The Bay Area Observer Community News For The Galveston Bay Area www.bayareaobserver.com
By The Bay 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
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
VOLUME 2, NO. 21
Bob Cummins Takes Oath As Kemah’s New Mayor By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
On Tuesday, May 24th, Kemah residents gathered in city hall and watched as Bob Cummins was sworn in as their new mayor followed by a small reception for supporters and well-wishers. Cummins beat incumbent mayor Matt Wiggins by 58 votes during the very heated election season in Kemah. Wiggins has recently been the target of a smear campaign by a leading network media organization who questioned everything from his real estate dealings to voter intimidation. As of yet, none of those allegations have been proven, but the negativity surrounding this election could have been a factor in his defeat. In a statement issued to the Bay Area Observer earlier in the election season, Cummins expressed a desire to redirect the focus of Kemah. He stated in his candidates statement, “I made the decision to run for mayor, because I believe that Kemah is at a critical impasse. I want to redirect the focus of the city back to the needs and wants of its residents. I want to resolve the issues that matter to you: public safety, commercial encroachment, traffic control, and more efficient use of our city services. I want to see the right balance of thoughtful development. I operate a local trucking company, which gives me first-hand experience in dealing with a struggling economy while adhering to a budget and managing people. I believe
Bob Cummins Took The Oath Of Office And Is Now Officially The Mayor Of Kemah. Cummins Is Shown Here With His Certificate of Election
La Porte Candidates Clausen And Mosteit Sworn In For Another Term
my business sense will prove invaluable at city hall. You can expect an opendoor policy from me. Having a direct line of communication to the residents is the most important key to being an effective mayor. I care what you think”.
Seaside Garden Club Monthly Meeting Carother’s Coastal Gardens in Seabrook 3rd Weds. - 2:30 pm Your thumb doesn’t need to be green to come to Seaside Garden Club’s monthly meeting on the third Wednesday of every month at 12:30 pm at the beautiful new Carother’s Coastal Gardens Wedding and Event location, 502 Pine Gully Rd in Seabrook. If you want to help beautify Seabrook, meet new people, and learn new things, then come check us out. The next meeting is May 18th at 12:30. We are excited about hosting David Cater, an actual Texas bamboo farmer and story teller who will be presenting a program on growing bamboo and vegetables and more. This is sure to be a fun experience for all. For more information call D. Nelson 281-474-4825 or S. Thompson 281-291-0472
Its VBS Time Again Creekmont Baptist Church June 13th-17th 6:30pm-8:30pm Home town Nazareth. Where Jesus was a kid. Creekmont Baptist Church, 401 Myrtle Creek, La Porte, 281-470-1176. Ages: 4 yrs -6th grade. Times: 6:30pm-8:30pm. June 13th17th. Come join us to see where Jesus grew up, play bible games, and create fun crafts.
Vacation Bible School Bayshore Baptist Church July 25-29 - Noon to 3 All children, ages 4 through 5th grade, are invited to join us at Bayshore Baptist Church July 25-29 from noon to 3:00 pm for VBS 2011, the Big Apple Adventure. There will be inspiring Bible stories, challenging crafts, exciting music, yummy snow cones, & thrilling recreation. A
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See more photos on page 3
Inside Community..........................2 Crossword............................2 Local News.......................3-4 LPISD Newsletter............5-8 On The Water......................9 Classifieds..........................11 In The Garden..................12 Cuisine...............................12
Teresa Vazquez-Evans, Tom Holt, Domino Taylor, Wendy Pierce, Melissa Beach, Carol McCant and Heather Hardwick Attend The Reception Welcoming Bob Cummins To His Newly Elected Position As Kemah’s New Mayor
BayDay - A Hands On Lesson On Our Most Valuable Asset
Judge Denise Mitrano Administers The Oath of Office To Mike Clausen, District 6 and Mike Mosteit, District 1 By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
