The Bay Area Observer
Miss Sylvan Beach Contestants
Community News For The Galveston Bay Area
Special Section Pages 5 - 8
VOLUME 2, NO. 17
By The Bay English Handbell Choir Spring Concert, FUMC, La Porte April 29, 7:30 PM. The world acclaimed English Handbell choir, Houston Bronze Ensemble, will present their Spring Concert, ‘Star Struck’, in Angel Hall at First United Methodist Church, La Porte, 9601 W. Fairmont Parkway on Friday, April 29, 7:30 PM. This is the choir’s third appearance in La Porte. Donations: $15/adults, $5/students.
TCCI, Community Chaplain Corps 3rd Tuesday Luncheon 11:30a.m. - 12:45p.m. (Dutch Treat) 4/19 Speaker: Thelma Taormina, Founder- 9-12 Association, Inc. 5-17 Speaker: Mardie Menke, HCOEM: HUrricane Preparedness. Where: IHOP, 3646 E. Sam Houston Parkway, Pasadena, Texas 77505. The purpose of this meeting is to network community resources and facilitate our associates in providing spiritual care and practical support in crisis intervention in the workplace and community
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
LPHS Production of “Is He Dead?” Hilariously Entertaining By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
On April 21 the La Porte High School theater group brought their award winning One Act play “Is He Dead?” to La Porte Neighborhood Centers for a comedy dinner theater performance. Culinary Arts Students prepared the evening’s meal in the “Bulldog Bistro” and included Instructor Hope Salas, Kayla, Gladys, Trevor, Christian and Caine. “Is He Dead?,” is a comedy written by Mark Twain and adapted by David Ives. The play is a fictional story based on a real artist, Jean- Francois Millet. Millet is a young painter of genius who is struggling to sell his works, and is in love with Marie Leroux. Along with his artists friends and Marie’s Father he is deeply in debt to a the villain Bastien Andre. Millet must find a way to repay his debts to Andre, as he has threatened debtor’s prison unless Marie agrees to marry him. Millet’s friends concoct a hilarious scheme to fake his death, because apparently, as one buyer put it, “an
Stephen Mabry as the Widow Tillou, the “Widowed Sister” of the painter Jean-Francois Millet and Joseph Redd as Papa Leroux artist is worth so much more when he’s dead!” They decide to have Millet “die” of an exotic disease, and he disguises himself as his widowed sister in order to
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.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
Cast members mourn the “death” of Jean-Francois Millet
be able to come out of hiding. Once the plan is in action, the craziness begins! Stephen Mabry is funny in the role of Jean-Francois Millet, but is even more hilarious when he dons a dress and brings the Widow Tillou to life. Equally talented and funny included Christian Cisneros as Agamemnon Buckner (Chicago), Chris Kimball as Bastien Andre, Joseph Redd as Papa Leroux, Ally Oliphint as Cecile Leroux, Kandice Wicke as Marie Leroux, Cameron Regan as Phelim O’Shaughnessy, Justin King as Hans Von Bismark (Dutchy), Chelsea Bishop as Madame Bathilde, Celest Palacios as Madame Caron, Travis Wright as Basil Thorpe, Corbin Ayres
El Lago Celebrates 50 Years
INDEX Community..........................2 Crossword............................2 Local News..........................3 Obituraries..........................3 Events..................................4 Sylvan Beach Pageant.....5-8 Election News......................9 Local News.........................10 Classifieds..........................11 Cuisine...............................12 In The Garden...................12
By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
El Lago Mayor Emel With El Lago Sponsored Ed White Elementary Coloring Contest Winners Emma Aguirre, Cody Knobloch And Larisa Salinas By Ann Vernon City Secretray - El Lago
All I can say is WOW…WHAT A PARTY!!! We estimate that as many as a thousand showed up at the big “El Lago is turning 50” bash at McNair Park on Saturday, April 16th. The day started early with the Space Run, moved right into the annual Easter Egg Hunt and then had a long a beautiful finish with an afternoon in the park full of toys, arts and crafts, bar-b-que, antique cars and music… really, really good music. For those who don’t know, the performers in the Open Mic part from 1 to 4 p.m. were all local artists… Don Eisele (son of El Lago astronaut Don Eisele), Kevin Fenton (grew up on Cedar Lane), Emma Bordelon (still lives on Shadow Creek), Dylan Mathis (frequently performs at Coffee Oasis). Really good job guys! I know with so much activity going on it was hard to tell if anyone was paying attention, but we’ve heard nothing but good comments about your music – they were listening. And what can you say about Cartoon Sky? All their music was excellent, but their Beatles Abby Road music was almost transporting. They were so good that the Mayor even extended their playing time an extra hour. Hope you were one of the lucky ones who stayed to the end because it was worth it! We sold out of bar-b-que tickets – all 620 of them. I think the Double Barrel Cookers did an awesome job on the brisket and sausage and chicken and potato salad and beans and… That’s a lot of food to put out in so short a time and it all tasted great. Thank goodness for Boondoggles and managers Jeff Hicks and Justine Sones. They saved us from starvation by serving up
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LPHS Culinary Arts Students prepared the evening’s meal in the “Bulldog Bistro” and includes Instructor Hope Salas, Kayla, Gladys, Trevor, Christian and Caine
La Porte City Council Approves Ordinance To Establishing Reimbursement For Travel and Business Expenses
Sylvan Beach Parade La Porte April 30 , 10:00a.m. Everyone loves a parade! And this year’s parade is scheduled to kick-off at 10:00am on April 30 in conjunction with the 55th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival & Crawfish Jam in La Porte. Crowds will line the sidewalks along South Broadway and West Main to see the pageant contestants, clowns, floats, and more. And, don’t forget the Parade Marshall – Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman will be waving to all the kids along the route! Come enjoy this annual event sponsored by the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce. After the parade, make your way to Sylvan Beach Park for a day of fun and frolic! There is no charge to participate in the parade and entries are welcome. For a parade application or additional information, contact the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce at 281471-1123 or at www.laportechamber.org.
as Claude Riviere, Jacob Rhodes as Charlie/King of France, Alissa Frobenius as Emperor of Russia, and Leigh-Ann Bal-
lard 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 worked 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. Producers gave additional thanks go to all of the wonderful costume Moms: Kathy Green, Shawn Oliphant, Becky Dunkerson, Tracy Revak, Monika Tutt and Tina McKinley. Thank went out to Sonja and Jack Angelo As well as Karen Hall, Tim Honea, LPHS Principal Dr. Joanne Kolius, Terri Cook from LPISD Communications Department and Sebastian Lopez.
