The Bay Area Observer Serving Communities Along Galveston Bay VOLUME 2, NO. 09
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
Fire Ravishes Emerald Shores Apartments In Seabrook
By The Bay 8th Annual Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon Meador Park March 19, 2011
The following businesses have generously offered to accept items for the victims of the Emerald Shores fire:
Sign up now! Runners and walkers welcome. Join us for our eighth annual Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay! Saturday, March 19, 2011 •Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M. •2 person Half Marathon Relay - 7:30 A.M. Sunday - March 20, 2011 •Marathon - 7:15 A.M. •Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M. •4 person Marathon Relay - 7:15 A.M. •Early start for Full Marathon Walkers - 5:30 A.M. Venue Name: Meador Park Location: 2100 Meyer Rd, Seabrook, TX 77586 Admission Cost: pre-registration Phone: 1-866-611-4688 www.seabrookmarathon.org seabrook_marathon@att.net
Coffee Oasis 4650 Nasa Parkway (281) 532-1439 Seabrook Accepting clothing and smaller items. They have also set up a relief fund for the victims. Monetary donations can be made at Coffee Oasis or at Compass Bank at 4452 Nasa Parkway
Island Furniture 4101 NASA Pakway (281) 532-3075 El Lago
Trail Riders Dinner Dance JSC Gilruth Center • 7 pm See the Trail Riders coming in on the Independence Trail, parading through the Webster area on Tuesday, February 22 toward the Johnson Space Center where they will camp overnight. The NASA, Clear Creek, Friendswood rodeo committee will host a dinner dance for them, public welcomed. Great live entertainment will be provided by the David Glenn, great food from Carrabbas Bay Area, along with both live and silent auctions. Tickets are $25. Remember, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is coming up March 1 - March 2 Phone: 832-769-1348 Web: www.rodeohouston.com
By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
An early morning four-alarm fire has destroyed a majority of the Emerald Shores Apartment complex in Seabrook in the 3800 block of NASA Parkway. The fire, which broke out around 5 a.m. on Saturday, February 26th, destroyed three buildings, collapsing two. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control, but were still battling it by 8:15 a.m.. By 9:30 a.m. the fire was contained. NASA Parkway remained closed in both directions while firefight-
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ers battled the blaze. At least six fire departments in the area responded to the blaze and included units from Seabrook, League City, Webster, Nassau Bay, Friendswood, Pasadena. One person has been seriously injured with burns of over 60 percent of their body and suffered third-degree burns on their hands and feet and was rushed to Univeristy of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. No other injuries were reported. BayCERT volunteers were on the scene to assist evacuees
and help with transportation, food water and basic needs. Jenna Continta and Nettie Warren, both volunteers with BayCERT (Community Emergency Response Team) said that by 9:30 a.m., 40 people had been evacuated with assistance, and others had left in their own vehicles. Displaced residents were taken to Seabrook Community House at 1210 Anders and later placed in area hotels. A total of approximate 138 people have been left homeless by the fire. A bank account has been set
The Famous Budweiser Clydesdales Make Olde Tyme Deliveries In Kemah
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
Continued on page 2
INDEX Community.......................2-3 Crossword...........................2 Local News..........................4 Obituaries...........................4 On The Water......................5 Education............................6 Classifieds............................7 In The Garden.....................8
Accepting clothing, furniture household items, bedding, linens etc.
Maverick Remodeling 4106 Nasa Parkway (281) 326-8800 El Lago Accepting larger items such as furniture, as well as linens and towels. Please be sure items are clean as receipients have no means of washing at this time.
La Porte City Council Hears Proposal For New Farmer’s Market and Presents Proclamation
City of La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby Presents a Plaque To Debbie Seibert and Dr. Joanne Kolius Proclaiming February Career and Technical Education Month By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
Annual Trash Bash 146 Bridge • Seabrook March 26 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
up at Bank of America under the name of “Emerald Shores Charitable Donations” for those who would like to contribute to those who lost their homes in the fire last Saturday. Contributions can be made at any area Bank of America.
The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, made an appearance in Kemah on February 23rd. The eight horse hitch were harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon at the Kemah Visitor’s Center. The “Gentle Giants” as they’re often referred to made old tyme deliveries to the Kemah Boardwalk and Kemah Lighthouse District restaurants and pubs. The Clydesdales’ appearance in Kemah was one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800’s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands, or six feet at the shoulder, weigh and average of 2000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the
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face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.
and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The Budweiser Clydesdales
Domino Taylor, Kemah’s Director of Fun And Excitement Gets A Nudge From One of the Team A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20 to 25 quarts of feed, 40 to 50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day. Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses
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can be viewed at the AnheuserBusch breweries in St. Louis, MO.; Merrimack, N.H.; and Ft. Collins, Colo. They also may be viewed at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis and at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300 plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Mo.
During Monday’s La Porte City Council meeting Mayor Rigby presented a plaque to Debbie Seibert and Dr. Joanne Kolius Proclaiming February Career and Technical Education Month. Kolius said “I just want to thank everyone for this honor. I just want you to know that during these tough economic times we’re working very hard at La Porte High School to keep current technology on the forefront, and we’re working very hard to make sure that our students are graduating with certifications that will lead them into the industries in La Porte”. Phillip Hoot welcomed La Porte’s new city secretary, and asked council for answers on where the city stood on the building at 912 West Main Steet. The city had previously decided to sell the building rather than lease. Hoot asked, “Have we gotten an appraisal yet, any inquiries, where does that stand?” Hoot also supported the proposed farmer’s market and the golf cart ordinance. John Kling addressed council about his difficulties receiving answers from the city. He said, “I’ve asked for several documents from the city. I wanted to appear before the Board of Appeals”. Mr Kling has had some issues with the city website, and is also seeking clear answers from the city on issues he is having concerning his residence. Council also discussed the formation of a Redistricting Committee. Members of council nominated five citizens, but the city is looking to create a more diverse committee. Mayor Rigby stated, “Part of the direction that was given by the City Attorney’s office at the last meeting was that because of the makeup of the city we would need to have some diversity” The process of nominating committee members will continue. Motion was made and approved unanimously to accept the five nominated citizens, and also to nominate Charles Harrington as the committee chair. A new farmer’s market has been proposed for the City of La Porte by the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce. The new market would use local growers and operate at the new Five Points Plaza. Council is in favor, but is seeking clarification on some of the issues surroundig the farmer’s market, such as management of the market, operation responsibilities, etc. The planning committee for the farmer’s market will clarify their plans and re-present them to council.
