Bay Area Observer 2-2-2011

The Bay Area Observer Serving Communities Along Galveston Bay VOLUME 2, NO. 05

By The Bay 8th Annual Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon Meador Park March 19, 2011 Sign up now! Runners and walkers welcome. Join us for our eighth annual Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay!

Saturday, March 19, 2011 •Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M. •2 person Half Marathon Relay 7:30 A.M. Sunday - March 20, 2011 •Marathon - 7:15 A.M. •Half Marathon - 7:30 A.M. •4 person Marathon Relay - 7:15 A.M. •Early start for Full Marathon Walkers - 5:30 A.M. Venue Name: Meador Park Location: 2100 Meyer Rd, Seabrook, TX 77586 Admission Cost: pre-registration Phone: 1-866-611-4688 Web:www.seabrookmarathon.org Email:seabrook_marathon@att.net

Skywarn Training Class In La Porte February 22, 2011 The Office of Emergency Management will host a Skywarn Training class on Tuesday, February 22nd from 6:30-9:00 PM at the La Porte Police Department building. The Police Department is located at 3001 N 23rd Street, La Porte, TX 77571.

Skywarn is a group of trained volunteers that watch the skies during severe weather and relay reports back to your local Emergency Management Office and/ or the National Weather Service (NWS). These volunteers provide valuable information to the NWS to improve the warning program which could save lives and prevent property damage in your community. For more information about Skywarn, visit www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx. To register for the class, contact Kristin Gauthier at (281) 470-0011, or gauthierk@laportetx.gov.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

More Than 700 Celebrate Arbor Day at Bay Elementary

by Gail Ferris Beasley

Nassau Bay Garden Club’s 2011 Arbor Day celebration was an event taken up a notch.

The Club, working in conjunction with James F. Bay Elementary School faculty in Seabrook, TX, held a first class celebration in honor of Arbor Day with the planting of a live oak tree on the school grounds.

On Friday afternoon, January 28, with perfect weather conditions, Nassau Bay Garden Club members, parents, teachers, and Bay Elementary school children in pre-K through 5th grade, participated in the new planting. The participants totaled over 700 men, women, and children who gathered outside the school for the start of the festivities.

The program began with Seabrook Mayor Gary Renola reading an Arbor Day Proclamation to the crowd. Students were excited to meet the mayor and showed their appreciation with loud applause. School Principal Erin Tite introduced students Ericka Comacho, Clayton Mathis, and Chris Ingenthron who read the history and meaning of Arbor Day. Fifth grade students Megan Ewoldt, Phoebe McKinley,

Bay Elementary students are excited to meet Seabrook Mayor Renola.

Photos by Gail Ferris Beasley

A small sample of more than 700 parents, teachers, and children at the NBGC Arbor Day celebration. and Skylea Nickel read their original poems interpreting what the day meant to them.

As a special treat, animated 2nd grade students, accompanied by recorded music, sang a song about trees and danced to the beat.

Near the end of the program, teacher and garden club member Tricia Lotz showed the crowd a time capsule that

would be planted near the new tree. The capsule contained headlines from the Bay Area Citizen newspaper as well as the names of all the students at Bay Elementary as of that day. Students were thrilled to be part of this history and can look forward to the day the capsule might be dug up, revealing its contents.

The entire presentation was

University Of St. Thomas Honors Seabrook’s Dr. Anna Dewald The University of St. Thomas in Houston recently honored Dr. Anna DeWald, professor emerita of education and dean emerita of the School of Education.

She served as certification officer and as a professor from 1981 through 1999.

During this time the Texas Education Agency recognized the School of Education as a Center for Professional Development and the Houston Chronicle sang praises to the University’s 97 percent pass rate.

Dr. DeWald was instrumental in beginning the Pi Lamda Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi that recognizes excellence in education thorough programs that offer speakers, awards, and the Dr. Anna DeWald Scholarship.

Dr. DeWald is a long time resident of Seabook.

Father Sheffield Super Bowl Barbecue Sunday, February 6 18223 Point Lookout Nassau Bay “St. Paul the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 6234 will conduct its annual Father Sheffield Super Bowl barbecue on Sunday, February 6, at the church, 18223 Point Lookout Drive, Nassau Bay. The Knights’ award-winning smoked brisket, ribs and chicken go fast. Pre-orders are encouraged by Wednesday, February 2, although some barbecue may be available the day of the event. To pre-order, e-mail or call Vince Berend at VBerend@comcast.net, ph.