chips and salsa, ceviche, brushetta, and corn dogs before the bar-b-que was ready. Many thanks to Boondoggles for all their continued help and support… for all that you do we are grateful! There was so much to do…I hope you took the time to wonder around the park and watch a kid ride the mechanical bull, climb the rock wall or paint on one of the two giant canvasses that were prepared by Rebecca Collins. And did you wonder back to the bar-bque cook-off area at the back of the park? We had five great teams participate with entries in brisket, chicken and margaritas. The teams were The Double C Cookers, Team Brian, Changes In Attitude, It’s the Pits and Bayview Que Cookers. I was given the pleasure of organizing the judges for the best margarita contest… let me tell you, all entries were tasty winners! We even had one served up in a salt dipped jalapeno - very creative! I do believe the Mayor plans to host the BBQ cook-off again next year so start brushing up on your recipes, it’s a great all night party. The Mayor, City Council and Staff were all involved in planning and organizing the weekend’s event. However, there were so many more who contributed either time, money or both. A simple thank you will not suffice for these folks’ generosity, I would like to express our utmost sincere appreciation from the Mayor, Council and myself to all those who contributed in one way or another, we could not have done it without your help and assistance. Here’s a list (I have probably missed someone and for that I apologize) of those who gave so generously for our enjoyment:
On Monday La Porte City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance establishing guidelines for city council travel and business expenses. This included an automobile allowance. The ordinance will allow for the mayor to receive $200 per month, and each city council member $100 per month, as an automobile expense allowance. The mayor and council members may elect to receive the allowance, be reimbursed for mileage while using their vehicle on official city business, or accept no funds for the use of their vehicles. Council members may also elect to be issued a city cellular phone, receive reimbursement for the use of their private phones, or accept no funds. For travel on city business, the council members may elect to receive an IRS per diem, provide actual receipts for reimbursement or accept no reimbursements. Council voted 7-2-1, , to approve a license agreement with CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC for the use of 0.0344 acres of land for the city’s bicycle-pedestrian trail. Jay Martin and Mike Mosteit opposed, with Chuck Engelken abstaining from the vote Council voted 5-3 to award a $54,143 bid to Brazos Fence to replace the fence and five gates surrounding the La Porte Municipal Airport. Tommy Moser, Daryl Leonard and John Zemanek opposed. Public Works Director David Mick said “The airport fence replacement project consists of replacing approximately 4,060 feet of fence and five gates along the south side of the airport adjacent to Spencer Highway and changing the location of the fence approximately 20 feet to the north to allow for future sidewalk installation”. Approval of an ordinance condemning a substandard building at 1307 East Main was tabled. The property under consideration is involved in a probate court matter. Ordinances to condemn several other properties as substandard were approved by unanimous vote. All other items were approved by unanimous vote. Council Member John Black was absent.
Continued on page 4
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PAGE 2
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
COMMUNITY La Porte Business Owners To Host Art Walk By The Bay Artists To Display Work First Fridays On Main Street The Main Street Business Alliance in La Porte, Texas is seeking artists to participate in a monthly Art Walk in the newly revitalized downtown La Porte. The Art Walk by the Bay will be from 6 – 9 p.m. the first Friday of every month beginning May 6. The event will feature the works of local and regional artists displayed at six different businesses in Main Street district. Artists’ works will be displayed and for sale at the businesses throughout the following month. Information is online at www.artwalkbythebay. com. The City of La Porte is providing support for the event, and the City staff who work with Main Street are excited about the Art Walk Plans. Economic Coordinator Stacey Osborne said that this is one more indication that the City’s revitalization efforts are paying off. “I get together with the Main Street business owners once a month at our Main Street Morning Brew coffees, and I’ve been so happy to see how they are all working together to make Main street a more viable, successful place to do business. We’re thrilled that the business owners have taken the initiative to make this Art Walk happen, and we fully support them in their efforts.” For additional information about the Art Walk by the Bay, please call (281) 470-5017 or send an email to osbornes@laportetx.gov. Artists and patrons can also visit the website, www.artwalkbythebay.com.
Friends of Evelyn Meador Library Annual Meeting Thursday, April 28th Meeting in the Seabrook Community House for our annual book review and community meeting. It is an evening of sharing news about our New Evelyn Meador Branch Library due to open at the end of June 2011. Ruth Burke will present her book, “ Image of America - Seabrook”. Rhoda Goldberg will have the latest updates on the new library. Location: Seabrook Community House, Time: Refreshments at 6:30 pm, 7 pm program. Contact Barbara Whelton at 281-380-9895 for more information.
Seabrook Gears Up for Nation’s Largest Classic Car and Wooden Boat Show Seabrook is a community best known for its beautiful waterfront property and miles of scenic nature trails. The city also plays host to one of the region’s most popular events, Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, now in its sixteenth year. Held at Lakewood Yacht Club, the event attracts more than 15,000 visitors from across the globe. Approximately 300 classic cars and boats from around the United States are on display, showcasing some of the most interesting vehicles seldom seen traversing the roads or cruising the shores these days. Other vintage vehicles will be available for sale during the event’s Houston Classic Auction. The City of Seabrook and the Seabrook Economic Development Corporation are proud supporters of the event. “Keels & Wheels is a great endeavor that brings tremendous economic value to the local economy and the Seabrook community,” stated Ernie Davis, President of the Seabrook EDC. “LYC Concours Corporation, the company that operates Keels & Wheels, also generously contributes to various local charities, such as Boys and Girls Harbor.” As a result of their contributions to the community and the organization’s philanthropic spirit, LYC Concours Corporation was chosen as the 2010 Business-of-the-Year by Seabrook EDC. “We are thrilled to have been selected for this great honor,” said Bob Fuller, Chairman and co-founder of Keels & Wheels. “We have another amazing weekend planned that is expected to top prior attendance records, so we encourage the community and any car or boat enthusiasts to join us for exceptional displays, fun performances and one of the largest auctions in the nation of its kind.” The award was presented to both Fuller and co-founder Paul Merryman at the annual Economic Alliance Houston Port Region awards banquet. Keels & Wheels will be held this year from April 30 - May 1. Attendees can view nearly 200 cars and more than 100 boats on display, enjoy festive music and stroll along the marina of Lakewood Yacht Club. This year’s theme pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, and will feature previously raced Indy cars, such as the 1935 Miller-Ford, and pace cars.
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Join Scouts Now!!! Attend Twilight Camp June 13th through 17th
Spring Registration for Cub Scouts at the Seabrook Community House Wednesday, May 4th and May 11th at 6:30 PM Join Scouts Now!!! Attend Twilight Camp June 13th through 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 <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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Continued from page 1
Seabrook: Wednesday Night Sailboat Racing on Clear Lake Every Wednesday Every Wednesday evening from April until October, professional and amateur sailors get together for a friendly sailboat race on the waters of Clear Lake, twenty minutes south of Houston and home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. These races were created with the public in mind, and the course has been set where the race can be enjoyed by spectators from some of the restaurants around the lake. Everyone is invited to come and watch. The races are rarely cancelled due to bad weather. In the previous twelve years, the races have been cancelled only about five times due to bad weather. The atmosphere just seems to get its act together as the sun goes down! Come on out and join us! The races start promptly at 6:15 PM and finish before sunset. Come and join us for an evening of fun and relaxation. There’s always some commentary on the action, and if you wish to participate, you’re welcome to sign up on our crew list. We always have boats looking for crew! If you own a boat and would like to participate in these races, read the race instructions, then come out and join the fun. You can sign up the day of the races by filling out an entry form. Time: 6:30 pm Venue Name: Villa Capri Italian Restaurant Location: 3713 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook, TX 77586 Admission Cost: Phone: 281-468-6909 Web: www.clearlakeracing.com
The Red Suspenders’ Shrimp Boil Norman L. Malone Senior Center Saturday, May 7, 2011 11:00 AM-1:00 PM The Red Suspenders’ Shrimp Boil will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Norman L. Malone Senior Center, 1322 So. Broadway, La Porte, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. $10 for boiled shrimp, cole slaw, beverage (dine in only), cocktail sauce and crackers. Homemade desserts available by donation. Proceeds benefit the La Porte Special Olympics. Tickets available at Senior Center, Red Suspender members and at door. Door prize drawings will be held throughout the service time and there will be a special raffle of a 2 night stay at Candlewood Suites.
Seabrook Volunteer Fire Dept. Memorial Blood Drive
May 23rd, 2011
The Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a memorial blood drive in honor of the man who lost his life from his burns after saving the lives of many other residents at the Emerald Shores apartments. With the Memorial Day holiday and then the July 4th holiday not long after, there is usually an increased need for blood. The drive will be held on Monday, May 23rd, 2011 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM in association with the UTMB Blood Bank. All community members are invited and encouraged to participate in the blood drive, which will be held at the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department, Station 1, located at 1850 E.Meyer Road. For more information, please contact SVFD at 281-474-3434.
Gear Swap and Sail Event at Seabrook Sailing Club The Seabrook Sailing Club Youth Committee is sponsoring a Gear Swap Meet Saturday April 30th 9am - 1pm. So clear out your PFD’s, water shoes, wetsuits, parts, lines, masts, rigging – if goes on a boat or windsurfer, bring it all down, and trade it out (including full boats and windsurfers)! We’ll also be previewing and signing up for Youth Sailing Program for 2011. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided, please bring a dish if you wish. Swap and Sail Sign up Email:Dibuzu@me.com Cell 281.630.8680.
