Published: February 22, 2007 08:10 am      

Community Association hears from Brown principal

The Lake Tansi Community Association met on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 at 6 p.m. for their monthly meeting at the Thunderbird Recreation Center. In charge of the decorations for this month were Ike and Peggy Nicholas, Jim and Nancy Bridges and Celia and Jim Hellum.

Community Association members with birthdays and/or anniversaries in January were recognized. First time members and visitors were welcomed. Table numbers were then called and everyone shared in the bountiful and delicious food provided by our members.

This month we were pleased to welcome Jenny Partin, the principal of Brown Elementary School, and Stacey Monday, a fifth-grade teacher and volunteer coordinator, who gave us an overview of Brown Elementary School.

There are presently 566 students registered in classes pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade, with class sizes averaging 18-22 students. This is the third year since the school was established and things are going great guns. Everyone is invited to come and visit this warm and inviting atmosphere. Lake Tansi's Exchange Club is a big sponsor as is the Lake Tansi Women's Club. This is a very community-oriented establishment and all help is greatly appreciated. According to Ms. Partin, character of the students is one of the main focuses the staff is working toward. Each month there is a different character trait. One student from each class who best demonstrates that trait is nominated for an award. The winner receives a special "bear." There is also a "Brown Bear Behavior Award" given each month. The students look forward to these awards with great anticipation.

Volunteers are greatly needed. If you can give an hour or more one day a week, or once a month, it can make a great difference in the day of a child. If you are interested, you can contact the school or Bobbie Avery in Tansi.

School supplies are needed, as many of these children cannot afford the necessities of day-to-day schooling. Look for a wish list in the Smoke Signals. There is also a need for volunteers for field trips. If you feel so inclined, you can also adopt a classroom.

The Exchange Club will be having a "Soup Dinner" on Feb. 9, at 5:30 p.m., at the Thunderbird Recreation Center. Cost is $10 per person and the emcee/comedian/entertainer will be Henry Hunnicutt. There will also be a white elephant auction. The proceeds of this dinner are earmarked for the building of a new pavilion adjacent to the Thunderbird Recreation Center.

If anyone has any ideas for a speaker or entertainment for our monthly meetings, please contact Joyce Ferry.

In February the table decorations will be handled by Jean and Bob Thomas, Shirley Jarner, Joann and Jack Kelso and Sue and James Heath. Entertainment will be provided by Duke Coyne, who will give present some basic safety hints and a little self defense. Please plan on joining us.

If you have friends or you know of people who are new to Lake Tansi, or long-timers for that matter, don't forget to invite them to participate with you in the Community Association. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month and annual dues are only $5/person. For further information, please call Gary Rabuck at 788-1748.