Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Pictures With Peter Cotton Tail

Contact Bro's Grafix Today!
It's almost Easter and if you haven't gotten your pictures done yet, your in luck.  Bro's Grafix has added another weekend to their Mini Easter Sessions, this time with live BUNNIES!  Schedule a session with Jody and Robin Haws for this Saturday, April 2nd or Sunday, April 3rd to get pictures with some cute little Easter Bunnies.

The Mini Easter Sessions include, 15 minutes sessions with live bunnies and a card design of your choice, at Bro's Grafix outdoor studio in Skidmore.  Visit Bro's Grafix today and make sure to follow them on Facebook!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

To Test or Not To Test...As Often

It was announced back in January that the TAKS test would be replaced with the new STAAR , the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness.  This new test will begin in the 2011-2012 school year and includes 12 end-of-course exams in the four core subject areas in high school.

President Barack Obama
at Bell Multicultural High School
Yesterday, President Barack Obama said that he believed students should take fewer standardized tests because too much testing makes education boring for students.  Obama is pushing to rewrite the nation's education law in hopes of easing some of the rigid measurement tools and administer a test in a less pressure-packed atmosphere, every few years.

"Too often what we have been doing is using these tests to punish students," the President told students and parents at a town hall hosted by Univision at Bell Multicultural High School in Washington, D.C.  He also mentioned that schools should be judged on other criteria besides student test performance.

"One thing I never want to see happen is schools that are just teaching the test because then you're not learning about the world, you're not learning about different cultures, you're not learning about science, you're not learning about math," the President said.  "All you're learning about is how to fill out a little bubble on an exam and little tricks that you need to do in order to take a test and that's not going to make education interesting."  "And young people do well in stuff that they're intersted in," Obama said.  'They're not going to do as well if it's boring."

The President is endorsing the occasional administering of standardized tests to determine a "baseline" of student ability.  Obama has been pushing his education agenda all month, in which he expresses concern that too many schools will not be able to meet the annual proficiency standards under the No Child Left Behind Law.  The standards goal is now unrealistic, getting 100 percent of student proficient in math, reading, and science by 2014.

Obama is requesting that Congress send him a rewrite of the 2001 law before the new school year.  However, this does not look like the deadline will be met.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Rummage Sale This Weekend

The Skidmore-Tynan Junior High V.I.P.S. are holding a Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 2nd to benefit the Skidmore-Tynan Junior High student body.  They will be excepting donations of gently used items such as: housewares, books, toys, decorative items, and clothes.  The donations can be dropped off at the STJH Campus on Friday, April 1st from 3:00 to 7:00pm or on Saturday, April 2nd.

Any items not sold during the Rummage Sale on Saturday will be donated to a local charitable organization.  Skidmore-Tynan Junior High School thank you in advance for your support!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Memorial Golf Tournament

The Association will be hosting its Annual Greg Stewart Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, March 26th at the Beeville Municipal Golf Course at the Veteran's Memorial Park, it is a 200 acre park.

The purpose of this tournament is to raise money for the Greg Stewart Memorial Scholarship.  This scholarship has been set up in honor of our fallen comrade and awarded to those graduating high school seniors seeking a career in Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice or other related fields.  Mr. Stewart was a seven year veteran with the Beeville Police Department and an active duty member of the Army National Guard.  On the weekend of May 7, 2006, Mr. Stewart was in San Antonio, Texas attending his monthly military obligation, when he was shot three times during a failed robbery attempt.  Mr. Stewart fought valiantly but succumbed to his injuries on May 15, 2006.  At that time Mr. Stewart left behind a 4 year old son.  Mr. Stewart represented our Police Department, our association, and the Armed Services with honor, dignity, respect, and selfless service.  Our hope is that his memory and spirit will continue to shine through the works of our young men and women, who have courageously chosen to defend our homes, our cities, and our country.

We as an association are asking you the merchants, businesses, and public to be an integral part of this event.  We are asking sponsorship and /or donations for each of the 18-hole tournament course.  Donations/sponsorships are $100 minimum and your business and/or name will be prominently advertised.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated and we look forward to working with you to make this event a success.  Four man scramble $200 team and $50 person.

