Registration For Youth Volleyball Starts January 3rd

A United Way Agency Changes Name Effective January 1, 2011

A United Way Agency Changes Name Effective January 1, 2011

Beginning January 1, 2011, Texas Panhandle Mental Health Mental Retardation will change its name to Texas Panhandle Centers- Behavioral and Developmental Health.  This change is being made to better reflect the agency’s focus of service, and reflects our goal of erasing the stigma attached to intellectual disabilities.

This name change comes after many years of advocacy efforts and unanimous approval by the United States Congress of Rosa’s Law (S.2781), which was put into effect on October 5, 2010. Inspired by Rosa Marcellino, a child with Down syndrome, Rosa’s law directs the elimination of the term “mental retardation” (which in recent years has developed a negative connotation and is seen by many as stigmatizing) and replaces it with the term “intellectual disabilities” in federal health, education and labor statutes.   With this name change, Texas Panhandle Centers becomes one of a number of agencies serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that are removing the "R word" from their names. 

This re-branding also reflects the continuing development of new services and prevention activities in the Texas Panhandle service area.  It also signifies the commitment of Texas Panhandle Centers to assuring access to quality services and supports for area residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance abuse issues, and chronic long term psychiatric conditions.  Services provided to area residents will not be affected by the name change. 

Texas Panhandle Centers began as two separate organizations in the mid 1960s, merging into one community center in 2000.  Texas Panhandle Centers provides services in the upper 21 counties of the Texas Panhandle to adults and children diagnosed with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities or developmental delays.  Texas Panhandle Centers is a non-profit 501c3 organization governed by a Board of Trustees whose membership is reflective of the entire service area.  Regional mental health clinics, workshops for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, afterschool and summer programs, and many other programs addressing specific needs are located in Amarillo, Dumas, Borger, Hereford, Pampa, Perryton, and Clarendon.

Wireless Broadband For City Of Dumas

SKYFIBER (http://www.skyfiber.com), an Optical Wireless Broadband company, has been chosen by the City of Dumas, Texas to deploy a network that provides 100 Mbps of broadband connectivity for the city’s critical infrastructure, including City Hall, Fire and Police Stations.

 For more of the story click here.

The City of Dumas, Texas is a growing community of nearly 15,000 people in the Texas Panhandle located about 50 miles north of Amarillo. It is a progressive community with several options available to businesses and residents for broadband service and with an economic development arm that recognizes the strategic value of technology.

Dumas Noon Lions Has Their Own Christmas Angel

Dumas Noon Lions Club distributed Christmas presents and Holiday Baskets this week to those who might not had a Christmas at all without their help.   It is hard to tell if Billy Bob Brazell could be an angel or a wanna be Santa Clause but this little girl probably thinks he is both.

Dumas Noon Lions Club collected Christmas presents for boys and girls at their Christmas Party earlier this month to help others have a Merry Christmas this holiday season.

Learn to irrigate

Request for CEU & CCA Credits For 2011 Crop Protection Clinics

Dates:  Jan 10^th @ Dalhart, TX; Jan 11^th @ Dumas, TX; Jan 12^th @ Panhandle, TX; Jan 13^th @ Spearman, TX; Jan 14 @ Goodwell, OK.  9:30 AM to 3:30 PM each day.

Request 5 total hours for CEU credits with 1 for drift Control and 1 for Laws & Regs.

Sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, DuPont, and Texas AgriLife Extension, and Oklahoma State University Extension.

Speakers & Topics:   

Topic 1:  "Strategic Irrigation Management Using Capacitance Probes"

Will cover how to use capacitance probes to schedule irrigation, increase water use efficiency for corn & cotton.  Dr David Sloan, principal agronomist for Aqua Spy; B.S in Ag from University of Sidney; PhD in Agronomy from University of Adelaide, Australia.   Request 1 credit for Soil and Water Management (CEU).   General credit for CEU,

Topic 2:  Weed management in Strip-Till:  Will discuss weed identification, economic threshold levels, and herbicide recommendations weed control in strip-till. Will coverer environmental conditions affecting drift, use of drift control adjuvants, and tank contamination issues. Jack Lyons, Regional Account Manager for DuPont, CCA (BS Chemical Engineering, Notre Dame,) & Dr. Rick Kochenower, OSU Area Research & Extension Specialist (OK meeting only)   Request 1 credit for Crop Management (CCA).  Drift Control credit (CEU).   

