The PVAMU Panthers have a lot to be Thankful

Today, November 26, Americans at home and abroad are celebrating Thanksgiving 2009 with family and friends to reflect on the many blessings they have received over the years. On the other hand, others are waiting patiently for the doors of their favorite stores to open to do the bargain Christmas shopping. However we celebrate it is a time for a reflection. History has it that the first Thanksgiving was proclaimed by President George Washington on November 26, 1789 as a day of gratitude for the adoption of the Constitution. In this season of national thankfulness, take time and express appreciation for a way of life that, despite all of its faults, has given the U.S. the best the world can devise. Our economy is experiencing bad times but despite it all, we have much to be thankful . . . Hope is on the horizon! Happy Thanksgiving!

The PVAMU Panther Football team has much be thankful as it closed out its season undefeated in SWAC Play (8-0), the ‘winningest’ one since 1964. The panthers routed the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Golden Lions 49-17 on November 21 at Blackshear Stadium. The Marching Storm paid tribute to the late Prof Edwards during the half-time. On December 12 the Panthers take on the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M University for the SWAC Championship in Birmingham’s Legion Field. Congratulations to Coach Henry Frazier, the players and staff. Don’t forget to vote for Coach Henry Frazier, III for the Liberty Mutual NCAA Coach of the year at http://www.coachoftheyear.com/Vote-for-Your-Coach.aspx

This Thanksgiving Sunday is Youth Sunday at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, where the young people lead the service with the readings. The church’s community Bell Troupe will provide music, while Reverend Bobbie Knowles of Austin will celebrate the Eucharist. The public is invited for the service at 10:00 am at the church on 204 Dooley Street. The public is also invited to the Friday Night Bible Study at 6:30 pm. Come and enjoy the fellowship, food and the word. For information call 936-857-3272.

The City of Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighters & Prairie View Police are preparing for the Annual Food & Toy Drive, their dearest and biggest event of the year. Food items, cash donations, gift cards and toys for kids 0 to 17 years of age, may be dropped off at the Prairie View Police Station and City Hall. Donations are accepted through December 19, 2009. If you know a family in need please contact city hall @ 936-857-3711, the police station 936-3521 or Elaine Jackson @ 936-857-5550. Let’s remember those in need during this time of year.

Congratulations to the members of First United Methodist Church on its 38th anniversary. The milestone celebration on Dec. 22 featured Bishop Dr. Thomas Wallace, Senior Pastor and Founder of New Oasis Faith in Houston. Members unveiled a portrait of the seven ministers in the church’s history. Host Earline Leverett specially recognized Rev. Perry Joy Jackson, the first and woman minister of the church. Past ministers attending were Reverends Robert E. McGee, Darnell Walker and Kalumba Kilumba. Reverend Wilmer Bonner, current pastor thanked the Prairie View A&M University Concert Chorale for providing the service music along with the Wesley Foundation Praise Dancers. The women’s auxiliary along with Chef James Johnson, provided a sumptuous meal for the occasion.

The First United Methodist Church invites the community to attend its Annual Christmas Cantata on December 10 at the church on Owens Road in Prairie View at 7:00 pm. The St. Francis of Assisi Community Bell Troupe is a featured performer for the 3rd year. Maestro Lucius R. Wyatt is the director; accompanists are Mrs. Ann Marquis of St. Katherine Drexel Church, pianist and Dr. Danny Kelley, Dean of Arts and Sciences at PVAMU, organist, with Mrs. Christine Wyatt as the coordinator. The public is invited to the free concert.

Please continue praying for Dr. Martha Bailey, Mrs. Esel and Mr. Willie J. Bell, Sr., Mr. Calan Carter, Mrs. Ernestine Carreathers, Mrs. Nellie Charleston, Mr. Dwayne Charleston, Mr. Hulen Davis, Sr., Mrs. Irene Davis, Dr. B. J. Freeman, Mrs. Mardell Harden and Family, Mrs. Mary Kemp, Dr. David Kirkpatrick, Ms. Betty Miles, Sr., Mrs. Irene Reid, Mrs. Ann Sams and Mrs. Douglas Woolfolk.

A View from the Hill: The staff of the Johnson Phillip All Faith Chapel and student organizations at PVAMU will host its 2009 “Gift for Tots” on Dec. 5 at 10:00 am. All children (toddlers to 8 years of age) are invited to come out and receive a Christmas gift. They are also accepting unwrapped gifts for the program. For information contact Ms. Lewis at 936-261-3591.

The Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team at PVAMU hosted a successful Campbell Soup Let’s Can Hunger Campaign with members of Mount Corinth Baptist Church’s “Meet the Need Center.” On Nov. 21 more than 100 pounds of non perishable items were presented to several needy families. The team also hosted its Business Ethics/Intellectual Property seminar on Nov. 19 with Dr. Halcyon Watkins, a veterinarian, Mr. Malcolm Copeland and yours truly Frederick V. Roberts on the panel. The team closes out the semester with its Freshman Financial Literacy Project the end of the year member recognition. Fields-Cooper is SIFE’s president. For SIFE’s information, call 936-261-3579 or log onto: www.sife.org.

November Birthday Congratulations to: Purvis Carter (22), Samuel Montgomery (23), Priscilla Yell (23),James Jacob Boyer (26), Irma Kendrick (26) and Charles McClelland (26), Xavier Kilpatrick (27), Alonzo Watson, Jr. (27), Chandra Adams (28), Evelyn Jones (29) and Edward Martin (29). DECEMBER BIRTHDAY WISHES to: Justin Samuel (1), Esel Bell (1), Valeria Nickerson (1), Lewis Smith (1), Sarah Williams (1), Linda Barrs (2), Betty Ricks (2), Robert Woodie McClennon (2), Jessica D. Berry (8) and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Hubert & Vivian Smith (Dec. 1).

ON A CULTURAL NOTE, I am sure you knew that on November 11, 1966 - Dr. Alvin I. Thomas is named the 3rd president of Prairie View A&M University; 11/27/80 - KPVU FM 91.3 began broadcasting to the surrounding community; 11/28/61 Ernie Davis of Syracuse University becomes the first Black to win the Heisman Trophy; 11/29/89 - Colonel Frederick D. Gregory becomes the first Black Commander of a space shuttle mission on the Discovery; On December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks' defiance of the Montgomery Bus Line to ride in the front of the bus sparked a 382-day bus boycott and started a movement; 12/2/75 Archie Griffin of Ohio State University becomes the first athlete to win the Heisman Trophy twice; 12/2/89 Andre' Ware of the University of Houston becomes the first African American quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy; 12/3/1847 Frederick Douglas and Martin Delany publishes the North Star Newspaper, an abolitionist newspaper; 12/4/1906 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the first collegiate fraternity for Black men, founded at Cornell University.

Until next week, be thankful for what we have, because nothing can be brighter than one moment with family and friends. Remember, you can change your future with a change in your attitude. Keep the news, happenings and achievements coming to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com, fax 936-857-5352 or call 936-857-3272.