Each year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) closes crabbing in all Texas waters for a 10-day period in February. This year, those dates are February 18-27, 2011, and any trap left in the water during those ten days is considered litter under state law and is susceptible to being removed. TPWD and volun-teers, statewide, have been re-moving crab traps during this closure since 2002, and have recovered nearly 28,000 traps. Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) aids the TPWD pro-gram to remove traps during the closed period by providing equipment and volunteers to help with the effort. This year, GBF staff and over 50 volunteers pulled 407 aban-doned crab traps from Trin-ity Bay and the Trinity River delta. This is more than double the amount of traps pulled last year! The traps are left in the water for a variety of reasons. Some are misplaced, others are aban-doned by crabbers no longer in business, and some are simply left out with the hope they will not be pulled during this annu-al 10 day period. The majority of traps found were empty, but several had dead crabs, a few had skeletons of some sort, and one had a Texas diamond terra-pin shell, a turtle species that is federally listed as a “species of concern” and is unique to salt-water marshes and estuaries. Not only are abandoned traps hazardous to wildlife, they are unsightly, problematic for fish-ers and boaters, and can even smother seagrasses. Crab traps can be picked up through Feb-ruary 27, and the drop-off loca-

tions for recovered traps can be found on the TPWD website, www.tpwd.state.tx.us. GBF thanks all of the vol-unteers who helped make this event successful, especially the Anahuac Game Wardens, Chambers County Parks De-partment, Hurricane Club and the Texas Airboat Association. The mission of the Galveston Bay Foundation is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natu-

ral resources of the Galveston Bay estuarine system and its tributaries for present users and for posterity. The Founda-tion was incorporated in 1987, and is a non-profit organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. GBF is located at 17330 Highway 3 in Webster, Texas. For further information contact GBF at 281-332-3381 or visit the web-site at www.galvbay.org.

By The Bay8th Annual Seabrook Lucky Trails MarathonMeador ParkMarch 19, 2011

Sign up now! Runners and walk-ers welcome. Join us for our eighth annual Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon, 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-registra-tionPhone: 1-866-611-4688www.seabrookmarathon.orgseabrook_marathon@att.net

Trail Riders Dinner Dance JSC Gilruth Center • 7 pm

See the Trail Riders coming in on the Independence Trail, pa-rading through the Webster area on Tuesday, February 22 toward the Johnson Space Center where they will camp overnight. The NASA, Clear Creek, Friendswood rodeo commit-tee will host a dinner dance for them, public welcomed.Great live entertainment will be provided by the David Glenn, great food from Carrabbas Bay Area, along with both live and silent auctions.Tickets are $25.Remember, the Houston Live-stock Show and Rodeo is com-ing up March 1 - March 2Phone: 832-769-1348Web: www.rodeohouston.com

The 19th Annual Ed Brandon Cenikor Golf Tournament Bay Oaks Country Club May 9, 2011 Did you know that, accord-ing 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 chemi-cal dependency? Did you know one of the most researched pro-grams 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 health-ier 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 rarcher@cenikor.org. Sponsorship information available

Annual Trash Bash 146 Bridge • Seabrook March 26http://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 re-lease section. Minors must have the form signed by a parent or guardian. School groups should get registration forms in ad-vance, 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-

INDEXCommunity.......................2-3Crossword...........................2Local News..........................4Obituaries...........................4In The Garden....................5Education............................6Classifieds............................7

VOLUME 2, NO. 08 LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

The Bay Area ObserverServing Communities Along Galveston Bay

Continued on page 2

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La Porte Police Department Graduates Another Citizens Police Academy

On February 16th, 2011 the La Porte Po-lice Department was pleased to announce the graduation of another Citizens Police Academy (CPA). Starting the year off right, the agency enjoyed the privilege of hosting a reception for former participants as they celebrate their new-found success with family, friends, and their lo-cal police department. Members of the class included Darlene Bur-key, Margaret Compton, Chris Copley, Jay Dun-ham, Diana Harness, Michael Harness, Rosa Harness, Dottie Kominski, Shanda Lewallen, Alex Little, Jessie Lozano, Marco Rodriguez, Sadie Spain, Baxter Stanley, Margaret Stout, Jerry Wortham, Katherine Wortham, Jeanne Zemanek, and La Porte City Councilman John Zemanek, Jr. Officer Jerome McKown provided another outstanding performance in his role of Class Coordinator for the CPA class and was as-sisted at the graduation ceremonies by LPPD’s Officer Yvonne Stanley and Chief Ken Adcox. Each of the graduates was presented with an official diploma recognizing their dedication and accomplishments over the last 14 weeks. Officer McKown highlighted the theme of the ceremonies as he expressed, “Our CPA gradu-ates are our partners. We are proud of them and look forward to working with these volunteers in many of our future community efforts”. The ultimate mission and primary focus of the CPA is to bring the Police Department and the community closer together by educating one another. The Department’s believes that the goal of establishing a safer community can best be achieved if the police and the commu-nity positively connect with one another. In short, the La Porte Citizen Police Academy is a community awareness program geared toward a partnership between the police department and the citizens they serve. CPA participants attended classes at the La

Porte Police Department every Tuesday night for 14 consecutive weeks, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. As with previous CPA classes the most re-cent participants were exposed to a large group of well-qualified instructors. Courses were all taught by city of La Porte Police Department employees, both certified police officers and civilian employees serving in specialized posi-tions. To supplement the classroom instruction, hands-on training was offered to participants involving 15 areas of police operations, ranging from Special Weapons and Tactics to Commu-nity Policing. Participation in the CPA is free and all materi-als are provided by the Police Department. Ap-plicants must be at least eighteen years of age with a clear criminal history. This means that applicants can have no convictions for felony offenses, cannot be on probation for any reason, and must not have any outstanding warrants. An application is also required to be completed and a background check will be conducted prior to the first night of class. The department asks that all applicants live or work in the City of La Porte, although occasional exception(s) may be made. CPA graduates will find an abundance of re-warding volunteer opportunities and they also become eligible to participate in the depart-ment’s “ride along” program where they can experience police patrol first hand. The depart-ment reminds other citizens who desire a more meaningful connection with their police depart-ment, but are not able to attend a CPA class, that an alternate version the ride along program and similar volunteer opportunities exist. For questions concerning La Porte’s Citizens Po-lice Academy, please contact Officer Jerome McKown at 281-842-3157 or log onto the de-partment’s website at www.ci.la-porte.us/gov/police/support/default.asp.

La Porte Police Department’s Spring 2011 Citizen’s Police Academy Graduates

By Marty Goodwin (AKA Bubbles)

Nicole’s Vintage Emporium hosted their first official “Emporapaloo-za After-Hours” event on Friday and Saturday the 18th and 19th. Fri-day was a night of Dubstep, fog, and new pieces of art, curated by Bubbles (The shop’s resident colorful character) and Zynchilada, a surrealist and zombie artist, as well as various other new local artists. Saturday featured a live acoustic performance by Gordosn & Eisele, and more artistic showcases. NVE, as it is called by fans, has quickly become a vintage oasis. Located off 146 on El Mar, Nicole’s Vintage Emporium is transform-ing into a store for local artists--painters, sculptors, glass blowers, and jewelrymakers--to showcase their talents and sell their works. They have a very unique array of vintage housewares, eccentric novelties, home decor, unique gifts and furniture as well as classic vintage at-tire, and is becoming a real favorite with the locals. People stopped through all night to view the sights, hear the tunes, and have a drink. “We love having parties, and before this they had been private,” says Nicole, “but we’re ready to open our doors to the crowds and really make this place fun.” The team at NVE was “testing the waters” with this first event, to see the potential for future after-hours parties. As a business still in its first year of operation, the popularity of NVE has been steadily soaring. “If this goes well we might just make it a monthly thing.” says Bubbles, “We certainly had interest shown by many individuals, and the turnout wasn’t bad.” With future ideas of Drum Circles, Meditation Mondays, and week-end shindigs to get the place jumpin’, most of us could do well to keep our eyes on Nicole’s Vintage Emporium. If anything, just to find that perfect piece of retro treasure hiding on the shelves...

Something Old Is Always New At Nicole’s Vintage Emporium

407 Abandoned Crab Traps Removed From Trinity Bay

Shop Owner Nicole (Dyna Might) and Marty (Bubbles)

PAGE 2 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

Kemah Pan Jam Festival • March 26th, 2011The 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 sing-ers 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

March Madness ConcertLee College Performing Arts CenterMarch 5, 2011 • 7:30 pm

The Lee College Performing Arts Center (PAC) will echo with the crescendo of romance, adventure, poetry, and revolution Saturday, March 5 as the Baytown Symphony Orchestra (BSO) presents a March Madness Concert. The Baytown Symphony Orchestra’s March Madness will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Lee College PAC Auditorium. General Admission prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Lee College Bookstore by calling 281-425-6578, or online at www.baytownsymphony.org. Tickets can be mailed for an additional $1 fee or picked up at the PAC Box Office one hour before the concert.

Gumbo Geaux GeauxLandolt Pavilion in Clear Lake Park.April 9th, 2011

Please join Seabrook Rotary for a day of family fun at the Gumbo Geaux Geaux 2011 on April 9th at Landolt Pavilion in Clear Lake Park. This will be a fun event with zydeco music by the Diva of Zydeco, Lady D and the Zydeco Tornadoes. In addition, there will be a gumbo cook off and crawfish plates available. We will also have vendors for your shopping pleasure.Please support Seabrook Rotary and its work by helping us get gumbo teams and vendors. To make things interesting, we will set aside $1 for every $8 gumbo tasting cup we sell for a cash prize for the peoples choice gumbo award. Prizes will also be awarded from a judging panel for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place gumbo teams. Contacts are: Tim Trahan, Gumbo Cooking Teams, (713) 203-0685, Lisa Cook, Vendors, (281) 474-2528, Glenn Royal, General Questions, (281) 703-3442. Laissez le Bon temp rouler!

Continued from page 1

P.O. Box 305 • Seabrook, Texas 77586Phone: 281-907-3140 • Fax: 866-596-8973

Email: editor@bayareaobserver.com

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 editor@bayareaobserver.com.

Editor & Publisher...........Rebecca Collinseditor@bayareaobserver.com

Associate Editor................Carolyn Collinscarolyn@bayareaobserver.com

Sales Representative............Jeanne SadlerSeabrook, Kemah Area832-421-4777 • sales@bayareaobserver.com

Sales Representative.....Beverly LawrenceLa Porte Area281-793-7961 • blawrence506@msn.com

Sales Representative..........Charlotte HornSeabrook, Kemah Area281-507-8257 • charlottehorn53@yahoo.com

The Bay Area ObserverEstablished in 2006

Serving the communities along Galveston Bay.

Got An Upcoming Community Event?Email us at editor@bayareaobserver.com

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.

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The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce is again spon-soring the Miss Sylvan Beach Scholarship Pageant in conjunc-tion with the 55th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival. Eligible contes-tants must be students of La Porte ISD or a verified home school student living within the district. The Miss Sylvan Beach contest is open to Junior and Senior girls and will award a total of $4,800 in scholarship monies to the winners. The Jr. Miss Sylvan Beach contest is open to Freshman and Sophomore girls. Pageant applications are available at the La Porte High School Registrar’s office during school hours or at the La Porte-Bay-shore Chamber of Commerce, located at 712 W Fairmont Park-way, between the hours of 9:00am – 4:00 pm. All applications must be turned in to the Chamber of Commerce office. The first 25 applicants will be accepted in each age group, and a wait-ing list will be formed beyond the 25. The deadline for entry is Thursday, February 24, at 4:00pm. The date of the pageant is Friday, April 29. The Sylvan Beach Festival is set for Saturday, April 30, 2011. For further information please contact Katy Parker at 281-935-0937 or Dee Anne Thomson at 281-867-0240.

Applications For Miss And Jr Miss Sylvan Beach Available

By Mary Gay

“Lift every voice and sing till earth and Heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; lift every voice and sing.” From the arrival of the first Blacks in English America at Jame-stown, Virginia in August 1619 to the march on Washington and the political triumphs of today, African Americans have been ma-jor factors in the American drama. Black History Month is an annual observance in February of the past achievements and the current status of African Ameri-cans. The idea for an observance honoring the accomplishments of African Americans led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. It was proposed by Carter G. Woodson, a Black Historian known as the Father of Black History and others. The observance became known as Black History Week during the early 1970’s and was established as Black History Month in 1976. The La Porte Community Civic Club will host a program and a luncheon Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1 o’clock p.m. at the Jennie C. Riley Center, 322 N.4th Street. The theme is “Cele-brating African American Poets”. The program will be presented in words and music. “The Negro Mother” by Langston Hughes will be portrayed by Tracie Scott Lewis. The program will recognize Civil Rights leaders, educators, athletes, scientists, politicians, musicians, and writers, celebrat-ing the remarkable stories of African Americans who changed the world. Root for Jackie Robinson as he breaks baseball’s color barrier, journey with Harriet Tubman as she risks her life to lead over 300 slaves to freedom, be there as Barbara Jordan is sworn in as the South’s first African American U.S. Congresswoman, and watch as Oprah Winfrey overcomes her humble beginning to build a media empire. A community’s dreams come true when we dream together. We can make history together. It begins with our families, with our children, with understanding and trust, with education and dedi-cation, and with values and responsibility. It begins with all of us working together to make our future bright indeed. Imagine a future with no limits. Imagine a past that made it all possible. The La Porte Community Center salutes the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. Their efforts have en-riched the lives of present and future generations. The La Porte Community Civic Club thanks you for letting us be part of the Community’s growth and achievements. The com-mon thread in a community is caring. The public is invited to the program and luncheon on Saturday the 26th of February at 1 o’clock at the Jennie C. Riley Center. Admission is free. For information call Charlie Perry at 713-398-8782.

The Kemah Police Department and the Kemah Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is excited to announce the forming of a new Citizens Police Academy Class. The class will begin March 1 and meet every Tuesday night until May 24. The classes will start at 7:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM. Most classes will be conducted at City Hall. “This is an opportunity for a citizen to see what type of training, equipment and experiences our officers go through” said Chief Bill Kerber. “Plus you will get a chance to get to know many of the officers we currently have serving our community” For further information on the classes, contact Detective Wayne Lockett at 281-334-5414 or by email at tlockett@kemah-tx.com. Detective Lockett will provide you with more details and what you can expect from the class. Applications are available This is a great way to see how your Police Department operates and get an insight to the inner workings of Law Enforcement, the Court System and Emergency Management. Sign up for your involvement now!! Application for Admission can be found at http://www.kemah.net/ApplicationforAdmission.doc.

The Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Women Build 5K WalkSunday, February 27, 2011 • 3-5 pm

University of Houston – Clear Lake Campus Bayou Building Parking Lot

(enter the campus from the Middlebrook Road entrance)

Interested Walkers can register on-line or in person on the day of the event. Registration fee is $35. To register on-line: visit www.bahfh.org, and click on the “Register Now” button. To reg-ister on the day of the Walk: Meet us early in the Bayou Building Parking Lot (2:30pm), and visit our marked Registration area. This year’s theme is “I Get My Nails Done at Bay Area Habi-tat”. Pets, children and husbands (men) are all welcome! All walkers will receive a Women Build t-shirt (Women: “I get my nails done”; Men: “We support our Women Builders”; Dogs: Habitat bandana.) All of the proceeds from the Walk will go to the construction of our Women Build home. What is Women Build? The Women Build Project was start-ed to involve more women in the advocacy and construction of Habitat homes. Can’t make it to the Walk? Register on-line as a “Virtual Walk-er”. Your $35 will help fund the home, and we will send you a Women Build t-shirt!

La Porte Community Civic Club CelebratesBlack History Month

The Bay Area Habitat For Humanity Women Build 5k WalkSunday, February 27, 2011, 3-5 pm

New Citizens Police Academy Class In Kemah

17th Annual “Men Who Cook’ Gala At Lakewood Yacht Club

Seabrook’s 17TH ANNUAL “MEN WHO COOK” Gala will be held Tuesday, April 12, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm, at Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway. Enjoy deli-cious food prepared by area citizens and restaurant chefs, dancing to The Pee Wee Bowen Band, and a cash bar. Cock-tail attire is requested. Advance tickets are available for $45.00 per person or may be purchased at the door for $50.00. Guests will receive a complimentary Celebrity Chef Cookbook. This event, sponsored by Seabrook Rotary Charities Inc, honors the Seabrook Police Officers Association and the dedicated men and women of the Seabrook Police Department. Your check is your reservation. Please mail it by April 8th to: Men Who Cook XVII, P.O. Box 869, Seabrook, TX 77586-0869. For additional information, go to www.seabrookmenwhocook.org, or call (281) 326-1837.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER PAGE 3

COMMUNITY

Pickin’ & Grinnin’: About 3 dozen enthusiastic seniors were around on Tuesday, January 25 when the “Circle of Friends” trio, consisting of Robbie Nelson, Steven Barr and Carl Francis led us in familiar songs in the monthly ‘Sing Along’ at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center. Starting off with “Amazing Grace” and shifting into some old favorites had us singing along and tapping our toes. Thanks, kids, we’re looking forward to next month’s performance.

Super Party: 20 plus fans enjoyed the XVL Super Bowl game on the new large screen, surround sound A/V system at the Norman L. Malone senior Center on Sunday, February6. Cheeseheads (yes, there actually was one present) seemed to outnumber the Steeler fans. In addition to good seats (don’t you feel sorry for those who stood out in the cold at the stadium?) good snacks were also consumed. It is not unusual for the party to break up at half time, but because of the good company, good food, oh, and a good game, most stayed until the end.

Hearts ‘n Such: The romantic setting for the Senior Center Valentine party encouraged(?) a visit from Cupid Past and Cupid Future, much to the delight of all present. Mike H. has been delighting us Seniors for over a decade with his fancy drawers, flowing cape and distributing valentines. All good things change. With sadness in our hearts, we learned that Mike was transferring his quiver of arrows, so to speak, to the younger generation. From the wings appears Cupid Future, or now, Cupid Present, T.J! Taa daa. He has large draw….er…shoes to fill but has started off well. Thanks Mike—welcome T.J.!

Biscuits ‘n Gravy: Gramma always said a good breakfast is the most important meal of the day. On Tuesday, the 15th, those Red Suspender guys at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center did their best to fulfill Gramma’s advice. . At 9 A.M. lines formed to be served Southern Style buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, fresh tropical fruit salad, real orange juice and straw-berry jam for those who eschewed gravy. A new Red’s member, Mike Nees, was initiated on the serving line, and does almost as well as his Dad, Gene, did, but he catches on fast. Be sure to stay aware of our next breakfast, probably in April.

Save The Trees: Wednesday, February 16, a county busload of smiling seniors departed the Nor-man L. Malone Senior Center, destination Galveston. With a rest stop at the Ashton Villa, where we boarded our tour guide, we set off to the Historical District to view the Tree Sculptures. Galveston lost hundreds of old, giant oak trees during hurricane Ike. Many of these trees have been reborn as works of art. Artist have sculpted them into statuary-like objects in plain view of the passing public. Amazing artistry. Following our tour, we dined! Of course we did. Our destination was Miller’s Landing, where we were graciously welcomed. After lunch, we re-boarded our bus and proceeded to the Bolivar Ferry terminal. The 2.7 mile, 20 minute cruise to Bolivar was spent looking for the dolphins we had been told had been sighted earlier. I don’t know that any were observed on our round trip. Sarah, our very able bus driver, then wound her way around the intricacies of the Strand in order to drop us off in front of La King’s Candy & Ice Cream Emporium. This type of stop is a must for Senior trips. Our trip ended with a great round of applause for Sarah, our driver, and Deb D., our trip director.

The Games We play: The third Friday afternoon of the month draws the games crowd. There were 4 tables of players present on the 18th, following lunch at the Norman l. Malone Senior Center. As you know, a hot lunch is served daily, Monday-Friday, except holidays, provided by the Harris County Area Agency for the Aging. Many seniors admit they really enjoy having a meal along with others. Come and sign up 2 days in advance and enjoy the company of your friends.

Coming Up:Febfest Handbell Concert trip - 2/26Senior Dance @ Senior Center - 3/4

Site Council Meeting - 3/9AARP Meeting - 3/14

Miracle Farm Trip - 3/21

The Senior ClassBy Jay Dunham dataz33@yahoo.com

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CMR Jewelers8610 Spencer Hwy. Ste. C • La Porte, Texas 77571

281-470-8282We will be conducting daily business such as jewelry & watch repairs by appointment for your convenience.

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Grand Relocation Opening March 2011….

Police BlottersSeabrook Police Department • 2/15/11 – 2/21/11

Assaults - 1Burglaries - 6

CVE Citations - 11Disturbances - 11

Domestic Violence - 2DWI/DUI - 5

Public Intoxication - 0Traffic Accidents - 4

Traffic Citations/Arrest - 30Warrant Arrest - 0

Welfare Concerns - 2

La Porte Police Department • 2/16/2011 -2/23/2011ARREST WARRANT FAILER TO APPEAR........................................................................................... 1.3%ARREST WARRANT GEN. REQ. FOR HAZ MATERIAL .....................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT SUSPENSION VIOLATIONS ..............................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT-DWLS ....................................................................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT-FTA ........................................................................................................................4.0%ARREST WARRANT-NO DL ...................................................................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT-NO INSURANCE ..................................................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT-NO INSURANCE 2ND OR SUB ..........................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT-NO SEAT BELT .....................................................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT-PUBLIC INTOXICATION ....................................................................................1.3%ARREST WARRANT-VIOLATE PTA ......................................................................................................1.3%AW CELL PHONE IN SCHOOL ZONE ...................................................................................................1.3%AW DISP EXP LP/REGIS ..........................................................................................................................1.3%AW FTA ......................................................................................................................................................5.3%AW NO INSUR ..........................................................................................................................................1.3%AW PI ..........................................................................................................................................................1.3%AW VPTA ...................................................................................................................................................1.3%BURGLARY OF BUILDING / NON-FORCED .......................................................................................1.3%BURGLARY OF MOTOR VEHICLE .......................................................................................................1.3%CAPIAS FTA ..............................................................................................................................................1.3%CAPIAS WARRANT-VIOLATE PTA .......................................................................................................1.3%CHAMBERS CO. SO. ................................................................................................................................1.3%CP DWLS/DWLI ........................................................................................................................................1.3%CP FAIL TO STOP AT DES. POINT/STOP SIGN ....................................................................................1.3%CP FTA ........................................................................................................................................................1.3%CP MVI EXP/NONE ..................................................................................................................................1.3%CP NO INSUR 2ND OR SUB ....................................................................................................................1.3%CP NO MOTOR VEH. LIAB. INSURANCE ............................................................................................1.3%CP PI ...........................................................................................................................................................1.3%CP SPEEDING 50 IN A 35 ZONE .............................................................................................................1.3%CP SPEEDING SCHOOL ZONE ...............................................................................................................1.3%CP SPEEDING SCHOOL ZONE 41 IN A 20MPH ...................................................................................1.3%DATON WARRANT ..................................................................................................................................1.3%DISREGARD TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE .........................................................................................1.3%DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED ..........................................................................................................2.7%DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID (C) .............................................................................................2.7%FAIL TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - B ....................................................................1.3%FAIL TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - C ....................................................................2.7%FAIL TO SIGNAL LANE CHANGE .........................................................................................................1.3%FAILURE TO IDENTIFY ..........................................................................................................................1.3%NO DL ........................................................................................................................................................5.3%POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ..............................................1.3%POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA .........................................................................................1.3%POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA ..............................................................................................................4.0%POSSESSION OF SUBSTANCE IN PENALTY GROUP 1 .....................................................................1.3%PUBLIC INTOXICATION ........................................................................................................................2.7%THEFT ........................................................................................................................................................1.3%TRAFFIC OFFENSE ..................................................................................................................................5.3%WAR-A F.T.S. AT DES. POINT/STOP SIGN ............................................................................................1.3%WARRANT - AGEN. V PRO. TO APPEAR ..............................................................................................1.3%WARRANT - OTHER AGENCY ...............................................................................................................1.3%WARRANT - SPEEDING 50 IN 35 ...........................................................................................................1.3%

Total: 100.0%

The

Bay Area Observer

If It Matters To You,

It Matters To Us

Call us at281-907-3140

By Deborah S. Bernay, O.D., Andreane B. Fagala, O.D., and Patricia A. Galos, O.D.

Conjunctivitis is an inflamma-tion or infection of the conjunc-tiva, the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and cov-ers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is a common eye disease, especially in children. It may affect one or both eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and easily spread in schools and at

home. While conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection, sometimes it can develop into a more serious problem.Conjunctivitis may be caused by a viral or bacterial infec-tion. It can also occur due to an allergic reaction to irritants in the air like pollen and smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, and ingredients in cosmetics or other products that come in contact with the eyes. Sexually transmitted diseases like Chla-mydia and gonorrhea are less

common causes of conjuncti-vitis. Closing Paragraph:Symptoms of conjuncitivtis may include the following: a gritty feeling in one or both eyes, itching or burning sensa-tion in one or both eyes, exces-sive tearing, discharge coming from one or both eyes, swollen eyelids, pink discoloration to the whites of one or both eyes, and/or increased sensitivity to light. If you have any these symptoms, it is important to see an eye care professional. You can call LaPORTE VI-SION CENTER at 281-471-6546. We are licensed to prescribe medications for dry eyes, eye infections, and aller-gies. Our practice is located at 401 West Fairmont Parkway, Suite A. Helping you and your family see into the future.

Pink Eye or Something Else?

PAGE 4 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

LOCAL NEWS

OBITUARIES

Audrey J. White passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas on Friday, February 18, 2011 at the age of 89. She is survived by her loving sons Dr. R. Lynn White (Barbara) and Dr. Mark S. White (Christine), three grandchildren: Christopher White, Robyn Tolva (John) and Ken Burke (Lauren), six great-grandchildren: Nathan, Andrew and Charlotte Tolva, and Kenny, Carter, and Eliza-beth Burke, a niece: Lisa Coppel (Pete) and great nephews: Joe and Sam Coppel. She was pre-ceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Robert A. (Bob) White, and her parents Joe and Dell Johnson, her sis-ter Joan Counts, brother-in-law Joe Counts, and nephew Bradly Counts.Mrs. White was born in La Porte, Texas on June 5, 1921, and lived there until she moved to Sun City - Georgetown in 1999. Through-out her life she was an enthusias-tic member and leader of many clubs and service organizations. She served as President of The Ladies Reading Club, The La Porte Bayshore Garden Club, and the Home Demonstration Club. She was a San Jacinto District President, Life Member and Trustee of the Texas Federa-tion of Women’s Clubs. She was Past Matron of La Porte Chap-ter No. 683 Order of the Eastern Star, and served on the boards of both the La Porte Bay Area Heri-tage Society and the Friends of the Library. She was a charter member of the First Methodist Church of La Porte since 1944, where she served as a secretary, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. She was an excel-lent cook, and was very adept at sewing, crochet and needlepoint. She loved to travel, and visited all fifty states, Canada, Mexico and Europe.A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, February 26th at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery at 12:00PM with Rev. Kevin Kissel of First United Methodist Church of La Porte officiating.

WHITE

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Tangela Ann Garcia, 27, of La Porte passed away Sunday Feb-ruary 13, 2011. She was born January 1, 1984 in Wharton, Texas. Tangela is preceded in death by her son Xavier Garcia and grandmother Minnie Pearl Craig. She is survived by her mother Barbara Naranjo and husband Juan, husband Jesus Garcia, Sr., sons Jesus Garcia, Jr., Angel Garcia, Ethan Gar-cia, sisters Samantha Garcia and husband Alex, Tara Flores and husband Rob, sister in law Lupe Garcia, other close family members Tami Garcia, Bubba Brasher, nieces and nephews Esperanza Jaureguy, Lola Jau-reguy, Lolo Jaureguy, Lily Jaureguy, and numerous other nieces, nephews, and friends.Visitation will be held Thurs-day February 17, 2011 at 10AM-12PM at Paul U. Lee La Porte Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held following visitation at 1PM at the La Porte Cemetery.

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17 CAC Plants Had No Injuries or Illnesses in 2010 The annual worker safety report recently presented to the Citi-zen’s Advisory Council (CAC) to La Porte Industry showed the safety performance in 2010 was the best since the group began compiling data on CAC plant employees and contractors in 1996. The CAC plant rate of 0.64 injuries per 100 workers in 2010 was far lower than the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) rate of 2.30 for the chemical industry nationwide. The rates for both employees (0.81) and contractors (0.34) also bested those of American Chemistry Council (ACC) trade association member companies. Discussing whether the CAC rate can be repeated or improved upon, CAC plants agreed that it could. Based on OSHA recordkeeping rules for workplace safety, 38 re-ports covering all 39 CAC plants showed that a total of 47 work-place injuries or illnesses occurred in 2010. Five came from chem-ical contact or exposure, the rest from more common causes. “ Zeroes are heroes” when it comes to safety. The best OSHA recordable rate is 0.00, meaning no cases requiring a doctor’s in-tervention. In 2010, 17 plants had recordable rates of 0.00 for both employees and contractors. They are Air Liquide, Akzo No-bel Battleground, Baker Petrolite, Chevron Phillips La Porte, Dow Chemical Bayport, Dow Chemical La Porte, FMC, Goodyear, Gul-brandsen, INEOS Oligomers, Invista, Linde Gas/La Porte Metha-nol, Lubrizol La Porte, LyondellBasell Bayport Polymers, Noltex, Praxair, and TOTAL Petrochemicals. The 17 plants worked about 3.7 million work hours, the equivalent of almost 1800 employ-ees and contractors working safely for an entire year without an

OSHA recordable injury or illness.Of these 17 plants, Praxair holds the record for the most zeroes (13 since 1996). Praxair has worked 5 consecutive years without an OSHA recordable as has Noltex for the last four years. Goodyear, Linde/La Porte Methanol, and LyondellBasell Polymers have had no recordable injuries or illnesses for 5 of the last 6 years. Four plants had their first 0.00 rate since 1996 or joining the CAC: Baker Petrolite, Dow La Porte, Invista, and TOTAL Pet-rochemicals. Three other plants also had their best performance in the CAC report: DuPont, Sun Products, and Akzo Nobel Bay-park. Of the 47 injuries, just under half resulted in restricted duty or loss work days. The others were less serious. There were no fatali-ties, nor have there been any since the CAC began collecting that information in 2005. Using 2009 North American Industry Classification System codes to compare CAC plants to facilities in the same kind of busi-ness, all but 4 CAC plants worked more safely than their national counterparts. The CAC meets again on Tuesday, March 1 at the DuPont Em-ployee Recreation Center on Strang Road. From 5:45 – 7:00 p.m., members will talk to individual plants about what they make and look at familiar consumer products that begin with something made in La Porte. Plant updates and other business begins at 7:00. If you would like to attend, contact CAC facilitator Diane Sheri-dan at 281/326-5253 to RSVP. Visitors are welcome!

Scientist Finds Gulf Bottom Still Oily, DeadBy Seth BorensteinAP Science Writer

Oil from the BP spill remains stuck on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, accord-ing to a top scientist’s video and slides that she says demonstrate the oil isn’t degrading as hoped and has decimated life on parts of the sea floor.That report is at odds with a recent report by the BP spill compensation czar that said nearly all will be well by 2012.At a science conference in Washington, marine scientist Samantha Joye of the Uni-versity of Georgia aired early results of her December submarine dives around the BP spill site. She went to places she had visited in the summer and expected the oil and resi-due from oil-munching microbes would be gone by then. It wasn’t. “There’s some sort of a bottleneck we have yet to identify for why this stuff doesn’t seem to be degrading,” Joye told the Ameri-can Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference in Washington. Her research and those of her colleagues contrasts with other studies that show a more optimistic outlook about the health of the gulf, saying microbes did great work munching the oil. “Magic microbes consumed maybe 10 percent of the total discharge, the rest of it we don’t know,” Joye said, later adding: “there’s a lot of it out there.” The head of the agency in charge of the health of the Gulf said Saturday that she thought that “most of the oil is gone.” And a Department of Energy scientist, doing re-search with a grant from BP from before the spill, said his examination of oil plumes in the water column show that microbes have done a “fairly fast” job of eating the oil. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab scientist Terry Hazen said his research differs from Joye’s because they looked at different plac-es at different times. Joye’s research was more widespread, but has been slower in being published in scien-tific literature. In five different expeditions, the last one in December, Joye and colleagues took 250 cores of the sea floor and travelled across 2,600 square miles. Some of the locations

she had been studying before the oil spill on April 20 and said there was a noticeable change. Much of the oil she found on the sea floor — and in the water column — was chemically fingerprinted, proving it comes from the BP spill. Joye is still waiting for results to show other oil samples she tested are from BP’s Macondo well. She also showed pictures of oil-choked bottom-dwelling creatures. They included dead crabs and brittle stars — starfish like critters that are normally bright orange and tightly wrapped around coral. These brittle stars were pale, loose and dead. She also saw tube worms so full of oil they suffocated. “This is Macondo oil on the bottom,” Joye

said as she showed slides. “This is dead or-ganisms because of oil being deposited on their heads.” Joye said her research shows that the burn-ing of oil left soot on the sea floor, which still had petroleum products. And even more troublesome was the tremendous amount of methane from the BP well that mixed into the Gulf and was mostly ignored by other researchers. Joye and three colleagues last week pub-lished a study in Nature Geoscience that said the amount of gas injected into the Gulf

was the equivalent of between 1.5 and 3 million barrels of oil. “The gas is an important part of under-standing what happened,” said Ian Mac-Donald of Florida State University. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-ministration chief Jane Lubchenco told re-porters Saturday that “it’s not a contradic-tion to say that although most of the oil is gone, there still remains oil out there.” Earlier this month, Kenneth Feinberg, the government’s oil compensation fund czar, said based on research he commissioned he figured the Gulf of Mexico would almost fully recover by 2012 — something Joye and Lubchenco said isn’t right. “I’ve been to the bottom. I’ve seen what it looks like with my own eyes. It’s not going to be fine by 2012,” Joye told The Associ-ated Press. “You see what the bottom looks like, you have a different opinion.” NOAA chief Lubchenco said “even though the oil degraded relatively rapidly and is now mostly but not all gone, damage done to a variety of species may not become obvious for years to come.” Lubchenco Saturday also announced the start of a Gulf restoration planning process to get the Gulf back to the condition it was on Apr. 19, the day before the spill. That program would eventually be paid for BP and other parties deemed responsible for the spill. This would be separate from an al-ready begun restoration program that would improve all aspects of the Gulf, not just the oil spill, but has not been funded by the gov-ernment yet, she said. The new program, which is part of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment program, is part of the oil spill litigation — or out-of-court settlement — in which the polluters pay for overall damage to the ecosystem and efforts to return it to normal. This is different than paying compensation to people and businesses directly damaged by the spill. The process will begin with public meet-ings all over the region. Online: Joye’s website: http://www.marsci.uga.edu/directory/mjoye.htm NOAA’s restoration site: http://www.gulf-spillrestoration.noaa.gov.

3rd AnnualRabies Awareness Vaccine Clinic

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This Dec. 1, 2010 photo provided by the Uni-versity of Georgia, made from the submarine Alvin, shows a dead crab with oil residue near it on a still-damaged sea floor about 10 miles north of the BP oil rig accident. Ma-rine biologist Samantha Joye of the Univer-sity of Georgia said, “We consistently saw dead fauna (animals) at all these sites. It’s likely there’s a fairly large area impacted,” she said. (AP Photo/ University of Georgia, Samantha Joye)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER PAGE 5

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CUISINE

IN THE GARDENSpring Cleaning Your Crape Myrtles

The Annual Fruit Tree Sale has been RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 5, 2011 at the Wayne Johnson Community Center at Carbide Park on FM 519 in La Marque Heidi Sheesley of TreeSearch Farms will present a seminar on “Fruit & Citrus Trees for the Upper Gulf Coast.” Master Gardeners will present demonstrations on pruning and grafting of fruit trees and will be available to answer the public’s questions.

• Seminar begins at 8 a.m.

• Sale from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.

This year’s sale offers numerous varieties of rare tropical fruit trees including avocados, mangos, star fruit, guava, Barbados cherries, pomegranates, and papayas. There will be a large assort-ment of blueberries, blackberries, and grapes available at the sale too, along with a selection of pears, figs, apples, peaches, plums, pecans, and persimmons as well as a large variety of citrus trees that are best suited for our area. Map to Carbide Park-http://ag-gie-horticulture.tamu.edu/Galveston/map_to_carbide_park.htm

Ingredients 1 package of lasagna noodles1 pound low fat hamburger or ground chuck3 cups tomato sauce2 pounds ricotta cheese8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated2 eggs, lightly beaten2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyPreheat oven to 375 degrees1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

Cook lasagna according to the package. Drain and rinse.In a large skillet, break up the ground beef with a fork and saute until no pink remains.Drain the fat from the meat and set aside to cool.In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, 1/2cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley and basil.In a 13x9-inch baking dish, spread 1/2cup sauce.Place 4 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, overlapping the edges.Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, cover with one-fourth sauce.Sprinkle some meat on each layer.Repeat layers 2 more times ending with a layer of noodles.Spread remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese.Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.Remove from the oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Old Fashioned Hamburger Lasagna

By Carolyn Collins

Spring is definitely just around the corner. Your crape myrtles have endured a pretty solid winter for our area and probably have gone ful-ly dormant. Now is the time to prune them. Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are summer bloomers and produce their flowers from new wood or the current season’s stems. So it is important to prune them before the new wood starts growing. It is also important to prune them only after the danger of freezing weather is over for the year. Pruning encourag-es new growth and an unexpected freeze could do a great deal of damage. There is a right and a wrong way to prune crape myrtles. Let’s first address the absolute WRONG way to prune. This method is known as “topping”, or as horticulturists and arborists call it, “crape murder.” It involves just cutting the stems back to maintain a certain height rath-er than properly pruning each branch back to a bud, main branch, or a stem. Crape myrtles that have been topped look as though they have been cut back with a chain saw or hedge trim-mers. This type of pruning results in many little shoots growing from the tops of the cut stems. These shoots are weak, prone to disease, and poorly attached. The number of blooms is re-duced because only one main flower cluster is produced on the end shoots. Topping also causes the tree to produce suckers at its base. These have to be cut back if you want your crape myrtle to maintain a tree form rather than

a large bushy shape. To properly prune a crape myrtle you will need a few tools. You need hand pruners to clip branches and twigs less than ½ inch thick. You

need loppers for cutting branches ½ inch to 1 ½ inch thick. A pruning saw or pole pruner is good for cutting large branches. First cut away all suckers that may have grown from the base. Cut them close to the trunk but

do not cut into the trunk. Then remove all dead, diseased, or broken branches from the tree. Al-ways cut back to a larger branch of the trunk. Do not leave stubs. Remove branches that are bent or crossing each other. When branches cross one another they rub against the bark, creating an opening for pathogens to enter. Leave about 3-5 of the largest branches coming from the trunk. Re-move the weaker, spindly branches. If you want to prune the ends of your branches to maintain their shape and form, you must use the proper cutting method. On the branch that you wish to prune, you must select a bud that faces outward from the center of the tree. Make your angled cut above that bud. Then when the new stem starts growing, it will grow out away from the center of the tree. This will result in a fuller canopy with better blooms. Encouraging new stems to grow away from the center will open up the form of the tree. It will also help in-crease light penetration and air movement. An open center is also less like to harbor powdery mildew and aphids. If you are nervous about pruning your crape myrtle for the first time, just use the “less is more” method. Just clean out the dead wood, get the suckers off the base of the tree, and if you prune back a branch, make sure that the cut is above an outward facing bud. And never, never treat your crape myrtle to a good “top-ping.” There are several good videos on You Tube about pruning crape myrtles. I suggest taking a look at them before you get started.

Example Of A Crape Myrtle That Has Been Topped. Notice The Large Sucker Growth

At The Base Of The Trunk.

Example Of A Properly Pruned Crape Myrtle

The Annual Fruit Tree Sale Has Been Rescheduled

For March 5, 2011 Gardeners By The Bay will hold their monthly meeting on March 2nd. Meetings are held in the Great Room of The Uni-versity Baptist Church, 16106 Middlebrook Drive. Coffee and refreshments are served starting at 9:00 am, followed at 9:30 a.m. by a special presentation and a horticultural discussion. All visi-tors and guests are welcome. March 2 — Basic Rose Growing in the Houston Area, by Baxter Williams. A Master Rosarian, Baxter is a 4-time Past-President of the Houston Rose Society. He is a member of the American Rose Center Development Committee, and served as Chairman of the American Rose Center Trial Grounds Committee from 1991 to 2006. He is currently Director of the ARS South Central District (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas), serves on the Board of Directors, and is past Chair of the ARS Membership Committee. Anyone interested is welcome to visit or join. Membership includes novice gardeners as well as certified Texas Master Gar-deners who share their expertise and knowledge. Local trips are planned each year to gardens or other places of interest to gar-deners.

Seaside Garden Club invites the community to attend a pre-sentation on Black Gold given by Gloria Johnston, Galveston Co. Master Gardener, at Sea-brook Community House, on March 16th at 12:30 pm. Come and learn about composting; nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic mat-ter into a rich soil, which can then be added to your garden to improve moisture retention, amend soil quality, and reduce

pest problems.

Gardeners By The BayMonthly Meeting March 2nd, 2011

Seaside Garden Club Presents Black Gold by

Gloria Johnston

Protecting Your Tender Vegetation

City of La Porte Parks and Recreation Department

While the weather has warmed a bit in the past few weeks, our com-munity still has the potential to ex-perience a few more days of cold weather. In step, we continue to hear the weatherman talk about “protect-ing your tender vegetation” this time of year, given the temperature has danced around the freezing mark on

more than one occasion. Therefore, the City of La Porte’s Parks and Recreation Department would like to inform area citizens that there are several ways to do this effectively. One is the use of old sheets, towels, blankets, drop cloths or other large sheets of cloth or plastic that, when draped over and tied around your plant material, keep the wind from blowing the freezing air through the leaves and causing the real damage. Cardboard boxes can also be used to protect small plants; anything that cuts down on the wind penetration to the plant. One note to remember, if you use plastic, don’t leave it on for an extended time; remove it when the threat of freeze has passed. Another way to protect your tender vegetation is by coating it with water just before the temperature drops to freezing and be-low. You see Florida citrus farmers on television do this to protect their oranges and grapefruit during a freeze. The ice coating actu-ally insulates the foliage and fruit by maintaining a temperature of 32°, while the air around the plant drops well below the freez-ing mark. If you want to do this with your garden hose, or have an irrigation system, you should manually turn it on or hand-water when the temperature is around 33°-31° and allow each station to completely coat the plants with a thick coat of water that will turn to ice fairly quickly. If you spray too soon, the water will drain off and not give you the solid ice coating that is required for freeze protection; if you wait too late, you may not be able to get the water on the plants, particularly with the garden hose. The thing to be careful with when using this method, is overspray on driveways and walkways which can be very hazardous in the morning when you try to walk on frozen concrete. Good luck protecting those plants, and remember to stay warm!

PAGE 6 THE BAY AREA OBSERVER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

EDUCATION

San Jacinto College South’s Cody The Coyote Visits

Moore Elementary

San Jacinto College South’s Cody the Coyote made a visit to Moore Elementary this weekend to spread spirit at the school’s annual “Jump Rope for Heart” event. Cody was also joined by Junction Jack from the Houston Astros; Buddy and Redi Clinic Runny Nose from H.E.B; and Louie the Longhorn and the Dobie High School cheerleaders. Photo credit: Andrea Vasquez, San Ja-cinto College marketing department.

LPISD District Calendar2/24/11 to 3/2/2011

2/24/11Special Olympics Basketball Game - 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM - LXJH Gym Bayshore Elementary - Tutoring - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PMBayshore Elementary - Spanish Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PMCollege Park Elementary - 2nd Grade PLC’sHeritage Elementary - 4th Grade Writing OlympicsLomax Elementary - Spring Individual & Group PicturesJennie Reid Elementary - Muffins with Mom - 8:00 AMRizzuto Elementary - Go Western Day - western dressRizzuto Elementary - Rocket of the month - 9:00 AMBaker Sixth Grade Campus - Videoconferencing for select students at Technology Center - 11:00 AMLPJH - 4 Year Plan make-upLPHS - JV Baseball - CCISD JV Tournament - Times TBALPHS - JV Girls Softball - Galena Park Tournament - Times TBALPHS - JV/Freshmen Boys Track - Sterling BaytownLPHS - Sophomore Baseball - Sterling Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Varsity Baseball - David Anzaldua Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Varsity Girls Softball - CCISD Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Chatos Bullritos NightLPHS - Orienteering/Adventure Racing Practice - 2:45 PM - 4:00 PMLPHS - Project Graduation Meeting - 6:00 PM - Student CenterLPHS - Orchestra Pre-UIL Concert - 7:00 PM - Sonja Angelo Theater

2/25/11Secondary Report CardsCollege Park Elementary - Go Texan Dress-up DayCollege Park Elementary - Student of the Month - 7:20 AMHeritage Elementary - 4th Grade Writing OlympicsLomax Elementary - Lion of the Month Breakfast - February - 7:20 AMJennie Reid Elementary - PTO fundraiser kickoffHeritage, College Park, Lomax & La Porte Elementary - Choirs sing during Houston AEROS Hockey Game - 7:35 PMLPJH - Top Dawg Breakfast - 8:45 AMLPJH - 4 Year Plan make-upLXJH - Spring PicturesLPHS - JV Baseball - CCISD JV Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Sophomore Baseball - Sterling Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Tennis @ Fort BendLPHS - Varsity Baseball - David Anzaldua Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Varsity Girls Softball - CCISD Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Varsity Boys Track - Brown RelaysLPHS - Boys Soccer vs. North Shore -5:00 PM - JV; 7:00 PM - Varsity LPHS - Girls Soccer @ North Shore - 5:00 PM - JV; 7:00 PM - VarsityLPHS - School Wide Talent Show - 7:00 PM - Sonja Angelo Theater

2/26/11Rizzuto Elementary - Drama Practice - 12:00 PM - 2:30 PMJunior High UIL One Act Play CompetitionLPHS - Band UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest - Pasadena Memorial High SchoolLPHS - JV Baseball - CCISD JV Tournament - Times TBALPHS - JV Girls Softball - Galena Park Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Sophomore Baseball - Sterling Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Varsity Baseball - David Anzaldua Tournament - Times TBALPHS - Varsity Girls Softball - CCISD Tournament - Times TBA

2/28/11Lomax Elementary - TAKS Pep Rally - 8:00 AMBayshore Elementary - Tutoring - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PMBayshore Elementary - Art After School - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PMBayshore Elementary - Spanish Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

3/1/11TAKS TestingBayshore Elementary - Musical Dance Class - 3:20 PM - 4:20 PMLPJH - Rock Solid - Christ on Campus - 7:45 AM - Choir RoomLPHS - Chatos Final trip payment dueLPHS - Baseball vs. Atascocita - 4:30 PM - Sophomore; 7:00 PM - JVLPHS - Girls Soccer vs. Port Arthur Memorial - 5:00 PM - JV; 7:00 PM - VarsityLPHS - Girls Softball @ College Park - 5:00 PM - JV; - 6:30 PM VarsityLPHS - Varsity Baseball @ Atascocita - 7:00 PMLPHS - Orchestra Booster Club Meeting - 7:00 PM - Orchestra Room

3/2/11TAKS TestingBayshore Elementary - Art After School - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PMBayshore Elementary - Chess Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PMBayshore Elementary - Drama Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PMCollege Park Elementary - Robotics - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PMHeritage Elementary - 2nd Grade field trip to Main Street TheaterJennie Reid Elementary - Dr. Seuss AR PartyLPJH - Boys Track @ DeepwaterLPHS - Boys Soccer @ Port Arthur Memorial - 5:00 PM - JV; Varsity – 7:00 PMLPHS - Sophomore Girls Softball vs. Angleton - 6:00 PMLPHS - Girls Volleyball/Basketball Banquet - 6:30 PM - LPHS

San Jacinto College (SJC) students recently visited Iman Acad-emy to judge science projects as part of their community service learning program. This is the College’s third year to visit the academy for science activities and the second year to participate in the academy’s South East Science Fair. Science students from SJC Central served as ambassadors interacting with the elementary school children and increasing interest and awareness of science education. “This is just the most wonderful thing for our students,” said Fatimah Bhutan, third grade homeroom teacher at Iman Academy and former SJC science student. “It is good for the children to interact with people closer to their age, and who are still students themselves, in this case, college students.” Dr. Ann Cartwright, science department chair at SJC Central, started the San Jacinto College Science Service Learning program two decades ago after she began inviting elementary school stu-dents to visit science labs at the Central campus in 1990. The out-reach education benefits all who are involved, she said. “This is a way to introduce college into the schools,” said Cartwright. “It also reinforces what we do in the classroom. My students have to think about scientific principles and apply them when they are judging the projects. They really take it seriously.”

San Jacinto College Students Serve As Judges

At Local Science Fair

Iman Academy student Hanna Hussein (left) describes her “Sweet or Salty” science project to San Jacinto College (SJC) student Sarah Beltran (right). SJC science students recently visited the academy to serve as judges for the South East Sci-ence Fair. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department.

The Texas Historical Commission has approved San Jacinto College’s (SJC) application for a historical marker, which will be placed on the Central campus, located at 8060 Spencer Hwy., in Pasadena. The metal marker will measure 27 inches by 42 inches and will display text that chronicles some of the notable milestones of the three-campus college that, for 50 years, has served East Harris County. The date of installation, and exact location of a site on the Central campus, is still in the works. “I am truly excited and honored for San Jacinto College to be chosen to receive a Texas historical marker,” said Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “This is a true testament of our commitment to our community and region to provide a high quality, low cost education that makes a difference in the lives of our citizens.” The official unveiling of the historical marker will be one high-light of many during the 2011-2012 academic year, as San Ja-cinto College celebrates its 50th anniversary. The groundbreak-ing ceremony at the original Central campus was held on August 10, 1961, and the College officially opened on Sept. 18, 1961 at temporary quarters in downtown Pasadena. Longtime Pasadena resident, and former San Jacinto College employee Anne Thomas, helped draft the SJC historical marker application. She said the College deserves the Texas Historical Institution designation, and that it’s particularly fitting that the approval comes when the College begins celebration of its 50th anniversary. “San Jacinto College has done a splendid job of providing af-fordable, quality upper-level education,” commented Thomas, who retired in 2008 after serving as a teacher and administrator at SJC for 32 years. “It has offered the education needed for tech-nical jobs and the basics for academic careers; it has developed world-class athletes, journalists, and musicians; it has trained skilled workers in the medical professions. It has met the needs of its students with flexible schedules, childcare, and small class-es. Its focus has always been the student.” The marker will be just the fifth in the city of Pasadena. The other four are the City of Pasadena, Pasadena ISD, Allen Ranch, and Crown Hill Cemetery. Pomeroy Homestead and the James and Jesse West Mansion are on the National Register listing.

Once considered a stepping-stone into four-year institutions, community colleges are now also serving a very different role – to prepare people for the workforce, and prepare them fast. Study time takes a backseat to the immediate need for income. Many students juggle both their work and college schedules; more families consider affordable local educational options; and too many sacrifice their education to make ends meet. As we re-spond to these types of needs as a community college, we also seek to understand and support the changing lives of today’s col-lege student. What used to be institutions mainly comprised of full-time students has now evolved to include fast-track training grounds preparing the nation’s workforce within a few short semesters, a few months, and even a few weeks. Here are some stories from today’s community college students. James Smith of Katy - “There are a lot more requirements for the job market these days. People need to be prepared.” Thirty-six-year-old James Smith of Katy knew he had to move his family out of Naples, Fla., after noticing neighborhoods full of empty buildings and experiencing mass layoffs at three electri-cal companies. “When a coworker told me not to bother hooking up another building, I knew the market had crashed,” said Smith. “It was very creepy. My wife had just had our baby, and I needed to be there for her but was basically told that if I leave for a few days, I wouldn’t have a job.” With some savings and church donations, Smith, his wife, and their newborn, headed to Houston in search of a new life. However, without any previous post-secondary education, Smith said it was tough finding jobs, even in a city like Houston, which held some of the lowest unemployment rates throughout the re-cession. “I had always worked throughout my life,” said Smith, who held jobs throughout high school to support his mother. He also served three years in the military and earned a living as a security guard before working as an electrician. “After living in Houston for a year working odd jobs, I knew I had to do something dif-ferent.” With a small amount of automotive experience in his past, Smith decided on a career change and enrolled in the GM Auto-motive Service Educational Program (ASEP) at San Jacinto Col-lege last year. He already has a job lined up with a local dealer-ship upon completion of the program. “My first time in college feels great; I’m doing something I wasn’t able to do before,” said Smith. “Otherwise, I’d probably still be working in odd jobs or leaving my wife and son to work overseas for months at a time. I found out through this experience that there are a lot more requirements for the job market. People need to be prepared.” Clarissa Gonzalez of South Houston - “Community college has always been the family’s first choice in preparation for a university.” Like so many high school students, Clarissa Gonzalez said she really didn’t know what to pursue after graduation. She also found herself very discouraged by the lack of support she re-ceived in regards to her educational goals. “I used to think of what I’d like to do as a career, but many people would just discourage me from specific professions be-cause of my spina bifida,” said Gonzalez, 22, who has endured 18 surgeries throughout her life. “But I always had an interest in culinary. My family is Mexican American; we know how to cook, and I’d love to share this with others.” Gonzalez enrolled in San Jacinto College in 2009 to pursue a degree in the culinary arts program. She said she chose commu-nity college over university so that she could pay her own way through classes and take advantage of the smaller atmosphere, which has allowed her to ask instructors one very important fa-vor. “I ask them to please not cut me any slack,” said Gonzalez. “I said, ‘if you see me being lazy, just push me harder’. I want to serve as an example to others, that no matter what struggles you have in life, you can take on the culinary business.”

Going To Work: Stories From Today’s College Students

San Jacinto College To Receive Texas Historical Marker

Members of the Historical Marker Committee who were recog-nized at a recent San Jacinto College board of trustees meeting include, from left, Anne Thomas, a former SJC teacher and administrator; Amanda Booren, SJC director of communica-tions and publications; and Rob Vanya, SJC communications coordinator. Shown with the committee is SJC Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. Not pictured: Dr. Kerry Mix. Photo credit: Teri Fowle, San Jacinto College marketing department.

The PALS from James Bowie and Ross S. Sterling recently made Valentine’s Day cards for all patients at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. The cards were distributed on Valentine’s Day to each patient’s room. The effort was coordinated by Therese Ruff and Kim Fox. “We look forward to receiving these cards each year. The kids at James Bowie work so hard on them and we sincerely appreciate it. Our hope it that the cards brighten each patient’s day a little,” said Mary Navarre, Executive Secretary, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital.

Jacobie Hill, Kimberly Paz, David Partida, Alex Johnson, Adonis Luna, Kim Fox.

Students Make Valentine’s Day Cards For All Patients At

San Jacinto Methodist Hospital

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