Topic 3: 2011 Market Outlook:  Will look at Marketing strategies & opportunities for wheat, feed grains, oil seeds, and cotton in 2011.   Dr Steve Amosson, Texas AgriLife Extension Economist.    Request 1 credit for Crop Management (CCA).  General credit for CEU.

Topic 4:  “Soil Fertility & Nontraditional Fertilizer Products”.  Will look at the nutrient requirements of the major crops on the Hi Plains and the use of nontraditional fertilizer products.   Will address environmental factors and application practices that can lead to leaching and runoff issues that can affect water quality.  Dr Mark McFarland, Texas AgriLife Extension Soil Fertility Specialist.  Request 1 credit for Nutrient Management (CCA).  General credit for CEU.

Topic 5:  Strip and Ridge Till Concepts:  Will cover latest concepts in reduced tillage for moisture and soil conservation.  Will address factors that can affect weed control, non target drift, and fertilizer efficiency in strip-till and importance of nitrogen timing on corn.  Dave Collins, Collins Agronomics (MS. Agronomy, Univ. of Nebraska).  Request 1 credit for Soil and Water Management (CCA). General credit CEU. (Partial for Drift)

Topic 6:  Water Laws & Regulations:  Will cover new water regulations being implemented by Ground Water Management Districts.  Steve Walthour; General Manager, North Plains Ground Water District.   Request 1.0 for Soil and Water Management (CCA). Credit for Laws& Regs (CEU).

Topic 7:  Herbicide resistance and control of grass in wheat: Will cover herbicide strategies to prevent weed resistance in high plains crops.  Will address importance of tank mix partners for preventing glyphosate resistance.  Will address how to avoid non target drift of pesticides. Will address new herbicide products for grass control in winter wheat.  Dr. Brent Bean, Texas AgriLife Extension Agronomist.  Request 1.0 credit for Crop Management (CCA).  General credit for CEU with ½ credit for Drift Control.   

Topic 8: Managing Corn Rootworms in Corn:  Will cover corn rootworm life cycle, economic injury levels, and control using Bt GMO products.  Will review refuge requirements and regulations for using Bt technology.  Dr. Robert Bowling, Pioneer Hi-Bred Agronomist (PhD, Kansas State University).  Request 1.0 credit for Integrated Pest Management (CCA).  General CEU credit with partial credit for Laws & Regs. 

F3 -Fun Family Fitness is offering a FREE Zumba class tomorrow at 10 am in Dumas - Workout while having fun - FREE

 

Members you can catch up on your favorite shows - while getting your workout in.

Remember - the gift of health is the best gift of all - Get a gift certificates or package deals for the entire family 

This is a link to a blog where pictures of the eclipse are posted.

Thanks to Jeev Sen who lives in the Colony and works in Carrollton, Texas.  

Extended Pool Hours At The YMCA Of Moore County

The services provided by the Dumas Regional Mental Health Clinic to citizens of Sunray, Cactus-Etter and Dumas include Mobile Crisis Outreach Services, Disaster Response Services, Crisis Counseling, Crisis Management, Assessment, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medication Management, Psychiatric Evaluation, Service Coordination, Child/Adolescent Counseling and Service To At Risk Youth. During the last year the Dumas Mental Health Clinic has served people through Moore, Dallam, Hartley and Sherman counties. Adults are typically treated for Major Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Children are often seen for conditions related to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Mood Disorders, behavioral issues and other childhood conditions designated in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV.

The Dumas Mental Health Clinic delivers effective care through progressive programs such as Services To At Risk Youth (STAR) and Tele-Psychiatry. STAR provides county courts and educational institutions an alternative to costly juvenile detention to youth who are identified as being at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system.  Tele-Psychiatry utilizes video-conferencing equipment to conduct psychiatric consultations in Dumas by a psychiatrist located in Amarillo. Texas Panhandle MHMR Tele-Psychiatry covers over 25,000 miles in 21 counties of the Panhandle and is one of the largest service areas in the United States.

