The Bay Area Observer Community News For The Galveston Bay Area
VOLUME 2, NO. 32
By The Bay Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department to Host Blood Drive
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
Sylvan Beach Pavilion Set For Restoration
The Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a blood drive . The drive will be held on Monday, August 29th, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM 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.
Celebrating Shuttle:
An American Icon exhibit What will your family be doing Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011? Opening ceremony from 5pm to 7 pm. UHClear Lake and NASA Johnson Space Center will honor the 30-year legacy of the Space Shuttle Program with a display of NASA photographs featuring images from all 135 shuttle missions. Get launched with this limited time exhibit - relive the memories. On display Aug. 23 - Sept. 28, 2011. Contact: Office of Alumni and Community Relations Email: alumni@uhcl.edu Phone: 281-283-2021. Location Details UHCL, Bayou Building, Atrium II, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston TX 77058 USA
2nd Annual La Porte Community Block Party and Basketball Shootout Jennie Riley Community Center 322 N. 4th St, La Porte August 13, 2011 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, August 13, 2011, LCA will host the 2nd Annual Back-toSchool Block Party and Basketball Shoot-Outfrom 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Jennie Riley Recreational Center. The block party will provide FREE food, fun, and games for all in attendance. LCA is a nonprofit organization established to meet the needs of youth in the La Porte Community. LCA’s objective is to identify various needs of the La Porte youth, and administer events and activities to fulfill those needs. LCA is able to meet these needs by partnering with local community leaders, businesses, organizations, and churches. As parents and students prepare to return to school, the necessity of acquiring school supplies continues to be a challenge for some families. Thus, it is imperative that efforts go forth to supplement the costs. During this event we will distribute prepackaged school supplies for those in need at no cost. In an effort to keep this event free to all, we need your support! Event Location: Jennie Riley Community Center, 322 N. 4th St, La Porte TX 77571. 9AM -5PM. Contact Person: Marcus Humphrey. Phone: 281241-7040.
Sylvan Beach Pavilion As It Is Today. The Structure Is No Longer In Use And Still Shows Evidence Of Hurricane Ike Damage By Robert Swain rswain91@yahoo.com
The Sylvan Beach Pavilion is looking at a makeover due to its stir of interest in several historical programs, including the National Register of Historical Places. With the listing from the NRHP on Sept. 9, 2010 and the funding from the Texas Department of Rural Affairs twelve days later, the pavilion is sure to see brighter days with protection and backing from both the national and state level. Provisions of $3.6 million has been granted from the HUD Community Development Block Grant, to reinstate the pavilion. “Our organization is very
proud of what we have done,” said president of Friends of Sylvan Beach Park & Pavilion Ted Powell. “We showed [the pavilion] is historically significant and believe we proposed a business model for this building that can generate a lot of money for the county. ” The long time debate to close or restore the La Porte landmark has come to a halt. Friends of Sylvan Beach Park & Pavilion, constructed of various La Porte citizens and people concerned about the destruction of the pavilion, have fought through the red tape to ensure the survival of the Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Ted Powell along with Friends of Sylvan Beach Park & Pavilion Treasurer Kim Powell,
La Porte Fitness Center
For more information, call Betty Thompson, 281-470-9600 or email: bthompson58@att.net
City Of La Porte Sponsors Photography Contest Deadline Oct. 14, 2011 5p.m. The City of La Porte Parks and Recreation Department is again sponsoring a Photography Contest that is open to any citizen of La Porte. There is no charge to enter the contest and the winning pictures will be featured in the City’s 2012 Municipal Calendar. This year’s calendar theme is “food,” and participants are encouraged to submit appealing and eye catching photos of their favorite dish along with a titled recipe. The contest is based on the food presentation and photographs, not the recipe. However, the recipe may be printed on the website and/or in the Continued on page 2
INDEX Community......................2 Local News.....................3 Obituaries.......................3 Education.......................4 LPISD Newsletter........5-8 Classifieds....................11 In The Garden...............12 Cuisine..........................12
The City of Kemah presents the 13th Annual Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival will be September 23, 24, 25, 2011. This film festival was established 13 years ago and has gained international recognition in the Independent Film Community. Every year the festival has celebrities in the film and video industries and presents a Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s special guest, scheduled to appear, will be four time Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe winner, Marsha Mason. Marsha Mason’s most popular works include Cinderella Liberty, Goodbye Girl, Only When I Laugh and Heartbreak Ridge. Ms. Mason is to receive this award at the Cascade Banquet & Award Gala on September 24 at the South Shore Harbour Resort in the Crystal Ballroom, 2500 South Shore Blvd. in League City starting at 6:00 pm. Kicking off the three day event on September 23, is the Opening Mixer & Reception where Ms. Mason will be available to greet the guests at Madeline’s Wine Bistro at 707 Bradford in Kemah at 7:00 pm.
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Film Screenings will be all day Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 at the Kemah Holiday Inn in Kemah on Harris Street. During the festivities plans are underway for the inaugural “Producers & Directors Forum” at the Kemah Community Center on Hwy 146, with more details to be announced. During these events there will be opportunities for the festival attendees to meet with actors, producers and directors in the film and television industry. The Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival is the creation of Founding Director, Hal Wixon, an actor himself and his wife Karen have been in the film industry for many years. Mr. Wixon’s mission was to encourage the work of the independent filmmakers and to promote the art and put budding filmmakers in the spotlight. “This festival was created to showcase the discovery of new and emerging artists,” states Wixon. “The goals for this fun and educational event are to encourage the works of independent filmmakers and promote the concept of film as art and offering awards as
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significance,” said Powell. “The building then would be protected by its historical documentation…” On Feb.1, 2011, a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark was presented to the pavilion
Sylvan Beach Pavilion In 1956
and in July, the State Historical Commissioners also awarded State Archeological Landmark status. Fifteen architecture firms competed to restore the pavilion, but local Houston firm Kirksey architecture was the final choice. The restoration is estimated to begin by the middle of next year. The reconstruction of the pavilion will mean many different things for the La Porte landmark. One of the more accessible ideas is the concession stand connected to the pavilion. Attached to the original construction of the pavilion, the concession stand is hoped to spark more interest in the building.
Plans Are To Restore The Pavilion To Its 1956 Appearance.
Award Winning Actress Marsha Mason to Appear At Gulf Coast Film Festival
La Porte InterChurch Council BLOOD DRIVE 1322 South Broadway La Porte Sat., August 27th 10a.m. to 3p.m.
