Bay Area Observer 5-5-2011 by The Bay Area Observer

The Bay Area Observer Community News For The Galveston Bay Area VOLUME 2, NO. 18

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Jaclyn Lowry Crowned Miss Sylvan Beach 2011

By The Bay TCCI, Community Chaplain Corps 3rd Tuesday Luncheon 11:30a.m. - 12:45p.m. (Dutch Treat) 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

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.

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

INDEX Community..........................2 Crossword............................2 Local News..........................3 Obituaries....................,,......3 Events..................................4 LPISD Newsletter............5-8 Election News......................9 Education...........................10 Rotary News......................11 Classifieds..........................11 Cuisine...............................12 In The Garden...................12

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com

The historic Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte came alive with food, music and pageantry on Saturday for the 55th Annual Sylvan Beach Festival and Crawfish Jam. Approximately 000 from all around the Bay Area came out to enjoy the festivities and the newly renurished beach. The festival kicked off with the traditional Sylvan Beach Day Parade which started at 10:00 a.m. at the corner of Fairmont Parkway and Broadway. Festival goers lined the parade route to catch candy and other surprises being thrown by parade entrants, city council members, and La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby and Marlene Rigby. The festivities at Sylvan Beach began immediately fol-

City of La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby and Marlene Rigby Greet The Crowds Along The Sylvan Beach Parade Route

Miss Beacon Federal Credit Union, Jaclyn Lowry Is Crowned Miss Sylvan Beach 2011

Kayla Blanchard is crowned Jr. Miss Sylvan Beach 2011

lowing the parade with many exciting things to enjoy including live entertainment, food, arts & crafts booths, cook-off, and as always, the Miss Sylvan Beach Pageant. Jaclyn Lowry was crowned Miss Sylvan Beach 2011. Ms Lowry won a $1400 scholarship and was sponsored by Beacon Federal Credit Union. The 4th runner up and winner of a $700 scholarship was contestant #12 Miss Texas Stress, Allison Brown. The 3rd Runner up and win-

ner of a $800 scholarship was contestant #20 Miss La Car Porte, Kiara Brooks. The 2nd Runner up and winner of a $900 scholarship was contestant #6 Miss Moser Electric, Melissa Carter. The 1st Runner up and winner of $1000 scholarship was contestant #17 Miss Main Properties, Kandice Wicke. In the Jr. Miss Sylvan beach contest, contestant #7 Kayla Blanchard was crowned Jr. Miss Sylvan Beach 2011. The 4th runner up was con-

testant #13 Taylor Hayes. The 3rd Runner up was contestant #17 Savannah Kaminski. The 2nd Runner up was contestant #5 Savannah Riggenbach. The 1st Runner up was contestant , #10 Lyndzie West. Capping off the day’s festivities was 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.

Lou Ann Martin, Owner Of Main Properties With Miss Main Properties And 1st Runner-Up Kandice Wicke

Early Voting Underway Creating Excellence From Adversity in Local Elections City of Seabrook 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. City of La Porte Early voting schedule: Early Voting by personal appearance in La Porte City Hall Council Chambers at 604 W. Fairmont Parkway Monday May 2, 2011 through Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 8:00 a.m. By Rebecca Collins & Josh Burton until 5:00 p.m. • Saturday May 7, 2011 • 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Josh Burton is like any 25-year-old today with There will be two 12-hour Early Voting weekdays: Wednesday, his many activities. Yet there is something more May 4, 2011 • 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, May 10, you should know about him. Josh was born with 2011 • 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. special needs, but that has not kept him from City of Kemah Early voting schedule: being an avid reader, singer, fisherman and an Early Voting begins, May 2nd and ends May 10th at Kemah City Hall. award-winning athlete. Josh has been named Early Voting hours: Monday, May 2nd – Thursday, May 5th • Male Athlete of the Year for the Special Olym7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. • Friday, May 6th • 8 a.m. – Noon • Monday, pics Texas Gulf Coast twice, and has become a May 9th & Tuesday, May 10th • 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.. Be sure to bring serious marathon runner. He has run in the La Porte by the Bay ½ Marathon, Galveston Maryour voter registration card or a picture ID. di Gras ½ Marathon and the Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon and will also run in an upcoming Kemah marathon. Among Josh’s many talents, it must be said that he is also quite an impressionist. He likes to channel Elvis and does a dead-on impression of “The Duke” John Wayne. He has a love of history, especially anything that has to do with World War II. As for music, he sings in the adult choir at his church and takes guitar lessons. His favorite genre to play and learn is country music. Josh Burton is an incredible young man who has beat the odds and become a talented, productive citizen, who continues to learn and grow. His success can be accredited to his determination and strong character, but Josh credits his family, and the people in La Porte who have helped him along the way. He has a special place in his heart for his late grandfather, whom Josh was very close to, and who gave him strength and encouragement to become the man that he is today. Following is a letter from Josh in his own words about his life, his achievements and what he hopes for in the future. May 1-7, 2001, is National Public Service Recognition Week “I was born at Pasadena Bayshore Hospital and the City of La Porte recognizes this week each year to honor public servants at all levels of government for the work they do to in Pasadena, Texas on Feb. 12, 1986. The cord was wrapped around my neck at birth. I was make their communities better places to work and live. The City of La Porte celebrated on Tuesday by first taking their very slow on all my motor skills such as sitting, annual group employee picture at the Five Points Plaza, followed standing, walking and talking. I was not able to by the Executive Staff Team cooking hot dogs and hamburgers talk until I went to Early Childhood Class at Lofor all employees at Seabreeze Park for lunch. The annual group max Elementary (age 4). I was blessed to have picture is taken at a different location each year and employees Ms. Evette Vasquez as my first Early Childenjoy having lunch in the bay breeze at Seabreeze Park.

