ED News

by Russell Hamilton, TWUA Executive Director

Father, Thank You. We bow our heads and humbly say thank you as we acknowledge that you are the creator. We take comfort in knowing that You remain in charge and control of life as we understand it. We need You, and we welcome You in all we do. We come into Your presence, seeking Your grace, Your calm, Your guidance, and forgiveness. Father, we pray for Your mercy and ask that You guide, direct, protect, and bless TWUA and its members. Amen

In West Texas, Lake Spence is sitting at 23.6 % (- 0.6 %). White River is sitting at 17.1 % (- 1.0 %). Panhandle - Lake Meredith is sitting at 34.1 % (- 0.0 %) and Greenbelt is at 16.2 % (+ 0.1 %). If you want to get a complete look at current lake levels, go to waterdatafortexas.org. The drought has never left for some.

Mark your calendar for the 2022 – Amarillo will be April 4th – 7th . Beaumont will be April 25th – 28th . Abilene will be May 2nd – 5th . Arlington will be May 16th – 20th . Killeen will be June 6th – 9th . McAllen is confirmed July 11th – 14th . San Angelo will be July 25 – 28th . Ft. Stockton will be August 22nd – 25th . Longview will be October 10th – 13th . Lubbock will be November 1st – 3rd. The links to all the fliers will be activated as soon as possible so that you may register for any region now, thereby making use of budgets more efficiently.

TWUA is excited about the TWUA Regional Schools coming up. Amarillo kicks things off, and Bruce, Ruben, and the Panhandle Board would welcome your participation. A popular question related to Amarillo is, why schedule a training event at the same time that Texas Water is happening? Amarillo had to schedule the convention facilities three years in advance, and when they set the date, there were no known conflicts. The Amarillo Convention Center hosts many different events, and there was no other date available after Texas Water announced dates.

We also have the Beaumont School, which is April 25th – 28th, so if you are in the Beaumont area, come join Bobby, Theron, and the board for a great educational event.

Check the TWUA Website for the most up-to-date information related to TWUA Regional opportunities. If travel and being in crowds cause you concern or your employer has not approved travel, please look at the TWUA Computer Based Training options. (https://twua.org/online-class-dates). Also, there have been inquiries related to in-person classroom training. If this in-person training interests you, don’t hesitate to contact Norma Clark (n.clark@twua.org).

What does the acronym DATL represent ?

There is an old saying; you are not through until the paperwork is done . . . well, you are not registered for a state exam until you . . . Designate A Testing Location.

Call the TCEQ staff in licensing for more information or the official statement related to the Exams, Licensing, and Computer-Based Testing. 512-239-6133

Dates For Annual School 2022. The 104th Annual School in Corpus Christi dates is September 26th – 29th, 2022. This will be Monday thru Thursday. The events have been pushed forward a day. The Opening Session and Awards will be Monday. The school will begin Tuesday and conclude with the vendors moving out at noon Thursday. We will have the information updated on the website soon, and the form will be live, so you could go ahead and preregister if you are looking for a legitimate budget expense.

The Story Goes Something Like This –

Just before the turn of the Century, in an old abandoned army fort, a Jesuit Priest opened a home for orphan and troubled boys. The Priest provided education for the first half of the day, and the boys each had chores and responsibilities like taking care of livestock and planting and harvesting a garden. The Priest would sell whatever was not needed to offset operational costs - kind of a cowboy-style farmer’s market.

This Priest was quite adamant that all students would learn and practice integrity not only with fellow students but also in life outside the walls of the old fort.

One day the old Priest gathered all the students and said, my dear boys, as you can see, I am growing old and unable to provide for the needs of this school adequately. I do not wish to discuss finances or the concept of working outside these walls for money, but my faith grows weak that the Lord will supply all our needs. The only thing I can think of to keep the school from closing will be a challenge for most, if not all, of you.

The boys came closer and listened attentively, for the Priest was a great teacher, and he displayed profound wisdom in his counsel and lessons.

The city nearby is a city of wealthy people. Gold, Silver, and Copper had been discovered, and the people have more money in their wallets and purses than they could ever need. I want each of you to go into the city and follow those rich people as they walk around through the crowded streets. When no one is looking, you must steal their wallets, money belts, and purses. Remember, these people have more wealth than you can imagine, and the few dollars you relieve them of will be more than enough to keep this school functioning.

But sir, the boys spoke in disbelief; you have taught us that it is wrong to take anything that does not belong to you. Thou shall not steal is part of the Golden Rule.

Yes, indeed I have, the old Priest replied. It is wrong to steal, and I would not suggest such a thing if it were not absolutely necessary. And remember, you must not be seen or get caught. If anyone is watching or you sense someone can see you, you must not steal! Do you understand?

The boys looked nervously from one to the other. Had their beloved teacher gone mad? Is he really asking them to risk their integrity? The Priest’s eyes and his passion was nothing they had seen before. Do you understand? Yes Sir, the boys said quietly. Good, now go, and remember, you must not get caught, for getting caught will bring much shame and disgrace.

The boys slowly got up and quietly filed out of the building. The old Priest rose and watched the boys go.

When the Priest turned back, he saw that one student was still sitting quietly in the corner of the room. Why are you here, and why did you not go with the others? Do you not want to help save our school?

I do, sir, said the young boy quietly, his voice quivering. But you said we had to steal without being seen. I know of no place here on earth that my heavenly Father would not see me, and I would always see myself. I would know what I had done regardless of the good in my intentions.

Excellent! Said the Priest. That is precisely the lesson I was hoping my students would learn, but you were the only one to see it. Now run tell all the other boys to return to the school before they get us all into trouble.

The student ran and got all the others who had gathered nervously just out of sight of the school, trying to decide what to do. When everyone returned, the Priest gathered all the boys and told them the words the lone boy had spoken. Then they understood the lesson.

Stay Safe, and Remember – we do not need all the operators in Texas to be a member of TWUA – JUST YOU ! ! ! !