and $20 students. More information at fortworthprsa.org, or e-mail prsasw@yahoo.com for a conference brochure. ----- Next at SPJ ... A Memorable Glimpse at the King of Cowtown Amon Carter once hired a stagecoach and drove through the streets of New York City to announce the arrival of TCU Heisman Trophy winner Davey O'Brien. The man had moxie, no doubt about that, enough to literally will the hometown newspaper he owned into regional mega-status and eventually make himself into a larger-than-life influence on his beloved Fort Worth, the Lone Star State and even the nation. But although his name is seen all over town, who was he? Longtime Star-Telegram writer and editor Phil Record will share some dandy Amon tales at the Feb. 18 meeting, while archivist Joe Helmick will detail the TCU Library's Amon Carter papers and show a sampling of choice memorabilia. Helmick oversees history in 105 linear feet of boxed materials, everything from a Shady Oaks hat and a gift of cowboy boots from Will Rogers, to letters and photos related to World War II POW camps and documents on the creation of Big Bend National Park. Maybe Helmick will bring Carter's six-shooters. * Date: Monday, Feb. 18 * Time: mingling 5:45 p.m., dinner 6:15, program 7:15 * Place: Water Street Seafood, 1540 S. University Drive * Cost: program free; to eat, $13 members, $17 nonmembers, $5 students; no food orders taken after 6:30 * Menu: choice of seafood enchilada, Southern fried catfish, mesquite-grilled chicken or shrimp harpoon, all served with a salad, vegetables and seasoned rice, fresh-baked bread and tea, soft drink or coffee; cash bar * RSVP: Kay Pirtle at mkpirtle@yahoo.com ======================================= STRAIGHT STUFF Nominations must be received by Friday, Feb. 15 -- faxed to Stuart Bacon CEO Jim Stuart at (817) 335-6550 or e-mailed to jim@stuartbacon.com -- for the American Advertising Federation's Silver Medal Award, the highest honor presented by the AAF at the local level. The award has been given since 1959; criteria include creativity and the nominee's contributions to his or her company, the ad industry and the community. The winner will be honored at a luncheon Wednesday, March 20. ... The next Network of Hispanic Communicators meeting is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at La Calle Doce in Dallas. ... Wanted: Professionals who know what APR means. Application deadline for the spring universal accreditation exam is Monday, Feb. 4, with the test to be administered March 8-17 (candidates select the exact date). Info at prsa.org, or call (212) 460-1436 to request an application. Greater Fort Worth PRSA will provide financial help for qualified candidates whose employers or clients cannot pay the test fees. Study sessions will be held Thursday evenings from Feb. 7 until the test; contact chapter accreditation chair Beth Solomon, APR, at (817) 885-4372 or bethso@cookchildrens.org to sign up or to coach a session. ... The receipt deadline for presentation submissions for the PRSA 2002 International Conference has been moved up to allow more review time. It's 5 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 15, for a mailed submission and a week later if it arrives online. Online submission preferred. The conference will be Nov. 16-19 at the San Francisco Marriott. More at prsa.org, or Genevieve DeLaurier (genevieve.delaurier@prsa.org) will mail an application Karen Blumenthal of The Wall Street Journal; Paul Harral, Star-Telegram; Robert Shiflet, WBAP 820; Angela Brown, The Associated Press; and Clint Bond, NBC5, will discuss what stories make the cut and why, and how to pitch to the op-ed page, the Web, national publications and more at the Fort Worth Chamber's "Make Headlines" media seminar Tuesday, Feb. 5, 8-11 a.m. at the Fort Worth Club, 306 W. Seventh St. (Trinity Room, 12th floor). Cost is $55 for chamber members, $90 otherwise, with parking and full breakfast included. Info at fortworthchamber.com, or call Andra Bennett, APR, at (817) 336-2491 ext. 265. ... Entry deadline is Feb. 25 for the 2002 Vivian Castleberry Awards, a competition for quality work that fairly and accurately portrays women and their concerns in all walks of life. Sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Association for Women Journalists, the contest features 13 categories and is open to men and women, print and broadcast journalists. Entry fees are $20 for AWJ members and $30 nonmembers. Awards will be presented at the AWJ spring scholarship banquet in April. Info at awjdfw.org/awards.asp. ... The National Press Foundation (nationalpress.org) is offering 15 fellowships, including airfare, hotel and most meals, to competitively selected health, science and lifestyle journalists for a seminar on cancer reporting March 10-13. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 1. Call for information: (202) 721-9106. ... SPJ national update: 1 win, for keeps, maybe. Millionaire Houston bookie Robert Angleton was indicted Jan. 25 by a federal grand jury in the 1997 slaying of his wife, the latest twist in the case that landed aspiring crime writer Vanessa Leggett in jail July 20 for refusing to reveal sources for a book she intends to write. Leggett was released from prison Jan. 4 after being jailed longer than any journalist in recent memory; a federal grand jury's investigation into the murder ended that day, allowing her release. She had been denied repeated requests to be released on bond while appealing the contempt citation issued after she refused to hand over notes, tapes and transcripts. "The threat of subpoenaing her to another grand jury, putting her back in jail when she protects her sources, is over," attorney Mike DeGuerin said. "However, she can be subpoenaed to the trial, and the same issues may rise again." ----- If the Conference is Half This Good ... Need a reason to register for "We're Talkin' Texas," the Texas Public Relations Association's annual conference March 1-3 at the Austin Marriott at the Capitol? Henry Stewart, APR, has 10 of them. 10. During Friday's opening luncheon, you intend to ask Alan Webber, founding editor of Fast Company magazine, why he's never published one of your 200 letters to the editor. 