The Bay Area Observer Community News For The Galveston Bay Area
VOLUME 2, NO. 40
By The Bay Senior Dance Norman L. Malone Senior Center La Porte October 6, 7:00-10:00 PM The Senior Dance is Thursday, October 6, 7:00-10:00 PM at Norman L. Malone Senior Center, 1322 So. Broadway, La Porte. Doors open at 6:15 PM. Admission is $7.00/ person. Door prizes and refreshments included. The October band is Country Now and Then.
AARP Chapter 13 La Porte Community Church October 10 • 10:30 a.m. AARP Chapter 1973 (La Porte) meets Monday, October 10, 10:30 AM, at La Porte Community Church, First and “A” Streets. A potluck luncheon follows the meeting. The October program is a surprise presentation. It will be a lot of fun. Guests 50 + are welcome.
PUMPKIN PATCH Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 First United Methodist Church in La Porte 9601 W. Fairmont Pkwy 281-478-4673 Mon - Fri 10-6 Sat - 8:30-6:00 Sun - 12:00-6:00
LPHS Class of 1971 Reunion Sat. October 8th Call Don Davison for information 409-944-1311
Fall Festival Creekmont Baptist Church La Porte October 31, 2011 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Don’t go knocking on doors..Come join us for our “Fall Festival” October 31, 2011 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Games, door prizes, candy, and lots of fun. Creekmont Baptist Church, 401 Myrtle Creek Drive, La Porte, Texas 77571. 281-470-1176, Pastor: Danny Mendoza, 281-476-0058. Contact Diana Poole
Free Internet Basics II Class At Evelyn Meador Library
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Area Leaders and Officials Celebrate Re-opening of Iconic Seabrook Restaurant Last week, you could find many of the Bay Area Houston region’s top community leaders enjoying the fresh taste of grilled cheeseburgers and cold cherry colas at the newly-restored Tookie’s restaurant in Seabrook. The lunch served as a celebration of disaster recovery, economic development and business confidence. “Three years ago, hurricane Ike damaged 76% of our city’s homes and destroyed eleven businesses,” stated Ernie Davis, President of the Seabrook Economic Development Corporation. “However, with a partnership between a quality proprietor and city personnel, our organization was able to help a treasured dining establishment re-open its doors to area citizens.” “I remember many great times at Tookie’s when I was a child,” said Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX). “Coming here was the highlight of the day after our little league baseball games.” Originally opened in 1975, Tookie’s sustained more than three feet of water during the hurricane in 2008. Restaurateur, Barry Terrell, rebuilt the infamous eatery and began operating again this August. Leading the celebration was Seabrook Mayor, Glenn Royal, who presented a formal proclamation to Terrell. “Today, I declare September 29 as Tookie’s Day,” stated Royal. A self-proclaimed cheerleader for the region, the mayor is excited to see the entire Clear Lake area bounce back from the storm and withstand the more recent tough economic times. “What is good for one city is good for the whole area,” said Royal. “We must work together to develop and grow the vitality of our entire community.” Also in attendance at the gathering were State Senator Mike Jackson; Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark; leaders
Seabrook Economic Development Summit celebration includes (L to R) Port Commissioner Jimmy Burke, Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal, Congressman Pete Olson, Seabrook EDC President Ernie Davis, Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, and Tookie’s Owner Barry Terrell. from the Houston Port Authority, Bay Tran, the Economic Alliance and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; and Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman. “Those of us in Precinct Two look forward to helping this region thrive,” said Morman. Patrons can visit Tookie’s at its original spot, located at 1202 Bayport Blvd. The City of Seabrook and the Seabrook EDC are also working on many other development projects, including the revitalization of The Point, a waterfront district primed for fresh seafood markets, restaurants and businesses.
Congressman Pete Olsen and Council Member Kim Morrell
Candidate Class
Free Microsoft Excel I Class At Evelyn Meador Library
INDEX Community.......................2 Editorial/Opinion..............3 On The Water....................4 Editorial/Opinion..............4 LPISD Newsletter..........5-8 Sports...............................9 Classifieds..................,,..11 In The Garden.................12 Cuisine............................12
President of Seabrook EDC Ernie Davis and Council Member Laura Davis
Springhill Marriott In Seabrook NASA To Seek Applicants For Next Astronaut Hosts An Impressive “Art Night”
The Evelyn Meador Library, a Harris County Public Library, will offer a free Internet Basics II class on Monday, October 10 from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm. Learn how to use Internet Explorer, Google search, favorites bar and other features. This is a two-day class. Students must attend Part I in order to register for Part II. This class is limited to 12 people and requires registration. Please call or visit the library to register. The library’s phone number is 281-4749142. Harris County Public Library will make reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. To make a request, notify the Branch Librarian at 281-474-9142.
The Evelyn Meador Library, a Harris County Public Library, will offer a free Microsoft Excel I class on Friday, October 14 from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm. Come to learn how to use Microsoft Excel 2007. It is a spreadsheet application. This is a two-day class. Students must attend Part I in order to register for Part II. This class is limited to 12 people and requires registration. Please call or visit the library to register. The library’s phone number is 281-4749142. Harris County Public Library will make reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. To make a request, notify the Branch Librarian at 281-474-9142.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
Diana Burney, Sales Manager For SpringHill Suites-Seabrook and Marcy Fryday of Lakewood Yacht Club. By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
SpringHill Suites by Marriott brought art and inspiration to the Seabrook and surrounding communities during “ArtNight” this past Thursday evening. The hotel was hosted an evening featuring original pieces including sculptures, paintings and drawings while providing a relaxing space for artists and guests to network and appreciate great art. Sales Manager for SpringHill Suites-Seabrook, Diana Burney, called the first time event for the hotel a success and said, “Even with the “much needed” rain that evening, we had over 100 people attend “ArtNight”. Indeed the crowds turned out to what proved to to be an elegant event with a wide variety of the Galveston Bay Area’s most talented artists. Burney said, “The participating artists Kim Christensen, Richard Coberly, Bob Fuller,
Andy Gonzalez, Kelly Halbach, Gay Paratore, James Phillips, Julie Ranna, Stela Stelly, Brian Sterling & Mark Westerman were all different in style and concept, and each one unique and truly amazing”. The Economic Alliance displayed six of their framed EPIC ART portraits; it was quite impressive (these are the historical pictures on the tank containers on Hwy 225 and Independence Parkway). Lakewood Yacht Club brought a fantastic framed photograph of Keels & Wheels and the Seabrook Association supplied two pelicans from the “Pelican Path” (Elton-Seabrook Rotary Club & Cowboy-Bosone Automotive). Haute Flowers & Finds had an unbelievable 4’ floral arrangement and U of H Clear Lake brought a slide show regarding their upcoming Art Conference in April 2012. LaBella Cello (Della Grigsby) played beautifully throughout the evening with not only classical music, but Continued on page 3
In early November, NASA will seek applicants for its next class of astronaut candidates who will support long-duration missions to the International Space Station and future deep space exploration activities. “For scientists, engineers and other professionals who have always dreamed of experiencing spaceflight, this is an exciting time to join the astronaut corps,” said Janet Kavandi, director of flight crew operations at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. “This next class will support missions to the station and will arrive via transportation systems now in development. They also will have the opportunity to participate in NASA’s continuing exploration programs that will include missions beyond low Earth orbit.” The first U.S. astronauts were selected in 1959, before human spaceflight operations began. NASA asked the military services to provide a list of personnel who met specific qualifications. After stringent screening, NASA announced its selection of seven men, all pilots, as the first American astronauts. NASA has selected 20 more groups of astronauts since the “Original Seven.” NASA selects astronauts from a diverse pool of applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds. From the thousands of applications received, only a few are chosen for the intensive Astronaut Candidate training program. Including the “Original Seven”, only 330 astronauts have been selected to date. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience are required in order to be considered. Typically, successful applicants have significant qualifications in engineering or science, or extensive experience flying high-performance jet-aircraft. After applicant interviews and evaluations, NASA expects to announce the final selections in 2013, and training to begin that August. Additional information about the Astronaut Candidate Program is available by calling the Astronaut Selection Office at 281-4835907.