Secretary Kathryn Aguilar and many more, began to speak against the destruction of the pavilion in 2008. “We took the approach that would get it on the National Historic Registry, we would prove its historical
means of educational outreach and expand the awareness of independent film.” Filmmakers from all over the world submit their films and it is known internationally as a juried film festival. The festival also showcases Houston and the Clear Lake/Bay Area Houston as a location for future films while promoting tourism. The festival’s title sponsor is the City of Kemah and is supported by the City of League City and the City of Houston. Tickets are available for all 3-days and individual film screenings and the social events. Packages are detailed on the festival’s website. Tickets will not be available at the door for the Cascade Banquet & Award Gala. Discounts for the movie passes at the Kemah Holiday Inn are available for the military, students and AARP members, with ID or card. Donations for the silent auction during the Gala are being accepted now, with proceeds going to the Kemah Citizens’ Police Academy. For more information on donations for the auction contact the Kemah Visitor Center at 281-334-3181. For ticket prices and additional sponsor information, log on to www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com. For tickets or information call (281) 333-5804 or email at whiteriverrock@ web.tv. For lodging log on to www.Kemah-tx.gov, area hotels have special rates for film festival attendees or call the Kemah Visitor Center at 281334-3181. That’s a wrap!
Main Properties Lou Ann Martin Named One Of Texas Monthly’s “Top Realtors”
LA PORTE – Lou Ann Martin, owner/broker of Main Properties Real Estate in La Porte, has been named one of Texas Monthly’s top realtors in the state by earning the magazine’s “five star realtor” honors. Martin has been a multimillion dollar producer for her whole 20 year-career in real estate. She went to work for Main Properties in 1992 and became co-owner of the real estate company with partner and local retired insurance agent David Brady.
Martin and husband Doug are also the owners of Paul U. Lee Funeral Home and have lived and raised their family in La Porte for 26 years. “I believe in treating every client like family,” Martin says. “Our personalized approach to real estate in what make Main Properties unique.” Community involvement is a huge part of Martin’s life. She is past chairman of the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce and she currently serves as a commissioner on the City of La Porte’s Planning and Zoning Commission. She is also a founding member of the La Porte ISD Education Foundation. Martin grew up in Baytown and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1983. She also attended Lee College. For more information about Main Properties, visit their website at www.mainproperties.com.
Drought Officially 2nd-Worst On Record In Texas Texas is officially in the midst of its second-worst drought on record. National Weather Service meteorologist Victor Murphy said Tuesday that this year’s drought has now surpassed one that ended in 1918 as the second-driest period in the state. Texas’ most severe overall drought remains one that persisted from 1950-1957. The state climatologist last week declared the current drought the state’s most severe one-year drought on record. Texas saw less than an inch of rain statewide in July, and more than 90 percent of the state already is in the two most extreme stages of drought. It has endured its driest 10 consecutive months on record. A newly updated weather map shows the drought holding firm through at least October.
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PAGE 2
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
COMMUNITY Seabrook’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Second Chance Pets
Continued from page 1
Saturday, October 22, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Rex Meador Park, 2100 Meyer Road • Seabrook
calendar, depending on space. Photographs should be technically well done. Photos entered should have good composition, excellent color and contrast, sharp focus, and a captivating background. They should also be submitted in landscape format and must not contain a time/date stamp, caption, etc. There have been several participants in the past and the City hopes for the same this year. Please keep in mind that with many participants and photos entered, only a small number can be exhibited in the calendar, but if you are a professional photographer, do it as a hobby, or a total amateur, and would like to enter, please do not hesitate. You never know, your photo may be chosen. All entries must be submitted to City of La Porte Parks and Recreation Department by 5:00 pm, October 14, 2011 to qualify for consideration. Please visit the City of La Porte Website at www.laportetx.gov to get a complete copy of the rules and entry form or you may pick up copies at the Parks and Recreation Department office at 1322 S. Broadway in La Porte. You may also call 281-470-7275 for additional information.
SEABROOK was officially incorporated as a city on October 23, 1961. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 22nd to join the community in celebrating Seabrook’s 50 years of history, growth, and strength in the face of adversity. The celebration begins at 9:00 a.m. with a magnificent parade. Bring your families and get there early to secure a good spot, or better yet, join in the parade! Forms and guidelines for those of you who wish to enter a float can be found at http://www. ci.seabrook.tx.us. Then, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., we will continue the celebration at Rex Meador Park, 2100 Meyer Road in Seabrook. In addition to live music and plenty of delicious food, you’ll find:
3rd Annual Kick Off By the Creek Clear Falls High School / Education Village 4380 Village Way, League City 11:00am - 1:00pm
• TRAIN RIDES around beautiful Meador Park, including a stop at our newly opened Evelyn Meador Library • INFLATABLES such as a combo moonwalk and slide for kids • ROCK WALL CLIMBING to challenge your skill while safely harnessed and monitored by attendants • CLASSIC CARS, PUBLIC SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS, GAMES • EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS & HISTORY TENT • AN ARTISAN’S MARKET where artisans will demonstrate their craft and offer handmade items for sale. Parade Information: 1) The parade will go down the south side of El Mar (the eastbound lane). Spectators are more than welcome to set up for viewing the parade on the north side (west-bound lane), as the entire road will be blocked off. The parade will then proceed toward Meyer Road, turn right, and continue until the route ends just past 2nd Street.
Milton is a delightfully happy and wriggly fox terrier mix. He is about a year and a half and is tons of fun. These types of dogs were bred for actual “ratting” so they have a robust and tenacious character. They are also very loyal. Please consider adding Milton to your family pack. Dog adoptions start at $125 and include all shots, spaying, neutering, de-fleaing AND a microchip. For more information email Second Chance Pets at pets2adopt@yahoo.com, call 281-286-3535 or visit www.secondchancepets.org . SCP adoptables are shown on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Petco store (Bay Area and Space Center Blvds.) and cats are shown at the Petsmart store across from Baybrook Mall the first and third Sundays of every month. Selected cats may be seen during the week at the Petco location and photographs of most adoptables are posted on our website. Almost all animals are fostered in local 2) For forms, guidelines and parade route for those who wish to homes because it does not have a shelter. As always PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS. Secenter a float visit http://www.ci.seabrook.tx.us. ond Chance Pets is a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) animal welfare organiWe’re proud to be Seabrookians! zation. All donations are tax deductible.