In The Beginning…(Continued) By Jay Dunham
Last week I related how the Red Suspender Shrimp Boil came into being, and the two successful events. Flushed with success, we planned our third shrimp boil, but plan and cook for 200! We served over 220 plates. THINK BIG, we were told, so next time planning was for 320. Thanks to Joe Bertuglia of 101 Café, we were able to keep 160 pounds of shrimp chilled until Saturday morning., We started cooking at 6:30 AM so the shrimp would be chilled in time for serving. By 10:00 AM, all the shrimp were on ice. Six Red Suspender men tended the serving counter for the next 2 hours while the ladies kept the dessert table supplied with a wide assortment of donated home made delights. At 1:00 PM, the last patron was served, with less than a half pound of shrimp remaining. The count was 314 plates served. It was a tired, yet very gratified, group cleaning up the Center afterwards. We now feel like we have the system. We can’t go back, just forward. Through the balance of the year we basked in our success. Our February Red Suspender meeting looked like a rehab ward in a hospital. Only seven showed up and 4 of these were disabled. No way were we going to be able to put on the shrimp boil, as much as we wanted to. Reluctantly, we faced reality and cancelled any plans to proceed. A few days later, I was in the Donut Factory and stopped by to say “hello” to Dottie Kaminski. She asked about the shrimp boil plans and I told her our dilemma, not sufficiently well bodies. Her suggestion was to write a letter to the Bayshore Sun editor, asking for volunteers. I did and Adam included it in the next Tuesday edition. Tuesday night I received a call from Deb Boye, saying her son read the letter and suggested the football players could help. That was the beginning of over 30 offers to assist us if we continued to have the event. Of course, we went ahead with it. Mayor pro-tem Louis Rigby presented a proclamation at City Council designating the week of April 11 as “Red Suspenders’ Shrimp Boil Week”. We were off and running. Thanks to the wonderful response by the volunteers and the community in general, the shrimp boil was the most successful yet. Presenting the proceed check at the Special Olympics banquet in May was most gratifying. This year’s shrimp boil is scheduled for May 7th, and the football guys have already volunteered their help. Anyone who would like to volunteer 15-20 minutes on the serving line between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM is certainly welcome. Call me at 713628-7112. Let’s make this “The La Porte Community Shrimp Boil”
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
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 3
LOCAL NEWS EDITORIAL/OPINION
OBITUARIES
Happy Arbor Week!
MEZA
By John Rosenow
You probably have a favorite tree-lined street in your community. Or a tree-filled neighborhood you’ve always admired. Or a favorite forest where you like to bask in the beauty of the trees. It’s important to remember that those beautiful spaces aren’t here by accident. The forests we enjoy today – which give us both pleasure and environmental benefits – are here because of the vision, courage and hard work of generations past. When I find myself enjoying the solitude of a forest, I often remember the visionaries who helped preserve our forest lands. Theodore Roosevelt was a well-known champion of trees who risked political capital and fought short-sighted special interests to set aside large swaths of America’s forested lands for the enjoyment of future generations. As president, Roosevelt used the 1891 Forest Reserves Act to protect 160 million acres of forests. He also set aside 16 national monuments, 51 wildlife refuges and five new national parks. Because of his actions and the dedicated foresters who have served America since, today our National Forests are a treasured legacy. There are plenty of modern-day heroes, too, who manage our urban forests. Thanks to the tree advocates of recent decades, thousands of America’s cities and towns have been transformed into lush green spaces, and many of them are now Tree City USAs. These healthy urban forests include thriving parks, shaded homes and schools, and tree-lined parkways. Some of our city foresters and volunteers who care for these trees must do so on limited budgets, often using creative ways to scratch resources to keep their trees vibrant. Fortunately, in many communities elected officials and citizen leaders have come to recognize trees as valuable economic and environmental assets that grow in value over time … as essential components of the urban infrastructure. Trees ought to be integral parts of natural-resource sustainability efforts in our communities. Investing in trees pays off in so many ways, such as citizen health and well-being, energy conservation, improved watersheds, increased property values, and enhanced business results. We are standing on the broad shoulders of many tree planters who have come before us. Every day, we benefit from their foresight through cleaner air, safe and abundant drinking water, and shady homes and neighborhoods. Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates planting trees, but it’s more than that. Let us remember those who planted trees before us, who helped establish and care for our nation’s forests and the beautiful, beneficial canopies of trees within our towns and cities. Now it’s our turn to plant trees and to ensure that our forests grow healthy and strong. As we celebrate National Arbor Day today, let’s make a commitment to plant trees, support replanting projects in our nation’s forests, and encourage our community leaders to invest in trees. When we plant trees, we have healthier forests to visit, greener cities in which to live, and a sense of pride in our neighborhoods. Tomorrow, on Arbor Day, I propose that we act on behalf of future generations. Let us each create our own legacy this year by planting trees. John Rosenow is the founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees
Patsy Ann Meza, 72, of La Porte passed away Friday April 22, 2011. She was born July 13, 1938 in Houston, Texas to Mary Athena Kellerman and Arnold A. Wells. Patsy worked for the US Postal Service for 38 years, beginning as a runner, clerk, head clerk, and working her way up to Post Master in La Porte. Where she later retired as the Regional Supervisor. She was also a member of the La Porte Heritage Society, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and was past president
LPPD Recommends Vigilance as Warmer Spring Weather Arrives
Jackie Gresham
A Special Flower for God’s Garden By Dorothy Guy Bonvillain
I’ll never forget Jackie’s arrival to our neighborhood in August of 1955. It was a bittersweet event because doctors predicted that she wouldn’t live long enough to enjoy her teen years. Instead, her zest for life and unconditional love for people led her to defy the odds and live for decades. We were all blessed to have become a part of her world. You only had to meet Jackie to know that she was a unique and special creation for God’s garden -much like the story of “blue roses” – unique, rare, appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. Such roses as Jackie had to be smelled with your heart and touched with kindness; otherwise, you’d have missed a special blessing from God. Jackie’s life was meaningful proof of our oneness in love’s great purpose. Her capacity to love was akin to celestial voices of angels looking down on us and saying, “See, the magic never ends.” My Montessori teacher/friend, Paul, beautifully wrote: “Every child is a being ascending – unique among all other beings in nature – the human child evolves and has been gifted with unique powers enabling him or her to ascend to just a little less than an angel.” This was Jackie. In the end, we found ourselves to be a ‘gardener’ caring for her. She taught us more about unconditional love than we could have ever learned on our own. Though marriage took me far away from La Porte for the majority of Jackie’s life, she never forgot us, and always exhibited great joy to be in our presence. Even though she only met our sons, Trey & David, on a few occasions, she never failed to ask about them and wanted to know how they were. I’ll never forget how she loved me to massage her shoulders, always delightedly coming to sit down in front of me for a rub. Jackie’s great love and admiration for her sister, Donna, ran deep and was very beautiful. As long as I live, I’ll never forget her (and our) confusion and broken heart when Donna left us. Donna was unquestionably one of God’s most beautiful creations - both inside and out – and Jackie no doubt had an innate sense of this rare beauty. I always admired Doris and Jack’s commitment to keep Jackie at home and to patiently guide her to become the best person she could be and a respectful person of others. I’ve long noted their dignity and tenacity in accepting the challenges that came with this commitment. As Jay and Jack grew up, I noted how they too demonstrated a GREAT love for Jackie and she
of the La Porte Civic Club. She is survived by her husband JJ Meza, children Wanda Sirmans, Melissa Shaw and husband Terry, Devona Rule, Robert “Bo” Kannarr and wife Tammy, Darius Meza, Jonelle Goodwin and husband Mark, grandchildren Kristina Stanger, Cheyenne Chapman and wife Diedra, Jeralisa Grider and husband Cary, Laurie DiPalma and husband John, Clayton Olvera, Matthew Olvera, Candice Malone and husband Danny, Sean Kannarr, Maegan Kannarr, Casey Shaw and wife Emily, Ashley Rodgers and husband David, Justin Strader and daughter Zoe, Aaron Alexander, Brandy Meza, Christopher Meza, Tyler Goodwin, Austin Goodwin, Mason Goodwin, and 22 great grandchildren. A Visitation will be held Tuesday April 26, 2011 at 5-7PM at Paul U. Lee La Porte Funeral Home Chapel, with a Rosary beginning at 7PM. Services will be held Wednesday April 27, 2011 at 10AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in La Porte. In lieu of usual remembrances donations may be made to the La Porte Heritage Society and the La Porte Community Library.
