Help me make bail - I'm an MDA Jailbird!

Every Breakout Leads to Another Breakthrough!

Donna Smith

Crime: Having a Big Heart

Lock-Up Information

Date: June 14, 2012

Location:

Texas Roadhouse
2817 South IH 35 East
Denton, TX 76205

Donate to Me

Believe it or not, I'm going to jail and I need your help. While it's not a real jail, it's even more important as I'm raising bail to help children and adults with muscle disease in my community who are supported by the vital work of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). I might not be able to rely on good behavior to get out so that's why I need your help - I need you to donate to my bail! Just click on the donation button to make a secure donation - I know that together we'll Make a Muscle and Make a Difference in the fight against muscle disease.

Please visit my site to donate:
http://mda.convio.net/site/TR/Lock-Up/77-F4-739-FortWorthDistrict?px=1305642&pg=personal&fr_id=2849

 

Check Out What We've Been Doing...........

Test drives to benefit elementary school
Don’t forget the Chrysler Brand Drive for the Kids fundraiser benefiting Denton’s Woodrow Wilson Elementary School from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today. (May 23, 2012)
Parents and guests who test drive a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan will earn a $10 donation for the school from Chrysler. Employees of Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Denton will have five minivans on site.
The test drives will be offered during field day activities at the school, 1306 E. Windsor Drive.



On Thursday, May 21, 2012 representatives from Chrysler and Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep will join parents and teachers to host a Drive for the Kids fundraiser in support of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, 1306 E. Windsor Drive.
Parents and guests ages 18 and older who have a driver’s license can earn a $10 contribution for the school by taking a brief test drive in the company’s 2012 Chrysler Town & Country from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during the school’s field day.
For more information, call 940-498-9800.







Ref:  http://www.dentonrc.com/local-news/les-cockrell-headlines/20120523-les-cockrell-local-girl-scouts-gather-to-celebrate-100th-anniversary.ece

Ref:  http://www.dentonrc.com/business-tech/karina-ramirez-headlines/20120521-karina-ramirez-nv-cupcakes-opens-denton-location.ece

Classic Mazda Is Awarded 2012 Gold Cup Certified Dealership Award!!

IRVINE, Calif. (March 8, 2012) - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is proud to announce the winning dealerships of the 2012 Mazda Gold Cup.  This is the highest honor a dealer can receive from Mazda for their dedication to new vehicle sales and customer loyalty.
Dealers qualify for Gold Cup certification by meeting rigorous Mazda owner loyalty and new vehicle sales. Only dealerships that demand emphasis on retaining customers and increase new vehicle sales are given this prestigious award.

 "We are pleased that our dealer network shares our conviction for providing our customers with the best sales and service experience in the industry," explains Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of MNAO.  "Earning Mazda Gold Cup certification is a significant achievement, and we applaud the efforts of all of the dealership personnel who helped each dealership earn this award."

All authorized Mazda dealerships are eligible to participate in the Gold Cup program, but only a select number of them are awarded this high honor.  The qualifying period for the honor is January 4, 2011 through January 3, 2012.

Ref:http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/mazda-announces-2012-gold-cup-certified-dealerships-0

Memorial Day in United States

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.











Ref:  http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/memorial-day

A Field of Honor

American Legion Riders, Post 71, are sponsoring a Field of Honor for anyone wishing to honor a military veteran, past or present, a first-responder (emergency services people) or any other person important to the sponsor.
The purchased 3 ft x 5 ft flag with a yellow tag bearing the name of the honoree will fly in formation from Tuesday, May 22nd to Tuesday, May 29th in the field next to the American Legion Post 71 in Denton with a Flag
Dedication Ceremony being held on Saturday, May 26th.
Beginning today flags can be purchased for $20.00 by picking up a form any time at the American Legion Post 71 at 2501 Spencer Road, Denton. The forms are located by the US Flag Retirement Drop Box. The Legion will be open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm each weekend starting, Saturday, May 5, 2012 to take Field of Honor orders. Or you can download a flag request form (PDF) here.
For more information, contact Perry Patrick at 940-765-8388.