T-Off at 1:00pm
Need to Arrive at 12:30pm

If you would like to help or have any questions, please contact 361-318-6040 or email bpdjalvarez@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

BREAKING: Two Earthquakes in NE Myanmar

Two Earthquakes reportedly hit in Northeast Maynmar Thrusday night less than a minute apart.  They could be felt as far as Bancock, buildings swayed.  No tsunami was generated.

The first quake was 7.0-magnitude and six miles deep, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  Followed by another of the same strength, but a reported 140 miles deep.

The earthquakes struck along the Myanmar borders with Thialand and Laos, about 70 miles from the northern city in Thai, Chiang Rai.

Number of missing people already surpassing 27,000 in Japan quake.

Follow @SkidmoreSignal on Twitter for the latest!  If you don't have a Twitter account, you can see the live feed below for more information.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

An Antique Lovers Dream...

Two Full Weeks of Antique Bliss!

Starting today, from Burton to Fayetteville, antique dealers are congregating in a half dozen small Texas towns for Antique Weekend.  "Antique Weekend is a HUGE antique, craft, art and collectible gathering that attracts thousands of dealers from across the country where they are joined by tens of thousands of buyers in the middle of Texas."  Now is the opportunity to buy from antique dealers that are from all over the United States in one central location.
Show Map of Antique Weekend

Spring 2011 Show Dates:
Preview Weekend, March 23rd-March 30th
Antique Weekend, March 30th-April 3rd

Useful Information:

For more information, visit Antique Weekend.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Silent Auction Featuring Clifton Jansky

Featuring Clifton Jansky
The First Baptist School in Beeville is hosting a live and silent auction on Friday, March 25th at 6:30pm.  Clifton Jansky, writer of Amarillo by Morning, will be the feature star of the evening.  Many goodies will be available to bid on and childcare will be provided.

Tickets
$12 - Pre-Sale
$15 - at Door
$6  - for Children.


Call 361-358-4161 for more information.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

It's the First Day of Spring

Are you ready to say "goodbye" to winter?  Well, ready or not, it is time to say "hello" to spring!

Today, at roughly 6:20pm, we officially begin spring.  Do you need help shaking off those winter blues and getting ready to celebrate spring?  Well, here are some links to site that will help you with just about anything you have in mind this spring.

Celebrate Spring:

Friday, March 18, 2011

Book Your Easter Picture Session Today

Bro's Grafix, located in Skidmore, is offering Mini Easter Sessions, but you better act fast!  The mini sessions will be available on Saturday, March 26th and Sunday, March 27th in Skidmore at their outdoor studio.  Contact Jody and Robin Haws today to book your session.  You will not be disappointed!


Check out Bro's Grafix for more information and to see their Photo Galleries.

Email robin@brosgrafix.com or call 361-354-3886 to book a session.

So, You've Done Your Spring Cleaning...

Now What?

If you have gone through your closets, cabinets, and kids' toy boxes, you probably have a bunch of things piled up ready to be taken somewhere.  If you need ideas on where to donate your unwanted items, below is a list of places in our area that would be happy to take them off your hands.

STJH Campus
Skidmore, Texas
The Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, April 2nd
*Donations may be dropped off on Friday, April 1st from 3:00 to 7:00pm or on the day of the sale.  Left over items will be donated to local charities.

210 N. Monroe
Beeville, Texas
361-358-7500
*Donations will be excepted during operating hours on Monday-Thursdays only.

Women's Shelter Inc
305 N. Saint Marys St #215
Beeville, Texas
361-362-1187
*Call to make arrangements for donations to be dropped off.

Goodwill
205 North Washington Street
Beeville, Texas
361-358-8283
*Donations may be dropped off at anytime at the back entrance of the store.

Local Churches
Contact your local churches to ask about families that might be in need of items.

Please remember to donate only gently used items and it is always a courtesy to clean up items before donating.

Oh, wait...you still haven't done your Spring Cleaning?  

