The Bay Area Observer Community News For The Galveston Bay Area VOLUME 2, NO. 22
By The Bay Senior Dance La Porte Thursday, June 2 7-10:00 PM. The monthly senior dance at Norman L. Malone Senior Center is Thursday, June 2, 7-10:00 PM. Doors open at 6:15 PM. Tommy Gill’s band is scheduled. $7/ person.
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
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
Terrific Tuesdays Every Tuesday In June Bayshore Baptist Church Hey Kids! Sign up today for Terrific Tuesdays – field trips for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grades – hosted by Bayshore Baptist Church. We will be going to Lil’ Jacks, Old McDonald’s Farm, Sylvan Beach and Palm Beach at Moody Gardens. Field trips take place every Tuesday in June. The cost is $32 for all four trips! For more information, call the church office at 281-471-0332 or email us at vrigsby@bayshorebc.org
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INDEX
Community..........................2 Crossword............................2 Around Town.......................3 Local News..........................4 LPISD Newsletter............5-8 Education............................9 Classifieds..........................11 In The Garden..................12 Cuisine...............................12
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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
NASA’s Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Announcement Welcome News To Many By Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
Layoffs, delays and indecision at NASA has weighed heavy on the space community’s mind these past few years, but a recent announcement is welcome news to many. On May 24, 2011 NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced that the Orion Space Capsule will replace the space shuttle orbiters entering retirement, and become the next U.S. transportation system that will carry humans into deep space. “We are committed to human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and look forward to developing the next generation of systems to take us there,” Bolden said. “The NASA Authorization Act lays out a clear path forward for us by handing off transportation to the International Space Station to our private sector partners, so we can focus on deep space exploration. As we aggressively continue our work on a heavy lift launch vehicle, we are moving forward with an existing contract to keep development of our new crew vehicle on track.” Bolden said. The new spacecraft, to be known as the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), will venture beyond low-Earth orbit into deep space carrying a crew of four astronauts on 21-day missions. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel, and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. It is based on designs and ongoing development by Lockheed Martin Corp. Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, stated, “For more than two years, Lockheed Martin has exceeded expectations by staying on schedule and under budget while meeting major milestones that included a successful test of the launch / abort system. Why wouldn’t NASA continue down this proven path until completion?” Mitchell added, “This decision
An Artists Concept Shows NASA’s Next Generation Human Spacecraft, Orion, Approaching The International Space Station With Earth Stretching Out Below. Orion Is Set To Carry Astronauts To The Moon By 2020.
by the NASA administrator was the right thing to do. Hundreds of jobs have been saved in the aerospace sector and in the many small businesses that support this nation’s space program. The NASA Reauthorization Act that was signed last year by the president supported the continuation of the Orion program. This was a common sense decision that should have been made months ago, and its delay has adversely affected many people who have dedicated their lives to space exploration. However, it’s good to see that the law is finally being followed, and we owe U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (RTexas) a great deal of gratitude. New life has been given to the Orion / MPCV program due in
The Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Being Assembled And Tested At Lockheed Martin’s Vertical Testing Facility In Colorado. Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
no small part to her tenacity and dedication to the space program and the people of Texas.” Sen. Hutchison is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. She negotiated the bipartisan compromise NASA Reauthorization in 2010, directing NASA to continue work on the Orion capsule as a deep space exploration vehicle. Following the announcement, she said, in part, “NASA needs to follow this important step by quickly finalizing and announcing the heavy lift launch vehicle configuration so that work can accelerate and the requirements of the law can be met.” Mitchell strongly supports the senator’s statement and added, “We at BAHEP will work closely with Sen. Hutchison and her staff to ensure that this is accomplished sooner than later.” The decision by NASA came after a May 18th Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology hearing at which Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV expressed concern over NASA’s inaction. He stated, “Last year, we drafted and passed legislation that laid out a carefully considered bipartisan vision of the best path forward for NASA. It was a vision that enabled ambitious investments in science, aeronautics, education and human space flight exploration, while also recognizing current budgetary constraints. It laid out a new way for NASA”. Rockefeller continued, “More than seven months after President Obama signed this bill into law, I am concerned NASA is not moving forward with implementing it with the urgency it requires. I’m worried that NASA’s inaction and indecision in making this transition could hurt America’s space leadership—something that would cost us billions of dollars and years to repair”. Lockheed Martin Corp. has said that it plans to achieve Orion / MPCV initial crewed operations by 2016, which is in keeping with the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2010.