On Monday, May 23rd During the meeting city council also approved by unanimous vote an Ordinance declaring the results of the creation and tax election of the La Porte Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District held in the City of La Porte on May 14, 2011, adopting a one-fourth of one percent sales and use tax for financing the operation of the La Porte Fire Control, Prevention, and Emergency Medical Services District within the territory of the District. Mike Clausen, Councilman for District 6, and Mike Mosteit, Councilman for District 1 were administered the oath of office by Municipal Court Judge Denise Mitrano. Afterwards, Mayor Louis Rigby issued the certificates of election to the councilmen. Mosteit ran unopposed, while Clausen defeated challenger Charles Rothmund for re-election to his position on council. La Porte resident Phillip Hoot expressed concern during the public hearing portion of the meeting about the proposed Safety Town. He said, “A book had come out and there was an quarter page or half page ad for Safety Town in there. It says that it was brought to us by Emergency Management District. Well, I think that’s the same people who just got the half a percent sales tax. And I definitely don’t want to see the sales tax used to pay for Safety Town”. He also stated that he was concerned that the people on the steering committee are all city employees. He said, “I later found out that this is a city sponsored event, all the meetings are held on city time, all the employees are getting paid, all the paperwork are done at city expense. The only thing that has been volunteer is the architectural service. Again, I don’t have anything against Safety Town but they were just awarded a $50,000 grant, and I think we need to make sure that we set up a charge account fund for this $50,000”. A Galveston Bay Foundation Volunteer Demonstrates How Oyster Reefs The consent agenda was passed unanimously and included the approval or other Are Being Restored In The Galveston Bay System. action authorizing staff to request proposals from project consultants as discussed and approved by the Drainage Committee, for drainage infrastructure improveBy Rebecca Collins ments, and approval regarding an Ordinance changing the name of that editor@bayareaobserver.com portion of East E Street, from San Jacinto Street to Arizona Street, to Evelyn KenGalveston Bay Foundation hosted its annual Bay Day event on Saturday at the Ke- nedy Boulevard. Council Member John Black was absent. mah Boardwalk. As in previous years this is a popular family festival among locals and The City of La Porte will hold a runoff election on June 11 for At-Large Posivisitors alike. More than 7000 attended this year, and the organization had more than tion B between Dottie M. Kaminski and Rick Guzman. Kaminski and Guzman 150 volunteers helping out. received the most votes in the May 14 election, but neither had enough vote to be Visitors were treated to an array of educational exhibits which included a scaven- declared the winner. Early voting begins May 31 and continues through June 7. Continued on page 5
ABC COMPUTER SERVICES - 24 X 7 Business-Residential PC-Laptop-Server Networks - Xbox-TV Repairs-Security Camera Home Theater Installs
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PAGE 2
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
COMMUNITY Sundays in Nature Series at Armand Bayou Nature Center Join us at Armand Bayou Nature Center on June 19th from 1pm – 3pm. Our “Sundays in Nature” series, “Life in the Prairie” will feature a traveling Prairie Exhibit, an interpretive hay ride (weather permitting) and insect sweep netting and identification. Admission to Sundays in Nature is $4 for adults and $2 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 or visit our website at abnc.org. Sundays in Nature is sponsored by Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. Registration for ECO-CAMP is in full swing. Let your kids experience the outdoors during our week long summer day camp for children ages 4-13. For details visit our website at abnc.org or call 281 474 2551.
1st Annual Kids Health & Safety Day Total Bodywork June 4, 2011
Bring your family out for a day of fun & excitement! This kid friendly event will have LOTS of activities including free spinal screenings/scoliosis checks, martial arts demonstration, dental information, vision screening, pet adoption, police car, fire truck, finger printing kits (limited number), skeleton race and many more fun activities and FREE games! Location: 1018 Hercules Avenue, Houston 77058 Time: 11a.m.-2p.m. Admission Cost: FREE Phone: 281-480-7000
Oh, No,
it’s the Big 5-0!
Happy Birthday Mike Ralston!! From your loving family and friends
Upcoming Discussion: Oysters And Reef Restoration In Galveston Bay Please join us on Thursday, June 9th, for an evening of discussion about oysters and oyster reef restoration in Galveston Bay. This public meeting and community outreach event will be held at 6:30pm at the Jimmie Walker Community Center in Kemah, Texas. Experts from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Coastal
Fisheries office and staff from the Galveston Bay Foundation will be presenting. Topics to be addressed will include: current community-based oyster reef restoration projects, the status of Galveston Bay oyster reefs, benefits of reefs, concerns about restoration, and how to get involved. All are welcome to attend!
