Nassau Bay Compass Rose - January 2023

C mpass Rose

A monthly publication from the City of Nassau Bay

A monthly publication from the City of Nassau Bay

MOON TREES SCHEDULED TO LAND IN NASSAU BAY: FEBRUARY 2023

I am pleased to announce that Nassau Bay has been chosen to be the recipient of Moon Trees that trace back to the history of our city and our residents in NASA’s space program.

Two special Moon Tree planting ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11. The trees will be planted at City Hall and David Braun Park, respectively. This incredible addition to the community was made possible through a partnership between the City’s Parks and Recreation Committee led by City Councilmember Michelle Weller, Gary Mossman - former Mayor Pro Tem and current City Committee member - and the Moon Tree Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the United States Space Program.

“Through a program at Webster Presbyterian Church, I met Rosemary Roosa, President of the Moon Tree Foundation,” Mossman said. “The church worked with her to get several Moon Trees planted, and when she was present for that ceremony, we talked about getting some of the trees for Nassau Bay.”

The fascinating history behind the Moon Trees reaches back to Apollo 14, the NASA Mission that was launched in the late afternoon of January 31, 1971. During the mission, Astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell - a former resident of Nassau Bay - would become the fifth and sixth men to walk on the Moon. While Shepard and Mitchell explored the surface, Astronaut Stuart Roosa – Rosemary Roosa’s father – orbited above. On his command module, he carried hundreds of seeds that would eventually become “Moon Trees.”

“The seeds Stuart Roosa took into space were brought back, planted and successfully grew into trees that are 60-75 feet tall today,” Mossman said. “As they grew and matured, the Moon Tree Foundation was formed and began planting the seeds and growing saplings. Over time, they were able to take the DNA from those trees and create new offspring. This means the trees we’re getting should have the same DNA as those original trees.”

The two planting ceremonies will be followed by programs at City Hall, which will feature a panel discussion including individuals associated with the Apollo 14 Mission as well as the NASA Artemis program, which will also carry seeds to the Moon. The program on Saturday will be tailored to local families to encourage young future astronauts to attend. Additional details will follow on the City’s website, www.nassaubay.com. Pictured: Roosa, Shepard and Mitchell of the Apollo 14 Mission. Photo courtesy of NASA.

IN MEMORIAM: BARBARA GILBERTSON, THE "TREE LADY"

The City of Nassau Bay would like to express our condolences to the family of Barbara Gilbertson, a long-time Nassau Bay resident who was affectionately known as the “Tree Lady.” Beginning in 1999, with the support of City leadership including Mayor Don Matter and City Manager John Kennedy, Mrs. Gilbertson led a small group of volunteers, including Roscoe Lee, Bob Mitchell and Jan Mayeux, in overseeing the placement and planting of about 200 trees of various species. “Barbara really did a remarkable job,” Kennedy said. “She got us to plant trees on Point Lookout, Nassau Bay Drive, in Swan Lagoon Park, in commercial areas and in the parks. She was determined, she had a plan, and she was willing to work with other people to make her vision come to life.”

Special thanks to Roger Gilbertson for providing his insight as well as a photo of Mrs. Gilbertson.

A Special "Leading Nassau Bay" column from Mayor Phil Johnson

INCREDIBLE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS!

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION

DAY - JANUARY 9

Each year, we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Residents are encouraged to take time on January 9th to show their support.

Our citizens can show their support in a number of ways, from wearing blue clothing in support of law enforcement, sharing a positive law enforcement experience on social media, or organizing an event or rally in support of your law enforcement officers. Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer. Thank you, Nassau Bay Police Department, for protecting and serving our community!

NASSAU BAY GARDEN CLUB UPDATE

The Nassau Bay Garden Club January meeting will host Alexa Haass, a Harris County Master Gardener, to present a program on “Texas Trees and Tree Care.”