Marine Shipping Discussed At CAC Meeting Odfjell USA Shipping accepted an invitation from the Citizen’s Advisory Council (CAC) to La Porte Industry to talk in May about a variety of topics associated with transporting chemicals by ship. Captain George Pontikos, Vice President Port Operations, aided by John Salvesen, Compliance Coordinator, described what Odfjell’s ships carry and their destinations. The speakers referred to more than 10 international conventions that govern shipping operations worldwide. CAC members asked dozens of questions, mostly about environmental and safety issues. Some of Odfjell’s 85 vessels sail within a region, and others cross oceans. Typical cargoes for Houston include chemicals like methanol, caustic soda, acids, chlorinated products, and benzene as well as vegetable and mineral oils, pharmaceutical grade products, and ethanol. Cargoes are diverse. Over the years, the shipping line has carried more than 4500 different kinds of
products. The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. All maritime companies are members. The United States has adopted most of the IMO’s international conventions and also regulates shipping via the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. For example, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requires all new ships to be double-hulled to reduce the chance of losing cargo in a shipwreck. The Coast Guard provides oversight in US waters. Safety of Life at Sea is an early international convention and a response to the loss of life on the Titanic. Of particular interest to CAC members was the more recent International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol), which regulates air pollution, sewage, garbage, and noxious substances. A re-
cent change aims to reduce stack emissions by decreasing the permissible sulfur content in a ship’s fuel. Questions indicated that some CAC members would like ships to have scrubbers and controls for ozone-generating nitrogen oxides. Some are concerned that ships may use higher sulfur content fuels when away from port. Others would like to see recordable injury rates for the ship’s crew and CAER Line usage when a ship has an incident noticeable to neighbors. Concerns were voiced about noise and odors. Despite the concerns, however, members appreciated Odfjell’s willingness to speak to the CAC. The CAC meets again on Tuesday, August 2 at the DuPont Employee Recreation Center on Strang Road, with dinner at 5:45 p.m. Business begins at 6:15, and improvements to the CAER Line will be the main topic. Visitors are welcome. Contact CAC facilitator Diane Sheridan at 281/326-5253 to RSVP.
Long-Time La Porte ISD Administrator Todd Schoppe Has Been Named The New Principal At La Porte High School Schoppe, the current La Porte ISD director of athletics, replaces Dr. Joanne Kolius, who has served as LPHS principal since 2006. “We could have done an intergalactic search and not come up with a finer fit to build upon the foundation of La Porte High School,” said Lloyd W. Graham, LPISD superintendent of schools. “Mr. Schoppe brings to this leadership role a demonstrated commitment to excellence and a history of service to the students, staff, and families of La Porte ISD.” Schoppe is a product of La Porte schools, having graduated from LPHS in 1981. An honor student and standout athlete, he went on to the University of Houston, where he played football and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education with a biology minor. While in college, he was an Academic All-American and was named to the All-Southwest Conference Academic Team three years. Schoppe completed his master’s degree in educational administration at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He is certified to teach biology and health/ physical education in grades six through 12 and also has mid-management certification. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Schoppe was a graduate assistant, coaching the offensive line for the University of Houston football team. In 1987, he began his career at La Porte High School, serving
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as a physical science/biology teacher and coach from 1987 to 1991. During the 1991-92 school year, he taught and coached at Clear Lake High School. In the fall of 1992, Schoppe moved to Crosby ISD, where he served as assistant principal and football coach for three years. In March 1995, he accepted the position as head football coach and athletic director at Santa Fe ISD, where he worked for four years. Schoppe returned to his alma mater as assistant principal in 1998, and after three years, was named associate principal. With a year in that position, he was appointed as principal of the De Walt Alternative Campus. He was named athletic director later that year and has served in this role for seven years. “I am very excited about this opportunity,” Schoppe said. “It’s great because I went to school at La Porte—I bleed orange—and I’m going into this with faculty and staff who also have high expectations for the campus. They know me, they know what I’m about, and I think that’s going to make for a good, smooth transition.” Schoppe and his wife, Adrienne, have two daughters—Megan, who will be a junior in the nursing program at Stephen F. Austin State University, and McKenna, who will be a senior at LPHS next year. He is the son of Charles Schoppe and Beverly Schoppe.
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PAGE 2
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
COMMUNITY 30th Annual Juneteenth Celebration 2011 Schedule of Events Hosted By: La Porte Community Civic Club 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
The National Society Of Artists’ Juried Show Hosted By The The Arts Alliance Center At Clear Lake National Society of Artists announces their 27th Annual National Juried Show, October 6 - October 27, 2011 hosted by The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, 2000 NASA Parkway, Nassau Bay, Texas. NSA awards will be $700 Best of Show, $500 First Place, $300 Second Place, $100 Third Place. The Phillip G. Paratore Jr. Memorial Award and Merchandise Awards will also be presented. All media and interested artists can find Eligibility , Entry Rules and Applications at www.NSArtist.org or contact Bill Bonham at bill@bbonham.net or Jim Bragg at bragg.Jim@ gmail.com NSA meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7pm at The Community Building at Clear Lake Park, 5001 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook, Texas. The monthly meetings offer a variety of work shops and demonstrations and are free to all media and photographic artists. Refreshments are served. Free parking. The June 13th, 2011 meeting will feature Award Winning Artist, Judge and Instructor Ron Gordon demonstrating acrylic painting techniques. For info contact bill@bbonham.net
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
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 13th-17th. 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 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!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Morning Coffee (8am-9:30pm) Location: 5 Points Town Plaza Park on Broadway and Main
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
“Let’s Talk! Webster 5:45 p.m.
