News

Young men and their mothers are set to enjoy an evening together.

Shiver me timbers! The pirates are coming to the Children’s Museum on Saturday, February 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Now that the Daddy-Daughter dance is history for this year, it is time to turn attention to the Mother-Son Pirate Night, a time for mothers  and sons.  Moms and young boys will have the opportunity to look like pirates and the “mates” will receive pirate training during the evening. Learning to walk with “sea” legs, escape a sinking pirate ship, and attack a sea monster will be part of the evening.  Detective skills will be used as the Museum Pirates search for Blackbeard’s treasure.

“It is important to the Children’s Museum that we recognize the special relationship between moms and their sons, “said Donna Tavener, Board President.

“We have a great group of volunteers working on this event,” Sharline Freeman, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum, stated. “Kathy Erwin, a former caterer, is coordinating the pirate food with help from Brenda Estess.  Lonnie Plunkett will assist with the decorations. And the balloon lady will be back again.”

The pirate food will include Pirate’s Trash, Peg Legs, and Cannon Balls. Face painting and balloon entertainment will also be part of the evening. And, of course, the Children’s Museum will be open for play in the many play areas.

“When I was creating the event poster, I wanted to capture the excitement for this event.  It is a special time for moms and sons, “said Elana Barton, Director of Development.

Tickets for the evening are $30 per couple. Purchase them by calling the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum at 903-886-6055.

Governor Greg Abbott today listed property and franchise tax reduction as legislative priorities in his State of the State address. Low-tax advocates were quick to offer praise for the Governor’s call to action:

On Property Tax Reduction:

“Americans for Prosperity is applauding Governor Abbott for pledging to support property tax reform here in Texas. Currently, too many hard-working families in the state are literally being taxed out of their homes and that is simply unacceptable. Lower taxes have played an essential part in Texas’ role as an economic leader in the nation. Burdening Texas families with higher taxes is not a sensible solution for our state budget. We are proud to stand alongside Governor Abbott in his effort to give taxpayers greater control over rising property tax rates.”
Jerome Greener, State Director, Americans for Prosperity-Texas

“There is a revolt brewing in Texas over soaring property tax bills that are neither realistic nor sustainable. In 2015, Texas’ 4,171 local governments walloped homeowners and businesses for more than $52 billion in property taxes, or about $1,900 for every man, woman, and child in the Lone Star State. As mammoth an amount as that is, trends suggest that the burden is likely to get heftier still, with tax levies historically outpacing standard economic measures by a wide margin. Governor Abbott’s call for structural property tax reform could not have come at a more urgent time. Texans everywhere are struggling to cope with the relentless onslaught of local property taxes, and systemic change is needed to secure needed and lasting relief.”
James Quintero, Director, Center for Local Governance-Texas Public Policy Foundation

“The Texas Association of REALTORS® applauds Gov. Abbott’s comments in his State of the State address regarding property tax reform. Bringing more transparency and honesty to the local level when tax rates are set will enable Texans to be more informed about how their tax dollars are being spent.”
Vicki Fullerton, Chairman, Texas Association of REALTORS®

On Franchise Tax Reduction:

“We are pleased with the Governor’s commitment to continue working to eliminate the franchise tax. The compliance cost plus payment makes this tax one of the most burdensome taxes Texas businesses have to contend with.”
Talmadge Heflin, Director, Center for Fiscal Policy-Texas Public Policy Foundation

“Governor Abbott’s call to ultimately phase out the franchise tax is an approach that the state must continue to pursue. The franchise tax was created in 2006 to help lower property taxes and to keep the school finance system out of court, yet it has failed in both of those objectives. Texas has slipped in national rankings for tax policy and economic outlook, in part, because of it. Economic projections show that eliminating the franchise tax would produce 41,500 net new jobs, $3.4 billion in net new investment, and $9.8 billion in new personal disposable income. Eliminating the franchise tax would make Texas one of only four states without a corporate income tax or gross receipts-style business tax, which would be a boon for investment, job creation, and economic growth.”
John Colyandro, Executive Director, and Tom Aldred, Director of Policy & Research-Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute

The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum has announced “Princesses and Tiaras” as the theme for the 2017 Daddy Daughter Dance. Every young lady dreams of  being a princess and wearing a tiara, so the Daddy Daughter Dance of 2017 will make that dream come true for each girl attending. The event will be Saturday, February 4 from 6:30 to 9:00.

The 2017 Daddy Daughter Dance will introduce a new disc jockey, Bryan Beezley of Beezley  DJ Services. He will be accompanied by his own daughter Casey. Casey will be a part of the dance floor as she encourages young girls to dance. Sometimes the encouragement will be for the dad, granddad, uncle or brother to join them on the dance floor.

Each young girl will receive a tiara that she can personalize with additional jewels. Other “princess” crafts will be available. Additional activities will be focused on making every young girl feel like a princess. The popular Balloon Lady will make another appearance as she uses her craft for making special balloons. Photos will be available for purchase.

Another new addition will be Kathy Erwin, a former caterer. She will work to provide food just right for a princess and her escort. The Thalians Culture Club will again sponsor the food. Guests should expect a new menu for the 2017 Daddy Daughter Dance.

“It is exciting for us to see the continuing enthusiasm for this event. It is so fun for us to do!” said Sharline Freeman, Executive Director. ” Beckey Thompson does an amazing job of decorating the Children’s Museum for this event.  She has new ideas for this year’s dance floor.”

Discounted tickets are now on sell at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum and can be purchased by calling 903-886-6055. Tickets purchased before January 23^rd are $30 for each girl and her escort; tickets purchased between January 23^rd and February 4^th are $35. On February 4, the day of the event, tickets will be $40 for each couple. Additional young girls will be $10 each. Thanks to generous donors, scholarships are available for the event.