No need to worry, follow this link for tips to get it done!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Celebrate Like The Irish


The Irish have celebrated St. Patrick's Day on March 17th for over 1,000 years.  Celebrated for the patron saint of Ireland as a religious feast day on the anniversary of his death in the 5th century.  St. Patrick is one of Christianity's most widely know figures, but for all his celebrity his life remains a mystery.  Most of the popular stories, including the banishing of snakes, is the result of years of exaggerated storytelling.

It just so happens that St. Patrick's day falls during the Christian season of Lent.  Irish families traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon by dancing, drinking, and feasting.  With the Lenten prohibitions of eating meat waived, a traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage may be enjoyed by the Irish.  This St. Patrick's Day enjoy some classic and modern Irish food, follow these link for the recipes.
There are many symbols we associate with St. Patrick's Day and Ireland itself.  Learn more about parades, shamrocks, and all things Irish; including leprechauns and the color green.  You might be surprised to find out which ones have roots in Ireland and which ones are purely American made.  Below are two of the most popular symbols we relate to St. Patrick's Day.
  • Shamrocks - The sacred plant of ancient Ireland originally symbolized the rebirth of spring.  In the 17th century it became a symbol of Irish nationalism.  As the English began to seize Irish land and enforce laws against the use of the Irish language and Catholisism, the Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride.
  • Leprechauns - It is believed to stem from the Celtic belief in fairies.  Leprechauns were protrayed as cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of other fairies in Celtic folktales.  However, in 1959 Americans were introduced to cheerful, friendly Leprechauns by Walt Disney in the film Darby O'Gill and the Little People.  The American version of the Leprechaun has become symbolic to St. Patrick's Day and Ireland.

For more information on St. Patrick's Day, visit History.com.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Update on Budget Cuts

Announced Tuesday, March 15th

Perry agreed to use the Rainy Day Fund to address the 2011 deficit and at the same time vowed not to use it to address th massive revenue shortfall that remains to tackle the 2012-2013 budget.  "We have worked closely with state leaders and lawmakers to balance the current budget, which includes using a one-time amount from the Economic Stabilization Fund to help our budget deal with the impact of the national recession," Perry said.  "I remain steadfastly committed to protecting the remaining balance of the Rainy Day Fund and will not sign a 2012-2013 state budget that uses the Rainy Day Fund."

Texas is facing a revenue shortfall that could reach up to $27 billion over the next two-year budget.  The next budget most likely will see severe cuts in all areas of state government, public education, and low-income and elderly health care programs.

"Today Republican leaders locked in a plan to force up local taxes, makes college more expensive, crowd more kids into classrooms, fire teachers, close nursing homes, and cut basic health services for children and the disabled," said Rep. Mike Villarreal, a Democrat from San Antonio, who is on the House Appropriations Committee.   "Texans have already paid taxes into the Rainy Day Fund, but the governor would rather sit on the people's money than use it to save our schools."

"It is the duty of those elected to government to govern - and it is the duty of those who elected then to hold them accountable.  Now more than ever, Texans must demand that their Legislature craft a responsible, conservative state budget with no further use of the Rainy Day Fund," said Talmadge Heflin, director of the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation's Center for Fiscal Policy.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

S-T Alumni Still Got Game & Pictures To Prove It

Order Pics Online Today!
The S-T Alumni Baseball Game was great fun, but the pictures are priceless! 

To see pictures from the game last Saturday night, visit Bro's Grafix website and Facebook page.  Jody and Robin Haws of Bro's Grafix are truly artists, they capture the most amazing moments and it becomes so much more than just a picture, it is a work of art!  You can order the pictures online today, for instructions on how to order prints, visit their website.

Make sure and visit Bro's Grafix website and Facebook page to see more photos and book a shoot today.

Benefit Golf Tournament for John Yzaguirre

The Beeville Country Club is holding a benefit tournament for their long time employee John Yzaguirre.  Entry fee is $30 a player, carts are extra, and sponsors are available.  Last day to register is Friday, March 18th.  The event will be held on Sunday, March 20th at 1:00pm at the Beeville Country Club.

For more information call 361-358-1216.