281 333-9739; or Buck Gay at buckann@comcast.net, ph. 281 333-4662. Prices are $10 per pound for brisket or ribs and $10 each for smoked chicken.

Contact name: Art Anton, 281 474-3373.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

Kemah Celebrates Arbor Day With A Tree Planting Demonstration

The 19th Annual Ed Brandon Cenikor Golf Tournament May 9, 2011 Bay Oaks Country Club

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23.1 million Americans age 12 and up suffer from some type of substance abuse or chemical dependency? Did you know one of the most researched programs in the nation operates within your backyard? Cenikor has been helping people change since 1967. We would love to discuss how you and/or your business Continued on page 2

INDEX Community.......................2-3 Crossword...........................2 Local News..........................4 Education............................6 Arts & Entertainment........7 Classifieds............................7 Cuisine.................................8 In The Garden.....................8

carefully choreographed by NBGC members Brenda Hesse and Tricia Lotz. In addition, Tricia led much of the presentation and Brenda captured all of it on video for Nassau Bay TV. Their cooperative planning paid off with the most well-attended, well-rounded, and purposeful Arbor Day celebration in the history of the Nassau Bay Garden Club.

Seabrook Mayor Gary Renola listens to Nassau Bay Garden Club president Anne Adams welcome the children and faculty to the Arbor Day event.

5th grade students Megan Ewoldt, Phoebe McKinley, and Skylea Nickel read their original poems about Arbor Day.

Port Commission Approves Nearly $1.2 Million for Bayport Security CEO Dreyer Reports on Strong Steel, Container Numbers A $1.2 million construction contract for the security system at Bayport’s Marine Emergency buildings and a professional environmental and engineering services contract are among several matters approved during the regular January 25 meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

In his monthly report, Chief Executive Officer Alec G. Dreyer said December was a good month for the Port Authority in steel and containers, with improvements in other cargo categories as well.

The Port Authority handled 249,000 tons of steel in December 2010 -- more than twice the year-ago levels, an increase of 174 percent.

“For the year, steel finished 2 percent above the 2009 level based upon strong growth in the last nine months of 2010,” Dreyer said. “At present, we expect a 13-to-14 percent increase in steel volumes in 2011 over 2010, with the annual level approaching 3.1 million tons.”

He also noted that container revenue was up a robust 12 percent in December, reflecting the strong growth in loaded units for the month. For 2010, container revenue was up 11 percent compared to 2009, with container tonnage up 10 percent for that period.

Turning Basin revenue was up 25 percent for December, in line with the incremental amount of steel handled this year over last.

For 2010, Turning Basin revenue was up 8 percent over last year, reflecting the strong finish to the year for steel volumes.

Ship arrivals at Port Authority facilities are up over 5.6 percent for 2010 versus 2009, Dreyer said. He also noted barge traffic has shown significant growth all year and is up 17 percent in December year-to-date.

Engineering and Real Estate The Port Commission approved awarding a $1,186,339 construction contract to Texas Technical Services Inc. for the security system for the Phase 1 Stage 2 Container Yard and Administration, Maintenance and Repair, and Marine Emergency buildings at the Bayport Container Terminal. This project includes installation of access control card readers and security cameras to work with existing Port Authority equipment and connect to the Port Coordination Center, the Port Authority’s security command center. These security improvements will help maintain controlled access and surveillance for the three newly-constructed buildings and container yard at the Bayport terminal.

Kemah Mayor Matt Wiggins Introduces The First Annual Arbor Day By The Bay In conjunction with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC), the Kemah Community Development Council (KCDC), and Trees For Houston, the City of Kemah welcomed citizens to the Kemah Visitor Center. for Kemah’s first annual Arbor Day On The Bay celebration.

Visitors were treated to a continental breakfast provided by the Kemah Boardwalk.

Trees For Houston were on hand with shovels, gloves and tree planting equipmqnt to demonstrate the proper way to plant a tree. The tree experts welcomed questions and participation from the audience.

Planting of new trees along 7th Street were also a part of the Arbor Day By The Bay Celebration with the help of the Kemah Garden Club.

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Volunteers From Trees For Houston Demonstrate The Correct Way To Plant A Tree

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Strategic Planning Port Commissioners awarded a $310,000, five-year contract to Gahagan & Bryant Associates, Inc. for professional environmental and engineering services for oversight of the Greens Bayou remediation project.