As part of a redesign of its crisis response services, Texas Panhandle MHMR has implemented a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT). MCOT provides crisis services for the top 21 counties of the local service area. MCOT works closely with rural law enforcement and other care providers to reach more of those in need and enhance existing services. MCOT will also focus on diverting appropriate mentally ill persons from jails and hospitals to less restrictive treatments. Texas Panhandle MHMR is also expanding its Tele-Psychiatry program to the Moore County Jail, which will provide more access to services for those in jail, will allow for more crisis assessments for the community, and will save Moore County law enforcement time and money due to not having to transport inmates for assessments and treatment.

The Dumas City Commission Meet Monday, December 20, 2010 6:30 P.M.

City Commission meet in Regular Session with Pro Tem Mayor David Bonner presiding.  When asked if there were any attending citizens and their business Bobby Doak introduce himself and asked each commissioner to tell who they were.  Bobby then explained to the commissioners he wanted to get to know them because he was going to ask to be on the agenda in the coming year and then Mr. Doak left the meeting.

Consent Agenda 1 and 2 were approved.

I. Consider approval of the December 6,2010 Regular City Commission minutes
2. Consider approval of paying the bills

All items under Formal Session were approved

I. Consider approval of sell of golf course 2 I6D Toro reel mower to Claude I.S.D.

2. Consider approval of joint tire collection/recycling project with Moore County

The county approached the city with project to allow county residents to dispose of tires
free-of-charge. The costs for the project will be reimbursed by a grant from High Plains
Resource Conservation and Development.  A program of the USDA/NRCS.
click here {{more}} to continue

The city is proposing to locate a trailer provided by State Rubber and Environmental
Solutions of Denver City inside the landfill drop-off area. All residents of Moore County
will be allowed to bring tires for disposal. The county will provide a person to help
monitor the facility and load the trailer. The city has initially planned for the program to last
about 30 days. but it could be extended if there is still demand.

This project will be a benefit to the city in two ways: 1) it will divert tires that would
normally receive, and pay to dispose of, into a program that will be paid for by
someone else; 2) will end up owning the trailer at no cost to the city and could
continue the service with State Rubber which is slightly less expensive than the tire
disposal company currently use.


3. Consider approval of Resolution No. 10-10 denying SPS rate increase request (See next story)

 Work Session

1. Discussed ethics policy as a proactive step.  No action was taken at this time just FYI for
    new commissioners.

Adjourn

City Commissioners Approve Resolution No. 10-10

Resolution No. 10-10 past at December 20, 2010 City Commission meeting, Monday night Denying SPS rate increase request.

{{more}}

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

What A Great Father's Day Gift

Are you in a struggle to get that perfect gift for the man who has everything?  Don't buy another tie or shirt for Dad this Father's Day give him the gift of giving.  A Flag Service that is sure to please every Father and help a local boy scout troop at the same time.

How about a Flag Service for that special Dad! 

An American flag will be put on their property on the morning of:

• Independence Day 
• Labor Day
• Patriot's Day - 9 -11
• Veteran's Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Flag Day

If you can start the flag service this Independence day for only $30 for the next full year starting from July 2011 to June 2012.    This tax-deductible donation not only shows support for your country and flag it provides needed funds for equipment, projects, and camping, which helps Boy Scout Troop #199.  So give to Dad while giving to the:

You can contact Jeff Stout at 935-9474 or Greg Thompson at 935-7273

Now that's a gift from the heart!

Story on Scouts in Sept.

The Boy Scouts of America through its unique organizational structure is a full partner with local schools, churches, community institutions, service agencies, and local businesses.  Literally, these community Scouting partners charter and own their own neighborhood scouting programs, and provide the essential adult volunteer manpower, meeting spaces, and vital community connections that make the Scouting program happen.