Seaside Garden Club To Meet At Maas Nursery On June 15th Seaside Garden Club is meeting next month on June 15 that 12:30 pm at Maas Nursery to hear Jim Maas give a presentation on Landscaping Design and then adjourn to our regular meeting spot: Carother’s Coastal Gardens for our
monthly raffle drawing The Flower Pot and Birthday Party meeting. We are 1 year old… look at us grow. Hope to see many new faces. For more, call D. Nelson 281-474-4825, or S. Thompson 281-291-0472.
A Summer At Champions® Is A Summer Of Fun! All year, Champions Extended Learning offers after-school education-based programs at College Park, Jennie Reid, Heritage, Bayshore, Lomax and Rizzuto Elementary. But in the summer, Champions becomes a super-fun destination for kids in kindergarten through 6th grade. This year Champions will offer a summer program at Rizzuto Elementary! With up to 10 unique weeks of camp themes, totally different than the school-year programs, Champions will keep your child engaged and delighted all summer long.
Designed to be fun for kids and convenient for grown-ups, every day starts a new activity and every week starts a new theme, kids can stay for the whole summer or come as often as is convenient for their parent’s summer schedule. Hours of operation:7 am – 6:30 pm. Cost: $22 per day. To find out more or to register visit:www.DiscoverChampions.com or call 800-350-5034. THIS ORGANIZATION AND ITS ACTIVITIES ARE NOT RELATED TO OR SPONSORED BY THE LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hurricane Preparedness Workshop June 4th, Pasadena Convention Center Hurricane season is just around the corner. We invite you to join us at the Southeast Harris County Hurricane Preparedness Workshop on Saturday, June 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. Bring your friends and family to learn how you can become better prepared for hurricane season. There will be many informational booths at the workshop regarding hurricane preparedness and general health and safety. A special presentation on the 2011 Hurricane Season will be given at 1:00 p.m. by Tim Heller, Chief Meteo-
rologist for Channel 13. This event is free and open to the public. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided by the Southeast Regional Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), while supplies last. Many door prizes will be given away throughout the event. This workshop is a great event for the whole family. We hope you will join us and help your family become better prepared for hurricane season. For more information, contact the La Porte Office of Emergency Management at 281-470-0010, or visit our website at www.lpoem.org.
30th Annual Juneteenth Celebration 2011 Schedule of Events Hosted By: La Porte Community Civic Club
LAREDO’S TEX-MEX CAFE Serving homemade Mexican food in the Bay Area since 1969
Homemade Tortillas Fresh Local Seafood Old Family Recipes
2119 Bayport Blvd.
For To-Go Orders Call 281-291-8080
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 - 8:00 Sunday - Closed
(Hwy. 146)
Seabrook, Tx. 77586
www.eatatlaredos.com
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Health Fair (Time to be announced) Location: Jenny Riley Civic Center (North 4th Street) Contact Charlie Perry for more details at 713-398-8782
Friday, June 17th, 2011
Meet and Mingle (6pm-8pm) • Meet our pageant contestants Location: Jenny Riley Civic Center (North 4th Street) Contact Nakia Moore for more details at 832-605-3898
Old School Baseball Game (6pm-8pm)
• Everyone is welcomed Location: Deotis Gay Softball Field (North 4th Street) Contact Nicole Wells for more details at 832-722-0739
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Looking For A New
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Bring or mention this ad and receive a free breakfast
SUNDAY 8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I • 9:00 am Breakfast 9:30 am Christian Education • 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II 12:00 pm Coffee Hour and Fellowship WEDNESDAY 6:00 pm Healing Service with Holy Communion 6:45 pm Adult Bible Study and Youth Programs (K-5 & 6-12)
815 South Broadway • La Porte • 281-471-0383 www.stjohns-laporte.org
Kingdom Security, LLC Commercial & Industrial Security Integrators • Access Control • Burglar Alarms • CCTV
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Ye Olde Clocke Shoppe
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Sales & Service 281-554-2781 • 800-606-TIME Fax: 281-557-2431
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Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com of join us on
Juneteenth Parade (10am-12pm)
Location: Starting at La Porte Elementary and finishing at North 8th Street
Picnic Lunch (12pm – Until)