Six Students Awarded Scholarships By Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Join Cub Scouts Now!! Boys entering 1st through 5th grade Fall Registration: 6:30PM at
Seabrook Community House Wednesday, August 24th Wednesday, August 31st Wednesday, September 7th
2nd Annual Cub Scout Pack 389 On July, 30, 2011, Clear Lake (Kemah) Elks Lodge’ Michael Hild, Exalted Ruler and the members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks awarded the six students shown our 2011 Scholarships. As they set on their new Journey we wish them a safe journey and good luck in their next step in life. Our Scholarship Committee was Jeremy and Diana Joaquin, shown in the picture. The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year. To find out how to apply for the 2012 scholarships contact: Michael Hild, 281-334-2322 or on the web: http://elks2322.org/
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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
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With summer half concluded, preparations for the League City Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Kick Off By the Creek are well underway. The pep rally event will once again return to Education Village, home of Clear Falls High School. Kick Off By the Creek serves as the League City Chamber’s tribute to the start of the Texas high school football season. The event is open to the public with tickets being $15.00, which include a meal. Sponsorships are available and currently being sought. Honoring both Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts, luncheon attendees, including chamber members, students and parents, will hear music from the schools’ marching bands, see spirit from their cheerleaders and enjoy inspirational pep talk speeches from each the coaches. At the end, one team will take home the coveted Kick Off By the Creek Spirit Award. “Celebrating two districts, six teams and a dream, the League City Chamber of Commerce created Kick Off By the Creek to provide the business community with the opportunity to show its support of the school districts, their students and their respective athletic groups. The community is encouraged to attend to cheer on their favorite school and team. A portion of the event proceeds is distributed to the football booster clubs.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the League City Chamber of Commerce website at www.leaguecitychamber.com or call the Chamber office at 281-338-7339.
Clear Lake Tea Party To Host A “Job Interview” for the Elected Office of U.S. Senate of Texas Who: Clear Lake Tea Party (CLTP) in conjunction with Alliance of Constitutional Patriots (ACP) What: A job interview for the elected office of U.S. Senator of Texas. All declared candidates for this position have been invited to meet with possible constituents and be individually interviewed for the job of being our elected Senator. This will be a direct, personal interview. The following candidates are confirmed to attend: Ted Cruz, Tom Leppert, Andrew Castanuela, Glenn Addison, Elizabeth Ames Jones, Lela Mae Pittenger. A straw poll will follow the interview. Media staging room will be available in conference room 2508 for interviews with all candidates from 5:15 - 6:30 pm and after the event When: Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 6:30 PM Where: University of Houston – Clear Lake Bayou Building - Use Parking Lot D 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Houston, TX 77058
Aquastar To Offer Competitive Swim Team Practices At Deer Park High School AQUASTAR is a year-round competitive USA Swimming club swim team, with 300 registered swimmers from the Clear Lake-La Porte-Deer Park-Pasadena area. The team will begin offering its competitive swimming programs at the Deer Park High School South Campus pool starting August 22. The team will offer swim training beginning after school hours, anticipated to begin at 4:45 pm every weekday. Class durations will range from one to two hours, depending on the training group. AQUASTAR is open to swimmers aged 6-18 interested in improving stroke skills and swimming competitively. For complete information on the team, including registration procedures, visit the team website at www. swimaqua.org. Registrations are ongoing, in preparation for the August 22 start. As a promotion, those registering in August will have the rest of 2011, and all of 2012, covered by their registration fee. You may also email swimaquastar@ sbcglobal.net for information.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
PAGE 3
LOCAL NEWS OBITUARIES LONGORIA
NRA Foundation Grant Benefits The La Porte Community
Ofelia Cavazos Longoria, 79, of Alvin, Texas passed on August 3rd 2011. Ofelia was born May 19th, 1932 in Kingsville, Texas to Daniel and Paula Cavazos. Her Husband Narciso Longoria, Son Daniel N. Longoria SR., and Arturo Longoria precede her in death. Survived by Children Mary Ramon and Husband Hector and Janie Gonzalez, Brothers Daniel Cavazos Jr. and Wife Irma, Pedro Cavazos and Wife Alice, Sisters Mary C. Gutierrez and Husband Ruben, and Connie Buentello. She is also survived by her Grandchildren Cynthia Richard and Husband Jason, Jose Ramon and Wife Ruby, Aaron Rodriguez, Daniel Longoria Jr. and Wife Heather, Priscilla Ryce and Husband Troy, Anthony Longoria and Wife Bianca, Emily Salinas and Husband Raul, Jason Longoria and Wife Salina, Kristy Longoria, Jennifer Longoria, Daniella Longoria, Crystal Mosley and Husband Roland, Roel Longoria, and 22 Great Grandchildren. Her Rosary will be held at Paul U. Lee Funeral Home Monday August 8th, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. and her Service will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Tuesday August 9th, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.
ODELL Barbara Jean Odell, 75, of La Porte Texas passed away August 8th, 2011. Barbara was born on January 29th, 1936 in Dallas, Texas to Charles and Eloise Lucas. Survivors include her Husband Harry Odell of La Porte, Texas her Children Belinda Basaldu and Husband Philip, Deborah Russell, Dennis Odell and Wife Brenda, Suzanne Tisdale and Husband John, Grandchildren Brent Tisdale and Wife Julia, Kimberly Stone and Husband Michael, Tony Russell and Wife Kimberly, Great Grandchildren Melody Nicole Tisdale, Zachary Davidson, Luke Davidson, Kaley Stone, Arial Russell, and Daphne Russell.
Law Enforcement Officials Warn Against Making Excuses for DWI TxDOT Launches City of Morgan’s Point, TX. DWI Enforcement Period with Public Awareness Campaign City of Morgan’s Point — We’ve all heard the excuses – “I’m OK to drive,” “I’m only going a few blocks” or “I’ll take the back roads home” – but just like “the dog ate my homework” didn’t work in elementary school, the excuses for drunk driving don’t work now. That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) is launching the annual Drink, Drive, Go To Jail campaign and enforcement period. TxDOT is joining forces with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and law enforcement agencies statewide to crack down on drunk driving as the summer winds down. From Aug. 19 through Labor Day (Sept. 5), law enforcement officers around the state will be working overtime to get drunk drivers off the road. It’s a problem that continues to haunt the state. In 2010, there were 25,032 alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 1,057 deaths and 16,877 injuries. In 2010, 24 percent of people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Texas were between the ages of 20 and 25. However, this age segment only represents 9 percent of the overall state population. The purpose of the campaign is to remind drivers of the consequences of getting behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking and suggest safe alternatives. Instead of driving home, they can call a cab, ask a friend or a family member for a ride, hand their keys to a designated driver or simply stay put until they sober up. For those who choose to drink and drive, law enforcement officials statewide will be on out in force to arrest them. No excuses.
