bay area observer 1-27-2011
DESCRIPTION
Bay Area Observer 1-27-2011TRANSCRIPT
By Rebecca [email protected]
The City of La Porte con-sidered several issues during Monday nights Regular Meet-ing and Workshop Meeting at City Hall, including the possi-bility of passing an ordinance for the use of golf carts within the city limits. Citizens have expressed an interest in allowing golf carts on the city streets of La Porte. Several spoke during the pub-lic comments session at Mon-days meeting in favor, citing
economic reasons, and a sense of community. Currently golf carts are not allowed by state law on the city streets of La Porte, how-ever there is a provision in the law that allows under certain stipulations for municipalities to allow golf carts. Police Chief Kenith Adcox presented council with public safety concerns involving golf carts for city council to con-sider. Chief Adcox stated “The La Porte Police Dept is not recommending that golf carts
be allowed because of public safety concerns, however the department realizes that pub-lic safety may not be the only concern that city council has”. Should council decide to pass an ordinance, there are certain criteria that are being recommended such as issuing permits, drivers license, insur-ance, and safety equipment requirements. Some suggest-ed safety requirements could include slow moving traffic signs, inspections, headlights, seat belts and other features.
Chief Adcox expressed an interest in putting together a group of people, including cit-izens to go before council and conduct a workshop to discuss some of the recommendations. City council agreed, and a date will be determined. A court case scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled be-tween the Port of Houston and the City of La Porte concern-ing noise violations., and will instead enter into mediation with the City of La Porte. The current La Porte ordi-
nance stipulates that the city can cite a resident or busi-ness for noise violations. That includes noise if that noise source is outside city limits, as long as the noise is coming from a location within 5,000 feet of the city. La Porte City Council has au-thorized the police department to treat the shipping location as they would any other neigh-boring entity or resident. Over the past few months several citizens in the Shore-acres/ La Porte area have been
By The Bay8th Annual Seabrook Lucky Trails MarathonMeador ParkMarch 19, 2011
Sign up now! Runners and walkers welcome. Join us for our eighth an-nual Seabrook Lucky Trail Mara-thon, Half Marathon, and Relay! Saturday, March 19, 2011•Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M.•2 person Half Marathon Relay - 7:30 A.M.Sunday - March 20, 2011•Marathon - 7:15 A.M.•Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M.•4 person Marathon Relay - 7:15 A.M.•Early start for Full Marathon Walkers - 5:30 A.M.Venue Name: Meador ParkLocation: 2100 Meyer Rd, Sea-brook, TX 77586Admission Cost: pre-registrationPhone: 1-866-611-4688Web:www.seabrookmarathon.orgEmail:[email protected]
Becoming a Woman of FaithBayshore BaptistChurch - La Porte
Ladies, please join us at Bay-shore Baptist Church for a new book study - Becoming a Wom-an of Faith. Best-selling Bible teacher, Cynthia Heald offers a realistic perspective for today’s Christian woman. From facing challenging circumstances to be-ing real before God, Becoming a Woman of Faith, is a Bible study that helps women learn what it means to walk with faith in the real world and honor Christ with their lives. This Bible study lasts 13 weeks and has been created to help you search the Scriptures and draw closer to God as you seek to make God a priority in your life. The class is free! Con-tact the church office for more information at 281-271-0332.
Spaghetti Dinner FundraiserJanuary 28, 20115:00 – 7:30 PmBay Elementary In Seabrook Off Hwy. 146 At Kenneth Royal Dr.
Dinner ticket includes spaghetti dinner, dessert and beverage. Come join us for dinner and the silent auction for the benefit of the NEW Evelyn Meador Li-brary coming in 2011. See an Evelyn Meador Board Member for your ticket or buy them at the door. There will be a Special book signing by Ruth Burke for her new book on Seabrook His-tory and a silent auction.
Father Sheffield Super Bowl BarbecueSunday, February 618223 Point LookoutNassau Bay
“St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6234 will conduct its annual Father Sheffield Super Bowl barbecue on Sunday, February 6, at the church, 18223 Point Lookout Drive, Nassau Bay. The Knights’ award-winning smoked brisket, ribs and chicken go fast. Pre-or-ders are encouraged by Wednes-day, February 2, although some barbecue may be available the day of the event. To pre-order, e-mail or call Vince Berend at [email protected], ph. 281 333-9739; or Buck Gay at [email protected], ph. 281 333-4662. Prices are $10 per pound for brisket or ribs and $10 each for smoked chicken. Contact name: Art Anton, 281 474-3373.
INDEX
Community.......................2-3
Crossword...........................2
Local News..........................4
Education............................5
Arts & Entertainment........6
Classifieds............................7
Cuisine.................................8
In The Garden.....................8
VOLUME 2, NO. 04 LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011
The Bay Area ObserverServing Communities Along Galveston Bay
Continued on page 2
Continued on page 4
Pasadena Plumbing Services, Inc.
“For All Your Plumbing Needs”
281-487-4688
La Porte City Council Considers Golf Carts, Port Issues
La Porte Fire Fighters resoponded to a fire on Thursday, January 20th with 4 engines and 1 ladder at 815 South Broadway. The fire occurred in the afternoon in an office buillding currently being used as offices for St. John’s Episcopal Church. In previous years the building was home to Dr. Mock’s office. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Krewe Du Lac Announces Royal Court For 2011 Mardi Gras Season
Krewe du Lac proudly announces the Royal Court for the 2011 Mardi Gras season. Crowning of the King and Queen was held at Crazy Alan’s Cajun Shack in Kemah during the annual King Cakes Party on January 9th. The 2011 season of-ficially begins! The King is honored for his service to Krew du Lac and the community. King Peter D. Kinser, a resident of Old Seabrook for 21 years, fits the bill. King Kinser earned his Masters in Theatre and has worked in education for 15 years. He also founded Farpoint Theater where he remains artistic director. “Being King of Krewe du Lac is like a dream come true. This a wonderful group of friends to celebrate with.” - Kinser Holding to tradition the Queen is selected by finding the toy baby in the King’s Cake. Amal Shafek, the lucky lady, had just moved to the U.S. a week prior after her marriage to Michael Chesser. Queen Amal was born in Alexandria, Egypt and has her B.A. in Architecture. Since 2007 she had been the as-sistant editor of Magaz Design Magazine in Cairo, Egypt. Ladies of the Court for 2011 are Tammy Mosley, D’ Anne Conrad, Michelle Patrick and Lauren Kirby. If you missed out on King’s Cake, don’t forget Krewe du Lac is preparing for an epic season. Stay connected at krewedulac.org and add Krewe Du Lac Group on facebook for further family fun including parades, a Fun Run and more.