9. You entered the Best of Texas or Silver Spur competitions and you want to be there Saturday night, March 2, to receive your award. 8. You can't imagine handling communications at ground zero in New York so you have to hear Darren Irby, chief communications officer, American Red Cross, tell how his agency met the challenge. 7. You want to rub elbows and brag at the state's largest gathering of PR professionals about how well you're doing. After all, your job is good for life, right? 6. You're up on the state's changing demographics, so the presentation by Alejandro Junco de la Vega, editor and publisher of El Norte, one of the largest newspapers in Mexico, is a must. 5. You've been meaning to see the new Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the Friday-night reception is the perfect way to do it. 4. You're best buds with Texas legends Liz Carpenter, George Christian and Julian Read, and you plan to catch up on old times during lunch Saturday. 3. Being politically savvy, you're intrigued by "The Impact of Changing Texas Politics on Your Business," Saturday afternoon, with Harvey Kronberg, editor, Quorum Report; Bill Allaway, president, Texas Taxpayers and Research Association; and Angelou Angelos of Angelos Economics. 2. You're a member of Greater Fort Worth PRSA, so part of your fees for registration and/or the Best of Texas or Silver Spur competitions return to the chapter. And the No. 1 reason (or at least start here): You can use a major credit card to register online and review the complete program at tpra.com. Full registration includes TPRA membership for 2002. Early registration, before Feb. 15, saves bucks better spent along Sixth Street. ----- Perhaps a Burkha for Geraldo ... by Frank Perkins SPJ members in January got a sometimes chilling, sometimes hilarious report on the war on terrorism as it is being played out in Afghanistan from a reporter who came under fire when Taliban mortars opened up on a group of correspondents. "We heard these tiny 'pop pop pop' sounds, and then a mortar shell fell about 400 yards away," Fort Worth Star-Telegram writer Barry Shlachter recalled. "It was very disappointing. A small plume of smoke bloomed up. It was like cheap special effects for a B-grade movie." This was the second time in Afghanistan for Shlachter. He was there for the AP during the war with Russia a few years ago. Not much has changed. "It is still very, very difficult to cover the news there," he said. "How do you cover a country where there are no phones, no spokespeople, no diplomats, no American contacts? ... With no American official on the ground to give events a spin, a lot of craziness is being reported." Not surprisingly, money was the universal language. Shlachter routinely carried $6,000 or so in cash to grease extended palms. "You paid $150 a day for a van, $50 to the local warlord for a guard to go with you in the van, another $50 to the warlord for permission to join the convoy of vans to the story site. And, of course, you had to pay the guard. If you needed tape or film of a rifle or tank gun being fired, you could pay an Afghan, and he would oblige." The most important resource was a "fixer," an Afghan who could speak English more or less and could navigate the dangerous local waters. Shlachter met fixers from all walks of life, including two defectors from the Afghan national cricket team. No less surreal was the international press corps, an off-beat group, in Shlachter's view, that "seemed to be like the cast in a [Federico] Fellini movie." Its leading man was Geraldo Rivera, who made headlines when he showed up with his camera crew and his own personal assault rifle. The reporters were in a fairly forward war zone one day when Geraldo came by. His crew were wearing protective helmets, but Geraldo's head was covered only by a bandana. Shlachter asked one of the crew members why Geraldo didn't have a helmet. Came the reply: "They don't make one big enough for that guy." Women journalists are having a nervous time in a country where the women still wear the all-covering burkha and veil in public and enjoy few civil rights. "Some of the Afghan warlord troops had never seen unveiled women, and suddenly here were 15 to 20 women reporters wearing tight designer jeans walking around in front of them. I saw one soldier creep up behind one of the women reporters and fire his rifle into the air just to frighten her," Shlachter said. "The fact that the Taliban is out of power has not meant that Afghan women have thrown aside their burkhas. It is an age-old custom in Afghanistan and probably will remain so." ----- Too Much Grimness, Not Enough Fun: a Primer on Improved Perspective Award-winning speaker and corporate consultant Joel Zeff administered a creative jolt to the approximately 30 members and guests at the IABC/Fort Worth meeting Jan. 8. Employing interactive and sometimes hilarious techniques, he trained the audience in understanding and utilizing human relations for more effective teamwork and problem solving. Using volunteers who didn't know what they were getting into, Zeff led three intense exercises, each requiring five to 15 minutes to complete. The apprehensive participants quickly gained confidence and carried out their parts with enthusiasm, to put it mildly. Highlights of Zeff's wisdom: * Children appreciate support and rewards, and adults need to send and receive these just as much. * Admit it: "I'm going to fail and make a fool of myself from time to time." This is a universal truth, Zeff said, so when you do fail, just laugh and go ahead. * Don't wait for problems to develop. Be flexible and open in your communications to start with. * Too many people get stressed over things that don't matter -- software glitches, changing offices, a new payroll form. They should use their spirit of fun more to