Lifestyle June 2023

City of Iowa Colony Police Department recognizes Officer Travis Gibbens

Officer Travis Gibbens was recently honored for earning Officer of the Year for the Iowa Colony Police Department and the Officer of the Year for the 100 Club of Brazoria County.

Officer Gibbens was selected from all other law enforcement agencies within the county and was recently recognized at their banquet.

Officer Gibbens was chosen because of his heroic

actions during a stressful domestic violence call on the evening of October 5, 2022.

There is no doubt the actions taken by Officer Gibbens saved the victim’s life during this event.

Officer Gibbens adhered to the department’s core values of Integrity, Honesty, Fairness, Courage, and Compassion.

Pictured, left to right: Chief of Police Aaron I. Bell, Congressman Randy Weber, and Officer Travis Gibbens.

CONTENTS

~ Cover Story ~

Page 5

It was Mom’s turn at Bel Nafegar Sanchez Elementary on Muffins with Mom day.

~ Day Trip - Explore Bolivar ~

Page 6

~ Graduating Class of 2023 ~

Page 8, 9 & 10

Manvel High School honored the graduating class of 2023 on May 25 at Freedom Field in Iowa Colony.

~ Know Your City ~

Page 14 & 16

City Council and Planning Commission meetings dates and times plus important phone numbers for the City of Iowa Colony.

Muffins with Mom at Bel Nafegar Sanchez Elementary

DAY TRIP Looking for Your Next Adventure? Explore Bolivar Peninsula

Bolivar Peninsula and the town of Crystal Beach is a gem of a Texas beach getaway that offers a nearly limitless amount of things to see and do. Relax on the pristine wide sandy beach, swim in the inviting water, and work on your sun tan. There are, of course, tons of things to do in Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula that will make your vacation one to remember.

Play on the Beach

Sink your toes into the soft sand of Bolivar Peninsula’s wide and pristine beach, listen to the surf break, and let the cool sea breeze flow over you. With 27 miles of beautiful beaches that stretch far into the horizon, the only limit is your imagination. Enjoy a soothing day with friends as you soak up the sun, swim in the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico, and build a sandcastle. For something more higher impact, catch a few waves on your surf board, kayak along the shoreline, or cast a line and try your luck at catching a fish.

Not only can you do just about anything on the beach, you’re rarely limited by location. Hang out with the crowds if you like, or get in your car and drive down the beach to a more secluded spot. While you can drive just about anywhere on the beach, you should keep in mind the kind of vehicle that would work best in the sand before you head out. With all the space you could ever need and a world of possibilities, you can make a beach getaway to Bolivar Peninsula truly your own.

Continued on Page 13

“Protecting Your Home & Family Since 1959” Roaches, Termites, Ants, Wasps, Bee’s, Silverfish, Rats, Mice, Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ticks, Birds, Squirrels & more.

Manvel High School the Plans and Purpose for Your Life

Message from MHS Principal

Maverick Graduates - Oh, The Places You Will Go!

It is a bittersweet time for you and your parents as you close one chapter and begin another.

In response to those who say stop dreaming and FACE reality, I say keep dreaming and MAKE reality.

Best wishes in your future endeavors,

Dr. Aeniqua Flowers

Manvel High School Top 2 Graduates

Justin Oketunmbi - Valedictorian

Ashton Dumadag - Salutatorian

Pastor Bill Derixson

Philippians 4:6-8:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, Whatsoever things are True, Whatsoever things are Honest, Whatsoever things are Just, Whatsoever things are Pure, Whatsoever things are Lovely, Whatsoever things are of Good Report;

If there be any Virtue, and If there be any Praise, Think On These Things.”

Where is your focus?

Believers are admonished to set our affections on things above and not on the things of this world. Our wisdom is to come from above, where God is enthroned, and not from the chaos beneath.

The wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, and a blessing to all. The wisdom of this world

Think On These Things

is sensual and devilish after the lusts of men’s flesh.

Paul instructed us to take every thought captive and bring it into the obedience of Christ. In other words, our thoughts are not to be given free reign. Does your thinking honor, obey, and glorify Christ Jesus? If not, who does it honor, obey, and glorify? The answer is self!

We cannot serve two masters, but we will serve one. Does God offend you or does a sense of self offend you? You will love one and hate the other, and you will cling to one and despise the other. You cannot serve yourself and God!