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.
On Monday, June 20, 2011, Monica Cornetti, MS EDE will present “Let’s Talk!–The Secret of Powerful Communication Skills” at the next meeting of the Clear Lake/NASA chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Installation of the chapter’s new officers will follow. The meeting/dinner will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn–Clear Lake/ NASA in Webster, TX beginning at 5:45 p.m. All administrative professionals throughout Houston and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please make your reservations by June 16th. For reservations and more information on this chapter, please visit www.iaap-clnac.org or contact 281-910-2297.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
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
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.
By The Bay
Continued from page 1
Heritage Society Holds Ice Cream/Hot Dog Social
See You At 5 Points!
The La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society will hold an ice cream/ hot dog social on Thursday, June 9 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Sylvan Beach Depot Museum, 604 Park in La Porte across from Sylvan Beach Park. The event will raise funds for the Depot Museum and other activities of the Heritage Society. Tickets are $5, and they are available for purchase at the Depot Museum or by calling (281) 471-1661. Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the ice cream social. The La Porte Bay Area Heritage was created in 1978 by a group of interested citizens who came together to discover and collect materials and artifacts that help establish and illustrate the rich history of the La Porte Bay Area. The group strives to keep La Porte’s history alive and remembered. Events such as this year’s Ice Cream Social help the group accomplish their goals of preserving La Porte’s history. For additional information about the Ice Cream Social or the La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society call (281) 471-1661 .
See you at 5 Points -a safe, fun place for young people to hang out with their friends on Wednesday nights 7p.m. to 9 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 Person: Mary Morgan. Phone: 281-471-0338. Email:office@firstlaporte.org
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Evelyn Meador Library Grand Opening Save the date! The beautiful new Evelyn Meador Branch Library will open on Tuesday, June 28th at 10:00 AM. Stop by and take a tour of the new facility or check out some of the new library materials. The Friends of the Evelyn Meador Library will sponsor entertainment and activities for all ages following the opening ceremony hosted by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman. For more information, please call 713-7499000.
Vacation Bible School First Baptist ChurchCynde Sonnier June, 12, 2011 6:00 p.m.
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The Bay Area Observer Established in 2006 Serving the communities along Galveston Bay.
Editor & Publisher.....................................Rebecca Collins editor@bayareaobserver.com
Associate Editor.........................................Carolyn Collins carolyn@bayareaobserver.com
Arts & Entertainment Reporter...................Mason Sterling mkdsterling@yahoo.com
Sales Representative..............................Beverly Lawrence La Porte Area • 281-793-7961 • blawrence506@msn.com
Sales Representative...................................Charlotte Horn
Seabrook, Kemah Area • 281-507-8257 • charlottehorn53@yahoo.com Opinions in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the newspaper. Any erroneous statement which may appear will be corrected if brought to the attention of the publisher. Liability for errors is limited to the reprinting of the corrected version. Submissions are encouraged by mail, by fax, or by email to editor@bayareaobserver.com.
P.O. Box 305 • Seabrook, Texas 77586 Phone: 281-907-3140 • Fax: 866-596-8973 Email: editor@bayareaobserver.com
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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 3
AROUND TOWN Galveston Bay Foundation Announces the 2011 Bay Gazer Photo Contest Winners The Galveston Bay Foundation is pleased to announce the 2011 Bay Gazer photo contest winners. Over fifty photographers focused their lenses on Galveston Bay and entered the third annual Bay Gazer Photo Contest in conjunction with the Bay Day Festival. Four finalists from each entry level--grades 6-8, grades 9-12, and adult-were carefully selected and voted on by the public at the Bay Day Festival on the Kemah Boardwalk on Saturday, May 21. Winners from each entry level enjoyed cash prizes donated by CenterPoint Energy. The winners of the 2011 Bay Gazer photo contest are: 6-8 grade entry level, Destiny Pitts, “No Angry Birds Here”; 9-12 grade entry level, Vivian Griffey, “Double Bayou, Double Sunset”; and adult entry level, Pamela Carstens, “Houston-We Have a Lift Off”. Please visit www.galvbay.org to view the first and second place winners.
Above: 6-8 grade entry level, Destiny Pitts, “No Angry Birds Here”
Above: Adult entry level, Pamela Carstens, “Houston-We Have a Lift Off” Left: 9-12 grade entry level, Vivian Griffey, “Double Bayou, Double Sunset”
Experience Life. By the Bay. Come La Porte Texas, and enjoy the events we have scheduled for the summer. And while you’re here, we invite you to check out our opportunities for water sports, history, eco-tourism, nature photography, and beautiful sandy beaches. Come to La Porte, and we’ll show you what life is like by the bay!