For 100 years the Boy Scouts have been serving the youth of America, their families and the communities they live in, with high quality, values based youth development program unlike any other.  For those same 100 years the Boy Scouts have worked with other community institutions, many of them fellow United Way agencies, to serve America.  Since United Way’s beginning the two have been partners in providing the programs and services our community’s citizens have felt were important and necessary to enhance the quality of life for all of its residents.

Scouting is a values based program with its own code of conduct. The Scout Oath and Law help instill the values of good conduct, respect for others, and honesty. Scouts learn skills that will last a lifetime, including basic outdoor skills, first aid, citizenship skills, leadership skills, and how to get long with others.  For a century, Scouting has instilled in young men the values and knowledge they will need to become leaders in their communities and country.

Your Sign From God Is Here

New Lions member orientation

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

New Lions member orientation

View more presentations from jywiswell.

F3

Remember the gift of health is the best gift of all and F3 does gift certificates or package deals for the entire family. Let this year be the year of no excuses to lose it. Call 806-934-4405 and visit with the F3 staff today!  

Girls and Boys Bracket

Santa was here

You missed it!  Santa was at the YMCA Thursday night December 16th.  

But don't worry he will be back next Friday night if you're not naughty but nice.

So you better not pout you better not cry cause Santa Clause is coming to town.

Click here to see more Santa pictures at the YMCA of Moore County Facebook Page

Snow Trees

Artwork By The High School Students At The Five Eighty Steakhouse

Weston Futrell, 82, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2010. Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Monday, December 20, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church in Dumas. Rev. Jerry Howe, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dumas will be officiating. Interment will be in Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors.

Weston had been a resident of Dumas for 54 years. He graduated from Olton High School and went on to graduate from Texas A&M University in 1949 with a degree in Business Administration. He had graduated at the top of the very first class from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

Weston was a banker with First State Bank in Dumas where he worked as loan teller, loan officer and eventually President. He also was the manager of the Shafter, California branch of Community National Bank from 1962 – 1968. During his career he was active in many civic organizations including Dumas Jaycees, Dumas Noon Lions Club, Community Chest, United Way, and the Shafter, California Rotary Club. His favorite community service was his term as board member and president of the Dumas and Vicinity YMCA later changed to YMCA of Moore County) where he was instrumental in fund raising and construction of a modern YMCA facility.

The family suggests memorials be to the Dumas YMCA, 1400 S. Maddox, Dumas, TX 79029 or to First Presbyterian Church Dumas Logos Program, P. O. Box 1118, Dumas, TX 79029.

The family will be at 1704 N. E. 2nd Street in Dumas.

This is a picture of Weston Futrell showing off some of the weight equipment at the new YMCA in  1983.

Weston had a great love for the YMCA and would visit with the current CEO whoever he or she was at the time, when he came in.  His favorite thing to do was play racquet ball with his buddies.

Rest in peace Weston says Jackie Wiswell.

See the rest of his obit at Morrison Funeral Home.

Northern Panhandle Business Women Bi-Annual/Christmas Party On December 16th

A new Texas Business Women club will have it's first Bi-annual meeting on December 16, 2010 at the Five Eighty Steakhouse at 7 p.m.  Any woman interested in becoming a member of this club is welcome to attend and be apart of this history in the making club.

The mission of this new Texas Business Women Club is to support the personal and professional development of women.  The club goals are to have a mentoring program for college/HS age women, provide CPUs when applicable and walk a mile in someone else's job program.  The meetings will be held once a month on the 3rd Thursday.  The meetings are intended to be fun with these four components to be achieved at each meeting:  Fun/Icebreaker, Inspirational, Team Building and Educational/Mentoring.

If you would like to be part of history in the making then come join this club by calling Ashleigh Wiswell 806-282-1861 or you can email her at dozierdawn@hotmail.com

Five Eighty

The following people are in the picture above for the 580 Restaurant Ribbon Cutting:  Left to Right, Marilu Duncan, Alexa Maples, Judy Hernandez, Herbert and Michele Olivarez, Merna Pierson and Jim Owens.  In the back is Steve Schmidt-Witcher and Sam Cartwright.