Are your thoughts, words, and deeds based on God’s will accomplished on the earth, as it is in heaven; or are your thoughts based on God accomplishing your will on earth? Are your prayers selfdriven, or driven by a sense of love and devotion to Christ?

Many in the Church are guilty of idol worship. They change the glory of the incorruptible God into a version that suits them better, even if it’s only in their mind.

This is witnessed in churches

all over the world. Man’s traditions are making null and void the Word of God, and men’s practices are becoming more and more wicked.

“Evil men will wax worse and worse”, the Bible says. Meaning, if you exchange the truth of God for a lie, you’ll be deceived by it. That deception will lead you away from God, that’s idolatry.

Paul tells us to redirect our mind to the goodness, purity, virtue, truth, honesty, holiness, and good report of God. Believe and serve God and not yourself.

The heart of man is

deceiving, desperately wicked, and cannot be trusted. Serving your will and desire will take you out of the service of God and others. You will also find yourself offended at the idea of serving God and others; but a transformed mind will find joy and pleasure in serving.

May God grant us a heart transplant and a mind transformation, that we might accomplish His will and purposes instead of our own.

I promise, you will experience a more full and blessed life serving God and trusting God to meet your needs.

DAY TRIP

... Continued from Page 6

Explore Bolivar Peninsula

Explore Fort Travis

Climb to the top of the bunker at historic Fort Travis and gaze across the shimmering blue water of the Houston Ship Channel for one of the best views on the Bolivar Peninsula.

Enormous cargo ships and oil tankers leisurely sail on the horizon, while the towering hotels of Galveston loom to the south.

That bunker you’re standing on is part of what remains of a fort built in 1898 to protect Galveston Bay, which was a prominent shipping center even back then. It even garrisoned troops during World Wars I and II before it was decommissioned in the late 1940’s.

Today, it’s a fascinating recreational center that offers fishing along the rocky shore, picnic areas, and wide grassy areas perfect for just about any kind of pickup game.

Kick back and enjoy a day out in the sun, but don’t forget to check out the fort’s four historic batteries, as well as all the interpretive signs that share the park’s history.

Go Birding

If you’re a birding enthusiast who is looking to spot something you’ve never seen before, or you just enjoy being outdoors while you marvel at wildlife, then a visit to Bolivar Peninsula is a must.

This part of the Texas Gulf Coast is an incredibly biodiverse region that encompasses sandy beaches, coastal grasslands, bayous, and estuaries that support a breathtaking array of flora and fauna. In fact, the peninsula is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area and is an International Site in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go too far to take it all in for yourself. One of the major birding destinations in Texas, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, is just 40 miles away. While you can see many birds year-round, fall and winter sees some of the most majestic birds migrate to the area, such as Sandhill cranes, snow geese, and roseate spoonbills.

Another option is the Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary, located in High

Island just southeast of the refuge, where you can wander the tranquil walking trails shaded by 100-year-old live oak trees. The Horseshoe Marsh and Bolivar Flats bird sanctuaries on the west end of the Bolivar Peninsula are two of the peninsula’s other birding spots.

No matter where you go, don’t forget your camera or binoculars, hiking shoes, and your birding checklist. After all, you won’t want to miss a thing while you’re in one of the best birding destinations in Texas.

Enjoy as Much Fishing as You Can Handle

You name it, you just might catch it in Bolivar Peninsula. The gulf waters just off of the peninsula are teeming with flounder, black drum, speckled trout, and redfish are among the array of fish just waiting for you to catch them.

Happily, there are many places to fish in Bolivar Peninsula. Cast a line from the beach, find a spot on the jetty, or visit Rollover Pass, a popular local fishing spot.

If you have an RV, reserve a spot at the Way Out Marina RV Park & Bait Camp and you can fish just steps away from your space. For the ultimate experience, book a half- or full-day chartered deep sea excursion and you may even catch a trophy fish that will make all your friends jealous.

Festival of Lights

It’s Never Too Early To Start Thinking About Christmas

December 2, 2023 • 6 to 8 p.m.

Festivities will be at the Iowa Colony City Hall and include tree lighting, hot cocoa, Santa, crafts, ‘The Grinch’ movie, tunnel of lights, face painting, 30,000 lbs of SNOW and musical performances by Jackie Doucet Caffey Choir.