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Thanks to a grant from The NRA Foundation “Friends of NRA” program the La Porte Police Department received $5,482 to purchase improve communications equipment
for their SWAT officers. “We are very excited about assisting with this acquisition”, said FNRA Volunteer James McLean “and pleased that the NRA is making an investment in our community that will greatly improve the response capability of the La Porte Police Department SWAT team.” Friends of NRA is a grassroots, community-minded program supported by gun owners, sportsmen and NRA friends that conducts banquets and other fundraising events to generate income for The NRA Foundation. Last year, the Friends of NRA raised a net of over $14 million through
events in over 1000 communities nationwide. The NRA Foundation has awarded over 19,000 grants nationally with two million dollars in funds supporting charitable programs in Texas. The NRA Foundation supports a broad range of programs and services that benefit local communities from providing shooting range access for physically disabled shooters to firearms safety, education and leadership programs for America’s youth. Some of the programs include the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program which teaches Eddie’s life saving message of what children should do if
they find a gun; Youth Hunter Education Challenge; Youth Education Summit; “Refuse To Be A Victim” program that instructions women how to live safer, more secure lives, and many other educational programs. The NRA Foundation is a charitable nonprofit arm of the National Rifle Association dedicated to promoting and funding firearms safety, education and training programs nationally. For more information on La Porte Police Department’s SWAT team operations or their affiliation with the Friends of NRA, contact Assistant Chief Steve Deardorff at 281-471-2141.
Morgan’s Point Residents: FREE HOME INSPECTIONS!!! The Crime Prevention Officer for the Morgan’s Point Police Department is ready to inspect the level of security at your home, in Morgan’s Point, at no cost to you. Officer Richardson will check your doors, locks, strike plates, hinges, windows, lighting, and landscaping for any possible security breaches. He can also make inexpensive recommendations to help you better secure
your home from unwanted intruders. This information is kept confidential. Some insurance companies may offer up to a 20% discount on your homeowners insurance if you meet all the requirements. Call or email today to schedule an appointment: Call 281-471-2222, or email brichardson@morganspoint-tx. com
City Of La Porte Seeks Citizen Participation In The City’s Comprehensive Plan Update The City of La Porte’s Comprehensive Plan is a multi-faceted document designed to serve as the City’s guide for future growth and development. The Comprehensive Plan provides clear direction on community priorities and how the community envisions La Porte developing in the next twenty years. The Plan is an extremely important document that will identify goals, objectives, and policies needed to achieve the desired results envisioned by citizens and the leadership of the community. The current comprehensive plan was adopted in 2001 after extensive community involvement. Since that time, City Council and staff have been implementing that plan as intended. To ensure the plan continued to represent the future that the community envisioned in 2001, the plan recommended updates at a minimum of five year intervals. In 2005, City staff evaluated the plan to update the goals and objectives, reflect progress and accomplishments, identify goals that required attention or deletion, and to recommend any additional goals that were needed to better achieve the 2001 community vision. Now, 10 years into the implementation of the plan, City Council approved a second revision to the plan. Utilizing the firm foundations set in 2001, and as updated in 2006, this revision is more comprehensive in nature and includes an updated community vision to ensure that the City is still moving towards a future that represents the desires, needs, and aspirations of the community. The La Porte City Council, La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission, and City staff are seeking citizen participation throughout this extensive process. Interviews with key personnel and small community groups have been conducted and the Planning and Zoning Commission was presented with and has discussed Chapter 1 of the new update. Please refer to the following schedule for future meeting dates and chapters to be presented and discussed. All meetings are open to the public and citizens can sign up to speak on the items presented at that particular meeting. The proposed meeting schedule for discussion of the Comprehensive Plan with the Planning and Zoning Commission is listed below. Meeting dates are subject to change so please check the City Calendar on the City website at www.laportetx.gov to confirm meeting dates. To view the current Comprehensive Plan, visit the City’s website or call the Planning Department at 281-470-5058 for additional information. Planning and Zoning Commission City of La Porte 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update Proposed Meeting Schedule Scheduled Meetings New Comprehensive Plan Chapters Existing Chapters/Documents August 2, 2011 Chapter 1 – Plan Context Ch. 1 – Introduction Ch. 2 – Community Vision Ch. 3 – Community Profile September 15, 2011 Chapter 2 – Land Use and Character Ch. 4 – Land Use Ch. 7 – Parks and Recreation
Ch. 9 – Residential Development Ch. 10 – Beautification and Conservation November 17, 2011 Chapter 3 – Infrastructure and Growth Capacity Ch. 6 – Utility Infrastructure System Ch. 8 – Community Facilities and Services Ch. 11 – Public Safety January 19, 2012 Chapter 4 – Community Mobility Ch. 5 – Transportation Thoroughfare System February 16, 2012 Chapter 5 – Economic Development Chapter 6 – Implementation Ch. 12 – Redevelopment Strategy City’s Strategic Economic Development Plan Ch. 13 – Implementation
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PAGE 4
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
EDUCATION Federal Report Card on Clear Creek ISD League City, Texas- Strong student performance, graduation and attendance rates are reflected in the federal report card issued for the Clear Creek Independent School District. Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), school districts must demonstrate “Adequate Yearly Progress” in 29 areas. Of the 29 indicators, the Clear Creek Independent School District met 27. “Our student performance this last year reflects our commitment to ensuring each child reaches his or her highest academic potential,” said Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. The two areas in which the District missed AYP are Mathematics and reading/English among the special education student group. This is not because special education students did not pass the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test but because the District exceeded the federal cap on how many special education students can take an alternative or modified state assessment. Under the NCLB, only 3% of the passing scores can result from students in special education taking an alternative or modified Texas Assessment of Knowledge Skills (TAKS) test. As a district of 38,500 students, the federal cap was exceeded by 1.9% in reading/English language arts and by 2.2% in mathematics. Passing scores of students in special education that exceeded the cap resulted in a reduction of the actual passing rates from 89% to 70% in Reading/English language arts and 87% to 65% in mathematics. “While the school district strives to exceed federal guidelines and standards, decisions on what type of test a child receives will remain in the hands of those who know the child best- his teachers, parents and campus administrators,” said Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. “We will use this data as a means for continuous improvement.” The law, and good practice, states a committee determine the testing environment for a child. The committee is known as the Admissions, Review and Dismissal and often consists of the parents, teachers, special education staff and administrators. The Clear Creek Independent School District is not alone in trying to exceed federal standards but falling short because of quotas and caps. According to an article in the Austin American Statesman on July 22, 2011, the U.S. Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, admits problems with NCLB and if not adjusted, 83% of the nation’s schools will be considered failing under the current system next year.