Seabrook Mayor Gary Renola Is Named
2011 Big Brother Of The Year
Smart Shoppers Browse In Santa Fe...But Buy It At The World Famous
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Seabrook Mayor Gary Renola has been named 2011 Big Brother of the Year for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. The “Bigs of the Year” award recognizes outstanding volunteers who provide exceptional and life-changing impact to the chil-dren they mentor. Gary was selected to receive this award among thousands of other Big Brothers throughout the Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star service area, which includes 106 counties across Texas, serving cities from San Angelo through the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to Paris, Texas. As a result of his selection, he is now nominated for a statewide award, to be selected in April, where he will compete with Bigs from other agencies across the state. Gary has been a Big Brother for 12 years to three different Little Brothers and has served as a mentor for the past three years to his current Little Brother, Jacob. Jacob’s academic timeline has been wrought with struggle. When he was first enrolled in Head Start, he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperac-tivity Disorder (ADHD) and he maintained a “C” average in the 4th grade. With Gary’s help, two years later, Jacob was in 6th grade honors courses and was thinking about college. Recently, Jacob was invited by Duke University to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) and has been recognized because of his high score on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. Not only has Jacob excelled at school, he has tak-en on new challenges including music and sports. Jacob is a Boy Scout and has participated in All City and All Region band, tried out for the football team for the first time and currently plays on his school’s basketball team. “The whole family has changed for the better since being a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program,” said Jacob’s mother Patricia Gonzalez. “I am so appreciative of Gary. He is a wonderful role model for Jacob and is always bragging about his Big Brother and the kind of work he does. He says he wants to attend a great college and be as successful as Gary. I am so grateful for everything that Gary has done – including helping Jacob with bullies,” she added. When Jacob was being bullied in school, he turned to Gary for support and advice. One day at Jacob’s Academic Excellence Awards ceremony, Gary asked Jacob about the bullying. Jacob looked up to Gary with a big smile and said, “The bullying is gone! I don’t have that problem anymore!” Gary also exemplifies advocacy for the local agency. Gary has been involved in fundraising since he began volunteering. Most recently, Gary has been instrumental in the success of the Bay Area Bowl for Kids Sake. He has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the event and has served for six years on the Board of Directors for the agency and the Advisory Council since then. He also brings enthusiastic support to agency events. Recently, he attended and brought several guests to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Picture Luncheon and 60th anniversary celebration. “I am extremely proud of being recognized as Big Brother of the Year. The actions required to be a Big are relatively simple, yet the impact is profound. This bond that develops between each Big and Lit-tle, leads to a positive impact in both. I get more out of being a Big than what I put in,” said Gary. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor-supported vol-unteer organization that places caring adults in the lives of children in one-to-one mentoring relation-ships. Through the positive impact of those friend-ships, children with a Big Brother or Big Sister are more likely to graduate from high school and are less likely to begin using drugs, begin using alcohol or engage in negative conflict. For more informa-tion, contact 888.887.BIGS or www.bbbstx.org
Report From The Seabrook City Manager
2011 will be the start of several large or signifi-cant projects that have been in the works for several years.
Repsdorph Road Improvements - Harris County should approve the start of this project within the next 45 days. During the first phase of the project, Repsdorph from Lock Lake to NASA Parkway will become a one-way southbound road. Once started, the project timeline estimate is 16 - 18 months.
Lakeside Extension (City Project) - This project is un-derway and will extend the current Lakeside Drive an-other 700 feet. The project should be completed within 90 days and will allow Lakeside Drive to be ready to tie into the Repsdorph project.
Lower Pine Gully Improvement Project - This is a joint City and Port project that will be accomplished
along with the Galveston Bay Foundation. This involves the removal of the silt currently in the lower region of Pine Gully as well as wetland improvements and a breakwater structure to prevent future silting in the area. The breakwater structure is a CDGB (Community De-velopment Block Grant) project. This project is in final permit review by the Corps of Engineers. If all goes well and permit is issued, this project will be completed with-in the first six months of this year.
Waterfront Drive Improvement - This is one of the CDBG and Economic Development Administration grant projects estimated at $6.5 million that is in final environmental review by the TDRA. We expect the en-vironmental review to be complete within the next 45 days. once complete, we should have permission tom-start the full project. We have already started the permit process with the Corps of Engineers along with a major portion of the final design.
Seabrook Projects Update
Continued on page 4
No Injuries Reported In Fire At St. John’s Episcopal Church Offices
PAGE 2 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011
COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY EVENTS
The 19th Annual Ed Brandon Cenikor Golf Tournament May 9, 2011Bay Oaks Country Club Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23.1 million Americans age 12 and up suffer from some type of substance abuse or chemical dependency? Did you know one of the most researched programs in the nation operates within your backyard? Cenikor has been helping people change since 1967. We would love to discuss how you and/or your business can help make the Greater Houston area a healthier and more productive place to live and work. Cenikor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and appreciates your help in getting this message to others. For More Information Contact: Roni Archer [email protected]. Sponsorship information available
Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department Blood DriveJanuary 31st4:00 PM to 8:00 PM 1850 E. Meyer Road, Seabrook
The Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a blood drive. The drive will be held on Monday, January 31st, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in association with the UTMB Blood Bank. All community members are invited and encouraged to participate in the blood drive, which will be held at the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department, Station 1, located at 1850 E. Meyer Road. For more information, please contact SVFD at 281-474-3434.
Annual Trash Bash March 26Under the Highway 146 BridgeSeabrook
http://www.trashbash.org/site_galveston_bay_seabrook.htmParking: Free parking under the Highway 146 BridgeRegistration: Please come to the Boat Ramp area to register for the event. Every participant will be required to sign a registration form that includes a liability release section. Minors must have the form signed by a parent or guardian. School groups should get registra-tion forms in advance, complete them and bring them to the event to minimize waiting time. You can print the registration form off the Trash Bash website. Please call (281) 474-2333 if you have problems to print the form.Area to be Cleaned:Seabrook parks and waterways. This site is a land and water-based cleanup. The work takes place at various parks and waterways around Seabrook.Schedule for the Day:8:30 am - 9:00 am - Registration at the Boat Ramp Site9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Debris Cleanup (see Safety Instructions)1:00 pm - Free lunch served by the Rotary Club, recognition of spon-sors, exhibits to learn about our watershed, music entertainment, door prizes, souvenirs. Youth/scout activities to earn participation patch.
Edgewater Dragon Boat ChallengeWebsterApril 9
Gear up for the region’s newest water competition, the first annual Edgewater Dragon Boat Challenge, http://www.texasdragonboat.com, in Webster. To be held April 9, this event promotes the tradition and sport of dragon boating, while increasing awareness of Asian and Asian-American cultures. Dragon boat racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport, combining tradition with modern-day team-work, enthusiasm and strategy.
Continued from page 1
Make a commitment to Reconnect with Nature at Armand Bayou Nature Center by joining us in our new “Sundays in Na-ture Series”. From 1pm – 3pm each third Sunday of the month, the Nature Center will host programs allowing you to better un-derstand the natural world around us. The series is designed to make our community Healthier, Happier and Smarter in Nature. Each program will feature speakers, presenters and/or activities for children and adults alike. Visit our website at abnc.org for details. Join us on January 16th for the first of our Sundays in Nature Series “Resolution to Go Green”. Learn about simple things that you can adopt to make a difference inside and outside of your home. Make a really fun eco-craft, and join us for a guided hike through the Nature Center to the Bayou. Don’t miss the fun and excitement as ABNC brings you our first “Sundays in Nature Series”. Admission to Sundays in Nature is $3 for non-member adults and $1 for children 4-12 and seniors 60 and older. For more information, phone 281-474-2551. Nature Sunday is replacing Second Saturday – So, mark your calendars for the third Sunday, 1-3pm.
Sundays in Nature Series at Armand
Bayou Nature Center
P.O. Box 305 • Seabrook, Texas 77586Phone: 281-907-3140 • Fax: 866-596-8973
Email: [email protected]
Opinions in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the newspaper. Any erroneous statement which may appear will be correct-ed if brought to the attention of the publisher. Liability for errors is limited to the reprinting of the corrected version. Submissions are encouraged by mail, by fax, or by email to [email protected].
