Citizens' Advocate (Coppell, Tex.), Vol. 19, No. 38, Ed. 1 Friday, September 19, 2003 Page: 2 of 24
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EDITORIAL
Citizens’ Advocate • September 19, 2003
PAGE 2
Another View
------- by Jean Murph
Two Johns
Last week was a sad week with the loss of two Johns — John R. Cash (Johnny
Cash), musician; and John Ritter, actor — both of whom added much to American
life and our entertainment culture.
It seems to me that the cause of death for each, if it had to happen, was some-
how apropos: Johnny Cash of respiratory failure, whose respiratory system for so
many years powered that deep, beautiful voice; and John Ritter of an unknown
heart condition, who for so many years put his heart and soul into making us laugh.
How wonderful a legacy of giving of themselves these men left to our and to
future generations. They made us laugh, they made us cry, they contributed to our
happiness.
In watching a Johnny Cash tribute, I was touched by the fact that a seemingly
rough and rowdy exterior masked a soft and sensitive Teddy bear of a man, who
long ago came to peace with himself and his Maker. Interviewed at age 70 by Larry
King, Cash proved the universal truth: Attitude is Everything. Despite a somewhat
debilitating disease and loss of over half of his vision, who would have been able to
tell? Asked by King ifhe harbored bitterness or anger over this, Cash bewilderedly
asked: Bitter? Me? No! How could I be bitter. I’ve lived a blessed life. I’m so
grateful for what I have had.
What a wonderful way to approach life and the sorrows and losses it inevitably
brings — so overpowerfully thankful for what has been, for what we have had, for
life itself, even if shortened, that our losses and sadness as we approach death are
overshadowed.
A columnist Sunday addressed the subject of emotional pain and loss and con-
tended that to experience loss indicates that a person has been lucky enough to have
something to lose in the first place — whether it be life itself, or a loved one, a home
or a job, an ability or skill. The alternative would have been to have had nothing to
lose; nothing to feel the loss of. What a beautiful thought and philosophy to live by.
To live each day knowing and expecting that we may experience a loss. Utter
appreciation for what is, for what was, for however long it may last.
Here’s to the two Johns — thank you for your lives of sharing with us.
###
Speaking of Johns, a John of our own — Johnny Dobecka— turns 86 this
month. Those of you who have had the privilege to know him, be sure to wish him
a happy birthday.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
NUTRITION
from page 2
the FMNV list: Starburst; Skittles; Sweet
Tarts; Lifesavers; Gobstoppers; hard candy
made mostly from sugar and corn syrup, such
as sour balls, lollipops, mints, jaw breakers,
and breath mints; gum drops, jelly beans jel-
lied and fruit-flavored slices; all carbonated
beverages; water ices (frozen, sweetened
water); marshmallow candies, fondant, lico-
rice, spun candy, and candy coated popcorn.
Elementary schools don’t serve these
“junk” foods but parents should note that
such foods are offlimits at class parties and
field trips. And while parents can send such
items in their child’s lunch, it won’t be en-
couraged and sharing is out, since the TDA
policy “proh ibits the sale or giveaway of pro-
hibited food and beverages by anyone or any
organization during the school day.”
Middle schools must not provide access
to FMNVs during meal times, and vending
mach ines are disabled during those times, and
carbonated beverages cannot contain more
than 12 ounces. Although high schools are
not restricted by the TDA rules, CISD has
voluntarily replaced larger sodas with 12-
ounce cans at CHS. Tea and sports drinks
are unrestricted. The District is also hoping
to add more juices and maybe milk machines.
Coppell recently made the news for limit-
ing elementary lunchtime snacks or “extras”
to one per student. No exceptions. Gone as
well is the stereotypical fried school lunch,
says Jean Mosely, child nutrition director.
“We only fry twice a week,” she said.
“That’s French fries.”
Even the corndogs are low fat these days.
Mosley said the District is looking for
more nutritional snack offerings, and has
joined a government commodities program
that provides free produce from South Texas.
“Every week we get a bulletin that shows
what we will get,” she said.
Last week, students enjoyed fresh wa-
termelon from the 100 cases CISD received
free of charge. Other students munched on
fresh strawberries or celery sticks with pea-
nut butter. Mosely said elementary cafete-
rias now offer chef salads twice a week and
more varieties of salads at the middle and
high schools, including a fruit “shaker” and
a plate offruit with cheese.
Meanwhile, the 23-member Nutrition Com-
mittee is studying ways to enhance nutri-
tional awareness and education.
