|
Acclaim and a Shame for Nov. 9, 2009
Published November 9, 2009
Events help bring Stephen F. Austin to life
The Father of Texas continues to be the mother of all inspiration for history-themed events in southern Brazoria County.
A pair of recent commemorations celebrated the birthday of Stephen F. Austin, who established the first Anglo-American colony in what eventually became Texas.
Austin was born Nov. 3, 1793, in Virginia, and died Dec. 27, 1836, in front of the fireplace at a West Columbia home. Though the house is long gone, the site off North Highway 36 on CR 467 is preserved.
At the first event, more than 100 people showed
up on Halloween day at the park off Highway 288 near Angleton created by the Stephen F. Austin 500 group. The centerpiece of the facility is the 72-foot white concrete statue of Austin. The celebration of Austin’s 216th birthday featured a barbecue cook-off, an auction and an actor portraying Austin. Proceeds benefited the 500 group, which plans additions to the site, including stepping stones around the statue and an amphitheater.
“It’s a focal point for local history,” said group president Tom Fletcher. “It’s to honor Stephen F. Austin and generate interest in that history.”
Then on Nov. 3, the Cradle of Texas Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas hosted its annual Austin birthday celebration at his death site.
West Columbia Elementary School fourth-graders took part, singing songs, dancing and watching demonstrations. The Brazoswood High School Junior Air Force ROTC raised a ceremonial flag that has flown over the Capitol of Texas, Alamo, San Jacinto battleground and Austinville, the Virginia city where Austin was born.
One of those on hand was Austin descendant Catherine Henry, 82, of Lake Jackson.
“I think it’s wonderful and I’m so pleased to see so many kids participate in the celebration,” she said. “It’s another way to have the children learn Texas history.”
---
Internet radio system surfs into Angleton
Emergency communications in Angleton has gone high-tech, with a new $100,000 radio system that functions on the World Wide Web without relying on radio signals.
The city police and EMS recently tried out the new system while working a Wildcats football game. Ultimately, city officials say the Internet communications system will prove to be invaluable during hurricanes, major storms and other crises that might arise. All city departments can use the system, not just the police, which will provide for overall smooth emergency operations
“Essentially, with this technology, if we have a hurricane or a tornado and our normal buildings aren’t available, we can operate off a laptop anywhere,” Mayor J. Patrick Henry said.
That’s the beauty of the new system — being able to use it from any location when normal communications are down. The package was paid for out the general fund and it includes 10 radios, two repeaters, software and a communication console.
Angleton Police Lt. Mike Jones said even state authorities have taken note. “We’ve already been contacted by the state of Texas because they’re interested in looking at it,” Jones said.
---
Red Ribbon Week spreads key message
We congratulate all the local youngsters for the fine time they had and all the important information they absorbed during the recently concluded Red Ribbon Week.
The week in which schoolchildren are treated to the long-running anti-drug campaign is filled with activities that appeal to youngsters, such as the marvelous “march” of slogan-chanting little ones from T.W. Ogg Elementary School, wearing pajamas to school, toting stuffed animals to class, wearing red hats, clothes and glassing, sporting “crazy socks” and many other delightful activities designed to thrill youngsters.
But what’s important is that all the fun doesn’t drown out the message, which was so emphatically repeated by the marching brigade in Clute from Ogg: “Say no to drugs!”
Third-grader Jayvien Thomas put it a little more specifically with his summation of week’s purpose, remarking, “It’s to tell people to stop doing drugs, like tobacco and crack. “They can mess up your mind and keep your brain from normally growing.”
Billye Mills-Jones, an eighth-grader at Sweeny Junior High, said having a week devoted to drug awareness and education creates an atmosphere of solidarity among campus peers. She explained with everyone dressing alike in the anti-drug theme, “It shows other kids that we can all go up against it.”
Again, we offer kudos to the students of all ages and the various teachers and other school district planners who participated in Red Ribbon Week activities.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print
|
|
|
 |
|
FREE BAY BOAT WITH WATERFRONT PURCHASE Get
...
Click for all
Top Ads listing
|
