Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighters & Prairie View Police Brightens Kids Christmas

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Happy Kwanzaa were the key words used throughout the week. Christmas 2012 is almost history. All of the gifts have been opened, the kids with the new toys and the grown-ups with their iPods, Androids, iPhone 5 and Wii-Ws. We trust you had a great time and that you shared the Christmas spirit with the less fortunate.

The City of Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighters & Prairie View Police made Christmas a little brighter for more than fifty families in the Waller County area with their Annual Food & Toy gifts, their biggest event of the year. Toys were provided to kids 0-17 years of age. The organizing committee, led by Marian Elaine Jackson, expresses its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the 2013 drive. It’s now back to the drawing board for 2014.

The Men of St. Francis hosted its final Men’s Pray Breakfast for 2014 and what a joyous time it was. Some twelve ministers representing area churches participated in the event. Reverend Fred Thomas led the Men’s Chorus from Great St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church with songs to ring in the Christmas season. Following the program, some sixty families were treated to Christmas Food Baskets, provided in part Mr. Donald Sowell and others. The next men’s Prayer Breakfast is set for January 18, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.

Today, Thursday, December 26 marks the first day of the Kwanzaa Celebration (December 26 - January 1), a time when African Americans and others of African descent celebrate and reflect on the spirit and achievements of their ancestors. In the spirit of celebration, Kwanzaa, Swahili for first fruits of the harvest, was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as a unique celebration of unity. It is a celebration based on seven principles, called the Nguzo Saba. The principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamma (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa also incorporates the symbols Mazoo (fruits), Mkeka (place-mat), Kinara (candle-holder), Vibunzi (ears of corn), Zawali (gifts), Kikombe cha umoja (a communal cup of unity), and Mishumaa saba (seven candles). We invite you to take time and celebrate this joyous occasion with your families and friends.

Wednesday is January 1, 2014, a new year and a new beginning with many opportunities to do those things we wanted to and didn't.

Your prayers and encouragement are welcomed for the health and well-being of Esel Bell, Ernestine Carreathers, Irene Davis, Cheryl Edmond, Thetis Edmond, B. J. Freeman, Lula Kinney, David Kirkpatrick, James Poindexter, Irene Reid, Willie Smith, Mary Ann Stubblefield, March Tramble, Ella Weaver, Theola Woods and Douglas Woolfolk.

Happy December Birthdays: Trivia Cyrus (23), Minnie Cyrus (23), Ula Richard (23), Lillian Manual (24), Nicole D. Berry (25), Marcus Williams (25), Darius Walker(25), Coach Barbara Jacket (26), Dalton McWhinney (27), Sarah Williams (Birthday 27), Jocelyn Whiting (29), Johnie Walker (29), Beatrice Sowell (29), Michael Sowell (30) and Lillian Bernard (31). HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Maurice & Arlicia Perkins (25), Leon & Elizabeth Martin (22), Robert & Sarah Williams (27), Everett & Becky Fredholm (28), George and Carolyn Brown (28). HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: Felecia Bell (1), Willie J. Bell, III (1), Helen Boyer (2), Donald Sowell (6), and Irene Reid (7).

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: Prairie View A&M University closed out another year with the traditional Christmas celebration or the faculty and staff, hosted by President George C. and Valerie Wright. From all account everyone had a great time and is looking forward to returning to work on January 2, 2014. New Student Orientation is set for Monday, January 6 in the new year. Classes begin on January 13, 2014.

This is officially the last column for 2013 and as you prepare for the New Year, some of you will probably make some resolutions that you are bound to keep, at least for a while. [sic]. Here are few suggestions to help you on your journey for personal and professional achievement in 2014. These 10 Traits for Success from IBD have been very helpful over the years and I offer them to you: (1) How you think is everything - always be positive. Think success, not failure. Avoid the negative environment. (2) Decide upon your true dreams and goals - write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them. (3) Take action - a goal is nothing without action. Don't be afraid to get started. Just do it. (4) Never stop learning: go back to school or read books. (5) Be persistent and work hard - success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up. (6) Learn to analyze details - get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes (7). Focus your time and money - don't let other people or things distract you. (8) Don't be afraid to innovate; be different - following the herd is a way to mediocrity. (9) Deal and communicate with people effectively - no man is an island. (10) be honest and dependable and take responsibility - otherwise, numbers 1-9 won't matter.

Until next week, have a Happy and Prosperous New Year. My sincere thanks to all of you for allowing me to share your stories in Prairie View Today for another year. Thanks also to staff of the Waller County News Citizen for is continued support of the column. Keep the news and achievements coming to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com or P. O. Box 2906, Prairie View, TX 77446.