Herbert and Michele Olivarez have owned and operated the Five Eighty Restaurant since December of 2009.  Today they had their official Ribbon Cutting for the Five Eighty Restaurant and want to remind you to come out to see them for your dining needs.  They are open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and evenings Tuesday to Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m.  Did you know they have over 40 items to chose from on the menu and the largest children menu in town?  They have lunch specials to pick from and if you are in a hurry you can call in your order to dine in or carry out.  The Olivarez's can cater your special or business event, also. Phone  (806)935-1126 or (806)930-4045.

Visit them on facebook by clicking here

Summary Of December 13, 2010 School Board Meeting By DISD

Monday evening’s board meeting began with Junior High students Victor Aceves,

Anthony Gibbens, Javier Gonzalez, Connor Graham and Chris Meraz, along with
instructor Richard Rhodes, demonstrating robotics.  The board expressed their
appreciation to the students and congratulated them on their projects.

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held to discuss the AEIS Report, which compares the district’s
student performance with state standards.  Dumas ISD’s 2010 Accountability Rating was
Exemplary.

Consent Agenda

Patty Willis made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 15, 2010 meeting as
presented.  Motion was seconded by Kevin Weatherford and carried with a 6-0 board
vote.  (Jordan Mills was unable to be at the meeting.)
An additional motion was made by Mrs. Willis to accept the following gifts and to amend
the budget as necessary to spend these gifts as requested by the donors.  Motion was
seconded by Len Sheets and carried with a 6-0 vote.  Gifts presented were:
• $2,509.38from the Demonette Softball Booster Club for program supplies
• $2,733.00 from the Dumas Takedown Association for wrestling program supplies
• $1,219.53 from Blunck’s Studios for Junior High staff and student incentive
accounts
• $2,526.52 from Dumas Takedown Association for travel in the wrestling program
2010-2011 Tax Roll Approval
A motion was made by Joe Ballard, seconded by Patty Willis and carried 6-0 by the
board to approve the 2010 tax roll.
• Total Assessed Value $2,331,631,031
• Exemptions $   278,482,006
• Net Taxable Value $2,053,149,025
• Total Tax Levy $     23,180,917
District Textbook Committee Appointments
The following 2010-2011 Textbook Committee was approved with a motion by Johnny
Schmucker and second by Kevin Weatherford.  Vote carried 6-0.
Mark Stroebel
Jessica Sutterfield
Kelly Legg
Frances Whitson
Christi Ozbun
Jessica Hise
Jan Heiskell
Kelly Gerber
Suzanne Sims
Deana Rentfro
Tammy Robinson
Vonda Fry
Dianne Phillips
Aron Dillahunty
Kandee Barnes
Ruth Ann Grice
Cindy Rhoades
Micki Woodman
Cari Ostrom
Gayla Cox
Janan Grice
Pam Fox

Personnel

A motion was made by Patty Willis, seconded by Joe Ballard and carried 6-0 by the board to
approve the following personnel items:
Resignations:   Robin Kehoe, Green Acres Assistant Principal
Appointments:   None
Appointment of
Director of 5-12 Curriculum:  Sally Heaton
A motion was made by Patty Willis, seconded by Kevin Weatherford and carried 6-0 by board
vote to approve the appointment of Sally Heaton as Director for 5-12 Curriculum.

Superintendent Employment Contract for 2011-2014
A motion was made by Len Sheets, seconded by John Schmucker and carried 6-0 by the board to
approve the Superintendent Employment Contract for 2011-2014 for Mark Stroebel.

Retirement: Maureen Foskey, Green Acres Speech Pathologist

INFORMATION ITEMS
High School Allotment (HAS) Annual Performance Review
The 2009-2010 school year report was reviewed by the board.
Highly Qualified (NCLB) Teacher Report
A report was given to the board on the status of the district’s Highly Qualified Teacher
requirement status.
Board Member Continuing Education Report
All board members have met or exceeded required continuing education requirements for the
calendar year.
• Joe Ballard   32.50
• Jordan Mills 25.75
• Kirk Pope  24.25
• Johnny Schmucker      6.00
• Len Sheets   13.00
• Kevin Weatherford   11.75
• Patty Willis   16.75

Enrollment Report

Current enrollment is 4,523 as opposed to 4,511 last week and 4,412 this time last year.

