Info from Flatonia ISD - Sal Vega

Below is a sample of the Bulldog Pen that can be found on the Flatonia ISD website.  The Bulldog Pen is designed to give the community timely information about the new gym/band hall and other FISD news.  Simply log on to the Flatonia ISD website, click on Bulldog Life, find Bulldog Pen on the menu bar and click on Bulldog Pen.

Community members may also click on the Ask The Supt blog on the main website for a question and answer session.

Bulldog Pen#2
S.Vega
Superintendent
Dec. 19, 2011

I attended the elementary and secondary Christmas programs last Thursday.  Once again I walked away filled with the Christmas spirit and in awe of our students' musical ability.

The elementary kids were their typical happy, cute selves.  Additionally, I'm always amazed with the instrumental song quality expressed by all the Bulldog Band members.  I know that the community members in attendance were as impressed with the musical proficiency and talent as I.  Congratulations to Mr. Beeson and all the band students.  Instead of Mr. Holland"s Opus, it could easily become Mr. Beeson's Opus.

On another note......every time the Texas Legislature opens a new session (every two years), all Texas Superintendents hold their collective breath.  We simply don't know what law they will pass that will affect our schools' future.  The last Legislative session was no different.  They passed into law huge cuts in education funding that totaled about $5 billion. 

This current school year, Flatonia ISD cut $250,000 and is scheduled to cut another $420,000 for the 2012-13 school year.  Any time the state asks us to cut $670,000(over two years) from our small budget, it will definitely affect the way we do business.

The truth of the matter is that typically, 80-85% of the total Texas school districts' budget is in employee salaries and benefits.  School districts have responded to the mandatory budget cuts in many different ways.  Some have opted for a RIF(reduction in force), cutting teaching positions, cutting full day PK to half day for only those PK students that qualify, cutting other instructional programs and reducing various teaching/coaching stipends. 

The Board of Education and I are committed to taking on this budget challenge in a way that is least disruptive for all involved while keeping the instructional priorities in place.  So, at the Dec. 12th Board meeting, I brought forth (for discussion only) a voluntary early resignation/retirement incentive.  The discussion centered around paying 10% of the employee's state base pay and $50 per accumulated sick leave (30 days max).  The idea is to give those that are considering leaving the district an extra incentive for notifying FISD early. This is a VOLUNTARY option and a personal choice.  In no way should this be interpreted as the the Board or I "forcing" employees out.

There were several school districts that were very successful in making the necessary budget cuts without upsetting the proverbial apple cart.

At the January, 2012 Board meeting, I plan to bring an early notification incentive recommendation for the Board's consideration.

A meeting has been set for January 5, 2012 @ 3:55 pm in the War Room. All employees(retiring age or not) are invited and encouraged to attend.

Looking forward to a prosperous New Year!

--

S.Vega
Superintendent Flatonia ISD

A TEA Recognized School District
361-865-2941 x511
361-865-2945 fax
"Preparing Great Students and Great People for the Future"

Flatonia Jr.-Sr High

TEA Recognized 2008-09, 2010-11

Flatonia Elementary
TEA Exemplary 2009-10, 2010-11

This Weekend! Christmas in Flatonia and Santa coming to Town

SANTA CLAUS 

IS 

COMING

TO FLATONIA!

Thurs. Dec. 1^st, 2011

The Lighting of Christmas Village

Santa will arrive at the Christmas Village at 6:00pm,

then will see children at the gazebo until 7:00pm.

Christmas Music by the Flatonia Bulldog Band at the village.

Sat., Dec. 10^th, 2011

Christmas in Flatonia

Santa will arrive at the Flatonia Civic Center 
at 10:00am until 12 noon.  

Photos available for $5.00 @ Christmas Market
Arts & Crafts 9:00am to 4:00pm

Cookie & Candy Carnival – 9:00am to ?