cut stress. * Communicators -- the senders and receivers -- must participate equally for effective communication. A former newspaper reporter and public relations executive, Zeff has operated his own Dallas-based consulting business since 1994. ----- Client-Agency Bliss: It's a Two-way Street Think partner, not vendor. Think long-range plan, not project. Think investment, not expense. Working with a PR agency is all about high standards and accountability, but it's also teamwork and timing and even taking reasonable risks, a panel of local pros told the January PRSA meeting. Stuart Bacon senior VP Kim Speairs said that while the client can expect creative ideas and crisp execution -- and results -- the agency expects clear-cut decision making, a realistic budget, prompt payment and open communication. Mutual trust is critical, and occasional praise doesn't hurt. On teamwork, Witherspoon senior VP Scott Kirk suggested inviting agency representatives to the annual retreat -- make them a part of the company. Sole practitioner Henry Stewart, APR, urged thorough research of different-sized firms to determine the best fit. In a small agency, one person may handle everything, he noted. In a larger agency, two or three contacts may work an account. From the client's perspective, Ellen Ray, development director for the nonprofit Lena Pope Home, favors a combination of paid and pro bono work, spreading the former around to the agencies that most assist during the year. It's important to remember, she said, that many people who help are not only donating agency time, but their own time as well. ======================================== PEOPLE & PLACES Houston sports radio guy and UTA Shorthorn ex Kenny Hand gave his mama a Dell laptop for Christmas, and she marvels daily, its wonders to perform. Drop Martha a note at texasauthor@msn.com. ... Writes Robyn Ansley, daughter of Texas Gridiron Show cofounder Warren Agee: "My father has decided to retire now that he is 85, and is in the process of closing up his office at the University of Georgia. Although he has been a member of the Fort Worth SPJ chapter since 1953, he feels he can no longer continue his membership. ... He would like to thank all the SPJ members for their friendship over the past five decades and wishes them the best." He can still be reached at wagee@uga.edu. ... Marble Falls native Lindsay Kemper has been promoted to account executive at Stuart Bacon Advertising-Public Relations; she's a graduate of TCU, where she earned a B.A. in international communication and a B.B.A. in marketing (at the same time). ... The American Cancer Society is scouting for volunteers. Communications professionals from all fields willing to get involved in the community should call Lori Soderbergh, (817) 737-9990, or Theresa Singleton, (817) 927-1616. Kudos & Contracts ... For the third year in a row, the Star-Telegram has been named one of the nation's 10 most diverse papers by Carl Morris Associates, a marketing firm that does an annual employment survey of minority journalists. ... For the third time in the last four years, the UTA newspaper, The Shorthorn, is a finalist for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown. ======================================== GET A JOB William Sanderson Marketing & Media Relations represents the evolution of a recovering journalist who once slung words for Texas Monthly, American Way and Southwest Spirit magazines. Bill Sanderson's big-picture outlook and offbeat take on things complement a passion for the language, resulting in precise messages, from careful, buttoned-down diplomacy to just-when-you-need-it rowdy and robust images -- gaudy as parrots in drag. Sanderson is at sansonic@swbell.net, or call (214) 827-2020. ... Tonie Auer thinks you should hire her, too, and here's why: "More than 10 years of professional writing experience coupled with a solid understanding of research, media relations and the principles of public relations makes my company, Penguin Media Consultants, a good choice for outsourcing projects. I have worked on both long-term campaigns and individual projects and understand the importance of results that help your company improve its bottom line." Reach her at (940) 382-7881 or tauer@ev1.net. ... Freese and Nichols seeks a proposal editor for business development. Job includes writing, design and editing of proposals, brochures and presentations. A degree in journalism/PR, technical writing or English is required, as is design experience, with expertise in Word, PageMaker and Photoshop preferred. Contact Tracey Myers at tmm@freese.com. ... Verizon SuperPages, centrally located in the former Braniff headquarters at D/FW Airport and sporting a strong business culture (70 percent positive ratings on employee satisfaction surveys), needs an editor for an award-winning, four-color, internal publication and other projects. Strong writing skills and ability to churn out copy a must. Fax Sheila Reynolds at (972) 453-7752, or e-mail sheila.reynolds@verizon.com. ======================================== NEW MEMBERS, WELCOME SPJ ... TCU grad and Alvarado ISD public information officer Derik Moore; a former reporter for Stephenville and Duncanville papers, he also teaches photography and introduction to journalism at Alvarado High School and owns a typesetting business, Moore Advertising ======================================== COMINGS & GOINGS Additions ... PRSA chapter treasurer Pamela Smith at Tarrant County College as public information coordinator ... UT Austin grad April Eubanks, formerly with Harcourt College Publishing, now publications manager at UNT Health Science Center; she produces and edits the institution's news publications and manages the marketing and communications department's publications process ... seminary master's candidate and UTA Shorthorn ex Roy Hayhurst Jr., formerly a writer in the public relations office at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, now UNT Health Science Center communications coordinator