In December 2003, defendants in a lawsuit brought by the Port Authority agreed to remediate past pollution in and along portions of Greens Bayou. A portion of the funds paid by the defendants is used by the Port Authority to support its oversight of these activities, including sediment sampling and analysis, groundwater sampling and monitoring, reviewing analytical reports, and continuing general monitoring activities.

Since 2004, Gahagan & Bryant Associates Inc. (GBA), in partnership with Shaw Environmental Inc., has assisted the Port Authority with this oversight work. GBA and its subcontractors will now perform the work.

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PAGE 2

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

COMMUNITY Soul Food Cook-off, Celebrating Black History

By Mary Gay

The La Porte Community Civic Club will be sponsoring its 29th Annual Soul Food Cook-off. The men will take on the ladies Friday, February 11th at 6:00p.m. at the Jennie Riley Center, 322 N. 4th in La Porte Texas.

So if you are craving great down home delicious, stick to your ribs soul food, incredible fried chicken, fiery greens, fried catfish, black-eyed peas, dumplings, sweet potatoes, desserts, and more, come on out to Jennie Riley. We’ll be serving up batches of great fried chicken and cat fish, pork chops, candied yams and desserts that will satisfy the biggest eater in the family.

The Cook-off tells the story of Soul Food Cooking. It reaches back many years into the history of slavery. Slaves were given the small intestines of the hog known as chitterlings. The chitterling were cleaned, flavored with spices and cooked. Chitlins’ are still a favorite food. The slaves were also given the jaw of the hog, which was cooked with black-eyed peas and turnip greens.

Hog fat was rendered into lard and the bits of skin that floated to the top of the kettle were the cracklings. As you might guess, these crisp fried cracklings were added to cornbread batter to make a wonderful treat known as crackling bread.

These foods, along with pork bones, pig feet, fried cat fish, pork chops, a variety of vegetables, desserts, hot water corn bread and more will be dished out.

Behind each soul food dish is a bit of history as well as a way of life. Soul Food Cooking has become a legend.

The Soul Food Cook-off is one of the activities celebrating Black History. Donation: All you can eat Adult- $10.00. Children under 12 - $5.00. The money helps sponsor Civic Club activities and the scholarship fund. For information call Mary Gay at 281-471-3259.

Sundays in Nature Series at Armand Bayou Nature Center Get acquainted with Nature at Armand Bayou Nature Center by joining us in our new “Sundays in Nature Series”. From 1pm – 3pm each third Sunday of the month, the Nature Center will host programs allowing you to better understand the natural world around us. The series is designed to make our community Healthier, Happier and Smarter in Nature. Each program will feature speakers, presenters and/or activities for children and adults alike. Visit our website at abnc.org for details.

Join us on February 20th for our second “Sundays in Nature” series, “Hide & Seek”. Learn about the important role insects play and how they hide as we try to seek them out. Make a really fun insect craft and join us for a guided hike through the Prairie.

Don’t miss the fun and excitement at ABNC with our “Sundays in Nature Series”. Admission to Sundays in Nature is $3 for adults and $1 for children 4-12 and seniors 60 and older.

For more information, phone 281-474-2551.

A Just Cause

Charitable Chili Cook Off Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps invites everyone to join us on Saturday, February 5th, 2011 at the City of Webster City Hall for a benefit chili cook off. All proceeds from the event well be donated to a special account which has been established to assist a paramedic who recently had heart surgery. This paramedic is a twenty year veteran to the EMS profession. Everyone is encouraged to come out and show your support by eating chili and offering a donation to the cause. Chili cooking will begin at 10:00AM on Saturday morning. For more information about the event or about how you can help out, please call 281-488-3078 and speak with the on duty supervisor.

Where: City of Webster City Hall When: Saturday, February 5th, 2011 Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Second Chance Pets Hobo, a beautiful silky black Lab, is an easy goin’ guy who seems to have lost his way. On Christmas night (a very cold night) he was all alone without a family to celebrate the holiday with. Then along came someone who saw his need and invited him to join their family for Christmas. He has adapted well to his new environment.

Probably since he was alone for awhile, he has decided he really doesn’t want that to happen again, so he gets very worried when he is left alone for long periods of time. He will need to have someone he can depend on who will be at home a good part of the time.