Fill a container with goodies and pay by the pound

Wonderful Winter Wine Walk - 5pm – 9pm
Door Prize Drawings at 9:15pm

Sample 16 different Wines 
from the Pleasant Hill and Rosemary Wineries

At the businesses of:

Angelina’s Pizza & Bakery

Barbara’s Flower World

Brenda’s Celebration Destination

Carol Littlefield Properties

Don Mikulenka Custom Builder

Floy Farm Interiors & Gifts

Headlines-Full Service Salon

Lisa’s Hair Salon

Lucky Find Antiques

Lyric Theatre

Main Street Pharmacy

Mica Lumber Company

Rhinestone Angel

The Outhouse Company

Trophy Tech & Gifts

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce

Vote for Flatonia VFD!!! Texas Volunteer Fire Department Nominations Sought

During a season marked by giving, KSA wants to extend a helping hand to our volunteer fire departments that have been put to the test this year. During the holidays, we will be donating $1,000 to 5 departments across the great state of Texas.

Between October 31 and November 24, 2011, we would like to encourage you vote for a volunteer fire department you would like to see receive a donation. You can vote once per day for the nominated departments. Awarded departments will be announced December 12.

Vote here!  http://www.ksaeng.com/vfd_nom.html 

Press Release: Flatonia's City Wide Thanksgiving Program To Be Hosted By Saint Paul A.M.E. Church

     Flatonia's City Wide Thanksgiving Program To Be Hosted By Saint Paul A.M.E. Church

   

St. Paul A.M.E Church in Flatonia with Rev. Andrea Brooks as the pastor, was offered the opportunity to serve as the Host Church for the City Wide Thanksgiving Program for this year.  With this honor, St. Paul issues a warm invitation to all churches, pastors, members, and members of the community, to come and celebrate this occasion with us.  The service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2011.  Rev. Tim Rowell of Flatonia Baptist Church will bring the message for this service.  

Each and every church in and around Flatonia is cordially invited to have their church represented at this service of giving thanks to God for his loving care of us throughout this and all seasons.  Come and bring your entire family.  Come and represent your church, your business, your organization, and indeed the entire Flatonia Community. 

The City Wide Choir is currently practicing at Flatonia Baptist Church in preparation for this service and all those that will, are being asked to come and blend in their voices with others from the community to make this a very awesome event.  The City Wide Choir is a very powerful singing group.  You will not want to miss hearing them! 

Pastor Brooks and each and every member  of St. Paul A.M.E. Church extend our prayers to the community as we come together to serve and worship.  We also wish to take this opportunity to thank the Flatonia Ministerial Alliance for serving the needs of the community in the manner that they do.  Please remember that the entire offering during this Blessed Thanksgiving Service goes completely to the Ministerial Alliance Fund.  This fund acts as Flatonia's Community Benevolent Fund.  

    
For more information, contact:
St. Paul AME Church
512 East 12th Street | Flatonia, TX 78941
(361) 865-2110 ‎

Save the Date! Christmas Market, Cookie-Candy Carnival, Santa & the Wonderful Winter Wine Walk

Saturday, dec. 10^th, 2011

CHRISTMAS IN FLATONIA

Presented by The Flatonia Chamber of Commerce

208 E. N. Main st. | Flatonia, TX  361-865-3920

indoor shopping, eating & VISITING

at the CIVIC CENTER - downtown

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

CHRISTMAS MARKET: Shop in the Civic Center for Arts & Crafts

9:00 am – until Gone

COOKIE & CANDY CARNIVAL:  Fill a container with Goodies & pay by the pound

10:00 am – 12:00 Noon

SANTA & MRS. CLAUS:  Talk to and Take Photos with the North Pole Visitors

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm 
WONDERFUL WINTER WINE WALK:  Purchase a Wine Glass for $15.00 the Day Of from C & M Liquor Store (505 E. IH 10 Frontage Rd) or Pre-Sale from The Chamber Office beginning December 1^st.  Wine Tasting, Music & Shopping at Several Flatonia Merchant Locations.   

