National Librarian Day, April 4th, has now past but it is never too late to thank our local librarians, please do so at every opportunity! School librarians create readers and lifelong learners. They encourage curiosity and wonder in our children, nurturing their journey towards becoming discerning and accepting individuals equipped with the skills to thrive in our multifaceted society.
A friend and lifelong educator, Jaci Elliott, reminded me recently that libraries and librarians aren’t just about borrowing books. Librarians are responsible for so much more as Jaci explains in the piece she wrote for our April newsletter to share with you.
Libraries - Where We Are Free To Be Choosy by Jaci Elliott
Librarians provide databases and research help, free educational resources, librarian assistance, after school and summer programs, cultural programs, internet/computer/3-D printer/and other technologies, as well as e-books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and newspapers. All the while they train on choosing those materials that are age appropriate.
As stated, librarians are trained, experienced and wise in their subject area, and should be trusted instead of being vilified. This in no way undermines the parent’s right to request that his/her child not be forced to read a book that the parent has real concerns about, as there are already policies in place in our schools to accommodate this. But certainly, both teachers and parents want the best and the best learning environment for their children, and they should be able to have open discussions where neither feels intimidated or pressured.
The most recent local efforts to prohibit books from being purchased or from being available in our La Grange ISD libraries should demand our attention as it affects the future of our children/students. We can collectively agree that inappropriate age content for materials be addressed without reactively challenging complicated or illuminating stories from our libraries.
Thank you, Jaci, your insights as a former educator, they are much appreciated. But how can our readers stay informed? A serious debate on the topic of banned books continues to be addressed at subsequent LGISD School Board meetings and will no doubt be ongoing. If you are interested in attending as a member of the public, the La Grange ISD Board of Trustees meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm in the La Grange ISD Board Meeting Room located at 560 North Monroe, La Grange. In the event you would like to express your opinions about this important topic during the public portion of the meeting, visit the LGISD Administration Office to fill out a brief form ahead of time to secure a spot on their meeting agenda.
MEET THE CANDIDATE - La Grange Municipal Election - MAY 4TH
Verlia Mosley-Rhodes for La Grange ISD Board of Trustees, Place 6.
Dear La Grange ISD Community,
My name is Verlia Mosley-Rhodes. I am enthusiastic about introducing myself and announcing my candidacy for the upcoming La Grange ISD School Trustee, Place 6 election. As an advocate for education and community empowerment, I bring experience and a passion for ensuring every student receives an exceptional educational experience, every parent is recognized and appreciated, and the community benefits from our respected school district.
My Benford and Demerson families have deep roots in Fayette County. Though I worked as a supervisor with Motorola and retired as a production and training manager at Dell Computer, my passion for education stems from two years of experience as a correctional officer at the Giddings State School.
Based on that experience, here are a few reasons I am running for Trustee.
I, too, have raised kids to be productive members of society, build community, and hopefully find something they love.
I am dedicated to implementing LGISD policies and initiatives that create opportunities for all students to thrive.
I recognize the potential of every LGISD student and am dedicated to empowering them to reach their full potential.
I believe we are no longer a “one size fits all” society. Libraries, for example, hold a wealth of information, it is where youth who have the desire to learn about different cultures, religions, history, philosophy, and whatever is of concern to them can go to learn from age appropriate resources.
I will advocate for policies that prioritize student well-being and provide opportunities for them to become active participants in their education.
I am passionate about serving our community. LGISD selected me to mentor intermediate campus youth with special needs.
I also have served on the LGISD Advisory Board and as a One-to-One Reading Program volunteer.
I believe community involvement is essential for the success of our schools. I am committed to fostering strong partnerships between and among educators, parents, students, and community members to create a collaborative learning environment.
As a Trustee, I will be a strong voice for LGISD and our community. I ask for your vote on May 4th.
Thursday, April 18th - Democratic Neighbors Luncheon will be held same time, same place, 11:30 am at La Marina Mexican Restaurant, 1502 St Hwy 71, La Grange. Fine margaritas and Mexican food, not to mention the gang will all be there.
