The Post Newspaper. Your Community News

01/15/2025

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Transparency and accountability are the foundation of good governance. This session, I’ve filed bills to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, enhance public access to government spending, and protect ethical standards in public office.

I’m proud to lead efforts that put Texans first and politics second.

01/15/2025

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Take an in-depth look at a Texas treasure! The Battleship Texas Foundation will be at Moore Memorial Public Library tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 15) at 1 p.m. to share the rich and fascinating history of the Battleship USS Texas—one of the most iconic ships in naval history.

Join us for a journey through history. Explore rare artifacts, hear incredible stories, and discover the legacy of this national treasure.

Admission to the program is free. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with history!

01/15/2025

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01/14/2025

Welcome Into ArtWalk

By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Ed

Galveston’s art district jumped into the new year with its first ArtWalk on Saturday. Despite the chilly weather, attendees and artists were out and about enjoying an evening of art.

There has been an expansion in the schedule of Galveston’s ArtWalks that allows for more evenings of art and socializing with artists, musicians and friends. As of January 2025, Galveston will hold ArtWalk every month on the second Saturday.

The voice of Lillie Parish-Little greeted guests Saturday as they climbed the stairs to the Nia Cultural Center where the work of Black American artists was and will continue to be featured. Lillie serves as the greater for ArtWalk evenings, and she also volunteers at the 1894 Grand Opera House by greeting people.

“I’m a people person. I’m outgoing, and that’s my gift as a volunteer,” Lillie explained.

Born in Galveston, Lillie is a 1968 graduate of Ball High School, and she remembers voting for Jimmy Carter back in 1976.

“Jimmy Carter was the first president I voted for after high school,” Lillie expressed.

President Carter served as President of the United States from January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981. His life spanned an entire century. Born October 21st, 1924, he died on December 29, 2024.

Via live broadcast, as did many other Americans, Lillie spent the past week attending ceremonies that honored President Carter after his death.

Not only is Lillie's the first voice you will hear when you enter Nia Cultural Center during ArtWalk, her sweet voice will be the one to bid you farewell and wish you a safe and pleasant rest of your evening.

Honoring African American ancestral heritage was on the agenda for the center’s participation in the inaugural ArtWalk of 2025. Lawanda Hardeman Ward shared a brief history lesson at the center.

Following Lawanda's presentation, attendees and artists were led outside. Under the velvety, dark sky, the guests gathered around the Texas Historical Commission marker that commemorates Juneteenth.

Galveston musician, Curtis Gillins provided a live percussion performance and engaged the attendees in playing and learning more about the percussion instruments that have long been part of African culture and continue to bring musical joy to people today.

The January 2025 ArtWalk, an evening of art and artists, of meeting people and sipping — water for me, but wine was available — was a blissful experience after a week of staying inside on account of the winter weather that brought below-normal temperatures to the region.

01/14/2025

Meet The Artists

By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Editor

Nia Cultural Center on the Strand in Galveston is a brightly lit art gallery where you will find a positive environment in which to enjoy art created by Black artists and art that highlights the history of Black people in America.

Six artists had their artwork on display at the center Saturday evening during the first ArtWalk of 2025 and their work will continue to be on display throughout January.

The only male artist whose work is displayed at the center this month is that of Vernon Simmons of Houston.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years.

“The U.S. military broadened my horizons," Vernon said. "I learned that it takes all kinds of people to make this world go around.”

He grew up in Houston and had not never ventured outside of Texas until he joined the Air Force in 1972. His time serving our country took him to Turkey, Korea and Japan, along with some duty stations in the United States.

He reported that upon his discharge from the Air Force, friends encouraged him to finish his bachelor’s degree in art at Texas Southern University. He had started his degree but left it to join the military.

Reyna Nicole is another artist participating in the center's 2025 gallery. On Saturday, she delighted visitors to the event with her work. She was a 2021 featured artist in The Post Newspaper. Reyna continues with her beautiful smile to create commissioned work, along with works that express her artistic vision.

She has moved off the island and now resides in La Marque, and she has added to her family. Her husband Marcus and their very young son, Blake were both with her for her showing at ArtWalk.

Pamela J Ward was a third artist showing her work at ArtWalk. She is a Dallas-area artist who focuses her work on the human face.

“I’m impressed by people, and I like to embrace the differences in people’s faces,” Pamala said.

She creates pencil drawings or graphite paintings. She explained that graphite painting is done with shaved graphite that is painted on with a paint brush. Looking closely at her work, you can notice the subtle difference between the two techniques.

Houston artist and former art teacher, Elizabeth Montgomery-Shelton also contributed to the night’s ArtWalk with her sculptured masks.

Her public art showings date back to the early 1970s.

She is a 1970 graduate of Texas Southern University and though she has earned a quiet retirement after 35 years of teaching and creating art, Elizabeth continues to share her work with the world.