Hobo is 5+ years old and his birthday is estimated as 01-1505. He gets along well with his new dog and cat friends. He is house- trained and is doing well with his leash training. He doesn’t chew on things and when he goes outside, he doesn’t dig or try to get out of the backyard. Since he is around 75 pounds, it might be better if he did not live in a home with children he might bump into or accidentally hurt. If you would like a real couch potato to enjoy your evening TV programs with, Hobo is the perfect dog for you.

For more information on Hobo please email SCP at pets2adopt@yahoo.com or call 281-286-3535. 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 http://www.secondchancepets.org. Almost all SCP animals are fostered in local homes because it does not have a shelter. As always PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS. Second Chance Pets is a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) animal welfare organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Parkie Shuffle Dancers Prepare For Second Annual Pelican Ball

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Continued from page 1

can help make the Greater Houston area a healthier and more productive place to live and work. Cenikor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and appreciates your help in getting this message to others.

For More Information Contact: Roni Archer rarcher@cenikor.org.

Sponsorship information available

Annual Trash Bash March 26 Under the Highway 146 Bridge Seabrook http://www.trashbash.org/site_galveston_bay_seabrook.htm Parking: Free parking under the Highway 146 Bridge Registration: Please come to the Boat Ramp area to register for the event. Every participant will be required to sign a registration form that includes a liability release section. Minors must have the form signed by a parent or guardian. School groups should get registration forms in advance, complete them and bring them to the event to minimize waiting time. You can print the registration form off the Trash Bash website. Please call (281) 474-2333 if you have problems to print the form.

Area to be Cleaned: Seabrook parks and waterways. This site is a land and water-based cleanup. The work takes place at various parks and waterways around Seabrook.

Schedule for the Day: 8:30 am - 9:00 am - Registration at the Boat Ramp Site 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Debris Cleanup (see Safety Instructions) 1:00 pm - Free lunch served by the Rotary Club, recognition of sponsors, exhibits to learn about our watershed, music entertainment, door prizes, souvenirs. Youth/scout activities to earn participation patch.

Kemah Pan Jam Festival March 26th, 2011 The Kemah Pan Jam is scheduled for Saturday March 26, 2011 10 am - 10 pm and Sunday March 27, 2011 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Pan .Jam is authentic Caribbean steel drum, calypso music and reggae singers who have performed all over the world, at events ranging from backyard parties to Presidential receptions. The streets of the Kemah Lighthouse District come alive with the lively beat of steel drums at the annual Kemah Pan Jam Steel Drum Festival. We hope to see you at Pan Jam this year. Make plans now to enjoy the celebration and spend the weekend in Kemah where there’s local accommodations a’plenty mon. For more infomration visit www.kemahpanfest.com

Got An Upcoming Community Event?

Email us at editor@bayareaobserver.com

Prestige Hair Salon A Full Service Salon Men • Women • Children

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Patty Kane, Jenny Arunyon and Mary Forbes Practice Their Dance Moves For The Second Annual Pelican Ball It’s almost time for the Second Annual Pelican Ball, and Jenny Arunyon of the Seabrook Association is giving dance instructions to this year’s “Parkie Shuffle” Dancers. The Ball is set for February 11 from 7p.m. until 11p.m. in the Ballroom of Lakewood Yacht Club. This year’s Ball Chairman is Jackie Powers. For reservations and information information call 281-291-7756.

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

Sales Representative............Jeanne Sadler Seabrook, Kemah Area

832-421-4777 • sales@bayareaobserver.com

Sales Representative.....Beverly Lawrence

2701 Center St. Deer Park, Texas 77536

There’s No Place Like Home

Dunham’s Tax Service 816 South First Street La Porte, Texas 77571

Tel: 281-471-4892 • Fax: 281-470-7419 Open six days a week 9 to 5

Thank you for reading our advertising!

We have been in business here in La Porte for sixty-three years. We are proud to be the oldest Accounting and Tax Preparation firm in East Harris County.

We support youth programs, education, churches, anything to better our community. We are aware of most businesses in our community. If you need a particular expertise, give us a call.

We may be able to help you.

La Porte Area

Our Tax Preparation fees for Individuals, Partnerships, and Corporations are quite reasonable.

Sales Representative..........Charlotte Horn

Our turnaround time is usually three days. We can also do your Notarizing for Documents when needed.