812 S. 8th St. La Porte, TX. 77571
281-471-1430
PAGE 2
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
COMMUNITY OBITUARIES KARLA MOCHMAN Karla Mochman, 54, of La Porte, Texas passed away September 20th, 2011. She was born on December 5th, 1956 in Texas City, Texas to Hubert Jones and Lou Jean Matthews. She was preceded in death by her Mother. Karla is survived by her husband Johnny Mochman, children Eric Ward, Adam Ward and wife Victoria, sister Theresa St. Marie and husband Fred, brothers Rodney Jones and Gary Jones, father Hubert Jones and wife Tean, grandchildren Aiden Ward and Maverick Ward, and stepdaughter Melissa Mochman.
La Porte EMS Encourages Houston We Have A Mission Parkinson’s Fund Raiser Completing “Vial Of Life” Kit The City of La Porte EMS would like to inform residents of one of their community programs called the Vial of L.I.F.E (Lifesaving Information For Emergencies). The “Vial of LIFE” program is intended to provide citizens with a method to store important medical information in their homes for access by emergency responders. The “Vial of Life” enables emergency responders (paramedics, firefighters, and police officers) to obtain helpful information regarding a patient’s medical history. This is especially important if the patient is unconscious or is unable to speak to the emergency responders. The “Vial of Life” kit includes a large plastic vial, a round decal for the front door, a rectangle decal for your refrigerator, and medical information form with related instructions. A “Vial of Life” kit is available for free and can be picked up at City of La Porte EMS Headquarters during normal business hours or can be requested from any EMS ambulance crew. The completed “Vial of Life” is labeled externally with basic patient information, while completed medical information forms, contained inside, reflect a person’s current health status as well as current medications being taken. Also recommended to be included inside the vial should be a recent photograph or photograph of the person’s Driver’s License, if available. EMS representatives advise the vial should be placed within the refrigerator, along a shelf in the door, as close to eye level as possible, and towards the front for better visibility, as it has been shown that the refrigerator’s contents are preserved in the event of a fire. There will be a round decal provided in the “Vial of Life” kit and it should be placed on your front door for easy visibility by responding medics. The rectangle decal provided should be placed on the outside of the refrigerator in a prominent location. EMS personnel suggest immediately updating the medical information provided on the form whenever the information changes, and also advise that it is a good idea to review the information at least twice per year. Additionally, if there are changes to be made, it is best to reprint a new Medical Information Form, which can be accessed on the following website: www.lpems.org and clicking on “Community Programs” and then “Vial of Life.” For any questions, you may contact La Porte EMS’ Jason Peugeot at 281-471-9244.
The “Houston We Have a Mission, Parkinson’s Fundraiser” will be held on November 5th at the League City Civic Center. The evening will combine a serious purpose with enjoyment and fun. Former Astronaut Michael “Rich” Clifford will headline the KiMe Fund’s first fundraiser in the Bay Area. Having flown three shuttle missions, Clifford’s current mission is helping to find a cure for Parkinson’s. A short address will include remarks by Steve Hodges, the KiMe Founder. Dinner will be catered by Tamara Vogt, owner of Grand Finale Catering and Mario’s Flying Pizza. Music for dancing will be provided by the popular PRP Entertainment Company. The evening will also include a live and silent auction. The KiMe Fund was established in 2010 with a mission to find a cure for Parkinson’s by funding research that have the best chance for a cure. Hodges, who grew up in the Houston area, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 48. KiMe is shorthand for his two daughters, Kim and Megan, and is symbolic of the drive to find a cure before the next generation of children everywhere is diagnosed. KiMe’s non-profit status is established through the East Tennessee Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, as well as its association with the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund. Kim’s Board of Directors is comprised of nine members located in four states with specialties in Medicine, Business, Finance, and Fundraising. Donations for dinner are $50 per person. Sponsorship for a table of eight is welcomed at $500, or tables of ten at $750 or $1,000. To order tickets or get further information, contact Betsy Hodges at 281-538-3180 or holbet0525@verizon.
The Senior Class
By Jay Dunham dataz33@yahoo.com
Pot Luck: A hungry group of seniors enjoyed the variety of food at the bi-monthly pot luck dinner Thursday evening, September 1. You may recall this replaces the Senior Dance on the odd month first Thursday. Participants brought an assortment of entrees, salads and, of course, tasty desserts. I’m looking forward to the November dinner, having my recipe already in mind.
