ROCKWALL – Five speakers will discuss local, national and international human trafficking and explain how area residents can help stop this global problem at an evening of educational awareness, prayer and worship May 18, 7-9 pm, at Emmaus Church, 316 S. Goliad St. Rockwall.

Speakers are: Rockwall resident, sexual assault survivor and author Mary DeMuth; Dr. Tomi Lee “T.L.” Grover, with TraffickStop; Tara Kirk, with Alert Ministries; Lori Warren, with Jesus Said Love; and Mike Vinson, with Children’s Hopechest.

According to Vinson, the event organizer, attendees wiill leave with a greater awareness of human trafficking, real-world resources for themselves and their church, plus multiple opportunities to connect with ministries fitting their calling.

“Anyone desiring to learn more about local, national, and international human trafficking issues and take action steps towards being a part of the solution should attend,” he said.

For info, call local organizer Darren Sapp at 214-477-4039, or visit Facebook and search for STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – A Rockwall woman who lost 54 lbs. over the past four months won $1,000 last Wednesday in a local version of the Biggest Loser contest sponsored by Rockwall Healthy Solutions Weight Loss Center.

Shannon Raymond, 34, who also lost 20.4 percent of body fat, won the prize by defeating five other finalists.

They were:  Joelle Vercher, who lost over 50 lbs; Mario Aguilar, who lost over 44 lbs; Johnny Seals, who lost 27 lbs; Lisa Coppler, who lost 23 lbs; and Lou Williams, who reduced his insulin by 75 percent.

The combined weight loss of all the contestants was 200.8 lbs. The contest which was conducted from Jan. 6 – May 2.

The award ceremony was held at L’Trevinos restaurant May 9, where Healthy Solutions owner Pam Benedetto also provided a $1,000 donation to Rockwall Helping Hands. Executive Director Margo Nielsen was present to receive the donation.

Benedetto said all of the contestants were thrilled with the results of the four-month contest.

“Two of the contestants were able to have previously-required daily medications totally removed or reduced.”

“One contestant who is insulin-dependent decreased daily insulin by 75 percent by following our simple dietary recommendations (meal plan?).”

She explained that, from the beginning, each finalist was provided with Healthy Solutions all-natural amino acids and received a B6B12 injection at their weekly weigh-ins. They were also asked to follow their individual meal plans and get as much exercise as possible.

To assist each finalist, free workouts and a personal trainer were arranged at Eclipse Fitness Club, located just north of The Harbor.

“Frizz and Scott, the owners of Eclipse, provided the finalists with free memberships so they could work out there for free during the four-month contest,” said Benedetto. “Hector, one of Eclipse’s trainers, even donated his time free-of-charge.”

She explained the contest began with 19 people writing a short essay about how losing weight would impact their lives. The six people with the best reasons to lose weight were chosen as finalists.

For more info, call Rockwall Healthy Solutions Weight Loss Center at 972-412-6600 or visit http://rockwallhealthysolutions.com.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL -Soft-rock recording artists, the Little River Band, with 13 top-40 hits and over 25 million records sold worldwide, will perform at Rockwall’s free Founder’s Day Celebration May 19, from 7 – 9 pm, at the historic Downtown Square.

Their songs “Reminiscing” and “Lady” have been recognized by BMI as two of the most frequently played songs on American radio stations, according to Wikipedia.

The Band will follow Texas Blues artist Clay McClinton at 3:30 pm, country-rocker Jolie Holliday at 1:15 pm and the classic-rock Jeanne Lay Band at 11 am.

Celebrating the 158th anniversary of the City’s founding, entertainment will begin at 10 am with safari guide Critterman and his animals.

For all the information, see the Rockwall Founders’ Day Festival website.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Texas Blues artist Clay McClinton will perform at this Thursday’s free family “Concert By The Lake” at The Harbor, sponsored by the City of Rockwall every Thursday night through July 26, from 7:30 – 9 pm.

Click here to see and hear his McClinton’s music on his website.

Many other new bands will appear this year. Regular favorites scheduled to play in 2012 include Bon Jovi tribute band Blaze of Glory on May 31, Professor D June 7 and Random Axis on July 5.

The concerts are presented with the financial help of Supporting Sponsors Rockwall Ford/Dodge, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, AAA of Texas, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Gloria’s Restaurant and Metro PCS.

Concert-goers should bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on and are welcome to bring food and drinks. Trash clean-up is requested by the City when you leave.

The concert series has become so popular that an average of 5,000 people attend each week, according to the City’s Parks & Recreation department. Many of those who attend come from outside of the Rockwall area.

To see the concert schedule for the entire summer, click here on the Parks & Recreation Department’s website.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Today is election day across Rockwall County for city and school board elections.

To see the ballots for each city and school district, see the Rockwall County Elections Office website and click on the respective city or school board election link you are seeking.