City Of La Porte Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week

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hood teacher and Mrs. Winters as my teacher’s aid. They both had a great deal of patience and understanding of my disability. Mrs. Winters stayed with me during my entire elementary school years because I was always interrupting the class with all my repetitive behaviors. Thank God for Mrs. Winters: she kept me on track so I could learn. On April 7, 1993, I was top ticket seller for the Very Special Arts Texas at the Bay Area Sweepstakes Fundraiser. I tried T-Ball and Karate. I also attended DAV Meetings with my grandfather, Walter Mac Valentine and participated in the Forget-Me-Not Fundraisers. I loved to read and go fishing with my grandpa. When I went to Junior High School, things got worse as far as bullies. Not only did I continue to interrupt the class with my repetitive behaviors but I also started picking my skin and making sores on myself. One student even pulled a box cutter on me. Luckily, the teacher saw it and took the box cutter away. Another thing that stands out in my mind was the time another student hit me with a bottle of frozen water in front of my friends. However, during my Junior High School Years, God blessed me again by allowing me to have 2 of the most wonderful teachers: Mrs. Silvas and Ms. Allen. They both played an instrumental role in my intellectual growth. During this time, I won an award for Dow Chemical Comeback Kid (April ‘99) and I was awarded the Presidential Education Award (2000). I enjoyed going to the school dances with my friends. I learned how to swim and joined the La Porte Dogfish Swim Team. Also my mother enrolled me in the La Porte Special Olympics which is another blessing for me because it gave me a life. Special Olympics are another institution that helped shape my life. This organization allowed me to participate in group sports thus helping me with socialization skills, make friends, and travel and see the world. Later on during my High School Years, I took Global Messengers Training for Special Olympics. I really enjoyed this training because it allows Continued on page 3

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PAGE 2

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

COMMUNITY Seabrook Volunteer Fire Dept. Memorial Blood Drive

Join Scouts Now!!!

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.

Spring Registration for Cub Scouts at the Seabrook Community House

May 23rd, 2011

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.

LPPD Hosts DARE Summer Day Camp The La Porte Police Department will be conducting free DARE Summer Day Camps for students who have completed 5th grade in La Porte Schools during the 2010/2011 school year. Summer Camp registration forms will be sent home with all La Porte ISD 5th grade students during the week of May 9th to May 13th 2011. The camp will be held Monday thru Thursday, during the weeks of June 6th, 2011 and June 13th, 2011. For more information, please call: Officer Yvonne Stanley at 281-842-3152 or 281-830-5208.

Attend Twilight Camp June 13th through 17th

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

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.

Green Thumb Gardening Series The Meeting Room at Clear Lake Park May 10, 2011, 6:30-9 pm 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

Shoreacres Civic Association

Crawfish Boil Saturday, May 14th, 2011 At Circle Park S.C.A. Food Booth opens at 11:00 a.m. Crawfish, vegetables and soft drinks for sale Activities throughout the day: • 50/50 Raffle: Buy rafflee tickets for $1 or six for $5. Winning ticket drawn spilts the pot with the Civic Association • Booze Box: For a $5 raffle ticket you could set up your own bar at home with a unique variety of adult beverages. • Crawfish Races: How are your handicapping skills? For $2 a race you can draw a throroughbred from our corral. For $5 a race you bring your own ringer. Winner spilts the pot with the Civic Association. • Live Band: La Porte’s own Bad Boyfriend will play from 3 - 6 p.m. • Cooking Teams Awards at the first break of the band. • Shoreacres Car Show: We’re trying something new. Show off your ride. Open to all types of vehicles. • Silent Auction: Various items donated from local businesses.

You don’t need to be present to win, but it sure will be more fun that way... Reminder: Shoreacres City Elections Are The Same Day. Don’t Forget To Vote!

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

PAGE 3

LOCAL NEWS Josh Burton....