Monday, March 14, 2011

It's National Napping Day

Reasons To Take A Siesta!
Daylight Savings Time gives us more afternoon sunshine, but we loose an hour of our day.  For those who lost that hour of sleep Sunday morning, rest assure that help is on the way.

Today is unofficially National Napping Day!  First observed in 1999, thanks to Boston University professor William Anthony, PH. D. and his wife Camille.  "We chose this particular Monday because Americans are more 'nap-ready' than usual after losing an hour of sleep to Daylight Savings Time," Anthony said in Boston University's press release.  "Our goal is to encourage folks to take a nap wherever they may be, at home, at the workplace, or on vacation, and to make it a regular part of their healthy lifestyle. It is a day when nappers all over the country need to lie down and be counted."

Most people think napping is for kids and the elderly, however recent studies have shown that napping is heart-healthy by accelerating cardiovascular recovery and may also help you learn by restoring efficient learning abilities.

The New York Times recently reported that napping is widespread among NBA players.  Not to mention that Winston Churchill was a firm believer in the benefits of napping.  According to the Churchill Centre and Museum, Churchill once said: "You must sleep some time between lunch and dinner, and no half-way measures.  Take off your clothes and get into bed.  That's what I always do.  Don't think you will be doing less work because you sleep during the day.  That's a foolish notion held by people who have no imagination.  You will be able to accomplish more.  You get two days in one -- well, at least one and a half, I'm sure.  When the war started, I had to sleep during the day because that was the only way I could cope with my responsibilities."

Feel free to use this post to convince you of a reason to take a siesta!  Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Full story at The Huffington Post.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Its Time for Daylight Savings Time

Set Your Clock Ahead 1 Hour to Spring Forward!

Ever wonder why we set our clocks forward in the spring?  Basically, it is to get more daylight by making our days "longer."  Daylight Savings Time (DST) was first suggested in 1784 by Benjamin Franklin.  DST was again proposed by George Vernon Hudson in 1895, with a two-hour time shift.  However it was William Willett, an English builder, in 1905 that is credited for modern DST.  Willett proposed that we set our clocks ahead during the summer.  The proposal was sent to the House of Commons in February 1908, but it was not put into practice until 1916.  During World War I, several European countries implemented DST, giving birth to "Spring Forward, Fall Back."

Daylight Savings Time Begins on Sunday, March 13th at 2:00am!

For more information on Daylight Savings Time, visit Huliq.

S-T Junior High Rummage Sale

The S-T JH V.I.P.S. Need Donations

On Saturday, April 2nd the Skidmore-Tynan Junior High V.I.P.S. will be holding a Rummage Sale.  Planning on doing some spring cleaning?  Save your gently used items such as: housewares, books, toys, decorative items, and clothes.  Then bring them to the STJH Campus on Friday, April 1st from 3:00 to 7:00pm or on the day of the sale.  Items that are not sold will be donated to a local charitable organization.

All proceeds from the Rummage Sale will benefit the Skidmore-Tynan Junior High student body.

The S-T JH students and staff thank you in advance for your support!

For more information, visit the Skidmore-Tynan Junior High website.

Friday, March 11, 2011

March & Rally to Save Texas Schools

Thousands Expected at Saturday Statewide March & Rally to Save Texas Schools

Sign the Pledge
March & Rally At The Texas Capitol
Saturday, March 12th from 11: 00-2:00pm
Austin, Texas

  • March begins at 11:00am - Starting from 12th & Trinity, 1 Block East of the Capitol
  • Rally is from 12:00-2:00pm - At 11th & Congress, South Steps of the Texas Capitol
As school districts across the state reel from news of massive cuts to public education, as many as 10,000 parents, teachers, educators and community leaders from over 300 independent school districts are expected to descend on the state capitol in Austin on Saturday, March 12th.
"From all corners of the state, Texans are traveling to Austin on March 12th to send a loud, unified message to our elected officials: Keep Texas smart by funding public education," says Allen Weeks of Save Texas Schools, the grassroots coalition organizing the rally, and director of Austin Voices for Education and Youth.