Location: Jenny Riley Civic Center and Park (North 4th Street)
Juneteenth Pageant (12:30pm – 3:30pm) • Little Mr. And Miss Juneteenth • Jr. Miss Juneteenth • Miss Juneteenth Location: Deotis Gay Softball Field (North 4th Street)
Concerts:
Sponsored by the City of La Porte (3:30pm-9:30pm) • Step Rideau and The Zydeco Outlaws (3:30pm-5:30pm) • Texas Johnny Boy Blues and R&B (6:30pm-9:30pm) Location: 5 Points Town Plaza Park on Broadway and Main Please come out and join us at 5 Points Town Plaza after the Juneteenth Parade and Pageant. There will be lots of food, vendor booths, and a fantastic car show during the wonderful music entertainment we have lined up. Contact Sherry Lowe for more details at 281-222-4432.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
24 Hour Service
1405 West Main (518) League City, TX. 77573
Morning Coffee (8am-9:30pm) Location: 5 Points Town Plaza Park on Broadway and Main
Sunday Service “Happy Father’s Day” (3pm-5pm) Location: Jenny Riley Civic Center (North 4th Street) Contact Charlie Perry for more details at 713-398-8782
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
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
By The Bay Continued from page 1
lunch will be served before VBS at 11:30 am every day for registered VBS kids. Reservations for lunch MUST be made by July 18. Cost for lunch is $5 per child for the entire week. All other VBS activities are free. Sign up online today at www.bayshorebc.org or contact the church office at 281471-0332 for more information. We hope to see your kids at the Big Apple Adventure: Where Faith and Life Connect!
Vacation Bible School First Baptist ChurchCynde Sonnier June 12-16 - 6:00 p.m Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of La Porte will begin Sunday, June 12 thru Thursday, June 16, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Call 281-471-0338 for information or go to our Website at WWW.firstlaporte.org to register. 310 S. Broadway, La Porte, TX. 6:00 p.m. Contact Mary Morgan at 281-471-0338
BLOOD DRIVE La Porte Community Church June 6th, 2011 3:00 pm ˆ 8:00 pm 202 South First and A St. La Porte, TX 77571. Monday, June 6th, 2011, 3:00 pm ˆ 8:00 pm. For more information, call Betty Thompson, 281-470-9600 or the church office, 281-471-0303 or email: bthompson58@att.net
Have A Community Event Coming Up? Let Us Know!
281-907-3140
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 3
LOCAL NEWS OBITUARIES SHEPHERD Alvin Russell “Rusty” Shepherd, Jr., 56, of La Porte passed away Friday May 20, 2011. He was born February 22, 1955 in Pasadena, Texas to Marguerite and Alvin Russell Shepherd, Sr. He was a La Porte High School graduate in 1973 and later attended San Jacinto College and the University of Houston. Rusty was a member of First United Methodist Church, La Porte Police Officers Association, and La Porte Rotary Club. He was named Rotarian of the year in 2010. He was an accomplished musician playing the piano and organ in most all area churches. He is survived by cousins Marjorie Shepherd Nelson and Dick, O.R. Arnold,
Jr., and other cousins Dale and Bill Summers, Richard and Tricia Nelson, and Evelyn and Wyeth Weideman. A memorial service will be held Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 2PM at First United Methodist Church in La Porte. There will be a private family graveside service. In lieu of usual remembrances donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Neighborhood Centers of La Porte, and the La Porte Rotary Club.
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NASA Concludes Attempts to Contact Mars Rover Spirit
Residential • Commercial • Industrial New Construction • Remodels • Repairs • Panel Upgrades Maintenance • Emergencies • Generators • Wastewater
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www.laportevision.com An artist’s concept portrays a NASA Mars Exploration Rover on the surface of Mars. Two rovers have been built for 2003 launches and January 2004 arrival at two sites on Mars. Each rover has the mobility and toolkit to function as a robotic geologist. NASA is ending attempts to regain contact with the long-lived Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, which last communicated on March 22, 2010. A transmission that will end on Wednesday, May 25, will be the last in a series of attempts. Extensive communications activities during the past 10 months also have explored the possibility that Spirit might reawaken as the solar energy available to it increased after a stressful Martian winter without much sunlight. With inadequate energy to run its survival heaters, the rover likely experienced colder internal temperatures last year than in any of its prior six years on Mars. Many critical components and connections would have been susceptible to damage from the cold.