Saturday, April 20th, 6 pm -American Cancer Society - Relay for Life - Come out to support the FCDP, Blue Ribbon Relayers team for a relay event around the La Grange Square. In addition to the relay, the Luminaria Ceremony is a signature element of every Relay For Life event. At nightfall, these homemade paper lanterns, decorated with the names of loved ones, are lit in honor and in memory of a life touched by cancer. Donations can be made at: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY24SOR?pg=entry&fr_id=10825 by typing in our Blue Ribbon Relayers team name or a selecting “Just want to support Relay for Life”.
Saturday, May 4th - City & Local Elections - Yes, it’s time to put some time aside to vote for local candidates and issues. So, Where to Vote and When, See Table Below as voting locations may not be where you would normally go to vote.
This table is easily viewed on a tablet or laptop - For viewing on a cell phone, click the Elections Office link: https://www.co.fayette.tx.us/page/fayette.Elections to find out where to Early Vote and Election Day Voting and how to Apply for an Application
Tuesday, May 28 - The Runoff Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. This is the day after Memorial Day so it will be easy to remember. So if you voted in the Primary on March 5th, get out there and complete the job! Democratic candidate Maggie Ellis is running for Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 2, against the second place Democratic winner, Edward Smith. Good Luck to all!
(Regarding the Runoff Election, only voters who voted a Democratic ballot at the Primary will be allowed to vote in the Democratic Runoff Election on May 28th.)
Help Us Try Something New
In 2020, Democrats in Georgia leaned heavily into “relational organizing” to get people registered and out to the polls. It’s fun, easy, and effective, so we’re teaming up with a robust Austin organization, the Blue Action Democrats, to give it a try.
The ”Blue Action Network” begins with an app on your phone called “Reach”. Get started with a special-for-us online training session. Either zoom in from home or join some of us in a group zoom-together for a bit of comradery and access to technical help. Further details will be announced at a later date, so stay tuned.
We need your support and talents to support Democrats in the upcoming elections by using apps like Reach, phone banking, literature dropping, and door knocking to pitch in and help us Get Out The Vote in 2024. It’s easy to sign up to volunteer by clicking on the “Get Involved” tab on the FCDP website fayettetxdemocrats.org, fill out the website's Online Volunteer Form and click Submit. That’s all there is to it and one of our volunteers will be in touch.
RESOURCES TO USE:
Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson - Always good, daily political analysis with historical perspective from a well-respected historian and educator. heathercoxrichardson@substack.com
Civil Discourse by Joyce Vance - Former US Attorney, with daily insights and analysis about Trump and Republican legal wranglings. joycevance@substack.com
For you politics nerds interested in exploring the divide in rural America, check out the website for Rural Urban Bridge Initiative. https://ruralurbanbridge.org
Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom for their website map and check out their new podcast “Two Worlds, One Country!
COMMUNITY CORNER
New Leaf Nursery Plant Sale / April 13-14 & 20-21 / Saturdays 10-4, Sundays 12-4
9521 Shelby Road, Brenham / Come tour the home of New Leaf Nursery and shop our selection of herbs, veggies, perennials, and Texas natives!
281-660-6071 / pvlake@gmail.com
Want to Learn Spanish? / Free Classes / Smithville Public Library
Beginners - Mondays 1-3pm & 3-5pm / Fridays 10-12pm & 3-5pm
Intermediate - Thursdays 1-3pm / Advanced 3-5pm
Call: 512-575-0018
And in closing….a few MEMES FROM MY COLLECTION
Your reading enjoyment of this newsletter is important to me and I hope you do. And if so, please “like” it by clicking on the heart at the bottom or the top of the newsletter. Also, the “Comments” section is a welcome place to chime in with your thoughts, too.
Visit our website at: https://www.fayettetxdemocrats.org/
Sigue la lucha y hasta luego! - Annette
Well done. Great newsletter. Thanks.