Publisher’s Perspective

Becoming a better neighbor

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Over the course of the past week, I have had a couple of wonderful meetings with people in the community that have really enlightened me about the wonderful city of Gonzales.

On Friday, I had lunch at the Running M with Amy Mundy and Jackie Mikesh of Victoria College. During our discussion, I learned a lot of the history of Victoria College in Gonzales, and all about the curriculum that is offered to the citizens of this area. It is a marvelous resource, and one this community is lucky to have. On Friday, Jackie has offered a personalized tour of the facilities, so I am going to take her up on that. I believe that education is one of the fundamental assets a community can offer, so I can assure you that in the future this newspaper will strive to build a strong partnership and relationship not only with Victoria College, but also with the school systems of the area. In fact, meetings have already been set up with some of the schools to introduce myself to the administrators. My goal is to ascertain what we as a paper can do to help the schools in any way, and to publicize the outstanding achievements of students and teachers at all levels and grades. I believe one of the most important roles a newspaper has is to let the community and its readers know what our kids and teachers are accomplishing here.

On a completely different note, on Tuesday I was given a different type of education on some of the history of Gonzales. Paul Frenzel generously donated his time and gasoline to give me a tour of some of the more historic homes and places in the county. We started at Confederate Square and then drove out to the site west of town where the first shot was fired. Paul was a delightful companion, as he weaved interesting anecdotes about people involved in the battle with the actual battlefield story. Until Tuesday, I did not know that there were two cannons used in the first battle, nor did I know that after Texas gained its Independence that more land was added to the United States than all of the combined territory of the original 13 colonies. I had goose bumps listening to the stories and seeing the markers where everything happened.

Later, Paul drove me past some of the historic homes in town while he regaled me with tales of the people who lived in the homes, when the homes were built, and how they have changed over the years. It was fascinating. Later, we drove out to the Sam Houston Oak, and I got out of the car to take a picture even though it was raining. It was a wonderful couple of hours, and I am deeply indebted to Paul for his time and sharing his love and knowledge of the area.

At the end of the tour, we stopped at Confederate Square, and he pointed to the weather vane on top of the fire station. I was shocked to see the gold covered cow on the weather vane. I have sat looking at that Square for three months now, and not once did I notice the weather vane with the cow on top. To quote the old hymnal, I was once blind but now I see.

So, to Paul, Jackie and Amy, I offer my thanks for enlightening me and sharing their knowledge with me. It will help make me a better publisher here, but more importantly, it will make me a better neighbor and citizen. Thanks so much to all of you. And one final note to Gary Ainsworth: yes sir, I would be honored if you would introduce me to Leon Netardous. I look forward to meeting both of you in person. Thanks for the offer.

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