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Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas update: Following a nonpartisan study, Texas lawmakers from both parties are calling on
the Obama administration to provide the public better access to information collected by
the federal government. A report by the liberal Center for Effective Government
found that only four of the 15 federal agencies that receive the most requests
for public information deserved a B, none deserved an A, and most of the rest
flunked. Details here. ... Attorneys for The Dallas Morning News obtained a declaration that a North
Texas agency is subject to the Texas Public Information Act and must answer an
open records request. The newspaper requested information about the North
Central Texas Regional Certification Agency and its certification of companies
as eligible for minority set-aside programs involving millions of dollars in
contract awards by local governments. Details here. ... Six years after her initial request for public records regarding federally
built fences along the Texas-Mexico border, UT law professor Denise Gilman passed a significant barrier in receiving the documents. On March 14, U.S.
District Court Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the government must disclose names and addresses of those affected
by the border wall due to possible discrimination. Details here.
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PEOPLE & PLACES
SPJ friend and former member Julian Haber has released his seventh book, a short story collection, “Lydia and the Postal Inspector,” a panoply of perps and peeps, of whose adventures Haber pronounces, “Feel the intrigue of an elderly woman threatened by a blackmailed mobster.
Experience a family's quest to find a boy's mother swept up by a tornado in ‘The Golden Tear Drop.’ Sense the fear of a woman who seeks aid for her malady and is trapped in ‘The House of Ramses.’ Be with firemen threatened by a flashover at a massive blaze at a county
courthouse (‘Harvey the Firehouse Ghost’). Marvel at the patriotism of soldiers who drive ‘Out of the Wire’ to supply distant outposts in Iraq. Relate to a young man with severe learning
difficulties whose family always compares him to his straight-A next-door
neighbor. Experience the surprise of a woman who after eye surgery discovers
all of her ‘Dresses are of a Different Color.’ ”
Marian Haber, the author’s wife, wrote two of the stories and edited the book. Signed personalized copies
are available through FreeLance Writers, 7001 Candlestick Court, Fort Worth
76133, for $12 including postage and handling, or from amazon.com and bn.com
for about $10.
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GET A JOB
The Alexia Foundation announces the call for entries for its 2014 Women’s Initiative Grant, which will provide $25,000 for a photojournalism project on
a significant issue involving and affecting women. Application deadline is June
30. More here. ...
InvestorPlace Media seeks an assistant editor to write and curate content to
lure new readers via Google search. Job is in the D.C. area. More here. ...
Sheplers in Frisco needs a full-time, entry-level copywriter to produce snappy
text for western attire and some social media. More here.
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NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS
PRSA ... Becky Volk, Tarrant Area Food Bank ... Holly Jo Ward, Advocare ... Annette Lance, Physician 1 ... Retha Fortenberry, Standard Sales Co.
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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Richie Escovedo, Greater Fort Worth PRSA
Our chapter recently held a joint program with our friends at AAF Fort Worth and
Social Media Club Fort Worth to host author/speaker Jackie Huba for a fun evening at Four Day Weekend Theater. This night on the town took well
over four months to coordinate, as the organizations' presidents met and
e-mailed each other to work out details.
The groups share a few members, and we all recognized an opportunity to join
forces on an event to meet our common desire to provide quality programming. We
had a great time, too, as you can see by the photos on our Facebook page.
One day before, March 26, the Star-Telegram and WFAA-TV announced their own
partnership to share a range of content, including breaking news, sports,
business, traffic, weather, dining and entertainment. Their staffs may also
work together occasionally on joint ventures.
Both of these partnerships, our three organizations and the two local news
outlets, caught some people by surprise. They took planning. They took not
being afraid to fail. Hopefully when we look back, they will have provided
positive outcomes. But if it was a fail, let us fail forward with intelligence
gained.
My point is, I believe we are stronger together than we are separate. Look at
the long-standing alliance — 15 years! — between us, IABC and SPJ to bring you this sterling newsletter. Unlikely mass
communication compatriots can (should?) occasionally work together for the
greater good. It might be one of the things that keeps us all afloat.
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IABC: STAYING CONNECTED
Betsy Deck, IABC Fort Worth
Forget about filing your taxes April 15 and join us for some yummy barbecue at
the annual student chapter luncheon at Texas Wesleyan U. It’s so refreshing to see the students in action. They are ambitious and motivated
and will need a J.O.B. soon!
Whether you’re looking for a summer intern or just need an excuse to take in the beautiful
campus, this luncheon is for you. Plus, this is a great place to scout some new
talent for your organization.
A very special thank you to coordinators Kay Colley and Paige Jennings. Paige works full time at the university and is a graduate student and the
student chapter president in her spare time. I get tired just thinking about
it. Dr. Colley serves as our student chapter liaison and is always willing to
contribute a great idea and put on the annual feed. I’m looking forward to the fun and networking.
Next month we’re on the North Side for a May 20 luncheon at Joe T. Garcia’s with Doug Renfro, president of Renfro Foods. He’s an all-around interesting cat who loves social media, product placement and
salsa. I promise you won’t regret it.
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OVER & OUT
John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ
The Supreme Court ruled April 2 in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission that individuals may now donate millions of dollars per election cycle to
political candidates and parties. Previously, the limit was $123,000. It’s Citizens United all over again: the selling of our democracy. More here. ...
Ace investigative reporter Brett Shipp will keynote the 11th annual First Amendment Awards and Scholarship Dinner,
April 18, and if that’s not enough to get you out, let me tempt you with the pecan-crusted chicken,
pesto mashed potatoes, delicate asparagus spears with sun-dried tomatoes and
(that drum roll you’ve been saving, use it now) the CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE. Always the grand evening. See
the big invite on p. 1. RSVP here. ...
Applications are due May 12 for two of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation's annual
scholarships. Through the Diversity Leadership Program, six SPJ members will
become better acquainted with the organization, beginning with attending the
national conference, all expenses paid. Info here. The Terry Harper Memorial Scholarships honor the former SPJ executive
director, who died June 2, 2009, after a two-year battle with brain cancer. As
executive director, one of Harper's highest priorities was developing
high-caliber training opportunities for SPJ members. Info here. ...
RTDNF invites college undergraduates, graduate students and working
professionals to apply for one of the foundation's scholarships and fellowships
for 2014. Application deadline is May 2. Winners will attend the 2015 First
Amendment Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C., and Excellence in Journalism 2015
in Orlando, Fla. More on RTDNF's scholarships page and fellowships page. To help prepare to apply, be sure to look at examples of the work done by the most recent scholarship recipients.
Caught my eye. Farm bill reflects shifting American menu and a senator’s persistent tilling. ... Tallest wind turbine ever will float above Alaska. ... Chipotle guacamole: new climate casualty? ... Plant-e develops electricity-generating plants to bring clean energy to off-grid
locations. ... Scientists predict California may be headed for 100-year megadrought. ... Bank of England warned over ‘carbon bubble’; should you be worried?
Closing words: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the
mirror that receives it." — Edith Wharton
the LaRocque Family catalog ...
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