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You are welcome at St. John’s Episcopal Church “The Beloved by the Bay” Worship Services
Westbrook Band State Champions!
The Westbrook Intermediate School Band in Friendswood represented Clear Creek ISD in the 2011 Texas State Honor Band competition and walked away with the top prize. The contest is sponsored by the Texas Music Educators Association. Westbrook was in competition with more than 500 other middle school bands which make up Texas’ large middle school classification. Winning at the district and then area levels, Westbrook was one of 14 state finalists. At the end of the contest a panel of five judges selected Westbrook as the best band in Texas, making it the 2012 “Honor Band.” Participation at this level is often described as intense. Most of the bands, Westbrook included, performed music of high school caliber. The Westbrook Band will be a featured performer at the 2012 Texas Music Educators’ Conference held in February 2012 in San Antonio. The band is under the direction of Rick Brockway, Maria Robichaud, and Keith Raney. Head Band Director Rick Brockway said, “It was an honor just to have made it to the state level. Winning is a thrill beyond imagination. There were so many wonderful performances. We work hard to instill a desire for excellence with our band. Brockway believes, “Band is a great vehicle for teaching this important life lesson. Band represents the ultimate in ensemble artistic expression, a team of over sixty members all working in concert. I like to tell the children that it is good to be good. I guess now I can say that working so hard to be good made us the best. It is tremendous to have validation for the countless hours of hard work put in by the students and staff.” League City Intermediate Band and Bayside Intermediate School Symphonic I Band also competed at the state contest.
San Jacinto College Celebrates Construction Of Modern Science Building At Central Campus
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
1520 S. Shaver • Pasadena, Texas 77502
713-472-0997
Store Hours: Tuesday -Thursday 8:30 - 5:30 • Friday & Saturday 8:30 - 6:00 • Closed Sunday & Monday
www.pasadenahabitat.org
Dr. James Braswell, San Jacinto College (SJC) Central campus administrative dean; Dr. Ann Cartwright, SJC Central campus science department chair; Josh McDaniels, representing Congressman Pete Olson; Randy Sparks, principal of Brooks & Sparks, Inc.; Mayor Louis Rigby, City of La Porte; Dr. H. Neil Matkin, SJC Central campus president; Marie Flickinger, SJC Board of Trustees chair; Dr. Brenda Hellyer, SJC chancellor; Tammie Nielsen, representing Rep. Ken Legler; Judge Holly Williamson, Harris County Precinct 8, Place 1; Matt Barr, representing Sen. John Cornyn; Dr. Barbara Hanson, SJC Central campus vice president for learning; Robert Trabanino, associate with Bay Architects; and Vance Sherrod, senior superintendent of SpawGlass. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department.
The La Porte Education Foundation will host its annual “Breakfast with the Stars” on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 7 a.m. The event will be held at La Porte ISD’s Heritage Elementary School, which is located at 4301 East Blvd. The breakfast spotlights LPISD educators who were recipients of innovative project grants awarded by the Foundation during the 2010-2011 school year. The Foundation awarded nearly $70,000 in grants to deserving teachers in November 2010. Reserved tables are available at varying levels of sponsorship. Star Table sponsorships include the Solar Spectacular Table, $1,000; Universe Table, $750; Galaxy Table, $500; and Shooting Star Table, $300. Individual tickets are also available at $30 per person. Grant recipients include Bari Funda, Chuck Jobson, Michelle Napier, Margaret Newman and David Peters of La Porte High School; Kathleen Breaux of La Porte Junior High School; Lori Bennett, Christopher Cummings, Kimberly Hall, Sharon Kamas and Sharon Nutt of Lomax Junior High School; Julia Thibodeaux of Baker Sixth Grade Campus; Russel Evans, Elizabeth Kin-
near, Amanda Parker, Steve Robson, Sandra Warren and Deon Williams of Bayshore Elementary; Debbie Alli, Amber Collins, Robert Green, Linda Hyde, Latisha Peltier, Anita Polvado, Laura Teepe, Angie Weldon and Kelly Yu of College Park Elementary; Brad Paschal and Kathleen Restrepo of DeWalt School; Genoveva Arrona, Laura Garcia, Kimberly Gueldner, Monica LeVrier and Becky Wingstrom of Heritage Elementary; Becky Joseph of La Porte Elementary; Jensy Antony, Dawn Beard, Brenda Crager, Denise Pool, Lori Siltman and Diane Weeden of Lomax Elementary School; Melissa Cooke, Beverly Reynolds, Allison Timm, Jane Troxell and Katherine Wortham of Jennie Reid Elementary; and Donnis Barrett, Sara Campise, Denise HarrisonFitzmaurice, Trina Marshall, Terri May, Sara Plunk, Amber Weatherford and Shannon Wood of Rizzuto Elementary. The event will include a silent auction, and cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. For more information on tickets or to reserve a table, contact the La Porte ISD Communications Department at 281-604-7019.
Camp Students Get In Tune
Kingdom Security, LLC Commercial & Industrial Security Integrators • Access Control • Burglar Alarms • CCTV
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San Jacinto College recently sponsored summer piano and choir camps for elementary and high school students. Younger students (front group) included, from left (first row): Catherine Nguyen, Angelyne Mai, Victoria Nguyen, and Ashlie Mai (Weber Elementary in Pearland), Lilliana Cunningham (Whitcomb Elementary in Webster), Joseph Kim (Westminster Christian Academy in Clear Lake), Laura Nguyen (Weber Elementary), and Jacob Hinojosa (home schooled); (second row): Mahlia Cunningham (Whitcomb Elementary), Elizabeth Nguyen (Weber Elementary), Lauren Hinojosa (home schooled), Kea Cunningham (Whitcomb Elementary), and Kathryn Coleman (the Galloway School in Friendswood). High school students (back group) included, from left: Michael Skarke (Clear Creek), Solomon Reynolds (Clear Lake), Zachary Golden (Pasadena Memorial), Ryan Rippstein (Clear Brook), Jesse Pilgrim (Clear Creek), Alexandra Semple (Friendswood), Emily Thomasson (Friendswood), Ruben Velasquez (Pasadena Memorial), Rachel Gehman (Clear Lake), Spencer Langseth (Deer Park), and Gabrielle Gilliam (Kingwood Park). SJC faculty instructors (middle group) included, from left: Glen Wester, Sarah Spencer, Dr. Paul Busselberg, Dr. Martha Braswell, W. Thomas Wells, and Andrea Warren. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Legends Of Clear Lake To Perform At Cullen’s Live Tonight!