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PAGE 2
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
COMMUNITY Seabrook City Council Proclaims March 1st Kenneth Royal Day
Seabrook Photo Contest Hosted by Comfort Suites
The rich history and traditions of the Texas Gulf Coast will be celebrated in a photo contest hosted by Comfort Suites Seabrook. From a favorite waterfront restaurant to the flora and fauna at Hester Garden Park, professional and non-professional photographers will seek out the best images depicting Seabrook, Texas and the surrounding area. Photo entries will be accepted beginning Monday, March 7. Photographers may submit one photo for consideration to photo@amliberty. com by April 15, 2011. Please put “Seabrook Photo Contest” in the subject line of the email submission. A name and phone number must accompany the photo submission. Entries will be hosted on the Facebook page, “Seabrook Photo Contest.” Facebook users will vote on the entries from April 16-22. The photo entry with the most fan votes will receive a two-night stay at Comfort Suites Seabrook complete with breakfast each morning and a $100 dinner gift card for waterfront dining at Kemah Boardwalk.
March Is National Women’s History Month Seabrook Mayor Gary Renola Presents A Plaque To Jeannie Royal Proclaiming March 1st As Kenneth Royal Day In Seabrook
Sundays in Nature Series at Armand Bayou Nature Center Get outdoors at Armand Bayou Nature Center by joining us in our “Sundays in Nature Series”. Each program will feature hands on activities, hikes and demonstrations for children and adults alike. Visit our website at abnc.org for details. Join us on March 20th from 1pm – 3pm for our “Sundays in Nature” series, “Spring into Nature”. This time of year, animals are found nesting or alone and mistakenly thought to be abandoned. Find ways to keep these animals in their environment and what to do if they appear to be orphaned or injured. Meet some of our live animals and join us on a guided hike through the forest. Admission to Sundays in Nature is $3 for adults and $1 for children 4-12 and seniors 60 and older; no cost for members. We’re located at 8500 Bay Area Blvd. (intersection of Bay Area Blvd & Red Bluff Rd), Pasadena ,TX 77507. For more information, phone 281-474-2551.
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This celebration, designated by Joint Resolutions of the House and Senate and Proclamations by five American Presidents, is an opportunity to honor and celebrate women’s historic achievements. Each year National Women’s History Month employs a unifying theme and recognizes national honorees whose work and lives testify to that theme. For 2011, the theme is Our HISTORY is Our Strength. This year, instead of recognizing national honorees, local communities, organizations and institutions throughout the country are asked to honor women within their own communities or organizations. Our HISTORY is Our Strength pays tribute to the millions of women who helped create a better world for the times in which they lived as well as for future generations. Knowing the challenges these women faced, grappled with, and overcame can be an enormous source of strength to all of us. During today’s difficult times, Our HISTORY is Our Strength can serve as an important reminder to our nation that adversity can be overcome. The stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength. Until relatively recently, this sphere of women’s history was overlooked and undervalued. Women’s achievements were often distorted, disdained, and denied. But, knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone. And role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century. Discovering the remarkable achievements of women helps diminish the tendency of some modern-day pundits to dismiss and trivialize who women are and what they accomplish. In celebrating women’s historic achievements, we present an authentic view of history. The knowledge of women’s history provides a more expansive vision of what a woman can do. This perspective can encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder, and can give boys and men a fuller understanding of the female experience. What is your school, community or organization doing to celebrate National Women’s History Month this March? For more information and resources to commemorate multicultural women’s history and to celebrate Our HISTORY is Our Strength, visit WWW.NWHP.ORG
Morgan’s Point Presents Resolution Expressing Appreciation For Museum Artifact
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Front And Center: Paula Rizzuto. Back Row From Left To Right: Bob Pizzitola, Council Member Michel Bechtel, Philip Pizzitola On February 28, the City of Morgan’s Point City Council presented a resolution expressing appreciation to Paula Rizzuto and Philip and Bob Pizzitola for loaning their family’s school bell to the City of Morgan’s Point Museum. The school bell was used in the one room school, located on Vinsonia Street during the 1920’s and 1930’s. The City of Morgan’s Point Museum is looking for additional information and artifacts. If you have information pertaining to the history of Morgan’s Point that you would like to share, please call 281-471-2171.
The Bay Area Observer
816 South First Street La Porte, Texas 77571
Serving the communities along Galveston Bay.
Tel: 281-471-4892 • Fax: 281-470-7419
Editor & Publisher...........Rebecca Collins
Open six days a week 9 to 5
Established in 2006
editor@bayareaobserver.com
Thank you for reading our advertising!
Associate Editor................Carolyn Collins
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.
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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.
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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
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Continued from page 1 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.
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
March Madness Concert Lee College Performing Arts Center March 5, 2011 • 7:30 pm The Lee College Performing Arts Center (PAC) will echo with the crescendo of romance, adventure, poetry, and revolution Saturday, March 5 as the Baytown Symphony Orchestra (BSO) presents a March Madness Concert. The Baytown Symphony Orchestra’s March Madness will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Lee College PAC Auditorium. General Admission prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Lee College Bookstore by calling 281-425-6578, or online at www. baytownsymphony.org. Tickets can be mailed for an additional $1 fee or picked up at the PAC Box Office one hour before the concert.
Gumbo Geaux 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!
Great Texas Birding Classic The 15th Annual GTBC will be April 9 – April 17, 2011. Registration for the 15th Annual Birding Classic is only open for another week! Get your team together and turn in forms by March 7th to avoid late fees. If you have further questions, go online to www.birdingclassic.org. See you on the coast!
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 3
COMMUNITY `The Ladies Reading Club of La Porte February 24, 2011 Meeting
La Porte City Departments Celebrate At Annual Cook-Off
Submitted By Martha Bluestein
The Ladies Reading Club of La Porte met at the Houston Yacht Club on February 24, 2011. There were thirty-one members present. After thirty minutes of coffee and visiting, President Lynn Hudgins called the meeting to order. Janet Pyle gave the thought for the day, a lovely poem about Spring (which we all hope is just around the corner). The group then pledged allegiance to the American flag and the Texas flag. We then recited the Clubwomen’s Collect together. There were several committee reports given. Evita Sawyer reported on the huge success of the M.D. Anderson workshop held in her home on February 7th. Those who participated were able to stuff 215 pillows of varying shapes and sizes, knit seven throws for wheelchair patients, and five hats. Evita and Lynn Hudgins had prepared all the pillows for stuffing. They had also prepared a wonderful lunch for all of us. On February 8 President Hudgins had an Orientation Meeting at her home for new members Cary Yelleg, Wanda Beaudry, Shan Revak and Ann Marie Majewski. It was very informative, many questions were answered and snacks and wine were enjoyed by all. After a five minute break the program speaker was introduced by Vice President Ginny Garrett. Carol Sawyer represented the “Rodeo Uncorked” committee from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Her lecture was titled “Wine and Volunteerism: Cheers-Full of Opportunities”. The wine committee was established five years ago and has quickly turned into an international event, with all the proceeds going to various educational entities in Texas. There has also been a “Wine Garden” built on the grounds and there are four wine seminars given there each day starting on March 5th through March 19th. Tickets for these seminars can be purchased individually for $30. There are about nine hundred volunteers on the “Rodeo Uncorked” committee and approximately twenty-four thousand volunteers who donate their time and talents to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Jeanette Williams Foundation Welcomes The Women Who Wine of Texas as a Sponsor for Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams Charity Dinner Cruise
Dawn Anderson and Tracy Phelan
Outhouse Cookers - Billy, Pam and Saul
La Porte Police Officers Association
Outhouse Cookers Pose With Their Trophy Elteen Jones, Billy Brooks and Saul Curiel
Bottoms Up Cookers - Sharon Harris, Melissa Boaze, and Stacey Osborne
Outhouse Cookers - Saul Curiel, Billy Brooks and Elteen Jones
Event scheduled for Sunday, April 17, 2011 on “The Big White Boat” at the FantaSea Yacht Charters at South Shore Harbor Resort.
