Bay Area Observer 3-24-2011

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The Bay Area Observer Serving Communities Along Galveston Bay VOLUME 2, NO. 12

By The Bay La Porte Livestock Show Rodeo 18th Annual Cookoff Lomax Arena March 25 5:00p.m. to Midnight

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

8th Annual Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon Draws Runners From Around Texas

Annual Trash Bash 146 Bridge • Seabrook March 26

Kemah Pan Jam Festival March 26th, 2011 The Kemah Pan Jam is scheduled for Saturday March 26, 2011 10 am - 10 pm and Sunday March 27, 2011 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Pan .Jam is authentic Caribbean steel drum, calypso music and reggae singers who have performed all over the world, at events ranging from backyard parties to Presidential receptions. The streets of the Kemah Lighthouse District come alive with the lively beat of steel drums at the annual Kemah Pan Jam Steel Drum Festival. We hope to see you at Pan Jam this year. Make plans now to enjoy the celebration and spend the weekend in Kemah where there’s local accommodations a’plenty mon. For more infomration visit www.kemahpanfest.com.

SOSS Lighthouse Gala Lakewood Yacht Club Friday April 1, 2011 7 pm - 11 pm Dinner, Dancing to the music of the “Big Bands” & Silent Auction. $50 per person for a full evening of fine dining and entertainment! A Beacon of Hope - Benefiting Society of St. Stephen Outreach Ministry and local Food Pantry. Seabrook United Methodist Church. www. seabrookumc.org. For ticket information, contact. Carolyn Hillers 281.474.9316. Continued on page 2

INDEX Community.......................2-3 Crossword...........................2 Local News..........................4 Election News......................5 Education............................5 Arts & Entertainment........7 Classifieds............................7 In The Garden.....................8 Cuisine.................................8 Environment........................8

Candidate Statements On Page 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

Gates Open: Friday - March 25, 2011 5:00pm - Midnite Saturday - March 26, 2011 10:00am - Midnite Old Time Tractor Pull starts at 10:00am Live Auction starts at 6:00pm $5.00 entry feel (Includes BBQ sandwich). Lomax Arena - Lomax School Rd N. “P” St. LaPorte, Tx 77571. Fri: 5:00 pm-Midnight. Sat: 10:00am-Midnite Contact:Amber Coppedge at 713-898-2168

http://www.trashbash.org/site_ galveston_bay_seabrook.htm Parking: Free parking under the Highway 146 Bridge Registration: Please come to the Boat Ramp area to register for the event. Every participant will be required to sign a registration form that includes a liability release section. Minors must have the form signed by a parent or guardian. School groups should get registration forms in advance, complete them and bring them to the event to minimize waiting time. You can print the registration form off the Trash Bash website. Please call (281) 474-2333 if you have problems to print the form. Area to be Cleaned: Seabrook parks and waterways. This site is a land and waterbased 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 Site 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Debris Cleanup (see Safety Instructions) 1:00 pm - Free lunch served by the Rotary Club, recognition of sponsors, exhibits to learn about our watershed, music entertainment, door prizes, souvenirs. Youth/scout activities to earn participation patch.

LOCAL ELECTION NEWS

Runners Enjoy Seabrook’s Beautiful Trail System and Friendly Atmosphere By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobservder.com

The 8th Annual Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon on Saturday, March 19th and Sunday March 20th was another great success. Known as the “Luckiest Marathon in Texas,” it has become one of the most popular in Texas bringing over 1000 runners to the city. According to the official website, “The Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon, is held on the

Seabrook nature trails surrounded by a diverse habitat of both fresh and salt marsh, the coastline of the Galveston Bay, wetlands, and wild-life and bird sanctuaries. The course consists of crushed granite surface. In addition to participating in a single race, runners can enter one of the challenges by finishing two races. This popular event has been known for its enthusiastic volunteers, great goodie bag and awesome post-race party”.

The non-profit event includes a Saturday half-marathon, consisting of two person relay teams, and a Sunday half-marathon and marathon. A four-person relay team was also available for the marathon on Sunday. Both walkers and runners were welcome to take part in the marathon. Both half-marathons and the marathon have up to 500 participants, while the relay competitions on both days were open to 50 teams each. The

Seabrook Documentary “Voices By The Bay: The Oral History of Seabrook” In The Works But Needs Our Help

races began at 7:15 a.m. both days and walkers got an earlier start on Sunday at 5:30 a.m. Two special events known as the “Pelican Challenge” and the “Trail Challenge,” were available for athletes who finish the half-marathon on Saturday and the half-marathon or marathon on Sunday. According to first timers to the marathon, and those who have experienced the Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon in previous years, it is one of

the best. The beautiful scenery along Seabrook’s nature trails, the low entry fee, the volunteers and the generous swag package are a big draw for this race. The registration fee was low starting at $125.00. As one participant said, “The volunteers are enthusiastic and encouraging, the food is outstanding, water stations are readily available and the swag is generous. It is definitely one of my favorite races”. The event was produced by the Clear Lake Fitness Club and proceeds are to be donated to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc. According to its mission statement The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc., a comprehensive crisis center, assists survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and those who are homeless due to these circumstances or another crisis. As the only center of its kind in southeast Harris County, Texas, The Bridge annually serves approximately 20,000 people through residential/ non-residential services and community outreach and prevention/education programs. Since 1978, the agency has been a bridge to healing and self sufficiency for the communities of Channelview, Deer Park, Galena Park, Houston, Jacinto City, La Porte, Pasadena and South Houston. To learn more, go to www.thebridgeovertroubledwaters.org. For more information about the Seabrook Lucky Trails marathon, or to see race results visit www.seabrookmarathon. org.

La Porte City Council Approves Wireless Data And Camera Project, Hears Plans For Safety Town By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com

By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com

Seabrook has a rich history, fascinating stories, and people who have called it home for generations. Many newcomers have come to Seabrook for a visit and end up staying because they fall in love with this quaint, but busy seaside town. Seabrook has many facinating stories of survival, hardship and sacrifice as well as fun times spent on Galveston Bay. Karen Tisdel, a local American History educator and resident is bringing Seabrook’s history to life in a documentary called “Voices By The Bay: The Oral History of Seabrook”. The film will document regional, local, and family history through interviews with long-time residents of the area. Their stories, and the story of their community will be illuminated by an extraordinary collection of personal family photos and documents. Among the many tales are those of the old days when residents used a mule team to pull their Model T’s put of the mud on Todville Road, flounder gigging with a lantern in Galveston Bay, and looking for the treasures of the pirate Jean LaFitte. He is rumored to have hidden his stash somewhere in the Bay Area while he was hiding out here in 1820s. Many tales are of more recent times such as Maribelle’s , and the “Miss Wharf Rat” contest . The legendary pink bar on Water Street boasted a patronage as diverse as astronauts, Red Adair and Willie Nelson. NASA plays a role in this tale as well. When it was decided that this was to the home of NASA, the sleepy fishing town of Seabrook

grew from a population of 300 to 3000, almost overnight. On the documentaries fundraising website Kickstarter, Karen Tisdel says of her experience, “Everyone I’ve interviewed has one comment in common-‘Seabrook was a great place to grow up!’ This small town is still about shrimping, fishing, boatbuilding for work and pleasure, sailing, swimming, cool bay breezes with pelicans, seagulls and more! No one tires of the sunrises, moonrises and sunsets over Galveston Bay; this is still a fabulous place to grow up and grow old”. Funding is still needed, and is necessary for the professional video editing, DVD mastering, replication and packaging. The DVDs will be distributed at no cost to local schools, libraries, and heritage associations. A kick off party at the end of summer is in the works

HELP PRODUCE A MOVIE ABOUT SEABROOK!!! “Voices By the Bay” needs your pledge by March 29 on the Kickstarter funding site...A reminder to all those who want to support your Seabrook Oral History Project, now is the time to step up and make your contribution; anything from $10 on upwards....your name will be in the film credits! check out the rewards offered at each level and tell your friends! Please contribute to this wonderful piece of history by visiting https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/40220972/voices-by-the-bay and become a part of Seabrook’s history!