overseeing the speakers bureau, advertising and other activities Exits ... S-T sports desk guy Lucas Wiseman, going home to Florida and the Vero Beach Press-Journal, a 30,000-circulation Scripps daily, as a utility editor doing features, news and sports; he'll be two hours from his parents and two minutes from the beach ======================================== KRISTIE'S CORNER Kristie Aylett, APR; GFW PRSA Wrapping up 2001: Last word on the book benefit/ holiday party from past president Mary Dulle. Last two words, actually: "Smashing success!" The JPS Volunteer Services director was thrilled with the quality of the books, including "The Chronicles of Narnia," Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, many Caldecott winners and a wonderful selection of sturdy interactive books for younger children. Mary writes: "Thanks to Cliff Amos at Miller Brewing Co. and Henry Stewart, APR, for the location and the delicious barbecue. Thanks to Max Faulkner and his Star-Telegram team for getting out and getting prizes. Thanks, Lisa Albert, for single-handedly begging nearly one-third of our prizes. Thanks, Susan Hammons, for organizing volunteers. Thanks, Linda Gentzkow, for hauling baskets and prizes all over town. And thanks to PRSA, IABC and SPJ members for coming together in a spirit of giving -- you helped a lot of youngsters in need." The final dollar count, to augment the 175 books collected at the door, was $968. You read the 2001 annual report in the latest issue of Tactics. To summarize, national membership is steady at 20,000 and last year was a financial bonanza. PRSA turned a $676,000 loss in 2000 into a $200,000-plus profit in 2001, which will go into reserves. Now for 2002: Our January chapter meeting drew more than 80 people to the Petroleum Club to hear about working with agencies. The new location is a winner, and the speakers were simply phenomenal. Another 20 folks participated in the "Coaching Leaders" teleconference the following week and heard some great tips on how to become the adviser your client or boss needs. Kudos to Hope Caldwell, Heather Senter and Lisa Albert for all they did to make these two events successful. The annual board retreat Jan. 17 devoted a couple of hours to updating the strategic plan. We remain focused on membership services, professional development and chapter administration. Seems like the issues are the same, whether you have 20,000 members or 135. This month's Southwest District Conference is one of our key events in the first quarter. We'll meet Feb. 21-22 at the Hilton Arlington for some quality, affordable professional development and networking. Remember, this is not just any conference, this is our conference -- as a co-host, we're relying on strong participation from our members. You can attend the entire conference, only Friday's sessions or just the keynote lunch with Kathleen Lewton, APR, Fellow PRSA. Not only is she the immediate past CEO and chairman of PRSA, she's a senior vice president and partner in Fleishman-Hillard, the world's largest PR agency, and truly insightful. I heard Kathleen address PRSA's national conference in late October, focusing on the Sept. 11 aftermath, anthrax fears and recession concerns. Haven't forgotten it. Really looking forward to hearing her updated opinion. The conference includes some pure networking events, too. Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., we'll meet and greet at the Gold Club at The Ballpark in Arlington, then we'll wrap up the conference with a reception Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the hotel. Hope to see you there. ----- PRESIDENT'S COLUMN Cecilia Jacobs, IABC/Fort Worth The will to succeed is important, but more important may be the will to prepare. That's why IABC/Fort Worth is offering a free accreditation workshop after lunch Feb. 12. IABC accreditation helps gauge your career progress against that of recognized experts in the field. The program is aimed at the skills-practicing manager or the person with the expertise to move into management. Fact is, more and more employers are recognizing IABC accreditation as a measure of professional merit. Also at the February luncheon, you'll get the nuts and bolts of the Bronze Quill competition. This year's event promises to be like no other. Bronze Quill chair Debbie Young and communications chair Lori De La Cruz are thinking BIG! And for those who couldn't make our after-work shindig in January, we're planning a second and a third and a fourth. You'll know specifics as soon as the next time and location are confirmed. Hope to see you and a friend Feb. 12. It will be time well spent. ----- OVER & OUT John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ Back in the U.S., back in the U.S., back in the U.S.A-aay! Welcome home, Dave Montgomery. His tour of duty complete as Knight Ridder's Moscow bureau chief, he files next from the KR bureau in never-looked-so-good Washington, D.C. ... Undeniable line, pummeled jock division, from Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre after he threw more playoff-game touchdowns to St. Louis players -- three interceptions returned for scores -- than did Rams QB Kurt Warner, on "what if" post mortems: "If a chicken had lips, he'd whistle." ... Jean Enzian, executive director of a center in Keller that uses equine interaction to help people with disabilities, wrote Star-T reader advocate David House that after Jessamy Brown profiled the Rocky Top Therapy Center, 71 volunteers showed up in a cold rain for an 8:30 a.m. orientation. Fifty said they came in response to the article. Then Anna Tinsley turned a genealogy workshop brief into an advance and elicited this from Shirley Apley at the Fort Worth Public Library: "We had over 280 phone calls from all over the metroplex as well as Mullin, Texas (I had to get the road atlas out to find where it was, lol). Never in all our imagination did we think that there would be this kind of response to our program." And sometimes we think nobody notices.