Rally participants will urge legislators to take three critical steps to help close budget gaps:
  • Using the $9.3 billion Texas "Rainy Day" Fund to help rescue schools from the current crisis.
  • Signing the paperwork for $830 million in federal aid for teachers.
  • Fixing school funding laws to be fair to all districts and our growing student population.
A number of prominent, inspiring speakers and student groups will address the crowds on March 12th, including:
  • Julian Castro, Mayor of San Antonio
  • John Kuhn, Superintendent of Perrin-Whitt ISD in North Texas
  • Dalton Sherman, a sixth grader from Dallas, whose inspirational speeches on education have been featured nationally.
  • Bill Hammond, CEO of the Texas Association of Business
Downloads that cover Key Issues that are worth reading:

Information Courtesy of Save Texas Schools, Press Release

S-T Accepting G/T Nominations

Nominations for the Gifted and Talented Program grades 3 through 5 are being accepted at Skidmore-Tynan Elementary.  Students must be nominated and tested prior to joining the G/T program.  Nominations may be made by a parent, teacher, or anyone with knowledge of the nominee's abilities. Nominations will be accepted through April 8, 2011.  For additional information please contact Lorie Orta at 361-287-3426, ext 4001.

Courtesy of Emilia Dominguez, S-T Elementary School Principal

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Mrs. Bee County to Mrs. Texas

Andrea Jones Gutierrez
Mrs. Bee County, 2011

Last week the Skidmore Signal introduced you to our reigning Mrs. Bee County International, Andrea Jones Gutierrez.  This weekend, Mrs. Gutierrez is heading to San Antonio to participate in the Mrs. Texas International pageant, where they "uplift women who want to excel in their lives and make a difference in their communities."  The pageant celebrates each contestants "energy, commitment to marriage and family," and desire to challenge oneself.  Mrs. Gutierrez's platform is Support 4-H: Making the Best Better!  She is sponsored by Dave Moore Ford of Beeville.

Mrs. Texas International Pageant
Sunday, March 13th
Doors Open at 4:30pm
On-Stage Interview at 5:00pm
Intermission
Welcome & Official Curtain at 6:30pm

Contestants will compete in three areas of competition: Interview, Evening Gown, and Fitness Wear.  In the Interview portion, which is 50% of the score, Mrs. Gutierrez will wear business attire and will have five minutes with each of the five judges.  During the Evening Gown portion, worth 25% of the score, Mrs. Gutierrez will wear a dress she previously chose.  She will be judged on grace, poise, and elegance while being escorted by her husband, Tony Gutierrez.  Last portion is Fitness Wear, worth 25% of the score.  Mrs. Gutierrez will wear fitness wear specifically designed for the International System.  She will be judged on physical fitness, energy, and overall health.

The contestant chosen as Mrs. Texas International. 2011 will receive a prize package valued at more than $15,000 and a chance to represent Texas in the Mrs. International Pageant.

Tickets to the Mrs. Texas International pageant this weekend can be purchased online or at the door.  The tickets are $37.84 for Orchestra, Mezzanine, or Balcony Level Seating.

There is still time to vote for Mrs. Bee County and make a donation to American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Campaign.  The contestant with the most votes will receive a reward.  Vote here!

Follow Mrs. Bee County International, Andrea Jones Gutierrez on Facebook!

For more information on the Mrs. Texas International Pageant, visit their website.

Photos of Mrs. Gutierrez Courtesy of Bro's Grafix!

Good Luck Andrea!

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Find Something In My Girlfriend's Closet

The Soroptimist Club of Beeville is hosting an event tonight for Bee County high school junior and senior girls to find prom dresses in "My Girlfriend's Closet."  The event will be from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the First National Bank in Beeville, in the Community Room.  Girls are welcome to come by and try on the dresses and look for accessories for prom night.