Editor & Publisher...........Rebecca [email protected]
Associate Editor................Carolyn [email protected]
Sales Representative............Jeanne SadlerSeabrook, Kemah Area832-421-4777 • [email protected]
Sales Representative.....Beverly LawrenceLa Porte Area281-793-7961 • [email protected]
The Bay Area ObserverEstablished in 2006
Serving the communities along Galveston Bay.
The Office of Emergency Management will host a Skywarn Training class on Tuesday, February 22nd from 6:30-9:00 PM at the La Porte Police Department building. The Police Department is located at 3001 N 23rd Street, La Porte, TX 77571. Skywarn is a group of trained volunteers that watch the skies during severe weather and relay reports back to your local Emer-gency Management Office and/or the National Weather Service (NWS). These volunteers provide valuable information to the NWS to improve the warning program which could save lives and prevent property damage in your community. For more information about Skywarn, visit www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx. To register for the class, contact Kristin Gauthier at (281) 470-0011, or [email protected].
Skywarn Training Class In La Porte February 22, 2011
Got A Commmunity Event Coming Up?
Email us at [email protected]
Dunham’s Tax Service816 South First StreetLa Porte, Texas 77571
Tel: 281-471-4892 • Fax: 281-470-7419Open six days a week 9 to 5
Thank you for reading our advertising! We have been in business here in La Porte for sixty-three years. We are proud to be the oldest Accounting and Tax Prepa-ration firm in East Harris County.
We support youth programs, education, churches, anything to better our community. We are aware of most businesses in our community. If you need a particular expertise, give us a call. We may be able to help you.
Our Tax Preparation fees for Individuals, Partnerships, and Corporations are quite reasonable.
Our turnaround time is usually three days. We can also do your Notarizing for Documents when needed.
Thanks for reading our letter and come meet us.
The Dunham Family
Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com
The Sam Houston Area Council will join forces with the Souper Bowl of Caring to transform the time around the Super Bowl into a grassroots movement led by youth that helps to fight hunger in the community. Scouts will serve as the door-to-door effort and visit area homes on Saturday, January 29 to leave notices about the most needed items. They will return Saturday, February 5th to collect those items at each home. Cub Scout Pack 389 will be participating in this Council-wide service project on Jan 29th and Feb 5th in El Lago and the fol-lowing Seabrook neighborhoods: Lakepointe Forest; Mystic Vil-lage; Seabrook Island. Pack 389 is in the Bayshore District of the Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) and serves Nassau Bay, Seabrook, El Lago, and Taylor Lake Village. More information is available online at http://sites.google.com/ site/pack389tx/Home. For more information on local programs, contact us at [email protected].
Scouting for Foodwith Souper Bowl of Caring
Jan 29th and Feb 5th
The Kemah Pan Jam is scheduled for Saturday March 26, 2011 10 am - 10 pm and Sunday March 27, 2011 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Pan .Jam is authentic Caribbean steel drum, calypso music and reggae singers who have performed all over the world, at events ranging from backyard parties to Presidential receptions. The streets of the Kemah Lighthouse District come alive with the lively beat of steel drums at the annual Kemah Pan Jam Steel Drum Festival. We hope to see you at Pan Jam this year. Make plans now to enjoy the celebration and spend the weekend in Kemah where there’s local accommodations a’plenty mon. For more infomration visit www.kemahpanfest.com
Kemah Pan Jam FestivalMarch 26th, 2011
The Galveston County Master Gardener Program classes are conducted one time a year beginning in early February, lasting approximately eight weeks. The 2011 Master Gardener Course will be held beginning on Thursday, February 10 and on each Tuesday and Thursday there-after through April 5, 2011. Classes are conducted, generally, from 1 to 5 p.m. However, there will be two classes in 2011 that will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once the schedule is finalized it will be posted. During the course of the year, we collect names and the contact information of those individuals who are interested in the next Master Gardener training course. Toward the end of December, packets are mailed to those individuals. Each packet contains the official application, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and An-swers about the program, and the unofficial class schedule. If you would like to receive this packet when it is available, please send an email with your name, address and phone number to [email protected] For more information contact: Telephone: 281-534-3413, Ext. 1-2, Address: 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson, Texas 77539, e-mail: [email protected]
Galveston County Master Garden Classes For 2011
Master Gardeners 2011 Saturday Seminar Series
Upcoming Programs The Galveston County Master Gardeners and the Galveston County Extension Office sponsor numerous seminars, work-shops, plant clinics and other educational programs throughout the year. All programs are conducted at the Galveston County Extension Office at 5115 Highway 3 in Dickinson and are free to the public except when noted. However due to space limitations pre-registration is required. To register for a program, please call 281-534-3413, ext 1-2 or e-mail [email protected].
MINIMIZE TOMATO STRESS FACTORS TO MAXIMIZE YIELDS January 29, 2011 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.Presented by MG Sam Scarcella. An overview of the problems that could be occurring in your tomato garden at this time, and what to do about them.
GROWING BLUEBERRIES January 29, 20111:00 - 3:00 p.m. Presented by Dr. David Cohen, an accomplished home grower of blueberries by avocation and a practicing physician by trade. Dr. Cohen has an impressive “blueberry patch” as part of his home landscape and has gained considerable hands-on experience with successfully growing blueberries under our growing conditions.
Think Globally.Act Locally.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER PAGE 3
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Happy New Year: After a 3 month hiatus, I am back in print! Be looking here for news about seniors in La Porte.
We started the New Year the first Monday of the year, and because it was a holiday for the food caterer serving the Norman L. Malone Senior Center, homemade vittles were required. Ms Lois, our home meal delivery driver, stepped into the kitchen and rustled up two pans of chicken spa-ghetti that really hit the spot. The lunch diners brought something to accompany the entree and a great time was had by all. Thank you Ms Lois and Center Staff.
Movie Time: The new surround sound, movie/video system at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center had its debut on January 5 with a showing of “Avatar”, accompanied with bowls of popcorn (just like the movie house of old). The visuals were excellent and the sound, well, it was all around the viewers. We can hardly wait to see the Super Bowl football game on the wide screen with sur-round sound. The XLV Super Bowl party is Sunday, February 6, starting at 5:00 PM
Going Back: I remember having an ‘original’ burger, onion rings and a root beer at Prince’s on South Main back in the 70’s. That facility is long closed, but when the Red’s Lunch Out bunch went to Prince’s on Fuqua, it seemed nothing had changed. The burger was hand formed, broiled and served on their signature poppy seed bun. What a treat!
Soup Anyone?: As most of you know, a hot meal, provided by the Harris County Area Agency For The Aging, is served daily at noon at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center, except for holi-days. For the 11th year, Deb D. prepared her ‘Christmas Soup’ on MLK Day. Using broths from the Christmas luncheon ham and turkey and adding ham and veggies, the aroma of freshly made vegetable soup tantalized all those gathered in the congregant area. Ms Lois, our home meal deliv-ery driver, observes the holiday so volunteers take soup and accompaniments to our home bound clients. There were so many volunteers for delivery that teams doubled up. Many diners brought corn bread, crackers and desserts to accompany the meal. I know the home bound clients appreci-ated the soup, but also the opportunity to meet other senior members.
Pass The Gavel: January10 marked the conclusion of a successful term as president of AARP Chapter 1973, La Porte for John Vercher. Thank you, John, for all your efforts. The electorate se-lected Lynn Wilbarger to succeed John for the next year and we know she will continue as an out-standing president. AARP meets the second Monday of the month at La Porte Community Church, First & “A” Sts. at 10:30 AM. All guests 55 years plus are welcome. A covered dish luncheon follows the meeting.
