Posts tagged “2017”

Jayden, Ava CS’s most popular baby names in 2017

By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director

No offense to the 48 sets of twins born in College Station in 2017, but the biggest stars of the year may have been Dylan, Hayden, and Lilliana Willis — the first triplets to be born here since 2014.

These 99 babies were among the 2,398 born in College Station last year, according to Yvette Dela Torre, our award-winning deputy local registrar whose vital statistics reporting has the precision of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band’s four-way cross.

By the way, Yvette has led the College Station Vital Statistics Division to three consecutive — the coveted three-peat! — five-star exemplary awards, the state’s highest honor for vital reporting efforts. She’s kind of a big deal.

Let’s take a look at numbers and name trends:

Births Girls Boys Twins Triplets
2013 2,159 1,066 1,093 36 sets
2014 2,460 1,264 1,196 30 sets 1 set
2015 2,494 1,245 1,249 50 sets
2016 2,307 1,206 1,164 44 sets
2017 2,398 1,168 1,230 48 sets 1 set

Most popular boys’ first names

  • Jayden (18)
  • Elijah, Jackson (15)
  • Noah (12)

Jackson and Noah are repeats from 2016, but where did Elijah and Jayden come from? Which celebrities or characters are you people following?

Most popular boys’ middle names

  • James (45)
  • Alexander (17)
  • Wayne (15)

Most popular girls’ first names

  • Ava (16)
  • Emma (14)
  • Camila, Charlotte (13)

Camila and Charlotte? Fans of the royals, are you?

Most popular girls’ middle names

  • Grace (62)
  • Rose (58)
  • Marie (54)

More 2017 birth stats

  • Month with the most births: August, September (241)
  • Month with the fewest births: April (141)
  • Days with the most births: Aug. 30 & 18 (16)

Honorable Mentions

In the spirit of Rob Clark’s stellar work for the Bryan-College Station Eagle covering the dozens of oddly-named bands at the annual South by Southwest Music Festival, I’d like to put a spotlight on some of my favorite College Station baby names from 2017.

Biblical

There were, of course, dozens of names on our list from the Bible but, to me, these seemed less common than Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, etc:

Abel Job Magdalene Mordecai
Delilah Lazarus Messiah Shepherd
Ezekiel

Solid

Unsure if these are all boy names or a mix, but they make me want to speak them aloud in my McGruff the Crime Dog voice:

Cash Creed Legend Ryder
Crew Duke Maximus Stryker

States

Arizona Dakota Kansas Virginia

Nature

Autumn Honey Magnolia Violet
Daisy Lily Mahogany Willow

The Old West

Boone Danger Remington Savannah
Cheyenne Jack Daniel Ridge Shiloh
Colt Justice Rowdy Temper

Kings and Queens

Majesty Reign Royalty Roi’yale Unique
Princess Royal Royalty Mi’Treasure

Ahhhhh…

These should be the chill babies in town:

Aurora Haven Lovely Paisley
Destiny Joy Luna Serenity
Dream Joy Peace Memoree Sincere
Fable

Shakespearean

Romeo
Juliet

Presidential

Carter Kennedy Madison Reagan
Hayes Lincoln Monroe Tyler

Somewhat Musical

Franklin Layla Melody Presley
Journey, Journei Liv Tyler Pearl

Collegiate

Berkeley
Princeton

Major Cities

London Sydney Denver Memphis
Paris Brooklyn Houston

Awesome Apostrophes

Dra’dynn Ja’Vory Ke’Darian My’Syiah
Ja’Niyah Jua’Quariah Mar’Kaeveious  

Born on the Holidays

9:  Easter 4:  Halloween 4:  New Year’s Eve 1:  Independence Day
6:  Labor Day 4:  Thanksgiving 3:  Valentine’s Day 0:  New Year’s Day
5:  Memorial Day 4:  Christmas Eve

College Station ended 2017 with a population estimate of 117,774, thanks in part to our 2,398 newest College Stationers (Stationeries? Stationites? Station Wagons?).

Here’s to a fruitful 2018!

 

About the Blogger

Jay Socol (@jaysocol) is in his ninth year as College Station’s public communications director. A 1991 graduate of Texas A&M. Jay has also been communications director for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, public information officer for the City of Bryan, and news director at several Bryan-College Station area radio stations. A native of Breckenridge, he also serves as president of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers.

Triplet photo courtesy of Christopher and Heather Willis.

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January 9, 2018 | Categories: City Secretary, Public Communications | Tags: , , | 1 Comment

2017: The Year in Photos

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

As we bring in the new year, we offer a sampling of the Public Communication Office’s best photography work of 2017. Scroll and click the individual photos in the mosaic below.

Special thanks to Chad Cockrum of Brazos Multimedia, Broadcast Media Specialist Mark Beal, Public Communications Assistant Kathleen Meredith, former Multimedia Coordinator Jon Carpenter, and former External Relations Manager Mike Neu for their hard work in documenting city events and activities throughout the year.