“I keep doing it to keep my mind from worldly things," Elizabeth said." It brings peace and joy to me."

She also continues to create art because she hopes her work will bring peace and joy to others.

A Texas City High School graduate of 2009, ArtWalk participant Amber Donald creates pieces that have a positive vibe. In many of her pieces, she includes an inspirational message. Her paintings have a youthful feeling that aligns well with her goals.

“The generation behind us needs encouragement from the older generations,” Amber said.

She aspires to be a teacher in the future. For now she is a full-time artist who crafts colorful, upbeat art with a young audience in mind.

Also on display at the center is a collection of photographs by Sarah Bird. The collection features Black American cowboys and will be on display through March 8. Her collection at the gallery according to Sam Collins is sponsored by Sheridin Lorenz.

Beyond hosting art in a gallery space, Nia Cultural Center is an organization that honors, celebrates and empowers the brilliance of the Black community’s legacy of excellence and joy in the past, the present and the future. This mission is carried out through numerous community events and through educational programs.

The center was founded in 1992 by Sue Johnson, who continues to serve as executive director.

If you would like to learn more about Nia Cultural Center, you can do so at https://niacultural.org/

01/14/2025

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Excited to present our first of 8 United Way donations! Texas First had another record-setting year in our 2025 annual drive – pledging over $130,000 to the 8 United Way agencies around our service areas.

A huge THANK YOU to our awesome employees for making a positive impact on those around them – both in the bank taking care of our customers’ financial needs and outside the bank supporting our communities with their generous giving!

01/14/2025

Colder weather likely to return next week per the US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas. Ensure you and your family are prepared for possible freezing conditions. For tips on how to prepare your property for cold weather, visit GCOEM.org

01/13/2025

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Have you purchased your Gala tickets?

We invite you to join the Texas City-La Marque Chamber for our remarkable Du Bon Temps Gala, where we celebrate a year of growth and partnership.

This event will feature exquisite decor, delectable cuisine, and lively entertainment.

We will honor outstanding individuals and businesses in categories such as Large Business, Small Business, Citizen of the Year, and the Jimmy Hayley Community Service Award.

This is an excellent opportunity to network and reflect on our collective achievements. Purchase your tickets Today! https://directory.tclmchamber.com/events/details/chamber-annual-membership-gala-2025-4795

01/13/2025

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🚍 Welcome to the Team, Ernest Nelson! 🎉

Please join us in welcoming Ernest Nelson as TCISD's new Director of Transportation! With 26 years of experience in the transportation industry at North Forest ISD, New Caney ISD and Huffman ISD, Ernest brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure our students travel safely and efficiently. His roles have included Risk Management & Safety Specialist, Assistant Director of Transportation Operations and Director of Transportation.

Welcome to TCISD! 🚦🚌

01/13/2025

Heavenly Father,
Creator of all things, protector of life, and source of comfort in times of distress, we come before You in prayer for the people of California and all who are affected by the devastating wildfires.

We ask You, Lord, to stretch Your hand over the flames and bring them under control. Protect those who are in harm’s way—families, communities, and wildlife—granting them safety and shelter from destruction. May those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, or loved ones find strength and solace in Your unfailing love.

We lift up to You the brave men and women who risk their lives to fight these fires: firefighters, first responders, and emergency workers. Bless them with courage, wisdom, and endurance in their mission to save lives and protect property. Surround them with Your angels, keeping them safe as they work tirelessly in dangerous conditions.

We pray also for the community leaders, decision-makers, and all who are coordinating relief efforts. Grant them clarity of mind, compassion, and the resources needed to help those in need.

Lord, we entrust to Your care the land itself, scorched and wounded by the flames. May it be restored to new life and vitality in time. We ask for rain, O Lord, to fall gently upon the earth and quench the fires without causing harm.

Mother Mary, our Blessed Mother, we turn to you in this time of trial. Intercede for the people of California, that they may know the peace and comfort of your Son, Jesus Christ. Guide their hearts toward hope, healing, and renewal.

Heavenly Father, we place our trust in Your divine will. May Your mercy and love shine through even in the darkest of times.

We ask all this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

❗️UPDATED WITH NEW DATE FOR THE RESCHEDULED MEETING
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The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants to states, counties and cities (including Texas City) to help provide housing and a suitable living environment and to expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income people.

You can help recommend grant applications for Texas City's CDBG funding, monitor the progress of all funded programs and make recommendations regarding the implementation of the CDBG funded programs by being part of our CDBG Citizen Advisory Committee.

Join us for the Committee's annual organizational meeting on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex to elect 2025 officers. This meeting is free and open to all.

For more information, including language or disability accommodations, contact the City of Texas City, TX Department of Community Development at [email protected] or (409) 643-5730.