Engineers’ assessments in recent months have shown a very low probability for recovering communications with Spirit. Communications assets that have been used by the Spirit mission in the past, including NASA’s Deep Space Network of antennas on Earth, plus two NASA Mars orbiters that can relay communications, now are needed to prepare for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission. MSL is scheduled to launch later this year. “We’re now transitioning assets to support the November launch of our next generation Mars rover, Curiosity,” said Dave Lavery, NASA’s program executive for solar system exploration. “However, while we no longer believe there is a realistic probability of hearing from Spirit,
the Deep Space Network may occasionally listen for any faint signals when the schedule permits.” Spirit landed on Mars on Jan. 3, 2004, for a mission designed to last three months. After accomplishing its prime-mission goals, Spirit worked to accomplish additional objectives. Its twin, Opportunity, continues active exploration of Mars. For more information on the Mars rovers, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/rovers or http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Exploration Rover Project and Mars Science Laboratory for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington.
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Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com of join us on FACEBOOK
PAGE 4
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
AROUND TOWN Ed White Elementary Gets New Running Track Thanks To The Generosity Of Local Businesses And Volunteers By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
The Mileage Club at Ed White Elementary now has something new under their feet. A new track was installed on Saturday to help make running towards their goals a little more convenient. Thanks to local businesses and volunteers, the school now boasts a new 1/4 mile, 6 foot wide running track. On Saturday, May 21st, volunteers came out in force to lend a hand on the project. Texas Lawn & Sprinkler prepared the area un-
Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal and Joel Powers of Seabrook Rotary Serve Up Lunch To Volunteers
Thanks To Local Businesses And Volunteers, The New Track Was Finished In Record Time.
John Carr, owner of Sculptured Earth, Inc. gets Help From His Daughters and Friends
der the track during the week before by scalping the grass and creating an area free from grass and weeds. T & T Construction, along with the PTA volunteers, students and other organizations built the track in record time. Among the many businesses and organizations that lent their time and services were Gulf Coast Limestone, Inc, Texas Lawn & Sprinkler Co.,
Stevan deLeon of Mustang Cat, Clear Lake Fitness Club, and Sculptured Earth Inc. McDonald’s of Seabrook was gracious enough to donate drinking cups, and the Seabrook Rotary provided food and refreshments for volunteers. Mileage Club is a program that Ed White coaches, Coach Fortenberry and Coach Lindley
started to encourage kids to run. Students can run during PE, recess and during school sponsored fun runs. They earn charms for every 5 miles they run. On April 29th to celebrate their hard work in the Mileage Club. Robby Saban, race director for Seabrook Luck Trails Marathon donated t-shirts and medals to 137 students who were honored during a ceremony at the school. Each student 26.2 miles, which totals 3,590 miles this year. With the completion of the new track, students in the Mileage club as well as others will be able to run their required miles with ease.
BayDay - A Hands On Lesson On Galveston Bay
Continued from page 1
ger hunt, demonstrations, games, animal exhibits, interactive exhibits and live entertainment. Many local companies and organizations get involved and exhibit their services. Among them were Armand Bayou Nature Center, Baytown Nature Center, TPWD, GBEP, TCEQ, GBF, and many others. The goal of this family friendly educational festival is to educate children and adults how important Galveston Bay is in our everyday
lives. Attendees were able to interact wildlife that are found in Galveston Bay such as live crabs, fish, snakes, and the very popular baby alligators. Volunteers were on hand with a demonstration on how oyster reefs are currently being restored in Galveston Bay. Visitors also had an opportunity to learn about the local watershed; and children made their own fish print t-shirts to take home.
For anyone wanting to learn more about the importance of Galveston Bay to the local economy, and its rich and productive ecosystem, this is the festival for you. Be sure to catch it next year as BayDay continues to become and important educational opportunity for young and old alike. To become involved in the preservation and stewardship of Galveston Bay, visit The Galveston Bay Foundation at www.galvbay.org.
A Volunteer From Eddie V. Gray Nature Center Handles A Madagascar Hissing Roach
Natural Science Song and Dance Man Billy Brennan and President of thre Galveston Bay Foundation Bob Stokes.
Terry and Joel Cox of the Gulf Coast Birding Observatory
Tom Kartrude, Director of Armand Bayou Nature Center And Beth Kartrude
Carrie Riddle and Kay Ayles of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
A Volunteer From Eddie V. Gray Nature Center Shows A Speckled King Snake To Visitors
Seabrook Massage New!