Last Stop: Civic Center for Door Prize Drawings at 9:15.  
Featured Wines: Pleasant Hill & Rosemary Wineries.

PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS:  Angelina’s Pizza & Bakery, Brenda’s Celebration Destination, Carol Littlefield Properties, Don Mikulenka Custom Builder, Floy Farm Interiors & Gifts, Headlines–Full Service Salon,  Lisa’s Hair Salon, Lucky Find Antiques, Lyric Theatre, Main Street Pharmacy, Rhinestone Angel, The Outhouse Company, Trophy Tech & Gifts, Flatonia Chamber of Commerce.

  

(Music of Mike Stroup & the Acoustic Cracker Jacks will be playing between Lucky Find Antiques & the Lyric Theatre from 6pm to 8pm, and then at Brenda’s Celebration Destination from 8:30pm til ?)

Grand Opening of Angelina's Pizza & Bakery (Nov. 4)

Come out and welcome Flatonia's newest business - Angelina's Pizza and Bakery on East North Main Street!  (map: http://g.co/maps/ewzmw)

Flatonia ISD Public Auction November 12th

Flatonia ISD Public Auction

Flatonia ISD will be hosting a surplus sale on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. at the Carl Smith Pavilion located at Flatonia ISD, 400 E. 4^th Street.  Preview of the auction items will be Friday, November 11^th at 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Carl Smith Pavilion.

The district has hundreds of items for sale, including chairs, student desks, office desks, cabinets, tables, equipment, machinery and many more items.   Most items are in working condition.  The auction will be a silent auction and items will be sold to the highest bidder on a CASH BASIS ONLY.  The bids will close at 1:00 p.m. 

Public agencies are required by law to sell their surplus equipment to the public before discarding it.  All proceeds from the sale will go to the District’s General Fund.

“Czeching” in at Czhilispiel 39 Will Bring More than Just Chili

For Immediate Release

“Czeching” in at Czhilispiel 39 Will Bring More than Just Chili

Barbecue, Texas music, and much more on the menu at this year’s festival

Flatonia, TX – October 14, 2011 – Flatonia, Texas is preparing for thousands of visitors to flock to their town for  Czhilispiel, its annual festival, set for the weekend of October 28, 29, and 30, 2011, in downtown Flatonia.

Czhilispiel hosts one of the largest chili cook-offs in Texas sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International, along with barbecue competitions for brisket, ribs, chicken, and beans, and a jackpot margarita contest.  Teams come in from all over the state to compete at Czhilispiel. 

Festival gates open Friday night with live music, carnival rides, and the arts and crafts market.  Cook-off teams get their smokers smokin’ and prepare for a night and early morning of cooking.  Saturday morning kicks off early with the Lions’ Club pie auction, and the cook-off judging begins and last through the late afternoon.  Saturday will also introduce the finalists of “Czhilispiel Idle,” a singing competition with try-outs held every Thursday at Flatonia “hot-spot” Brenda’s until the week of the festival.  Tons of other activities are held throughout the day along with fantastic music.  The annual Czhilispiel parade starts Sunday, with more live music and fun and games rounding out the weekend. 

Czhilispiel’s main stage is housed in a huge tented biergarten and dancehall along Flatonia’s North Main Street.  Opening night features San Marcos’ Ross Brunner Band, and Flatonia’s Broke 60.  Saturday’s lineup starts with polka from the Dujka Brothers, followed by oldies from The Original Triumphs.  Chart-topping headline entertainment opens with Brandon Rhyder, and the evening will close with Wade Bowen, who will keep the party going until 1 a.m.  Czhilispiel Sunday will feature live music from the Charlie Lucas Band and The Delta Fins.  The biergarten is also where visitors will find tons of cold beer and margaritas, the pie auction, and big-screen televisions so you don’t miss that important college or pro football game!