OBITUARIES

Continued from page 1

me to inform the world how Special Olympics has enriched my life. Special Olympics has enriched my life by helping me to sharpen my socialization skills, compete in group sports, make friends, travel and see the world. It also improves my self-esteem because the organization is designed for the special populations. I would like to give a special thanks to the La Porte Special Olympic Coaching Staff and all of the volunteers for their dedication and hard work. To this day, I continue to speak on behalf of Special Olympics. My high school years were very difficult as well. During the last part of my freshman school year, the bullies realized that I would not fight back and it got so bad that my mother had to place me on homebound instruction toward the last part of my freshman year. I had to repeat the 9th grade on homebound instruction and continued homebound instruction through the 11th grade. Then in my senior year, I felt like I could handle the stress, the bullies and life in general so I returned to school. I respect and admire all of my teachers. However, there are several teachers that stand out in my mind because they had a great deal of patience and went way beyond the call of duty: Karen Garcia, Penny Anderson, Susan Wells and the Librarian Mr. Antler. I would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Zumbro, my homebound teacher. I appreciate her patience, hard work, dedication and all those numerous trips out to my home to provide me the homebound instruction that I needed during my confusing and trying school years. Joseph Hamelers is another person I would like to acknowledge. He was my in-home family trainer during my school year. His role was to teach me socialization skill and to encourage me to participate in the community”.

In ‘2005 – ‘2006 I attended San Jacinto College and took a variety of courses. In ‘2010 I was awarded (Male Athlete of the Year) for the Special Olympics Texas Gulf Coast.

SIMS Teresa Sims, 75, of La Porte passed away Tuesday April 26, 2011. She was born March 8, 1934 in La Porte, Texas to Dorothy Bethea and Odell Smith. She is preceded in death by her husband Ronald T. Sims. Teresa is survived by her daughters Terri Carney and husband Lonny, Ronda Whited and husband Mark, sisters Dottie George, Barbara Silbernagel, and grandchildren Sara Carney, Bethany Cook, Brenna Cook, Michael Carney. Visitation will be held Thursday April 28, 2011 at 5-9PM at Paul U. Lee La Porte Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held Friday April 29, 2011 at 11AM at the funeral home as well.

On Oct.22, 2010, I was awarded (Male Athlete of the Year) for ages 22 and up for the State of Texas. This award was given to me at the Fall Classics State Games in College Station. Dec. 5,2010 I ran in the La Porte by the Bay ½ Marathon. I did ok and finished the race. Dec.13, 2010, the Mayor of La Porte awarded me with a proclamation that Dec.13, 2010 was declared Joshua Burton Day. Feb. 20, 2011, I ran and completed the Galveston Mardi Gras ½ Marathon. March 19, 2011, I ran and completed the Seabrook Lucky Trails ½ Marathon in Seabrook, Texas. April 9, 2011, I ran and completed the La Porte High School Project Graduation 5K Run in La Porte, Texas. I would like to thank Mike Hovendick for all of his hard work. For a brief time, he trained me on the weight machines at the La Porte Fitness Center and trained me how to safely participate in the ½ marathons without injuring myself.

KAYS

Currently I enjoy fitness and exercise 6 days a week. I enjoy riding my 4-wheeler, swimming, fishing, reading, and participating in ½ marathons. I attend Monument Baptist Church regularly and am currently in the Adult Choir. I am taking guitar lessons at the La Porte Neighborhood Center once a week. My prayer is that someday I will be a productive citizen in the City of La Porte”.

City of La Porte’s Office Of Emergency Management Home Inventories As part of your family’s disaster plan, homeowners and renters should make an inventory list of all the items in their homes. The La Porte Office of Emergency Management wants to remind owners and renters that providing a complete home inventory list to their insurance agent may help them get a policy that covers their risk more completely. In addition, an inventory list can help provide proof of personal property loss after a disaster. The Insurance Information Institute’s website www.knowyourstuff.org includes videos describing the steps of a home inventory, as well as free software to assist in beginning and updating a list. For those who

are just setting up a household, starting a home inventory list can be relatively simple. But for those who have lived in a house for many years, this task may seem daunting. By setting aside an afternoon and getting the whole family involved, it can be an enjoyable experience. It is much easier to

document possessions before suffering a loss from a fire, burglary or natural disaster. Government and insurance industry officials also recommend taking photos of the outside of a home in addition to all contents, and to store these photos together with the inventory list in a safe place away from the house. A complete inventory, including photos, may be one of the most valuable investments for peace of mind anyone can make for themselves and their families. If something happens to damage your home and property, an inventory will eliminate the need to piece that information together in the aftermath. S ome owners may be required to have both hazard and flood insurance, each available commercially. To find a local agent who sells flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart. gov or contact your current insurance agent and they will be able to assist you. The purchase of flood insurance for a structure without covering the contents as well is a common mistake. Make sure your policy covers everything you want protected. Renters should also consider both hazard and flood insurance to protect personal belongings. Standard hazard policies may require additional riders for items such as collectibles, jewelry, firearms and artwork. By taking action now, you can provide added peace of mind to yourself and your family in case of a disaster. For more information on disaster preparedness, contact La Porte OEM at (281) 470-0010 or visit our website at www. lpoem.org.

