KILGOROUND

"Everyone repeat after me: I am smarter than my children," said Diana Day, author of Vision Management, who brought her "911 For Parents" program to help parents form stronger relationships with their children to Kilgore Intermediate School on Tuesday night.

The behavior modification program came to KIS at the request of Andy Adams, principal, who implements the program in his own home.

Day's role-playing and audience interaction brought forth concerns from parents in attendance ranging from bedtime struggles to frenzied tantrums and the punishments that do — or do not — follow.

"Children will only use manipulation techniques they think will work," said Day. "There should be no power struggle between parents and their children."

The program targeted different reactions some-

times displayed by children when confronted with different types of discipline and explained how understanding normal brain function can eliminate the struggle for child discipline.

KIS introduced Day's "911" program in the 2007-2008 school year and witnessed positive results.

"Parents who have had children progress through KIS have noticed behavior differences in their children," Adams said.

Although KIS is the only campus that uses the "911 For Parents" program, Adams believes it would be beneficial for not only parents but for KISD faculty as well.

More information about Diana Day's "911 for Parents" program can be obtained at www.dianaday.com.

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Who knew there was a Texas Mint? Willie Nelson, famed country music singer, has released a .999 silver commemorative coin depicting himself and his sister Bobby, to raise money for a youth scholarship fund at Abbott United Methodist Church, where the siblings started singing together. The flip side of the coin is the old Abbott church, which Willie purchased in 2006 when it came up for sale, thus saving it from abandonment. For more information, contact the Texas Mint and Mercantile in downtown Whitney, 877-839- 6468 or e-mail rick@texasmint. com.

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Speaking of, Willie's longtime friend and one-time employer is Ray Price, Country Music Hall of Fame member, Texas Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grammy Award winner. In celebration of Price's 83rd birthday, he will be honored with a reception Monday, Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum, 300 W. Panola St. in Carthage.

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Lavelle Reeves Blair blows out 90 candles tomorrow during a birthday celebration in her honor. Her birthday is on Jan. 14, but family and friends will bestow their birthday wishes early.

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Happy birthday today to Dave Bagay, Roger Adams, Brenda Hodges, Dan Connelly, Neta Harvey, Patricia Neal, Rev. Eddie George Ferguson, Roger Brigmon Jr., Dee Dee Thomason, Florence Bowlin, Myrtle Smith, Virginia Howell, Wanda Edney, Scott Stallard, Mike Lewis, Quinda Rentz, Katharine Grace Sweet, Brent Jackson.

Happy anniversary today to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Palmer, Leonard and Irene Farrar (*65 years*)

Blowing out the birthday candles on Saturday are Tammy Hale, Ronnie Hablinski, Julia Smith, Christopher Thrower, Jennifer Chustz, Jim Whitfield, James Guess, Dorene Sudweeks, Gary Briley, Carter Alan Cline, Denise Adamson Bailey, Shirley Ann Haynes, Bree'Anne Williams, Dorothy Midgett, Melanie McMahon, Toni Taylor.

Celebrating being together another year on Saturday are Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Wolford, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Helsel, Ron and Liz Dreadin.