Artwalk By The Bay Features Artists From Around The Galveston Bay Area
The Legends of Clear Lake featuring local artists Johnny Felder as Ray Charles, Mickey Hobbs as Rick James and Sam Cooke, Claudio Sereni as Neil Diamond, Kenny Simone as Elvis Presley, and Phil Johnson as Barry White will perform a tribute concert at Cullen’s Live, 11500 Space Center Boulevard, Houston, 77059, on August 11, 2011. A cocktail reception is set for 6 p.m. with the show scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Presale ticket price is $80 per couple and $50 per person at the door. Ticket price includes buffet, concert and cash bar with drink specials. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jeanette Williams Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization for children’s cancer research. Contact the Jeanette Williams Foundation for tickets at (281) 703-7370. Cash, check and all major credit cards are accepted. E-mail Whitneymail88@gmail.com or call (281) 474-5875 for more information or questions.
Call For Artists... The Galveston Baykeepers are planning a event with food, music and art to raise money to help protect and preserve Galveston Bay. If you are interested in donating an artwork, contact Janet Z at thejanetz63@gmail.com. For more info on Baykeepers, go to http://www.galvestonbaykeeper.org.
Arts Festivals in Texas Texas Metal Arts Festival
La Porte Artist Brian Sterling In Front of His Tribute To The Beatles.
Gruene, Texas September 10th and 11th, 2011 By Rebecca Collins From Red-Hot Steel to Polished Gold, you will find a full range editor@bayareaobserver.com imagination and craftsmanship in metal at the 7th Annual Texas Metal Arts - A Festival at Gruene. Artistic metal works, includIf you’re looking for something to do ing funky & fine jewelry, decorative art, sculpture, fun garden on a Friday night in La Porte, Artwalk By decorations, and functional objects will be presented at this Art The Bay is the place to be! show and sale. The Art Walk by the Bay is presented the First Friday of each month by the Main Featuring Texas artists including goldsmiths, tinsmiths, silver- Street Business Association. Local artists smiths, blacksmiths, and sculptors demonstrating the wide range from around the area come out to showof techniques and methods used to create works ranging from case their talents inside and outside of the fine art to folk art. Admission is free. For more information visit http://www.texasmetalarts.com/
Texas Clay Festival
Gruene Texas October 22 & 23, 2011 Saturday 10 am - 6 pm / Sunday 10 am- 5 pm Gruene, Texas The 19th annual Texas Clay Festival will be held in the Gruene Historical District of New Braunfels on October 22 & 23 2011. Featuring the work of over 60 Texas potters and clay artists, the festival offers the opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of pottery, from traditional to sculptural by the top clay artist in the state. Take this unique opportunity to watch and learn as demonstrations are held in four tents throughout both days. From forming on the potters wheel to hand-building to raku firing, there is something for everyone. For more information visit http://www.texasclayfestival.com
Chicken Farm Art Center Thanksgiving Open House
Thanksgiving Weekend in San Angelo Texas November On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following Thanksgiving, the Chicken Farm Art Center hosts an open house for the public. Artists are invited from all over to show their work. In addition to the art of it’s stellar artists, you’ll find a wide range of jewelry, pottery, painting, sculpture, rocks, mosaics, woodwork, handsewn and hand-crafted pieces. Enjoy a massage. Drink some hot apple cider & have some cookies. Get your face painted. Play with clay. Raku your own pot. Come have a great time visiting with old and new friends and Share the Art Spirit. The Chicken Farm Pickers Will be performing 10am till 5pm daily. For more information visit http://ChickenFarmArtCenter.com
Art Past Dark
Held in November Fredericksburg, Texas Bolstered by the blossoming Texas Hill Country art scene, Art Past Dark is a two weekend-long celebration of arts, antiques and music in Fredericksburg. Art Past Dark is held over the course of two weekends and features the work of over 200 artists. Activities include an art walk, art shows, open studios, artist demonstrations and a fund raiser.
eclectic array of Main Street businesses. During this Friday’s Artwalk, Artist Brian Sterling, a La Porte resident, set up shop in ‘A Statement In Glass’ showcasing a portion of his body of work. Sterling’s abstract style of capturing personalities both famous and not so famous are very popular among collectors. Among his new works are Bob Marley, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Audrey Hepburn.
Sterling often shows his work at local events and also works on commission. If you have a favorite relative or pet, he’s the artist to go to. He can be reached at sterlingraphics@hotmail.com. Be sure to stop by La Porte’s historic Main Street District next month on September 2nd for the next Artwalk By The Bay. You’re sure to find something artistic and interesting!
Galveston Arts Center Calendar August 21 Jules Buck Jones and Isa Leshko: Anamalia closes 24 5:30 Board of Director’s Meeting 27 ArtWalk: Mayuko: Ono Gray: Japanese Calligraphy My Way 31 Deadline to register for October ArtWalk
September 28 5:30 Board of Director’s meeting
October 1 Mayuko Ono Gray: Japanese Calligraphy My Way closes 5 Deadline to register for November ArtWalk 8 ArtWalk: Sarah Williams 26 5:30 Board of Director’s Meeting
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
BUSINESS NEWS San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Port of Houston Authority Wins First Place Gulf Guardian Award Receives American Heart Association /American Stroke Association’s for Fuel-Switching Project Fourth Gulf Guardian for Port Authority Since Award’s Inception in 2000
The Port of Houston Authority has won a first place 2011 Gulf Guardian Award for a far-reaching project to reduce emissions in the Gulf. The Port Authority and its partners, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of International Affairs, the Mexican government, including the State of Veracruz, SEMARNAT (Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) and PEMEX (Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company), Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd, won the award in the Bi-National category. Established in 2000, the Gulf Guardian awards were developed by the EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Program Partnership to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy, beautiful and productive. Aston Hinds, Senior Manager, Environmental Affairs, accepted the award on behalf of the Port Authority from EPA Regional Administrator Armen-
dariz at a ceremony in New Orleans on August 3. “The Port of Houston Authority is committed to environmental stewardship,” said Hinds. “We are very pleased that our collaborative study is helping to restore the Gulf and has received recognition by the EPA through this award.” The Port Authority’s air quality planning staff has worked with the EPA’s Office of International Affairs since 2008 on a partnership project with ports in Brazil and Mexico to study the feasibility of fuel switching to lower sulfur diesel while transiting into the Port of Houston and those destination ports. In March 2010, the International Maritime Organization officially designated waters off North American coasts (extending up to 200 nautical miles) as an Emission Control Area (ECA). In anticipation of the North American ECA start date on August 1, 2012, the Port Authority was approached by the EPA Office of International Affairs to participate in a project to study the feasibility of fuel switching and to measure the emission reductions from vessels switching to lower sulfur fuel. The Port Authority brought Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd on as project partners and committed $13,400 to help pay for the cleaner fuel. A November 2009 Maersk Roubaix fuel switch in the Port of Houston and the Mexican port of Progreso used $5,000 of those funds, with the remaining $8,400 used for the Hamburg Süd vessel, the Cap San Lorenzo, to fuel switch in the ports of Veracruz, Altamira and Houston in April 2010 with an EPA research team onboard measuring emissions, showing improvement on port area air quality and sensitive reefs, (a 99 percent reduction of SO2 deposition), due to fuel switching within 24 nautical miles of the port. From ships alone, modeling showed a seven-fold reduction in SO2 concentrations. Benefits also extended to the Port of Santos, Brazil, to utilize the remaining fuel. EPA-OIA’s report, ‘U.S.-Mexico Demonstration of Fuel Switching on Ocean Going Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico’, was published in December 2010 and is available on the EPA Website at http://www. epa.gov/oia/fuelswitch.html. As a result of this project, two DERA grants have been awarded to fund ongoing fuel-switching activities in the Gulf of Mexico at the Port Authority’s two container terminals. This is the fourth Gulf Guardian award that the Port Authority has won since 2000. These annual awards are given in seven different categories: Business, Civic/Non-Profit Organization, Partnerships, Youth/Education, Individual, Government, and BiNational.