Kemah Art Walk
Command Performance: You may recall Mary Lee’s portrayal of Ruth of the Bible at a recent Story Telling Group. Somehow, the word spread and Mary Lee was invited to present her portrayal to the United Methodist Women’s monthly meeting on September 12th, at First United Methodist Church, La Porte. From all reports, her The Kemah Merchants Association will be hosting the Kemah Art performance was as moving as we saw at the Center. Due to a bus Walk October 15 & 16. Artists from across Texas will be showcasing trip on the 15th, that story telling session is cancelled. We eagerly and selling their art, in the Kemah Lighthouse District. Along Bradford, anticipate the next session, though. Kipp and 6th Street will be fine art including paintings in oil, acrylic and pastels and also photography and sculptures. Art will be displayed The Red’s: At the monthly meeting, the Red Suspender guys laid Saturday October 15 from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday October 16 plans for the September 20th Breakfast For Seniors. Planning the menu isn’t all that difficult, since it hasn’t changed in years. It was from Noon -5:00 p.m. This art walk is free to all attendees. A first time activity during the Kemah Art Walk will be a children’s also decided October Red’s Lunch Out (date to be announced) desarea. Children will be able to paint on a mural scenes reflecting Kemah. tination is the newly re-opened Tookie’s in Old Seabrook. Also disFrom lighthouses and seagulls to boats and the Kemah Boardwalk, all cussed is hosting a wiener roast for the returning Special Olympians we ask is the children to bring their imagination! This painted canvas, sometime in October. These Red Suspender guys stay busy. If you “Kids Love Kemah” will be displayed during the Christmas in Kemah want to get in on the fun, come join them at 8:30 AM the first Friday days starting November 19 – December 18. This mural painting activ- of the month at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center. ity is free to all children. Sponsors of the children’s art project are Bay Harmonizing: Paul McBeth is directing a group of seniors, dubbed Area Observer, Boardwalk Fudge, and Aroma Gardens Creations. The Senior Songbirds every Tuesday at 12:30, immediately after the Booth fees are only $25. for both days and artists will be responsible hot lunch, which by the way, is served daily (except holidays) at for bringing a tent if needed. An open house for the artists, sponsors the Norman L. Malone Senior Center. The lunch is provided by the and merchants will be October 14, Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. – Harris County Area Agency on Aging. There are some very accom7:30 p.m. at the Kemah Visitor Center at 604 Bradford. plished voices in attendance, and some, like myself, who require a For more information or to reserve a booth, call Kemah Merchants pack horse to carry a tune, but everyone enjoys the session. If you Association President Sandra Williams from Boardwalk Fudge, 281- like to sing, ‘Come on down!” 538-4165 or Domino Taylor at the Kemah Visitor Center at 281-3343181. Websites are www.kemahmerchants.com or www.kemah-tx.gov. Tell a Story: On Thursdays, 12:45PM, in the living room at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center, the Story Telling Group eagerly awaits Mary Lee’s opening story. It may be factual, or may be fanciful, we wait and see. September 22 was different. Instead, a little ol’ whitefaced lady dressed in black came to the room entrance, ‘opened’ the ‘door’, entered, closed the ‘door’ and sat down on her bench. She then proceeded to open her ‘satchel’, remove her ‘radio’ and tune Sally, a beautiful border collie into the easy listening station. Getting comfortable, she removed mix, has been kenneled for Sec- her shoes and discovered a’ hole’ in her sock, which she promptly ond Chance Pets for over a year. darned with her ‘sewing kit’. An ‘apple’ with a worm within was She is in need of a foster home quickly discarded, replaced by a ‘banana’ which she deftly peeled with no children because she is and ate. All this, and more, was in silence, as Mary Lee presented very afraid of them. Otherwise her mime act. Surprisingly, or maybe not, she had never performed she does very well with teenag- this before. We never know what to expect, but are always amused. ers and adults. Please consider Come join the group. fostering her. Not Astros: The first “season” of Bean Bag Baseball has come to an Foster parents are urgently end with the Purple team sweeping the series. The off-week activneeded for Second Chance Pets, ity was a “shoot-out” among all the players. Each player had three reports Jan Smith, dog coordina- throws per inning and the total number of base hits was recorded. It tor for SCP. “Many dogs and was no surprise that the winner, Leo Saenz, racked up nearly twice cats are turned away every week the number of anyone else. Way to go, dead eye! The new season will consist of 4 teams and be a round robin format. Everyone, even because we have no homes for them to stay in until they are adopted,” she said. the on-lookers, are having a good time. Come join the fun Wednes“Truly, our greatest need is foster parents.” The responsibilities of days after lunch. SCP foster parents are to: provide food, cat litter, flea prevention, Movie Buffs: Mondays at the Movies has been popular, mainly beand socialization of animal. Foster parents are also asked to drop off cause our new audio-visual equipment make the afternoon enjoyanimals at Petco (Bay Area Blvd. At Space Center) every Saturday able. Being in cool comfort with freshly popped pop corn doesn’t at 11 a.m. and pick them up by 4 p.m. hurt at all. Great care is taken to select movies that are of interest to It’s helpful, but not necessary, to transport animals to vet appoint- all. Check the News Letter for upcoming schedules ments for shots and spays or neutering. SCP pays for vet visits as Coming Up: long as authorization has been obtained from an SCP Board member Senior Dance prior to the visit. For more information on fostering contact SCP at 281-286-3535 or email petstoadopt@yahoo.com. “By fostering, Explore Main Street Tour you actually do save an animal’s life,” Smith said. Health Fair, flu shots Family Dinner Scarecrow Festival Hallowe’en Party
October 15 & 16
Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman To Host Sylvan Beach Pavilion Dicussion We challenge you to Get Involved! Notice of Community Engagement Meeting Sylvan Beach Pavilion Restoration Project Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman will host a Community Meeting and Conversation to discuss the proposed restoration of the Sylvan Beach Pavilion. When: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Time 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: La Porte High School-Student Center, 301 E. Fairmont Pkwy., La Porte, TX 77571 The historic Sylvan Beach Pavilion has been many things to many people since it opened in 1956. The Pavilion has hosted Beauty Pageants, Weddings, Retirements, Quinceaneras, Ball Room Dancing and Community Meetings just to name a few. By restoring the Pavilion, Harris County will give back to the community a rejuvenated structure that has earned a place in the hearts and memories of many citizens of La Porte. Kirksey Architecture will give a general review and assessment of existing conditions. Historical designation requirements will also be discussed. Your ideas are welcome, valued, and an important part of this exciting project. Bring your old photos showcasing memories with your family and friends at the Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Color photos that show original colors and finishes are especially desired. Staff will be onsite to scan and catalog photos for a fun addition to the project and your photos will be returned to you before you leave the meeting. For more information, please contact Stacy Giuseppetti by email at stacy.giuseppetti@hcpid.org or Gail Miller at gail.miller@ pct2.hctx.net or by phone at 713-455-0062.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 3
ART NIGHT AT THE MARRIOTT “ArtNight” Continued from page 1
Wood Sculptor Jim Phillips
jazz, blues & country. Along with the SpringHill Suites-Seabrook, food & beverages were provided by Executive Catering, Villa Capri, Chick-fil-A & The Cake Place. It was an incredible wonderful event”. SpringHill Suites by Marriott introduced “ArtNight” in 2010 and the event was designed for their hotels nationwide to generate visibility for local artists. “ArtNight” events provide an important connection between SpringHill Suites hotels and the art communities in their neighborhoods. The initiative is an extension of SpringHill Suites’ core element that focuses on smart design. From layout to décor, the brand offers a reenergizing place for travelers that enhance their experience on the road. SpringHill Suites plans to expand “ArtNight” to multiple cities next year, allowing guests to explore the local art scene right in the hotel. “ArtNight” takes the guest travel and discovery experience to another level,” said Callette Nielsen, vice president and global brand manager for SpringHill Suites. “Embracing the local art scene allows us to connect with our communities and helps make hotel stays more inspiring.” Along with generating visibility for local artists, “ArtNight” provides business and leisure travelers a great opportunity to get a taste of what the destination has to offer. When asked about the the local community, Diana Burney explained, “The Bay Area is a special part of Texas and is definitely an “artist” community. We are hopeful “ArtNight” will become a Marriott annual event. But, due to the fact so many people enjoyed the art, music & camaraderie, the SpringHill Suites-Seabrook may decide to do another evening showcasing local artists in the Spring of 2012”.