281-793-7961 • blawrence506@msn.com Seabrook, Kemah Area

281-507-8257 • charlottehorn53@yahoo.com Opinions in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the newspaper. Any erroneous statement which may appear will be corrected if brought to the attention of the publisher. Liability for errors is limited to the reprinting of the corrected version. Submissions are encouraged by mail, by fax, or by email to editor@bayareaobserver.com.

P.O. Box 305 • Seabrook, Texas 77586 Phone: 281-907-3140 • Fax: 866-596-8973 Email: editor@bayareaobserver.com

Thanks for reading our letter and come meet us.

The Dunham Family

Visit us on the web at www.bayareaobserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

PAGE 3

COMMUNITY Janie DeStefano, Chief Nursing Officer San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, and Gail Lumus, Director Lab San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, proudly display items that will be auctioned at the Bay Area Homeless Services Mane Event 2011.

Featured in the photo are several handmade quilts and pottery

by Artist Mae Gray. In addition to these items other auction highlights include: airfare tickets, fine jewelry, a weekend getaway, 5 quilts in total, and many gift baskets.

The 2011 “Mane Event” fundraiser for Bay Area Homeless Services (BAHS) will roast and toast Dr. Toby York, Superintendent Goose Creek Schools. Master of ceremonies is Janie Halter Gray, Publisher of the Baytown Sun. The event will be held at the Goose Creek Country Club on Saturday, February 19th starting at 6:00 p.m. In addition to the roast and toast the fundraiser will feature dinner, a testimonial and a live and silent auction. The ultimate goal of the event, aside from having fun, is to raise funds for BAHS. Organizers for the event would like to surpass last year’s earnings, which were slightly above $30,000.

For more information about “Mane Event” tickets, donations or becoming a sponsor for the event call Pete Alfaro, President of the Board of Directors for BAHS at 281-424-4359. To make a donation via mail, please send it to P.O. Box 4130 Baytown, Texas, 77522. Checks can be made out to Bay Area Homeless Services.

La Porte Police Department

OBITUARIES Leroy Kuykendall, Jr., of Baytown passed away Monday January 31, 2011. He was born December 11, 1943 in Houston, Texas to Rita and Leroy Kuykendall, Sr. He is survived by his wife Peggy Kuykendall, children Mauri Weems and husband Mikey, Angie Kuykendall, Dietra Hodges, Jon Guidry and wife Rose, Deborah Salois, Scott Guidry, brother Danny Kuykendall and wife Cindy, sisters Susan Overmyer and husband Ben, Annie Moore, Kathy Kuykendall, 13 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandchild, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday February 2, 2011 at 5PM, with a Rosary beginning at 7PM at Paul U. Lee La Porte Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held Thursday February 3, 2011 at 2PM at the funeral home as well.

Deter Vehicle Theives In Three Easy Steps The burglary of a motor vehicle is certainly an event none of us wish to experience. In order to aid the La Porte Police in the prevention of such crimes, please follow these three simple steps which have been shown nationwide to be effective means of deterrence.

1. Park your vehicle in a secure location. Studies have shown that vehicles parked in the street have a 120% higher chance of becoming burglarized than those in garages.

To combat this effect, utilize proven deterrents of residential crime such as: keeping hedges trimmed, removing low hanging branches, and installing outdoor lighting.

2. Lock any unoccupied vehicles. City-wide, an over-

whelming percentage of all reported burglaries involved unlocked vehicles while certain neighborhood percentages reach 90-100%. Once inside a vehicle, burglars tend to take small, easy to carry, electronic items which can be sold for a quick profit. GPS units are particularly sought after, but

stereo equipment, laptops, and cell phones are also desirable.

Simply recording model and/or serial numbers can enable the police to track such items.

3. Report suspicious people walking around the neighborhood as soon as possible. Reporting suspicious people to the police helps track the movements and patterns of criminals which may also link them to other crimes. Sadly, only half of vehicle burglaries are ever reported; leaving an uphill battle for the police department in combating such a trend. However, armed with knowledge of such events and assisted by community involvement, your police department can continue their primary mission of fighting crime.

COATS

KUYKENDALL

Barbara Kathleen (Kathy) Coats, 57, went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 29, 2011 after battling a lengthy illness. Born in Houston, Texas, April 18, 1953, Kathy spent most of her life in Pasadena and was a devoted member of the Pentecostals of Pasadena.