You can make donations for My Girlfriend's Closet at the IBC Main Bank on E. Houston Street.  Donations of dresses, jewelry, hair accessories, shoes, etc. that are age-appropriate are greatly appreciated.  All dresses will be dry-cleaned before the event.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

100th Anniversary of International Women's Day

Find Out More About IWD!
Today is the global day of celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women's past, present, and future.  Suffragettes, derived from the word "suffrage" meaning the right to vote, campaigned for women's right to vote, having their first International Women's Day in 1911.  Women have only been legally allowed to vote in the Unites States since 1920.  International Women's Day (IWD) honors the work the suffragettes did, the success we have had, and reminds us of the inequalities still to be redressed.

"Let's reinvent opportunity for working women and all women!" ~ International Women's Day 2011

Celebrate this International Women's Day Centenary by learning more about the holiday:

Interesting articles about what women are doing today:
Empower your daughter today:

It's Ladies Night

Ladies, get dolled up and grab your pocket books, it's time to wine, dine, and raise some money!

Back in 2004, Lou Adele May gathered up some ladies in the community and put together a "fun-filled night" of shopping and donating for the women in Bee County, the Christus Spohn Beeville Ladies Night Out.  In a "boutique shopping experience" planned just for women, although I heard a few men got in the door last year, this night provides the ladies of Bee County the opportunity to shop and raise money all at the same time.  There will be a costume contest, DJ music, and more!
2011 Ladies Night Out
Planning Committee

Ladies Night Out Begins at...
5:30 for VIP Ticket Holders
6:30 for General Admission Ticket Holders
Event Ends at 9:00pm
Event held at the Bee County Expo Center!

Tickets can be purchased at the Wicker Basket, the Christus Spohn Beeville Hospital Gift Shop, or at the door for $25 Individual Ticket, $50 for a Femme Fatale Krewe Ticket (VIP Ticket), or $100 for a Diva Ticket (VIP Ticket & Mardi Gras Sash.

Ladies Night Out t-shirts can be purchased at the Wicker Basket.  It is a $10 donation for M-XL and $12 for 1X-2X.  All proceeds benefit Christus Spohn Hospital Beeville, the Foundation Endowment, and the Healthcare Student Scholarships.

If you would like a 10x10 booth, it is $50 with an additional charge of $10 for electricity.

For more information, visit Ladies Night Out on Facebook or the Christus Spohn Beeville website.  For event information, contact Debbi at debheard@hotmail.com or Linda at linda.arnold@christushealth.org.  For vendor information, contact Meredith at 713-591-7398 or Robin at 361-358-3636.

Family Pancake Supper

St. Philip's Episcopal Church is hosting their Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper tonight, Tuesday, March 8th at 6:00pm.  There will be an opportunity to give a love offering that will benefit The Beeville Vineyard.  The supper will be held at St. Philip's Episcopal Church at 311 East Corpus Christi Street in Beeville.

Traditionally Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent, pancakes are eaten to use up milk and eggs that would spoil from not being eaten during Lent.

For more information, call 361-358-2730.

Update on New S-T Elementary School


The Skidmore-Tynan Board of Trustees approved of the design development phase of new Elementary School project.  It will be another three months before the drawing is complete and it can go out for bidding.  With fingers crossed, the contractor should begin to break ground in July or August.  It is expected the new building will take roughly 13 months to complete.

The next Special Meeting for this project will be April 8th at 6:00pm.

Monday, March 07, 2011

Texas Public School Week

This week is the perfect time to get involved with your local public school.  Find out what you can do as community members, parents, or students at your school.  In honor of Texas Public School Week, Skidmore-Tynan ISD has several opportunities for you to visit the campus and get a first hand look at what is going on in our school.  On Thursday, March 10th, the S-T Elementary School invites you to Doughnuts and Coffee at 7:30am and to Visit Classrooms from 8:00-10:00am.