Artist Andy Gonzalez
Artist Brian Sterling
Artist Julie Ranna
Photographer Mark Westerman
LaBella Cello (Della Grigsby) played beautifully throughout the evening
Artist Kelly Halbach
EDITORIAL /OPINION Rusty’s Corner Let’s Talk About Politics
By Rusty Cates
Religion and politics are two topics we are taught to avoid in casual conversation. In my family there were legendary fist fights between uncles to reinforce the taboo. Often the rule is a sign of resignation: “No one is going to change their mind so why bother.” Sometimes the discouragement is more cautionary: “It just makes people mad.” Other times privacy is invoked: “It’s nobody’s business what we believe.” The saddest argument is futility: “It doesn’t matter what we believe anyway.” With regard to religion, these arguments make sense. Religious doctrine is a core belief supported by faith. Faith is more a matter of assumed or revealed truth than a conclusion subject to argument. More importantly, because of the magic of the first amendment one person’s religious beliefs only impact another by consent. That amendment says flatly, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” and frees us of any need to agree on or compromise our faith. Politics, however, is a different matter. If I am wrong about my religion, that is between me and God but if I am wrong about my politics you may suffer the consequences. There is no separation protecting us from the political views of others. By the act of voting we seek to impose our political will and even those who don’t vote simply delegate that power. Democracy requires that we trust each other with power over our hopes and dreams. That places a responsibility on each of us to earn that trust. We do not need to agree with one another but we are obligated to be certain that the judgments we make are reasonable and, to the best of our abilities, wise.
One of the common problems in social psychology is “group think.” Group think is the tendency of groups to make remarkably bad decisions. It happens when a group shares assumptions; they tend not to check them or even consider the possibility that they are wrong. People who share a common vision have a tendency to be uncritical of each other’s ideas and reinforce rather than challenge mistakes. As a result, group think tends to push us to extremes. Modern communications can promote group think even when we are alone. With talk radio, cable news, and Internet blogs, it is easy to sink into a powerful echo chamber where we only hear what we already believe. We can study an issue all day and never be exposed to a single discordant fact or opinion. There is so much available to support our prejudices that we can easily dismiss any information that requires us to understand things differently. No one, no matter how smart or well educated, can think in an echo chamber. The clamor of reinforcing messages overrides critical thought. The echo chamber promotes paranoia and disrespect for those who disagree. This is a common problem with our increasingly bitter political discourse. The cure is distinctly low tech and personal. We simply must step out of our comfort zone and listen to those who view the world differently. (I recommend conversations over coffee with several people with varied perspectives at your favorite coffeehouse; but that could be a personal prejudice.) We owe our fellow citizens well considered political judgments. We need to test our politics in respectful conversations with people who disagree with us. We do not have to agree with one another but it is important that we listen, seek to understand, and incorporate the insights of others into our own reasoning. It is our duty as citizens. It’s just a thought.
Rusty Cates is the owner of Coffee Oasis at 4650 NASA Parkway (At Kirby) in Seabrook. He can be reached at Rusty@coffee-oasis.com or better yet, stop by Coffee Oasis , find a cozy corner and enjoy a great cup of coffee or wine.. Visit www.coffee-oasis.com for a list of the great entertainment that can be seen almost any day of the week!
PAGE 4
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
ON THE WATER Galveston Bay Foundation Works With Local Bay Harvest Moon To Celebrate Silver Anniversary Residents to Restore Near-shore Oyster Reefs
The Galveston Bay Foundation (“GBF”) worked with residents from several communities along Galveston Bay this summer as part of GBF’s community-based oyster reef restoration program. The program was reinstated as a result of the devastation to native oyster populations from Hurricane Ike in 2008, when sediments were deposited across reefs, suffocating 50% of Galveston Bay’s oysters. Volunteers in San Leon, Bayview, and Kemah, Texas, joined together to restore Galveston Bay’s oysters and became “oyster gardeners”, raising oysters that will be used to seed nearby reef restoration sites. On Saturday, September 17, 2011, community members in San Leon will remove the oyster gardening bags from their piers and place the live, gardened oysters on several adjacent constructed reef pads in an effort to expedite colonization by oysters. This particular reef restoration site is five acres and extends along the north shore of Eagle Point. The Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department constructed the reef pads, and GBF is aiding with community involvement. On the reef pads, the oysters become mature within their first year and will quickly begin spawning to further the reefs’ development. For the past three summers, volunteers in the community of San Leon have been gardening oysters to help restore reefs and have witnessed the results firsthand—better fishing and cleaner water. This summer, Kemah and Bayview residents have joined the oyster gardening effort. Residents who participate in oyster gardening first hang bags of reclaimed oyster shell from their piers over the summer months. They then monitor the growth of baby oysters, called spat, which naturally attach to the shells inside the oyster gardening bags. As part of their monitoring and maintenance of the bags, volunteers also remove algae and predators from the bags. After months of growth and development, the oysters are removed from the piers and their bags, and are distributed across artificially-constructed reef pads nearby where they will flourish as part of a restored oyster reef. Because these restored oyster reefs are located within 200 feet of the shoreline, they are not for consumption, but only for ecosystem services such as water quality, habitat creation, and shoreline protection. A recent study of the state of oyster reefs found that about 85% of the world’s oyster reefs have been destroyed, making them the most endangered of all marine habitat
types. We are fortunate to have some of the world’s remaining healthy oyster reefs in Galveston Bay, but it is imperative that we tend and nurture these reefs to ensure their survival across Galveston Bay. Oyster reefs are critical for Galveston Bay’s health— they filter the water, provide habitat for numerous bottom dwelling fish and invertebrates which in turn are food for larger game fish, they protect our shores, and provide economical benefits to the region. Galveston Bay Foundation’s Community-Based Oyster Reef Restoration program is made possible through various grantors and supporters, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas Coastal Management Program, Restore America’s Estuaries, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, ConocoPhillips, ERM Foundation, Hillcrest Foundation, KBR, Samson Lone Star LLC, and The Dow Chemical Company. About Galveston Bay Foundation The mission of the Galveston Bay Foundation is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the Galveston Bay estuarine system and its tributaries for present users and for posterity. The Foundation 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 website at www.galvbay.org.
