Student organizations from TCU such as Alpha Phi Alpha, NAACP (campus chapter), and National Association of Colored Womens Club all joined together and enlisted in service throughout Como

Fort Worth, Texas—The last birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was spent organizing the Poor Peoples Campaign that was scheduled to take place on the capital grounds in Washington D.C. Though the task was not realized the spirit of service to mankind is thematically associated with celebrating the national holiday in honor of Dr. King.

Ladies from the Involved, give back by making sure the garden gets tended too.

The old giant sunflower tree is finally laid to rest

Clarice Abuto gives instruction before garden crew get down

In 1994 Congress initiated a King Day of Service as a national day of community service grounded in Dr. King’s teachings of nonviolence and social justice. Collaborated with campus departments and student organizations at Texas Christian University (TCU) Lake Como were the beneficiary of this day on, instead of a day off.

Looks like they got it down

No reason work can't be fun!

One! Tow! Three! - DIG!!

Clarice Abuto being interviewed by Channel 8 or MLK Day of Service

Michael Roemer and his family render service in the Como Community Garden

Retired Priest from All Saints Episcopal lends a hand

Clarice greets her new volunteers for today

Our ancestors would be so proud

TCU students from several student organizations descended on the Como community and rendered service to senior citizens residences. The organizations fanned out across Como and provided service to non-profits such as H.O.P.E Farm as well as neating – up the facilities at the Como Community Senior Citizens Center.

The photo’s you are about to view are from the TCU organizations that got the opportunity to so service work in one of the newly established institutions in Lake Como- The Como Community Garden. About 50 students tackled the both gardens, which are supported by the efforts of Opening Doors For Women In Need (ODWIN), a non-profit that provides transitional housing for women released from prison.  According to  Ms. Clarice Abuto, who is the fundamental caretaker of the Garden, “we can always use help in the garden. Hopefully this endeavor will inspire a new generation of volunteers.We appreciate them so much”

There was plenty heavy lifting and the kids didn't shy away from it

In the words of Kanye- "Get sown son, get down!"

Towards the end students packaged up greens to be distributed to seniors and other members in need in the community

A portion of the many volunteers who came out from TCU pose with Clarice

The student organizations from TCU finished and reflected on what this experience meant around 5:00pm. Afterwards a major meal was prepared for all those who participated at the Como Community Center by Hunt’s Catering. During the common meal new friendships were formed- and old ones renewed.

I think Dr. King would approve of this message

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

ODWIN, a non-profit targeted toward improving wmen's lives, receive a donation from Chesapeake Energy.

Fort Worth, Texas—The Barnett Shale, which is located underneath Tarrant County, has created a rush of energy companies to drill, explore and mine for what experts have indicated to be one of the  largest onshore natural gas fields in the United States. Chesapeake Energy, a major player in recovering the vast amounts of natural gas, has benefited financially from this endeavour, and as promised, has been philanthropic contributor to many organizations throughout North Texas.

Chesapeake sponsored a catered affair at Como Community Center

Fine dining was topped off with treats by Debbie(l)

Fortunately for Como residents Chesapeake Energy has forged a relationship with the Lake Como community. A relationship that has seen the energycomglomerate live up to its civic responsibility. Though Chesapeake has used its vast profits in many areas across Tarrant County, Chespeake has shared its resources generously with the Como community. Earlier in the year Chesapeake felt compelled to help Opening Doors For Women In Need with the Como Community Garden Project with a gift of $7500.

The gala also offered guest an opportunity to sign their leases with Dale representatives during the festivities

NAC chairperson Dorthy DuBose addresses the audience flanked by Chesapeake displays

Chesapeake Energy donates a gift of $15,000 to the Como Neighborhood Advisory Council.

Chesapeake Energy public relations specialist Holli Strong offers thanks and encouragement to audience

December 9th Chesapeake Energy held a gala event at the Lake Como Cemter that provided a myriad of services. Residents of Como were able, if they choose, to sign their leases, receive the latest NAC community news and partake in a healthy meal  catered by Hunts Catering Services. Topped off with carols sung by the Community Center After School Choir directed by Ms. Nyshea

The audience was treated to Christmas Carols by Como Center after school choir.

Former Fort Worth mayor Hugh Parmer and ODWIN founder Sandra Stanley

In attendance retired Como businessman Roosevelt Burrell, Dorthy DuBose and Chesapeake Energy public relations specialist Lynda Gearheart

As the evening concluded a healthy dinner was provided to all courtesy of Hunt Catering.