The Games People Play: The monthly ‘Game Afternoon’ at the Norman L. Malone Senior Cen-ter was Friday, January 21. Over 20 seniors gathered to play a variety of table games, socialize and snack, starting at 12:30 PM. I sat in on a quick game of ‘spinner dominoes’ and thoroughly enjoyed strategizing the board moves. Another table of ‘Mexican Train’ seemed to be having as much fun. Of course, a ‘canasta’ game was also in play. Everyone seemed to enjoy the afternoon festivity.
What’s Up?: at Norman L. Malone Senior Center
Thursday, February 3…Mini Health Fair
Thursday evening, February 3…Senior Dance
Wednesday, February 16…Galveston “Tree Sculpture” bus tour
Monday, February 14…Valentine’s Day munchee party
Tuesday, February 15…Red Suspenders Breakfast
Friday, February 18…Game Afternoon
Every day at 12:00 noon, a hot lunch provided by the Harris County Area Agency for the Aging.
If you’re not taking advantage of our senior activities, stop in, sign up and join the fun and excite-ment!
The Senior ClassBy Jay Dunham [email protected]
CMR JewelersMoving Again!
Please stop by our NEW location in March 2011 at the corner of Somerton & Spencer Hwy. (Next to Chili’s)
8610 Spencer Hwy. Ste. C • La Porte, Texas 77571281-470-8282
Same great town. Same great service!
This ad entitles you to a 20% discount on all jewelry purchases thru April.
Our new location will not be “move in ready” until March 3, 2011. We will be conducting daily business such as jewelry & watch repairs by appointment for your convenience.
Please call us at the above number or email [email protected] for arrangements.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
Start a new tradition...charm her with
Kera Beads.
Call me about
Valentine’s
Gifts
COMMUNITY
La Porte Police Encourage Caregivers to Teach about 911
Suppose you’re at home and looking outside of a window and you see someone break-ing into your neighbor’s house. Or, worse, you’re in your own home and believe someone has just walked into your back yard. Now imagine you’re a child who witnesses the horror of a parent or family member falling unconscious or in need of medical attention in the liv-ing room, yet you don’t know how to get help. The La Porte Police Department wishes to encourage all caregivers to take a few moments and review the listed instructional points in an effort educate children on the importance of calling 911 dur-ing an emergency. What is 911? - 911 is a free number to dial for the fastest possible emergency response when you need emergency POLICE, FIRE, or MEDICAL ASSISTANCE in a life or death situation. Your call is answered by a La Porte Police Depart-ment Dispatch Center Tele-communicator to determine if you need FIRE, MEDICAL, or POLICE assistance. When they determine if you need the police, fire, or Medical Ser-vices, your call is immediately
assigned to a La Porte Police Officer, La Porte Fire Station, or to an Emergency Medical Services Unit. When to dial 911 - 911 is the number to dial when an emer-gency is occurring or has just occurred. Remember to stay calm. Give your name, location, and nature of the emergency. Be sure and answer the 911 call-taker’s questions as accurately as possible. Also, never hang up on the 911 Telecommunica-tor until you are told to do so. For non-emergency situations, such as noisy neighbors or a stolen bicycle, use the La Porte Police non-emergency phone number 281-471-2141. Information most needed by the 911 call-taker – Police dis-patch telecommunicators will
need the phone number from where you are calling, a brief story of what happened, where it happened, who was involved, and information on any inju-ries. 911 Emergency Examples – While any event may seem an emergency while it is ongoing, remember that the 911 service is for extreme emergencies such as someone breaking into a home, a fire, auto accident, chocking or unconscious per-son, fights, etc. 911 is NOT for - Directory as-sistance, emergency telephone repair or other Non-Emergency calls that are not a life or death situation. An important point to re-member is to never tell a 911 operator that a situation is more serious than it really is just to get faster service. It is against the law to intentionally give false information to the police. Nevertheless, if you have a true emergency, the La Porte Police Department advises that no one should hesitate to dial 911. For more information on 911 or other emergency procedures, contact the department’s non-emergency line at 281-471-2141.
PDG Charlie Clemmons (Seabrook); Carol & Bob Dombroski (Madison, WI); Crystal Redden (President, La Porte); Ward Vuillemot (Skaneateles, NY); and Anna & Anton Meerkattas (Middleburg, S. Africa).
On Tuesday, January 11, the La Porte Rotary Club welcomed Anton Meerkattas, District Gover-nor of Johannesburg, South Africa. Anton and his wife, Anna, visited our Gulf Coast the week of January 11 and he spoke with the La Porte Rotary Club members about current S. African projects. This year’s Rotary Theme is Building Communities, Bridging Continents. Anton shared apprecia-tion for our Rotary District 5890’s literacy projects, one of which is a text book drive. Past District Governor Charlie and Asst. District Governor Barbara Clemmons of Seabrook hosted the Meerkat-tas, along with visiting Rotarians from Wisconsin and New York.
Fischers
HardwareFischers hardware has been in this location for over 25 years serving the community with
your building needs along with paint and plumbing supplies.
The Garden Center can handle all your outside needs.
1012 S. Broadway • La Porte • TX • 77571(281) 470-0171OPEN 7 DAYS
A WEEK
Mon.-Fri • 7:30 to 7Sat. • 8 to 6Sun. • 9 to 5
Fischers Truly “Does It Best”
Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com
1 Hour Relax Massage w/20 min Meditation
$75
1 Hour Relax Massage with Hand & Foot Exfoiliant
$75
Seabrook Massage& Herbal Merchant
Open: Tues-Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 10am-4pm • Sun By Appointment • Closed Monday
1214 Moskowitz • Seabrook Texas 77586 281-942-9102
www.seabrookmassageandherbs.com
Light it. Let it liquefy. Blow it out.
Mositerize your skin!
(Buy 3 - Get 1 Free!)Joyce O. Ferguson
(281) [email protected]
“Love the feel of your skin again!”
If It Matters To You,
It Matters To Us
Call us at281-907-3140
PAGE 4 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011
LOCAL NEWS
Generator Installation at Water Well Sites. - This is a major CDBG grant project that is also in final environmental review and should be ready to start within 60 days. This will allow in-stallation of a large generator at each of our three water well sites totaling $1.3 million.
Street Rehabilitation Project - This is another CDBG project that will involve major street reconstruction to many of our City streets that were affected by the tidal surge or Hurricane Ike. We should now have clearance to start these projects within the next 90 days. This will involve $2.6 million in street rehabilitation.
Heat and Air Conditioner City Hall - The installation part of this project is complete with the contractor now doing adjustments to make the unit work correctly.
City Hall / Fire Station Energy Improvements - This is the $50,000 Energy Grant we’ve received and now have permission to start, which will convert existing lighting to energy efficient lighting in City Hall and the Fire Station.
Seabrook Projects Update...Continued from page 1
City Of La Porte Gives Presentations And Proclamations To Employees For A Job Well Done
Based on the results from a recent on-site inspection, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital’s Main and Microbiology Laboratories have been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). “On behalf of Dr. Joyce Maldonado, our Medi-cal Director, and the staff of San Jacinto Meth-odist Hospital Laboratory, we are excited to re-ceive our CAP Accreditation. This marks our 20th year of CAP Accreditation and speaks to our mission to provide accurate and excellent laboratory service to our patients, medical staff and community” said Gail Lumus, Director Laboratory San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. This accreditation recognizes excellence of services being provided. Across the nation there are only 6,000 labs that are accredited by CAP.