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Moor Mud Therapy Massage
Your 90 min session will begin with a relaxing dry brushing over the back to exfoliate and prepare the skin for the rich black mud. A warm towel will be applied over the entire back and set with heat packs to allow the Moor Mud to deeply penetrate the muscle. The mud will then be removed with hot towels and followed up with the ultimate back and body massage focusing on all your sore muscles. Benefits: Healing, Rejuvenating, Relieves Fatigue, Aches and Pains, Detoxifies and De-stressing.
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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
4/14/11 10:11 AM
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 5
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
EDUCATION Jennie Reid Elementary Student Council Visits La Porte Animal Shelter
Jennie Reid Elementary Student Council visited the La Porte Animal Shelter on Thursday, May 12, 2011. The Student Council is having a Pet Drive during the month of May and we thought it would be good for the students to see where their donations go and how they help animals. Clarence Anderson and Patrick Smith gave the students a tour of the facilities. Our Student Council would like to thank Mr. Anderson for hosting us for the morning.
Clear Creek High School Senior Lomax Elementary Named Presidential Scholar April Students Of The Month
Armiya Humphrey, a senior at Clear Creek High School, has been named a United States Presidential Scholar. Armiya is one of only 141 seniors from across the country to be selected by the U.S. Department of Education for this honor. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement on May 4th. Armiya was selected for her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and contributions to her school and community. Armiya has won a free four-day trip to Washington, D.C. for a series of recognition events that will culminate in a June 21st Medallion Ceremony at The White House with President Obama. Armiya was allowed to invite the teacher who has influenced her the most and selected Mrs. Gwen Cash, A.P. U.S. History teacher and Clear Creek High School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Cash is also the 2010 Teacher of the Year for Preserve America, a national ini-
tiative supported by The White House with funding from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The U.S. Department of Education anticipates that 3 million students will graduate from American high schools this year. How exciting it is to know that Armiya is considered to be one of the top 141 seniors nation-wide! The attached government link http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/awards.html provides additional information regarding The U.S. Presidential Scholar Program and a list of all winners by state.
Kelsie Doran Of La Porte Signs With LeTourneau University
Third Grade Nathan Cook Charolynn Chavarria Erika Moreno Hannah Gore Easton Fuson
Kindergarten Jase Porter Iliana Mealey Paris Lopez Lily Anderson First Grade Avery Cogswell Autumn Sexton Ean Hutchison Lauren Burton Nadiya Lewis Second Grade Treva Hedrick Natalie Wolbrecht Parker Woodall DJ Ditrich Luke Hinds
Fourth Grade Breanna Green Tommy Solis Cassidy Farmacka Nate Lindsey Aly Pembroke Fifth Grade Cameron Price Isabelle Taylor Analisa Tolley
Vickie Gentile, Principal Brian Fournier, Assistant Principal
University Of Houston Clear Lake Graduates Five With Doctoral Candidates
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La Porte High School senior Kelsie Doran has signed to play volleyball at LeTourneau University, a private, non-denominational Christian school in Longview, Texas. She will play for the Hornets as a setter for Coach Scott Peluso and Assistant Coach Michelle Rosen. With her, from left, are La Porte ISD athletic director Todd Schoppe, LPHS head volleyball coach Alison Kley and her mother, Stepahnie Knight. Kelsie plans to major in pre-medicine with the goal of being an anesthesiologist. She has played volleyball since she was 11 years old and has enjoyed playing for Coach Kley at LPHS and for two area clubs, GCVA and AVA of Texas.
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Five University of Houston-Clear Lake doctoral candidates received their Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in the spring 5 p.m. Commencement Ceremony for UH-Clear Lake at Reliant Arena. Pictured are Delonda Johnson, Kareen Brown, Robert Hasson, Kevin Badgett and Stephen O’Pry. For more information about UH-Clear Lake’s doctoral program in education, visit http://soe.uhcl.edu/Programs/EDD.
Clear Creek ISD Calls Assistance League Volunteers”Champions”
Clear Creek Deputy Superintendent Dr. Steven Ebell (left) presented the Community Partner of the Year award to Assistance League of the Bay Area President Carol Latimer, together with the chapter’s Vice President of Philanthropic Programs Belinda Scheurich, and incoming President Pam Bungo, at the CCISD 2011 Volunteer & Partnership Breakfast held at the Nassau Bay Hilton recently.