Kathy is survived by her beloved son, Ronald (Ronny) Franklin Cooper, and grandchildren, Chelsea Courson of Austin, Texas, Emily Cooper of Leander, Texas, and Tyler Cooper of La Porte, Texas. She is also survived by two brothers, William Jess Bullock, III of Lake Jackson, Texas, and

Paul Andrew Bullock of La Porte, Texas; sister, Lisa Suzanne Magenheimer of Greenville, Texas; her long-time and loving partner, Jim Coats of Lomax, Texas; best friends, Mardel Goodman of Surfside, Texas, and Marilyn Blankenship of Pasadena, Texas; as well as numerous other relatives and dear friends. Kathy is preceded in death by her father, William Jess Bullock, Jr., and her mother, Barbara Jean Bullock.

The family received friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at Niday – Fairmont Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 2, 2011, in the chapel of Niday – Fairmont Funeral Home. Interment followed at Forest Park East Cemetery.

For those desiring, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Hepatitis Foundation International.

A tax-deductible gift to the HFI can be made by phone at 1-800-891-0707, by mail, or online at www.hepfi.org.

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Call us at 281-907-3140 The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were delighted to celebrate High Achievers Learning Academy’s membership with a recent ribbon cutting. High Achievers Learning Academy is located at 1001 Spencer Highway in La Porte. They can also be reached by phone at 281-470-7800.

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Moving Again!

CMR Jewelers

La Porte-Bayshore Chamber Ambassadors welcomes Carolyn Dockery of Comfort Suites Baytown. Pictured left to right are Chamber President Colleen Hicks, Crystal Redden of CMR Jewelers, Pam Holstein of Curves – La Porte, James Prickett of Amegy Bank of Texas, Tara Wagner of Value Place Extended Stay Hotel, Steve Kahara of Kaneka Texas Corporation, Adelina Gomez of Beacon Federal Credit Union, Marc Gammons of S & S Investigations, Carolyn, Randy Williams of Clear Creek Equipment Rental, Georgia Green of Comfort Suits-Baytown, Dr. Willard Jones of Animal Clinic of La Porte, Stephanie Zemanek of Zemanek Marine Services, Inc., Lana Follis of Beacon Federal Credit Union, Mary Kay Director Beverly Lawrence, Renee Dunkin of Around About Travel, Roni Archer of Cenikor Foundation, Inc., Cris Sanitago of La Car Porte, Britney Samperi of Beacon Federal Credit Union and Roma Norwine of Vesco Business Products and Office Furniture. Comfort Suites Baytown is located at 7209 Garth Road in Baytown. They can also be reached by phone at 281-421-9764.

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PAGE 4

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

LOCAL NEWS ENGAGEMENTS Lawrence - Kimberlin

Voices By the Bay—The Movie Residents and visitors can now preview an exciting new Seabrook oral history project called Voices By the Bay Giving the town’s history, as told by many of our long-time residents, this is a compilation of on camera interviews conducted by Karen Tisdel. She has now been interviewing people for over a year.

“After witnessing the loss of homes, pictures, and documents as a result of Hurricane Ike, I decided that Seabrook’s oral history needed to be preserved and archived, sooner rather than later. Everyone I’ve interviewed has one comment in common-‘Seabrook was a great place to grow up!’”

Among the many fascinating stories of hardship, survival, sacrifice and fun, their voices tell of watching crabs and water moccasins fighting it out in the swirling waters below the floors during a hurri-

cane, youngsters diving in summer for pennies for each beer bottle retrieved from the channel off of Muecke’s dock, hitching up a mule team to pull those model Ts out of the mud on Todville Road, flounder gigging with lanterns on the bay, and colorful stories of old Maribelles.

This small town is still about shrimping, fishing, boatbuilding for work and pleasure, sailing, swimming, cool bay breezes with pelicans, seagulls and more! “No one tires of the sunrises, moonrises and sunsets over Galveston Bay; this is still a fabulous place to grow up and grow old!”

There is also a separate educational component for schools that includes lesson plans to help youngsters of all ages archive interviews with their family members and help them understand what they can learn from their family history.

Seabrook has had its name for well over

100 years, but since it was incorporated late in 1961, it will be celebrating its official 50th Anniversary, later this year!

A community celebration for Voices By the Bay is planned in Seabrook later this summer, to present the program to the residents. More details about this will be forthcoming.