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On Monday, March 14th, La Porte City Council authorized City Manager Ron Bottoms to approve the second phase of the Wireless Data and Camera Project by a unanimous vote. According to Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs. the first phase of the project included the installation of four video surveillance cameras at critical traffic points in the city to allow for remote video traffic monitoring, Comprehensive Communication Services was contracted to work on the project. Suggs said, “Now that Phase One is complete, the City can add additional wireless endpoints for connectivity and strengthen the infrastructure of the system. During Phase Two, we would like to continue using Comprehensive Communication Services to add the remaining wireless radios to the Lomax and South La Porte water towers in order to increase the coverage area of the network. These additions will give us complete wireless coverage on the secured network in the city. We would also like to add additional traffic monitoring cameras throughout the city.” The second phase was originally budgeted at $80,000, but that cost has increased to $156,241. The reason for the increase in cost is for work added to the project to incorporate the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, as well as surveillance for water distribution sites and Sylvan Beach Park, according to Suggs. A Foreign Trade Zone agreement with C&C North America, Inc. doing business as Cosentino North America was unanimously approved by city council. The business is seeking participation in the Foreign Trade Zone program and will be leasing a portion of a building located in the Port Crossing Industrial Park. City council voted unanimously to appoint members to a ReDistricting Committee. Among those appointed to the committee are Nanci Lotze, for District 2, Nancy Ojeda for District 3, and Howard Ebow for At-Large Position B. During a previous city council meeting, Charles Harrington was appointed as the chair of the committee, with Nolan Allen for District 1, Mark Follis for District 4, Paul Berner for District 5 and Charles Montgomery for At-Large Position A. District 6 has not had a representative appointed and the three alternate positions also remain vacant. A public hearing was held prior to the request for a special condition use permit by a business wanting to develop an office warehouse facility. The special condition use permit was granted by unanimous vote to allow for the development of an office warehouse facility at 1400 State Highway 146. Clay Development and Construction, Inc. requested the permit for the office/warehouse facility for the Port Modal Centre. The property was formerly the Oak Park Trailer Park, which has since been removed. The proposed Safety Town Project was discussed but council took no action. In July of 2010, City Council gave approval for the La Porte Safety Town Committee to begin coordinating the Safety Town Project, a facility which would be used to teach children about safety. Continued on page 4

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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

COMMUNITY Sylvan Beach Boat Ramp Temporarily Closed For Erosion Control Project Harris County Precinct Two Commissioner Jack Morman approved an erosion control project at Sylvan Beach Park that has required closure of the boat ramp for up to 45 days since March 2nd. The project consists of removing silt from the area around the four boat slips at the ramp so that they can all be used even during low tide. While the contractor has 45 days to complete the project, the ramp may be open again the first week of April.

Steven And Brian Catalina Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament To Be Held Saturday, April 16th

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NEWSPAPERS Attention Non-Profit Private Schools, Home Schoolers Non-profit private schools and home schoolers who legally qualify as non-profit (currently hold a 501-C3 certificate) are invited to meet with representatives from Alvin, Clear Creek, Dickinson, Friendswood, Hitchcock, LaMarque, La Porte, Santa Fe, and Texas City Independent School Districts to learn more about federally funded services available for eligible residents of these districts. The meeting will be held at the Dickinson ISD Education Support Center, 2218 East FM 517, Dickinson, Texas 77539-5465 on Thursday, April 21, 2011, from 1:00 – 3:30 P.M. Atención Escuelas Privadas y Educados En Casa Escuelas privadas sin fines lucrativos y estudiantes educados en casa, que legalmente califican como una entidad no lucrativa y que tengan un certificado 501-C3, son invitados a una junta con representantes de los Distritos Escolares Independientes de Alvin, Clear Creek, Dickinson, Friendswood, Hitchcock, LaMarque, La Porte, Santa Fe, y de Texas City para aprender más sobre servicios financiados por el gobierno federal que estan disponibles para los residentes elegibles en dichos distritos. La reunión será en el Centro de Apoyo Educativo del Distrito Escolar de Dickinson (Education Support Center) localizado en el 2218 East FM 517 en Dickinson, Texas 77539-5465 el jueves 21 de abril del 2011 de la 1:00 a las 3:30 P.M.

Join Scouts Now!!! Attend Twilight Camp June 13th through 17th

Spring Registration for Cub Scouts at the Seabrook Community House Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 6:30 PM Boys who will be in 1st through 5th grade for the 2011-2012 school year (currently K-4th grade) are eligible to join Cub Scouts Now!!! New Cub Scouts, will be able to attend Twilight Camp at the Pasadena Fair Grounds June 13th through 17th!!! Click on our Website link to find out more information. Or, to join immediately contact us at 713-410-7742. For almost a century the Boy Scouts of America has made it its mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. As the school year begins, local Scout units will host neighborhood Scout Nights to introduce boys and their parents to the Cub Scout program. Activities emphasize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Boy Scouts of America celebrated 100 years in February 2010. The Scouting program was established by a congressional charter to educate and prepare young people for life. The program helps parents and educators reinforce the necessary learning to lead an active and productive life in the community. More on the Scout Oath and Law can be found at www.samhoustonbsa.org. Some of the exciting activities that local Cub Scout Pack 389 is planning 2011-12 include: Family Camp Outs (Oct, March, May), Bayshore Pushmobile Race (Oct), Houston Aeros Tunnel Team and Color Guard (Nov), Raingutter Regatta (Dec), Camping on the Battleship Texas (Dec), Houston Rockets Benchwarmers (Jan), Pinewood Derby (Feb), Scout Night with the Harlem Globetrotters (Feb), Blue and Gold Banquet (March), Spring Break State Park Camp Out (March), Scout Fair & Mega Derby at Reliant Arena (April), Family Fun Day (May), End of School State Park Camp Out (June), Bayshore Twilight Camp (June), Summer Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch (July), Scout Day with the Astros (Sept). More information is available online at http://sites.google.com/ site/pack389tx/Home. For more information on local programs, or to join immediately, contact Nick Cocchia at 713-410-7742 or pack389@gmail.com. Pack 389 is in the Bayshore District of the Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC) and serves Seabrook, El Lago, Nassau Bay, and Taylor Lake Village. Boys mostly come to us from Ed White, Bay, Robinson, and Bay Area Charter, although all boys in the area are welcome. Currently there are over 12,000 Cub Scouts registered in the Sam Houston Area Council. The Council relies on over 20,000 volunteers, 1,867 chartered partners to deliver the six traditional Scouting programs including Tiger Cubs (1st grade), Cub Scouts (2nd thru 5th grade), Webelos (age 10 yrs) and Boy Scouts (5th grade and up), as well as Exploring and Learning for Life, in 16 counties and 72 school districts . With more than 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