Lakewood Yacht Club’s Harvest Moon Regatta Co-Chairs Andrea Todaro and Past Commodore John Broderick have announced that the 25th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta will begin on Thurs., Oct. 13, 2 pm and will sail 150 nautical miles across the Gulf of Mexico to end in Port Aransas. Over 225 sailboats are expected to participate in this silver anniversary event. Founded in 1986 by three member racers, John Broderick, John Cameron, and Ed Bailey, the founding spirit of the regatta was to be “fun for all”, giving all area yachts the perfect reason to come sail off shore under the full and colorful “harvest moon”. Racers will be arriving in “Port A” at varying times on Fri., Oct. 14, depending upon the wind conditions over the Gulf of Mexico. The popular Welcome Sailors Rum Party will take place on Sat., Oct.15 during the late afternoon at the City Pavilion. There will be musical entertainment during the afternoon in the pavilion while Harvest Moon Regatta volunteers set up the decorations and trophies for the Awards Ceremony held that night after the bar-b-que dinner. The overall winner of the race will earn the famous Bacardi Cup, so named for Bacardi Rum U.S.A., the founding sponsor of the regatta. The regatta is a Category 3 Open Regatta for all racing cruising spinnaker and non-spinnaker sailing yachts with a minimum length of 27 feet. Close to 2,000 racers, friends and family will be attending the dinner and awards ceremony. The regatta is organized by Bay Access, a charitable organization supporting amateur racing. It is hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club, a 56 year old premier facility located in Seabrook, TX, 20 miles southeast of Houston. Sponsors, in addition to Bacardi Rum U.S.A., who make this regatta possible include Nautic Yacht Sales, West Marine, Banks Sails, Sea Lake Yacht Sales, Texas Coast Yachts, the City of Port Aransas and Houston Magazine. New sponsors this year are O.J’s Marine and KO Sailing. “Through the support of these enthusiastic sponsors, we are able to provide a first-class event for our racers,” explained Todaro. For further information, or to register to race, please go to the website: www.harvestmoonregatta.com
New Shrimp Technology Could Speed Up Race To Feed The World
Dr. Addison Lawrence, left, points to the lower section of his super-intensive stacked raceway shrimp production system to Dr. Maurice Kemp, president of Royal Caridea. (AgriLife Research photo by Patty Waits Beasley) By Rod Santa Ana Texas AgriLife News Team
PORT ARANSAS -- They may look like bunk beds on steroids, but a new shrimp production technology developed by a Texas AgriLife Researcscientist near Corpus Christi promises to revolutionize how shrimp make it to our tables. The patent-pending technology, known as super-intensive stacked raceways, was created by Dr. Addison Lawrence at the Texas AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory at Port Aransas, who says the system is able to produce recordsetting amounts of shrimp. “We’re able to produce jumbo size shrimp, each weighing 1.1 ounces, known as U15 shrimp, which gives us world record production of up to 25 kilograms of shrimp per cubic meter of water using either zero water exchange and/or recirculating water,” he said. At this rate of production, Lawrence said commercial
shrimp producers will have the potential to vastly increase their profit margins. A worldwide license for the new technology has been awarded to Royal Caridea, headed by Dr. Maurice Kemp, president. Sublicenses are being considered for other countries, including Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Germany, Czech Republic and Russia. Lawrence is convinced the indoor system will decrease this country’s dependence on foreign shrimp and could even help alleviate world hunger. “Order a plate of shrimp at any U.S. restaurant, even along the coast, and chances are you’ll be served shrimp farmed in Southeast Asia and frozen two to four times before it got to your table,” Lawrence said. “That’s because the U.S. imports about 90 percent of the shrimp it consumes, with a value of about $4 billion annually.” In addition to contributing to a foreign trade deficit, imported shrimp also bring with them
environmental and quality control issues, he said. “They are grown in open ponds and treated sometimes with antibiotics banned in this country, creating a negative impact on wetlands and human consumption,” Lawrence said. “About 90 percent of sea life in the world spends some portion of their life in the wetlands, thus making wetlands essential for the sustainability of food from the oceans. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics creates its own problems for the wetlands and consumers. But because Thailand, India, Vietnam and other countries in the tropics can grow two or three crops of shrimp per year compared to just one crop in the U.S., it’s hard to compete.” Until now, Lawrence added. A prototype of the new system has been constructed in a darkened room just feet from its creator’s office. The shrimp grow in four columns of raceways stacked four high. These raceways are long tubs with circulating water of only 5- to
7-inches average depth. As the shrimp develop, they are transferred to a raceway below. Baby shrimp are added to the top raceway, while the more mature shrimp in the lower raceways are harvested. “Simplicity is the key here,” said Lawrence. “Some of history’s most creative, innovative inventions are based on very simple logic. Keep it simple.” But the results of these simple tanks -- the amount of shrimp that can be harvested -- are astounding, Lawrence said. “These tanks require stringent control and supervision, 24/7 monitoring with computers tracking the shrimp,” he said. “But properly run, these systems can produce up to 1 million pounds of shrimp per acre of water, or two acres of land per year,” he said “That’s far superior to traditional shrimp farms in the U.S. that can produce only up to 20,000 pounds of shrimp per acre of water per year. In tropical countries that have year-round growing seasons, they can produce up to 60,000 pounds ofshrimp per year.” Developing the stacked raceway system is the culmination of Lawrence’s 50-year career in aquaculture, he said. Along the way he’s developed various components of the new system, including the patentpending feed (co-inventor) for growing the shrimp, the closed water system using zero exchange and recirculating, a unique raceway bottomdesign and aeration system and other technologies. The vision for his creation includes stacked raceway facilities near major metropolitan areas throughout the country, producing live, fresh, never-frozen or fresh-frozen shrimp to be available every day of the year. “Most Americans have never tasted fresh shrimp,” he said. “There is a huge demand for high-quality shrimp. At a nearby IGA supermarket, we testmarketed shrimp produced in these raceways and they sold out in a matter of hours. They would surely bring premium prices at supermarkets and restaurants in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and other large cities. But more importantly, these systems could provide the protein that a booming world population desperately needs.” Lawrence said that the world’s population is expected to increase significantly in the
next 20 to 30 years. “Where will the necessary protein come from?” he asked. “The only way to feed the world, I think, is with aquaculture. We can’t catch more fish or shrimp; we’re at a maximum sustained yield, so these systems would not compete with fishermen.” China, currently a shrimp exporter, will soon become a net importer of shrimp, which will push shrimp prices upward, said Kemp, president of Royal Caridea. The world’s first commercial application of Lawrence’s stacked raceways will break ground just miles from his office in Port Aransas, according to Kemp. His company will own and operate the project. “We’ll construct a facility of about 70,000 square feet, hire 15 to 20 people, some of them with advanced degrees,
and produce shrimp year-round. We expect to produce some 835,000 pounds of shrimp per year,” he said. “Also of significance is that this technology will allow shrimp farms to be built inland in proximity to major metropolitan areas and provide live, fresh-dead and fresh-frozen shrimp on a daily basis,” Kemp added. Lawrence said based on high growth rates and high survival and production levels, economic data shows an estimated rate of return of 25 percent to 60 percent. “There are no disease problems; it’s biosecure. So, with predictable high internal rates of return, the system is economically viable. But the best part is, it’s totally organic with high-quality protein available every day of the year.”
