Henderson County Adult Leaders and Parents Association host annual Chili Cook-off, Silent Auction, and Gun Raffle to raise funds to support Henderson County 4-H. November21st was the date of the 5th annual Henderson County ALPA Chili Cook-off and Fundraiser. Held again this year at the Henderson County Senior Citizens Building, 16 teams took part in the annual Cook-off.

Volunteer Judges, Jean Godwin( District Clerk candidate), Richard Sanders ( County Judge candidate), Don Herriage ( retried assistant City Manager), and Todd Fowler ( of Anderson Drugs) tasted chili for Best of Show, reserve Best of Show, Hottest, and Most Bizarre as well as the Best Decorated Booth.

Fundraising efforts for Mineola's Caring and Sharing are in full swing.  "Over 400 applications have been mailed to eligible families in Mineola," said Ann Alotto, representative of Mineola's Caring and Sharing.

One of the fundraisers for Mineola's Caring and Sharing has always been the speghetti meal sponsored by the American Legion.  This year, the American Legion will not be able to sponsor their regular fundraiser.

To help fill this financial void, the local civic groups in Mineola, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Pilots have all joined forces to sponsor a chicken speghetti lunch on Thursday, November 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Ministries Center in Mineola. 

Tickets are $5 and are available at the KMOO studios or by calling Ann Alotto at 903-780-4962.

Other fundraisers include the blanket drive through the area churches, a canned food drive through the Mineola Indepedent School District, the Radio Auction set for Saturday, November 21, a toy drive scheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Wal-Mart in Mineola, several angel trees throughout the area and many other opportunities to help this cause.

"There are over 1400 individuals that will benefit from Mineola's Caring and Sharing program," stated Glenda Clements, Mineola Caring and Sharing.  Any financial help will be appreciated and they are always looking for volunteers.

For more information on how you can be a part of the Mineola Caring and Sharing program contact Ann Alotto at 903-780-4962.

The KMOO crew traveled to Austin last week to attend the annual Texas Association of Broadcaster's Convention. The crew already knew that Jason Hightower, late owner of KMOO radio, was going to be honored as "Broadcaster of the Year" at the gala on Thursday night.

 What the crew did not know was that they were also scheduled to be honored that evening. The KMOO Crew was given the "Chairman's Special Award" for their work during and after Mr. Hightower's battle with Cancer.

Danny Baker, 2009 Chairman of the Board, stated that he gave this award to the KMOO Crew for their passion for the broadcast industry and their community.  A passion which was instilled by Mr. Hightower himself. Congratulations KMOO Crew! Mr. Hightower would be proud.

Twenty-six Push America Journey Of Hope cyclists made their way through Mineola this morning.  Each summer, members of the team cycle 4,000 miles from San Francisco and Seattle to Washington, D.C. raising funds and awareness for people with disabilities. 

 The team raises funds and sponsorships through several events exceeding $500,000 annually.  Push America is a nonprofit organization established in 1977 by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity in an effort to mobilize its members in support of people with disabilities. 

For more information on Push America visit www.pushamerica.org.