Dunham’s Tax Service 816 South First Street La Porte, Texas 77571

Tel: 281-471-4892 • Fax: 281-470-7419 Open 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 Preparation firm in East Harris County. We support youth programs, education, churches, anything to better our community. We are aware of most businesses in our community. If you need a particular expertise, give us a call. We may be able to help you. Our Tax Preparation fees for Individuals, Partnerships, and Corporations are quite reasonable. Our turnaround time is usually three days. We can also do your Notarizing for Documents when needed. Thanks for reading our letter and come meet us.

The Dunham Family

13th Annual La Porte High School Band Boosters ….Steven and Brian Catalina Memorial Scholarship Golf tournament has been scheduled for Saturday, April 16th at Bay Forest Golf Course-La Porte. Join us for a day of golf or as an event hole sponsor. All proceeds benefit band student scholarships. All donations payable to LPHS Band Boosters and mailed to 4509 College Park Drive, Deer Park, TX 77536. For more information contact Miguel or Cynthia Gonzales at 281-476-0684 or e-mail loyal27@aol.com.

CAC Plants Display Familiar Products That Originated in La Porte Toys, dishwasher detergent, a gas tank, an infant’s car seat, a potato chip package, and eyeglass lenses were among the familiar products that filled a dozen tables at the March 1 meeting of the Citizen’s Advisory Council (CAC) to La Porte Industry. CAC members walked from table to table to hear plant representatives describe what their plants make and to see the items in which their products eventually end up. La Porte plants do not make the products that people buy at the grocery store or home center. Many steps later, however, what started as a chemical or gas in La Porte ends up as hospital tubing, diapers, engine oil, plastic bottles and bags, film, carpet, car bumpers, plastic piping, pharmaceuticals, nonstick pans, and squeezable catsup containers. Plants that manufacture industrial gases out of air explained that their hydrogen is used to make margarine and specialty steels, and their nitrogen is used in bottling beer. A head of lettuce and a grapefruit illustrated the crop protection chemicals made at a local plant. When the CAC learned that the United Nations had designated 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry, members realized that their March and April meetings met one of its goals: recognizing the importance of chemistry to our lives. The international program also aims to increase the interest of young people in chemistry. CAC’s student members were among those at the March meeting checking out the computer chips, paints, tennis shoes, and sports balls. Students are also encouraged to attend the April 5 meeting to watch Air Products, DuPont, and LyondellBasell perform chemistry experiments and to hear a Chemistry 101 lesson on phosgene. The Tuesday, April 5 meeting will be held at the DuPont Employee Recreation Center on Strang Road. From 5:45 – 6:45 p.m., members will watch demonstrations and have a light meal. Other business begins at 6:45. If you would like to attend, contact CAC facilitator Diane Sheridan at 281/326-5253 to RSVP. Visitors are welcome—especially students!

Second Chance Pets Sally and her sister were rescued running along some railroad tracks. She is about 2-years-old and is a lot of fun and very active. She’s also a border collie mix so she’s smart as a whip. She would be best placed in a home without children or other dogs. Border Collies are no couch potatoes and have been bred to actually work - as in “have a job” so she’s a great fit for an active person. She can be trained to run beside you or beside your bike. Border collies can run as fast as the wind, yet stop in an instant or switch directions without stopping. Sally would be a joy in agility training. With a firm hand and the Cesar Milan handbook at your side, you can become her pack leader and fulfill her desire to earn her keep. For information on Sally contact us at pets2adopt@yahoo.com or call 281286-3535. SCP adoptables are shown on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Petco store (Bay Area and Space Center Blvds.) and cats are shown at the Petsmart store across from Baybrook Mall the first and third Sundays of every month. Selected cats may be seen during the week at the Petco location and photographs of most adoptables are posted on our website http:// www.secondchancepets.org. Almost all SCP animals are fostered in local homes because it does not have a shelter. As always PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS. Second Chance Pets is a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) animal welfare organization. All donations are tax deductible.

The Bay Area Observer Established in 2006 Serving the communities along Galveston Bay.

Editor & Publisher.....................................Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com

Associate Editor.........................................Carolyn Collins carolyn@bayareaobserver.com

Arts & Entertainment Reporter...................Mason Sterling mkdsterling@yahoo.com

Sales Representative..............................Beverly Lawrence La Porte Area • 281-793-7961 • blawrence506@msn.com

Sales Representative...................................Charlotte Horn

Seabrook, Kemah Area • 281-507-8257 • charlottehorn53@yahoo.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 corrected 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.

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

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Gumbo Geaux Geaux Landolt 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! ‘

The 15th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic April 9 – April 17, 2011 Registration for the 15th Annual Birding Classic is only open for another week! Registration is still available with a late fee. If you have further questions, go online to www.birdingclassic.org. See you on the coast!

Beginning Basket Weaving Workshop University of Houston/Clear Lake Campus April 10, 2011 April 10, 2011 9 am-5pm Cost: $25 (for materials) Held at University of Houston-Clear Lake Learn to weave an Easter Basket. Sponsored by Clear Lake Basket Weavers Guild, and taught by Stewart McGowan, with the assistance of other Guild members. To register, contact Stewart McGowan, 281-242-5677 by April 5, 2011. For Guild information, contact Gale Brom, 281-557-7572 / LadyBrom@aol.com or website http://www.clbwg.org. University of Houston/Clear Lake Campus, 9 am - 5 pm. Contact Person:Stewart McGowan at 281242-5677

The 19th Annual Ed Brandon Cenikor Golf Tournament Bay Oaks Country Club May 9, 2011

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23.1 million Americans age 12 and up suffer from some type of substance abuse or chemical dependency? Did you know one of the most researched programs in the nation operates within your backyard? Cenikor has been helping people change since 1967. We would love to discuss how you and/or your business can help make the Greater Houston area a healthier and more productive place to live and work. Cenikor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and appreciates your help in getting this message to others. For More Information Contact: Roni Archer rarcher@cenikor.org. Sponsorship information available

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

COMMUNITY San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Performs The First Carotid Stent Procedure In Baytown many afternoons with her just watching the day end.” In addition to the carotid stent, the Cath Lab offers the following catheter based procedures: • Cardiac Catheterizations • Peripheral angiograms • Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties (Stents) • Peripheral transluminal angioplasties • Pacemakers • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) • Ultrasound (IVUS) • Cryoplasty • Laser • Fox hollow • TILT table testing

Dr. Leahey examining first carotid stent patient. To continue providing advanced health care, the Cath Lab (Catheter Laboratory) at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital recently performed the first carotid stent procedure in Baytown. Edward W. Leahey, M.D., FACC, Interventional Cardiologist was the physician that performed the innovative procedure. This catheter-based procedure unblocks the areas of the carotid artery that have become narrowed. If these blocked areas go untreated stroke can occur. Prior to using a catheter to perform this procedure physicians would have to make a significant cut in the neck to remove the blocked portion of the artery. With the advanced carotid stent procedure a catheter is guided into the narrowed area of the carotid artery, then a balloon is inflated in the blocked area and unblocks the artery, after that the catheter and balloon are removed.