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
LAREDO’S TEX-MEX CAFE Serving homemade Mexican food in the Bay Area since 1969
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(Hwy. 146)
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www.eatatlaredos.com
PAGE 5
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
5953 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX. 77505
(281) 487-9333 www.gcefcu.org
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SPORTS
La Porte Orange & White Report District 21-5A Preview
Week 5 La Porte vs Channelview Preview By Keith Schul
By Keith Schul
Back to football and more importantly week 1 of district play this week as the La Porte Bulldogs Preseason is over and it’s time for district play. 21-5A is really turning into a gauntlet with 5 out of 6 take on the Channelview Falcons Friday 7pm at Bulldog Stadium in La Porte. teams with one loss or fewer. Only four teams can make the playoffs, so every game will be very imLa Porte comes into district play with a 4-1 record after a huge victory over rival Deer Park in portant and affect playoff positioning. I will preview the teams in the order of La Porte’s schedule. overtime 34-31. Channelview begins district play also at 4-1 after beating Dobie 51-43 to finish out their preDistrict Standings: district schedule on a four game winning streak. 5-0 Port Arthur Memorial Titans 4-1 North Shore Mustangs This game has major playoff implications as the winner of this game will have the inside track on 4-1 La Porte Bulldogs one of the four available playoff spots out of district 21-5A. 4-1 Beaumont West Brook Bruins The Falcons offense has become a juggernaut over the last four games. Senior Quarterback 4-1 Channelview Falcons (and coaches son) Averion Hurts has put up video game numbers with over 1800 yards passing 0-5 Baytown Sterling Rangers and 20 touchdowns (only 2 interceptions. He is completing passes at a 66% clip. His targets have been equally great with Senior Wide Receivers Stanley Wesley (45 catches 761 yards and 5 tds) La Porte Bulldogs and Marquise Johnson (24 catches 520 yards and 7 tds) combining to provide a target for Hurts. -The Bulldogs were taken down by a very tough Klein Forest team for their only loss so far. -La Porte’s defense has been very stout and disruptive with 10 turnovers caused through five games. At running back Senior Terrell Williams (413 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards, 5 total tds) has -On offense La Porte is very young and will need to find their rhythm in district play to get into the provided enough threat to open up the passing lanes. Channelview has not faced a defense like La Porte this season, but could do some serious damage after Deer Park threw for 340 yards last game. playoffs and make some noise. -The kicking game with Junior Kicker Eric Medina and Senior QB/Punter Josh Vidales has been a big The key for the Falcons will be their offensive line and giving Hurts time to throw. The Bulldogs key to field position and has helped La Porte’s defense create short fields for the Bulldog Offense. will be coming after him this week. Channelview’s defense will be trying to slow down La Porte’s multi-back running game. The last Channelview Falcons (at La Porte 10/7 7pm) two weeks the Falcons have given up over 40 points in victories and has relied on the offense to -Senior Quarterback Averion Hurts has put up shocking numbers with 1800 yards and 20 touchdowns outscore their opponent. They are lead by Junior Defensive Back Robbie Miller (2 interceptions) through five games. Last week against Dobie he threw for 496 yards and 5 touchdowns. and Senior Defensive Tackles JaMarcus Dorsey and Toddrick Cane. -It’s been a long time since the Falcons were last in the playoffs (1993). This is their best chance and La Porte’s offense got the tough yards playing a physical game against Deer Park. Playing most with all of their seniors it’s playoffs or bust this season. of the game with a two score lead played into their grind it out offense. Once the Deer got 10 men -The defense will need to improve for the Falcons to survive 21-5A and battle for a playoff spot. in the box (the safety was also headed that way) a pass over the top loosened it up again. With better overall athletes up front for the Bulldogs they will be looking to dominate the Falcons up Baytown Sterling Rangers (at La Porte 10/14 7pm) -After an 0-5 start, it’s a dire situation for Baytown’s only 5A school. They would need to pull off a front and grind the clock. A couple of stops on defense and the time of possession advantage could dominate the game. Junior Running Back Keith Whitely (377 yards, 6 touchdowns) leads the titanic upset to win a game this season. -The Rangers may have settled on a Quarterback with Jaime Acosta taking over and getting some good Bulldogs in rushing, but I expect to see more of Sophomore Jonathan Lewis (215 yards, 6.4 yards yards on the ground. He is not listed on their roster, so I assume he is a freshman or sophomore. per carry) this week as Whitely should see an increase of duty on defense. Senior Quarterback -The Rangers utilize the old Clear Lake triple option attack and are still learning the system. Josh Vidales will look to keep the Falcons defense honest with Senior Wide Receiver Aaron Nance-Explosive playmaker and Texas A&M recruit Jamar Gibson has had a tough season fitting into the Garrett (11 catches, 162 yards, 2 tds) and Sophomore Taejon Wearen getting loose. The Bulldogs offense. must control the line of scrimmage and the offensive line lead by Juniors Maurice Morris and Tony Briones will be looking to open up the running lanes. North Shore Mustangs (at North Shore 10/21 7pm) The Bulldogs defense will be stepping into the spotlight this week against the Falcons surprising -After a disastrous season opener against Katy, the Mustangs have reeled off 4 straight victories rise in the passing game. They will need to force Channelview and Hurts into bad throws by not against some decent competition. -North Shore began the season with a two quarterback system, but Tyrone Newsome was injured week giving him time to throw. Hurts can scramble, but La Porte should have a better time containing 1 and the keys to the Mustang offense have been handed to Micah Thomas who has impressed with him than they did against Klein Forest and Matt Davis. The defensive line will need to eat up blockers and the linebackers will need to get to Hurts quick before he can get comfortable and a mix of run/pass. -The Senior combination of deep threat receiver Larry McDuffey and running back Davonte Milton complete easy passes. Senior Linebackers Chad Sutherland, Cameron Whilley and Chris Hickey has been great and both players have racked up six touchdowns through five games. along with Sophomore Hoza Scott will be disguising blitzes and trying to confuse the Falcons into -North Shore’s defense has been great as usual and the defending 21-5A champs will continue to be making mistakes. Through five games the Dark Side has caused 10 turnovers and will be looking the best until someone knocks them off. to add to that total this week. Port Arthur Memorial Titans (at La Porte 10/28 7pm) -Five games and five blow outs for the Titans. Three of those games were against 4A competition and the others were against a couple of 5A teams in down years. -The real season starts in game one this week against North Shore. -Senior Quarterback and Baylor Commit Terrence Singleton has been a force this season with over 1000 yards passing and 500 yards rushing with a combined 19 touchdowns -Senior Running Back and Arkansas Commit Nate Holmes has kept opposing defenses off balance with 562 yards and 10 touchdowns. -The Titan defense appears to be improved and will be an important part for a good run in the playoffs and in district play Beaumont West Brook Bruins (at Beaumont 11/5 (Sat) 7pm) -West Brook was also a victim of the powerhouse Katy Tigers for their only loss of the season. -A stingy defense has been the key with Senior Defensive End/Linebacker and UT commit Caleb Bluiett leading the way. -Senior Quarterback and coaches son Joshua Stump has shown poise and leadership leading the Bruin offense, however he did pick up an injury against Katy. He should be back in charge for district play. -Senior Running Back Percy Johnson is a small back, but he has put up good numbers with 533 yards so far including 121 yards against a very strong Katy D.