Chesapeake Energy’s generosity will surely be appreciated and hopefully set the tone for a season of giving  one to another. From Damoonman-Have a merry!! merry!! X-Mas!!!

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

It will make you laugh; it will make you cry- Mama Jones 70th Birthday held an encore performance at the Como Community Center. Written and directed by Fred Medford (center) - mourners gather at funeral of one of Mama Jones children

Fort Worth, Texas—Written and directed by Como’s own Fred Medford, Mama Jones makes a second run at the Como Center looking at the modern day family typical of many households in the African- American communities throughout the country.

Well attended, community support came from segments of the community such as counselor from Como Elementary pays her admission

The audience was led in prayer prior to start of play

Backstage last minute touches of makeup are applied

Cast members make last minute notes on their lines

Cast member uses modern makeup techniques as part of her last second touch up

Price of admission covered the pasta and fried chicken dinners that were served prior to the start of the play

Mama Jones and daughter share a moment in song

Mama Jones family preparing to have a meal together

A little drama at Mama Jones house isn't out of the ordinary

Mama Jones son-in-law and daughter have issues with their relationship

Mama Jones son-in-law not feeling it!

Mama Jones was so well received that another production is being scheduled for March of 2012 possibly at Como Elementary School. So if you enjoyed Mama Jones Birthday celebration stay tuned for the next production coming soon.

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

Beauty comes at a price. Early frost made for harvesting of this lovely site in Lake Como.

Fort Worth, Texas—In the book of Ecclesiastes the third chapter, King Solomon writes, ‘ There is a time for everything…a time for birth and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” Recent cool weather brought along with it overnight frost which means certain death to summer crops.

Sis Ella Burton (l) a volunteer from Como First Baptist and Clarice Abuto dig up the last of sweet potato's

Volunteers Mrs. Connie Russell(front) and Mrs. Hudson (rear) labor in sweat in an effort to clear Como Community Garden

Clarice and lady volunteers work together clearing out the leftover crops

Sis Clarice Abuto, the primary attendant for the Como Community Garden, along with women from Como First Baptist (CFBC) came together and removed what remained in the ground. “I called Mrs. Ella Burton with hopes of a couple of helpers. But Mrs. Ella came with a small army of  ’bout nine members from CFBC,” stated Sis Abuto.

Katy Rudd from Tarrant Area Food Bank lent a hand in the fall harvest

Sis Russell of Como First Baptist cleaning out egg plant row

Miss Tia Russell of Como First Baptist shows off okra she picked

Sis Linda Scott, also of Como First Baptist, carries squash roots to be dumped

After the harvest he community's largest sunflower overlooks garden

The army uprooted sweet potatoes, collard and mustard greens, peppers, okra, squash, etc… which helps to make ready for planting of winter crop. Now we can look forward to a time to plant, as Ecclesiastes stated, so volunteers can get ready to help planting when that time comes.

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

B-Sharp percussion ensemble provides musical entertainment during ShareFest

Fort Worth,Texas—- Sharefest is an event in Lake Como that is highly anticipated. Not only does the Christ Chapel sponsored event provide fun for the kids, Sharefest also provides much needed services to adults in the community for free. While the kids are jumping up and down in bounce houses parents are getting medical screening, haircuts, pedicures, etc…

B-sharp String Ensemble

Fresh Free cuts for all that need

B-Sharp Brass Ensemble

"That's Not Me" under direction of Brandon Sanders

ShareFest is an event that serve communitieis all over the country. Lake Como has been the beneficiary of this idea for several years and looks forward to it’s coming like Christmas. “Its always a place where the community comes together one time a year to really do some good. I know I look forward to it,” said Mary Polk, a member of Lake Como’s Code Blue.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2011 ShareFest in Lake Como:

Drew (m) gets a little help from Eugene

Code Blue member pass out literature for community awareness

Warm feet on a cool crisp day

Dr.Brown hanging out for a pic with youth at Sharefest

Como resident receives dental screen

Teach 'em young!

The demand for Fajita's required shifts

Conclude the day with a nice family portrait

Some people flipped over ShareFest!!!

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

Thanks to the Como Center the staff provides a sanctuary of safety for kids to enjoy Halloween

Fort Worth, Texas—What was once a fun activity the community looked forward to, especially for community youth, has now become a symbol of how times have changed. Halloween was once an opportunity for neighbors to unite their neighborhoods for an evening of fun and togetherness (Pastor Brigham calls it oneanothering).  The ugly societal turn Halloween has taken targets our children and now requires careful planning to prioritize the safety for our children. Hence the Como Center in has stepped in to host a Halloween type carnival, complete with contributions from local business’, providing a safe environment for children and families.