Know Your City

City Council Meetings

June 19, 2023 • 7:00 pm

July 17, 2023 • 7:00 pm

August 21, 2023 • 7:00 pm

Planning Commission Meetings

June 6, 2023 • 7:00 pm

July 11, 2023 • 7:00 pm

August 1, 2023 • 7:00 pm

City approves annexation

At the April City Council meeting the council approved an ordinance annexing a portion of Crystal View Dr into the Iowa Colony city limits. The annexed portion of Crystal View Dr extends from the intersection of Meridiana Pkwy south and then west to the intersection of Ames Blvd.

This section of roadway will now be maintained by the City of Iowa Colony and patrolled by the Iowa Colony Police Department.

Iowa Colony City Hall

12003 Iowa Colony Blvd

Iowa Colony, TX 77583

iowacolonytx.gov

Seeking Applicants

Iowa Colony Police Department

The Iowa Colony Police Department is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Police Officer. Applicants must be TCOLE certified. This position is assigned to patrol duty and performs general duty police work in protecting and serving the community and properly enforcing laws and ordinances. A complete job description, application and release of information form can be found Online. Completed applications, addendum, and release of information should be submitted to jobs@iowacolonypd.org.

iowacolonytx.gov/police-department/pages/employment

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Be Prepared If Evacuation Is Necessary

Where should I go?

Make hotel reservations as soon as possible if you do not have family you can stay with, you may evacuate to the public shelters. What route should I take?

There are no mandatory routes you must take when evacuating from your city. In fact, there are several different routes you may take. The State has designated evacuation routes: SH-36, SH-288, SH-6, I-45, SH-290, HWY-59. Depending on the strength of the storm, contra-flow lanes might be open on SH-45, I-10, and SH290 thirty-six (36) hours prior to the arrival of gale force winds.

Should I evacuate?

Do not wait until a mandatory evacuation is issued. Monitor conditions and leave whenever you can.

• Coordinate your departure with the people who will be traveling with you.

• Notify an out-of-area person of your evacuation plans.

• Make arrangements for your pets.

• Pack your disaster supply kit into your vehicle.

• Secure your home.

• Double check your evacuation route and leave. Should I carry food and drinks in my car?

Should you choose to stay, there will be NO SHELTERS OPEN in Brazoria County. There will be NO SERVICES available to you (sewer, water, electricity, etc). Hospitals will close, ambulances will not run, and police and fire cannot respond until the storm passes.

Yes! Some restaurants and stores along hurricane routes may be closed and those that are open are likely to be very crowded. B U S I N E S S D I R E C T O R Y

I don’t want to evacuate!

Departments / Phone Numbers

www.iowacolonytx.gov/

Department Phone

Department of Community Development

281-369-2471

Community Development handles permitting, platting, inspections, and engineering.

Department of Finance

Department of Public Works

281-369-2471

281-369-2471

The Department of Public Works is responsible for keeping all city assets and facilities in a state of good repair. Public Works contains streets and sidewalks, parks, municipal buildings, and right-of-way maintainance.

Municipal Court

281-369-2471

Municipal Courts are the judicial branch of city government. In addition, the Municipal Court is part of the state judicial system. Municipal Courts hear Class C Misdemeanor criminal cases, including traffic violations, for which the maximum fine, upon conviction, does not exceed $500, and for which no jail sentence may be assessed. They also hear cases involving violation of city ordinances, which may have fines up to $2,000 for certain offenses.

Office of the City Manager

Office of the City Secretary

281-369-2471

346-395-4526

The City Secretary is the clerk of the City serving as a link between the citizens and the City organization. The City Secretary’s office is committed to providing excellent customer service to the public in a timely, professional and efficient manner.

Responsibilities: Provides all pertinent information for City Council meetings; Custodian of all official records of the City, including agendas, minutes, agreements, ordinances, resolutions and contracts; Maintains the City Seal and attests official documents; Oversees City elections; Provides the public with information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act; Administers the oath of office to new City employees and officials; Publication of legal notices

Parks

Iowa Colony City Park • 4003 Meridiana Parkway (Next to Meridiana Elementary School) City Hall Park • 12003 Iowa Colony Blvd (Behind City Hall)

Police Department

Mosquito Spraying

281-369-3444

Requests for mosquito spraying can be made online with Brazoria County Mosquito Control.