Admission to Czhilispiel is free for all visitors both Friday and Sunday.  Saturday’s admission for those over 12 years of age is $7 before 2 p.m. and $12 after 2 p.m.  Proper ID is required for those 21 and up who plan on drinking alcohol.

For more information, contact the Flatonia Chamber at (361) 865-3920 or flatoniacofc@sbcglobal.net.   Cook-off teams and vendor applications are also still being accepted. Applications can be found on the Flatonia Chamber’s website at www.flatoniachamber.com.  Up to the minute news can also be found on the Flatonia Chamber Facebook page, www.facebook.com/flatoniachamber. 

About Czhilispiel:

Czhilispiel began as a fundraiser to help fund a local Flatonia student’s medical school education.  At the time Flatonia needed a doctor, so the residents organized the Czech heritage festival and chili cook-off, Czhilispiel.  The student agreed to serve the community for at least five years after completing medical school, but ended up staying longer.  Czhilispiel continues to use proceeds from the event to benefit local needs, whether they be for students or community services.  Czhilispiel 39 is sponsored in part by: Adams Flavors, Foods and Ingredients; Brown Distributing – Budweiser; DGI Beverages/Black Iguana Margaritas; Do713.com; Henry Benedict Real Estate Investments; KCTI 1450 – The Sound of Texas; The Outhouse Company; Texas Custom Grinding, Inc.; and Wright Distributing – Miller Lite. 

About Flatonia:

Flatonia is a town of approximately 1,800 residents located midway between Houston and San Antonio.  It was established in 1873 on the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway and named for the pioneer merchant F. W. Flato.  Flatonia became a melting pot for English, German, Bohemian, Czech and Italian immigrants.  The City became the meeting place of two main railway lines in Texas in 1887, when the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway was built south from Waco.  Flatonia is still a well known and scenic spot for train watchers, boasting one of Texas’ longest standing, manually operated railroad switching towers with North-South, East-West cross rails. 

###

NOTICE: CHANGES FOR CZHILI & BBQ COOK OFF DUE TO DROUGHT CONDITIONS

Due to Fayette County becoming a part of the Texas Drought Stricken Disaster Area, our Czhilispiel Committee is compelled to force additional rules for the Czhili and BBQ Cook-offs.

• There will be one exit for the Czhili and BBQ which will be the West Gate where you enter into the cook-off earlier that morning.

• All BBQ pits will be required to stop at a check point before exiting the premises. Fire Department Crews will check the pits and if needed will water down coals that may cause a problem.

• If you are cooking czhili with a propane burner you will still need to go thru the checkpoint. A sticker will be given to you by a committeeman if you have no Pit and no open flames or coals. This sticker will need to be placed on your windshield visible for the check point, on the vehicle using to pickup your equipment.
•  

We realize this will be an inconvience and we ask you to be patient. Our community and the areas around are important to us and we are striving to make it as safe as possible.
Looking to forward to seeing you at Czhilispiel 39. Czech Us Out!!

Sincerely, 

David Urban

Czhilispiel Chairman

Notice from the Flatonia Chamber

Dear Members and Friends of the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce:

The Flatonia Chamber of Commerce’s email has been hacked.  So If you have recently received an email from the Flatonia Chamber (flatoniacofc[@]sbcglobal.net) or Beverly Ponder stating “That I am in Scotland and need money,”  please do not respond to it, do not give them any personal information and please delete it.  

This is not a virus, they have just figured out my passwords and then sent out these ridiculous messages.  ATT is aware of the problem and it has been reported to ATT Abuse.  So, hopefully all this will be taken care of real soon and hopefully not happen again.  If you have any questions or concerns, just email me back.  Thank you for your time and have a great day. 

Sincerely,

Beverly Z. Ponder

Executive Director

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce

HELP - Families need rental homes

HELP

The recent fire in Bastrop 

has left many families homeless. 