UPDATE: As of 22 May, we have over 115 flags ordered in honor of veterans past and present!
To order flags, please come by Post 71 or download the form (see PDF link near the bottom of this page) and bring the form and $ to A.L. Post 71 at 2501 Spencer Road, Denton, TX 76205 off Loop 288 behind Kroger's. Email questions to: administrator@txlegionpost71.org
Check out the story on NBC DFW:
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Denton-Veterans-Create-Field-of-Honor-152713075.html






Ref:  http://txlegionpost71.org/5215.html

Mazda CX-9: Smart and satisfying

Mazda is altering its zoom-zoom image to make it more environmentally friendly. But instead of banking on hybrids and plug-ins, Mazda is focusing on other technology – dubbed SkyActiv – to increase fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance in its vehicles. SkyActiv includes re-engineered engines, transmissions, bodies and chassis designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without forgoing performance.








Ref:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/reviews/mazda-cx-9-smart-and-satisfying/article2435836/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedburner&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheGlobeAndMail-Front+%28The+Globe+and+Mail+-+Latest+News%29

Jeep recalls nearly 68,000 Wrangler models over... skid plate fires?

Chrysler is recalling 67,872 Jeep Wrangler models over a potential issue with the transmission skid plate. The recall deals solely with Wranglers from the 2010 model year, equipped with automatic transmissions. It's been found that debris can collect on the skid plate that protects the transmission, leading to the risk of a fire if the debris makes contact with the nearby catalytic converter.

Chrysler will begin notifying owners this month, at which time they can take their Wranglers to be repaired free of charge at the dealer.










Ref:  http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/jeep-recalls-nearly-68-000-wrangler-models-over-skid-plate-fi/

Main Street Days

Main Street Days
Grab a slice of summer fun at Main Street Days, the official kick-off to summertime in Grapevine. Like the song says, “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore, and when the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s amore.” Taste the international wines, craft beers and pizza pies. Dine at the Pizza Piazza, dance to non-stop entertainment, seek out your favorite festival food and shop the day away. Main Street Days is a fun-filled festival perfect for the entire family. Now that’s amore!
Friday
May 18, 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday
May 19, 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sunday
May 20, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission is free on Friday
10 am to 5 p.m.
• Adults: $7
• Children (6-12): $5
• Children under 6: FREE
• Weekend Pass Pin: $15
• Weekend Souvenir Pass Pin: $20
Festival coupons must be purchased for rides, pizza tastings and food.









Ref:  http://dallas.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=dallas&cdn=citiestowns&tm=13&f=11&su=p284.13.342.ip_p554.21.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=https%3A//www.grapevinetexasusa.com/mainstreetdays/%3Fgclid%3DCI-E9dql06gCFQla7AodTBMhiw

Mazda MX-5 Miata Named Favorite Fun Entry-Level Convertible

WASHINGTON--May 15, 2012:  Just in time for summer top-down driving, the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) has named the Mazda MX-5 Miata its 2012 Favorite Fun Entry-Level Convertible.
For more than 20 years, the MX-5 Miata has offered sports car enthusiasts a pure, uncomplicated and fun-focused roadster at an affordable price. Sticking to that simple concept has made the MX-5 the most popular two-seat convertible in the world with more than 900,000 units produced, qualifying it as a Guinness World Record holder.







Ref:  http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/05/15/036355-mazda-mx-5-miata-named-favorite-fun-entry-level-convertible.html

Chrysler recalling 471 minivans over liftgate issue

Chrysler has already sold over 84,000 minivans this year, but an unfortunate few were built with defective liftgate sensors. The 471 vehicles with the bad parts include both Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models, all of them 2012s built in March, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report.

The power liftgates are supposed to stop during automatic closing if they detect resistance, but NHTSA says the recalled vehicles could malfunction, and "may close on an appendage." Owners should keep their arms and legs safely inside the vehicle and look for notification from Chrysler this month. Dealers will be fixing affected vehicles free of charge.