“This has been a great learning experience for me, an opportunity to meet wonderful and fascinating neighbors. I feel fortunate to be able to do this.” added Tisdel Donations to support funding for this project are encouraged and can be made through the same link where the preview is posted. Contact Karen Tisdel at 281389-9032 or email ksailor7@hotmail.com.

Go to the link below to see how it’s coming along. https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/40220972/voices-by-the-bay.

An Appeal To Women

By Deborah S. Bernay, O.D., Andreane B. Fagala, O.D., and Patricia A. Galos, O.D.

Larry and Beverly Lawrence of La Porte, Texas are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter Jana Lawrence to Buddy Kimberlin, son of Larry and Jan Kimberlin of Greenville, Texas.

Jana graduated from La Porte HS in 2003 and attended Texas A & M University in Corpus Christi to receive her Degree in Nursing. Jana is a RN at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan.

Buddy graduated from Greenville HS in 2001 and attended Texas A & M University in College Station to receive his Degree in Sports Management. Buddy is a Producer for Texas A & M University in College Station.

A wedding is planned for June 4, 2011 in Wimberley, Texas.

The couple will reside in College Station.

More women than men are diagnosed with eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy annually. Yet, a recent report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that many women do not schedule the recommended visits to eye care professionals. According to the CDC’s assessment of the utilization of professional eye care among women over the age of 40, 21% of women with

diabetic retinopathy, 12% of glaucoma patients, and 8% of those with age-related macular degeneration did not see an eye care professional for follow-up care. Not only are follow-up visits necessary, but without

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ARE YOU AN ORGAN DONOR? A 17-year-old athlete weakens and becomes short of breath with minimal exertion. He has a viral infection of the heart which has become life-threatening. Matching studies are done and he is given a pager--he will need to get to the transplant center in an hour or two when an organ becomes available. He waits for the call--day and night--when his life -saving heart becomes available. For some, the call never comes. Other patients are on waiting lists for kidneys and must face dialysis every two or three days. There are also waiting lists for livers, corneas and other organs. Yet, the sad statistic remains that two thirds of possible donors are not utilized. Since time is crucial in obtaining and processing donor organs, the decision to donate is best made by you beforehand--not by your family at a time of great sadness. You should make the decision today to donate organs. For more information on services offered by San Jacinto Methodist Hospital please call 832-556-6543.

an exam and initial diagnosis, some eye diseases without noticeable symptoms may go undetected, leading to unnecessary vision loss.

Whether you work long hours or juggle work and raising a

family, you probably tend to put things off. Remember that you only have one pair of eyes.

Please call LaPORTE VISION CENTER at 281-471-6546 to schedule an eye health examination that includes a screening for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and testing of your vision. Using state-ofthe-art equipment, we can diagnose an eye condition in its early stages- when treatment is most effective. Our practice is located at 401 West Fairmont Parkway, Suite A. Helping you and your family see into the future.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

EDUCATION San Jacinto College Basketball Team Pay Surprise Visit To Keller Middle School

La Porte Elementary Students of the Month

Congratulations Leopards!

Pictured from left: Keller Middle School sixth-grader, Joshua Martinez, and San Jacinto College basketball players Lorenzo Freeman and Parrish Grant watch a slam dunk by Devin Bray.

The San Jacinto College (SJC) Central cheerleaders and men’s basketball team surprised students at Keller Middle School during a recent pep rally. The College’s student ambassadors and the South campus mascot also showed up as part of the community outreach program to educate students on the importance of college, SJC campus locations, degree programs and admission procedures.

1st row: Xavier Tisnado, Alex Garcia, Tomi Penzi, Miranda Mendoza, Cris Aguirre, Isaiah Trujillo, Nya Gutierrez, Anisha Hawkins. 2nd row: Chrislen Ochoa, Amber Johnson, Keiara Walker, Nicholas Leon, Kelsey Wright, Albert Regis, Jalynn Lozano, Luke Torres, Trinity Callies. 3rd row: Ms. Peterson (AP), Brayan Pedroza, Vincente Rojas, James Garza, Tate McConnell, Alicia Rios, Joey Carter, Alex Austin, Dynasty Gooden, Mrs. Whitfield (Principal)

A Musical “Feaste” at San Jacinto College South Clear View Students Present

Cosmetology At Intermediate Schools Career Fair

The San Jacinto College South choral department will present Feast of Sweetes on Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Building atrium. Along with a variety of musical selections, guests will also be able to enjoy desserts made by members of the choir. Admission is $20 per person with proceeds benefitting the choir’s performance trip to Carnegie Hall in May. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department.