A lot of people are in need of shelter to rent!

If you know or hear of anyone who may have a weekend home, farm house, deer camp or parked travel trailer that might be interested in renting out for a short or long term, have them call:  

DAWN KANA AT 512-413-3988   

Thank you very much.

Legislation Regarding Speed Limit Takes Effect

 ON BEHALF OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:

Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations and Business Entities:

On September 1, new speed limit laws take effect, allowing TxDOT to increase the speed limit on state highways deemed safe and reasonable to 75 mph.  The increased amount will be for those areas now at 70 mph, and also eliminates\repeals the 65 mph nighttime speed limit and all truck speed limits.

** Caution:  The increase in speed limits is not effective until new signs are installed; replacing existing speed limits signage could take until early 2013.  To read the full story go to: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/news/032-2011.htm

For additional information please contact TxDOT Media Relations at 512) 463-8700.

FW: Lucky Find Antiques Sizzling Summer Sale

ON BEHALF OF LUCKY FIND ANTIQUES – 128 E. South Main St. – Flatonia, Tx – Ph. 361-865-3844

Sizzling Summer Sale now through 

Monday August 22, 2011 

merchandise 20% off!

(excluding sale items)

Praha Picnic (Prazska Pout) August 15th, 2011

 Praha Picnic  |  156^th Prazska Pout

Monday, August 15, 2011

 

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Holy Mass

Monday, August 15^th, 10:00 a.m.

Principal Celebrant:

The Most Rev. David E. Fellhauer, Bishop of the Diocese of Victoria

Concelebrants: Visiting Priests

Click to view larger

 

More Info:

St. Mary’s - Praha  (361) 865-3560 

Charlie Bartos - Chairman  (361) 865-2167

www.stmarys-praha.com

Fayette County Record Volleyball Sig ads

ON BEHALF OF THE FAYETTE COUNTY RECORD:  

The Record is offering the opportunity for volleyball signature ads similar to the boys football teams in the area.   

 Here are the Volleyball Signature ads from last year.   We need to know as soon as possible since it starts next week.   The cost will be $12 per week and it will run every Friday until the season ends at the State Championship!!!  We offer a discount if anyone wanted to support Basketball, which may overlap a little bit if any of the teams go to state, but if someone wanted to do both Volleyball and Basketball, the cost would be $10 a week through the end of Basketball season, however, with an overlapping time frame of a couple weeks being $20 a week.

I hope this explains it all, but if not, just let me know.

Thank You So Much!

Becky Weise, Advertising Director

http://www.fayettecountyrecord.com/Advertising_Rates.html

The Fayette County Record | 979.968.3155 | becky.fcr@verizon.net

Rates and deadlines are listed on our website at the link above.  The deadline for the regular Friday issue is Tuesday at 5pm.  The TMC deadline is Tuesday at 10am.  The deadline for the Tuesday issue is Friday at 10am.  

Please email all ad copy changes to me so that I may forward them to our graphics designer.  This ensures correctness.

Please Note: All Classifieds need to go to Jackie Daniels at Jackie.fcr@verizon.net.  "For the Record's" need to go to Aileen at fayettecountyrecord@verizon.net.

GRAND OPENING OF C & M LIQUOR

THE FLATONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INVITES YOU TO THE:

       

CELEBRATION OF

                                                                               

 AT THEIR NEW LOCATION

505 IH 10 Frontage Rd. (by Joel’s BBQ) 

Ph. 361-865-2777

   

Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10 am

Flatonia's Movies on Main - Aug. 12th, 2011

Flatonia’s Movies On Main Presents

“CLOUDY with a chance of MEAT BALLS”

Friday, August 12th at Sundown 

Lyric Theater - 120 E. South Main St. 

FREE ADMISSION 

Come early for a good spot!

Bring your lawn chairs & blankets. 

No alcoholic beverages allowed. 

Concessions sold onsite to help with the costs of the program. 