Ref:  http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/chrysler-recalling-471-minivans-over-liftgate-issue/

National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year. The nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896. Each of ANA's state and territorial nurses associations promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each conducts celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community.

The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions. 

Ref:  http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/AboutANA/NationalNursesWeek

Special thanks to The Car Connection for their recent Mazda3/Civic comparison article!

Special thanks to The Car Connection for their recent Mazda3/Civic comparison article! Mazda3 owners: Do you agree? Excerpts:

"If you like driving, and want a sharp-looking, sharp-performing car, the Mazda3 is the clear choice."

“The Mazda3 feels tight, precise, and pleasing in all the right aesthetic and tactile ways from the driver's seat. Steering, too, is hands down the best in the subcompact class.”

“From a design standpoint, the Mazda3 is the winner here, and remains one of the most distinctive small-car picks."

"From a features standpoint, the Mazda3 is definitely a step ahead; you simply get more features at the base level than in the Civic."

— with Bzh Breton and Joti Mohar Das.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ref:http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151681758230363&set=a.429757820362.372429.337363685362&type=1

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week 2012: 7th – 11th May

Teachers – the people who educate us and give us the vital knowledge which we need to live our lives. They encourage, support, discipline and prepare us for the road ahead and now it’s time for us to show them our appreciation. Teacher Appreciation Week begins on the 7th until the 11th of May 2012, which will be the perfect opportunity for us to show teachers how thankful we are for their support. So boys and girls, it’s time for us to demonstrate how much our teachers mean to us, let’s all say a big thank you to the people who work really hard so that we can have a better future.








 Ref:  http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/Teacher-Appreciation-Week-2012/

All-New Mazda CX-5 Delivers Financial Savings For Fleets

LONDON – May 7, 2012: Strong residual values and competitive whole life costs have been predicted for Mazda’s all-new CX 5 compact crossover SUV featuring breakthrough SKYACTIV technology that will deliver major fuel savings and emission reductions for fleets.
Data from future residual value experts at CAP reveals the soon to launch CX-5 will retain an average 36-39 percent of its value across the petrol and diesel range at the benchmark three years/60,000 miles.
The Mazda CX-5 marks the debut of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology which promises major total cost of ownership savings for fleet operators and significant financial benefits for company car drivers over rival models.




Ref:  http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/05/07/035243-all-new-mazda-cx-5-delivers-financial-savings-for-fleets.html

Mazda Sales Up!

As the Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch pointed out yesterday, Mazda USA sales through April were up 21% from last year. This has been our best-selling April since 2008, in the fastest-selling year we've had since 1994.

Mazda3 led the sales board, followed by Mazda6 up 38% over last year, with our all-new SKYACTIV® 2013 CX-5 extremely close behind.







Ref:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151597027610363&set=a.429757820362.372429.337363685362&type=1

2013 Dodge Dart Aero Announced with 41 mpg Highway: Same Great Taste, Less Filling

In an effort to reach or surpass the vaunted 40-mpg mark that manufacturers have been aiming at for months now, Dodge will release the Dart Aero in the third quarter of this year. Although the Aero is still undergoing final engineering, Chrysler promises that the Dart Aero will receive an EPA highway rating of 41 mpg, up from the standard model’s 39.
According to Chrysler, the Aero will be based on the Dart’s 160-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four (which we thoroughly enjoyed in our first drive of the Dart), employ low-rolling-resistance tires with specially designed aerodynamic wheel covers, and use aluminum in place of heavier materials. The package will be available only with a manual transmission. The Aero’s features and infotainment content will be on par with that of the Dart SXT.
That 41-mpg number puts the Dart square in the middle of the fight for the ultra-eco-combustion-only tiara.







Ref:  http://blog.caranddriver.com/dodge-dart-aero-same-great-taste-less-filling/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+caranddriver%2Fblog+%28Car+and+Driver%29&utm_content=Google+Reader