Holiday map sales Save Texas History

a AUSTIN — Texas is so big that even Santa needs a map – or three. Historical maps posted on the Texas General Land Office website make quick, easy gifts for anyone who loves the Lone Star State and its colorful past. But best of all, proceeds from the sales preserve historic documents and help Save Texas History.“Buying a map at SaveTexasHistory.com is not only a breeze, it will help preserve the very documents that tell the story of Texas,” said Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson. “We receive no funding from the Legislature to preserve the priceless historical documents we are entrusted with — this is how we do it.”Maps from the General Land Office are not just beautiful and unique gifts, they’re educational, Patterson notes. “Texas history is an epic tale,” Patterson said. “These maps don’t just tell that history — they show it.”For example, Patterson said, a German map of the Kingdom of New Spain — hand-drawn in 1720 — shows that Texas began as a part of the Spanish Empire, ruled from Mexico. “The first illegal immigrants to Texas had names a lot like mine,” Patterson said. “Understanding our history gives you the context you need to better deal with the issues of today.  Plus, this map just looks great on any wall.”A perennial top-seller is an 1845 commemorative map showing the full size of the Republic of Texas when it stretched all the way up to present-day Colorado. Another favorite is an 1889 map — the first of its kind — that shows Texas as it is today, and is decorated with period advertising around the margins.Bird’s-eye view maps of Houston from 1891,  a 1900 map of Harris County  and an 1895 city map of Houston are also popular, offering a detailed peek back in time at something we all know today.These and hundreds of other great maps can be found at www.savetexashistory.org. Click the “search entire catalogue” button to go to our archive of over 80,000 city, county and state maps.  Once on the archive page, select the “Bestselling Maps” search filter in red to see a set of more than 200 attractive maps specifically selected to be great gifts.Most maps at www.savetexashistory.org cost as little as $20. Online and phone orders before 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20th can be delivered by Christmas Day. Orders can also be called in directly to the Archives and Records Division of the Land Office at 1-800-998-4GLO (4456). Maps may be purchased at the General Land Office, 1700 N. Congress Ave., through Monday, Dec. 23.The Save Texas History Program is a unique campaign that brings together private and government efforts to preserve the 35 million maps and documents at the Texas General Land Office. After items are conserved, they’re digitally preserved and made available to the public via the Internet.  The Digital Preservation Project of the Save Texas History Program has been recognized by the Texas Historical Commission for its monumental effort to digitally preserve these historic treasures.Tags: Digital Preservation Project, map, Save Texas History Program, Texas General Land Office, Texas Land Commissioner, Unique GiftsCategory: Articles, Houston News

Cazadores de Texas para el programa de hambre se expande, va en línea

Program of help to the hunters of deer feed their communitiesAustin - the Texas Food Bank Network (TFBN) launched a campaign on line this month to raise awareness about the hunters for the hungry, a program that helps Texas hunters donate deer healthy hungry children and families served by 21 state regional food banks.The campaign encourages Texas deer hunters donate venison local visiting a new web page, texashuntersforthehungry.org. The web site offers a list of participating meat processors and hunger relief agencies, while hunters program Facebook and Twitter groups connected to the web site and others. TFBN also tried advertising space in the popular Texas Parks and wildlife outdoor annual to create interest in the program.The expanded program makes it easy to help hungry Texans. Hunters are asked bring their deer tagged, legally harvest to a meat processor participants, and pay a nominal fee to cover the costs of basic processing. After preparation and packaging of venison, processors of meat in contact with local food assistance providers to pick up the deer's land."This program is a win - win for the landowners in Texas and Texans of hunger," said Celia Cole, CEO of TFBN. "Hunters for landowners hunger helps management its deer population, while you both need a source of lean protein Texans in need".TFBN took over the management of the hunters for the hungry program this year from the Texas Association of Community action (TACANA) agencies. TFBN actively recruits to meat processors, requested donations of venison, promotes the program, and provides resources for participating meat processors throughout Texas.  Since the beginning of the program, has provided nearly 2.5 million pounds of meat - or an estimated 10 million servings - Texans in need.Regional food banks and local food pantries are likely to see high demand this holiday season as families struggle seeking to cope with the recent cuts to federal nutrition programs."When gather around the table for the holiday meal, we hope think of hunters and need support for the hungry neighbors,", said Cole. "In addition to deer donated, always we need more processors and financial support to help run the program."To find out more, or to support the hunters for the hungry, visit texashuntersforthehungry.org.Texas Food Bank Network provides a voice unified between the banks of food in support of their common mission to end hunger in Texas. Learn more at TFBN.org.Tags: hunters of deer, hunters hunger program expands, Texas Food Bank Network, Texas, Texas Parks and wildlife outdoorsCategory: articles, news nationwide