The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is recognized by the federal government as be-ing equal to or more stringent than the govern-ment’s own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, labs like San Jacinto Methodist Hospital are exam-ined by educated inspectors. The laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years are inspected. In addi-tion CAP inspectors also examine staff quali-fications, the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety records, safety program as well as the overall management of the lab. This inspection process is designed to ensure the highest stan-dard of care for patients. For more information about this accreditation and/or other services at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital call 832-556-6543.
San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Laboratories Receive Accreditation
Director of Public Works Steve Gillette has retired after 30 years of dedicated service to the City of La Porte. Steve was a 1972 La Porte High School graduate and went on to attend Texas Lutheran College where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Busi-ness Administration. Many management and service projects were developed for the City of La Porte under Steve’s leadership. He took a lead role in the Drainage and Flooding committee and managed the comple-tion of a master drainage plan. As a member of the Texas Public Works Association, Steve was awarded the Public Works Leader of the Year in 2004. He served as President of that organization during 2008. La Porte’s public works system made much innovative advance-ment under Steve Gillette’s leadership. He and his wife Martha have been married for 22 years. They have two daughters and one grandchild.
Martha Gillette has retired from the City of La Porte after ap-proximately 21 years of service. Martha first joined the La Porte Public Works Department in 1981.She moved to the Human Re-source Department and served there until 1988. After working in other areas, including Gulf Coast Hospital in Baytown and the City of Friendswood, Martha returned to the City of La Porte as City Secretary in 1997. During her service to La Porte, Martha developed policies and procedures for the City Secretary’s office including a data management system that proved invaluable to the city. Martha is a member of several professional organizations. She holds a PHR (Professional in Human Resources). She earned her TRMC (Texas Registered Municipal Clerk) from the University of North Texas. She has also obtained a CMC (Certified Munici-pal Clerk). Martha has lived in La Porte all of her life. She and husbandSteve have two daughters and one grandchild.
Kristin Gauthier has been awarded the Appreciation Award for 2010 Employee of the Year. Kristin organized and directed the 2010 La Porte Safety Fair that was one of the largest community events of the year. Her work with Emergency Management has been tireless and professional. Kristin is also the treasurer for the LEPC (La Porte Emergency Planning Committee.)
La Porte employee Jeana Masterson has been awarded the Ap-preciation Award for 2010 Employee of the Quarter. Jeana works in the Purchasing Division and has proven to be an efficient city employee who is a highly reliable team player.
The Certificate for Achievement in Excellence in Financial Re-porting has been awarded to the City of La Porte by the Gov-ernment Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year of 2009. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental ac-counting and financial reporting. Its attainment represents a sig-nificant accomplishment by a government and its management. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approxi-mately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago Illinois and Washington DC. The City of La Porte has received this prestigious award for twenty-nine consecutive years.
An appreciation award for the 2010 Manager of the Year was presented to Assistant Chief of Police Ron Parker during Mon-day night’s city council meeting. Assistant Chief Parker has served the City of La Porte for 27 years. His strong work ethic and dedication to duty have made him well respected among his peers. In addition to filling in for Chief Adcox during his absence, Ron Parker also serves as the senior manager over the Police Department’s Support Services Division. Over the last year Assistant Chief Parker has distinguished him-self in all of his responsibilities. His focus on the Department’s new Street Crime Division played a central role in La Porte’s pro-active response to narcotic activity as well as illegal gambling in our community. Among Chief Parker’s accomplishments was the development and management of the Police Department’s vari-ous community efforts, including a Citizens’ Police Academy, Volunteer Program, and Youth Explorer Post.
calling the police department with noise complaints against the Port of Houston. Noise from the container terminal cannot ex-ceed 58 decibels after 9 p.m. or 65 decibels during the day. The results have been several citations with recorded noises as high as 81.1 decibels. The Port of Houston has agreed to sit down in mediation with the city to discuss possible solutions to the noise issues. said La Porte’s prosecuting attorney, Clark Askins. No date has been set for starting the mediation. During the meeting, the city council recognized several em-ployees, including the presentation of the “Manager of the Year” award to Assistant Police Chief Ron Parker, “Employee of the Year” to Kristin Gauthier, who works in the Emergency Management Office, and “Employee of the Quarter” to Jeana Masterson, who works in the Purchasing Division. Council also recognized Steve Gillett, director of public works, city secretary Martha Gillett, for their contribution and hard work with the city. Both retired in January. In addition to the presentations The Certificate for Achieve-ment in Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of La Porte by the Government Finance Officers As-sociation of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year of 2009. During the Consent Agenda, City Council voted unanimously to name Patrice Fogarty as city secretary. The item was amended to change the starting date for Fogarty from February 28 to Feb-ruary 21. Fogarty has served as city secretary in Missouri City since 1998, and has served in the cities of Dickinson and Beau-mont. She replaces outgoing City Secretary Martha Gillett. City council voted unanimously to call an election for May 14 and a run-off election, if necessary for June 18. Positions with terms expiring are City Council At-Large Position B, as well as District 1 and District 6 on the city council. John Black currently serves in At-Large Position B, while Mike Mosteit and Mike Clausen serve in District 1 and District 6. City council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a $29,500 electric marquee sign. The sign will replace a smaller existing sign at the La Porte Community Library.The city council voted unanimously to call a public hearing for February 14 to receive comment regarding the two-year service plan and two-year budget plan for the La Porte Fire Control, Pre-vention and Emergency Medical Services District. All other items were approved by unanimous vote. All members were present.
La Porte City Council...Continued from page 1
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OBITUARIES
Chance Dillon Crawford left this world after a courageous battle with Duchenne’s Mus-cular Dystrophy on January 17, 2011. Chance was born on Decem-ber 13, 1989 in Conroe, Texas. He graduated from Clear Creek High School in 2008, and was pursuing a degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia at Col-lege of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas. He was a bright, gifted, and intelligent young man with a witty sense of humor. He en-joyed watching sports, mov-ies, television and his music. Chance loved music and was very knowledgeable in all ar-eas of music...he heard the music in ways others couldn’t. Chance could often be seen loading up in his van with a group of his buddies to go to shows and also frequented the neighborhood Mexican restau-rant with the family. Despite his many challenges, Chance impacted many people
and taught us all how to make the best of a situation, no mat-ter what. Chance was more than a friend, classmate or special family member; he was the glue that held everyone to-gether. He made sure all of his old childhood friends, as well as his new school friends, hung out on a regular basis. There was no such thing as a “having his spirits down” or “having a rough day”, he was always more than happy and he smiled with his whole life and his whole attitude. He was like a brother to nearly every-one he knew. He was always up for anything. If you needed something and he could help out, you didn’t even have to ask. The amount of friends that he has is a true example and testament to his amazing per-sonality. There are literally no words to describe him except “Chance.” He will remain forever with us, in our hearts and memo-ries. Preceded in death by grand-parents Gregory and Diane Hug, sister Crystal Crawford and nephew Michael Crawford III. Chance is survived by his mother Laura Leigh Crawford, father and stepmother Mike and Vicki Crawford, brothers Kenneth and Michael Craw-ford, grandparents Jerrell and Nan Crawford and numer-ous other loving relatives and friends. A celebration of Chance’s life was held on Thursday, January 20 at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster.
Chance Dillon Crawford
THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER PAGE 5
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EDUCATION
Join us for the 2011 La Porte High School musical, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man..