 

If you are interested in sponsoring a movie or have a request contact us at lyrictheater@gmail.com.

SPONSORED BY McDONALDS OF FLATONIA

August 15th: Round Table Health Discussion/Schulenburg RV Park

Schulenburg RV Park

 (979) 743-4388  |  (800) 771-9955

65 N. Kessler Ave., Schulenburg, TX 78956           

www.SchulenburgRVPark.com  |   Camp@SchulenburgRVPark.com

Round Table Health Discussion

August 15th

Cindy Meredith, past President and current Board Member of The Herb Association of Texas and owner of the Herb Cottage, will talk to us about strengthening the immune system with Ashwa Ashwagandha, an easy-to-grow, ancient, adaptogenic herb.  

  

Natural Pathways to Thyroid Health 

Do you often feel cold when others are comfortable?  

Do your hands and feet go cold and numb for no reason?  

Do you lack energy, fade out during the day, or run out of energy before the day is over?  

Are you tired all the time, but still have trouble sleeping at night?

Come learn about “Natural Pathways to Thyroid health” taught by herbalist Lee Kunkel, AHG, ABC.  Mr. Kunkel is a member of the American Herbalists Guild and the American Botanical Council, and is a graduate of the David Winston Center for Herbal Studies.

The public is invited to free health discussions 2 -3:30pm Monday 

at the Schulenburg RV Park Meeting Room on Highway 77 next door to Dairy Queen.  

(Upon arrival, wait for directions to park.) 979-743-4388.              

               

Free Adult GED Evening Classes

            ADULT NIGHT G E D CLASSES TO BE HELD IN WEIMAR – NO CHARGE

Education is more important now than ever, but unfortunately, a lot of people do not have a high school diploma. A diploma can help you in landing a better job or entry into trade school or college.

G.E.D. classes will be open to the public and held at Weimar High School every Monday and Tuesday starting at 6:00 p.m.  

G.E.D. Registration and Orientation will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will be held on August 19 and 20, 2011. 

The GED Test covers five subject areas: Math, Language Arts, Writing, Reading, Science, and Social Studies.  When you pass the GED Tests, you will receive a certificate from the State of Texas Department of Education, which is regarded as equivalent to the high school diploma.

The G E D Registration and Orientation must be completed before one can attend classes.  Anyone interested in taking the adult G E D class should call Jerry F. Hudec at 979 263-5829.

 

From the Cistern Store & Bar - DJ Superman & Vic this weekend

CISTERN STORE/BAR

Fri. Aug. 5, 8 pm-Mid

**DJ SUPERMAN**

Karaoke & Dancing

COUNTRY – ROCK – HIP HOP

Sat. AUG. 6, 9pm – 1am

**VIC RODRIGUEZ**

Karaoke & Dancing

COUNTRY – ROCK – HIP HOP

C.J.’S BBQ and HOMEMADE SIDES 

@ 11 AM

12604 Texas Hwy. 95, 361-865-3655 -  www.cisternstore-bar.com

Hope you all are doing great and staying cool during these hot summer days.   Come out and have cold cold drink with us...

Fri., Aug. 5, 8 pm to Midnight, DJ SUPERMAN, Karaoke & Dancing, Country - Rock - HipHop.

Sat., Aug. 6, 9 pm to 1 am, VIC RODRIGUEZ, Karaoke & Dancing, Country - Rock - HipHop

See you soon...+++betty

Flatonia’s Movies On Main Presents: The Ghost & Mr. Chicken

Flatonia’s Movies On Main Presents:

 The Ghost & Mr. Chicken

Friday, August 5^th, 2011 

At Sundown

FREE ADMISSION

 

 
Lyric Theater

120 E. South Main St.

Come early for a good spot!

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

 

No alcoholic beverages allowed.  

Concessions sold onsite to help with the costs of the program

If you are interested in sponsoring a movie or have a request, 

contact us at lyrictheater@gmail.com