Clothing nearly 2,000 children for school through Operation School Bell, making prom dreams come true for financially-challenged seniors, and providing scholarships for children to attend UHCL’s Summer Kids-U Camp are just a few of the reasons Assistance League of the Bay Area was recently named Clear Creek ISD’s 2011 Community Partner of the Year. “I am so moved by the compassion and sensitivity with which these champions care for our students,” Dr. Steven Ebell, CCISD Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, told a crowd at the school district’s annual Volunteer and Partnership Breakfast held at the Nassau Bay Hilton last week.
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Ebell told the audience the Assistance League, which is made up of about 200 volunteer members, supports these programs--and more--through its own fundraising initiatives, including its annual fundraiser, FEAST: Food, Fun and Philanthropy, held in April, and the sale of its cookbooks, Settings on the Dock of the Bay and Settings Sunrise to Sunset. The organization also depends on proceeds from the Assistance League Resale Shop, located at 100 E. NASA Parkway, Suite 80, in Webster. For more information about Assistance League of the Bay Area, visit them online at www.bayarea. assistanceleague.org, or call 281-554-2594.
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 7
LOCAL SERVICE DIRECTORY
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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
IN THE GARDEN Esperanza Is A Texas Superstar
Mulch Basics Mulching means any material spread evenly over the surface of the soil to enhance the growth of plants and the appearance of the landscape. In nature, leaves and needles fall to the ground, creating an organic layer that protect and builds the soil. Local greenwaste mulch can offer the same advantage to the landscapes you design and maintain while increasing your profits. Making and using greenwaste mulch recycles plant material into a valuable tool for the landscape professional.
Texas Superstar plants are tested and selected for superstar performance in the Texas landscape. These plants are highly recommended by Texas A&M Agrilife. This week’s Texas Superstar plant is Esperanza (Tecoma stans). Also known as Yellow Bells, this beautiful hot weather tropical is a native of the hottest parts of the U.S. and Mexico. Esperanza was named a Texas Superstar because of its beauty, its ability to withstand our hot summers, and its overall popularity throughout the state of Texas. This evergreen shrub has bright yellow bell shaped flowers from late spring into the fall. It thrives in the heat of July and August. Dark green glossy leaves compliment the striking yellow
flowers. In addition, butterflies and hummingbirds are highly attracted to Esperanza’s nectar. Esperanza is a mounding bush that can grow to a height of 4 to 5 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. It grows best in full sun in a well-drained garden bed that has been amended with composted organic matter. It also grows well in large containers on a patio or deck. Grown in a landscape with tall banana plants or elephant ears in the background, Esperanza adds a lush tropical atmosphere to your garden. Remove the bean-like seedpods after they form to keep the flowers producing. For more information on the Texas Superstar plant program, visit the website. http://www.texassuperstar.com
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles Arriving En Masse At Padre Island National Seashore
Among the nesters was one female that had been fitted with a transmitter about three weeks ago so biologists could track her movements. Photo From National Park Service by Kurt Repanshek Salvage Network. National Parks Traveler The 34 nests laid in one day along the Texas Not since record keeping began in the 1980s coast also was a record since tallies were first have as many Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles come started back, she said. Through Thursday afternoon, May 19th, 131 ashore to nest at Padre Island National Seashore in one day as the 29 that turned up the other day, Kemp’s Ridley nests had been confirmed on the Texas coast, with 88 counted at the seashore, according to seashore biologists. On Wednesday, May 18th, 34 Kemp’s Ridley said Dr. Shaver. For more information on America’s Parks go nests were found on the Texas coast, including 29 at the national seashore, said Dr. Donna to http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/ Shaver, chief of the seashore’s Division of Sea For nesting habits and satellite tracking of sea Turtle Science and Recovery as well as the Tex- turtles go to http://www.nps.gov/pais/natureas coordinator for the Sea Turtle Stranding and science/tracking.htm
Texas House of Representatives Passes Legislation for Recycling Televisions
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4. Choose the application rate that will give you the best results. a. General Use: Apply a layer that settles to 2-4 inches deep. This is the best general application rate, especially for use in planting beds. b. Fine Mulch: Apply no more than 2 inches. Thin layers of fine mulch (particle size of half-inch or less) are less likely to impede air and water. Fine mulches decompose more quickly and need to be replenished more often than coarse, woody mulches.