Performances dates and times:
Thursday, January 27, 2011 7:30 p.m.Friday, January 28 2011 7:30 p.m.Saturday, January 29, 2011 2:00 p.m.Saturday, January 29, 2011 7:30 p.m.Thursday, February 3 2011 7:30 p.m.Friday, February 4, 2011 7:30 p.m.Saturday, February 5, 2011 5:00 p.m.Saturday, February 5, 2011 8:30 p.m.
January 27 is the Gold Card Senior Citizens performance. Se-nior Citizens can get free tickets to this performance in advance with their Gold Card (available from the LPISD Administration Bldg). Tickets go on sale Monday January 24, 2011. They are sold from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday – Friday in the Lobby of the Sonia Angelo Theatre Tickets may also be purchased before each show. The box of-fice opens 30 minutes before show time.All seats are reserved and tickets are $12.00. Payment may be made by cash or check. For more information please call Karen Hall at 281-604-7573.
La Porte High School To Present Meredith Willson’s
The Music Man
CCISD Education Village Steps Out in Service Learning
Service learning is a priority at the Education Village. Recently, all three campuses worked together to man a food drive in hopes of helping area food banks. The results were stupendous. More than 16,000 thousand food items were donated to local food banks by students at the CCISD Education Village. In preparation for the food drive, students participated in learn-ing activities related to local and global hunger. Guest speaker Neal Hicks shared his experiences in international missions and local ministries. After studying the growing issue of hunger, stu-dents had the opportunity to make a difference. For three weeks, students from Bayside Intermediate, Mossman Elementary and Clear Falls High School donated food items and filled a school bus, not once, but three times. Clear Falls High School, led by Student Council sponsor Lib-by Smith, collected and delivered items to the Lighthouse Food Pantry in Baycliff. Student Council students Jeffrey Ryan and Elizabeth Olivo claimed “The best thing was being able to know that we helped others. The challenge was in getting students to participate and creating an awareness of why we needed the food drive.” Freshman Madison Huerta added, “It’s right here in our neighborhood. You don’t realize how many people are in need.” The food drive concluded the first annual service learning proj-ect, with the emphasis on a recognized community need. Service learning, with a strong component of community partnership and involvement, will continue to be a priority at CCISD’s Education Village.
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Clear Falls High School students checks on school bus filled with donations.
EMT chair receives 2010 EMS Educator Award for state of Texas
Joseph J. Hamilton, San Jacinto College (SJC) Central emer-gency medical technology department chair, recently received the prestigious 2010 EMS Educator Award for years of outstand-ing achievement in emergency medical services education. The award was presented by the Texas Department of State Health Services and is equivalent to a lifetime achievement award. Honored to receive such recognition, Hamilton said he plans to continue to teach that innovation is key toward success in emergency response. “We really have to be innovative in how we teach something that’s incredibly technical,” said Hamilton. “Emergency medi-cal technicians (EMT) are required to learn a variety of aspects of medicine. Students must learn from experience in the actual work environment.” Hamilton began his career as an EMT and instructor with a local fire department in El Campo, Texas, in 1977, a time when the medical community regarded emergency medical services as more of a form of ambulance transportation than the more so-phisticated pre-hospital care of today. From there, Hamilton’s ca-reer has included positions as regional health systems planner for the Houston/Galveston Area Council, paramedic instructor with Houston Community College, paramedic supervisor and quality assurance officer for Fort Bend County Emergency Medical Ser-vice, owner of Gulf Coast Emergency Medical Services Train-ing, and Emergency Medical Services training program coordi-nator at Wharton County Junior College. He joined San Jacinto College in 1995. “Joe Hamilton’s accomplishments throughout his career speaks volumes about the quality of instruction his students receive,” said Dr. Steven Horton, SJC dean of industrial and applied tech-nology. “He equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to handle the challenges that the EMT field presents, as well as the rewards it brings.” Over his three decades of working as an EMT educator, Ham-ilton has spent each year increasing his certification in such areas as trauma life support to critical incident stress management and often receiving recognition for tireless pursuit of educating him-self on the field. His awards include the Greater Houston EMS Council Lifetime Achievement Award for 2004, International Healthcare Professional of the Year for 2003, and the American Heart Association Regional Volunteer of the Year in 1999. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Southwest Texas State University, EMT-paramed-ic training from University of Texas School of Allied Health in Houston, and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
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Maintenance • Emergencies • Generators • Wastewater Dr. Trampas Bass, Associate Principal of Clear Lake High School, has been selected to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) as the Texas Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year. TASSP recognizes outstanding principals and assistant prin-cipals from the twenty region Education Service Centers in the state. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions. Nominations are based upon exem-plary performance and outstanding leadership. As a region 4 win-ner, Trampas Bass advanced to the state competition where he competed for the state title of Texas Assistant Principal of the Year. He is now eligible to compete for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Assistant Principal of the Year. Trampas Bass, a 13 year assistant principal has been a member of the Clear Lake High School leadership team since 2007. He attended Tyler Junior College and earned an Associate of Arts in Teacher Education. He attended Stephen F. Austin State Univer-sity and was awarded both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Sci-ence and English degree and a Master of Education degree. Bass also earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University. Bass believes himself to be blessed to have worked with great staffs and great mentors such as Dr. Chris Moran, Principal of Clear Lake High School, Stan Tupman, Principal of Hudson Middle School, and Farshid Nir-oumand, Head Soccer Coach and Athletic Director Nacogdoches High School. He is credited with numerous achievements includ-ing TASSP Region 4 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year (2011), the Sam Houston State University Jack Staggs Disserta-tion Award (2004), the Hudson ISD Dare to Soar Award (2004), and the Hudson ISD Crystal Iceberg Award (2002). Bass will be recognized during the Texas Heroes Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. He will be presented with an award and recognized in a commemorative booklet entitled Texas Prin-cipals, Texas Heroes.
Dr. Trampas Bass, Associate Principal Clear Lake High School Wins State Honor.
TASSP Honors Clear Lake High School Administrator
Students at League City Elementary School recently enjoyed a chilly morning outdoors with the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security team 91104. The hands-on learning experi-ence included a boat, a drug-sniffing dog and members of the unit’s SWAT team. The students also got the opportunity to try on night goggles and learn about other tools used by the unit based in Galveston.
CCISD Students Get The 411 From U.S. Coast Guard
A Drop In Tears
According to the most recent estimates, 1.7 million American men over age 50 and more than three million American women of comparable age suffer from dry eyes. Known as dry eye syn-drome, this condition is characterized by the production of too few
or low-quality tears, resulting in a gritty feeling in the eyes that may be accompanied by pain, stinging, and burning. Some cases of dry eye can be attributed to the aging process, which involves a natural decrease in tear production. Dry eyes might also result from the use of certain medications including antihistamines, de-congestants and pain relievers. Closing Paragraph: Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tears. Some-times, people do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes healthy and comfortable. If your eyes sting, burn or feel scratchy, please call LaPORTE VISION CENTER at 281-471-6546 to schedule a comprehensive eye health examination that includes screening for dry eyes. We are licensed to prescribe medications for dry eyes, eye infections, and allergies. Our practice is located at 401 West Fairmont Parkway, Suite A. Helping you and your family see into the future.