June - August 11:00 Am - 7:00 pm 7 DAys A week weekenDs only mAy AnD september
Admission: 48” and Above $17 Below 48” $12
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ART WALK BY THE BAY PRESENTED BY THE MAIN STREET BUSINESS ALLIANCE
First Fridays, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Main Street La Porte, Texas INFORMATION: (281) 470-5017 or www.artwalkbythebay.com
PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS
www.baytown.org/piratesbay This ad was paid for using funds from the City of Baytown’s Hotel/Motel Tax (HOT). PB 5.305x5 2011.indd 1
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2011 Concert Lineup at Five Points Plaza All concerts are at Five Points Plaza in La Porte, 201 S. Broadway. Information: (281) 470-7275 JUNETEENTH June 18, 2011 3:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Step Rideau (Zydeco) Texas Johnny Boy (Blues)
INDEPENDENCE DAY July 4, 2011 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Confederate Jazzmen Austin Allsup
PAGE 4
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
LOCAL NEWS EDITORIAL/OPINION Letters To The Editor Dear Community Members, As many of you know, I am a longtime resident and business owner in League City. I care deeply about our community, our families and our future. As President of the Clear Creek Independent School District’s Board of Trustees, I am asking for your support. We need you to help Save Our Schools. If you’ve been watching the headlines, you are aware the surrounding school districts are laying off teachers and increasing class sizes. Clear Creek ISD is reassigning staff, trimming administrative staff through attrition and slashing operation costs by $9.4 million. The truth is… that’s not enough. If our state legislators continue down this path, CCISD will lose $20-$45 million next school year. That is up to 16% percent of the District’s budget. Making the cuts necessary to come up with that amount of cash means CCISD will have tough decisions to make. Programs will have to be cut. Classroom sizes may have to get bigger. We may lose quality personnel who choose to work for an industry that can pay them more. I am sharing this with the community in hopes you will listen and understand the seriousness of what we are facing as a school district and as a community. I don’t want our parents to wake up one day to find their schools have changed without notice. CCISD is proud to be an Exemplary school district. With millions of dol-
lars less to work with, that rating may be impossible to keep. What can you do? You can contact your state senators and state representatives. Talk to your neighbors, your coworkers and your friends. Our elected officials have heard from the business community but they want and need to hear from parents. Please consider calling or writing the following folks who truly have a voice and a vote in Austin: Texas State Senator Senate District 11--Sen. Mike Jackson Capitol Office: CAP 3E.2 Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0111 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station, Austin, TX 78711 District Address: 1109 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena TX 77504 Phone: (713) 948-0111 State District Offices Texas State Representative House District 24--Rep. Larry Taylor Capitol Office: EXT E2.322 Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0729 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 District Address: 174 Calder Road, Suite 116, League City TX 77573 Phone: (281) 338-0924 Senate District 4--Sen. Tommy Williams Capitol Office: CAP GE.7 Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0104 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068, Capitol
Station Austin, TX 78711 District Address: P. O. Box 8069 The Woodlands TX 77387 Phone: (281) 364-9426 State District Offices Texas State Representatives House District 129--Representative John E. Davis Capitol Office: CAP 4S.3 Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0734 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 District Address: 1350 NASA Parkway,, Suite 212, Houston TX 77058 Phone: (281) 333-1350 House District 23--Rep. Craig Eiland Capitol Office: CAP GW.5 Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0502 Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 District Address: 2211 The Strand Galveston TX 77550 Phone: (409) 763-3260 Thank you for taking the time to let our children know they matter. They are our future workforce and our future leaders. They need the best education possible to forge a better path for the next generation. Sincerely, Dee Scott President of the CCISD Board of Trustees
La Porte Police Department Promotes Vacation Safety
Summer is on the horizon and vacation time is upon us again. Therefore, to make your memories even more enjoyable, the La Porte Police Department asks that you
take a few minutes out of your day to read and absorb the listed safety tips. Remember, by performing just one of the listed points, you may prevent a major loss.
dates. Supply an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.
• If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside.
• Lock all windows and doors.