Keith Schul is the owner and writer for La Porte Bulldog Football Blog at http://lpbulldogs.blogspot.com. You can also follow along on Twitter @lpbulldogblog
SJC Volleyball To Host Dig Pink Oct. 8 To Raise Funds For Breast Cancer Research
The sixth-ranked San Jacinto College (SJC) volleyball team will host its Dig Pink matches on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Central Campus Anders Gymnasium. The schedule includes SJC vs. Coastal Bend at 1 p.m., Coastal Bend vs. Hill College at 3 p.m., and SJC vs. Hill College at 5 p.m. This is San Jacinto College’s fourth year to participate in the Dig Pink initiative. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in which Dig Pink is held each year by middle school, high school, and collegiate teams across the nation to increase awareness and raise donations to support research to find a cure. Donations for this year’s SJC Dig Pink event can be made online at www.side-out.org/application/ous/fundraising_page/2786, as well as at the door and during the matches. The first 40 people to attend this event will receive a free Dig Pink T-shirt. The Central Campus’ First Year Experience organization will also join in to coordinate festive activities for the event. The San Jacinto College volleyball team and coaches will wear pink in support of the cause, and spectators are encouraged to wear pink as well. A moment of silence will be held prior to the
start in honor of survivors and those who are battling the disease, as well as those who have lost their fight with breast cancer. “This event is an avenue to show support for breast cancer survivors and to promote continued research and development of a cure,” said Sharon Nelson, SJC volleyball head coach and Central Campus athletic director. “Using the large crowd of this year’s tri-match event with SJC, Coastal Bend, and Hill College, we hope to reach out to more people to increase awareness through this year’s Dig Pink Foundation Event.” San Jacinto College Central is located at 8060 Spencer Highway in Pasadena. For more information about San Jac athletics, visit www.sanjacsports.com. About the Side-Out Foundation: The Side-Out Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2004 to unite volleyball players and coaches and to have them work toward the common goal of making a significant and identifiable difference in the lives of breast cancer patients and their families. The organization’s goal is to advance clinical trials, increase compassionate support services and educate communities. Side-Out supports teams nationwide in their volleyball tournaments, clinics and other fundraising efforts. The foundation offers practical support for fundraising in addition to educational material for participants in order to help them become effective advocates for breast cancer. It contributes the funds to organizations that serve breast cancer patients, whether it be in the form of research, medical services or compassionate support. The term side-out refers to a situation in volleyball when one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play. It is hoped that Side-Out will do the same for breast cancer patients, providing them with the support, education and best available treatments to regain control of their lives.
Keys to La Porte Victory: -Control the clock, keep the Falcon offense off the field -Win the turnover battle -Get pressure in the backfield before Channelview can get their passing game going. The Bulldogs need a big crowd this week at home! Come on out and fill up the stands. A win this week will greatly increase La Porte’s playoff chances.
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
TECHNOlOGy, CArING & ExPErTISE COME TOGETHEr FOr THE TrEATMENT OF SlEEP DISOrDErS Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women.
Understanding Sleep Disorders Wednesday, Oct. 12th, 6pm-7pm
Freeep
Host Aparajitha Verma, M.D., board-certified physician in sleep medicine
Sle Seminar
San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Community Room 4401 Garth Road, Baytown To reserve your spot please call 832-556-6543
San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Sleep Center More than 18 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, though and estimated 85 percent go undiagnosed and untreated, according to the National Commission
on Sleep Disorders. The good news is that most sleep disorders can be treated. For
Aparajitha Verma, M.D.
quality of life.
analyzed by the Director
services to treat many sleep disorders. The most common disorder is obstructive
Methodist Hospital
disorders round out the spectrum of sleep problems.
Verma, M.D., a board-
most people, treatment of their sleep disorder produces a profound improvement in The Sleep Center at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital offers diagnostic and clinical
sleep apnea syndrome. In addition narcolepsy, insomnia and limb movement
Your sleep study will be of the San Jacinto Sleep Center Aparajitha certified physician in sleep medicine.
Understanding Sleep Disorders
The Sleep Center at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital provides technical excellence in polysomnography.
Polysomnography is a sleep study. San Jacinto Methodist Hospital’s Sleep Center follows all nationally
accepted standards for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, and provides the highest quality of
care. It measures your sleep cycles and stages by recording brain waves, electrical activity of muscles, eye movement, breathing rage, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation and heart rhythm.
Facilities
The Sleep Center is located on the first floor of the San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Garth Campus. Our two-bed facility is designed much like a comfortable bedroom. Each room has lighting, a full-size bed and is sound insulated. In addition, the rooms are equipped with televisions. The rooms and bathrooms are handicap accessible.
