Nominations open for Athens Citizen of the Year

The search is on for the 2018 Athens Citizen of the Year. The award has been presented annually since 1966.

Do you know someone living in Athens, who, over a long span of time and beyond their regular employment, has exhibited generous community spirit, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of Athens and entire community? Someone who demonstrates outstanding leadership, citizenship, vision, civic pride and a strong commitment to a better Athens and whose volunteerism and community involvement has had a positive influence and improved the quality of life for individuals in Athens? Someone who has gone that extra mile, who’s done more than is expected to make Athens a better community in which to live, work and raise a family? Someone who has made unselfish contributions and gives their time for the betterment of Athens? Someone who exemplifies dedication and service through personal involvement in the community? Someone who may go largely unknown to the majority of the community, and quietly performs tasks that make Athens a better place to call home?

If so, we invite you to submit a nomination for that person who deserves the recognition of this prestigious award. The award recipient’s identity will be kept secret until it is announced and the recipient is honored at the 2017 Athens Chamber of Commerce annual Gala at the Athens Country Club. Nominations should be sent as a letter of recommendation, in a SEALED envelope marked Citizen of the Year, C/O the Athens Chamber of Commerce, 201 West Corsicana Street, Suite 1, Athens, TX 75751 or hand delivered. Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. December 21, 2018.

We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Athens ISD considers four-day instructional week; Employees, parents and secondary students to be surveyed

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

The employees of Athens ISD knew something important was in the air Monday afternoon as they gathered at the Athens High School auditorium following student dismissal for a districtwide meeting. After greeting those gathered with some light humor, Superintendent Blake Stiles jumped straight to the heart of the matter.

“A four-day instructional week,” he said. “That’s why we’re here.” Before he could continue, applause broke out.

Over the next half hour, Stiles, joined by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims and Assistant Superintendent Jami Ivey, explained the key components of the proposed new calendar — stressing that the Monday-through-Thursday instructional week remains only a proposal at this time, and, if implemented, it would be launched as a three-year pilot program. Any school calendar must be approved by the seven elected members of the board of trustees. A survey soliciting input will be sent to employees, parents and secondary students of Athens ISD on Wednesday.

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Christmas singalong scheduled to follow Athens Christmas Parade

Press release

Immediately following the 2018 City of Athens Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 8th, The Texan will host a “Christmas Carol Singalong Night” featuring Strangebreed Worship. The evening will include a 90-minute performance of Christmas carols, classics and tunes that the audience will love!

This event is a family-friendly event for all ages. There is no entry fee required, however a donation of three canned goods is required to attend. Music will begin at 8 p.m. There will be no alcohol served or sold and no BYOB. All ages are invited to attend. Local vendor, Callaway’s Coffee will have coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats for purchase!

The City of Athens invites you to head downtown to enjoy the Christmas Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 and end your evening at The Texan at 8:00pm to celebrate the holiday season!

For questions regarding the event, check out our website at www.thetexanathens.com, the Facebook page @thetexanathens, call City Hall at 903.675.5131 or e-mail [email protected].

Athens Council Roundup: Councilman Gross wants citizens to vote on Cain Center

Councilman Robert Gross

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The Athens City Council met in a regular session Monday night. Here are my takeaways from the crowded confines of the Council Chambers of the City Hall Annex and police station.

— Councilman Gross wants the public to vote on the Cain Center issue.

In a rare move, City Councilman Robert Gross left the dais and went to the podium during the time set aside for citizen comments to speak about the Cain Center. As he read from prepared notes, he continually came back to the idea of allowing the public to vote on a potential bond issue.

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Winningest football coach in AISD history to step down

Paul Essary

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

Athens ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Paul Essary on Monday announced his resignation, effective Dec. 31, 2018. Essary came to Athens in July 2009 from Deer Park ISD.

“I would like to thank you and Athens ISD for a very rewarding 10 years,” said Essary in his letter of resignation to Superintendent Blake Stiles. “I am proud of the success that the athletic program and football program have accomplished during my tenure.”

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