UNT Press publishes folklore

A new book highlights the Texas Folklore Society as it celebrates 100 years.

Celebrating 100 Years of the Texas Folklore Society, 1909-2009 is edited by Kenneth L. Untiedt and published by the University of North Texas Press.

The book is part of a series called Texas Folklore Society and includes articles that focus on past and current research on such topics as folk music and folk healers, as well as personal narratives.

The Texas Folklore Society is one of the oldest folklore organizations continuously functioning in the United States.

Untiedt is the secretary-editor of the society and teaches English at Stephen F. Austin State University.

For more information, call 1-800-826-8911.

Pavlova to teach ballet classes

A Russian ballerina will host intermediate- and advanced-level ballet classes in Denton at the end of January.

Olga Pavlova, the award-winning dancer, has a master’s degree in teaching and choreography from the Moscow Academy of Professional Arts.

In 2007 and 2008 she was named DFW Metroplex Critics Choice Best Ballerina.

The intermediate classes for ages 12 to 14 will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Jan. 23 and Jan. 30.

The advanced classes for ages 14 and older will be held the same days from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.

Each class is $25 for Denton Dance Conservatory students or $30 per person. For more information, visit www.dentondance.com/masterclasses andworkshops.htm or call 940-383-2623 to register.

Local painter included in council’s permanent collection

Denton watercolor painter Jo Williams recently had a painting become part of the Greater Denton Arts Council’s permanent collection.

The council acquired a winter landscape of Denton, with bare trees standing against a purple, indigo and white sky.

Williams is a Denton resident, a leader of the city’s public art committee and an officer of the Denton-based Visual Arts Society of Texas. 

Hammerle heads Noon Kiwanis

Denton resident Virginia Hammerle recently began her term as president of the Denton Noon Kiwanis Club.

The Denton Kiwanis Club organizes Taste of North Texas — an annual event featuring local restaurants — and the Fourth of July fireworks show.

The club supports a children’s clinic, which is a network of local physicians who serve children of low-income families.

Hammerle is an attorney and president at Hammerle Finley Law Firm, and is a frequent contributor to the Denton Record-Chronicle.

UNT professor moves on to Texas pageant

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Jessica Greenfield will compete in the 2010 Miss Texas International Pageant.

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University of North Texas Italian professor Jessica Greenfield will represent Denton in the 2010 Miss Texas International Pageant.

Greenfield will compete for the title in San Antonio on March 28. She’ll compete for the title and a prize package worth more than $15,000.

The pageant recognizes young women for their ambition, accomplishments and intent to work in their communities.

Greenfield said she will spend her year as Miss Denton giving back to the Denton community through charity work, volunteerism and support of local businesses. She’s originally from the West Coast and has participated in pageants since age 17.  

— Staff reports