Secure Your Home before You Leave
• Test your smoke and burglar alarms. While you’re on the Road
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. Motels and Hotels
• Make sure your home looks lived in, not empty. Stop mail and cancel all deliveries or ask a neighbor to make daily collections. Put an automatic timer on at least two lights. • Tell a trusted neighbor your departure and return
• Don’t advertise your plans to strangers
The Senior Class
By Jay Dunham - dataz33@yahoo.com Tell me a Story: Tuesday afternoons have become very popular since the Story Telling Group meet in the Living Room at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center. At 1:00 PM, we gather around Mary Lee as she relates ‘the story of the week’. Having been a kindergarten teacher for so many years, her recitation has our rapt attention. Whatever the topic; clothes, friends, whatever, we all, in turn, have a story to share with others. There is no shyness in this group! Shrimply Delicious: May 7 dawned with the Red Suspender guys lighting off the shrimp cookers for the 6th annual Shrimp Boil, benefitting the La Porte Special Olympics. Once again this year, some stalwart young fellows from the La Porte High School Bulldog football team and their coaches were around to provide needed muscle. Also, as usual, the call for volunteers was heeded and some from the Citizen Police Academy showed up. We cooked and served 170 lbs of shrimp, about 22 gallons of coleslaw and, glory be! I don’t know how many homemade desserts. I was there early and had dessert first! Once again, we want to thank all who participated, you are a great city, and the Special Olympic athletes are the GREATEST! Batter Up!: Deb D. unveiled the new ‘Bean Bag Baseball Game’ the staff constructed, at the Friday Night Game Night. The 2 teams of 4 “batters” had great fun trying to run up the most “runs”. At the 7th inning stretch, we joined the domino players in partaking of the light snacks we each provided. It’s extremely difficult to return to the ball field at this time, so the game was called a draw. Deb D. has some fun plans for this new game. Stay tuned. Something’s Fishy: A busload of seniors departed the Norman l. Malone Senior Center on a county bus, escorted by Robbie, destination Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson. This facility is more than an aquarium, is also a hatchery for native Texas sea life. A few of our more stalwart seniors ‘stroked’ the crabs and happily kept all 10 digits. A homestyle lunch at Asiel’s, among some of the relics of the Wooly Mammoth found in the lake excavation of the same name, was enjoyed by all. More than just a fun day, it was an informative trip.
Music to MY Ears: Once again, on Tuesday the 24th, our Sing-a-long musicians assembled and entertained us with a variety of hand clapping, toe tapping, hum- along favorite tunes. In addition to Irene, Leroy, Carl, Robbie and Randy, Robbie’s long time and good friend Janet Z appeared with her guitar. Janet, as many of you know, is a musician appearing locally occasionally. Along with her engaging smile is a lovely voice. Everyone seems to enjoy the get-together which comes around every month. We’re happy Leroy has brought his fiddle-playing experience to our group. Spice of Life: A trip to Penzeys Spice Company in the Heights is always a pleasant and aromatic experience, but add a visit to the Farmer’s Market and you have a gourmands delightful day. This is what Mason planned when he loaded a bus full of seniors and set out for Houston. Sandwiched in (pun intended) between was lunch at Colina’s, a favorite of mine. What’s next, Mason? Ring My Bell: Harris County Area Agency on Aging (AAA), the organization that provides our hot lunches every noon, MondayFriday at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center, celebrated Older Americans Month by presenting a program aimed at area seniors. Five La Porte seniors were invited to participate as a handbell ensemble at the Kashmere Service Center in Houston. Directed by Paul McBeth, the ensemble consisting of Barbara Richards, Shirley Hughes, Deb Dunham and myself played two pieces arranged for twelve
CHURCH HOME?
You are welcome at St. John’s Episcopal Church “The Beloved by the Bay” Worship Services
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
• Use all locks when occupying or leaving your room.
• Carry a small amount of cash. • If driving, plan your route carefully. Have your car serviced and tired checked before leaving.
Looking For A New
• Know who’s knocking before you open the door. As a final note, La Porte Police Department reminds all citizens that vacation can be fun, but only if you make it that way.
bells; Cowboy Medley and American Medley. Other performances were by the Bay Area Tap Dancers and the Kashmere Senior Gospel Group. The AAA presented various speakers with topics of interest to ‘older Americans’. P is for Picnic: Once again, the Friday before Memorial Day saw over 90 seniors enjoying the annual Spring Picnic at Sea Breeze Park. No matter the temperature was pushing 90 degrees, the pleasant bay breeze kept us cool. There were many domino games being played and lots and lots of snacks being nibbled. Robbie was kept busy filling balloons with water for the balloon toss competition. This is always one of the highlights of the picnic. Two person teams are assembled standing about 4 feet apart. A water filled balloon is tossed to the team mate, the distance increased slightly and the balloon tossed back. This continues until the team who’s balloon is still intact wins. In the meantime, when a balloon bursts, it usually dampens the catcher. Olive’s team was the winner and celebrated the win by dousing Robbie with the winning balloon. This signaled the start of a water balloon fight which resulted in many of us being drenched. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to dry out. Following a box lunch, watermelon was passed around. Another wonderful Spring Picnic has passed. Coming Up: Senior Dance…Thursday, June 2, 7:00 PM… Tommy Gill’s band 2011 ‘Senior’ Prom…Friday, June 10, 7:00 PM…Gerald Hightower Orchestra County Bus Trip…Thursday, June 30…Destination ??? Check the “Senior Sizzle” newsletter for other activities. Available at the front counter at the Norman L. Malone Senior Center.