Court Chicks and One Old Rooster Are Winners
Bottoms Up Cookers Win 2nd Place For Brisket - Stacey Osborne, Traci Leach, Melisa Boaze, Robin Eldridge, Robert Eldridge, Ron Bottoms, Shelly Simon, Dawn Anderson, Tracy Phelan
The Women Who Wine of Texas present the Jeanette William Foundation with a check sponsoring Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams Charity Dinner Cruise. Front Row (l-r): Joanna Yates, Dianne Troop, Jayne Gillis, Anna Dewald and Julie Osburn. Back Row (l-r): Mary Ellen Arledge, Kim Swenson, Bonnie Lem, Julie Johnson and Johnette Norman.
The Jeanette Williams Foundation is pleased to announce The Women Who Wine of Texas are “on board” as sponsors for the foundation’s big spring fundraiser: Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams Charity Dinner Cruise benefiting Camp For All scholarships for children with cancer. The Women Who Wine of Texas are a group of dynamic women whose purpose is to make a difference in our community and our world. They believe when goal-oriented, positive-thinking, dynamic women come together they can have a life changing impact. By combining their energies, talent and money toward the same purpose, they can make connections and have a greater impact than they would alone. “The Women Who Wine have always been such strong supporters of our organization,” said JWF’s founder, Dianne Troop. “Their continued support and desire to help us send more and more campers each year to Camp for All is truly a blessing.” The cruise will be held on “The Big White Boat” at the FantaSea Yacht Charters at South Shore Harbour Resort April 17, 2011. There will be a silent and live auction, dinner, open bar and dancing on a beautiful three-hour cruise. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to send children being treated for cancer and blood disorders at UTMB-Galveston to the Camp For All in Burton, Texas. The camp offers the best in camping activities, but also meets the special needs of children being treated for life-threatening illnesses. Comprehensive medical facilities – along with doctors and nurses onsite -- are built amongst the trails, walkways, pool and other amenities which help the children forget they are a patient. The Jeanette Williams Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization founded in the memory of Dianne Troop’s mother Jeanette Williams for the purpose of helping find a cure for this disease that takes far too many of our children. With your help, we can find a cure and make a difference for these children. Please visit www. jeanettewilliamsfoundation.org for information and purchasing tickets.
Wildfire Cookers Win 2nd Place For Their Chicken Travis Stout, Nicki Stout P&R, Cynthia Porterfield P&R, Crystal Sublett P&R
Court Chicks and One Old Rooster Win For Best Booth
Digit Doctors - Lindsey Campuzano, Kathryn Holly, Lorie Auchter, Frances Fitzgerald, Phyllis Rinehart, Michael Dolby
Public Works Chili Peppers Win - Ray Mayo, Shonda Ingle, James Clark, Jackie Robinson and Jennifer Tobey
Court Chick and One Old Rooster - Mary Ann Harrison, Linda Kilgore, Sonya Cates and Judge Mitrano
Wildfire Cookers - Back row, Stephen Barr P&R, Travis Stout, Johnathan Flores,Front row, Deborah Kuykendall P&R, Nicki Stout P&R, Crystal Sublett P&R, Cynthia Porterfield P&R
The Trashy Boys - Gus, Andy, Martin, Phillip and Rudy
Public Works Chili Peppers - James Clark, City of La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby, Shonda Ingle and Ray Mayo
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
LOCAL NEWS La Porte & Morgan’s Point Police Team-up In Capturing a Vehicle Burglar In their ongoing effort to both target and eliminate vehicle burglars in the La Porte Community, the City’s police officers took down yet another car burglar. However, while the arrest of another criminal represents yet another positive stride for the department and their community, the agency was quick to make known that the collar was indeed a combined effort. If not for the assistance of the neighboring Morgan’s Point Police Department, La Porte may have another unsolved mystery on their hands. Shortly before midnight, on 02/21/2011, La Porte Officers responded to the Fairmont East subdivision in reference to a call regarding an unknown White Male jumping over residential fences. The call-for-service followed a reportee’s discovery that a suspect had been caught rummaging through his vehicle as it was parked in his residence driveway. Upon arrival, officers immediately canvassed the area, where, soon-after, Morgan’s Point Police Chief Sherry Ditrich noticed a vehicle leaving a construction area along Spencer Highway as she made her way home for the evening. Ditrich, monitoring the La Porte radio channel, followed the departing vehicle into the Spencer Landing subdivision and alerted La Porte officers of her discovery. A subsequent traffic stop was made by La Porte Officers for other traffic violations and within minutes a thorough series of inquiries and investigative techniques ensued. The detaining of the suspect eventually led to a citizen eyewitness’ identifica-
tion of the perpetrator and the discovery of additional stolen property in the criminal’s vehicle. As a result, suspect Dustin Clarkson of La Porte was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. Of equal importance, following the arrest, La Porte investigators from the agency’s Criminal Investigation Division interviewed the suspect in an attempt to determine Clarkson’s possible involvement in other area crimes. As a result, Detectives were able to obtain further information from Clarkson which linked him to several other motor vehicle burglaries in La Porte, as well as the eventual recovery of numerous additional pieces of property. Coincidentally, among the information elicited from Clarkson, in
Seabrook Police Department Crime Prevention Notice This is a reminder to all residents to please lock your doors in both your homes and vehicles. The Seabrook Police Department has responded to several vehicle burglaries in the past few months. The suspects have entered the vehicles in different parts of the city and at different times. Some of the vehicles have been unlocked making entry easy for the suspects. They were able to take property that was visible and left in the vehicle. The Seabrook Police Department wants to remind everyone to remove property from their vehicle if possible and if not, try not to leave it visible from the outside.
Seabrook Police Alarm Ordinance The Seabrook Police Department will begin to monitor alarm calls and take action on any alarm violations that violate the alarm ordinance 2009-09 section 55-206. Briefly stated, each residence or commercial establishment is allowed three (30 false alarms in a 12 month period. False alarms after the third alarm will result in a violation of the ordinance which contains fees and municipal court violations. Although this ordinance is in effect, the City of Seabrook does not require an alarm permit or alarm registration for any residence or commercial establishment, the ordinance is for alarm response by city services.
La Porte Election News The following have applied for a place on the ballot with the City of La Porte for the election to be held May 14th, 2011: Mike Clausen (I) - City Council District 6 Mike Mosteit (I) - City Council District 1 Dottie Kaminski - City Council At Large “B”
Seabrook Election News The following have applied for a place on the ballot with the City of Seabrook for the election to be held May 14th, 2011: Glenn Royal - Mayor Mike Giangrosso - City Council Position 2 Laura Davis (I) - City Council Position 2 Don Holbrook (I) - City Council Position 4
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relation to his string of motor vehicle burglaries, were additional details tagging him as the actual perpetrator in another recent crime which was originally attributed to La Porte citizen Michael Montes by way of eyewitness video identification. While Montes remains in custody on unrelated charges, the charges relating to Burglary of Vehicle have been dropped on Mr. Montes. Investigators further report that Clarkson is also suspected of other area crimes and, as LPPD detectives continue to inspect evidence, it has been announced that additional charges against Clarkson may appear in the near future. If you have any additional information regarding this incident or any other criminal events, please contact the La Porte Police Department at 281-471-2141.
Dustin Clarkson W/M 05/22/1992 Arrested
Seabrook Police Department 2/21/11 – 2/28/11
Assaults - 0 Burglaries - 6 CVE Citations - 6 Disturbances - 10 Domestic Violence - 1 DWI/DUI - 2
Public Intoxication - 1 Traffic Accidents - 5 Traffic Citations/Arrest - 64 Warrant Arrest - 1 Welfare Concerns - 2
La Porte Police Department 2/16/2011 -2/23/2011 ARREST WARRANT FAILER TO APPEAR ................................1.3% ARREST WARRANT GEN. REQ. FOR HAZ MATERIAL ..........1.3% ARREST WARRANT SUSPENSION VIOLATIONS....................1.3% ARREST WARRANT-DWLS .........................................................1.3% ARREST WARRANT-FTA .............................................................4.0% ARREST WARRANT-NO DL ........................................................1.3% ARREST WARRANT-NO INSURANCE........................................1.3% ARREST WARRANT-NO INSURANCE 2ND OR SUB...............1.3% ARREST WARRANT-NO SEAT BELT .........................................1.3% ARREST WARRANT-PUBLIC INTOXICATION .........................1.3% ARREST WARRANT-VIOLATE PTA ...........................................1.3% AW CELL PHONE IN SCHOOL ZONE ........................................1.3% AW DISP EXP LP/REGIS ..............................................................1.3% AW FTA ...........................................................................................5.3% AW NO INSUR ...............................................................................1.3% AW PI ..............................................................................................1.3% AW VPTA ........................................................................................1.3% BURGLARY OF BUILDING / NON-FORCED.............................1.3% BURGLARY OF MOTOR VEHICLE.............................................1.3% CAPIAS FTA ...................................................................................1.3% CAPIAS WARRANT-VIOLATE PTA ............................................1.3% CHAMBERS CO. SO. ....................................................................1.3% CP DWLS/DWLI ............................................................................1.3% CP FAIL TO STOP AT DES. POINT/STOP SIGN .........................1.3% CP FTA ............................................................................................1.3% CP MVI EXP/NONE .......................................................................1.3% CP NO INSUR 2ND OR SUB ........................................................1.3% CP NO MOTOR VEH. LIAB. INSURANCE .................................1.3% CP PI ................................................................................................1.3% CP SPEEDING 50 IN A 35 ZONE ..................................................1.3% CP SPEEDING SCHOOL ZONE ...................................................1.3% CP SPEEDING SCHOOL ZONE 41 IN A 20MPH ........................1.3% DATON WARRANT .......................................................................1.3% DISREGARD TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE .............................1.3% DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED ...............................................2.7% DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID (C) .................................2.7% FAIL TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - B ........1.3% FAIL TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - C ........2.7% FAIL TO SIGNAL LANE CHANGE .............................................1.3% FAILURE TO IDENTIFY ...............................................................1.3% NO DL .............................................................................................5.3% POSS. OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE.1.3% POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA .............................1.3% POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA ...................................................4.0% POSSESSION OF SUBSTANCE IN PENALTY GROUP 1 ..........1.3% PUBLIC INTOXICATION .............................................................2.7% THEFT .............................................................................................1.3% TRAFFIC OFFENSE ......................................................................5.3% WAR-A F.T.S. AT DES. POINT/STOP SIGN .................................1.3% WARRANT - AGEN. V PRO. TO APPEAR ..................................1.3% WARRANT - OTHER AGENCY ...................................................1.3% WARRANT - SPEEDING 50 IN 35 ...............................................1.3% Total: 100.0%
832.205.2576 cell
2701 Center St. Deer Park, Texas 77536
There’s No Place Like Home
“Burt” Guy, Jr. and wife Linda, daughter Dorothy Guy Bonvillian and husband Frank, brother Lamar Guy, grandchildren Glenn Guy and wife Debbey, Trey Bonvillian III, Troy Guy and Lisa, David Bonvillian and wife Bethany, and great grandchildren Hannah Guy, Cameron Guy, Jordan Guy, Andy Guy, and Adam Guy. Visitation will be held Thursday March 3, 2011 at 6-9PM at Paul U. Lee La Porte Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Friday March 4, 2011 at 2PM at Brookland Cemetery in Haslam, Texas.
MORTON
Police Blotters
Nancy Spanial, Realtor
281-332-3111 • Fax: 281-332-7696
GUY
Lawrence Burton Guy, 93, of La Porte passed away Friday February 25, 2011. He was born September 3, 1917 in Joaquin, Texas to Mary Ann Williams and Otis Leon Guy. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Guy. Mr. Guy is survived by his son Lawrence
nSpanial@BAyAreaEliteProperties.com
21620 Gulf Freeway Webster, Texas 77598
OBITUARIES
Nona Sue Roper Morton, 69, passed away at home with members of her family at her side on February 24, 2011, due to complications from cancer. Sue was born in Marshall, Texas. She grew up and attended school in La Porte, Texas. Her parents Leona Mae Duncan Roper and Lloyd Leonard Roper, Sr. and sisters Essie pearl Dunham and Sophia Ann Gresham predeceased her. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, J.C; her children Susan (Dan) Hancock of Scott AFB, Illinois, Dean (Lisa) Morton of McKinney, Texas; Connie (Mike) Maloney of Flower Mound, Texas; brother Lloyd Leonard Roper, Jr. of Clovis, New Mexico and sister Jane Forbes of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Paul Maloney of Troy, New York, Jordon Hancock of Scott AFB, Illinois, Ryan and Morgan Maloney of Flower Mound and Delaney Morton of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law Dennis Dunham of La Porte, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. Sue never sought to do great things in life, but instead sought out the many small things that
needed to be done or that others did not want to do. She took great pleasure in doing these “little things” that made it better for others. As a result, Sue did accomplish many great things in her life. She was as accomplished artist and leaves behind many paintings, drawings, wall murals and banners in numerous churches and homes from New Mexico to New Hampshire. Sue was and is known by the children and parents, past and present, of First Learning tree of First Methodist Church as “Story Lady”. She was an avid story teller and took great pleasure in reading to, sharing and teaching these children. She loved to travel and to share memories from her travels. She also enjoyed the many camping trips and camping vacations with the family. Sue was a member and founder of the Rockhattes, a local chapter of the Redhat Society. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Rockport. She loved doing for all of the churches in her life during many moves made in the last 50 years. She always has a smile and hearty laugh for everyone in her life whether friend of stranger. Sue brought joy to everyone anywhere she was present. The family would like to thank AIM Hospice and Sue’s many friends for all their support. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate her life at Rockport First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, AIM Hospice, First Learning Tree (First United Methodist Church), Library Fund or a charity of your choice.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 5
ON THE WATER Bay Access To Offer 4 Sailing Scholarships
Research Demonstrates Relationship of Texas Coastal Prairie-Pothole Wetlands to Galveston Bay
By Blair Fannin - AgriLife Today
Through the Bay Access charitable association, four sailing scholarships are being offered this year to area youth sailors. The scholarships will fund a one week long sailing camp using the facilities at Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, TX, 77586. Bay Access will also furnish the sailboats and other equipment needed for the selected children. The first camp is the Seahorse Camp which runs from June 6 – June 10 and is for 6th, 7,th, and 8th graders, ages 11 – 14. This is a stay-over-night camp in Lakewood’s clubhouse where meals and daily instructions will be provided. The second camp is a day camp called Opti Camp named for the type of boat, an Optimist, that the younger children use. It is from 9 am to 5 pm, June 13 17 for children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, with parents providing transportation for the sailors to and from the club. A mandatory applicant profile form must be completed in order to apply for the scholarship. These can be picked up, mailed, faxed, or e-mailed from Lakewood’s clubhouse office and then returned to the office by Fri., April 8th. Prerequisites for a child applying for a scholarship include letters of recommendations from friends or a pastor with at least one from a teacher; a grade point average of C+ or better; and the ability to pass a swimming test. In addition, the child should have a high degree of interest in learning how to sail, but no experience is needed. The child must also submit a 100-200 word essay on one of the following subjects: why he or she would like to learn to sail or why he or she would want to go to sailing camp, or on a topic related to the environment or concerns regarding the Galveston Bay ecosystem. Letters of reference and the essay must be submitted no later than Fri., April 8th, to Bay Access, % Lakewood Yacht Club’s address, or dropped off at the Front Gate at the club’s entrance. Applicants will be notified by Fri., April 22nd, of the scholarship decisions at which time those selected must be willing to complete Lakewood’s sailing camp application including a waiver of liability. Bay Access is a not-for-profit organization that fosters amateur boating and sailing activities in the Clear Lake area. It was also formed to promote the conservation and use of our oceans and bays with a special emphasis on Galveston Bay. For further information or questions on the Bay Access scholarship program, please e-mail the club at lyc@lakewoodyachtclub.com or call 281-474-2511.
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New research reveals vast tracts of wetlands along the upper Gulf Coast are more hydrologically connected to Galveston Bay and other waters of the U.S. than previously thought, suggesting immediate implications for how they are preserved, managed and regulated, according to Texas AgriLife scientists. “Loss of wetlands closer to traditional navigable waters must be mitigated under the Clean Water Act by creating new wetlands, or preferably by protecting and restoring similar existing wetlands,” said Dr. John Jacob, Texas AgriLife Extension Service environmental quality specialist. “This ensures that the aquatic integrity of state and federal waters is maintained, because wetlands provide critical ecological services such as pollution removal, among others.” The study’s findings appear in the journal Wetlands. Jacob said the study suggests that wetlands farther up in the watershed are just as critical to the aquatic integrity of state and federal waters as those that are immediately adjacent to these waters. “The coastal ‘prairie pothole’ wetlands studied were considered to be hydrologically isolated from traditional navigable waters by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that they are, in effect, essentially closed depressions that contribute little or no water downstream,” Jacob said. The findings quantify “anecdotal observations” by professionals in the field over many years of substantial runoff coming from the wetlands, said Dr. Brad Wilcox, Texas AgriLife Research rangeland scientist. “Our research suggests surface runoff occurred regularly and accounted for at least 17 percent of watershed precipitation during the 45-month long study,” Wilcox said. “Runoff events averaged 17 days.” The results of this study have national impli-
cations. The difficulty of determining just how far Clean Water Act regulations should extend up into the watersheds above traditional navigable waters has resulted in many lawsuits and a long series of Supreme Court decisions, according to Jacob. “The most recent decision in 2006 (Rapanos) reinstated the long-standing doctrine of the “significant nexus,” declaring that if such a nexus between wetlands and traditional navigable waters could be quantified, then those wetlands should fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act,” Jacob said. “The research we’ve reported here is the first in the country, after Rapanos, to address the nexus issue for a class of wetlands - in this case, coastal prairie potholes on the upper Texas Gulf Coast.” He said in the anatomy of ecosystems “forests are the lungs and wetlands are the kidneys. But headwater wetlands, like the prairie pothole wetlands we studied, are perhaps more like lymph nodes, acting to filter pollutants in the furthest reaches of the watershed. Given that at least one third of the water in Galveston Bay is derived from runoff which courses through these wetlands, it is critical that we do not lose so many of these wetlands that we can no longer maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem.” Jacob said with all the new development and potential loss of wetlands coming to the lower Galveston Bay watershed in the next few decades, there’s a threat of “losing the defenses we need.” “The quantitative demonstration of a significant hydrological connection between headwater prairie pothole wetlands and Galveston Bay does not mean that development and fill of these wetlands will not take place,” he said. “It does mean, however, that the loss of any of these headwater wetlands should be mitigated, just as is done now for development of wetlands adjacent to Galveston Bay and other waters. “The mitigation process can be used to protect and restore critical headwater wetlands, which have already largely been identified,” says Jacob. “Prairie pothole wetlands are precisely the wetlands most impacted by development in the greater Houston area. That none of this loss is mitigated puts the health of our waters at grave risk. We now have enough information to know that this loss must be mitigated without delay.” Jacob also suggests that perhaps not all the loss can be mitigated. Some prairie pothole complexes are so large and unique that their loss cannot really be mitigated. “You can lose one kidney, but not both,” he said
PAGE 6
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
EDUCATION La Porte Elementary Students Of The Month For February 2011
LPISD District Calendar 3/3/2011 to 3/9/2011 3/3/11
TAKS Testing Bayshore Elementary - Tutoring - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PM Bayshore Elementary - Spanish Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM College Park Elementary - PaPa John’s Pizza Night Rizzuto Elementary - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Houston Children’s Museum Baker Sixth Grade Campus - LPJH & LXJH Counselors Distribute Planners LXJH - Fine Arts Festival - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Cafeteria LPHS - NHS Meeting - 6:50 AM - Lecture Hall LPHS - JV Baseball - Pearland Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - JV/Freshmen Boys Track - Pasadena Memorial LPHS - Sophomore Baseball - Angleton Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Varsity Baseball - CCISD Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Varsity Girls Softball - Northshore Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Orienteering/Adventure Racing Practice - 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
3/4/11
Floor: Ricardo Giles and Iarley Hernandez. 1st row: Tobie Wienert, Larry Shuler, Abigail Balderas, Gyvony Nevarez, Lindrew Anderson, Alvaro Medina, and Hervyn Guerra. 2nd row: Shyanne Lundy, Marcus Martinez, Raul Pena, Jasper Barrientes, Tu’Myra Morant, and Julian Garza. 3rd row: Mrs. Jewel Whitfield,Principal, Amanda Loredo, Alynn San Miguel, T J Harris, Nina Munoz, Reno Hagardt, Jeovany Cespedes, Julia DeLeon, Justin Cross and Ms. Kristi Peterson , Assistant Principal. Not pictured: Julia Ford, Abby Bujan, and Dale Rogers
Clear Lake & Clear Brook Debate Teams Qualify For State
TAKS Testing College Park Elementary - PTO Board Meeting - 10:30 AM Heritage Elementary - Fun Friday - modified schedule Rizzuto Elementary - Drama Club Performance - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM LPHS - JV Baseball - Pearland Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Sophomore Baseball - Angleton Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Varsity Baseball - CCISD Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Varsity Girls Softball - North Shore Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Tennis @ La Porte LPHS - Boys Soccer vs. Beaumont West Brook - 5:00 PM - JV; 7:00 PM -Varsity LPHS - Girls Soccer @ Beaumont West Brook - 5:00 PM - JV; 7:00 PM -Varsity LPHS - Girls Softball @ Orangefield - 5:00 PM - JV; 6:30 pm - Varsity
3/5/11
LPHS - Band Winter Guard Competition - Dekaney High School LPHS - JV Baseball - Pearland Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Sophomore Baseball - Angleton Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Varsity Baseball - CCISD Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Varsity Girls Softball - Northshore Tournament - Times TBA LPHS - Varsity Boys Track - La Porte Bayshore Olympics
3/7/11
Education Celebration sponsored by the La Porte Education Foundation - 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM - La Porte High School Bayshore Elementary - Tutoring - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PM Bayshore Elementary - Art After School - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Bayshore Elementary - Spanish Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Heritage Elementary - Student of the Month Celebration - 9:00 AM LPHS - Sophomore Girls Softball @ Pearland - 6:00 PM LPHS - STUCO Meeting - 6:00 PM - Lecture Hall
3/8/11
Clear Lake High School Debate Team’s Romil Patel, Suriya Koothan, Albert Yau, Kiersten Strachan with Clear Brook Debate Team’s Kelly Hogg, Eric Stone, Daniel Hogg and Hunter Bodiford. Clear Creek ISD debate teams swept the recent UIL District Cross Examination meet held at Brazoswood High School on January 22, 2011. Of the teams competing, two teams from both Clear Brook and Clear Lake High School found themselves named as the top four teams in District 24-5A. Placing fourth was the team of Kelly Hogg and Eric Stone from Clear Brook High School. They will serve as the second alternate to the state meet to be held at the University of Texas at Austin beginning March 17. Placing third, and serving as the primary alternate, was the Clear Lake team of Romil Patel and Suriya Koothan. The second place finishing team, and who will be competing at UT is the Clear Lake team of Kiersten Strachan and Albert Yau. Joining Clear Lake High School at the annual State Meet in March will be the Clear Brook High School first place team of Hunter Bodiford and Daniel Hogg. Clear Lake High School also sent 11 students to the Seven Lakes High School Speech and Debate competition on February 11 and 12. The cross-examination team of Shree Deshpande and Albert Yau advanced to semi finals and placed 3rd overall. They garnered final Texas Forensic Association points necessary to attend the state competition in March at Flower Mound High School. The team of Sina Ghodsi and Akil Udawala advanced to quarter finals in cross-examination debate. Darienne Hartman placed 2nd overall in Poetry Interpretation. She will be representing Clear Lake at the state competition in Poetry. Over the next several weeks speech and debate students will be traveling to the Harvard Invitational in Cambridge, Mass. and to the National Forensic League district competition at Bellaire High School.
La Porte ISD Representatives Receive “Reaching for Excellence” Award Representatives from La Porte ISD accept the “Reaching for Excellence” Award sponsored by the Texas Department of State Health Services’ School Health Program during the Texas School Health Association Conference awards banquet at the Marriott Houston Westchase on Jan. 28. From left are Debbie Moye, La Porte High School nurse; Jo Johnson, chair of the LPISD School Health Advisory Council; April Fox, LPISD director of student support services; Laura Lynch, De Walt School nurse and LPISD lead nurse; Dr. Lauri Kalanges, director of health promotion, Texas Department of State Health Services; Kathy Ashworth, La Porte Junior High nurse; and Brian Larkey, parent representative, LPISD School Health Advisory Council. LPISD received the award in recognition of the district’s plan for the “Lean, Mean, and Screened” program for the EKG screening of student athletes. The district was awarded $1,200 to help fund the screening program.
La Porte High School Students To Participate In Shattered Dreams March 9 And 10 “Don’t Wreck Your Life” is the slogan behind La Porte High School’s upcoming presentation of Shattered Dreams, an educational program aimed at preventing teenage drinking and driving. The comprehensive two-day program, to be held March 9 and 10, involves several activities that educate youth by dramatizing the problems associated with drinking and driving. According to LPHS assistant principal and Shattered Dreams coordinator Curtis Daugherty, the event is planned by both community members and school personnel to show students how their dreams as well as those of their families and others can be shattered as a result of poor choices. The Shattered Dreams program, which is hosted at LPHS every two years, takes place the week before Spring Break and shortly before prom and other end-of-year activities in an effort to help students to think twice about drinking and driving. This year the program will also be addressing the issue of texting and driving with a video broadcast the week before. On the first day of the program, students representing those who die in car crashes will leave their classrooms to become members of the “Living Dead.” In addition, other students will participate in a staged auto crash at the intersection of Fairmont and Park Street near the high school. That night, participants will attend an overnight leadership retreat. An assembly the following morning for juniors and seniors will include motivating speeches by participants, their parents and community leaders. The assembly will include a mock funeral for the “victim” of the crash. Throughout the event, teachers will have educational materials regarding drinking and driving to use in their classrooms. In addition to LPHS staff and students, the event is hosted by La Porte Emergency Medical Services, La Porte Police Department, La Porte Municipal Courts, La Porte Fire Department, City of La Porte, Southeast Memorial Hospital, Paul U. Lee Funeral Home, Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol Awareness, Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission, and the La Porte ISD Maintenance and Transportation Departments. One of the major features of the program is that it provides college scholarships to LPHS students funded by donations by individuals, businesses and organizations in the community. Those who would like to contribute, or who would like more information about the program, should contact Daugherty at 281-604-7523 or daughertyc@lpisd.org.
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Bayshore Elementary - 5th Grade Science Program Heritage Elementary - 5th Grade PLC Day - modified schedule Jennie Reid Elementary - Fundraiser due LPJH - Rock Solid - Christ on Campus - 7:45 AM - Choir Room LPJH - Boys Tennis vs. Deepwater - 4:30 PM - Deer Park South Campus LXJH - Boys Tennis @ Bonnette - 4:30 PM LPHS - Baseball vs. Channelview - 4:30 PM - Sophomore; 7:00 PM –JV LPHS - Boys Soccer vs. Channelview - 5:00 PM - JV; Varsity – 7:00 PM LPHS - Girls Soccer @ Channelview - 5:00 PM - JV; Varsity – 7:00 PM LPHS - Girls Softball vs. Rayburn - 5:00 PM - JV; - 6:30 pm Varsity LPHS - Chato Booster Club Meeting - 6:30 PM - Lecture Hall LPHS - Cheer Booster Club Meeting - 6:30 PM - Student Center LPHS - Varsity Baseball @ Channelview - 7:00 PM School Board Meeting - 7:00 PM - LPISD Admin Bldg. Board Room
3/9/11
Bayshore Elementary - Art After School - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Bayshore Elementary - Chess Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Bayshore Elementary - Drama Club - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Heritage Elementary - Wacky Wednesday - modified schedule Heritage Elementary - PTO Gringo’s Night Rizzuto Elementary - JSC Savings Day Baker Sixth Grade Campus - Junior High Counselors input schedules LPJH - Girls Tennis vs. Deepwater - 4:30 PM - Deer Park South Campus LPJH & LXJH - Boys Track meet - 4:30 PM - LPHS LXJH - Girls Tennis vs. Bennett - 4:30 PM - Deepwater North LPHS - Shattered Dreams Program LPHS - UIL Orchestra Concert & Sight Reading Contest LPHS - JV/Freshmen Boys Golf vs. Texas City - Bayou Golf Course
La Porte Education Celebration To Be Held March 7 At La Porte High School La Porte ISD’s annual Education Celebration, sponsored by the La Porte Education Foundation, is set for Monday, March 7, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at La Porte High School. Parents and community members are invited to join in the celebration of LPISD and its students, educational programs and schools. “La Porte ISD is BIG on Education” is the theme for this year’s event, tying in with the Texas Public Schools Week theme of “Education. It’s Bigger Here.” Every LPISD school will have a booth to showcase activities at the campuses. Musical performances by district elementary, junior high school and high school groups are also scheduled throughout the event. Information on kindergarten registration will also be available at the celebration. LPISD students and adults will have the chance to complete a “Big Top Ticket” by visiting designated booths during the event. Students who complete the “Big Top Ticket” will be eligible for a drawing for an iPod Nano, while adults who complete the log will be entered in the drawing for a Walmart gift card. Campuses with the highest percentage of adult attendance will win $500 and the district’s “Traveling Trophy” for one year. Schools with the second-highest percentage of adult attendance will win $300. Additional drawings for teachers, principals and assistant principals and district personnel will be held. Raffles for an Apple iPad (16 GB), an LG 42-inch LC HD/ACL/TV and a Vizio 32-inch LCD HDTV will also be held. Donations are $2 each, 3 for $5, or 7 for $10. Tickets are available at the Communications Office at the Administration Building and district campuses or at the event. Drawings will be held for an iPod Nano, external hard drive, HP 4-in-1 printer, TomTom navigation system and Nikon camera for a donation of $1 per ticket. In addition, hot dogs, corn dogs, chips, drinks and cookies will be sold at the event. Proceeds from all sales benefit the La Porte Education Foundation in its efforts to enhance education for LPISD students. For more information, call the LPISD Communications Office at 281-604-7001.
Behind every “I do” there’s a great jeweler... Come see our extensive Bridal jewelry selection and remember if we don’t have what you are looking for our “great jeweler” can make it!
Grand Relocation Opening March 2011….
CMR Jewelers
8610 Spencer Hwy. Ste. C • La Porte, Texas 77571
281-470-8282
We will be conducting daily business such as jewelry & watch repairs by appointment for your convenience. Please call us at the above number or email cmrandjjr@sbcglobal.net for arrangements.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 7
CLASSIFIED DISPLAY RATE...........................................$8.50 p.c.i. (Classifieds display ads can contain a border and bolded letters)
CLASSIFIED ADS
CLASSIFIED LINER ADS First 20 Words (initial insertion)...................................................$7.50 First 20 Words (subsequent insertions)...........................................$4.50 Additional Words.............................................................10 cents each LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notices . $8.00 per column inch Liquor legals . $10.00 per column inch Classified deadlines are 10 a.m. each Monday
SERVICES
ALL CLEAN LAUNDRY 1109 S. BROADWAY
LA PORTE WASHATERIA DROP OFF SERVICE AVAILABLE OPEN DAILY 5AM - 9PM “Come Clean With Us”
Bayshore Humble Construction Building, Remodeling & Repairs Handicap tile, shower, bath with tile seats. Clean or re-grout tile walls & floor. New stainless steel grab bars installed.
Ray Garcia
281-471-4947 HELP WANTED
Hiring Agents High split, no desk fee Anchor Real-Estate 1717 2nd St. Suite B Seabrook dlmc1957@ yahoo.com COMPANY DRIVERS! REGIONAL Southwest up to .36¢ per mile. Class ACDL. 1 year OTR required. Steady freight, exceptional benefits. Apply today! 1-888-440-2465 or www. nationalcarriers.com DRIVERS- 100% Tuition paid CDL training! No credit check, no experience required. Trainers earn 49¢/mile. 1-888-417-7564, CRST EXPEDITED, www. JoinCRST.com DRIVER: CDL-A: Texas regional run; mainly I-35 with great miles and excellent home time. Competitive rates & benefits. Must have CDL-A, 8 month OTR experience 1-888730-9312.