The January 10 meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the meeting and program at 10 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Following the meeting is the traditional Tasting Luncheon, hosted by the executive board. Each member is to bring a dish for the luncheon.

Fall is the best time to plant trees or a grouping of scrubs to the landscape, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Plant roots grow anytime the soil temperature is 40 degrees or higher. During the winter months, the root systems can support and take advantage of the full surge of spring growth. All plants have growing requirements. Think about the plant's needs before you invest. Every plant in the landscape should serve a purpose.

“Plan before you plant” is always a good rule of thumb, writes Dr. Douglas F. Welsh, landscape horticulturist of Texas A & M University. Whether you are planting a single plant or an entire landscape, plan first, then plant. Good planning is a worthwhile investment of time that will pay off in greater enjoyment of attractive and useful home grounds, and in increasing the value of your home. It's much easier to move plants on paper than to dig them after planting in the wrong place. A plan saves many planting mistakes.

Club members busied themselves in November with the Texas Arbor Day celebration and planting a tree in Howard Ward Park and volunteering at the Fall Sweep. The Club also celebrated the holiday season with a Christmas party. The Nassau Bay Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1800 Space Park Drive. Guests are invited to attend.

This year's Holiday in the Park, Christmas Boat Lane Parade and CANBE Reindeer Run were so much fun! Thank you to everyone who made these events possible, including our fantastic Special Events Committee. Check out some of our favorite photos from the events below.

RECOGNIZING OUR VOLUNTEERS:

ROYCE WALKER, NB GARDEN CLUB

The City of Nassau Bay is so grateful for the work of all of its Boards, Commissions and volunteer groups, and this month we are recognizing Royce Walker, President of the Nassau Bay Garden Club.

Walker, who began her service as Club President in 2022, has previously served as Treasurer and Historian for the group. She has also served as co-Chair of the Club’s Fashion Show.

The Nassau Bay Garden Club promotes the objectives of the National Garden Clubs: the love of gardening, floral design, and civic and environmental responsibility. The local club works actively with the City’s Parks and Recreation and Keep Nassau Bay Beautiful Committees on a range of beautification efforts throughout the year, including the recent Fall Sweep. “My favorite part of serving on the Garden Club is the service – giving back to the community is so important, and what we give back in terms of beautification and quality of life for our residents is extremely important,” Walker said.

In addition to her work with the Garden Club, Walker is also very active as a volunteer with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through a partnership with Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, a women's service organization.

Thank you, Ms. Royce, for all of your efforts to make the Nassau Bay community and beyond a better place.

CITY EMPLOYMENT ANNIVERSARIES

The City of Nassau Bay would like to recognize two long-term Public Works employees for reaching significant career milestones with the organization.

Animal Control Supervisor Troy Bradfield (pictured below) has reached 25 years with the City, and he is known throughout the community as a strong and effective advocate for animals in need. We are so grateful for his dedication and for his efforts returning lost animals to their homes and facilitating animal adoptions, not to mention all of the other daily activities at the Shelter.

As well, Ross Patrick - Senior Wastewater Operator (pictured above) - has reached 30 years with the City. Patrick is responsible for conducting daily water testing and ensuring successful operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. We so appreciate your service!

MEET EEYORE,

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

The Nassau Bay Animal Shelter is pleased to introduce Eeyore, a Pit Bull/Great Dane mix who is about one to three years old. Eeyore is spayed, current on all of her vaccinations and microchipped.

“Eeyore is a very sweet girl - she loves to play fetch, she is house-trained, and she also walks very well on a leash,” Animal Control Supervisor Troy Bradfield said. Meet Eeyore today! The Shelter is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30AM to 4PM and Friday from 7:30AM-11AM. The Shelter is also open from 8:30AM10:30AM on weekends and holidays by appointment.

Follow the Shelter on Facebook @ NassauBayAnimalShelter.

Left, Walker is pictured with her family at a St. Jude's awards dinner. Below, Walker at Fall Sweep with City staff and Councilmember Michelle Weller.