PAGE 6 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Galloway Gallop Mardi Gras Fun Run re-turns to Kemah on Saturday, February 26, 2011! The run begins at 8 am with a certified 10K and 5K race, followed by a Kid K dash at 9 am. This is the ninth year for the popular fun run, which benefits The Galloway School, an ac-credited, non-denominational, non-profit private school for grades PK-3 through 6 located in Friendswood, TX. The race will be the first event with Kemah’s official Krewe du Lac Mardi Gras festival, so don’t miss all the other Mardi Gras fun to follow. Details of the Mardi Gras schedule can be found at (www.krewedulac.org). As always, the Galloway Gallop features a beautiful scenic course, great prizes and a fantas-tic finish-line party that includes refreshments, music and children’s activities, including crafts and Sandy Candy. Last year, 475 runners par-ticipated in the Galloway Gallop and helped to raise over $11,000, which helped to fund tech-nology upgrades for the school. This year, electronic chip timing will again be offered in response to previous participant feed-back. Prizes for the top male and female master finishers for both the 5K and 10K include All Day Family Fun Packs for 4 (donated by Ke-mah Boardwalk and values at more than 125.00 each) Cash prizes of 75.00 will be awarded to the overall male and female finishers in both the 5K
and 10K races, and special awards will be pre-sented to the top three finishers in each of 13 age categories for the 5K and 10K races. Costume and door prizes will also be given throughout the event and each child who participates in the Kid K race will be given a medal! New this year—each runner will receive a 5.00 coupon toward wristband purchase for the attractions at The Boardwalk, and the ride will open early at 10:30 am—so stay and play after the race/ The entry fee is $20 for the 5K and 10K runs or $15 for the Kid K and includes a colorful Gal-loway Gallop fun run t-shirt and a race packet. After February 11, 2011, fees increase to $25 and $20 respectively. Participants may register on-line at www.signmeup.com or by downloading a form from the Events page at www.thegalloway-shool.org. More information is also available by calling The Galloway School at 281-338-9510, or by email at [email protected]. Sponsorship opportunities are also available—act early to get your company’s logo on the back of the race shirt. More information is available from Michelle Onorato @ [email protected]. Also, all high school service orga-nizations looking to volunteer for a few hours are more than welcome—please use the contact information above with any questions.
9th Annual Galloway Gallop Mardi Gras Fun Run Returns To The Kemah Boardwalk!
The San Jacinto College (SJC) Central art department will host five events open to the public throughout this Spring semester. Kevin Retherford kicks off the new year with “All Work - All Play” this month, a sculptural instal-lation using various cast metals and assembled structures. Chasity Porter will follow in February with “Objects of Affection,” an installation using hand-made objects juxtaposed to everyday items to question or celebrate their value. The department will also host its fifth annual “Bowlathon” on Feb. 5. This event invites community members into the studio to create bowls that will be glazed and fired before going on sale for the Empty Bowls project in support of the Houston Food Bank. Each exhibition will be displayed inside the Central Art Gallery, located in room 119 of the East Administration Building. The SJC Central campus is located at 8060 Spencer Highway in Pasa-dena.
Kevin Retherford “All Work - All Play”Currently on display through Feb. 18
A gallery talk and reception is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 17.
Chasity Porter “Objects of Affection”Feb. 28 to April 1
Juried Student exhibitionApril 11 to May 5
“Bowlathon” for Empty Bowls, benefiting the Houston Food Bank10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 5
Central campus Fine Arts Building, room 150Contact: Michael Unger, 281-476-1501, ext. 1761
Ceramics Club Ceramics Sale10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 4
Central campus Fine Arts Building, room 150Contact: Michael Unger, 281-476-1501, ext. 1761
San Jacinto College Central Art Department Invites Public To Spring Exhibitions
UHCL Pearland Campus Seeks Artwork For Founding Collection
Pearland-area artists are invited to submit their original works of art for consideration as part of University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland Campus visual art history. Selected works will be displayed throughout the new campus and establish the UH-Clear Lake Pearland Campus Founding Collection, 1200 Pearland Parkway, Pearland, TX, 77581. Submissions are now being accepted from artists 18 and older who meet one or more of the following criteria: live in Pearland; are mem-bers of the Pearland Art League or The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake; and/or currently work at, or attend, UH-Clear Lake, UH-Clear Lake Pearland Campus, Alvin Community Col-lege, San Jacinto College-South, or a public or private high school in Pearland. UH-Clear Lake alumni are also eligible. “We are excited about selecting these important art pieces as they will not only rep-resent the founding collection of UH-Clear Lake Pearland Campus, but will also reflect the university’s commitment to art,” says Associ-
ate Vice President for University Advancement Dion McInnis. Entries are limited to two per person, and images of work must be e-mailed with an entry form by March 31. No late submissions will be accepted. Completed sizes of artwork entered must measure between 8” x 10” and 60” x 80.” Selected pieces must be delivered by April 29. Artists of juried pieces will be notified by e-mail the week of April 4, and a private opening reception for the artists is scheduled for May 23. There are no entries fees required to partici-pate. A selection committee reviewing submitted artwork will be from UH-Clear Lake, Pearland Arts League, The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, Alvin Community College and San Jacin-to College. For more information about artwork submissions, call McInnis, 281-283-2021, or e-mail [email protected]. For entry forms, visit http://www.uhcl.edu/pearland and select the link under the “What’s Happening at the U” headline.
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This year we’re proud to announce the festival will be in League City at South Shore Harbour Resort and Convention Center, July 15 -16, 2011.All activities will be indoors with more jam-ming areas than you can shake a stick at; work-shops, Guitar & Banjo Championships, prizes, raffles, and we’re working on the band lineup to bring the best bluegrass groups around. We’ve made arrangements for more jam rooms and areas inside than ever before and more ar-eas outside than you can imagine. Special room rates and free breakfast buf-fet with every room. Make sure to ask for the BABA rate to receive the discounts and free breakfast. Contact South Shore Harbor Resort & Conference Center, 2500 South Shore Blvd. League City, TX 77573, 281-334-1000 for res-ervations.
With the festival, Kemah Boardwalk, NASA Space Center, Clear Lake, shopping, food, res-taurants and RV sites all close by, there will be something for everyone. Make your plans to join us and help support BABA. We are seeking sponsors and have a package that fits everyone. Ask your employer, your local businessmen. We are a non-profit 501c Association and every penny goes back to serve the community and keeping the monthly shows free. Drop me a line and let me know what you think or if you have any ideas at [email protected] or [email protected]. Rick KirklandPresidentBay Area Bluegrass Association
Fire On Strings Festival Moves To South Shore Harbor
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PAGE 8 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011
IN THE GARDEN
CUISINE
Here is another in our series of special treats for Super Bowl Sunday. The recipe was sent to us from Yvette Smith Sullivan of Anahuac, Texas. It’s one of the best snack treats I have tasted.
Ingredients
• 4 cups cheerios
• 4 cups rice chex
• 4 cups small pretzels
• 1 large jar dry roasted peanuts
• 12 squares vanilla almond bark
Directions
Mix all dry ingredients together. Melt vanilla almond bark in the microwave as per instructions on the package. Pour melted almond bark over the cereal, pretzel, and peanut mix. Stir and spread out on waxed paper. Let it dry and break it apart in bite-sized pieces. Store in an air tight canister or glass jar.
