COUNTY LIFE
Gil Swift selected to serve as parade marshal
The staff and board of City of Bowie Community Development is proud to announce this year’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas lighted parade Grand Marshal as local supporter Gil Swift.
Among the many contributions Swift has made for the community of Bowie his most recent is establishing the Bowie High School Gil Swift Student Aid Fund in 2021. Swift was born in Houston. He graduated from Cypress Fairbanks ISD in 1957, and earned a BBA from SMU in 1972. He enlisted in the USAF in December 1960 and as a disabled Vietnam veteran he was honorably discharged in 1964.
He was married in 1965 and has two successful sons, Gilbert Manuel, a trademark attorney, and Patrick Thomas, Ph.D. in neuropsychologist. Throughout the years Swift was a Cubmaster and Scout Master and completed wood badge training in 1982. He retired from ARCO/BP in 1989.
“I moved back to Bowie on my best friend’s birthday, Jan. 9, 2011,” noted Gil Swift. Friendliness made him choose Bowie, Texas. “How can you have a friend if you aren’t going to be a friend. I feel welcome here.” He encourages everyone to get involved and find out about the community which is one of the main goals for BCDB in creating quality of life for all.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News and see Swift as he rides in Saturday’s parade.
(Top photo) Gil Swift stands with his son Gilbert Chippy during the recent Chicken and Bread Days Festival. (Photo by Cindy Roller)
Present for the Bowie Community Development proclamation for National Travel and Tourism Week May 3-9 made by Mayor Gaylynn Burris were volunteers and staff: Matthew Hunt, Cindy Roller, Brittany Barnes, Sylvia Henning, Mildred McCraw, and Joe Barnhill. Community Development focus is on beautification and tourism for the City of Bowie. The group focuses on tourism through its many festival and events, welcoming people to the community. (News photo by Barbara Green)
Make plans to attend the 6th Annual May Day Mental Health Awareness Arts Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on May 9 at Pelham Park.
This event is free and open to the public presented by interested local residents and Texas Community Counseling. It will feature mental health related resource tables, veteran’s support information, peer support and other activities.
The afternoon will feature an open mic for any artist, live art, kid’s activities, bake sale, silent auction and a brown bag drawing. All proceeds will benefit Texas Community Counseling.
Meredith Earp was presented with a proclamation honoring her accomplishments as she graduates as valedictorian of Victory Christian Academy and attends the United States Air Force Academy. She received an appointment to all three major service academies. She is the daughter of Brandon and Trisha Earp. Mayor Gaylynn Burris made the presentation at last week’s council meeting. (News photo by Barbara Green)
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