“The new procedure allows for a much quicker recovery. Prior to this procedure it would take patients days to recover fully, now the patient is typically back to normal 24 hours after the procedure. In addition complication rates with the stent procedure go way down for the patient,” said Dr. Leahey. Eugene Richard, the first carotid stent patient at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, is very pleased with the results of the procedure. “Essentially the procedure was painless. Before I felt so fatigued, now I feel invigorated,” said Eugene. “Having this technology available locally can literally speed up the healing process. It’s so nice to not have to drive over an hour to have something like this done. I love to just sit on my front porch with my wife and enjoy the afternoons. Because of this procedure I hope to have

• Elective percutaneous coronary intervention • Transesophageal Echo • Electrophysiology • Ablation • 3D mapping • Cardioversion • Inferior vena cava filters (IVC) “It is our goal to provide this community with quality health care. To achieve this goal we are continually expanding and advancing our scope of services. We are very proud of our technology and expertise,” said Marsha Stevens, Director Cath Lab San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. For more information on this procedure or other catheter based procedures please call 832-556-6543.

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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

LOCAL NEWS La Porte City Council...

OBITUARIES PAULISSEN

JONES

Royce K. Jones of La Porte, Texas, passed away March 17, 2011. Memorial Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 21 at Paul U. Lee Funeral Home in La Porte. Burial will be later this spring in the Higgins, Texas cemetery. Royce was born June 17, 1918, in Texline, Texas, to Samuel Fletcher and Grace Jane Stoker Jones. After numerous moves, the family settled in Higgins, Texas. Royce graduated from Higgins High School in 1934 and West Texas State College in 1939 with a Bachelor of Busines Administration. He worked as an accountant, business owner, and insurance agent until his retirement. Royce married his sweetheart of several years, Veda Mae Peterson, on April 18, 1940, and their daughter, Christy, was born in 1954. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II, stationed in India and China as a B29 Navigator/Bombadier

and was also re-called to service during the Korean conflict. He reached the rank of First Lieutenant and received 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 5 Air medals during his Army Air Force career. Royce and his wife, Veda Mae, resided in Amarillo, Tucson (Arizona), Higgins, Canadian, and Pampa, before moving to La Porte. Royce had many hobbies such as golf and big band and western swing music and enjoyed sharing these with his friends and family. He loved spending time in the mountains of New Mexico and southern Colorado. Together with his wife, Veda Mae, he took special pride in his granddaughters. He was always willing to help anyone in need and had several special pet dogs throughout his life. Royce was a loving caregiver to his wife of 57 years, Veda Mae, who preceded him in death in 1997. In 1999, he married Ora Nell “Mickey” Schulenberg and also cared for her. He was a member of the Christian Church. Survivors include wife Mickey, daughter Christy Drake of La Porte, granddaughters Patricia and Courtney Drake of Houston, brother Joe Bill Jones of Phoenix, Arizona, and many other family members and friends.

SPROUSE Eloise Hutchins Sprouse, 75, of La Porte passed away Monday March 21, 2011. She was born April 17, 1935 in Montezuma, Georgia to Ruby Satterfield and Harry Hutchins. She is survived by children James Kenneth Sprouse and wife Rhonda, Cindy Debbrecht and husband Gerald, brother Buster Hutchins, sisters Martha Denmark, Margaret Causey, grandchildren Debbie Woodruff, Rebecca Ramirez, Nick Sprouse, Charles Sprouse,

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Amber Sprouse, Jordan Sprouse, and great grandchildren William Woodruff, Christine Ramirez, Adam Ramirez, Gabe Sprouse, and Shiloh Sprouse. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Barbara Ann (Moreau) Paulissen, 79, passed away on March 20, 2011. She was born on October 14, 1931 in Port Arthur, Texas. The daughter of Alfred Augustine Moreau, Jr. and Margaret Ellen (Deloney) Moreau, Barbara was raised in Port Arthur, Texas. She graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1949, where she was valedictorian. She attended Lamar College, where she met the love of her life, George T. Paulissen, who was her car pool driver. They married in a nuptial mass at St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur on September 1, 1951. She was a consummate musician and mastered the piano and organ. She ultimately received her degree in Sacred Music and Keyboard in 1983 from Loyola University in New Orleans. She was an accomplished church organist at St. Mary’s Church in La Porte, Texas. She and husband George resided in their beloved Bay House in Morgan’s Point where she enjoyed the constant bay breeze. Barbara’s passion was being a mother and grandmother. There was nothing she loved more than having all of her family gather together at the Bay House. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 55 years, George; sister, Alice Moreau; brother, Alfred Moreau, III and her grandson, Jonathan Gleasman. Surviving family members include: sons, David Paulissen and wife Dana of Dickinson, Texas; Mark Paulissen and wife Denise, of Cypress, Texas; Chris

Paulissen and wife Sally of League City, Texas; Tim Paulissen and wife Ann also of League City, Texas; daughters, Rebecca Fuller and husband Dave of La Porte, Texas and Lisa Martinez and husband Hugo of Houston, Texas; brother Michael Moreau, wife Cheryl and their children; sister Madeline (Kay) Guidry, husband Michael and their children. Barbara’s grandchildren include Karl, Daniel, Stacey, Zachary, Matthew, Michael, Jeffrey, Christian, Antonio and Nicholas and great granddaughter, Alexandra. Barbara will be missed by her many friends and family members. She will also be remembered for her musical talents that filled churches and communities where she lived. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 24, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Grand View Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 25, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 816 Park Dr., La Porte, TX 77571, with a Rite of Committal to follow at Grand View Memorial Park. Pallbearers are grandsons Matthew and Michael Paulissen, Christian and Jeffrey Gleasman, Karl Paulissen, Antonio Martinez and nephew Jeff Moreau. Honorary pallbearers are: Zachary Paulissen, Nicholas Martinez and Daniel Tillman. Flowers are welcomed, or contributions can be made to www. nami.org or a charity of your choice. Online memorial tributes may be placed at www.grandviewfunerals.com

Grand View Funeral Home

8501 Spencer Highway 281-479-6076

Coordination of the project included contacting potential public and private partners, and exploring funding and land options. Since that time, the committee has been working diligently on the project providing several presentations to community and industrial organizations while exploring land options for the ultimate construction of Safety Town. Organizers say that support for the project has been overwhelming and the committee has identified a preferred site, which has been pinpointed as the area around the Evelyn Kennedy Community Center on San Jacinto Street. The purpose of Monday night’s presentation was to update City Council on the committee’s progress and seek City Council’s input, guidance, and continued support for the proposed Safety Town Project and building site. The council directed staff to gather more information about the project for further review. The proposed site is in Councilman Tommy Moser’s district, and he asked for more time to consult with his constituents in the area, who could be affected by a facility at the proposed location. All other items were approved by unanimous vote. Council members John Black and Mike Clausen were absent.