WE’VE GO T THE HO TTEST BRANDS OF SUNG L A SSES, GLASSES & CONTA CT LENSE S
With A New Pair of Sunglasses To Protect Your Vision From The Summer Sun!
La Porte Vision Center Helping You And Your Family See Into The Future Deborah S. Bernay, O.D. • Andreane B. Fagala, O.D. Patricia A. Galos, O.D. 401 West Fairmont Parkway, Suite A • La Porte
281-471-6546
www.laportevision.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
Residential • Commercial • Industrial New Construction • Remodels • Repairs • Panel Upgrades Maintenance • Emergencies • Generators • Wastewater
Independent Electrical Management Solutions WWW.ELECTRICALMANAGEMENTSOLUTIONS.COM LICENSED & INSURED TECL #27798
713-459-6675
TMEL #233562
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PAGE 5
Salon LaLa Rouge Rouge Salon
Lisa K. Cook: Owner/Master Stylist 281.474.2528 • 902 Hardesty • Old Seabrook
Hair, Nail, Massage & Facials
Let me design you a new look for Spring!
PAGE 6
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
LAREDO’S TEX-MEX CAFE
Kingdom Security, LLC Commercial & Industrial Security Integrators • Access Control • Burglar Alarms • CCTV
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 2, 2011
21620 Gulf Freeway Webster, Texas 77598
281-332-3111 • Fax: 281-332-7696
24 Hour Service
(281) 479-6663 www.KingdomSecurity.org
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
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PAGE 9
EDUCATION
Ed White Elementary Gets New Running Track Thanks To The Generosity Of Local Businesses And Volunteers
Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal and Joel Powers of Seabrook Rotary Serve Up Lunch To Volunteers
Seabrook Councilman Mike Giangrosso
Rick Burris, President of the Clear Lake Fitness Club and Hilda Giangroso
Thanks To Local Businesses And Volunteers, The New Track Was Finished In Record Time.
Clarissa and Craig Giangrosso
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 under 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
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, June 5th • 2-4
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.
John Carr, owner of Sculptured Earth, Inc. gets Help From His Daughters and Friends
Erin Spence With A Studentand Ed White Elementary Principal Matthew Paulson
Seabrook Rocket Team Blasts Off At National Competition
330 SHOREACRES BLVD • SHOREACRES
Left to right: Lauren Vande Hei, Brittany Bryant, Madison Byrne, Ella Heintz, Karina Garza, Julia Curtis, Mary Rupert, Emilie Vawter, Ella Barwick, Kendal Greer, Seabrook Intermediate Principal David Williams
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The Seabrook Intermediate Rocket Team competed in the National Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) in Manassas, Virginia on Saturday, May 14. The all girls 7th grade team qualified to compete as one of the top 100 teams in the nation. The team of ten intermediate students was the youngest team at the competition. They competed against high school teams. This year’s challenge was to design a rocket that reached an altitude of 750 feet, landed in 45 seconds, used a 15” parachute, carried a raw egg payload, and returned the egg to the ground without breaking. The Seabrook Intermediate team had a successful launch and return; finishing the competition among the top 30 teams in the nation. “We are so proud of their accomplishment,” said Science Magnet Coordinator Jan Larsen. The girls were also chosen by the organizers to be the face of the TARC competition and were interviewed by a camera crew. The video will be used to educate CEO’s of engineering and technical companies about the rocket competition and the students who participate.
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 11
LOCAL SERVICE DIRECTORY
If you’re looking for good service, please visit these local businesses!
Paul U. Lee
Antiques, Gifts, Collectibles, Vintage, Retro, Baby Boutique, Furniture, Scent Oils & Burners
321 West Main St. La Porte, Texas 77571
Funeral Home
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 - 5:30 Sunday 12:30 - 5:00
Family Owned & Operated
281-471-0123 www.paululee.com
The Coolest - Most Unique Consignment/Resale Store In Texas
Sign up for updates
www.reliksandrepeats.com
Gilbert’s Piano Studio
LEOPARD REALTY
Serving the Bay Area for over 30 years, Gilbert’s Piano Studio offers private instruction for ages 8 - adult.
www.LeopardRealty.com
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Piano Lessons Are Fun For Everyone!
701 S. 8th - La Porte Horace - 713-858-4716 Jason - 713-299-2607
Call Today For Summer Lessons
281-479-3004 Neal Broussard, R.Ph. $2 Deliveries
A OUTLET Native American Jewelry & Artifacts outlet
Immunizations
800 South Broadway • La Porte
281-471-1241
www.medicineshoppe.com
Diabetic Shoes & Supplies
TNT
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Golf Cart Repair & Customization 201 W. Main
200 W Main .La Porte Tx 77571
La Porte
832-322-9550
281-515-2311 www.tntlaporte.com
aoutlet01@gmail.com
M-F • 9:00 - 6:00 • SAT. • 9:00 - 1:00
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Ray Garcia
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DRIVERS-DRIVER TRAINING! Paid refresher course available for regional van drivers. Earn 35-37 cpm afterwards. Home every week. 401(k) and great benefits. Visit www.AVERITTcareers. com; EOE.