James A. Kays, 80 of Kosse, Texas passed away Saturday, April 23, 2011 after a six-year battle with cancer. James was surrounded by those who loved him as he went to be with his heavenly Father. He was born October 12, 1930 to Ethel and harry Kays in Willisburg, Kentucky. James was a 30-year employee of Tenneco Oil and a man who served our nation through the

U.S. Army, U.S. navy and the National Guard. He was also a veteran of the Korean War. James was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kosse, Texas and was very much loved by his church family. All that knew James loved his smile and the way he was always there to help someone. James was preceded in death by his father Harry Kays, mother Ethel Kays McNabb, step father A.J. McNabb Sr., brother Billy Jo Kays and sister Nancy Fenner. James was survived by his loving wife of 56 years Beverly Sue Kays. His sweet daughters and wonderful son-in-laws, Pamela J. Tibbetts and husband Karl of La Porte, Texas, Janet L. Corley and husband Mickey of Blue Ridge, Texas, Debra K. Burton and husband Randy. He had 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grand children and one on the sway. His brother Fred Kays and wife Mary Ann of West Virginia, sister Marilyn Schulte of Spring, Texas and A.J. McNabb Jr. of Hallettsville, Texas. As well as many other family members. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 6th, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Kosse, Texas (100 N. Myrtle/Corner of Hwy. 7 and N/ Myrtle). The final resting place for James will be at the Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, Burnet, Texas at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 7th, 2011. In lieu of usual remembrances the family requests that donations be made to the First baptist Church of Kosse/James Kays Youth Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 127, Kosse, Texas.

KOLODZAIKE Wilma Ruth Kolodzaike, 87 of La Porte, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2011. She was born on April 21, 1924 in Conway, Arkansas to James and Laura Rorie. She was a member of First Baptist Church of La Porte since 1946. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward “Ed” Kolodzaike in 2008; brother, James Harrell Rorie; great grandchild, Robin Jayse Kohler; son-in-law, Larry Kezmarski. She is survived by son, Robert Alan Kolodzaike and wife Janell; daughters, Mary Kezmarski, Alice Gidney and husband Robert; sisters, Valda Lee Rorie and Laura Jean Hogan; grandchildren, Steve Ayers, Scott Ayers and wife Susan, Suzette Keppler and husband Coke, Tim Kohler and wife Leanne, Candice Kieswetter, Karl Paulissen and wife Ashley; great grandchildren, Chris Ayers, Amy Ayers, Taryn Kelly, Aaron Kelly, Audrey Kohler, Rhett Kohler, Ava Kohler, Brandon Parker, Christian Campolo, Michael Campolo and Ryan Paulissen. Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2011 from 5PM to 8PM at Grand View Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 2PM at First Baptist Church of La Porte 310 South Broadway St. in La Porte, Texas 77571. Burial will follow at Grand View Memorial Park. To express words of comfort to the family, please visit www.grandviewfunerals.com.

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PAGE 4

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

EVENTS Grab Your Sneakers For The First Annual TOGA 10K Fun Run! The Clear Lake Greek Festival presents The first annual TOGA 10K fun run. Grab your sneakers, pack your sunblock, and dust off that college toga or make one! We’ve planned a great 10k course for you, starting and ending at our festival grounds (Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Pkwy in Seabrook, TX). Saturday, May 7th, 2011, race day registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 8:45 a.m. Start time is 9am. Water will be provided on the course and at the finish line. Registration is $20 per entrant; each entrant will receive a t-shirt. Groups are encouraged! Here's your chance to recruit some friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers to be a part of the Toga Run Team Challenge and win some great prizes! Prizes will be awarded for largest team AND the team raising the most money in pledges. Get your group together, create a team name

and nominate a captain (any group of four or more qualifies as a team). Be sure to have everyone fill in the team name on the registration form. Also don’t forget your toga!! Be sure to stay for the Post race Round-up ceremony. We will recognize the top participants in each age group and handout pledge prize awards. We will also do a number of random giveaways for all who participate in the race (i.e. all who have a bib number). A continental breakfast buffet (including fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, biscuits and more) will be available for race participants as well as a time to relax and cool down at our festival grounds after the race, with activities for the entire family. Contact us for more information at meni@ clearlakegreekfestival.com, or call 409-9399852.Pre Register online at www. togafunrun. eventbrite.com