Vanilla Almond Bark Snacks
Arbor Day In SeabrookJanuary 28, 2011
Erin Tite-Principle of Bay ElementaryWelcome
Mayor Gary RenolaProclamation
Anne Adams-Nassau Bay Garden Club- PresidentDedicate Tree
Student ParticipationTricia Lotz-Teacher at Bay Elementary and Nassau Bay Garden Club member
Introduce StudentsHistory of Arbor Day---Three Students
Singing by StudentsPoems by students
Decorative pinecones with peanut butter and seeds for birds
Erin Tite-PrincipleClosing
Thank You to Nassau Bay Garden Club, Bradshaw’s Nursery and Advantage Lawn and Landscape for making this event possible.
Texas Forest Service
The Galveston City Council signed off on a plan to reforest the island by planting 25,000 trees over the next five years. The island lost nearly half its tree canopy — more than 13,000 trees — after Hur-ricane Ike slammed into the Gulf Coast in September 2008. Though few were blown down, thousands were stranded in and ul-timately poisoned by the salty storm surge that washed ashore. Texas Forest Service has been working with the city and its residents since the storm hit, assessing the thousands of trees suffering from salt poisoning, educating the community about the issue and work-ing on reforestation plans. “I’m just convinced the citizens of Galveston deserve a new urban forest — that’s the goal,” said Texas Forest Service Urban Forestry Partnership Coordinator Pete Smith, who’s worked with the com-
munity for the past two years. “Having a plan like this is a starting place. Having council adopt it based on the recommen-dations of their tree committee is a pub-lic endorsement that we’re on the right track.” Smith joined with members of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy and City of Galveston Tree Committee to draft Galveston ReLeaf: A Strategic Plan for Replanting. The 44-page plan outlines the community’s vision and planting goals, as well as the guiding principles they’ll fol-low when carrying them out. It also lists potential projects. “The plan is a culmination of a lot of work by a lot of people — the commit-tees, the public, city staff,” said Jackie Cole, president of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy Board of Directors. “It allows us the blueprint for moving for-ward, it allows us to show contributors where and how they might have an op-
portunity to be involved, and it keeps us focused and directed.” Cole noted that the plan is designed to be community-driven and would allow the city to replant equitably across the city. Mayor Joe Jaworski lauded the plan, not-ing that he thought Smith, Cole and the conservancy made an “incredible team” that together devised a plan that was “not just visionary, but beautiful.” Jaworski pointed to Smith as the forester who helped him deal with the loss of a 105-year-old oak tree planted in his own front yard. “I think Galveston is beautiful and will become even more beautiful when the re-leafing plan does its trick,” Jaworski said, explaining that the next step for the city would be to allocate public money for some of the projects. “I’m just really proud of the entire state’s and region’s interest in helping Galveston recover. It’s gratifying.”
Galveston To Plant 25,000 Trees During The Next Five Years
The program will feature a presentation by Patricia Martin, master gardener, who will discuss planting a native garden for hummingbirds and butterflies. Light refreshments will be served, and the public is invited. The meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Jimmie Walker Commu-nity Center, 800 Harris Ave., at Highway 146 in Kemah. The Kemah-Bay Area Garden Club meets the first Wednesday of each month and welcome visitors to all meetings. Call An-niece Larkins, club president, at 281-842-9008 for information.
The Kemah-Bay Area Garden Club Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 2
Seabrook Mayor Gary Renola Proclaims January 28th Arbor Day In Seabrook. From left to right are Brenda
Hesse, Tricia Lotz and Mayor Gary Renola
Photo by Josie Smith
Rosemary For Remembrance Rosemary was named the Herb of the Year back in 2001 by the International Herb Association. It was one of the herbs introduced to Britain by the Romans. Ital-ians, the British, as well as Americans who use it frequently in their cooking, still particularly love this piney-scented plant today. In ancient Greece and Rome rose-mary was believed to strengthen the mem-ory, which accounts for its being known as the herb of remembrance and fidelity. A sprig of rosemary was often placed in a bride’s bouquet or worn at funerals. Stu-dents taking school examinations would twine rosemary into their hair or massage rosemary oil into the forehead and temples. This may well have worked, for rosemary stimulates the circulation, increasing the blood supply to the brain. Rosemary was also said to ward off infections. In addi-tion to the traditions associated with it and its many culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses, rosemary makes an attractive addi-tion to the herb garden. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean but although it prefers coastal conditions, it has been known to thrive as far inland as the Sahara Desert. A perennial shrub, rosemary has spiky, evergreen leaves, which are dark and glossy on the upper side and gray-green and downy under-neath. The small, blue nettle-shaped flow-ers are a great attraction to bees. Upright rosemary can grow to about four feet tall. A few bushes planted together will make a compact, fragrant hedge. Prostrate rose-mary grows well in a rock garden.
CULTIVATION: More at home in the Mediterranean than colder climates, rosemary requires a shel-tered spot in which to grow - a south or
west-facing wall is ideal - and light, limey but above all well-drained soil. Seeds are difficult to germinate as well as very slow to grow and the best way to propagate rosemary is either by cuttings or from lay-ering. A new plant can easily be produced from an old by firmly pegging down a small branch into the soil with a piece of wire or twig until the roots are established and then removing it carefully from the parent plant. Keep the young plant moist but not too wet as the roots easily rot. The new plants should be transplanted in the early autumn to allow them to harden off before the win-ter, and they may need to be protected with straw where winter conditions are severe. Once established, rosemary bushes do not like to be moved. If this is attempted, the leaves will often turn brown and die, so if it is necessary to transplant try to avoid cutting any roots when doing so and re-tain as much of the original ball of earth as possible. If happy in its position, rosemary can last for about 30 years. Trim it lightly to maintain its thickness.
PRECAUTIONS: Do not use any part of a plant for food or cosmetic uses without thoroughly washing it first to remove all soil or contaminants. Do not use any plant that was sprayed with pesticides as many skin rashes, irri-tations or allergies can result. It is highly recommended that herbs be grown with-out chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Fish emulsion makes an excellent fertilizer for all herbs.
USES: Rosemary has long been known for its therapeutic powers. Try placing a sprig under the pillow of a sleeper who suffers from nightmares - it often produces a mir-acle cure. Both rosemary oil and rosemary tea have many uses and the herb makes an excellent skin tonic and astringent as well as a hair conditioner, not to mention a deli-cious flavoring in food. Rosemary is espe-cially good for flavoring fish and chicken.
ROSEMARY TEA This can be used as an aid to digestion and taken at bedtime as a soothing drink to calm the nerves and induce sleep. Use about 1 tablespoon of crushed rosemary leaves - fresh are better than dried - per cup of boiling water.
HAIR CONDITIONER This recipe has an excellent condition-ing effect on your hair, helping to control dandruff and even, it is alleged, curing baldness. Take a bunch of fresh rosemary and crush or chop the leaves; add 1/2 pint boiling water and allow to stand for an hour, then drain. Use it as a final rinse after washing and towel - drying your hair.From www.herbalgardens.com
On Saturday, January 29, the City of Kemah will be hosting and celebrating their first an-nual Arbor Day On The Bay. In conjunction with the Hous-ton-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) and the Kemah Com-munity Development Council (KCDC), the City of Kemah will open up the Kemah Visitor Center to folks wanting to help plant and learn about planting trees. Their reward will be a fun morning and a tree to take home and plant in their own yard. Festivities start at 9am, at the Kemah Visitor Center at the corner of Bradford and 6th street. Planting of new trees along 7th Street will be a part for the Arbor Day Celebration with the help of the Kemah Garden Club. For more details, call the Ke-mah Visitor Center, 281-334-3181
Arbor Day On The Bay
Kemah
Seabrook Recognizes Garden Club For Arbor Day Efforts