Sleep Center 4401 Garth Road Baytown, TX 77521 One of Houston Metro’s Best Hospitals
To make an appointment with Dr. Verma,
by U.S. News & World Report
please call 713-441-3961. www.sanjacintomethodist.com Ranked among the top 5% of all hospitals in the nation by HealthGrades™.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 11
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
IN THE GARDEN
2011 Drought Takes Its Toll On Texas Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkins ready for harvest (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo by Dr. Russ Wallace) By Steve Byrns s-byrns@tamu.edu
LUBBOCK – Linus of “Peanuts” comic strip fame might be a little disappointed if he waits for the “Great Pumpkin” in a Texas pumpkin patch this year, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert. Dr. Russ Wallace, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist at Lubbock, said pumpkins, like all Texas vegetables in 2011, had a hard time struggling through the record-setting high temperatures, low humidity and drought conditions. “With only limited rainfall, the quality of the pumpkin fruit itself should be excellent, but I expect the overall production will be much less than normal,” Wallace said. “I visited with Mark Carroll, AgriLife Extension agent in Floyd County, which is normally our leading pumpkin producing county in Texas. He told me he estimates the actual size of the pumpkins along with the yields this year will be roughly half what they normally are.” So what does this mean for the annual trek to the pumpkin patch for Halloween? Wallace said the shortage in West Texas, coupled with reduced yields from pumpkin grow-
ers in the Northeast due to flooding from Hurricane Irene, will likely result in fewer pumpkins, higher demand and higher prices. Each year, Wallace grows up to 40 pumpkin varieties in replicated trials at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Lubbock. This year, he had 25 varieties and said each of them struggled to make a decent crop. “Our small pie and mini-pumpkins don’t appear to have suffered much, but the mid- to large-sized varieties grew vines at a slow pace during the high temperatures and really struggled to set fruit,” he said. “About the only good news for the High Plains pumpkin crop this year was that the low humidity reduced the incidents of disease, especially powdery mildew, which infects pumpkin leaves and reduces yield and quality,” he said. “Severe powdery mildew infections can lead to mushy stems or infected fruit, so when shopping for melons, check out the ‘handle.’ If it’s soft, it may be infected and not last until Halloween. If it’s a High Plains Texas pumpkin though, that shouldn’t be a problem this year.” For more information on pumpkins and other crops, contact Wallace at 806-746-6101, rwwallace@ag.tamu.edu or visit his website at: http:// lubbock.tamu.edu/horticulture.
Fragrant Beauty
Bright red flowers and beautiful light green foliage make pineapple salvia (Salvia elegans) a beautiful addition to any herb or hummingbird garden. Add the aroma of fresh pineapple when the leaves are rubbed and this lovely salvia is also perfect in a fragrance garden. Pineapple salvia is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies as well as gardeners along Galveston Bay. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, pineapple salvia thrives in our part of Texas. It grows best in a partial sun area and good humus amended soil. A mature plant reaches about four feet tall and three feet wide. Pineapple salvia looks best when planted in the center of a bed where it can branch out. Hummingbirds can also zero in on it in that position. Its bright red tubular flowers are arranged in whorls on terminal spikes. This arrangement makes for easy access for a hummingbird fueling up for its trip to Mexico. Pineapple salvia wilts down during a drought period but pops right back again when watered. In our area it flowers throughout autumn and
many times into early winter. If we have a bad winter, it will freeze to the ground and re-sprout the next spring. After all winter freezes are over, it can be cut back for re-sprouting. Freshly picked leaves of pineapple salvia can be used in fruit salads and hot or iced tea. The flowers are also edible and add color as well as a mild fruit flavor to salads and desserts. Pineapple salvia is available in most nurseries in our area. A variety of Salvia elegans named “Honey Melon” blooms earlier in the summer. Another cultivar named “Scarlet Pineapple” has larger flowers than the wild species. The cultivar “Frieda Dixon” has pink flowers. Cuttings are easy to take and can be rooted in water as well as potting soil. If you haven’t tried this beautiful plant in your garden, check your local nursery for it or ask a gardening friend to take cuttings for you from their plant. Gardeners love to share with friends.
CUISINE
Summer Squash and Corn Soup Ingredients
La Porte Garden Club To Meet Oct. 13th
• 1 pound yellow summer squash
“Flowers & Water Drops”
• 2 ears corn
The La Porte-Bayshore Garden Club will meet, October 13th at the First United Methodist Church of La Porte at 9601 West Fairmont. Coffee meet-&-greet starts at 9:30 AM and the meeting at 10 o’clock. Speaker for the day is Liz Pearsall, local teacher & artist, Windale Studio. The program is entitled, “Flowers & Water Drops”. After the meeting, a light lunch will be served. Visitors are welcomed. Call 281-471-0602 if you would like more information.
• 3 large shallots • 2 large garlic cloves
Seaside Garden Club
• 1 fresh jalapeño chile
Herbs - They Are Not Just A Pretty Face!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs - they are not just a pretty face! Come and learn what to plant, how to grow and how to use herbs at a presentation given by Ginia Keene Mattern, Master Gardener, at Seaside Garden Club on Wednesday, October 19th at 12:30 pm at Carother’s Coastal Gardens, 502 Pine Gully Road, Seabrook 77586.For questions: 281-474-4825
October Planting Chart
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin • 2 1/2 cups water
Directions Cut summer squash crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Shuck corn and, working over a bowl, cut kernels from cobs. Halve cobs. Chop shallots and mince garlic. Wearing rubber gloves, chop chile, with seeds if desired. In a 5-quart heavy kettle combine all ingredients (including cobs) except water and cook over moderate heat, stirring, 3 minutes. Stir in water and simmer mixture until squash is very tender, about 15 minutes. Discard cobs. In a blender puree mixture in batches until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to another bowl. Season soup with salt and pepper. Divide soup between 2 bowls and garnish with corn, chiles, cilantro, small dollops of sour cream, and squash. Yield: 2 to 3 servings. Total Time: 35 minutes. From the www. loveandoliveoil.com
Beets..........................................First Two Weeks - Marginally Last two Weeks Broccoli Plants...............................First Week - Marginally Last Three Weeks Cabbage Plants..............................First Week - Marginally Last Three Weeks Cauliflower Plants.........................First Week – Marginally Last Three Weeks Carrots.........................................................................................Last Two Weeks Chard, Swiss..................................................................................All Four weeks Chinese Cabbage........................................................................First Two Weeks Collards.........................................................................................All Four Weeks Kohlrabi Plants............................................................................All Four Weeks Lettuce.......................................................................................Last Three Weeks Mustard.........................................................................................All Four Weeks Onion Multipliers.........................................................................All Four Weeks Parsley...........................................................................................All Four Weeks Peas, English, Snap................First Two Weeks – Marginally Last Two Weeks Radish...........................................................................................All Four Weeks Spinach.........................................................................................All Four Weeks Turnip ...........................................................................................All Four Weeks
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STORE LIQUIDATING SALE Tues. October 11 thru Sat. October 22
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2100 Nasa Parkway, Suite 100 Seabrook, TX 77586
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281-777-0455 After 4P.M.