Shoreacres Police Department Catches Car Thieves In The Act In the wee hours of Tuesday morning alert Shoreacres’ police officers apprehended two car thieves shortly after the vehicle was reported stolen. Having taken the report our officers searched the area and found the vehicle and two occupants in La Porte just north of Shoreacres. One adult and one juvenile were arrested and charged.

PROTECT TEXAS RIVERS AND BAYS! Support The Texas Bottle Bill! www.TexasBottleBill.com or www.BottleBill.org

EDUCATION Over 1,200 Attend La Porte Education Celebration Held On March 7 Over 1,200 students, parents, teachers and community members attended the annual La Porte Education Celebration hosted by the La Porte Education Foundation on March 7 at La Porte High School. “La Porte ISD is BIG on Education” was the theme for the event, tying in with the Texas Public Schools Week theme of “Education: It’s Bigger Here.” “The Education Foundation is an event held each year in March at La Porte High School,” said Charlcya Wheeler, Foundation vice president for community engagement, noting that the purpose of the celebration is to provide an opportunity for the community to get involved in the education process. “Each school has table-top displays highlighting some of their activities during the school year.” In addition, the celebration showcased a variety of classroom projects made possible by grants awarded by the Foundation in 2010. During the November 2010 Dollar Patrol, the Foundation awarded nearly $70,000 in innovative project grants to deserving teachers. The event also showcased the talents of a number of LPISD music groups, with parents and community members having the opportunity to watch performances by students from all grade levels. LPISD nurses encouraged drivers to sign the “no texting while driving” pledge, and representatives from the LPISD curriculum department shared information about kindergarten registration. Prize drawings were held for adults and children who completed a “Big Top Ticket” by visiting a number of designated booths during the evening. In addition, drawings were held for LPISD teachers, other employees, and principals and assistant principals, and a number of raffle items were also available. Prizes were donated by DuPont, Kuraray Septon America, Noltex, LyondellBasell, Air Products, Kaneka Texas, Dianal America, Vesco and Foundation directors Kathy Booth and Debbie Wade. For the fourth consecutive year, La Porte Elementary School won $500 from the Foundation and the district’s “traveling trophy” for having the highest percentage of adults attending the celebration. Rizzuto Elementary School, which had the second highest percentage, was awarded $300 by the Foundation. For more information on the La Porte Education Foundation, visit the Foundation Web site at www. laporteeducationfoundation.org

Culinary Arts Extravaganza: Friday, April 15, 2011 Spend an evening with aspiring chefs as they join a team of Houston area guest chefs to prepare a variety of culinary delights. Clear Springs High School 501 Palomino Lane League City, TX 77573 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainment provided by: Westbrook Intermediate Chamber Orchestra. TICKET REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF AGE (Buy Tickets in Advance. Seating is Limited.). 1 Ticket: $40.00, 2 Tickets: $75.00, 1 Table for 8 Guests: $300.00. Tickets can be purchased at all high school campuses or at the Education Support Center (ESC) in the Office of Public Information 281-284-0020. All Donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to CCISD.

La Porte High School To Host One-Act Play Competition On March 26

Vicky Woller from the BeTheMatch bone marrow registry spoke to the committed crowd on how to support the bone marrow program during the La Porte Education Celebration. Ninety-three La Porte ISD employees, parents and community members Fans of La Porte High School theater producsigned up for the bone marrow registry in support of a Heritage Elementary student in need of a bone tions will have a special opportunity to see this year’s one-act play as LPHS hosts the District marrow transplant.

21-5A University Interscholastic League competition on Saturday, March 26. The competition, which includes performances by six schools, begins at 2 p.m. in the Sonja Angelo Theater on the LPHS campus. Admission is $5. La Porte will be the second performance of the event, so those who wish to see the LPHS play should arrive by 2:45 p.m. The LPHS production is “Is He Dead?,” a comedy/farce written by Mark Twain and adapted by David Ives. The play is a fictional story based on a real artist, Jean Francois Millet. Although Millet is a great painter, he is struggling to sell his works and make ends meet. He and his artist friends, as well as his sweetheart’s father, are al l in financial debt to the greedy Bastien Andre. One day Millet’s friends come up with a plan to fake his death, because apparLa Porte Junior High Bullpup seventh grade cheer- ently, as one buyer put it, “an artist is worth so leaders show their enthusiasm for education at the much more when he’s dead!” annual Education Celebration, sponsored by La They decide to have Millet “die” of an exotic Porte ISD and the La Porte Education Foundation. disease, and he disguises himself as his widFrom left are Lindsey Witt, Paige Ackmoody and Samantha Harrison. owed sister in order to be able to come out of

hiding. From there the craziness begins! Stephen Mabry plays the role of Millet. Other performers include Christian Cisneros as Chicago, Chris Kimball as Bastien Andre, Joseph Redd as Papa Leroux, Ally Oliphint as Cecile Leroux, Kandice Wicke as Marie Leroux, Cameron Regan as O’Shaughnessy, Justin King as Dutchy, Chelsea Bishop as Madame Bathilde, Celest Palacios as Madame Caron, Travis Wright as Basil Thorpe, Corbin Ayres as Claude Riviere, Jacob Rhodes as Charlie/King of France, Alissa Frobenius as Emperor of Russia, and Leigh-Ann Ballard as Sultan of Turkey. Crew members are Tyler McElroy, Taylor McElroy, Zach Ashworth, Emily Edwards and Chelsea Robinson, and alternates are Ian Moser, Kayla Zaborowski, Kirstin Dunkerson and Reyth Hall. Additional students who have been working with technical director Steve Regan to prepare for the LPHS competition are Audrey Ladd, Sammi Oliphint, Corey Nelson and Hunter Turlington. LPHS theater instructors are Kerry Regan, Steve Regan and Kelly Nelson.

Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com


THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

PAGE 5

LOCAL ELECTIONS The Bay Area Observer has invited candidates on the ballot for the May 2011 elections to submit a candidate statement introducing themselves to voters. Candidates are from the cities of Seabrook, La Porte and Kemah. Please keep in mind that statements are optional, and as such, not every candidate has submitted one. Each candidate is responsible for what is written in the statement, and questions about a statement should be directed to its author. Candidates statements will appear in the March 24th and March 31st editions of The Bay Area Observer.