CITY ELECTION NOTICE

MAY 6, 2023

The City of Nassau Bay will hold a General Election on Saturday, May 6, 2023 for the purpose of electing three Councilmembers for Positions 1, 3, and 5. These positions are currently occupied by Mayor Pro Tem Don Matter, Councilmember Ashley Graves, and Councilmember Sandra Mossman, respectively.

The filing period for the General City Officers' Election will begin on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 and end on Friday, February 17, 2023. Candidate filing office hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am to 11:30am. Please note office hours will be extended to 5:00pm on Friday, February 17th.

Any person wishing to file for candidacy may pick up an application packet from the City Secretary's office. For updates on the 2023 General Election, including the application and Candidate Packet, visit www.nassaubay.com/Election.

JANUARY FOOD DISTRIBUTION

On Saturday, January 7, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay will again welcome the Galveston Food Bank to its parking lot for its November Food Distribution. This distribution is available to any individuals or families, regardless of where they live. This event will begin in the St. Thomas parking lot (18300 Upper Bay Rd., Nassau Bay) from 8AM until about 9:30AM.

NASSAU BAY HOMES ASSOCIATION TO CLOSE MARINA FOR THREE WEEKS

The Nassau Bay Homes Association would like to inform its residents that the Nassau Bay Marina will be closed for three weeks, starting January 16. This closure will allow for the much needed replacement of sections of the roof. All boats must be out of their Wet Slips by January 13, and residents will be allowed to store them in their driveways for the duration of the project. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office at 281-333-2570.

NEW WATER AND SEWER RATES

Nassau Bay City Council voted to approve new Utility Rates on October 10, 2022. The new rates will go into effect starting with the January 1, 2023 utility bill (mid-November to mid-December consumption).

The new rates and additional information can be found on the City's website at www.nassaubay. com/UtilityRates.

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COUNCIL MEETING RECAP

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Authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (BAHCVB).

∙ Appointed Chairman James Abbey, Members Paul Lopez, Raouf Farid, Phil Johnson, David Polerstock, Colin Cease, Bryce Klug, and Alternate Members Doug Able and Lucie Johannes Sommer to the GIS Task Force.

Authorized the City Manager to execute a Sponsorship Agreement between the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation and City of Nassau Bay in the amount of $100,000, subject to Mayor & Council review and approval.

∙ Approved writing off Uncollectible Accounts Receivable Aged 360 Days or Older as identified in the September 30, 2022 Write-Off Report.

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Authorized the City Manager to sign an agreement, subject to review and approval by the Mayor, between the City of Nassau Bay, Texas and owner Dr. Mae Jemison regarding property located at 18410 Kingston Court, Nassau Bay, Texas 77058.

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Approved action to review and assess the City’s current contract management system prior to the City’s next FY2024 budget cycle.

Approved modifications to the City’s Communications Plan and approved future workshop discussion of same topic.

∙ Approved action for future joint workshop discussion on the City’s live and on-demand broadcast of City Council meetings on the City’s social media channels, broadcast on Nassau Bay’s Public Access Channel 16, and any / or other media avenues deemed appropriate.

Join us for next month's Council Meeting on Monday, January 9, 2023. Visit www.nassaubay.com/CityCouncil for more details on the meeting.

CONTACT YOUR CITY OFFICIALS

Mayor Phil Johnson 281.734.1074 | phil.johnson@nassaubay.com

Mayor Pro Tem Don Matter, Position 1 832.260.4626 | don.matter@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Lucie Johannes Sommer, Position 2 832.338.1828 | lucie.johannes.sommer@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Ashley Graves, Position 3 281.330.5413 | ashley.graves@nassaubay.com

Councilmember James Abbey, Position 4 979.422.2383 | james.abbey@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Sandra Mossman, Position 5 281.333.2194 | sandra.mossman@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Michelle Weller, Position 6 832.868.8663 | michelle.weller@nassaubay.com