An accreditation expert with IABC/Dallas will offer an overview of accreditation at the February luncheon meeting, then lead a one-hour workshop on how to make it happen. The IABC recognition represents a benchmark for a professional communicator and is increasingly seen as vital to advancement.

* Time & date: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12

* Place: Petroleum Club, Carter-Burgess Plaza, 777 Main St., 39th floor

* Cost: $17 members, $22 nonmembers, $12 students; workshop free

* RSVP by noon Feb. 8: Dan Frost at (817) 735-6157 or frostdg@c-b.com

Program Packed for District Conference

PR heavyweight Kathleen Lewton, APR, Fellow PRSA, will keynote the 2002 Southwest District Conference Feb. 21-22 at the Hilton Arlington hotel with a look at "Perceptions of Peril: How Pundits, Politicians and Public Relations Professionals Shape the Emotions That Drive the Economy and the Nation." Lewton is a senior vice president and partner in the New York office of the world's largest PR agency, Fleishman-Hillard, and has been profiled in Working Woman magazine as one of the "key people making news in hospital marketing."

Hosted by the Fort Worth and Dallas PRSA chapters, the six-state conference begins Thursday afternoon with sessions on leveraging sponsorships and on using trade to secure media promotions. On Friday, it's rise and shine with Krispy Kreme and the secrets to marketing Elvis' favorite doughnut. Attendees will learn how American Airlines' corporate communicators are handling the aftermath of Sept. 11, how the Container Store's corporate culture influences its PR, and how to respond at the first sign of litigation. Other sessions will spotlight the integrated marketing success story at TCU and discuss how to handle layoffs.

Registration is $150 for PRSA members, $200 nonmembers and $100 students. For Friday only, including lunch, it's $100 members, $150 nonmembers and $75 students. The luncheon alone is $25 members, $35 nonmembers and $20 students. More information at fortworthprsa.org, or e-mail prsasw@yahoo.com for a conference brochure.

A Memorable Glimpse at the King of Cowtown

Amon Carter once hired a stagecoach and drove through the streets of New York City to announce the arrival of TCU Heisman Trophy winner Davey O'Brien. The man had moxie, no doubt about that, enough to literally will the hometown newspaper he owned into regional mega-status and eventually make himself into a larger-than-life influence on his beloved Fort Worth, the Lone Star State and even the nation. But although his name is seen all over town, who was he?

Longtime Star-Telegram writer and editor Phil Record will share some dandy Amon tales at the Feb. 18 meeting, while archivist Joe Helmick will detail the TCU Library's Amon Carter papers and show a sampling of choice memorabilia. Helmick oversees history in 105 linear feet of boxed materials, everything from a Shady Oaks hat and a gift of cowboy boots from Will Rogers, to letters and photos related to World War II POW camps and documents on the creation of Big Bend National Park. Maybe Helmick will bring Carter's six-shooters.

* Date: Monday, Feb. 18

* Time: mingling 5:45 p.m., dinner 6:15, program 7:15

* Place: Water Street Seafood, 1540 S. University Drive

* Cost: program free; to eat, $13 members, $17 nonmembers, $5 students; no food orders taken after 6:30

* Menu: choice of seafood enchilada, Southern fried catfish, mesquite-grilled chicken or shrimp harpoon, all served with a salad, vegetables and seasoned rice, fresh-baked bread and tea, soft drink or coffee; cash bar

* RSVP: Kay Pirtle at mkpirtle@yahoo.com

=======================================

Nominations must be received by Friday, Feb. 15 -- faxed to Stuart Bacon CEO Jim Stuart at (817) 335-6550 or e-mailed to jim@stuartbacon.com -- for the American Advertising Federation's Silver Medal Award, the highest honor presented by the AAF at the local level. The award has been given since 1959; criteria include creativity and the nominee's contributions to his or her company, the ad industry and the community. The winner will be honored at a luncheon Wednesday, March 20. ...

The next Network of Hispanic Communicators meeting is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at La Calle Doce in Dallas. ... Wanted: Professionals who know what APR means. Application deadline for the spring universal accreditation exam is Monday, Feb. 4, with the test to be administered March 8-17 (candidates select the exact date). Info at prsa.org, or call (212) 460-1436 to request an application. Greater Fort Worth PRSA will provide financial help for qualified candidates whose employers or clients cannot pay the test fees. Study sessions will be held Thursday evenings from Feb. 7 until the test; contact chapter accreditation chair Beth Solomon, APR, at (817) 885-4372 or bethso@cookchildrens.org to sign up or to coach a session. ... The receipt deadline for presentation submissions for the PRSA 2002 International Conference has been moved up to allow more review time. It's 5 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 15, for a mailed submission and a week later if it arrives online. Online submission preferred. The conference will be Nov. 16-19 at the San Francisco Marriott. More at prsa.org, or Genevieve DeLaurier (genevieve.delaurier@prsa.org) will mail an application

Karen Blumenthal of The Wall Street Journal; Paul Harral, Star-Telegram; Robert Shiflet, WBAP 820; Angela Brown, The Associated Press; and Clint Bond, NBC5, will discuss what stories make the cut and why, and how to pitch to the op-ed page, the Web, national publications and more at the Fort Worth Chamber's "Make Headlines" media seminar Tuesday, Feb. 5, 8-11 a.m. at the Fort Worth Club, 306 W. Seventh St. (Trinity Room, 12th floor). Cost is $55 for chamber members, $90 otherwise, with parking and full breakfast included. Info at fortworthchamber.com, or call Andra Bennett, APR, at (817) 336-2491 ext. 265. ...