As the area weather becomes warmer, residents also become prone to leaving their windows and doors open in order to let fresh air in, or try and stay cool without having to absorb high air-conditioning costs. In the Southeast Texas region, this is indeed a short-lived time of year which most people enjoy. However, the La Porte Police Department would like to remind community members to be vigilant about their home security while the weather re-
mains mild. Citizens are encouraged to check all residential doors and windows before leaving their residence. Much like vehicle burglars, residential thieves simply look for dwellings which appear vacant, upon which they may simply walk right up and test a door or window to see if it’s unlocked. In such a circumstance, burglars can easily enter a residence and steal hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of property in a matter of minutes. “Any door or window that is hidden from the view of the street is particularly vulnerable” says Police Chief Ken Adcox. “Unfortunately, it is these same hidden access points that are commonly left unsecured by homeowners who seem to focus mainly on locking their front door, while leaving windows and backdoors unsecured. This makes
for a very easy target.” Locking doors and windows is only one method of prevention La Porte Police inform. Other tips include: • Checking all outside lighting devices for proper working order or increasing lighting, • Ensuring that garage doors remain completely closed and secured at all times, • Temporarily stopping newspaper and mail delivery if you plan to be away from home for, longer than 48 hours, • Installing an alarm security system. By taking a proactive stance in protecting your home, our entire community can enjoy its historical low crime rate. If you would like more information on Home Burglary prevention tips, please contact the La Porte Police Department at 281-471-2141.
for them, as well as a solid commitment to remain close to their mother’s family when some may have chosen an easier path. This speaks volumes about the character of this family. showed that it expands to 700 times its volume One of the lessons of being a teacher of both and will deplete the oxygen in a confined space. children and adults – within America and abroad Thus Air Products uses confined space entry – is just how “gloriously different we are from procedures to protect workers’ safety. each other!” I have come to know that in the DuPont employees demonstrated how to make Garden of Life, we each are here “to bring forth the bright green slime you see being sprayed on fruit according to our own kind.” Our greatest kids’ television shows. By combining ordinary tribute to Jackie will be to remember the lessons items such as pickle juice, baking soda, and Boshe came to teach us. rax with the polyvinyl alcohol DuPont produces She taught us to prize individuality and to in La Porte, bubbly green slime is created. know that in each developing child is someone After demonstrating a chemical reaction that precious. Her life serves as a gentle reminder makes a cake rise, two LyondellBasell engifor us to “be kind whenever it is possible…and neers poked a pencil through a sandwich bag that it is always possible to be kind.” full of water without causing a leak and showed In closing, I share with you an appropriate scripted lyric from folk singer Pat Humphries. Tyler Conn (left) and Kaylin Harper of Ly- how a polymer used in an absorbent pad can efIt’s from a beautiful poster celebrating the Gar- ondellBasell demonstrate how a pad made of fectively clean oil from water in the event of a den of Learning and Love: polymers can effectively clean oil spills from spill. The polymer absorbs the oil, but not the waterways by absorbing the oil instead of the water. The polyethylene sandwich bags and polypropylene pads are produced from poly“In a many colored garden we are growing water. The two engineers were demonstrating mers made at LyondellBasell’s La Porte and LyondellBasell’s Explore and Experiment pro- Bayport plants. side by side gram, a free educational outreach program Lubrizol’s plant manager and his grade-school We will rise all together, we will rise… that provides science curricula and experi- daughter showed their display of the periodic From our children to our elders ments specific to each grade from kindergar- table, with samples of over 35 pure elements From all nations, we will rise. ten to 12th, during the April meeting of the and additional compounds. PPG’s senior chemist took members back to Citizen’s Advisory Council to La Porte Indus- chemistry class with his diagrams of the phosMay respect for all our differences try. Several CAC plants offer science lessons gene molecule, explanations of its reactions, Enhance our common ties… to schools. and descriptions of the effects of exposure and We will build a global family the steps taken to prevent and respond to reThe Citizen’s Advisory Council (CAC) to La leases. Strengthened by our common threadsPorte Industry is a forum for community-inOdfjell Tankers will discuss marine shipping God-willing, we will rise togetherdustry dialogue about plant-related issues like at the Tuesday, May 3 meeting at the DuPont environment and safety. CAC members know Employee Recreation Center on Strang Road, We will rise.” you can’t talk with chemical plant managers which beings with dinner at 5:45 p.m. Visitors without talking about chemistry, so periodically are welcome. Contact CAC facilitator Diane they schedule a chemistry lesson. The April Sheridan at 281/326-5253 to RSVP. meeting featured several lessons in celebration of the International Year of Chemistry. Several of the presenters offer their lessons to local schools. PROFESSIONAL REAL-ESTATE SERVICES Air Products separates niBuyer & Seller Representation • Investment & Property Management trogen from air. Their liquid nitrogen experiment demonDWI/DUI 2 strated several of its proper5% LISTINGS ties and how they relate to FREE BUYER & SELLER HOME WARRANTY Traffic Accidents 4 Air Products’ safety systems IN HOUSE MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER Traffic Citations/Arrest 142 and commercial applications. Office 281-942-9312 1717 2nd St. Suite B While amusing to watch liqCell 832-435-0001 Welfare Concerns 2 uid nitrogen emissions exSeabrook, Texas 77586 dlmc1957@yahoo.com pand a balloon, the lesson
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PAGE 4
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
EVENTS The Senior Class
El Lago... Continued from page 1
By Jay Dunham dataz33@yahoo.com
Pickin ‘n Grinnin: Our monthly Sing Along Thursday was really swinging this month. In addition to our regulars, Robbie, Carl and Steven, Leroy Canaday, a new member, brought his fiddle and the four of them had a daytime hoe down. There was a lot of singing and toe tapping and Mary Lee, shoeless, tried desperately to find a dance partner. Failing at this, she waltzed about solo. I am informed that April’s Sing Along will have some more surprises. I can hardly wait. Storytime: Twenty eager seniors gathered in the Living Room at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center for the first Story Telling session on Tuesday, April 5th. Leading off the program, Mary Lee recited a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, Little Orphant Annie. With her kindergarten style of story telling, all were thoroughly involved with Annie’s dilemma. A hard act to follow, but each, in turn, recalled a past experience which they eagerly related. We are awaiting next week’s session to see what is in store. The Kids Enjoyed Painting On Giant Murals Provided By The Bay Area Observer
Easter Bonnets: Robbie is again guiding the ladies through constructing Easter Bonnets in preparation for the Easter Parade and munchie party on the 21st. If the past is any indication, the outcome will be unique and colorful. This is another party you don’t want to miss out on. Besides, the munchie table is ALWAYS laden with good eats. Yo Ho Yoga: A new exercise program is being offered for the next 6 weeks: yoga. Kay Watson is instructing a group of seniors in the fine art of the program. If you have ever been in a yoga class, you know the good after feeling. Thursday afternoons, 1:00 PM in the exercise room. Light Fantastic: The Senior Dance on Thursday evening (7th) was well attended and all enjoyed dancing to Country Now and Then. At $7, which includes 3 hours of music, snack supper and door prizes, it’s one of the best entertainment deals going. Our volunteers try to make it a fun affair. If you haven’t experienced one of the dances, try it out Thursday Evening, May 5. Music starts at 7:00 PM (doors open @ 6:15). Earl Epps will be the music maker. Concerts: Robbie hosted a trip to Five Points Plaza for the first of the season’s concerts. Country Music played by Jake Hooker And The Outsiders kept our toes tapping and hands clapping. Since the weather cooperated, it was an enjoyable evening indeed.