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DRIVERS Flatbed and Reefer. Average $1.12 to $1.24/ mile (+fuel surcharge) Paid CDL training available & benefits! Call Prime Inc. today! 1-800-277-0212 or www. primeinc.com DRIVERS-OWNER/OPERATORS Solo, teams, fleets. $1.28 per mile (includes FSC) 900 mile average length haul, we have more freight than available trucks! 1-877-817-3962. DRIVER START a New Career! 100% paid CDL training. No experience required. Recent grads or experience drivers: Sign-on bonus. CRST EXPEDITED; 1-800-326-2778 www. JoinCRST.com
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LOTS & ACREAGE
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APARTMENTS
Victoria Lake
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281-333-2510 $199.00
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FOR SALE 1997 Honda Accord
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AUCTIONS
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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
IN THE GARDEN Turk’s Cap Named New Texas Superstar
Planting Chart For June
Talk about tough: It’s drought tolerant, sun tolerant, shade tolerant -- even Roundup tolerant!
Turk’s cap varieties with red and white flowers have been grown in Texas for generations. But a new hybrid variety, “Pam Puryear,” named in honor of one of the first female graduates of Texas A&M University, has pink flowers. Because both new and old varieties of Turk’s cap are tough and versatile plants, they have been designated Texas Superstars for 2011. (Texas AgriLife Research photo) By Robert Burns AgriLife News
Gardeners, hummingbirds and butterflies have it made in the shade with Turk’s cap, the newly designated Superstar by Texas AgriLife Research. And “made in the sun too,” as the plant tolerates full sunlight as well, said Dr. Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research horticulturist and chair of the Texas Superstar executive board. Though not new to Texas by any means, Turk’s cap was designated a 2011 Texas Superstar because when it comes to climate and soils, it is a very tough, versatile plant, he said. “It’s a native plant, native to South Texas, and is a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds,” Pemberton said. “It’s extremely drought-tolerant and will thrive in dry soils. It does very well in the shade but will take quite a bit of sun, so it is a very versatile plant; something that is pretty well adapted all over the entire state.” To be designated a Superstar, a plant must not just only beautiful but perform well for consumers and growers throughout Texas, Pemberton said. Superstars must also be easy to propagate, a requisite that ensures designees are not only widely available throughout Texas but reasonably priced too. Most Superstars are selected only after extensive tests at Overton, Lubbock, San Antonio and College Station by AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulturists. Pemberton said they broke the rule a bit with Turk’s cap, but for good reasons. “We haven’t had formal tests for the last couple of years like we have for most Superstar plants, but this has been a plant that has been grown all over the state, and one we’ve known of for a long time,” he said. “It’s an old garden plant; something that’s found in old-home sites, in old gardens.” Pemberton said Turk’s cap has been a “pass-along” plant for many, many years. Because it’s easy to grow and propagate, gardeners would pass along clippings to relatives and friends down through several generations. “You will still see some old plantings in places like Tyler and in old parts of town,” he said. “You will see a row of it out back of a house that never gets watered, totally on its own, but performing very well. It’s a tough one.” “It’ll grow in full sun, full shade, wet soil, dry soil, alkaline soil and acid soil -- it’s a pretty dang amazing plant,” said Greg Grant, formally with AgriLife Research and now with Stephen F. Austin Gardens. “Plus, (when you learn) it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and has semi-edible fruit, you’d think, heck, why isn’t everyone growing it.” Turk’s cap even shows a lot of resistance to the popular herbicide, Roundup, though it comes by it naturally and has never been genetically modified
for this resistance, as cotton, corn and other crops have been, Grant said. “It’ll show a little color change when you spray it with Roundup, but it won’t kill it,” he said. “It’s an amazingly tough plant.” The Turk’s cap native to Texas generally has dark green leaves and cherry-red or white flowers that look like miniature Turkish turbans, hence the name. There’s also a tropical variety that has huge pink, white and red flowers, but isn’t cold tolerant. But thanks to Grant, and Pam Puryear, one of the first female graduates of Texas A&M University, gardeners today have more choices for cold-tolerant varieties. Grant used to be a member of Texas Rose Rustlers, a gardening organization dedicated to growing roses and gardening in general. Puryear was also a Rose Rustler volunteer and asked Grant to develop new varieties of Turk’s cap. “With her (Puryear’s) prodding, I crossed a tropical one with the more cold-hardy one, trying to make big flowers on our smaller plant. It just so happened I used a pink tropical one, because it was the only one I had at the time.” The first result was an introduction Grant named “Big Mama,” a giant hybrid plant that grows 5 to 6 feet tall and just as wide, with flowers twice as big as native Turk’s cap blooms, he said. Grant then crossed Big Mama back with a white-flowered, coldhardy one and got a lot of variations, including one with pink flowers that looked like the native Turk’s cap. “So I named the pink one ‘Pam Puryear,’ who gave me the idea to breed them,” Grant said. Pemberton said Turk’s cap can be grown as an annual in far north Texas, while the plants become perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 7 to 11, which in Texas corresponds approximately to areas south of the Red River. The plant becomes progressively more “shrub-like” the further south one goes of U.S. Interstate 20, he noted. Grown in sunnier sites, Turk’s cap leaves may become lighter green and take on a more quilted appearance, Pemberton said. “Pests are of minimal concern in the landscape, with white flies, scale and mealy bugs occasionally encountered, but mostly only in nursery or greenhouse environments,” he said. Spring is the best time to plant Turk’s cap. “You can plant it in the fall too, but spring is a really good time because that way the plant can go ahead and get established before the main flowering period in the summer,” he said. “But you can basically plant it anytime.” Pemberton said gardeners should be able to find a selection of Turk’s cap varieties at most home gardening and nursery outlets. Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by Texas AgriLife Research. More information about the Texas Superstar program can be found at http://texassuperstar.com.