Entry deadline is Feb. 25 for the 2002 Vivian Castleberry Awards, a competition for quality work that fairly and accurately portrays women and their concerns in all walks of life. Sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Association for Women Journalists, the contest features 13 categories and is open to men and women, print and broadcast journalists. Entry fees are $20 for AWJ members and $30 nonmembers. Awards will be presented at the AWJ spring scholarship banquet in April. Info at awjdfw.org/awards.asp. ... The National Press Foundation (nationalpress.org) is offering 15 fellowships, including airfare, hotel and most meals, to competitively selected health, science and lifestyle journalists for a seminar on cancer reporting March 10-13. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 1. Call for information: (202) 721-9106. ...

SPJ national update: 1 win, for keeps, maybe. Millionaire Houston bookie Robert Angleton was indicted Jan. 25 by a federal grand jury in the 1997 slaying of his wife, the latest twist in the case that landed aspiring crime writer Vanessa Leggett in jail July 20 for refusing to reveal sources for a book she intends to write. Leggett was released from prison Jan. 4 after being jailed longer than any journalist in recent memory; a federal grand jury's investigation into the murder ended that day, allowing her release. She had been denied repeated requests to be released on bond while appealing the contempt citation issued after she refused to hand over notes, tapes and transcripts. "The threat of subpoenaing her to another grand jury, putting her back in jail when she protects her sources, is over," attorney Mike DeGuerin said. "However, she can be subpoenaed to the trial, and the same issues may rise again."

If the Conference is Half This Good ...

3. Being politically savvy, you're intrigued by "The Impact of Changing Texas Politics on Your Business," Saturday afternoon, with Harvey Kronberg, editor, Quorum Report; Bill Allaway, president, Texas Taxpayers and Research Association; and Angelou Angelos of Angelos Economics.

And the No. 1 reason (or at least start here): You can use a major credit card to register online and review the complete program at tpra.com. Full registration includes TPRA membership for 2002. Early registration, before Feb. 15, saves bucks better spent along Sixth Street.

Perhaps a Burkha for Geraldo ...

SPJ members in January got a sometimes chilling, sometimes hilarious report on the war on terrorism as it is being played out in Afghanistan from a reporter who came under fire when Taliban mortars opened up on a group of correspondents.

"We heard these tiny 'pop pop pop' sounds, and then a mortar shell fell about 400 yards away," Fort Worth Star-Telegram writer Barry Shlachter recalled. "It was very disappointing. A small plume of smoke bloomed up. It was like cheap special effects for a B-grade movie."

This was the second time in Afghanistan for Shlachter. He was there for the AP during the war with Russia a few years ago. Not much has changed. "It is still very, very difficult to cover the news there," he said. "How do you cover a country where there are no phones, no spokespeople, no diplomats, no American contacts? ... With no American official on the ground to give events a spin, a lot of craziness is being reported."

Not surprisingly, money was the universal language. Shlachter routinely carried $6,000 or so in cash to grease extended palms. "You paid $150 a day for a van, $50 to the local warlord for a guard to go with you in the van, another $50 to the warlord for permission to join the convoy of vans to the story site. And, of course, you had to pay the guard. If you needed tape or film of a rifle or tank gun being fired, you could pay an Afghan, and he would oblige."

The most important resource was a "fixer," an Afghan who could speak English more or less and could navigate the dangerous local waters. Shlachter met fixers from all walks of life, including two defectors from the Afghan national cricket team. No less surreal was the international press corps, an off-beat group, in Shlachter's view, that "seemed to be like the cast in a [Federico] Fellini movie." Its leading man was Geraldo Rivera, who made headlines when he showed up with his camera crew and his own personal assault rifle.

The reporters were in a fairly forward war zone one day when Geraldo came by. His crew were wearing protective helmets, but Geraldo's head was covered only by a bandana. Shlachter asked one of the crew members why Geraldo didn't have a helmet. Came the reply: "They don't make one big enough for that guy."

Women journalists are having a nervous time in a country where the women still wear the all-covering burkha and veil in public and enjoy few civil rights. "Some of the Afghan warlord troops had never seen unveiled women, and suddenly here were 15 to 20 women reporters wearing tight designer jeans walking around in front of them. I saw one soldier creep up behind one of the women reporters and fire his rifle into the air just to frighten her," Shlachter said. "The fact that the Taliban is out of power has not meant that Afghan women have thrown aside their burkhas. It is an age-old custom in Afghanistan and probably will remain so."