Get With The Guidelines Quality Achievement Award
San Jacinto Methodist Hospital (San Jacinto) has received, for the third consecutive year, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®– Stroke Quality Achievement Award. This year the hospital was awarded the Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. In 2010 the hospital received the Silver Achievement Award and in 2009 the Bronze Achievement Award. The award recognizes San Jacinto’s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines. To receive the award, San Jacinto achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all of the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with six of the 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care. These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients. “This is the third consecutive year to receive
this award. The fact that we continue to receive this award while achieving the next level of this award is a testament to the quality of care that we provide to our stroke patients,” said Donna Gares, CEO and President San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost. To achieve the best outcomes for our stroke patients, San Jacinto has implemented a broad stroke program that consists of several elements meant to foster better outcomes: rapid diagnosis and treatment, brain imaging technology, immediate access to emergency physicians and neurologists, clot-busting medications, and an interdisciplinary approach to care and treatment through many disciplines and services.” “San Jacinto is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients.” For more information on this award or San Jacinto’s stroke program please call 832-5566543.
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LOCAL SERVICE DIRECTORY
If you’re looking for good service, please visit these local businesses!
Paul U. Lee Funeral Home
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LOTS & ACREAGE
Lot For Sale
75 x 110 On The 16th Green - Wildwood Resort. 18 Hole Golf Course, 360 Acre Lake, 24 Hour Security.
AFFORDABLE RESORT LIVING on Lake Fork. RV and manufactured housing OK! Guaranteed Financing with 10% down. Lots starting as low as $6900, Call Josh, 1-903-878-7265 REAL ESTATE $106 MONTH BUYS land for RV, MH or cabin. Gated entry, $690 down, ($6900/10.91%/7yr) 90 days same as cash, Guaranteed financing, 1-936-3773235 ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VIEW Lake Medina/Bandera 1/4 acre tract, central W/S/E, RV/motor home/house, OK only $830 down $235 month (12.91%/10yr), Guaranteed financing, more information call 1-830-460-8354 AFFORDABLE RESORT LIVING on Lake Fork. RV and manufactured housing OK! Guaranteed financing with 10% down. Lots starting as low as $6900, Call Josh, 1-903-878-7265
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NY STATE LAND Rivers & Small Lakes for Sale; 27 Acres- Salmon river area -$39,995. 97 Acres with stream surrounded by state land $110,995. Independence River- Adirondacks 16 Acres was $129,995, now $79,995. Oneida lake proximity 16 Acres, $29,995. Over 100 new properties offered, Call 1-800-229-7843 or visit www.LandandCamps.com
NEW MEXICO- New offer lender short sale. Sacrifice, 140 acres just $59,900. Spellbinding ranch at 6,000 ft elevation. Mature tree cover, beautiful physical characteristics on yearround road with electric. Special financing offered by lender as low as 2.75% fixed. Call NMRS; 1-866414-0535
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$106 MONTH BUYS land for RV, MH or cabin. Gated entry, $690 down, ($6900/10.91%/7yr) 90 days same as cash, Guaranteed financing, 1-936-377-3235
HOT DEAL 3 Bedroom, 2 bath repo sale. Bank repo just $17,900 cash price, will consider financing. Call:1830-755-4922; RBI#33557
Shoreacres
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VIEW Lake Medina/Bandera 1/4 acre tract, central W/S/E, RV/motor home/house, OK only $830 down $235 month (12.91%/10yr), Guaranteed financing, more information call 1-830-460-8354
WEST TEXAS - Mule deer, Brewster County, 334+ acres, $88,584. White tail, Terrell County, 240+ acres, shared well, $84,231. Owner financed, 1-210734-4009; www.westerntexasland.com
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SALES REP WANTED
FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER City of Morgan’s Point Police Dept. is currently accepting applications for a full-time police officer. Qualified applicants must be TCLEOSE certified, currently hold an Intermediate Peace Officer Certification, and have a minimum of four (4) years patrol experience. Applicants are subject to preemployment screening and testing to include, but not limited to, a physical exam, drug screening and thorough background investigation. Salary range $19.50-$22.00, plus benefits, including TMRS. Applications should be submitted to the City of Morgan’s Point Police Department, no later than 4:00pm, Friday August 19, 2011. Applicants may apply in person at 1415 E. Main, Morgan’s Point, TX. 77571. If there are any questions, please call 471-2222.