Boondoggles Provided Snacks For The Event – Here Managers Jeff Hicks And Justine Sones
Laugh At Yourself: This Is Jeannie Robertson’s advice for relieving stress and living a long life. After the hot lunch, provided by Harris County Agency on Aging, we watched one of her hilarious CD’s . On our new life size surround sound system, it was nearly like being there in person. I’m sure she is correct about laughing at oneself, but laughing with her is a good substitute, too. Boo!: Our Story Time this week began with Mary Lee relating ‘supernatural’ activities occurring in her home in Lufkin. Some very unusual happenings took place, many attested to by Deb D.This was followed by Dubious Dunham, who believes all these have a natural explanation, reading an account about a haunted house on the Teche in Louisiana. In turn, everyone had an experience with the ‘supernatural’ to relate. Annie Rose took the prize, though, for SCARY.
We had a number of competition opportunities for those interested; everything from creating the Most Egg’cellent Egg, making the best margarita or showcasing the most admired (and envied) antique car. And the winners are…
The next Story Time topic is Pets. Dolphins: On Wednesday, April 20th, The County bus loaded up over 30 Seniors for a day in Galveston. Our first stop was Pier 21, the site of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. Following a short but informative visit in the museum, we boarded a double decked catamaran for a tour of Galveston Harbor. Captain Bill pointed out many of the sights along the quay. We passed by Seawolf Park, the memorial to the fated submarine of WWII, and the final berths for the USS Cavalla (SS-244) and The USS Stewart (DE-238), and then out into the Bolivar Roads, the entrance to Galveston Bay. As promised, dolphins frolicked alongside the boat, much to the enjoyment of shutterbugs and passengers. Upon disembarking, we ‘buddied’ up and went in the quest of food. Those who went to Fisherman’s Wharf were not disappointed in the fare. Before meeting our bus at 2:30 for our return to La Porte, we were allowed to wander the Strand neighborhood. I noticed that many ended up at La King’s Confectionery, as did I. Well, the conclusion of a Senior Trip often includes an ice cream treat.
Frank & Kimberly DeLape - Opened their home for the reception on Friday evening Regina Aguirre Assisted with the Easter Egg Hunt Howard Main Organized the antique car show Carolyn Main Helped organize the kid’s activities for Saturday afternoon Laurie Fuller Organized the Bar-b-que dinner Diana Rodgers Acquired and set up the giant shuttle as the park centerpiece Rebecca Collins Organized the kid’s painting activity Jean Raffetto Worked on the El Lago logoed merchandise Donna Ward Organizing the Flower Power Contest Boondoggles Catered the reception on Friday and served snacks on Saturday CenterPoint Energy Financial support for the BBQ Dinner Classic Café Contributed Wine & Beer Masonic Lodge Labor to construct the stage, manage the stage and clean-up Sysco Foods Contributed the non-alcoholic drinks for Saturday Taylorcrest Association Financial support for headliner band Cartoon Sky, Mechanical Bull and Cotton Candy
Svfd Brought Out A Truck For Kids And Adults To Tour And Ask Questions
The Space Run Gold - Sean Greene Silver - John Nickodemus Bronze - Bailey Nickodemus The Most Egg’cellent Egg contest - Age Group 4-6 First Place - Summer Raymer Second Place - Evana Wagner Third Place - Trey Age Group 7 & Up First Place - Merlot Wagner Second Place - Abby Raymer Third Place - Alyssa Wilcox-Valdez Antique Car Show First - 1969 Camero SS, Owner: Scott Sanders
Mayor Emel With Double C Cookers Who Won First Place In The BBQ Cook-Off In Both The Chicken And Brisket Categories
Second - 1952 Chevrolet Business Coup, Owner: Dave Hotchkiss Bar-B-Que Cook-Off Best Brisket Winner Double C Cookers Best Chicken Winner Double C Cookers Best Margarita Winner Changes In Attitude Cookers Ed White Coloring Contest
Nikki Wyatt, Frances Rodriquez, Mary McPhee, Betty Gillespie, Barbara Post, Margie Steubing, Mary Chenevert and Joyce Donehoo
Approximately 18 Antique Vehicles Were On Display
FIRST PLACE Winners Kindergarten- Emilee DeLeon First Grade - Abby Raymer Second Grade- Emma Aguirre Third Grade- Addison Saley Fourth Grade - Abigail Parker Fifth Grade - Sabrina Saley
13th Annual Curves Food Drive Kicks Off in April
Easter Bonnets: A picture is worth a thousand words!
Curves Of La Porte Offers Incentives To Members And The Community To Donate Food And Cash To Benefit Local Food Bank
Robbie Nelson, Annie Rose, Ramona Trauer, Linda Chambers, Betty Gillespie, Mary McPhee, Mary Lee Bivin, Annette Ayers Down the Road: Tuesday, April 26, 11:00 AM Circle of Friends sing-along. Tuesday, April 26, 1:00 PM Story Time Wednesday, April 27, 1:00 PM Afternoon Sock Hop Thursday, May 5, 7:00 PM Senior Dance with Earl Epps Band Saturday, May 7, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Red Suspender’s Shrimp Boil Week of May 9-13, Senior Olympics #@Kyle Chapman Thursday, May 19, 9:00 AM Sea Center Texas bus trip
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During the month of April, Curves of La Porte will participate in the 13th Annual Curves Food Drive to collect non-perishable food and cash donations to benefit their local food bank. Current members who make a $30 donation or an equivalent donation of food are eligible to receive a Curves reusable Food Drive grocery bag. And, from April 4-17, Curves will waive the membership fee for new members who donate a bag of non-perishable food or make a minimum donation of $30. “Our goal is to top the donation that we made last year,” said a Curves of La Porte staff member. This is a great opportunity for the members of our Curves community to help strengthen the La Porte community, too. Everything that our members donate at our club will benefit local families in need.”
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In addition to the food and monetary donations that each gym collects, Curves International is offering gyms the opportunity to win cash prizes for their local food banks. Prizes will be awarded to clubs with the most food collected, clubs who beat their 2010 donation level by the largest amount and to two randomly selected clubs drawn from all the clubs who enter the contest. Curves clubs have donated more than 61 million pounds of food in the U.S. and Canada since 2004. This year’s Food Drive will get off to a strong start when Curves International founders Gary and Diane Heavin are featured on ABC Television’s inspirational new show, Secret Millionaire, airing Sunday, April 3 at 8/7c. The Curves founders’ moving episode will help Curves members understand how the Curves Food Drive is the perfect opportunity for each of them to give back to their own communities. “The past few years have been difficult for many families,” said Curves founder Diane Heavin. “Curves annual Food Drive is one way that everyone in the La Porte area can make a real difference for a local family that is struggling. We encourage everyone, not just our members or those who are thinking about joining our
gym, to make a cash donation or drop off a bag of non-perishable food items in April.” For more information about Curves of La Porte, located at 11001 Fairmont Pkwy., Suite C, and the 2011 Curves Food Drive, contact a Curves of La Porte staff member at 281504-9803 or 97PVCS6ML@ curvesmail.com. For more information about Curves, please visit www.curves.com. About Curves Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to millions of women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With thousands of locations worldwide, Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 5
55th ANNUAL SYLVAN BEACH FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011 • FESTIVAL: GATES OPEN AT 9:00AM ACTIVITIES Arts and Crafts Booths • Cook-Off • Carnival • Food Booths • Games Parade -------------------------------------------------------------10am Parade Announcements---------------------------------------------1:00pm The Convertibles---------------- -----------------------------1:00-2:30pm Intro of Miss Sylvan Beach Pageant Contestants --------------------2:30pm Janet Z ---------------------------------------------------------3-4:30pm Cook-Off Awards --------------------------------------------------4:30pm The Slags--------------------------------------------------------5-6:30pm The 55th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival, sponsored by the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2011 with gates opening at 9:00am at Sylvan Beach Park on Galveston Bay. The festival kicks off with a parade beginning at 10:00am. Activities at the park begin immediately following the parade with many exciting things to enjoy including live entertainment, food, arts & crafts booths, a carnival, cook-off, pageant, and much more. Live entertainment will be provided throughout the day. And, always exciting for the crowd, Miss Sylvan Beach 2011 will be crowned on the main stage between 6:30 and 7:30pm. Capping off the day’s festivities will be a concert featuring exciting entertainers with the Casey Donahew Band as the headliner from 10:30pm to 12 midnight and the Band of Heathens from 8:30 – 10:00pm. Admission is $5 from 9:00am-5:00pm and $10 after 5:00pm, $2 for senior citizens, and free for children 10 and under accompanied by an adult. For more information, call the La PorteBayshore Chamber of Commerce at 281-471-1123 or visit www. laportechamber.org.
6:30-7:30pm Crowning of Junior Miss and Miss Sylvan Beach 2011 Band of Heathens --------------------------------------------8:30-10:00pm Casey Donahew Band -------------------------------------- 10:30-12:00mid
OTHER FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES MISS SYLVAN BEACH BEAUTY PAGEANT & REVUE Friday, April 29, 2011; 7:00pm Sonja Angelo Theater Admission: $10.00 SYLVAN BEACH PARADE Featuring Miss Sylvan Beach Contestants - 10AM
Proudly Sponsored By
ADMISSION TO FESTIVAL: 9:00AM-5:00PM: $5 5:00PM - Midnight: $10.00 $2-Senior Citizens FREE-10 & Under W/Adult
The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce makes every effort to conduct all events scheduled or advertised, however festival management reserves the right to change or cancel any activity or event without notice. No refunds will be made, regardless of circumstances. No pets, coolers, alcoholic beverages rollerblades, skateboards, or recreational scooters may be brought onto the festival grounds.
Best Of Luck
Jordan McMillin 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
OUTDOOR EVENING CONCERT Band of Heathens - 8:30-10:00pm Casey Donahew Band - 10:30-12:00 midnight
Proud Supporters of
Abbie Robb
Chastity Laughman For Miss Sylvan Beach 2011
Proudly Sponsoring
Jaclyn Lowery 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
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Kandice Wicke 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Contestant
Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com of join us on FACEBOOK
PAGE 6
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
SYLVAN BEACH PAGEANT Proud Sponsors of
Best of Luck
Proudly Supporting
Kayla Cordova
2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Contestant
Danielle Farias Our 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
Monica Sanchez 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
Best of Luck
Best of Luck
2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
Dominique Mercado 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
Nicole O’Guinn Proudly Sponsored By
Emili McMullen 4406 Independence Parkway S. (Formerly Battleground Road)
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 479-1521
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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 7
SYLVAN BEACH PAGEANT We’re Proud To Sponsor
Kiara Brooks
Our 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate
MISS SYLVAN BEACH BEAUTY PAGEANT & REVUE
Friday, April 29, 2011 • 7:00 p.m. Sonja Angelo Theater Admission: $10.00 INTRO OF MISS SYLVAN BEACH PAGEANT CONTESTANTS
Saturday, April 30, 2011 • 2:30 p.m. Sylvan Beach
“We Maintain Fine Automobiles” 10701 West Fairmont Parkway La Porte, TX. 77571
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n o s i l l A wn o r B Miss
Proud Sponsors of
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PAGE 8
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
SYLVAN BEACH PAGEANT We Support
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For Miss Sylvan Beach 2011
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v
LA PORTE HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS
Salutes All Supporters Of The 13th Annual Steven & Brian Catalina Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament Platinum
Best of Luck
Melissa Carter
2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Candidate • Complete Electrical Services • • Reasonable Rates •
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Adams Warehouse & Delivery C S & H Inc. Gorden Westergren Interflote-USA Oates Industries Plumbers Local Union No. 68 Tamlyn Wells Fargo-La Porte, Jodie Havens
Silver A+ Band Instrument Repair-Deer Park Amegy Bank La Porte, James W. Prickett Band Central Station-Alvin Centrifuge Repair & Engineering Coastal Exterminating Co., Inc. Compton’s Florist Daniel T. Winter Dynamic Laboratories, Inc
James & Sylvia Tempel Lloyd & Kim Graham Main Properties Sergio & Milly Castillo Southwest Corrugated Box Spinks Medical Associates Zemanek Marine Services, Inc.
Team Business Sponsors Action Box, Centrifuge Repair & Engineering, CME Printing, MG Sales & Marketing, New Process Steel, Oates Industries, Texas Trade & Technology, Inc.
La Porte High School Band Boosters recently held their 13th Annual Steven & Brian Catalina Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament at Bay Forest Golf Course-La Porte. Pictured to left is the winning team of Chuck Engelken, Mayor Louis Rigby, Kyle Hunter and Walter Hunter. Second place went to the team pictured on the right of Phil Woods, Steve Phillips, Jeff Brown and Joe Don Hill.
Best of Luck To
Nicole Peake 2011 Miss Sylvan Beach Contestant
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Contributors Beacon Federal Credit Union Beyond Beaute, Deer Park Brady Insurance Agency Express Industries Gringo’s-La Porte HEB Deer Park HEB Fairmont Parkway Ichi-Ban Trophy & Engraving
Main Street Embroidery Office Max Fairmont Parkway Tamlyn Thomas Revak TSA Trading Vesco Business Products Winning Reflections
GRANT: Wal-Mart, Deer Park We express our sincere gratitude to the Catalina Family, Bay Forest Golf Course, our sponsors, contributors, team participants and team sponsors for their support. We also thank all our supporters throughout the entire La Porte Independent School District. Over $7,300.00 was raised for band student scholarships.
La Porte High School Band Boosters salute Wal-Mart, Deer Park, for their $1,000.00 grant towards their 13th Annual Steven & Brian Catalina Scholarship Golf Tournament fundraiser held April 16th at Bay Forest Golf Course-La Porte. Pictured (left to right) Micah Guajardo, Chris Kimball, Emily Gonzales, Andrew Mueller, Thomas Lara.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 9
ELECTION NEWS Seabrook City Elections
La Porte City Elections
Kemah City Elections
The city will hold a regular election on Saturday, May 14, 2011 for the positions of Mayor and Council Positions 2, 4 and 6 for three (3) year terms expiring in May, 2014. There will also be a special election to allow voters to vote for or against Proposition 1 “The adoption of the police officers’ civil service law.”