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ROCKWALL – Three local authors, Mary DeMuth, Anne Mateer and Leslie Wilson, will sign books at Bella’s House in Downtown Rockwall, Saturday, May 5, from 2-4 pm. DeMuth will have copies of her latest releases, The Muir House, a novel set partially in Rockwall, and Beautiful Battle. Mateer will have her book, Wings of a Dream, which was released last fall. Wilson will sign copies of A Scrapbook of Motherhood Firsts, which debuted in April, just in time for Mother’s Day and baby showers.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Another season of free Concerts By The Lake, sponsored by the City of Rockwall, will kick off May 10, 7:30 – 9 pm, when Hunter Sullivan and his big band (above left) bring the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin to The Harbor dining and entertainment district.

Click here to see and hear Sullivan and his big band on their website.

Many other new bands will appear this year. Regular favorites scheduled to play in 2012 include Bon Jovi tribute band Blaze of Glory on May 31, Professor D June 7 and Random Axis on July 5.

The concerts are presented with the financial help of Supporting Sponsors Rockwall Ford/Dodge, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, AAA of Texas, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Gloria’s Restaurant and Metro PCS.

Concert-goers should bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on and are welcome to bring food and drinks. Trash clean-up is requested by the City when you leave.

The concert series has become so popular that an average of 5,000 people attend each week, according to the City’s Parks & Recreation department. Many of those who attend come from outside of the Rockwall area.

To see the concert schedule for the entire summer, click here on the Parks & Recreation Department’s website.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Sixteen-term US Congressman Ralph Hall will receive the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise” award on his 89th birthday, May 3, at the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce breakfast, 7:30 am, at Saltgrass Steakhouse, 1649 Laguna Dr.  in Rockwall.

The award is given to members of Congress for their pro-business positions and commitment to economic growth, according to Paula Kerr, the Rockwall Chamber’s public relations manager.

Rep. Hall, representing the Fourth Congressional District in Texas, was born May 3, 1923 in Fate. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980 and has been re-elected to each succeeding Congress.  He was selected as Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology for the 112th Congress.

“Over the many years of Congressman Hall’s service he has worked to protect and advance the interests of America’s job creators, supporting pro-growth policies,” she wrote in a news release.  “Congressman Hall is helping unleash the power of free enterprise to put our economy back on track and put Americans back to work.”

“The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce encourages its members and Rockwall area businesses to attend and support the advancements and interests of America’s job creators,” wrote Kerr.

The cost of the breakfast is $12.  Those planning to attend should RSVP to the Chamber at 972-771-5733.

Rep. Hall is the oldest member of the US Congress. Prior to being elected in 1980, he served in the Texas Senate, from 1962 to 1972, including as President Pro Tempore from 1968-1969. Between 1950 and 1962, Mr. Hall served as the Rockwall County Judge.

After attending public schools in Rockwall and graduating from Rockwall High School, he joined the U.S. Navy on December 10, 1942, serving as a lieutenant (senior grade) aircraft carrier pilot from 1942 to 1945.

He attended Texas Christian University, the University of Texas – Austin and received his LL.B. from Southern Methodist University in 1951.  He was admitted to the Texas Bar that same year and maintained a private law practice in Rockwall for many years.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – Danny Noah, the Area Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), will be the guest speaker at the sixth annual Rockwall County Mayors Prayer Breakfast May 3 at 8 am.

The public is invited to attend the free event which commemorates the National Day of Prayer.

Local mayors David Sweet (Rockwall), John Ratcliffe (Heath), Bill Broderick (Fate), Jerrell Bayley (Royse City), Gary Moody (McLendon-Chisholm) and Todd W. Gottell (Rowlett) will host the non-denominational, non-political event at The Center at City Place, 108 W. Washington Street adjacent to Rockwall City Hall.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for the event that includes a continental breakfast.

Noah joined the Greater Dallas FCA staff in November of 2005.   He is a graduate of Skyline High School and Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Ministries.  He became involved with FCA while serving as the youth pastor of Kiestwood Assembly of God in Southern Dallas County.  For over 14 years, Danny served as a featured speaker in local huddles and as the athletic chaplain for Kimball High School.

The first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer in 1775 as did Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Congress established National Day of Prayer as an annual event by joint resolution signed by President Truman in 1952. The law was amended and signed by President Reagan to officially designate the first Thursday in May as the official date.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROYSE CITY – the Royse City Early Bird Rotary Club and Royse City High School (RCHS) Interact Club will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross, Friday, May 4, in memory former Royse City High School assistant principal Craig Bowers, who recently passed away.

The blood drive will be at RCHS from 8 am to 2 pm.

The Red Cross urges those who are healthy to donate blood or platelets to help revive the nation’s blood supply. Because someone needs blood every two seconds, patients depend on consistent voluntary donations.

“Craig strived to make an impact on students’ lives and inspired everyone with his giving, selfless character,” said Mary Ellis, Red Cross blood drive volunteer.

“He was the type of person that would always volunteer to help or go the extra mile without being asked. A blood drive is a great way to honor Craig’s memory since it will help people and that’s what he loved to do.”

Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets at a Red Cross donation center or blood drive.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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