Other events happening this week at Skidmore-Tynan ISD:

  • Monday, March 7th at 6:00pm - School Board Meeting
  • Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30am - Elementary All A-Honor Roll Breakfast
  • Tuesday, March 8th at 5:00pm - Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference
  • Thursday, March 10th at 7:30pm - S-T Alumni Baseball Game
  • Friday, March 11th - Fitness Gram Recognition Ceremony
Skidmore-Tynan ISD Rankings
More Than 5,800 Texas Public Schools Ranked - The Texas Tribune
S-T High School - Ranked 875
S-T Junior High School - Ranked 2497
S-T Elementary School - Ranked 5492

More information on Texas Public Schools:
This week is also a reminder of the the huge cuts the Public Schools' budgets are taking.  Please take the time this week to contact your local representatives and use your voice to help our children today, it will help our tomorrow!  Attend the S-T ISD School Board Meeting this evening at 6:00pm and offer suggestions, ask questions, and voice concerns about this situation.  

For more information on the budget cuts for Texas Public Schools, please visit the links below.


Register for First Baptist Church School

The First Baptist Church School in Beeville is now accepting applications for community members that are not currently church members.  Registration for the 2011-2012 school year begins today with the application fee and all paperwork due at the time of registration.  The application fee starts out at $75 for the first child registered and $60 for the 2nd and any additional children registered, this does not include the price for materials, and tuition fees.  The FBC School offers Half-Day Preschool, Full-Day Preschool, Kindergarden, and grade school classes up to 6th grade.

To find out more about the curriculum, paperwork needed, and fees, please visit the First Baptist Church School website.

Friday, March 04, 2011

Show Your Support for Mrs. Bee County

Vote for Mrs. Bee County Andrea Gutierrez
You may have seen a woman around town wearing a sash and a crown, it is our very own Mrs. Bee County International, Andrea Jones Gutierrez.  With her beautiful blue eyes and sweet smile she has been serving her community through community service activities such as announcing at the 2011 Bee County Jr. Livestock and Homemakers Show Queens Contest, donating gifts to the Beeville Vineyard for their Annual Angel Tree program, and assisting the communities 4-H clubs in raising money and awareness about their organization.  Mrs. Gutierrez will be representing Bee County on March 13th in San Antonio at the Mrs. Texas International Pageant.  This organization uplifts women who want to excel in their lives and make a difference in their community.  Mrs. Gutierrez's platform is Support 4-H: Making the Best Better.  She believes "that this program positively impacts our youth on many levels."

Show your support for Andrea Jones Gutierrez, Mrs. Bee County International, 2011, by following the link below and voting for her.  Voting ends Saturday, March 12th!  As you vote, you will have the opportunity to make a donation to American Heart Association.  The contestant with the most votes and donations will receive a special reward for this community service.  It only takes a few minutes!

Vote for Andrea Jones Gutierrez, Mrs. Bee County International, 2011!

Follow Mrs. Bee County International on Facebook!

For more information about the pageant, please visit the Mrs. Texas International website.  The International Pageant System represents the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women's Campaign.

Photography by Bro's Grafix

Thursday, March 03, 2011

South Texas Iconic Restaurant Burned Yesterday

Joe Cotton's Barbecue
Considered the best Barbecue in South Texas, Joe Cotton's BBQ burned yesterday after the staff heard popping and crackling noises in the ceiling.  The fire quickly engulfed the restaurant, destroying the establishment known to have been visited by President Lyndon B. Johnson, former Governor Bill Clements, Willie Nelson, and even Tony Romo, Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.  Romo was reportedly so impressed that he left a $300 tip for a $15 meal.  The restaurant was opened in 1947 by Joe Cotton who was known to visit with his customers until he past away in 1992.  His son, Cecil Cotten has been running the business in the same fashion as his father did since that time.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Happy 175th Birthday Texas!

Today is Texas Independence Day!

Sam Houston - 1st President of the  Republic of Texas
In 1836, settlers of the territory of Texas were in rebellion against Mexican rule.  A group of delegates met at Washington-at-the-Brazos and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, marking the beginning of the Texas Revolution.  On April 21st of the same year, Sam Houston and the Texas army attacked Santa Anna in the battle of San Jacinto.  The battle lasted less than 20 minutes and the victory resulted in the independent Republic of Texas.     Sam Houston was elected the first President.  The territory officially became a state of the Unites States of America in 1845.

Battle of San Jacinto

Learn more about the Republic of Texas and the Battle of San Jacinto - here.
Learn more about Sam Houston - here.