The 18th Annual Clear Lake Greek Festival Yassou! Join us in a celebration of Greek culture at the Annual Clear Lake Greek Festival on Friday, May 6th, through Sunday, May 8th, 2011, at the Clear Lake Park in the Landolt Pavilion, Seabrook (just off NASA Pkwy). This spectacular three-day Greek Festival is a wonderful family event that each year draws more than 5,000 visitors from around the Clear Lake Area greater. Along with the exquisite Greek cuisine, there will be live music and traditional dancing. Taste buds can savor the variety of Greek food and Pastries available, including: Our famous gyros, tyropitas (cheese pie), spanakopitas (spinach pie), Greek rotisserie chicken, pork souvlaki skewers, loukoumades (fritters in honey and cinnamon), and baklava. All guests will receive a special commemorative program book containing articles about Greek culture, recipes, Greek language phrases, information about the festival’s history and photos from past festivals. “Greeks are famous for their hospitality,” said Festival Chair Meni Koulakiotis. “Our Clear Lake festival has been growing every year since 1993, and we’re so proud to welcome guests of all ages to our 18th celebration weekend.”

“It all starts with lots of fantastic, mouth-watering food and drink,” Meni continued, “and it keeps on going with the fun and excitement of our dancing, music. Before you know it, you’ll be shouting, ‘Opa!’ just like the Greeks.” Find the meaning of kefi (joy) in this three-day true Greek extravaganza. The Clear Lake Greek Festival will feature delicious Greek meals and desserts, traditional Greek wine, nonstop music and dancing, exciting exhibition folk dancing, rides & moonwalks in the children’s amusement area. Buy your tickets today! General Admission tickets are $4, and Presale tickets include admission fee and a meal of your choosing for $12. This Year we will be our first ever Toga Run! Grab your sneakers, pack your sunblock, and dust off that college toga….or make one! We’ve planned a great 10k course for you, starting in League City (League Park, a little east of FM 518 and Hwy 3) and ending at our festival grounds (Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Pkwy in Seabrook, TX). We’ve got prizes for 1st, 2nd, the event takes place May 7th, 2011, and so after you cross the finish line you can stop in and enjoy our festival. Contact us for more information at meni@ clearlakegreekfestival.com, or call 409-939-9852

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PAGE 9

ON THE WATER Lakewood’s Doug Shaffer Gulf Coast Windsurfing Sailing Clinics At Championship To Be Held Wins Regatta Seabrook Sailing Club At Seabrook Sailing Club May 14-15

The most important lesson for parents at SSC Youth Camp – kids learn to rig their own boat! If you’ve been thinking about learning to sail, getting back on the water, or competing in our organized club races and regattas, please join us for what promises to be a great year for sailing. The Seabrook Sailing Club has scheduled a number of sailing clinics for its members. 1) Adult Learn to Sail Clinics. When: As requested by new members. Several club members will be teaching the basics of sailing to adults. No sailing experience or boat necessary! The club-owned Capri sailboats are perfect for learning in and are available for club member use after the member has been checked out on them. 2) Windsurfing Clinics. When: May 7, May 21, June 11, and June 25. The windsurfers at SSC will be hosting several clinics throughout the summer to teach the basics of windsurfing. The clinics will be held on Mud Lake across from the Hilton on NASA Rd 1, where the flat water is conducive to learning. Equipment will be provided, or bring your own for advice on rigging. Priority goes to Club Members. Members’ guests are welcome if there is room. Please contact Peter O’Connor for more information or to RSVP at petermaryo@gmail.com. 3) SSC Youth Program. When: starting May 7, various times throughout the sailing season. Back by popular demand, the Youth Program is structured around “sail and learn” sessions in which kids get hands-on sailing experience under supervision of an instructor and parent helpers on Saturday mornings during the summer. The program fosters self-confidence, independence, and responsibility, with the main goal of the program being to teach the young sailors to be completely comfortable and independent in a sailboat. In addition, there will be a week long, day camp in July that is based on the same principles as the Youth Program. For the kids that have the basics of sailing down, reach races will be held on specific Saturday mornings where the kids race just off the club pier with parents cheering them on. Club owned boats are available for members and their kids to use after they have been checked out. For more information, please contact Robby White at robbywhite@me.com. 4) Bay Area Sailing School Summer Camp. When: June 13-17, 2011. Hosted by SSC, this summer camp is for youths age 10 to 18 and is open to the public. Sailing instruction in keelboats is provided for the first two days at Watergate Yachting Center, followed by three days of small sail boat instruction at SSC. Please contact Bay Area Sailing at 281-334-4179, sailing@bayareasailing.com for more information. For more information about Seabrook Sailing Club, please contact Zar Wade-Gledhill at SSCmembership@yahoo.com or 281380-9971.