Too Much Grimness, Not Enough Fun:

a Primer on Improved Perspective

Award-winning speaker and corporate consultant Joel Zeff administered a creative jolt to the approximately 30 members and guests at the IABC/Fort Worth meeting Jan. 8. Employing interactive and sometimes hilarious techniques, he trained the audience in understanding and utilizing human relations for more effective teamwork and problem solving.

Using volunteers who didn't know what they were getting into, Zeff led three intense exercises, each requiring five to 15 minutes to complete. The apprehensive participants quickly gained confidence and carried out their parts with enthusiasm, to put it mildly. Highlights of Zeff's wisdom:

Client-Agency Bliss: It's a Two-way Street

Think partner, not vendor. Think long-range plan, not project. Think investment, not expense. Working with a PR agency is all about high standards and accountability, but it's also teamwork and timing and even taking reasonable risks, a panel of local pros told the January PRSA meeting.

Stuart Bacon senior VP Kim Speairs said that while the client can expect creative ideas and crisp execution -- and results -- the agency expects clear-cut decision making, a realistic budget, prompt payment and open communication. Mutual trust is critical, and occasional praise doesn't hurt. On teamwork, Witherspoon senior VP Scott Kirk suggested inviting agency representatives to the annual retreat -- make them a part of the company.

Sole practitioner Henry Stewart, APR, urged thorough research of different-sized firms to determine the best fit. In a small agency, one person may handle everything, he noted. In a larger agency, two or three contacts may work an account. From the client's perspective, Ellen Ray, development director for the nonprofit Lena Pope Home, favors a combination of paid and pro bono work, spreading the former around to the agencies that most assist during the year. It's important to remember, she said, that many people who help are not only donating agency time, but their own time as well.

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Houston sports radio guy and UTA Shorthorn ex Kenny Hand gave his mama a Dell laptop for Christmas, and she marvels daily, its wonders to perform. Drop Martha a note at texasauthor@msn.com. ... Writes Robyn Ansley, daughter of Texas Gridiron Show cofounder Warren Agee: "My father has decided to retire now that he is 85, and is in the process of closing up his office at the University of Georgia. Although he has been a member of the Fort Worth SPJ chapter since 1953, he feels he can no longer continue his membership. ... He would like to thank all the SPJ members for their friendship over the past five decades and wishes them the best." He can still be reached at wagee@uga.edu. ...

Marble Falls native Lindsay Kemper has been promoted to account executive at Stuart Bacon Advertising-Public Relations; she's a graduate of TCU, where she earned a B.A. in international communication and a B.B.A. in marketing (at the same time). ... The American Cancer Society is scouting for volunteers. Communications professionals from all fields willing to get involved in the community should call Lori Soderbergh, (817) 737-9990, or Theresa Singleton, (817) 927-1616.

Kudos & Contracts ... For the third year in a row, the Star-Telegram has been named one of the nation's 10 most diverse papers by Carl Morris Associates, a marketing firm that does an annual employment survey of minority journalists. ... For the third time in the last four years, the UTA newspaper, The Shorthorn, is a finalist for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown.

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William Sanderson Marketing & Media Relations represents the evolution of a recovering journalist who once slung words for Texas Monthly, American Way and Southwest Spirit magazines. Bill Sanderson's big-picture outlook and offbeat take on things complement a passion for the language, resulting in precise messages, from careful, buttoned-down diplomacy to just-when-you-need-it rowdy and robust images -- gaudy as parrots in drag. Sanderson is at sansonic@swbell.net, or call (214) 827-2020. ... Tonie Auer thinks you should hire her, too, and here's why: "More than 10 years of professional writing experience coupled with a solid understanding of research, media relations and the principles of public relations makes my company, Penguin Media Consultants, a good choice for outsourcing projects. I have worked on both long-term campaigns and individual projects and understand the importance of results that help your company improve its bottom line." Reach her at (940) 382-7881 or tauer@ev1.net. ...

Freese and Nichols seeks a proposal editor for business development. Job includes writing, design and editing of proposals, brochures and presentations. A degree in journalism/PR, technical writing or English is required, as is design experience, with expertise in Word, PageMaker and Photoshop preferred. Contact Tracey Myers at tmm@freese.com. ... Verizon SuperPages, centrally located in the former Braniff headquarters at D/FW Airport and sporting a strong business culture (70 percent positive ratings on employee satisfaction surveys), needs an editor for an award-winning, four-color, internal publication and other projects. Strong writing skills and ability to churn out copy a must. Fax Sheila Reynolds at (972) 453-7752, or e-mail sheila.reynolds@verizon.com.