Check Register
The check register for November 2010 was presented to the board for review.

Financial Report as of November 30, 2010
The summary of the full financial report for the period from July 1, 2010 through November 30,
2010 for all funds was presented.

Construction Update
Progress of construction projects was presented to the board.

On a personal note, get well wishes were sent to board president Jordan Mills, who was in the
hospital with his recent surgery.  Also, thanks were expressed to Len Sheets and Larry Appel,
who both completed the final school board meeting of their careers.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 10, 2011, 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room at
Central Office

1. Know the difference between winter weather advisories. The National Weather Service issues several cautions, understand the differences between them before you hit the road:

Winter weather advisories inform of conditions that may be hazardous, but should not become life threatening when using caution.
Winter storm watch means that severe winter conditions may affect your area and is issued 12-36 hours in advance of major storms.
Winter storm warning means a storm bringing four or more inches of snow/sleet is expected in the next 12 hours or six or more inches in 24 hours.
Blizzard warning means that snow and strong winds will produce blinding snow, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.
Let someone know your timetable and travel route. Especially important if you’ll be driving in less-trafficked rural or large park areas.
Prevention is the best Medicine – Driving slowly and maintaining plenty of room between you and the next car is the easiest way to avoid potentially lethal accidents. We all want to get to Christmas dinner faster but that extra 30 minutes could save your life. Allow for more three to 12 times more stopping distance depending on the size of your vehicle.
Stock your car with a shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, flashlight, warning devices (flares), sand or kitty litter, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
Keep spare, charged batteries for cell phones in your car. Duracell and others make instant chargers for popular devices like the iPhone. If your car battery dies, you will be glad you spent the extra $15 to reach help. If you regularly travel to very remote areas where cell towers are few and far between, consider investing in a satellite telephone or a service similar to On-Star.
Keep your gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing. Also, make sure the windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full.
Check to make sure your lights and windshield wipers are functioning properly. In most states it is illegal to drive if either is malfunctioning–and in certain weather situations it is also extremely unsafe.
Know your health insurance plan’s emergency care policies. What kind of doctors can you visit? If you are only have in-network benefits what happens if you need medical care beyond your home city or state? Are you charged differently for treatment at a hospital emergency room (without being admitted) or an emergency walk-in clinic?
If you get stuck in the snow, stay in your car—it’s your best shelter. Don’t leave unless help is within 100 yards.
57.8% of accidents are the result of improper driving. Whether you’ve had a bit too much pie or a bit too much pilsner, don’t drive until you are fully awake and not impaired by anything. Most adults know well enough not to drink and drive, but few realize accidents are just as easily caused by being drowsy or impaired by legal drugs like cold medicines. When in doubt, pull to the side of the road or check into a motel for a quick nap.
And a bonus point: carry a first aid kit in the car with you. This is especially important if you have children or the elderly riding with you.

Jordan Mills is not pictured above but is the school board president.

Pictured above is the present school board members.  In 2011 there will be a new superintendent and a new school board member.  Len Sheets will be taking over a County Commissioners position and Larry Appel is retiring.  Mark Strobel will be the new Dumas ISD Superintendent and Brent Clark was appointed to fill Len Sheets vacancy till the next school board election.  Congratulations once again to everybody.

Brent Clark new school board member

Quotes from book jacket:

“TEXAS PANIC, Harry Haines new thriller, is entertaining and engrossing from the first page to the last, a wild ride through Texas and a possible Mad Cow Disease outbreak.  And an unlikely family-man of a hero like Jim Bob Masterson is a terrific companion to ride with.”  John Lescroart, New York Times best-selling author of A PLAGUE OF SECRETS.

“There’s an amazing lesson in TEXAS PANIC.  After the author uses a gruesomely exotic disease to scare the pants off the reader, we learn it is the media that is really dangerous.”  Charles Ball, former Executive Vice-President, Texas Cattle Feeders Association.

“Haines is brilliant in his depth of development of characters . . . (he brings them) to life in such a way that they bond with the reader.”  Mysterious Reviews.com