Election Day- May 14, 2011- Polling Locations 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
City of Kemah Election Information
REGISTERING TO VOTE
Voting/Polling Location #1 Located at Baker Sixth Grade Campus 9800 Spencer Hwy. (Spencer Hwy @Underwood; enter off Spencer Hwy) Districts 1, 2, 3 & 6 vote at this location
You must be registered to vote in Harris County with a City of Voting/Polling Location #2 Seabrook address to vote in the Seabrook municipal election to Located at La Porte City Hall Council Chambers be held on May 14, 2011. If you have recently moved to Sea604 W. Fairmont Parkway brook from another state or another county in Texas or from anDistricts 4 & 5 vote at this location other address in Harris County, you must complete a new Harris Look for information on your City Water/Sewer Bill indicatCounty voter registration application and report your Seabrook ing which Council District you reside in. address. If you wish to vote in the May election, the final day Visit the City website for voting information at www. to register to vote or to change your address is April 14, 2011. laportetx.gov. Contact the City Secretary’s Office at 281-470Harris County voter registration application forms are available 5019 for further information or clarification on where to vote. at city hall. You may also download a voter registration form or check to see if you are registered to vote at www.tax.co.harris. CITY OF LA PORTE CANDIDATES tax.us/or you may call Harris County Voter Registration at 713At-Large B 368-VOTE (8683). Dottie Kaminski Les Bird EARLY VOTING BY MAIL Charles “HeavyFed” Gilliam Rick Guzman Seabrook voters who are 65 years or older or who are disabled may vote early by mail for the May 14, 2011 city election. In District 1 addition, any Seabrook voter who will be absent from Harris Mike Mosteit County for the entire period of early voting (May 2 -May 10) and on Election Day (May 14) may also apply to vote by mail. Please District 6 Charles Rothmund call (281) 291-5736 or 5663 to request an application to vote Mike Clausen early by mail. If you are voting early due to absence from Harris County, the application for ballot by mail must be mailed from a PROPOSITION – FOR OR AGAINST location outside of Harris County and we can only send the ballot to an address outside of Harris County. Voters who apply to vote The creation of the La Porte Fire Control, Prevention and early by mail due to age or disability, may mail the application Emergency Medical Services District dedicated to fire safety and from Seabrook and we can send the ballot to your Seabrook ad- emergency medical services and the adoption of a proposed local dress. The deadline for delivering an application in person to the sales and use tax at a rate of one-fourth of one percent (0.25%) city secretary’s office is Friday, April 29, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. The Early Voting Dates deadline for receiving an application by mail is Friday, May 6, Early Voting by personal appearance 2011 at 5:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 604 W. Fairmont Parkway Early voting schedule: • Monday, May 2, 7:30 am -5:00 pm upstairs in Room 204 • Tuesday, May 3, 7:30 am –5:00 pm • Wednesday, May 4, 7:30 am –5:00 pm • Thursday, May 5, 7:30 am –5:00 pm • Friday, May 6, 8:00 am –5:00 pm • Saturday, May 7, 9:00 am –11:00 pm • Monday, May 9, 7:30 am –7:30 pm • Tuesday, May 10 , 7:00 am –7:00 pm • Election Day –Saturday, May 14, 7:00 am-7:00 pm downstairs in City Hall Last day to request an application to vote by mail is May 6, 2011. This is not a postmark date, but the actual date received in the City Secretary’s office.
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Monday May 2, 2011 through Tuesday, May 10, 2011 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Matt Wiggins (I) Bob Cummins City Council Position 2 Gerald Looper Pat Buchanan (I) Dyana Babik City Council Position 4 Beverly Helms Wayne Rast (I) Early Voting begins, Monday, May 2nd and ends Tuesday, May 10th at Kemah City Hall. Early Voting hours: Monday, May 2nd – Thursday, May 5th 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 6th 8 a.m. – Noon Monday, May 9th & Tuesday, May 10th 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Election Day is Saturday, May 14th voting is at Kemah City Hall from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Be sure to bring your voter registration card or a picture ID.
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PAGE 10
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
EDUCATION LPISD La Porte ISD Credit By Exam Schedule LPISD will conduct Credit by Exams, without prior instruction, at the LPISD Administration building or the appropriate campus on June 6-7, 2011. These exams will be administered at no cost to the student. Students may pick up registration forms from their home campus beginning April 8, 2011. Completed forms, including parent signature, must be returned to their campus counselor by 3:00 on April 20th. Students will receive confirmation of scheduled testing by mail prior to the test date. If you have questions please call the LPISD Curriculum Dept. at 281-6047035 or your child’s school counselor.
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE San Jacinto College Science Labs Belong To Genoa Elementary Students For A Day
Exámenes para Crédito del Distrito Escolar Independiente de La Porte Las escuelas de LPISD conducirán los Exámenes para Crédito, sin instrucción anterior, en el edificio de la administración del distrito o en la escuela apropiada el 6-7 de junio 2011. Estos exámenes serán administrados sin ningún costo al estudiante. Los estudiantes pueden pedir las formas de registro en la oficina de Jacqueline Marin, fourth-grader from Genoa Elementary School, su escuela empezando el 8 de abril 2010. Las formas, incluyendo firma del padre, deben ser entregadas a la oficina de la escuela dips a rose into liquid nitrogen alongside San Jacinto College science el 20 de abril antes de las 3:00 PM. Los estudiantes recibirán lab supervisor Ruben Ramirez. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department. confirmación y la fecha para el examen por correo antes del día Genoa Elementary School students recently participated in a del examen. Si tiene algunas preguntas por favor llame al Departamento de Currículo de LPISD a 281-604-7035 o la oficina de la series of science projects at San Jacinto College Central. The fourth-graders made shrinky dinks, slime, butterflies from consejera de la escuela de su hijo/hija. coffee filters, gak, lip gloss, and skewered balloons. They also measured acidity levels and created chemical reactions in a bag. The half-day event was hosted by the campus’ department of science, under the direction of Dr. Ann Cartwright.
La Porte Elementary Fun Run
San Jacinto College (SJC) sophomore Nicole Andrade has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XIV softball player of the week. This is the third conference player of the week honor for San Jac softball this season. The 5-3 outfielder from Houston (Dobie HS) hit .700 last week, going seven for 10 with two doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBI, while scoring six runs. On the season, Andrade is hitting .406 behind 54 hits including 11 doubles, one triple, and seven home runs. San Jac (37-17) closes out the 2011 season on the road with games at Blinn on Wednesday, April 20 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and at Lamar State-Port Arthur on Wednesday, April 27 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The 2011 Region XIV tournament will be held May 6 – 9 Two-year-old Jacob Daniel Vincent was one of the youngest en- at Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. For more information about the San Jacinto College softball trants in the March 26 Fun Run to raise funds for the La Porte program, please visit www.sanjacsports.com. Elementary School playground.
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curves.com
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On Monday, April 25, 2011, the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees approved a school lunch increase of $.05 for the 20112012 school year. According to Child Nutrition Director Fred Walker, “This is the first time in 10 years CCISD has raised rates and it’s only because a change in federal guidelines mandates we charge more. This is not a local decision.” Every four years the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act of 1946 must be reauthorized. It was most recently reauthorized and signed into law in December of 2010. All school districts participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program must follow the new guidelines in order to receive funding. Effective July 1, 2011, schools are required to charge students for paid meals at a price that is on average equal to the difference between free meal reimbursement and paid meal reimbursement. The new price for meals at CCISD elementary campuses will be $1.80. At the intermediate and high schools lunch will cost $2.05. The increase will not go into effect until August 2011.
COLLEGE OF THE MAINLAND COM Brings International Flavors to Texas City
Traditional dance from Africa is performed for the crowd at the COM International Festival in 2010.
Third player of the week honor for San Jacinto College this season
1 MILLION WOMEN STRONGER
New Federal Guidelines Increase Cost Of School Lunches
Andrade Named Region XIV Softball Player Of The Week
La Porte Elementary School physical education teacher Faustino Ceyanes visits with Scott Stagg, left, and Bradley Ojeda during the La Porte Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization’s Fun Run on March 26. The Fun Run was held in honor of Ceyanes, who is retiring this year after 40 years as “Coach” at the campus. The purpose of the event was to raise funds for new playground equipment at La Porte Elementary.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD
CCISD
000-000-0000 000-000-0000 000-000-0000 000-000-0000 000-000-0000 281-504-9803 11001Local Fairmont Pkwy Suite C Address Local AddressLocal Address Local Address Address Local LaPorte, Texas 77571 Local AddressLocal AddressLocal AddressLocal AddressLocal Address
The international flavors of Vietnam, India, Mexico, Japan, Belize, South Africa and other countries will be showcased at College of the Mainland’s annual International Festival, Friday, April 29, at 6 p.m. in the COM Gymnasium. In addition to exhibits about the people and cultures of various countries, entertainment will be provided by Golden Peacock School of Dance, the Czech Heritage Singers and Dancers, Toc May Dance Group, an Egyptian Belly Dancer, Keiki Tropical Rhythms, Anjali Performing Arts, Bushi Ban Martial Arts, Ballet Folklorico “Fiesta Mexicana: de Texas City, Native American dancers and many other dancers and performers. There will also be food from around the world. The public is invited to come out on April 29 to enjoy the college’s annual celebration of the many cultures that contribute to the diversity of Texas and Galveston County. Admission is free. For more information, contact Tillie Henson at 409-933-8205.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 11
43RD ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE FLEET 43rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet Weekend April 29, 30 & – May 1
The 43rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held Sunday May 1 at 2:00 p.m. on the Clear Creek Channel along the Kemah Boardwalk. The ‘Blessing’ will include Shrimp Boats and Pleasure Boats that will be colorfully decorated and will file past the Cadillac Authentic Mexican Restaurant where they will be blessed by the officiating priest and minister. The main focus on this year’s blessing is to bring awareness to the local shrimpers who where directly affected by Hurricane Ike. The celebration goes beyond the beautifully decorated boats; it is and event that also recognizes the importance of the shrimp fishermen and the seafood industry to our local community and economy. Boat owners of all types and sizes are invited to enter the parade, decorate their boats and receive a blessing. Sponsorships for the fishing vessels are available. Commercials vessels will compete for cash prizes and pleasure craft will compete for trophies. An Awards Ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on the stage of the Boardwalk events plaza. Although entries will be accepted the day of the
event, early registration is appreciated. Bring family and friends to witness the festive occasion as the colorful crews parade down the channel celebrating this time honored tradition. Chairman Tom Hults stated, “Whether you enter your boat or just enjoy the parade, this is one event that you won’t want to miss!” The Kemah Gumbo Cook-Off in conjunction with the Blessing of the Fleet activities will take place Saturday, April 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at parking lot the Kemah Visitor Center. Judging is at 5:00 p.m. For team information and cook-off registration call Sherry Tinerella at 713-907-0419. The public is invited to purchase gumbo from the teams. A Kemah Music Festival will kick-off the Blessing of the Fleet activities starting Friday night with Rock Music Night with The Navigators on April 29 at 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the Kemah Visitor Center parking lot on Bradford Street. The music will start again at Saturday, April 30, with Country Music Night starting at 3:00 p.m with the band Toucan then headliner Chad Ware until 11:00 p.m. The 2nd Annual Bluegrass Festival will start Sunday, May 1, from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. “Jammers” are welcome. There is no admission for this family event For more information on the Blessing of Fleet, the Boat Parade, Gumbo Cook-Off, the Kemah Music Festival or to be a vendor call Domino Taylor at the Kemah Visitor Center, 281-3343182. Log on to the City of Kemah website for lodging accommodations www.kemah. tx-gov. For information on entering your boat in the Blessing of the Fleet boat entry, contact Tom Hults at 713-545-5246.“Stay and Play on Galveston Bay!”
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The Bay Area Observer
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Classifieds!
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editor@ bayareaobserver .com
of join us on
281-907-3140 or email us at
City of La Porte seeking
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Some experience in Therapeutic Recreation, some college level or continued education in recreation social work or physical education desirable. Applications are located at www.laportetx.gov and must be submitted to
Human Resources at 604 W. Fairmont Pkwy.
PAGE 12
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2010
IN THE GARDEN Open Faux Snapdragon’ Superstar Can Thrive in Texas Heat Garden Day You are invited to tour the working and demonstration gardens maintained by the Harris County Master Gardeners at Precinct 2.Master Gardenerswill be on hand to answer your gardening questions during this free event.Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.Free and open to the public. By Robert Burns AgriLife Extension Service
The new Texas Superstar plant, Agelonia Serena, is often called a summer snapdragon. But it’s not really a snapdragon, and that’s a good thing, said a Texas AgriLife Research horticulturist. Agelonia Serena has showy flowers that more imaginative gardeners say resemble the mouth of a dragon, as do real snapdragons. But Angelonia Serena is of a different genus, said Dr. Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research horticulturist and chair of the Texas Superstar executive board. “And there’s more difference between the genera than just the name,” Pemberton said. “Snapdragons are considered a cool-season plant, at least for our climate, but Angelonia is a South American native and can tolerate the Texas heat well.” As with all Superstar designated plants, Angelonia Serena was selected after extensive tests at Overton, Lubbock, San Antonio and College Station by AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulturists. To be designated a Superstar, a plant must not just be beautiful but also perform well for consumers and growers throughout Texas, Pemberton said. Superstars must also be easy to propagate, which should ensure the plants are not only widely available throughout Texas but also are reasonably priced. For Angelonia Serena, the availability/price stipulation should particularly hold true because of the way it’s grown, Pemberton said. “The Serena series from PanAmerican Seed is the first to be grown from seed instead of cuttings,” he said. “In the past, the varieties that were available commercially were grown from rooted cuttings – vegetatively propagated.” Root cuttings are often used because is it a quicker way to get a new variety or series to commercial growers and to consumers, he said. Typically, a seed company will make a few promising selections from thousands of crosses. These candidates will be propagated from cuttings on a large scale, and cut-
tings from these large-scale propagations will be sold as plugs to commercial growers. The time from final selections to market is very critical. The bedding plant industry is highly competitive, both for seed companies wanting to capture markets and for commercial growers wanting to supply the newest and most hardy plants to consumers, Pemberton explained. “Developing seed typically takes years, so it’s more common to go with propagation from rooted cuttings to get something out the door quickly,” he said. However, once a seed crop is developed from a new series, it is less labor intensive and therefore cheaper for commercial bedding plant companies to grow. These savings are usually passed onto the consumer, Pemberton said. Angelonia Serena was available in early April in many home gardening centers, he said. It can be planted outside in home landscapes in the spring after danger of frost has passed. For most of Texas, planting should be safe now. For the High Plains, Pemberton recommended waiting until late April. From AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension tests, Angelonia Serena thrived in all Texas locations, “from the hot, humid summers of East and Central Texas to the hot, dry days of the High Plains,” the Superstar board members noted in their official report. “This popular summer annual puts on a nonstop show of flowers during the summer season,” the board members noted. “And it flowers more reliably than varieties grown from cuttings. Seed is available in white, purple, lavender, lavender-pink and mixes. They branch well without pinching and grow to about 12 to 18 inches tall in full sun. They are drought tolerant but need regular moisture. Shearing is not necessary but can be used to rejuvenate flowering. They can be used in the front of the border, as a ground cover, or even in mixed containers.” Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by Texas AgriLife Research. More information about the Texas Superstar program can be found at http://texassuperstar.com.
When: Monday, May 16, 9-10:30 am Where: Genoa Friendship Garden, 1202 Genoa-Red Bluff, Houston, TX77034 For more information visit our web site at:http://harris-tx.tamu.edu.hort
Green Thumb
Gardening Series Dr. Anthony Camerino, County Extension Agent for Horticulture, will speak on Landscape Pests and Diseases. These lectures are free and open to the public. When:Tuesday,May 10, 2011, 6:30-9 pm Where:The Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the lake side), 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, TX77586.For more information visit our website at:http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort/greenthumb.htm
Master Gardener Lecture Series
Barry Schlueter, Master Hybridizer, will speak on “Hibiscus Culture and Breeding.”Learn how exotic hibiscus are bred and their cultural requirements in the greater Houston area. This lecture is free and open to the public. When:Wednesday,May 18, 2011, 10 a.m. Where:The Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park (on the lakeside),5001 NASA Parkway,Seabrook, TX77586. For more information visit our website at:http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort
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www.baytown.org/piratesbay This ad was paid for using funds from the City of Baytown’s Hotel/Motel Tax (HOT). PB 5.305x5 2011.indd 1
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