For more city photos from 2017 and beyond, click here.

A trained falcon was part of the festivities at the grand opening of the Lick Creek Park Nature Center in October.
Councilman John Nichols is sworn into office by Municipal Court Judge Ed Spillane in November. Nichols previously served on the council from 2012-2016.
One of the most popular activities at the Southwood Community Center are the regular Classic Country and Bluegrass Jam Sessions.
Employee of the Year Kevin Harris of CSPD and Mayor Karl Mooney.
A young music fan takes a break with one of CSPDs finest during the U.S. Navy band Cruisers concert at Veterans park and Athletic Complex.
CSUs Jacob Rowe dominated the Annual Apprentice Lineman Rodeo in October at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. He won three of the five events in a spirited competition against BTU.
College Station firefighters gave free CPR lessons for six hours at three fire stations on May 25 as part of the World CPR Challenge.
The city bid farewell to longtime Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor Lance Jackson in June. Jackson ran the facility for more than 23 years.
We were not quite sure who was more excited about Doggie Day at the Pool — the owner or the dog. The event was held in August at Cindy Hallaran Pool.
The Junior Beginner Tennis program attracts dozens of aspiring young players to Bee Creek Park each fall.
The Toddler 2K and Baby Crawl in early October featured a 25-yard dash and toddlers in a 2K run at Wolf Pen Creek Park.
Water Production Operator Jared Lapaglia surveys a mass of non-flushables cleared from a waterwater pump.
When June come around, it means the state 7-on-7 football tournament is back at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The event annually features some of the top high school players in Texas.
The competition at the Brazos Valley Senior Games is intense.
A youngster takes a break from the Easter Egg Hunt to enjoy the new playground equipment at W.A. Tarrow Park.
In 2017, the Drama Kids class proved to be a welcome addition to the Parks & Recreation Departments summer camp lineup.
The memorial at Veterans Park Athletic Complex was covered in an elegant layer of snow in early December.
In July, the Parks Recreation Department showed the hit movie “Moana” on its 32-foot high inflatable screen at Adamson Lagoon.
Children go for a train ride through Tarrow Park on a perfect December day as part of the annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Lincoln Recreation Center.
A young pooch is decked out in his finest for the annual Weiner Dog races at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.
If you have any doubt that the Brazos Valley Seniors Games is loaded with bonafide athletes, these guys are willing to set you straight on the basketball court.
A solemn officer salutes during the 30th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service in May at the American Pavilion at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
The Monster Bash and Haunted House at the Lincoln Recreaiton Center in October featured a haunted house, carnival games, joy jumps, refreshments, and, of course, plenty of candy.
Judge Ed Spillane administers the oath to new Fire Chief Jonathan McMahan in February.
In July, CSPD took part in a statewide tribute on the anniversary of the ambush that claimed the lives of five Dallas officers.
The annual Easter Egg Hunt at W.A. Tarrow Park attracts dozens of youngsters each spring.
An amused College Station police officer showed his patrol car off to a young resident during the annual National Night Out in October.
A young resident got an up-close look at nature at the Lick Creek Park Nature Center grand opening.
Bocce was a popular activity at the Special Olympics Fall Classic at Veterans Park and Memorial Complex.
A young participant sprints across the finish line in the Todder 2K at Wolf Pen Creek Park in October.
A young visitor explores his wingspan during the grand opening of the Lick Creek Park Nature Center in October.
A surprise snowstorm seemed to bring the Indian Wars Memorial statues to life on the Lynn Stuart Pathway in Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
The renowned U.S. Navy Band Cruisers performed a free concert in early August at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
On June 22, College Station participated in the Worlds Largest Swimming Lesson, which brings together tens of thousands of individuals around the world to participate in the same lesson in a 24-hour period.
A lineman is silhouetted against the fall sky during the annual Apprentice Lineman Rodeo at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
A part of the annual Juneteenth celebration, Praises at the Pavilion features spiritual groups, churches, soloists and praise teams giving musical interpretations about a day of jubilee and freedom.
An excited young girl jumps into the arms of her dad as they prepare to watch “Moana” on a 32-foot high inflatable screen at Splash-In Cinema Night at Adamson Lagoon.
Outgoing Councilwoman Julie Schultz clears the way for newly elected Councilman John Nichols.
City Secretary Sherry Mashburn shares a laugh with City Manager Kelly Templin at her retirement party in July.
The city gateway sign near the intersection of State Highway 6 and University Drive.
Ret. Gen. Joe Hanover, 99, says the University Drive-Wellborn Road underpass has changed little since he supervised its construction 50 years ago in March. Thanks to Henry Mayo for the photo.
A CSPD officer walks with a group of kids in honor of Juneteenth during the annual Freedom Walk from the Lincoln Recreation Center to the Bush Library and Museum.
The Parks and Recreation Department offers basketball, soccer and bowling programs for those with special needs.
Dog owners had as much fun as their pets at the annual Weiner Fest at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.
CSPD officers participated in No Shave November to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and male health in general.
Actor and rapper Gregory J. Qaiyum paid a visit to the Lincoln Recreation Center in early October.
As Mayor Karl Mooney looked on, outgoing Councilwoman Blanche Brick donated a print of Norman Rockwell’s famous “Freedom of Speech” to adorn the walls at College Station City Hall.
Presenting the colors and the playing of the National Anthem had added meaning at the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers concert in August at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. .
The Starlight Music Series at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater is a popular event for several weekends each spring.
Linda Harvell takes the oath of office from Judge Ed Spillane as her daughter, Cecilee, watches.
The 2017 Brazos Valley Senior Games attracted 400 athletes 50 years and older for an Olympic-style competition.
This pooch enjoyed chasing the tennis ball in Cindy Hallaran Pool during Doggie Day at the Pool in August.
Crowd participation is the norm during Starlight Music Series concerts at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.
A little holiday dancing at the Age of Elegance Banquet in December at the Lincoln Recreation Center.
Kyle Field looms in the background in a picturesque view from the Aggie Field of Honor and Municipal Cemetery.
Casino Day at Southwood Community Center was a popular place to be in September.
Bob Brick is sowrn into office by Judge Spillane to fill the seat vacated by his wife, Blanche Brick, who served two terms.
Two pirates ferociously guard Adamson Lagoon on Pirate Day in July.
Mayor Karl Mooney hangs out with some enthusiastic residents on National Night Out.