Corn.................................................................................Weeks 3 & 4 (marginally) Eggplant Plants........................................................................................All Month Cantaloupe...............................................................................................All Month Okra.........................................................................................................All Month Peas, Southern ........................................................................................All Month Pepper, Plants......................................................................All Month (marginally) Potato Slips, Sweet..................................................................................All Month Pumpkin...................................................................................................All Month Squash, Summer..................................................................All Month (marginally) Squash, Winter....................................................................All Month (marginally) Watermelon..............................................................................................All Month
Your Yard And Galveston Bay Are Related By Julie Massey Texas AgriLife
It may surprise you to know that your yard is the first line of defense to protect Galveston Bay and its fragile coastal environment. The health of Armand Bayou, Clear Lake, Galveston Bay and even the Gulf of Mexico - depends in part on how you maintain your landscape and yard. And you don’t event have to live on the water to make a difference. Stormwater runoff is the reason. Rain falls on yards, roads and parking lots, then washes into bayous and the bay, carrying pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, soil, grease and oil products. Runoff from such sources is known as non-point source pollution. Yes, it is a fancy name, but in plain English it simply means that it doesn’t come out of a pipe. However, non-point source pollution has been identified as the most significant environmental problem facing Galveston Bay. Nitrogen rich fertilizer in runoff can cause algae to become so abundant that oxygen in the water is depleted and fish kills may result. Toxins found in products as common as household pesticides damage reproduction in shellfish and other marine life Each year enough oil runs off of Houston streets to equal almost half of the oil spilled in the Exxon Valdez accident! It’s not all doom and gloom. Your yard is a great place to start cleaning up the runoff that ends up in Galveston Bay. By following simple practices, homeowners can significantly reduce the amount of pollution that reaches Galveston Bay. For example, don’t over-fertilize your lawn or garden and fertilize only when necessary. Choose a fertilizer that contains at least half or more of the nitrogen in a water-insoluble or controlled release form. Grass clippings can be left on the lawn without the build up of thatch provided that the lawn is mowed at proper time intervals. Annually, these grass clippings will provide nutrients equal to one fertilizer application. Also, don’t assume chemicals are the only answer to garden pests. Hand picking or simply spraying infested plants with a water hose cab is very effective in controlling many insect pests. These and other techniques are part of an Integrated Pest Management approach to pest control. Implementing practices such as Integrated Pest Management will help to improve the water quality of Galveston Bay. You can make a difference in protecting Galveston Bay and it literally starts at your door step! This article is from The Galveston Bay Yards and Neighbors Program. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/
CUISINE Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Ingredients • 1/2 red onion, sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cups watermelon, diced
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 cucumber, seeded and sliced
• salt to taste
• 2 Tbsp mint, thinly sliced
• crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
Directions 1.Place chopped watermelon and cucumber on a clean dry towel. If you don’t want to get a towel all messy, use a very thick layer of paper towels. Pat them dry. Set aside. 2. Soak sliced red onion in cold water. 3. Toss watermelon and cucumber with mint. 4. Drain the onion, squeeze dry and add to the salad along with some chopped almonds. 5. Add olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and toss. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
P.J. Mock, Jr. M.D. Family Medicine • American Board of Family Medicine
Kitchen • Bath • Closets • Countertops • Floors 3130 E. Nasa Parkway Seabrook. TX 77586
Call Now! 281.326.1902 www.luvcabinets.com
1200 Highway 146, Suite 250 La Porte, Texas 77571 E-mail: pjmlptx@aol.com
Phone: (281) 471-0130 Fax: (281) 867-9241
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281-471-2132