Seabrook City Council Position 4

Don Holbrook

Hi, I am Don Holbrook and I am currently on Seabrook City Council Position 4. I would like to thank all of you for the support you have shown in me over the past three years and look forward to the next three. I believe that the citizens of Seabrook working together will go a long way in the future development of Seabrook. Since first moving to Seabrook as a child in 1967 many changes have taken place. But one thing that has not changed is the wonderful citizens who make up our community. Our citizens have always taken care of their neighbors, helped our children in growth, education and supported our local police and volunteer fire department. This gives Seabrook its unique charm! I believe by continuing to work together we can make Seabrook a better place to live, work, play and start a business. We can capitalize

on potential economic development that we have in Seabrook. We can continue to work with our existing business community to encourage them to expand and remain here in Seabrook. We can work on promoting our natural beauty to encourage visitors to spend time and money in Seabrook as a tourist destination. As a City Council we can continue to control our expenses to ensure that our taxes do not become burdensome. While serving on Bay Area Emergency Response Team I have had the opportunity to help train members of the community to help them have the tools to make their community a safer place to live. Over the past five years I also work as coordinator/co-coordinator of Seabrook Trash Bash to help keep are parks and waterways clean. Over the next two years we will see many projects get underway with the opening of the Carothers property, the widening of Repsdorph, the enhancement of point and the opening of the New Library. With your help we can continue to move Seabrook forward in a positive direction. I encourage each of you to get out and vote. Make your voice heard on May 14 so that Seabrook continues to move in a positive direction. For more information about Don Holbrook please visit www.reelectdonholbrook.com

Kemah City Council Position 2

Gerald Looper

My name is Gerald Looper and I am a candidate for Kemah City Council Position 2. I have lived in Kemah for 11 years because, like most of you, I love it here. I will bring a fresh, new, non-biased voice to the council and will fight for issues that matter most to the citizens of Kemah. I have a tough, no-holds-barred belief in what is right, and will stand up for what

benefits the City of Kemah. Each and every citizen is important to me, from the West side to Bay Avenue and deserves to be heard and represented. I believe the most pressing issue facing the city today is trust in government. I will work hard, with an open door policy, to ensure that every citizen of Kemah is equally represented by my presence on the council. I believe that honesty and transparency is the key to better government and Kemah deserves no less than that. I am a professional EMT and have been in public safety as a volunteer fire fighter for 20 years, so the safety of our citizens and the tens of thousands that visit our great city each week is one of my top priorities. I need your help and your vote in order to be there for you. Please help me in working to make Kemah a better place to live and visit.

Kemah City Council Position 4

Beverly J. Helms

I have lived in Kemah for almost 15 years and I have seen a lot of changes. We live in a dynamic area which will only continue to grow. Therefore it is especially important that our voices are heard and that we plan carefully for the future. The reconstruction of SH 146 could really split our commu-

nity if we don’t insist on safeguards to protect our town. As the numbers of visitors continues to increase, parking and new small businesses will be issues to be addressed. We must continue to balance the concerns of our residents near the entertainment district with the controlled growth of new businesses which provide the tax support for our public infrastructure. We’ve been talking about the 57 acre park for probably 10 years. I’m hopeful that we can finally get started with some actual improvements. Finally, I want us to continue to work closely with the WCID 12 Board, our County Commissioner and our neighboring cities to ensure that the amenities and services in our community are protected and enhanced.

Kemah City Council Position 4

Wayne Rast

La Porte City Council At Large “B”

Charles “HeavyFed” Gilliam

this and future generations of Kemah residents. I hope the citizens of Kemah grant me that opportunity. Whatever choices they make, I hope that they remember to vote either during early voting, or on election day this May. This election is very important for our future in Kemah. Wayne Rast Biography

I seek a fifth term on Kemah City Council, Position 4 for some very specific reasons. First and foremost, to help the city get out of a very difficult time brought about by a recent investigative report that depicted our city in a very negative way. I wish to not only ensure that all issues from that investigation are resolved to citizen’s satisfaction, but that all city operations are and remain totally transparent, and that we spend all efforts making our city as customer friendly as possible, including getting all public documents on-line and searchable as soon as practical. But my pride and joy is to bring to completion the nature park from the lease with Galveston County on the 57-acre property in our city, and to bring about overall as much green space as possible for our residents. Kemah residents must deal with a lot to make our city a welcoming location for our millions of yearly guests, and my desire is to make Kemah a living space that provides its residents with all the amenities that we can manage. The 57-acre park site, handled well, should be the crown jewel of parks in all of Northern Galveston County. It has been one of my main priorities since joining council, and I wish to steer it beyond of first steps recently taken to open it to users. One of my noted specialties has been my yearly combing through and managing of Kemah’s budget. Our city tax rate has stayed low because of concerted efforts to question each and every element of the yearly budget, and ensure that all expenditures are appropriate and necessary. This is an area in which I have made a name for myself, and is one that every resident should expect from all their council members. I look forward to working to get Kemah, and the outside perception of our town, back to what we all in Kemah expect it to be. I also desire, during what I intend to be my final term, to ensure the 57 acre park begin to reach its full potential, and other green areas like a possible rails to trails program become a reality for

Birth Place: San Antonio, Texas. Education: University of Texas at Austin – Aerospace Engineering, 1990 graduate Wayne has been married to wife Nanette for 25 years, and they have two children. Wayne was recently employed in the Senior Engineering Staff working for the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center, where he worked on the International Space Station Program. Wayne has recently accepted an Environmental Engineering position with Dow. Starting in 2000 Wayne was selected by the Kemah Mayor (and approved by City Council) to serve as a member on the Kemah Community Development Corporation (KCDC) Board of Directors. Wayne went on to serve several years as the President of KCDC. As President Wayne originated and prepared all budgets. From KCDC Wayne went on to serve an open seat (Position 4) on Kemah City council vacated through resignation. Wayne ran for and won that City Council position in 2001, and is currently serving his 4th term as a Kemah City Councilman. Wayne prides himself with public service and representation of his constituents. He remains active in technical, governance, and budgetary issues on Kemah City Council. In 2007 Wayne was also chosen by the Mayor and approved by Council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem, a position that he held for two years. As part of his city duties, Wayne was nominated by County Judge of Galveston to serve as the representative of all cities of Galveston County to the Galveston County United Board of Health. Wayne has served in this capacity for two years, and is a position he currently holds. On the Board of Health Wayne is on the Executive Committee, and serves as Secretary/Treasurer. He oversees an annual budget of over $30 million. Wayne recently co-founded with Rick Tumlinson and Robert Lancaster the Texas Space Alliance in late 2010, and this is a role he serves with great pride, having supported the birth and growth of commercial space for over 15 years.