Past Years Best Photos:

Happy New Year!

 

About the Blogger

Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also been a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.


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December 28, 2017 | Categories: Public Communications | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Our most popular blogs and podcasts of 2017

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

When blogging became all the rage several years ago, it was common to see corporations and even state and federal government agencies jumping aboard.

But you didn’t see many local governments taking part – and you still don’t.

The reason the City of College Station decided to start blogging in 2010 was simple. It was an effective way to better tell our story. More than seven years later, the city blog continues to be a powerful cornerstone of our public outreach strategy.

In our first year of blogging, we averaged just over 800 views per month. In 2017, we averaged about 8,000 views per month, a tenfold increase. Since we launched the blog in August 2010, we’ve published nearly 870 posts, resulting in more than 400,000 views and tens of thousands of shares through social media.

Our 120 new blog posts this year have attracted more than 98,000 views – about 26,000 more than the old record set in 2016. Our most-viewed blog of 2017 was a four-year-old post about how to report power outages. That post received 4,700 new views in 2017, giving it about 16,000 views since it originally appeared in 2013. The most popular original post was about whether the color orange is banned in College Station, which has attracted more than 3,300 views.

While blogging is rare for municipalities, you see even fewer cities delivering regular podcasts featuring local government leaders. Public Communications produced 10 podcasts in 2017 that received a total of about 5,000 plays.

The “Is This a Thing?” series featuring Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz has proven to be especially popular with our podcast audience. The series explores the rumors and realities about new restaurants, stores, and other development coming to town. An episode in June was played a whopping 2,875 times, making it our most listened-to podcast ever.

Here are our most popular blogs and podcasts of the year:

Top Blogs of 2017

1.     4,687 views    Your account number is key when reporting an outage
2.     3,326 views    Is the color orange really banned in College Station?
3.     2,567 views    10 ways to protect your pipes and irrigation in freezing weather
4.     1,894 views    Is This A Thing? What you don’t know about Jones Crossing
5.     1,792 views    TxDOT’s Harvey Mitchell-University Drive Interchange Project
6.     1,529 views    CSFD saves two dogs in apartment fire
7.     1,444 views    Live Blog: 2017 city election results
8.     1,310 views    Prepare for possible impacts of Hurricane Harvey
9.     1,186 views    Major changes underway at popular Lick Creek Park
10.    1,137 views    Is this a thing? What’s coming to CS 

Top Podcasts of 2017

1.    2,875 plays Is this a thing? What’s coming to CS, and what’s not 
2.    336 plays ‘Hotel folklore’: How Embassy Suites built across from Texas A&M
3.    296 plays The future of Bush/Wellborn and why your opinion matters
4.    263 plays Is This A Thing? Dallis family announces Burger Mojo 
5.    246 plays Lance Jackson bids farewell to Lincoln Recreation Center
6.    189 plays Bryan-College Station: That’s My Hometown
7.    179 plays Heart of local aquatics moves on after 30 years
8.    174 plays Is This A Thing? What you don’t know about Jones Crossing 
9.    157 plays Who says College Station has 109,857 residents? Jessica Bullock.
10.   99 plays Couch on the roof, goat in the driveway: The World of Julie Caler

Happy New Year!

 

About the Blogger

Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also been a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.

 

 

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December 27, 2017 | Categories: Public Communications | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment