Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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| New Hampton Inn taking shape.... Construction work is progressing at a rapid pace on Van Horn’s newest motel. It is being constructed just west of the Holiday Inn Express right at the exit off of I-10. |
- The Van Horn City Council met Tuesday evening, November 22nd, and received an update on the status of emergency management matters in the city and county.
County Judge Manuel Molinar was present to discuss with councilmen on the state of emergency management. He brought with him Ray Resendez, of the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management out of El Paso.
Molinar and Resendez, both, stressed the need for the city and county to get a new emergency management coordinator on board in the wake of the resignation of Russ Wyatt earlier this month.
Molinar and Resendez suggested that, as an interim measure, the city look at naming Mike Ward, of Jeff Davis County, to be our coordinator. Mayor Lucas explained that he and Judge Molinar had spoken with Ward and he was agreeable.
Resendez told council that with Wyatt’s resignation, updates to the current emergency management plan needed to be made and he was working with Judge Molinar to get these made. He further noted that because these updates had not been made and approved, the county had missed out on some $150,000 in Homeland Security funding for the 2008 fiscal year.
After detailing some planned purchases from the 2007 funding, Judge Molinar and Resendez expressed the hope that the updates would be approved within a month os so and the county would be back on track.
Council then proceeded to appoint Mike Ward as the city emergency management coordinator until such time as a local person could be found.
Council went behind closed doors to discuss personnel and legal issues and upon reentering open session, council voted to advertise some land the city owns across from city hall that it was willing to exchange for land of equal value.
Utilities Superintendent Raquel Mendez reported to council that the airport water well was back in service. She also reported that the pipe was in for the new grant project pipe line from the airport to town.
And, Mendez further reported that the city had received notification of 3 violations at the sewerage treatment facility from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She noted that one was a report mistake and had already been corrected and the other two were being addressed.
Edward Torres, gas department manager, reported that the annual Railroad Commission inspection of the gas system was performed in late October and that no deficiencies were noted.
After hearing a request for a street light at 507 East 5th Street, which council asked Utilities Superintendent Mendez to analyze, they approved writing off a bill owed to the city by Milwhite and approved payment of bills amounting to $102,921.11.
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We made a fast trip to Austin and saw much of my family. That was a blessing. The trip home on Friday was made shorter by listening to the Aggie/TU football game, thanks to XM Radio. It’s amazing how just having a granddaughter at A&M makes you a full-fledged Aggie.
We always enjoy driving in the scenic Hill Country, but nothing is as pretty as our mountains of West Texas. The town of Fredericksburg always amazes me. On Friday as we came back through there, it was wall-to-wall people shopping in all the unique little shops. I always daydream of having Van Horn be a little like that someday - just with a Western Heritage theme instead of the German influence. We did stop there for a wonderful meal at Friedhelm’s. The Pepper Schnitzel was delicious!
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As I was typing the 20th Century article in this issue I thought what a great idea for a club program. Two of our local young Marine veterans sharing their experiences! Too often it is our older veterans of past wars that get most of the recognition but how enlightening to hear from some more recent warriors! Thanks, Esteban Urias and Roland Gomez for your service to our country.
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True Holiday Spirit
By Bryan Golden
Among other things, the holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts. The question most often asked of people is, “what did you get?” Much less frequently asked is, “what did you give?” Invariably, the inquiries concern material gifts. Purchasing a gift can certainly be thoughtful and a wonderful gesture, especially when it’s backed up by your actions.
However, the most valuable presents are those that aren’t sold in stores. When you give your love, your time, help someone in need, aid another in solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle, you give something priceless.
The true spirit of the holidays is giving. When you give, you receive. You can get anything in life you want by helping enough others get what they want. But only if you give without expecting anything in return. The impact of giving isn’t limited to just the holiday season, it’s something that has value all year.
The power of giving is often underestimated. When you give unconditionally, you don’t just impact the recipient, you start a chain reaction. By brightening the life of one person you also effect all those who they then touch.
No gesture of giving or kindness is too small. Holding the door open at a store, helping someone carry groceries to their car, letting another car in front of you, saying please and thank you, and saying hello to a stranger you pass on the sidewalk, are some of the many things you can do daily.
For family and friends, your time is one of the most precious gifts you can offer. Are you there for others when they need you? Do you offer a hand without being asked? Do you help out when asked?
Too often, people get caught up in their own desires, thus losing sight of the needs of others. A person who tries to get through life by looking out for himself of herself first is invariably frustrated. Often this person views life as a competition to determine who can accumulate more.
On the other hand, those who are concerned for the well being of others are happier, more content, and more satisfied. By giving without expecting, they in turn receive the things they need.
Giving is a simple concept that works everytime it is applied. There will be people who don’t appreciate what you do, but it doesn’t matter. You are giving without anticipating anything in return. Besides, there will be many more who are thankful for your efforts.
If you don’t treat others well, buying a gift won’t compensate for your behavior. The recipient might like what you give them but it won’t make up for your actions. You can’t bribe someone to forgive the way you treat them, with a present.
The best gift you can receive is the joy of making someone else happy. Being unselfish is a wonderful way to live. When you give with no ulterior motives, your actions are seen as genuine. Should you expect something in return, your behavior is always suspect. We all know people who do nice things only when they want something in return.
Make giving a daily routine. Don’t start and end with the holiday season. Every day is a good day to do something nice. When people feel good due to your actions, you can’t help but feel happy yourself. And that is priceless. The most significant action you can take is having a positive impact on the lives of others.
Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, author of “Dare to Live Without Limits”, and professor. E-mail Bryan at info@BryanGolden.com
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
November 29th - Members of the Van Horn Volunteer Fire Department are slated to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse.
November 30th - The Van Horn Eagle boys JV and varsity basketball teams are slated to play Ft. Stockton here tonight beginning at 6 p.m.
December 1st -
December 2nd - Attend the church of your choice.
December 3rd - Members of the 20th Century Club are scheduled to meet this evening.
December 4th - Members of the Van Horn Rotary Club are scheduled to meet today at noon at Chuy’s. The Van Horn Eagle boys and girls basketball teams, JV and varsity, are slated to play the Marfa Shorthorns here this evening beginning at 5 p.m. The Van Horn City Council is slated to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
December 5th - Nothing scheduled at press time.