Howdy, my name is Charles “HeavyFed” Gilliam... but you can call me Heavy if you’d like. I am a Human, Earth and Animal activist from La Porte, I grew up and went to school here. I care deeply for La Porte and remember fondly the days of exploring all the woods, ponds and beaches in the area in my childhood. I remember going down to the old theater on Main street and watching a movie. Then, on my way home I’d visit the old hardware store, watch the trains and wander the isles of toys upstairs. Of course I’d also stop by Pal’s pharmacy and have a malt. La Porte is my hometown... but somehow it has lost that hometown feel. I’d like to find it once again and restore the citizen pride here to it’s former glory. I have filed to run for City Council At Large Position “B”. My reasons for running for City Council are four-fold. First... environmentally La Porte is in horrible shape. From the damage done by Hurricane Ike to all the new construction and clearing of land. I feel we need a serious effort to restore respect for the land amongst the people. Too much garbage can be found along our roads. The Earth is alive... and it keeps us alive. We should strive to ensure that we respect nature, not only in some far off Amazon jungle... but here at home as well. Secondly, La Porte has been in-

volved in a few “shady” deals as of late... and I don’t feel the citizens best interest is being looked after. I feel we might have a few Councilmen who may be looking out for other interests instead of yours. With me on City Council... that would be an end to suspicious back room deals being made. I will keep the citizens informed at all times, and I will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... I plan on being La Porte’s first full-time City Councilman. I have no other commitments... so I can always be available to serve La Porte. Third, as an activist I am concerned about new restrictive ordinances that have been passed. Ordinances interfering with individual property rights as well as ordinances binding the hands of local businesses, making it even more difficult for them to earn a living at a period when the nation is experiencing hard times. Now is not the time to make it more difficult to do business in La Porte. We should instead be helping businesses as well as citizens of the city. Fourth and finally, I want to prove to the world by leading them, that we can have both a clean sustainable environment in which to raise our kids and clean responsible industry which provide sufficient jobs. Electing me to City Council would draw National attention to the City of La Porte. With that attention will come the ability to effect rapid change here... rapid improvement for everybody and everyone. So, help us all out... give me your vote and elect me to City Council. Work with me... and I promise you won’t be disappointed. As I said before... I am available to the people of La Porte 24/7, feel free to give me a call anytime. You can find my phone number on my website. www.HeavyFed.com. Peace, Charles “HeavyFed” Gilliam

Got A News Tip? Let Us Know At

The Bay Area Observer 281-907-3140

or email us at editor@bayareaobserver.com

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The Bay Area Observer 281-907-3140 or email us at

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PAGE 6

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011


THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

PAGE 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Sylvan Beach

Local Students Provide Artistic Inspiration

Arts & Crafts Booths

“Floral Interpretations of Artwork” The Nassau Bay Garden Club will hold a judged floral design competition at The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake on Saturday, May 14 called “Floral Interpretations of Artwork.” Students from more than a dozen high schools, junior colleges, and universities, along with their mentor teachers, will be invited to display their artistic creations at TAACCL from April 21 through May 19. This Mentor Art Show is expected to attract about 100 original artworks from paintings to crafts. The Nassau Bay Garden Club’s challenge is to create floral designs that complement the colors, lines or themes the students provide, each piece set on a pedestal in front of the student’s creation. The floral designs will be professionally judged by Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judges the morning of Saturday, May 14. The public is invited to view the results from 2-5 pm that day. Along with artwork and floral designs, fresh horticulture from Nassau Bay gardens, also judged, will be displayed and identified with common and botanical names. Nassau Bay Garden Club event co-chairmen Nancy Guthrie and Kelly Halbach anticipate local interest to be high for this first-time collaboration of creativity. The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake is located at 2000 NASA Parkway in Nassau Bay, TX.

The 55th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival & Crawfish Jam is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, at Sylvan Beach Park on Galveston Bay. Come enjoy this annual event sponsored by the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce. Arts/Crafts/Miscellaneous booth space is still available at only $75.For a booth application, drop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 712 W. Fairmont Parkway, call the Chamber at 281-471-1123, or visit the Chamber’s website at www.laportechamber.org.

Kelly Halbach stands next to her original artwork while admiring the floral design created to complement the colors and lines of her painting. Both creations were on display recently at the Houston Garden Center on Hermann Drive in Houston.

Nancy Spanial, Realtor

Call To Entry! Attention Texas Artists! The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake announces an opportunity for artists to enter a competition. Subject matter: boats or cars in appropriate settings. All media, 2-D & 3-D accepted. Exhibit at the 16TH Annual Keels & Wheels Concours D’Elegance, a national exhibition of wooden boats and classic cars in Seabrook, Texas April 30-May 1, 2011. Winning art will be displayed in a large tent on the grounds of Lakewood Yacht Club. $500 First Place, $300 Second Place, $100 Third Place, Prize winners and approx. 10 Honorable Mentions will be exhibited on the grounds of the Yacht Club. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will also be exhibited at The Arts Alliance Center in 201213. One artist will receive an exhibition at the Nau-Haus Gallery in Houston. Jurors:, Dan Allison of Nau-Haus Gallery, Houston, Robert Fuller, artist & executive director of Keels & Wheels, and art collector, Kimberly DeLape, Debra Kendrick, curator, and Mary Evelynn Sorrell, director, The Arts Alliance Center. Deadline: receipt of jpgs, entry form and payment 5pm April 1, 2011 (by mail or email). The competition will be judged by 300dpi jpgs ONLY submitted

to: mesorrell@taaccl.org. (total size of jpgs not to exceed 5 MB in each email) or on cd mailed to: TAACCL Keels & Wheels, 2000 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058. Entry Form & Fee: $25 first submis-

sion & $10 each subsequent submission. Go to: http:// www.taaccl.org/exhibits_entries.htm. Click on Keels & Wheels. Download entry form & prospectus or email request to: cfischer@taaccl.org. Pay-

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ments may be made online at www.taaccl.org, or with credit card by phone to 281.335.7777, or mailed to TAACCL address above with card & completed entry form.

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Shoppers with a nose for bargains head straight for the Classifieds. In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from cars to canine companions. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want, and it’s used by hundreds of area shoppers every day.

www.victorialakenasa.com (restrictions apply)

NOW $7.50 buys 20 words

WINDSAIL BAY

Go with your instincts and use the Classifieds today.

$500 - Studio All Bills Paid*

$555 - One bdrm All Bills Paid*

APARTMENTS 3141 S. BROADWAY

The Bay Area Observer

281-471-3061

P.O. Box 305 • Seabrook, Texas 77586

LA PORTE

ONE BEDROOM ONE BATH TWO BEDROOM 11/2 BATH

281-907-3140


PAGE 8

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

IN THE GARDEN The Three Sisters

March 2011

Planting Schedule

The Original Companion Plants American Indians have a tradition of interplanting corn, beans, and squash in the same mounds. This trio is referred to as “The Three Sisters.” According to an Iroquois or Haudenosaunee legend corn, beans, and squash are gifts from the Great Spirit and each plant is watched over by a sister spirit. These spirits were called the Deo-ha-ko, or “our sustainers.” The Three Sisters, corn, beans, and squash grow in a close ecological relationship that is mutually beneficial to all three plants. The term for this is symbiosis and is the perfect example of companion planting. Corn provides the support for beans to grow and climb. Beans have a nitrogen fixing ability that benefits both the corn and the squash. The large fuzzy leaves of squash shade the ground preventing weed growth and deterring animal pests. In your garden prepare a mound about a foot high and three to four feet across in all directions. Soak about five to seven corn seeds overnight then plant about six inches apart in the center of the mound. Traditionally the seeds should be oriented to the north, south, east, and west. When the corn is about four inches high, thin the seedlings to about four plants then plant the beans in a circle about six inches away from the corn. At this time plant about four squash seeds next to the mound a foot away from the beans. If you are planting several mounds, plant squash seeds in between them. You may have to weed the area until the squash gets big enough to take over weed control duties. Your “Three Sisters” garden will benefit from an initial addition of some nitrogen in the form of aged manure or fish emulsion. If you would like to read more about this traditional method of gardening, there are many good web sites devoted to the agricultural history of the Three Sisters.