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NEW MEMBERS, WELCOME

SPJ ... TCU grad and Alvarado ISD public information officer Derik Moore; a former reporter for Stephenville and Duncanville papers, he also teaches photography and introduction to journalism at Alvarado High School and owns a typesetting business, Moore Advertising

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Additions ... PRSA chapter treasurer Pamela Smith at Tarrant County College as public information coordinator ... UT Austin grad April Eubanks, formerly with Harcourt College Publishing, now publications manager at UNT Health Science Center; she produces and edits the institution's news publications and manages the marketing and communications department's publications process ... seminary master's candidate and UTA Shorthorn ex Roy Hayhurst Jr., formerly a writer in the public relations office at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, now UNT Health Science Center communications coordinator overseeing the speakers bureau, advertising and other activities

Exits ... S-T sports desk guy Lucas Wiseman, going home to Florida and the Vero Beach Press-Journal, a 30,000-circulation Scripps daily, as a utility editor doing features, news and sports; he'll be two hours from his parents and two minutes from the beach

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Kristie Aylett, APR; GFW PRSA

Wrapping up 2001: Last word on the book benefit/ holiday party from past president Mary Dulle. Last two words, actually: "Smashing success!" The JPS Volunteer Services director was thrilled with the quality of the books, including "The Chronicles of Narnia," Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, many Caldecott winners and a wonderful selection of sturdy interactive books for younger children. Mary writes: "Thanks to Cliff Amos at Miller Brewing Co. and Henry Stewart, APR, for the location and the delicious barbecue. Thanks to Max Faulkner and his Star-Telegram team for getting out and getting prizes. Thanks, Lisa Albert, for single-handedly begging nearly one-third of our prizes. Thanks, Susan Hammons, for organizing volunteers. Thanks, Linda Gentzkow, for hauling baskets and prizes all over town. And thanks to PRSA, IABC and SPJ members for coming together in a spirit of giving -- you helped a lot of youngsters in need." The final dollar count, to augment the 175 books collected at the door, was $968.

You read the 2001 annual report in the latest issue of Tactics. To summarize, national membership is steady at 20,000 and last year was a financial bonanza. PRSA turned a $676,000 loss in 2000 into a $200,000-plus profit in 2001, which will go into reserves.

Now for 2002: Our January chapter meeting drew more than 80 people to the Petroleum Club to hear about working with agencies. The new location is a winner, and the speakers were simply phenomenal. Another 20 folks participated in the "Coaching Leaders" teleconference the following week and heard some great tips on how to become the adviser your client or boss needs. Kudos to Hope Caldwell, Heather Senter and Lisa Albert for all they did to make these two events successful.

The annual board retreat Jan. 17 devoted a couple of hours to updating the strategic plan. We remain focused on membership services, professional development and chapter administration. Seems like the issues are the same, whether you have 20,000 members or 135.

This month's Southwest District Conference is one of our key events in the first quarter. We'll meet Feb. 21-22 at the Hilton Arlington for some quality, affordable professional development and networking. Remember, this is not just any conference, this is our conference -- as a co-host, we're relying on strong participation from our members. You can attend the entire conference, only Friday's sessions or just the keynote lunch with Kathleen Lewton, APR, Fellow PRSA. Not only is she the immediate past CEO and chairman of PRSA, she's a senior vice president and partner in Fleishman-Hillard, the world's largest PR agency, and truly insightful. I heard Kathleen address PRSA's national conference in late October, focusing on the Sept. 11 aftermath, anthrax fears and recession concerns. Haven't forgotten it. Really looking forward to hearing her updated opinion.

The conference includes some pure networking events, too. Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., we'll meet and greet at the Gold Club at The Ballpark in Arlington, then we'll wrap up the conference with a reception Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the hotel. Hope to see you there.

Cecilia Jacobs, IABC/Fort Worth

The will to succeed is important, but more important may be the will to prepare. That's why IABC/Fort Worth is offering a free accreditation workshop after lunch Feb. 12. IABC accreditation helps gauge your career progress against that of recognized experts in the field. The program is aimed at the skills-practicing manager or the person with the expertise to move into management. Fact is, more and more employers are recognizing IABC accreditation as a measure of professional merit.

Also at the February luncheon, you'll get the nuts and bolts of the Bronze Quill competition. This year's event promises to be like no other. Bronze Quill chair Debbie Young and communications chair Lori De La Cruz are thinking BIG! And for those who couldn't make our after-work shindig in January, we're planning a second and a third and a fourth. You'll know specifics as soon as the next time and location are confirmed.

John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ

Back in the U.S., back in the U.S., back in the U.S.A-aay! Welcome home, Dave Montgomery. His tour of duty complete as Knight Ridder's Moscow bureau chief, he files next from the KR bureau in never-looked-so-good Washington, D.C. ... Undeniable line, pummeled jock division, from Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre after he threw more playoff-game touchdowns to St. Louis players -- three interceptions returned for scores -- than did Rams QB Kurt Warner, on "what if" post mortems: "If a chicken had lips, he'd whistle." ...

Jean Enzian, executive director of a center in Keller that uses equine interaction to help people with disabilities, wrote Star-T reader advocate David House that after Jessamy Brown profiled the Rocky Top Therapy Center, 71 volunteers showed up in a cold rain for an 8:30 a.m. orientation. Fifty said they came in response to the article. Then Anna Tinsley turned a genealogy workshop brief into an advance and elicited this from Shirley Apley at the Fort Worth Public Library: "We had over 280 phone calls from all over the metroplex as well as Mullin, Texas (I had to get the road atlas out to find where it was, lol). Never in all our imagination did we think that there would be this kind of response to our program." And sometimes we think nobody notices.