c. Coarse Mulch: Use 4-6 inches or more to control weeds in open spaces. Coarse mulch is best for weed control; it prevents annual weed seeds from germinating. Weeds that do sprout are easier to remove. For maximum weed control, replenish mulch once a year. d. You can have too much of a good thing: Use lesser amounts of mulch on poorly drained soils. Keep mulch on top of the soil to prevent tying up nitrogen. Any wood material that is incorporated into the soil will temporarily inhibit the soil’s ability to supply nitrogen to the plants. However, according to research, mulch only uses nitrogen at the soil surface, and not from the root zone. If you do not turn mulch into the soil, you’ll prevent nitrogen drag.
CUISINE Tomato Basil and Mozzarella Salad
Ingredients
Directions
SALAD
• Slice tomatoes into medium width slices. Slice fresh mozzarella into slices that are similar in width to the tomatoes.
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese • 1 teaspoon fresh basil–use extra leaves for garnish • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano • 1 pinch kosher salt–or season to taste • 1 pinch fresh ground pepper–or season to taste
• Place tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate, alternating the tomatoes with the slices of cheese. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs over the cheese and tomatoes.
VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
• Prepare vinaigrette by whisking together the vinegar and the olive oil. Drizzle the vinaigrette over all ingredients on the serving plate.
• 3 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Garnish with basil leaves, if desired,and serve.
for recycling their products in Texas. Under this law, computer-makers collected and recycled over 24 million pounds of old electronics in Texas last year. Industry support has been a key factor in the bill’s success so far. The Consumer Electronics Association, which represents over 2,000 electronics companies, supports the bill. Local governments have also voiced their support – dozens of cities and counties, representing over half of all Texans, have passed local resolutions in favor of the bill. Twenty-four other states have passed similar laws for electronics recycling. “It’s not just our environment that benefits – this program will also save local taxpayers money,” said Jeffrey Jacoby, D/FW Director for Texas Campaign for the Environment. “We applaud the manufacturers for taking responsibility for recycling old TVs. We should not spend our tax dollars to subsidize the handling of this waste.” The version of the bill passed by the State House is slightly different than the version passed by the Senate. A special conference committee will work out the differences between the two, and then the bill will be sent to the Governor’s desk. Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) is a statewide grassroots organization which is focused on recycling and trash issues. TCE organizes Texans door-to-door out from offices in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.
Family Medicine • American Board of Family Medicine
Kitchen • Bath • Closets • Countertops • Floors
2. Replace grass with mulch under trees and around poles. Mulching under trees to the drip line minimizes competition for water and nutrients from grass and mimics the way trees grow in nature. It simplifies mowing and can reduce trimming operations and labor. In addition, mulching around poles, tree trunks and over surface roots prevents damage from mowers and weed eaters. 3. Keep mulch 6-12 inches away from the base of trees
ENVIRONMENT
Environmentalists and recycling groups are celebrating a victory as a bill to spur recycling for obsolete televisions (Senate Bill 329) has passed through the Texas House of Representatives. The legislation, which already passed in the Texas Senate, would ensure that all manufacturers selling TVs to Texas consumers will offer recycling programs for all residents. With support from industry groups, local governments and recycling advocates, the bill will soon head to the Governor’s desk. “This measure will keep toxic lead and mercury out of Texas landfills, while creating jobs in the recycling industry and saving local tax dollars,” said Robin Schneider, Executive Director for Texas Campaign for the Environment. “We’re proud of our State Representatives and Senators for passing this important bill, and we urge Governor Perry to sign it into law when it reaches his desk.” Each year, Americans dispose of an estimated 25 million televisions. Old-style CRT televisions can contain several pounds of lead and many newer flat-screen TVs contain mercury. Typically, only one in every five TVs is recycled. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin) and Representative Warren Chisum (R-Pampa), puts the companies that make and sell televisions in charge of recycling them. The legislation is similar to a 2007 state law that made computer manufacturers responsible
Mulch Basics 1. Before applying mulch, remove weeds and water thoroughly. You’ll get the best weed control when you weed first then spread the mulch. And it is often easier to wet the soil before applying mulch.
and shrubs. Tree trunks are not suited to wet conditions. Placing mulch so that you can see the root flare keeps the trunk dry and reduces the risk of damage from disease, insects, and rodents.
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