BEANS-Lima & Snap Bush........................All Month BEANS- Lima & Snap Pole........................All Month CORN..........................................................All Month CUCUMBER..............................................Last Week EGGPLANT - Plant....................................All Month KOHLRABI - Plants...................................All Month LETTUCE..................................................Marginally CANTALOPE .............................................Last Week MUSTARD.................................................Marginally PEPPER - Plants.........................................Last Week PUMPKIN...................................................Last Week RADISH.....................................................Marginally SQUASH - Summer....................................Last Week SQUASH - Winter.......................................Last Week TOMATO - Plants.......................................All Month

CUISINE Crawfish Etoufee Ingredients 10 lbs. crawfish, boiled and peeled 2 sticks butter 2 chopped yellow onions, lg. 1 c. celery, finely chopped 1 lg. bell pepper, chopped finely 2 tbsp. flour 1 sm. can tomato paste 1/2 tsp. basil 1 tbsp. lemon juice 2 c. crawfish stock 4 toes garlic, minced 1 c. green onions, minced 2 tbsp. parsley Couple pinches of cayenne pepper

Directions Using the heads and shell peelings from the boiled crawfish, add a small peeled onion and a slice of lemon, and add to 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. This is your crawfish stock. Melt the butter in a large iron skillet and saute the onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic for about 15 minutes or until soft. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring for about 5 minutes. This is your roux. Transfer to a large pot or Dutch oven and add the crawfish tails, tomato paste, lemon juice, etc. holding off on the green onions and parsley. Simmer for about 20 minutes, cover, and then serve over long-grain cooked rice. Serves 10-12. If you do not feel like boiling all those crawfish yourself, just call the Crawfish Drive-In in Kemah. You can order from your car and drive through for pick up. See the ad on this page.

ENVIRONMENT Texas Bottle Bill for 2011 - Deposit/Refund on Beverage Containers the 2009. With the passage of this bill Texas can: • Create new jobs in the recycling and processing industries in Texas. • Reduce landfill space by taking recyclables out of the waste stream. • Reduce greenhouse gases. • Bring new manufacturing jobs to Texas. • Reduce reliance on oil and other natural resources. • Increase our overall recycling rate to 75%. • Clean our highways, streets and waterways of litter.

Proposed Bill Beverages Covered: Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, mineral water, wine, coffee, tea, juices and flavored and non-carbonated waters. Dairy products excluded. Containers Covered: All sealed containers made of glass, plastic or aluminum containing a beverage of 4 liters or less. The mission of the Texas Bottle Bill is to establish a deposit/refund program to decrease the volume of aluminum, glass & plastic beverage containers in our lakes & rivers; bays & bayous; on our roadways and public lands. The deposit/refund system will combine financial incentives & convenient redemption centers; this along with curbside collection will ensure the maximum number of beverage containers for recycling. This Texas Bottle Bill will establish a funding base to create jobs locally and throughout the state in the recycling industry and bring processors and manufactures into our state. The Texas Bottle Bill will reduce Texans carbon footprint by increasing the supply of high quality materials for recycling and help replace the practice of using virgin material to produce new products. Litter travels from all corners of Texas into our storm drains and waterways until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. The mission of the Texas Bottle Bill is to stop the unnecessary and improper disposal of valuable resources and to help create jobs for our communities here in Texas. There are 11 bottle bill states in the U.S., the first originating in 1971, another 10 states currently have deposit/refund legislation pending. The proposed Texas Bottle Bill for 2011 will initiate a 5 cent & 10 cent refundable deposit on all aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers sold in the State of Texas. Eleven states have Bottle Bills, 10 more have introduced legislation in

Uphill’s Liquor “Come To Uphill’s For Your Spirit”

1021-A S. Broadway • La Porte

281-471-2132

Amount of Deposit: 5c on 24 oz or less 10c on greater than 24 oz Handling Fee: A handling fee to be paid to retailers, redemption centers, recycling centers and registered curbside operations. Reclamation System: Retail stores (optional), redemption centers, reverse vending machines, non-profit organizations. Beverage Container Fund: Funding for educational recycling programs and the recycling industry Program goal: 75% overall recycling rate for Texas

Bill Update Bills were filed in both the House and Senate as of March 3, 2011. Sen. Rodney Ellis filed SB 1119. Rep. Garnet Coleman filed HB 2114. Rep. Jim Pitts is a sponsor, in the House. We have 30 County Commissioner Courts that have signed resolutions in support of the bill. These counties

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MOBILE MECHANIC SERVICE James G. Kopeck

291-991-7572 • 832-657-9383 www.azinductriesllc.com

represent over 1/3 of the population of Texas. A poll of Texas citizens is being conducted that we believe will show overwhelming support of a deposit/refund system for our state. We still need your help in contacting your legislators asking them sign on and sponsor this legislation. The House Committee on Enviromental Regulations met in June. This was the first year that they were given the interm charge of recycling in the state. Thanks to all your e-mails beverage container recycling was given a hearing. At the June meeting Alcoa, Novelis and Owens Corning spoke for us in favor of deposit legislation. As processors and remanufacturers of recycled material, they spoke of the shortage of material in Texas and the need to increase collection within the state. All three said that a deposit system will bring in the quanity and quality of materials needed for their industries. This has been a great step forward in passing Deposit legislation in Texas in 2011. We are presently in conversations with the City of Houston and the Harris County Commissions Court, both have been extremely positive in their support of the bill, we should have something in the next month. The City of Bellaire Recycling, the Westchase District and Port Arthur are additional areas we have been meeting with in the last few months. Texas Campaign for the Environment is now taking deposit legislation door to door! Their canvessers are covering the Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio areas asking people to write letters to give to the legislators of these districts. It takes the support of grassroots organization like this to help get the word out to the citizens of Texas. Harris County Commissioners Court has endorsed deposit legislation for the State of Texas in 2011. This along with an endorsement from The Conference of Urban Counties takes us closer to the support we need to pass this bill. At present we are working to get all 254 counties in Texas to show support for this bill. Help is need to collect these endorsements, please contact us for more information. If your County or City has endorsed these bills, please ask them to call or fax letters of support to your elected officials in Austin. Refundable deposit legislation is self-funding. NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS. For more information visit www.TexasBottleBill.com or www.BottleBill.org

Lets create jobs and help our communities recycle!

P.J. Mock, Jr. M.D. Family Medicine • American Board of Family Medicine

1200 Highway 146, Suite 250 La Porte, Texas 77571 E-mail: pjmlptx@aol.com

Phone: (281) 471-0130 Fax: (281) 867-9241


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