The Halloween Carnival not only brings together families from the community, it also involves faculty members from the elementary and middle schools. The faculty members volunteer their time to be a part of the festivities occupying trick or treaters with Halloween themed games. A small admission is charged($1) which goes toward school supplies for after school tutoring programs at the Center.

Instructor Lori Kenard form Monnig Middle school volunteers with other Monnig teachers for fun and games

$1 fee gave yo to different rides games and food. Not to mention door prizes

Halloween is still all about the costumes. No matter the generation- kids will be kids. In the past kids would gather up and go door to door, knocking on their neighbors door anticipating what new trea awaits; or will there be some type of trick. First time Halloweener’s would be hand in hand with a parent. Ensuring the excitement of the little one many parents dressed in complementary costumes also.

The Carnival started at 6pm and lasted til 9pm. Plenty of time allowed so that both students could take care of any leftover homework from earlier that day. Faculty could get adequate rest to prepare for tomorrow lesson plan. and take care of any homework assignments.

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

Students from Como Elementary and Montesorri schools were recognized for their academic excellence during annual Como Community Awards banquet

Fort Worth,Texas—In an effort to recognize members of the Lake Como community for individual and organizational efforts, the 6th annual Como Community Awards Banquet was held at the Como Community Center.  An extension of the Como Day Planning Committee, the banquet’s prime purpose is to recognize members of the community in areas of achievement in academics, education, social and political contributions, as well as business’  and sports, who have made and continuing to make a positive impact on the general health and welfare of Lake Como.

Monnig Principal Jennifer Orona, Mrs. Jill Goff and Como Elementary principal Mrs. Brenda Whitlock

Precinct #5 Constable, Sergio L. DeLeon and Juneteenth president, Mrs. Opal Lee

Saturday evening those in attendance were received by the always friendly and helpful Community Center staff.  After being formally welcomed by the most eloquent lady of the evening – Sis Ella Burton, a hearty and healthy pasta was perfect fuel for dinner conversation. This years special guest included principals from both Como Elementary and Monnig Middle School; Brenda Whitlock and Jennifer Orona. Also in attendance was retired and former Como High School instructor Mrs. Shirley Scott.

A healthy pasts dining menu was prepared for all

Guest enjoy an appetizing menu

Umm! It is good.

Como Elementary principal Whitlock explaining three elements to improve academic classroom performance

New Monnig principal Jennifer Orona introduces and acquaint's herself to the parents of students who attend her school and members of the Lake Como community

Mrs. Jill Goff, whose family foundation helps fund civic efforts throughout Tarrant County, speaks briefly from podium to community

Mrs. Opal Lee spoke to the remembrance of Juneteenth and why its important

Center director Carol Brown prepares to issue awards for sports/athletic excellence to coach Jerome Woolen

Coach G issues award to Chris Hawkins for athletics. The sports program prepares young men and women for both sports and academics on the local ISD level

Barbara Solomon and Coach G awarded for dedication to athletic programs involving Como Community Center participants

Como alumni president Larry Crockett presents prizes to winners earlier community contest

Como High alum Henry Thomas introduces this years special legend award to Commadore Timmons

Como Parade Day Planning Committee president John Hudson presents award to Mr. Timmons

Presenting the legend award for this years recipient John Douglas is classmate Dorthy DeBose. Receiving the award is Douglas' stead is his sister

Former Como High teacher, retired after 34 years in FWISD - Mrs. Shirley Scott is third recipient of this years legend award

Philantrophist, who often play a part in helping to fund portions of Como’s civic activities, Mrs. Goff, from the Goff family foundation was in attendance. The president of the annual Ft.Worth Juneteenth celebration, Mrs. Opal Lee encouraged the audience’s remembrance for future Juneteenth activities in the city. Adding official city of Ft.Worth prestige to the event was Constable Sergio L. DeLeon.

FACES IN THE CROWD

Class of '74 holding "Best Parade Float."

Como center's senior artist- Mrs. McBride

Como Elementary students flash their awards embraced by their principal

A special treat for the audience was a presentation by artist Mrs. Anitra Blayton. Mrs. Blayton displayed the Lake Como Public Art Master Plan, a development designed to enhance the Como Park and develop it as an attractive and viable destination for Como and the city of Ft.Worth. Completed, the plans offer a complementary commemorative book helping to establish Lake Como as one of the unique park attractions in the country.

