NBA Scores: Wednesday, February 4th

Arts Council Of The Brazos Valley Announces A New Executive Director

There is a new executive director at the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley (ACBV). A seven month search was completed with the hiring of the director of the Houston Maritime Center and Museum. Leslie Bowlin will be leading the organization that supports 60 agencies in seven counties. An ACBV news release says Bowlin “brings a keen interest in multi-cultural inclusion in the arts” with a background that includes business operations, investing, public relations, chairing many high profile and charity events, and serving on several non-profit boards. The new executive director joins the arts council six weeks before the agency’s signature fundraiser, Celebrate The Arts, on September fifth. Click HERE to read and download the news release from the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley (ACBV). Statement from ACBV board president and former interim executive director Grover Vos: As you know, it has been a long and tumultuous seven months for us. Fortunately, we have come a long way during that time. The board and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that ACBV continues its valuable service to the community. First, I would like to share exciting news with you; as of July 26, 2024, The Arts Council of Brazos Valley has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms. Leslie Bowlin. Leslie has served as the Executive Director of The Houston Maritime Center & Museum for the past ten years. Her background as an executive director, combined with a deep passion for promoting community-based arts programs, will help to advance our mission. Please see the attached press release for more information about Leslie’s background. I also want to remind everyone about our upcoming annual fundraiser, Celebrate the Arts, scheduled for September 5, 2024. This year’s CTA award ceremony’s theme, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, highlights the success of two of our local high school music programs and their dedicated directors and staff. This year’s celebration will be held at the Brazos Center in Bryan and starts at 6 PM. Visit cta24.org for more information, to become a sponsor, purchase tickets, make a scholarship donation, and purchase tickets for this year’s raffle, featuring a gift from David Gardner’s Jewelers. We hope to see you all at CTA, where Leslie will be introduced. Please join me and the Board of Directors in extending a gracious and warm welcome to Leslie from The Arts Council of Brazos Valley.

Texas A&M University Update on WTAW

Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President’s Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about a rural medicine practice, the CrowdStrike outage, leadership positions that are being filled, Howdy Week, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Listen to “Texas A&M University Update on The Infomaniacs” on Spreaker.

More Equipment Coming To College Station’s Fun For All Playground And Questions Answered About Issues With Existing Equipment

Another feature is coming to College Station’s Fun For All playground at Central Park. That’s after city council members at its July 25th meeting approved spending almost $253,000 dollars for equipment targeted for ages two to five. The new equipment will include a swing set, play structure, shade cover, fall zone, and two communication boards. Funding comes from donations to the playground project. Background information presented to the council says “inclusive play has been the goal of this effort from the beginning and these amenities will further enhance the desired outcome of equitable, barrier-free play.” While there were no council comments about this purchase, councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha asked about issues with some of the playground’s current equipment. Parks and recreation director Kelsey Heiden said the equipment issues cited by Cunha are covered by warranties and the city does not face additional maintenance costs. Heiden also said city staff is working on a solution to fix flower mulch beds that washed out from runoff caused by the park’s splash pads. Click HERE to read and download background information presented during the July 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting. Click below to hear comments from Elizabeth Cunha and Kelsey Heiden during the July 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.