St. Francis of Assisi to host Vacation Bible School and Annual Arts/Hand Bell Camp

The 5th Annual Vacation Bible School and 9th Annual Arts/Hand Bell Camp kicked off to a great start on Monday, July 28 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View. The program, cosponsored by the First United Methodist Church in Prairie View and supported by several other area churches, stayed true to its theme: “God’s Creation” with some twenty-four kids in pre-K to 9th grades participating in the opening session conducted by Mrs. Christine Wyatt, followed by daily devotionals with area ministers.

Then it was off to Parish Hall for the Jungle Safari of games, crafts and lessons all biblical based. Ms. Marcia Sadberry of Houston provided guitar lessons along with the Community Bell Troupe training conducted by Dr. Vicki Seldon, music professor at PVAMU. Lunch was provided for the campers by the ladies of the Episcopal Church Women and ladies of the First United Methodist of Prairie View and Bethlehem United Methodist of Hempstead. The program concludes on Friday, August 1 at 5:15 p.m. with the awards program. Mrs. Madolyn Reed is the coordinator and the Reverend Dr. Cynthia Engle is the Rector.

The Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association’s 40th National Convention is now history. The Prairie View A&M Houston Alumni Chapter rolled out the purple carpet for the more than 400 alumni and friends at the event held at the Westin Memorial City Hotel on July 23-27. The conventioneers were treated to several workshops, seminars and receptions, and the opportunity to learn about the changes at PVAMU. Various vendors and partners were also present for the four-day event. Representatives from the city included Redessa Coleman, Frederick Roberts and Herbert Thomas Mayor Pro-Tem and President of the Economic 4B Corporation, who conducted a forum on doing business in Prairie View. Information was provided on future development plans, zoning and tax abatement opportunities for potential businesses in the city.

Highlights of the convention were the Health and Wellness Fear sponsored the PVAMU Alumni Nurses Association, the Athletics presentation and the Prairie View A&M Foundation forum. The foundation was the beneficiary of some $140K in donation for the new football stadium, including the $100K check presentation by Mr. George E. Higgs on behalf the Prairie View Athletic Club and $21K from Colonel Ernest Vassar Martin on behalf of his daughters and health provider. By the way the association awarded Colonel Martin with its Lifetime Legacy Award in addition to singing the Happy Birthday commemorating his 90th birthday. Kudos to the 2014 Convention Chair Lashonda Williams and her team for a successful event. Plans are underway for the 41st anniversary convention and family reunion to be held in Los Angeles, California in mid July 2015. For information visit: www.pvualumni.org or call 936-857-5817. Carl Young of Atlanta is the president of the National Alumni Association.

On the subject of family reunions, the Birdsong Family from Florida to Pennsylvania descended on Prairie View on July 24-27 at the home of Christine and Lucius R. Wyatt for their 2014 Reunion. According to Christine, the Birdsong’s Matriarch and host, everyone had a great time in the city and Houston area venues. The family feasted and dined on the sumptuous meals provided by Christine, Jackie’s Bar-B-Que and Restaurant Chefs. In addition to the fun and games at the Wyatt’s residence, the family spent in Houston and closed out the weekend with services at the First United Methodist Church in Prairie View.

The Prairie View Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly meeting on July 31 at 6:00 p.m. at the George E. Higgs Building on University Drive in Prairie View. All members and area business potential members are invited to attend. Mr. George E. Higgs is president.

The old popular tune “People Get Ready” is the rallying cry for the 2nd Annual Brims and Crowns Extravaganza sponsored by the members of the First United Methodist Church on August 16 at the Waller Baptist Church, 2520 Cherry Street at Patrick in Waller. The event, which runs 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The word on the street is that the planners hope to top last year’s program with performances from the Voice of Distinction, a Jazz Quartet, Praise Dancers and a motivational message from Ms. Phyllis Spates of Hempstead. Donation for the event is $20, which will support programs at the church. For information, call 936-857-3584.

The ‘Red Hot Summer’s Night in August’ and the 8th Annual Red & White Fireman’s Ball is set for August 23, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Willie A. Tempton, Sr. Memorial Student Ballroom at Prairie View A&M University are inviting members of the community to sponsor items for its silent auction and purchase tickets and ads for the public event. Supporters are invited to Proceeds will support equipment and operations. For information, contact: Belinda Lewis at lewisbelinda@hotmail.com.

Your prayers and encouragement are welcomed for Ernestine Carreathers, Nellie Charleston, Irene Davis, B. J. Freeman, Mae Helen James, David Kirkpatrick, Irene Reid, Willie Smith, Mary Ann Stubblefield, Theola Woods and Douglas Woolfolk. May God’s peace be with you!

HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY TO: Ashlee Davies (29), Debra Dungey (29), Waymon Webster (29), Mary S. Hawkins (30), Mary White (30), Robert Hall (31) and Tommy Washington (31). HAPPY JULY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO: Rick and Gloria Richardson (31).

HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY TO: George E. Brown (1), Harold Bonner (1), Gwendolyn Grossman (1), Mae Helen James (2), Cathy Harris (3), Barak Obama (4), Paula Garrett Sandles (7), Marie Herndon (7), Timothy Anderson (8), Debra Berry (8), Flossie Byrd (8), Lolita Jackson (8), Billy Jordan (8), Gloria Richardson (8), Dora Lawson Smith (8), Joshua Turner (8), Leon Gillian (9), Troy Hubert (9), Marie Lewis (9), Justin Linton (9)Lauretta Burke (10), Blessing Ezeoka (10), Gwendolyn Jeffery (10), Vanessa Jackson (11), Jabreel Walker (11), Stephon Nathaniel Martin, Jr. (13), Ridge Fields-Cooper (15), LaKethia Harrison (15), Danny Kelly (14) and Shadia Washington (17) HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO: Henry & Nicole Rose (4) and Don & Beatrice Sowell (18). HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO: Henry & Nicole Rose (4) and Don & Beatrice Sowell (18).

THE VIEW FROM THE HILL: The 2014 Summer Commencement at Prairie View A&M University is set for August 9, 2014 in the Billy Nicks Building at 9 a.m. Dr. Munir Quddus is the Associate Provost for the Northwest Houston Center (NWHC) and the dean of the College of Business is the speaker. More than 500 students are expected to receive diplomas. Among this year’s class of PhD’s will be Lisa Johnson.

Prairie View A&M University Summer Lake Nights Music Series concludes tonight, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. with Marcus Ardon and the Zydeko Legend Band. The Free concert series is sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement. For information on other programs call 936-261-1340.

Until next week, in the words of Nelson Mandela, "After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb, and I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities and commitment." Keep the news, achievements and recognitions coming to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com or Prairie View Today, P.O. Box 2906, Prairie View, TX 77446.