Saving the best for last, there’s one more
FMNV and it’s a real teacher pleaser - the
original prohibited school snack — chewing
gum.
Educated by Water Event
To the Editor:
The City of Coppell held a fantastic
Water Conservation Day program on Sat-
urday (August 23). If you haven’t been
before, try to go next time. Before you roll
your eyes and stop reading, give me a
chance. I never expected to write this let-
ter. I planned to tour the yards and blow
off the rest. But I got hooked and stayed
the whole day. It changed my life. Well,
not yet, but it’s going to.
I thought I was reasonably well in-
formed about the issues, but I learned I
was dull and ignorant, and we have the wa-
ter bills to prove it. For those of you who
think programs like this are for fanatic gar-
deners and tree-huggers, think again. This
is about the money we spend for water
and how our lives will be forced to change
forever if we don’t make some changes
ourselves. Our grass yards make us water
hogs.
I believed the conventional wisdom that
grass is easier to care for than anything
else, but now 1 know that native plants take
less care and less water. The average lawn
mower produces more pollution than a car.
We contribute to ozone action days because
of our conventional ideas about what a yard
is supposed to look like.
Several residents received awards for
their “SmartScapes.” Some mow or wa-
ter their yards only once a month thanks to
their techniques. That’s right — once a
month. They aren’t using harmful expen-
sive chemicals that run off into our rivers
and create dead zones in our oceans. Sav-
ing water doesn’t mean converting yards
to rocks and cactus or letting weeds take
over everything. It means incredible flow-
ers and peaceful retreats.
I’m not a gardener and don’t have the
time or money to make changes overnight.
The people who attended knew a lot more
than me, but they didn’t treat me like a hor-
rible turf monster. They offered support
and encouragement to make a transition.
The spousal unit couldn’t attend so he’s
not quite as enthusiastic yet, but the pros-
pect of saving money makes him listen.
Next time, go hear the message yourself.
Citizens' Anburate
The Citizens’ Advocate (USPS 750-270) is published each week, by Danmara,
Inc., 446 W. Bethel, Coppell, TX 75019. Subscription rates are $15 per year.
Second-class postage paid at Coppell, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to: Citizens’ Advocate, P.O. Box 557. 446 W. Bethel Road, Coppell,
TX 75019. 972-462-8192
Martin Aldridge
Fred Conger
Rachel Euhus
Alana Harrison
You won’t be sorry.
Thanks to Amanda Vanhoozier at the
City of Coppell for putting together the pro-
gram and to everyone else who contrib-
uted. Amanda is a tireless worker on be-
halfof this community, not only in her of-
ficial paid position but as a volunteer as
well. She’s one of the people who make
this community a great place to live.
Julie Bloss
Band Says ‘Thanks’
To the Editor:
The Coppell Middle School North Band
completed a very successful week of sum-
mer band and wishes to thank the follow-
ing restaurants and businesses for the very
generous donations of meals and beverages
for the entire Cougar Band.
Grandy’s of Coppell donated full box
meals and i Fratelli Pizza of Coppell do-
nated 40 pizzas and printed discount cou-
pons for the band. Chili’s II of Coppell
provided burgers, pizza, corndogs and
wings for the band. Chick-Fil-A of
Lewisville supplied the sandwich dinners
at half price. Tom Thumb and 7-11 of
Coppell donated drinks for the entire band.
Albertsons of Coppell supplied us with
drinks and gift certificates for supplies.
Cumulatively, these businesses have
generously donated over $4,000 in food,
beverage and supplies for our week of sum-
mer band. Without this financial support,
the school programs in Coppell could not
provide the extra things we do for your
students.
We greatly appreciated their support
and strongly encourage all students, par-
ents and citizens of the area to visit these
businesses and tell them “Thank You” for
their support of the CMS North Cougar
Band program.
The Coppell North Cougar Band is 275
strong and continues to grow. The direc-
tors and students would like to thank Dr.
Berges, our middle school administration,
wonderful parents, and school district for
their continued commitment to excellence
in our music programs here in Coppell.
CMS Band Department
Publisher: Jean Murph Chris Helterbrand
Associate Publisher: Lou Duggan Jane Moore
Manager: Kathryn Walker Janice Stovall
Trey Hares Brian Dailey Zack Webb
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Citizens' Advocate (Coppell, Tex.), Vol. 19, No. 38, Ed. 1 Friday, September 19, 2003, newspaper, September 19, 2003; Coppell, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1687261/m1/2/: accessed July 9, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Cozby Library and Community Commons.