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FINANCIAL CASH NOW! CASH for your structured settlement or annuity payments.Call J.G.Wentworth. 1-866-4949115 Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.
REAL ESTATE $106 MONTH BUYS land for RV, MH or cabin. Gated entry, $690 down, ($6900/10.91%/7yr) 90 days same as cash, Guaranteed financing, 1-936-3773235 57.82 ACRES, SOUTH of Sonora. End of road, heavy cover and well.Whitetail, axis, aoudad, hogs and turkey. $1125/acre, owner or TX vet financing. 1-800876-9720. www.hillcountryranches.com 676 ACRES-REEVES County, 15 Miles North Pecos. River frontage. Call Jack 1-214-755-6224. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VIEW Lake Medina/Bandera 1/4 acre tract, central W/S/E, RV/motor home/ house, OK only $830 down
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HOMES
For Sale or Lease to Own Lovely 4-2.5 home w/pool New paint & carpet 2500 sq ft
APARTMENTS
Victoria Lake
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281-333-2510 $199.00
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$555 - One bdrm All Bills Paid*
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PAGE 8
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2011
IN THE GARDEN Two Roses Earn The Earth Kind Houston Rainwater-Harvesting Training For Professionals Set March 11 Distinction For 2011 By Mike Jackson - AgriLife Today
Two long-established roses have earned Earth-Kind distinction for their beauty, fragrance and ease of maintenance, said Dr. Steve George, Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist in Dallas.
Monsieur Tillier The Monsieur Tillier and Mrs. Dudley Cross varieties were named Earth-Kind Roses for 2011 by a team of horticulturists with AgriLife Extension, an agency of the Texas A&M University System, George said. Only 23 roses hold the distinction. “Though very different, both roses are gorgeous,” he said. Monsieur Tillier, released in 1891, is classified a “tea” rose and grows to about 7 by 6 feet, George said. It has a double blossom, is orange-pink and a
repeat bloomer. “The orangepink color of its blossoms provides a color not often seen in other roses,” George said. “The blossoms are packed with fragrant petals. This plant gets large so it’s best used at the back of the flower bed. It makes an excellent large hedge.” Mrs. Dudley Cross, released in 1907, is also a tea rose and grows to about 5-by-5 feet, he said. Its blossom’s coloring is a yellow and pink blend, and it too is a repeat bloomer. “One of my all-time favorite landscape roses, it is a very long-lived, compact, healthy bush with beautiful, moderately fragrant blossoms,” he said. “And, as an added bonus, this plant is nearly thornless.” Mrs. Dudley Cross is so outstanding that it is also being named the Earth-Kind Rose of the Year for 2011, he added. There is much more to these roses than just good looks, George said. Earth-Kind Roses are robust and thrive in tough conditions. Grown and evaluated for more than eight years on average, the roses are not fertilized or pruned when tested. They are not treated with pesticides, and are watered far less than other roses. They also are grown on their own roots, as opposed to those grafted onto other plants. This process se-
lects roses that are easy to grow and maintain, he said. To be Earth-Kind, a rose must have received the designation from AgriLife Extension. EarthKind is a registered trademark of AgriLife Extension. “These winners of the prestigious Earth-Kind designation are long-lived, tolerant of most any soil and are so environmentally responsible that in most areas almost never will you need to apply harsh pesticides or even commercial fertilizer,” George said. “These are truly roses with which anyone can be highly successful.”
Mrs. Dudley Cross A list and descriptions of all Earth-Kind Roses can be found at http://earthkindroses.tamu. edu. George and the team of EarthKind rose evaluators offer growing tips: - The roses should be planted where they receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. - Their location should allow for good airflow over the leaves. - They should be planted in well-aerated soils - They need the year-round protection of a 3-inch layer of organic mulch over their root systems. George suggested gardeners visit the Earth-Kind Rose web site for details on how to manage specific soils and other issues.
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
By Robert Burns
Rainwater harvesting might be one of the few ways to irrigate your landscape if water restrictions come into play because of drought, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert. “Not many people realize this now, but most of Texas is currently under drought conditions, and come summer, water restrictions may be implemented,” said Brent Clayton, AgriLife Extension assistant with the Texas A&M biological and agricultural engineering department. “As far as I know, most localities will let people use harvested rainwater water for irrigation during times of restrictions.” Rainwater harvesting is also a cost-efficient means to control flooding if the situation turns around, Clayton said. To respond to requests from professional irrigators, AgriLife Extension will offer a one-day training in collecting and using rainwater on March 11 at the AgriLife Extension office in Harris County, 3033 Bear Creek Drive, Houston. Participants will be charged $150 if they preregister, or $175 for same-day registration. There will be 90 percent refund for those who preregister but who cancel before the day of the program. The registration fee will include lunch and a new manual published by AgriLife Extension titled, “Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning.” “This 200-plus-page manual is an extensive guide for those looking to plan a rainwater harvesting system,” Clayton said. Though larger commercial systems will be discussed, the focus of the training will be on rainwater for use in the landscape and home, Clayton said. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at 9 a.m. The first presentation will be a brief introduction of the trainers and their backgrounds. Next will be a “big picture” overview of rainwater harvesting methods used throughout the state. Sustainability as well as economics will be discussed. “Sizing of Rainwater Harvesting System Com-
ponents” will review the basic components of a rainwater harvesting system, including information on how to size a storage tank, cover designs and conveyance-pipe systems. After lunch, “Methods to Improve Stored Water Quality” will cover selecting roofing materials, gutter screening, first-flush diversion design, basket screens, connection of multiple tanks and dealing with overflows. “Pumps and Controls” will review various commercial pumps and control systems. In “Treatment of Harvested Water,” AgriLife Extension experts will explain what kind of treatment is needed for collected water depending on whether it is for potable or non-potable use. The session titled “Maintenance” will cover maintenance of filtering and disinfection devices, as well as tanks, gutters and rooftops. The training will wind up at about 4:30 p.m. with an opportunity for participants to review, evaluate and ask questions. To register, go to the AgriLife Extension conference services website at https://agrilifevents. tamu.edu and search for “rainwater.” Alternately participants may call 979-845-2604 to register.
Seaside Garden Club Presents Black Gold by Gloria Johnston
Seaside Garden Club invites the community to attend a presentation on Black Gold given by Gloria Johnston, Galveston Co. Master Gardener, at Seabrook Community House, on March 16th at 12:30 pm. Come and learn about
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composting; nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic matter into a rich soil, which can then be added to your garden to improve moisture retention, amend soil quality, and reduce pest problems.
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