Lakewood Yacht Club racer Doug Shaffer and crew claimed first place in the popular Charleston Race Week which is the largest regatta on the east coast. A total of 270 boats participated in this three-day regatta in the Atlantic Ocean on April 14 – 17. Shaffer’s “Gambler”, a J-122, sailed the Ocean Course in PHRF B, a class of eight boats. “Our intent in entering Charleston Race Week was that because it is now the largest regatta on the East Coast, we wanted to test our Texas team against a high level of competition. By posting a 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, in the regatta, we proved that Texas sailors can compete and win at the highest levels of our sport,” Shaffer remarked. “I would like to add that other racers thought ‘Gambler’ really dominated this regatta.” Race boats from all over the east coast experienced good winds with 10-12 knots on the first day and 10-15 knots on the third day. The second day of racing was called due to 40 knot winds. Shaffer’s crew included tactician Jay Lutz and Kevin Hayes of Lakewood, Joe Taylor, Harold Tenwold, Carl DeHam, Eric Olving from New Jersey as well as bowman Jessie Fulmer. “Charleston is a beautiful venue for this regatta, “remarked Shaffer. “We all enjoyed the change of pace from racing on the Gulf Coast. It is a honor to have placed first as we had no past experience in Charleston Race Week.” In 2009, “Gambler” successfully competed in Newport and Block Island, finishing second in the New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta and winning his class in the J/122 North American Championship at Block Island.

Windsurfers Practice at SSC for Upcoming Regatta (photo by Hauk Wahl)

The Gulf Coast Windsurfing Championship will be held at SSC again this year on May 14 and 15, 2011. Windsurfers enjoy the consistently steady breezes and surfable swells that SSC’s sailing venue provides. The event is open to all windsurfers, continuing its tradition of bringing together all levels of competitors. Expected classes include long boards, Mistral Prodigys, and an open class (for example, hybrids and formula boards). Please register for the regatta at https://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_registration_form.php?regatta_id=3850. The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions will be posted on the Seabrook Sailing Club website www.seabrook-sailing.org. For more information about our regattas or other activities at SSC, please visit www.seabrook-sailing.org, or contact Zar Wade-Gledhill at 281-380-9971 or sscmembership@yahoo.com. The Seabrook Sailing Club is located at 1020 Toddville Rd in Seabrook, Texas.

Lakewood To Host Day Sailer Championship Regatta Photo Thanks To Deb Mason-McCaffrey Lakewood Yacht Club Race Committee Chairman Dwight Bengtson has announced that the 2011 Day Sailer Association North American Championship Regatta will be held at Lakewood Yacht Club on Sun., June 19 through Fri., June 24 on Galveston Bay. “We are honored to host this international regatta and feel that our Bay Area Houston is the perfect venue for this familyfriendly event,” related Bengtson. “Besides the racing, there is a myriad of family activities for them to enjoy such as Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk.” The Day Sailer Association is the organization that promotes and regulates the Day Sailer one-design boat. This is a moderately large one-design class that has about 500 members. The Day Sailer is 17’ long with a centerboard and has a spinnaker. They are classic design of a fiberglass boat, very popular in the Mid-West, California, New England the Atlantic coast. With at least 10,000 boats having been built through the years, it was inducted into the Sailboat Hall of Fame in 2003. The agenda for the Day Sailer event starts with registration, weighing and measuring during the afternoon of Sun., June 19. On Mon., June 20, races for the Junior North American Championship Regatta (NACR) will take place. On Tues., June 21, following more Junior NACR races, the Junior NACR Awards Ceremony will take place. Then, the Welcome Party and Day Sailer Association Annual Meeting will take place in Lakewood’s Ballroom. The rest of the week is full of racing activities with the Dinner and Awards Banquet for the adult Day Sailer racers to take place Fri., June 24, 4 pm at Lakewood. Racers can find the notice of race and register on line for the Day Sailer North American Championship Regatta by going to Lakewood’s web page at www.lakewoodyachtclub.com. Hit the racing button, then racing schedule and click on items on the calendar. Bob Hunkins is the contact for the local Day Sailer Association and he can be e-mailed at rdhunkins@verizon.net

Game Wardens Say Safe Boating’s All About Education Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens working with other law enforcement agencies will be concentrating their efforts on enforcing boating while intoxicated (BWI) laws this summer, but they’d just as soon see boaters go to school than jail. “In real estate the old saying is ‘Location, Location, Location,” said Asst. Chief Jeffery Parrish, TPWD’s boating law administrator. “In safe boating the saying should be ‘Education, Education, Education.’” Unfortunately, he said, many boaters don’t realize that BWI carries the same penalty as driving while intoxicated. When it comes to alcohol, the only difference between a boat and an automobile is that open alcoholic beverage containers on board a vessel are still legal in Texas. “But that’s where the difference stops,” Parrish said. “All other Texas laws relating to alcohol and the operation of a vehicle or a boat are identical.” He said Texas law enforcement officers, prosecutors, educators, and various other agencies and organizations will be using news media events, personal contacts, posters, public service announcements,

• File a float plan – let folks where you will be and what time you expect to be home. • Wear your personal floatation device (PFD). • If you observe an intoxicated boat or water craft operator, notify your local law enforcement agency.

