Illness and vaccines are on my mind. As a long-time school employee, I knew Texas required enrolling students to have received vaccinations for Diphtheria/Tetanus/ Pertussis, Polio, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Varicella. I never thought much about such requirements. I just thought we all agreed on wanting the children and general population healthy.

On August 19, the Texas House officially reached a quorum. With the required number of members now present to conduct business, committees can start meeting in committee to consider the critical items on Governor Abbott’s agenda. I look forward to taking swift action on items such as election integrity, bail reform, border security, and property tax reform so that members can get back home to hear from constituents.

Have you and your family received the COVID inoculation? Please, please reconsider... do this for yourself, do this for your family, do this for your neighbor, do this for your community...

For most East Texas school districts, a new school year has either just begun or is about to. Last year was as trying as any in recent history, particularly for our school teachers, faculty, and administrators. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation, as they have worked tirelessly over the summer to prepare for our children to return to the classroom. Please don’t forget to thank our educators and administrators for all they do to prepare our students for a bright future.

I hope you recall that Musings now appears on behalf of both Madison County Museum and Madison County Historical Commission. The latter is aiming at publishing Volume 3 of Madison County History. To do so, we need stories from you. You may send by email to stories@madionchc.com or paper copies to Madison County Historical Commission, 101 N. Madison, #64, Madisonville, TX 77864.

On August 2, 1832, Texas settlers refused to surrender their arms to the Mexican Army in Nacogdoches, escalating into The Battle of Nacogdoches, which is often referred to as the opening salvo of the Texas Revolution. James Bowie marched with the Texian Militia and initialed a siege on the Mexican Garrison, eventually capturing the Old Stone Fort and other vital locations. The Mexican soldiers attempted to retreat to San Antonio, but a detachment of mounted Texians, including Bowie, ambushed them the next day after a running fight along the Angelina River. The Mexican battalion lost forty-seven men, and three Texans were killed.

Have you and your family received the COVID inoculation? Please, please reconsider... do this for yourself, do this for your family, do this for your neighbor, do this for your community...

As the month of July comes to an end and the Olympic games begin to heat up, I hope you are rooting for the red, white, and blue every step of the way. An athlete to keep an eye on is fellow East Texan, Mackenzie Brown, of Flint. As the lone East Texas Olympian, Mackenzie has advanced to the round of sixteen after wins in her first two individual archery matches against competitors from Germany and China. The two-time Olympian grew up bowhunting with her family, and she found a love for competition as a teenager. Here’s hoping Mackenzie will bring a medal back for the United States, and specifically those of us in East Texas.

If you noticed the title change, let me explain. My Musings began over six years ago on behalf of the Museum but will henceforth continue for the Museum AND Madison County Historical Commission. The latter has several goals, including a new book of local history, Volume 3, and I feel like history is history, it’s hard for me to split.

As we approach the month of August and the start of another school year, I hope you and your family enjoy the remainder of the 2021 summer vacation. In preparation for the first day, I would like to remind everyone that Texas will host Tax-Free Weekend from August 6-8. Tax-Free Weekend provides an excellent opportunity to get our children ready for school while saving money on tax-exempt items such as clothing, shoes, and school supplies -- mark your calendars, as this is a great opportunity to save money.