Texas State Operations Center Receives Major Upgrade

aAUSTIN – On Wednesday a television news segment broadcast by the ABC affiliate in Austin, KVUE, showcased the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Operations Center (SOC) and included a guided tour of the rarely-seen center by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.The segment also spotlighted recent renovations that have increased seating for the Emergency Management Council inside the SOC to as many as 112 individuals; constructed additional conference rooms for breakout meetings; and installed programmable smart boards and LCD displays for immediate monitoring of incoming and changing information during a disaster.Regarding the news story and the renovated SOC, DPS Director Steven McCraw said:“Texas faces a full spectrum of threats – manmade and natural – and the state’s vast size, dynamic geography and large population present distinct challenges to public safety and homeland security. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the State Operations Center, now with these new capabilities, leading-edge technology and expert staff, makes our state even better positioned to prepare for, respond to and recover from all emergencies, and most importantly, to keep our citizens safe.”To view the full video or online article, please visit http://www.kvue.com/news/Disaster-response-center-gets-major-upgrade-232574941.html.For more information about the Texas Division of Emergency Management or Texas State Operations Center, please see http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/index.htm.Tags: State Operations Center, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Division of Emergency ManagementCategory: Articles, Nationwide News

Third Annual San Jacinto Texas Independence 5K Fun Run/Walk

aMarch 8 run benefits San Jacinto Museum of HistoryWHAT:          The San Jacinto Museum of History will hold its third annual “San Jacinto Texas Independence Fun Run/Walk” on Saturday, March 8, 2014 on a 5K-certified course on the grounds of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the San Jacinto Museum of History’s educational programs.  The timed run starts at 7:45 a.m.; a children’s 1K run begins at 7:30 a.m.Online registration is available now at www.active.com (type in “San Jacinto” in the keyword “search” option.  Cost of the fun run is $20 pre-registration before December 31; $25 pre-registration before February 28; and $30 through noon, March 7.  Cost for the kids run is $15 pre-registration before December 31; $20 pre-registration before February 28; and $25 through noon, March 7.Packet pick-up occurs Friday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 from 6 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. at the San Jacinto Museum and Monument.WHEN:          Saturday, March 8, 2014- Gates to park open at 6 a.m.- Children’s 1K begins at 7:30 a.m.  (jogging strollers allowed)- 5K will start at 7:45, immediately after the 1K Children’s Run beginsWHERE:       San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, 1 Monument Circle La Porte, TX(Directions: The San Jacinto Battleground is located in La Porte, Texas off of Hwy 225. Exit Independence Parkway; travel north and the state park is about four miles ahead.)Organizers will offer awards for one overall winner for both men and women and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all age groups in 10-year divisions.  All children will receive a participant award at the finish line.The San Jacinto Museum of History and Monument attractions (489-foot elevator to the top of the Monument; digital presentation Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto; and Making a Mark, Leaving a Legacy exhibit) will be open for visits from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.  There is free parking onsite. Dogs are allowed on a leash.All proceeds benefit the San Jacinto Museum of History.   Sponsors as of 11-19-13 are:  Office Systems of Texas, Pasadena Rotary Club, Vopak, Congressman Gene Green, San Jacinto Museum of History Association President Larry Spasic, Monument Inn, JSC Federal Credit Union, Sapp Allstate Service, Shell Federal Credit Union, DiPuma and First Choice Emergency Room.For additional information or sponsorship packages, contact Carolyn Campbell at 281.479.2421 or ccampbell@sanjacinto-museum.org.Tags: 5K Fun Run/Walk, an Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park, San Jacinto Museum of HistoryCategory: Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Houston News, Katy News