Facebook and other social media to get the safe boating message out this summer. Last year game wardens arrested 316 persons in Texas for operating a boat under the influence of alcohol. TPWD also reported 10 boating-related water fatalities that were alcohol related. Game wardens offer these tips to avoid a ride from the lake to jail this summer: • Always have a designated driver. • Minimize your consumption of alcohol. • Take a boater education course.

“The last thing an officer wants to do is spend an entire afternoon taking someone to the county jail for BWI,” Parrish said. “Booking someone takes them away from the place where their time and resources can best be utilized, which is out on the water helping people. But if they find someone who’s boating while intoxicated, they will be going to jail.” Boater education covers legal requirements for boating, safe handling and practical tips such as reading weather signs. Boating courses are available three ways: online, a home study course or in-person courses taught by certified volunteer instructors, game wardens, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadron. Find course information at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ learning/boater_education.

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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

Clear Creek ISD Wins International Budget Award The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has awarded the Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in the preparation and issuance of a 2010-2011 school system annual budget to the Clear Creek Independent School District. The Meritorious Budget Awards Program was designed by ASBO International and school business management professionals to enable school business administration to achieve excellence in budget presentation. The program helps school systems build a solid foundation in the skills of developing, analyzing, and presenting a budget. The Meritorious Budget Award is only given to school systems that have met or exceeded the Meritorious Budget Award Program criteria. The Review Team said, “The District is to be complimented for its efforts. The budget is a fine document, which includes a wealth of information in graphic and narrative form. The document is userfriendly for the average taxpayer with lots of data presented in different forms to meet the needs of varied users.” “In this difficult economic climate and with the current state funding crisis, our stakeholders should be proud, as I am, of our finance team and the District,” said CCISD Superintendent Greg Smith, “They are doing their best to ensure that Clear Creek ISD is able to retain the best employees and provide a world class education for all of our students.” CCISD’s financial team is led by Deputy Superintendent Paul McLarty, and Director of Finance Jeff Kohlenberg. This is the fifth year CCISD has earned ASBO’s Meritorious Budget Award.

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

EDUCATION Leadership Changes Announced In Clear Creek ISD

The Clear Creek Independent School District has announced leadership changes at three campuses. Clear Lake High School will say farewell to Principal Chris Moran. He is the lone finalist for the Superintendent position at Brownsboro ISD in East Texas. “It is a bittersweet move for me,” said Dr. Moran, “I loved my time at Clear Lake High School and in Clear Creek ISD, but this move allows me to be closer to home and family.” “I will greatly miss the students, staff and parents I have come to know over the past 5 years.” Moran will leave CCISD in June. Deb Reno has been named as principal of Landolt Elementary in Friendswood. She replaces Yolanda Jones who recently was named principal of Robinson Elementary in Seabrook. Reno is a familiar face to Landolt students and staff. She has served as Assistant Principal there for 2 years. Kristina Lasserre has been named principal of League City Elementary. Currently the assistant principal at Ed White Elementary, she will replace Cathy Homer who recently resigned in order to complete a doctoral program. Lasserre’s and Reno’s new assignments will take effect for the 2011-2012 school year. Belinda Garcia will be the new assistant principal at Landolt Elementary School. She moves over from Stewart Elementary School in Kemah where she is currently a counselor.

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San Jacinto College student choirs, under the direction of choral professor Dr. Paul Busselberg, will present the annual spring choral concert on May 6. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

The San Jacinto College (SJC) Central music department will host concerts during May that will showcase student and faculty musicians. All concerts are free and open to the public, and will be staged at the Dr. Monte Blue Music Building, located at 8060 Spencer Hwy., in Pasadena. Concerts scheduled for May include: • May 2, 7 p.m. – An evening of woodwind chamber music. Student musicians, under the direction of Jeffrey Adams, will perform selections from different periods of music history and different styles, including fugues, arias, minuets, and rag-time works. The repertoire includes a “jazzy” piece in the form of a suite. Music by Bach, Scarlatti, Haydn, and Debussy will be featured in the concert. Instruments to be showcased in the concert will include flutes, oboes, clarinets, and saxophones. • May 6, 7 p.m. – Student choirs, under the direction of choral professor Dr. Paul Bus-

selberg, will present the annual spring choral concert in the Jan Corbin Recital Hall. The program will feature selections that ensembles have been rehearsing and performing over the past two semesters. The choir, accompanied by Dr. Sarah Spencer on piano, will perform works by American composers Aaron Copland and Morten Lauridsen, along with a selection from Johannes Brahms’ German Requiem and “Cantique de Jean Racine” by Gabriel Fauré. Chamber singers will perform a set of early English madrigals along with two new selections of Renaissance works by Jean Belmont and William Hawley. The choir will also perform Houstonarea composer Karim Alzand’s “Measure in Trance,” which they presented recently at Rice University. San Jacinto College offers a wide range of music degree options and private music lessons at all three campuses.