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/us/rev-fred-l-shuttlesworth-civil-rights-leader-dies-at-89.html?pagewanted=all

And it came to pass that as he people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret." Luke 5:1

Fort Worth, Texas— Celebrating 64 years in the Lake Como community and after completing an exhausting national search, which included outstanding candidates and interviews, the leadership and members of the historic Lake Como Church of Christ came to agree upon placing their spiritual future in the hands of bro. Bryan D. Moss. Accompanied by his wife Sis. Tronda Moss and 2-year old son, the 30 year old minister hails from Hickory, NC. Received his bachelor degree from East Carolina State in economics. Currently Bro. Moss is enrolled at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where he’s pursuing a Master’s degree.

The young minister from North Carolina wants to make an impactful stay at the Lake

Bro. Moss is no stranger to the area. While completing ministerial studies at Southwestern Christian College he served as interim preacher at Eastland St. Church of christ in the Stop Six area of Ft.Worth. He also serve nder the stewardship of Bro. William A. Stephens in Durham, NC.

Moss steps in the void of retired minsiter Bro. David C. Benford, whose 42-year legacy brought the Community of Hope to Lake Como as a living testament to his service to God and this community. The Community is an institution in Lake Como that is not just for Church of Christ members but is available to all who live and call the Lake home. When asked about plans and goals for the lake Como congregation, bro. Moss gets excited. ” i believe that God called me- to this Church- to help it to get vack to a place where it can really make a significant impact once again in this community,” says Bro. Moss.

Bro. Moss closes out a three night revival at The Lake

One ministry Moss expressed an interest is to build on the youth ministry. Said Moss, “We want to have a real vibrant youth ministry. We want everybody in this community to know that they have a place that they can send their children- where they can get a good spiritual education, even be physically fed and really just have a good time in the Lord.”

Another ministry Moss wants to start is a Marriage Ministry, along with his wife,  coupled with a series of sermons to be preached this month anchored by Psalms 127:1. “We put together a sermon series called Marriage Builders. And from that series we’re gonna launch a ministry called Marriage builders.  A lot of people think that scripture is talking about building the Lord’s Church, but its really talking ’bout building families,” states Moss.

As for addressing outreach in the Lake Como community Moss indicates they have plans for an active outreach program. said Moss, “I asked a question to the leadership when I first came to this Church, I said if Lake Como shuts its doors today- who in this community would miss is? I wanted them to know where my mindset was.  I want usto be the Church, going forward, that people can depend on.

e-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com

Feature performer for the weekend Kirk Whalum address the enthusiastic crowd

Fort Worth, Texas—Tenured members of Ft.Worth’s annual Jazz Festival will probably notice the difference – name change not withstanding the annual festival has become. For the second year Ft.Worth Musicfest puts on its musical boots and shines the Will Rogers Memorial grounds with the sound of more than just jazz but reflecting the rich musical contributions the city, as well as the state has to offer.

Kirk Whalum closed out the weekend with his dazzling saxophone style

The new sound in Cowtown, Tatiana Mayfield shows why she's worthy of a new and wide fan base

Mayfield and her band of UNT mates provide the prelude to Kirk Whalum

Mew Orleans trumpter Kermit Ruffin and is N'awlin mates are featured on Friday night's lineup

Playing classic New Awlins music Kermit had on their feet

Austin rocker Marcia Ball yall, had 'em singing along with many of her original tunes

Marcia throwing it to her piano man for a hot solo

Jazzers want be disappointed. Ft.Worth has made to many contributions to the art form, both past and present, to not feature it’s distinguished richness. Though some will notice changes from times past. For the most part, first and second-timers will be elated.

Ft.Worth's own Josh Weathers Band in fierce control

Oakland Bloodsworth sits- in with Josh on "Everyday I Got The Blues."

Josh and bass player gettin it!

• 

  Gene Ween and Dave Dreiwitz were extremely popular on the RAHR stage

Kicking off the RAHR stage were the Whiskey Folk Ramblers

A shameless plug for the festival sponsors

Two nights and $10 each nights will bring the customer face to face with outstanding local and national musical artist along with the traditional art craffers who present their wares from all over the country. Hopefully next week we’ll show the other artist and vendors at this years Musicfest.

E-mail:donaldmooney@hotmail.com