Historically, the town hall meeting was used to bring a community together to share information. The town hall format served several needs in a community that had limited means of communication. One was to discuss a public issue so that their leaders could make decisions that best reflected the wishes of the citizens; another was to allow locals a chance to meet candidates before casting their votes; a third might have been to inform local citizens about a new development that would influence their daily lives. Town hall meetings were an important aspect of Blanco’s past. They were held in the Pecan Bottom, at school buildings and the Old Courthouse. For example, when an election was held, people used to gather on the west side of the building and the results would be called out from that upstairs window. These meetings were free, public meetings and everyone was encouraged to attend.

Keeping with this tradition, the Blanco Woman’s Club warmly invites all of Blanco to attend a modern version of the traditional “Town Hall Meeting.” As in olden days, admission is free and open to anyone curious about current developments in our community. This town hall meeting will be held on April 17, at the Old Blanco Courthouse. Starting at 7 p.m., representatives of 8 ongoing community projects will each have an opportunity to briefly speak about their projects. The second hour will provide an opportunity to view displays and visit one-on-one with the project representatives. In addition to the speakers listed below, Martha Gosnell, with the Safe Routes to School Program, will have a display and will be on hand to answer questions.

Spoken presentations will include:

Don Gaines and Gwen Risinger – New Library Project

Edythe Knox and Bonnie Holmes – Gem of the Hills Aquatic Project

Blanco State Park Interpretive Ranger, Alice Partain – Blanco State Park Programs

Connie Granberg – Old Mission Revival School

Barney Cline – Oral History Project

Larry Franklin – Second Mile Youth Center

Rebecca Howerton – BC150 Sesquicentennial

Jon Brieger – Chamber of Commerce

Everyone is encouraged to attend, become better informed, and find ways to support these important projects. During this week, BWC members will be passing out promotional tickets for a free drawing If you don’t manage to get one of these, you can pick one up at the door. You may come simply to win a prize, but all who attend will win knowledge and pride about these new developments in our community.