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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
IN THE GARDEN
Southern Peas
Lemongrass In Your Garden Lemongrass is a perennial herb used in Asian, Indian, and Mexican cooking. There are many related species of lemongrass, the two most popular being Cymbopogan flexuous and Cymbopogan citratus. C. citratus is the species that we usually grow in our area of the Texas coast. Lemongrass has long, narrow, blue-green foliage. The part that is used in most dishes is the fleshy, lower stem, and the part just above the roots. Very lemony in flavor, it lends itself well to a variety of recipes. In our area, lemongrass grows to about four feet in height and about the same in width. The entire plant maintains a cascading bush-like effect. The root is similar to that of a scallion, pinkish white in color and bulb – like. Roots emerge from the bottom of the lemongrass stalk. Lemongrass is usually available in our area nurseries. But in case you can’t find it, you can easily start a plant from a stalk of lemongrass from an Asian or Mexican grocery store. If you decide to start a plant from a purchased lemongrass stalk, choose a fresh looking stalk. Look for root stubs that can be seen under the surface of the outer layer of skin. When you get your stalks home, trim any dead leaves. Put them in a clean jar in a few inches of water and put the jar near a sunny window. (Not a west window, however.) Change the water about every other day and keep an eye on the level. Small roots will begin growing in about one week. By the end of week two you should have roots at least an inch long. Then just fill a planter with potting soil and plant the stalks so that the crowns sit just below the soil surface. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have a gardening friend with lemongrass that will need dividing in the late fall. Maybe you can swap them something from your garden for a nice chunk of lemongrass roots when they divide it. All you have to do then is cut the tops back and plant it in your own garden. Water it in, mulch it, and it will take off. But leave plenty of room because in our area a small division can grow to two and a half feet wide in just five months.
Clockwise from top left- lady cream, field, purple hull, crowder. By Drick Perry
Photo courtesy of www.purplefoodie.com
CUISINE
Lemongrass Soda
The term ‘southern peas’ refers to hundreds of different varieties of peas and are subdivided into four main groups: Field peas, Crowder peas, Cream peas and Black-eyed peas and are often marketed as ‘dry peas’. Originally brought to the US from the Niger River basin of West Africa, field peas have been in the New World since colonial times. Field peas became a staple food among poor residents in the deep American south, as they are drought tolerant and easily adaptable to varying types of soils. ~ Field varieties are normally of the Iron or Clay types with clay peas growing well on clay soils and iron peas growing well on red soils. Robust, these vine type plants usually with smaller seeds produce a dark liquid when cooked. There are various heirlooms available. ~ Crowders have a squarish shape, a result of their being densely packed inside the hull (hence the name); brown crowders have a deep, earthy starchy flavor, are the most prevalent in the south and normally cook up dark. Varieties include ‘Carolina,’ ‘Colossus 80’ and ‘Hercules’ ~ Cream peas are from a smaller plant type with
light colored seeds that cook up light. The lighthued, unblemished surface of cream peas accounts for the name, though the moniker is often attributed to the cooked peas’ butter-soft texture. Lady peas, also known as rice peas, are very small cream peas. Varieties include ‘Zipper Cream,’ ‘Carolina Cream’ and ‘Lady Cream’. ~ Black-eyed peas have a ring around the hilum that looks like a black eye. Pink eye peas have a less dark ring than black eyes. The pink-eyed purple hull has a mottled hull and a red spot at the center of each pea. Varieties include ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull,’ ‘Dixielee,’ ‘Santee Early Pinkeye’ and ‘Queen Anne’. By the way, the zipper cream, invented by a Florida agronomist in 1972, is actually a cross between a crowder pea and a cream pea and the variety gets its name from the fact that the peas can be whisked from their hull in a zipping motion. Most peas are easier in shelling if you wait a day after picking allowing them to dry out a little. Check out Drick Perry’s website at www.dricksramblingcafe.blogspot.com and his book “Grits To Guacamole-and everything else we love” available on the website.
August 26 Prospective Wine-Grape Grower Workshop
Ingredients • 4 stalks lemongrass • 1-cup water • 1-cup sugar • Soda water or seltzer, chilled
Directions Bruise lemongrass stalks (the swollen, pale, bottom part of the stalk) by hitting them with the flat By: Paul Schattenberg side of a knife. Cut into smaller lengths to fit in a small saucepan. Add water to the pan and bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and add sugar and lemongrass, Texas AgriLife stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer about 30 minutes over very low heat. HOUSTON — A Prospective Wine-Grape Remove from heat and let cool completely. Refrigerate for several hours. Strain out lemongrass. Growers Workshop on commercial wine-grape For each serving, add 2 ounces lemongrass syrup to a glass and top with 6 ounces cold soda water production will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or seltzer. Stir to combine. Serve iced. Alternatively, put lemon grass syrup, soda and ice in a cockon Aug. 26 at the offices of the Texas AgriLife tail shaker and mix, then pour into a glass and serve. Serves one to two people. Extension Service for Harris County, 3033 Bear Creek Drive in Houston. “The workshop is a one-day educational program designed to provide an overview of the unique requirements and economic risks associated with the establishment and operation of a commercial vineyard in Texas,” said Fritz Westover, AgriLife Extension viticulture advisor for the Texas Gulf Coast region. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. the day of the program, and online pre-registration is available by going to http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu and entering the keyword “wine” to find inforYour 90 min session will begin with a relaxing dry brushing over the back to exfoliate and prepare the skin for the rich black mud. A warm towel will be applied over the entire back mation on the workshop. and set with heat packs to allow the Moor Mud to deeply penetrate the muscle. The mud Westover, who will provide program instrucwill then be removed with hot towels and followed up with the ultimate back and body mastion, said the workshop was created to address sage focusing on all your sore muscles. Benefits: Healing, Rejuvenating, Relieves Fatigue, common concerns potential grape producers
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may have prior to committing valuable resources toward a commercial vineyard enterprise. Program topics include necessary viticulture expertise, site selection, risk factors, labor requirements and economics. “The program will help prospective growers decide if grape growing is a good fit for their farm and lifestyle, and what they would need to do or consider for their vineyard to be commercially successful,” he said. The workshop fee is $150 per person or $250 per couple, and includes educational materials and lunch. The workshop also serves as a prerequisite for application to the Texas Viticulture Certificate Program offered by Texas Tech University and AgriLife Extension. For more information on the certification program and other prospective grower and advanced educational programs offered by the AgriLife Extension viticulture team, go to http://winegrapes.tamu.edu. For more information on this workshop, contact Westover at 281-855-5608 or fawestover@ ag.tamu.edu.
Seaside Garden Club To Host Vic Madama At Aug. 17th Meeting The Seaside Garden Club announces that Vic Madamba, Texas Master Naturalist will be at their August 17 meeting. Mr Madamba will present a program on the devestating effect of this past winter’s freeze on the population of Monarch Butterflies and how we can help them in time for September’s migration by providing habitat, food and protection for the larvae. As the Monarch is the Texas State Insect, we want to encourage their conrtinued presence in our gardens. Learn more about what you can do to help at Seaside Garden Club meeting on August 17, 12:30 pm at Carother’s Coastal Gardens, 505 Pine Gully Road, Seabrook, Texas 77576. For more info call 281-474-4825
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