By Brittany Anderson

DRIPPING SPRINGS —  Dripping Springs recognized four new events that commemorate local history and promote the well-being of its residents during the months of September and October.

During their Sept. 7 meeting, city council members unanimously approved proclamations calling for the city to recognize a Latin American Heritage Month, National Preparedness Month, Constitution Week and Hill Country Night Sky Month.

Latin American Heritage Month will be held from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. In light of the proclamation, which was sponsored by council members Geoffrey Tahuahua and Sherrie Parks, a series of events are being planned throughout September and October to ‘promote unity and compassion’ in Dripping Springs.

“Descendants of the first Spanish and Mexican indigenous families are considered the first families of Texas and have lived in this area for nearly 150 years prior to the Texas Revolution, creating the area’s first missions, towns, governments, ranches and roads,” Tahuahua read in the proclamation. “The council invites residents to increase their awareness of the undertold legacy and contributions made by residents of Latin American origin.”

September 2021 will be recognized as National Preparedness Month in Dripping Springs. The proclamation, sponsored by council member April Harris-Allison, states that it is imperative to prepare for emergencies that could affect where people live, work and visit, and that all citizens are encouraged to make preparedness a priority.

Harris-Allison read that the COVID-19 pandemic and potential emergencies like natural disasters or terror attacks have spearheaded the need for this proclamation.

“National Preparedness Month creates an opportunity for residents and businesses in Dripping Springs to prepare their homes, establishments and communities for any type of emergency,” Harris-Allison read. “Investing in preparedness can reduce fatalities and economic devastation.”

Sept. 17 through Sept. 23 will be recognized as Constitution Week in Dripping Springs. The proclamation was sponsored by council members Wade King and Sherrie Parks and commemorates the 234 year anniversary of the signing of the U.S. constitution on September 17, 1787.

“It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary, and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion,” King read. “The council encourages all citizens to study the constitution and reflect on the privilege of being an American, with all of the rights and responsibilities which that privilege involves.”

The final proclamation, sponsored by Mayor Bill Foulds, Jr., recognizes October 2021 as Hill Country Night Sky Month in Dripping Springs. The proclamation encourages citizens to learn about light pollution and implement practices that will help preserve the night sky, stating that it is important to the region, its residents and tourists.

“The experience of standing beneath a star-filled night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe and may encourage interest in science and nature, especially among young people,” mayor pro tem Taline Manassian read. “Generations are growing up with a limited view, if any, of the wonders of the universe. Preserving the rich, historic heritage and starry night skies of Dripping Springs is important.”