San Jacinto College To Celebrate 50 Years Of Serving The Community

San Jacinto College thanked the community for 50 years of support at the recent San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment by passing out cake to festival goers. Pictured (left to right) are: Kathy Miller, dual credit administrative assistant, San Jacinto College Central; Sam Houston VI, descendant of General Sam Houston; Larry Spasic, president, San Jacinto Museum Association; Amanda L. Booren, director of communications and publications, San Jacinto College; and Julie Blacksmith, administrative assistant, evening and weekend division, San Jacinto College Central.Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

San Jacinto College (SJC) has been serving the citizens and communities of East Harris County for nearly 50 years, and to celebrate, the College will host a number of activities and events throughout the upcoming year and into 2012. The festivities kicked off on Saturday, April 16, at the San Jacinto Festival and Reenactment held at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic site in La Porte, Texas. Members of the College’s 50th anniversary task force passed out cake to festival goers to mark not only the 50th anniversary of the College, but the 175th anniversary of Texas’ independence as well. Other events scheduled for next year include Welcome Week activities for students as they return to San Jacinto College campuses in the Fall; a special Board meeting on Sept. 19, 2011 which marks 50 years since the College first opened its doors to students; a celebration of San Jacinto College through the decades on each of the campuses; and a theater performance of the first play performed at the College in 1962. The San Jacinto College Foundation plans to host a gala in April 2012 culminating the year’s activities. “We are looking forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary with our students, faculty, staff, and community throughout the upcoming year,” said SJC Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “We have a rich history of meeting the needs of the citizens in our community. We’ve been doing that for 50 years, and we plan to continue for 50 more and beyond.” San Jacinto College was officially recognized in May 1961 after an election to establish the East Harris County Union Junior College, its board of regents, and the property tax valuation. After some opposition from citizens in the community, lawsuits, and even Hurricane Carla, San Jacinto College first opened its doors on Sept. 18, 1961. At the time, the College operated out of a storefront in downtown Pasadena, and had an initial enrollment of 876 students. As student enrollment continued to steadily increase, the board of regents took steps to expand to serve the North Channel area. In the Fall of 1975, San Jacinto College North opened its doors. Four years later the College expanded to the South Belt – Ellington area, and San Jacinto College South opened its doors in September of 1979. Since then, the College has experienced several name changes and record enrollment growth. The board of regents adopted the College’s official name, San Jacinto Community College District, in December 1995. Today, San Jacinto College has three campuses and nine extension centers all conveniently located in East Harris County. This past Fall, SJC set a record for enrollment with nearly 30,000 credit students. “San Jacinto College has always been one of the best educational assets and investments in the region,” Hellyer added. “Our faculty, staff, recruiters, and counselors continue to reach out to the communities we serve, and these efforts are paying off with record enrollment numbers. We know education and a trained work force are critical to the economic vitality of this region, the state, and the nation. We are committed to being a major contributor to that success.” Over the past five decades, there has been steady growth at all three San Jacinto College campuses. Taxpayers in the College district supported the growth by approving bond referendums for the construction of new facilities to house growing enrollment. The most recent came in 2008 when voters approved $295 million for the construction of science and allied health facilities, student success centers, and other renovations at each campus; as well as a 92,000-square foot transportation center at the Central campus, which will house the College’s automotive technology programs. From its early beginnings in three vacant store buildings in downtown Pasadena, Texas, San Jacinto College has become a source of inspiration and empowerment for its students and communities. As the 50th anniversary year gets underway, the College will spotlight each decade with an in-depth look at the events that took place during those years. Citizens, students, and alumni are encouraged to share their San Jac stories by visiting www.sanjac.edu/anniversary.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

PAGE 11

ROTARY NEWS

Members of the La Porte Rotary Club painted the shower and restroom facility at the new Brookglen Spray Park in preparation for it’s opening ceremonies which took place on April 25, 2011. The La Porte Rotarians made quick work of the painting that was completed both on the exterior and interior of the building, all while having fun. Special thanks to Ray Nolen- “Paint Your Heart Out” project chairman and all of the wonderful volunteers!

3rd Annual Crawfish Boil

Hosted by the La Porte Rotary Foundation

For tickets, call Ray Nolen @ 832-731-6006, Crystal Redden @ 713-206-3199, or Brenda Thompson @ 281-380-1291. Directions to Seabreeze Park From Hwy 146 @ Fairmont Parkway, head East towards Sylvan Beach Park. Take a left on Bayshore Drive and follow it along the Bay until you arrive at Seabreeze Park. The park offers a fishing pier, playground equipment, picnic area, and parking for 60.

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