The San Jacinto College South choral department will host the Feaste of Sweetes on Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m in the fine arts center atrium.

Among a variety of musical performances, audience members will enjoy selections from the choir’s upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall. Pieces from the small vocal ensemble and selected solos, duets, and trios will also be performed each night.

Perhaps the “sweetest” expectations are the desserts, which will be prepared by members of the choir.

“I can tell you there are some excellent cooks in our group!” said Cynthia Stevens, visual and performing arts department chair at the South campus.

Admission to the event is $20 per person with proceeds going toward the choir’s trip to perform in New York’s Carnegie Hall this May. Seating is limited therefore reservations are encouraged. For reservation information, please call 281-484-1900.

All performances are in the Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Building at the South campus, located at 13735 Beamer Road in Houston.

College Students Gain Valuable Training By Teaching Young Students

San Jacinto College student Ranisha Johnson (center) is flanked by Holy Trinity Episcopal School students (from left) Brandon White, Helen Hundertmark, Kelly Whitworth, and Carl Hundertmark at a cooking class at the private school. Behind the group is SJC culinary arts instructor Sean Perrodin.

Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

San Jacinto College (SJC) North recently launched a new partnership with a private elementary school that enables SJC students to gain valuable hands-on teaching experience and enhance traditional classroom training.

Once a week, a culinary arts student from the North campus visits nearby Holy Trinity Episcopal School to teach a one-hour cooking class to the school’s elementary students. The collaboration is a win-win for both schools, according to Dr. Shirley Ellisor, head of school at Holy Trinity Episcopal. “It gives San Jacinto College students a chance to apply learning, while

giving our students a chance to see college students in action,” Ellisor commented.

The pilot phase of the project began in the Fall 2010 term and was deemed so successful and well received that it will continue during the Spring 2011 term.

“It was very successful, and I loved seeing the students in action, and was particularly amazed at what they made in our small kitchen that has limited equipment,” Ellisor said. “Parents and students loved the opportunity. They enjoyed the chef hats and the things they learned to make.

Parents were also amazed at some of the foods their children learned to like that

they would not eat before.”

SJC student Ranisha Johnson volunteered to teach at the private elementary school during the Fall 2010 term, and Ashley McGinnis is serving as the SJC student teacher during the Spring 2011 term.

Johnson taught the young students some kitchen sanitation principles, basic knife skills, how to prepare complete meals, and how to make popular dishes simpler and faster. “For example, we learned how to make quick pita pizza by using flat pita bread, canned sauce, cheese, pepperoni and other toppings,” she commented.

Johnson has a passion for cooking and the experience as a student teacher sparked in her a newfound passion for teaching.

“Those kids are like little buckets ready to be filled to the brim. That kind of love for knowledge makes me want to learn more in turn to give more,” she said.

Johnson lives in Dayton, but says the education she is receiving at SJC makes the commute worthwhile. “At San Jac I am learning how to become a true culinary artist, rather than settling on being just a cook,” she stated.

SJC culinary arts instructor Sean Perrodin says such experience outside the traditional classroom setting can enhance a student’s education and training. “It’s real-world training that involves planning, communicating, managing, and then following through with quality service,” he remarked. “It also reinforces the textbook theory part of traditional classroom training and can help to give students a clear vision for career goals.”

San Jacinto College offers a wide range of culinary arts courses and degree options at the North and Central campuses.

Clear View High School students from the Communities In Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) program recently presented cosmetology information to students from Intermediate schools in Clear Creek Independent School District.

“The career fair was great for building Clear View cosmetology students’ confidence and great for engaging the career inspirations for our district’s Intermediate students,” said Linda Deckert, head of the CIS-Bay Area program at Clear View.

Pictured during the presentation are (from left) Tess Segovia, Adrianna Lira, Ashley Green and Roslynn Thorton.

CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program serving 15 campuses in the Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts. For more information on the program, visit www.cisba.org

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February is Love Your Vision Month!

A comprehensive vision screening is an important part of your overall health regimen.

Regular eye exams are key to healthy eyesight as well as early detection of certain diseases including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.

SCHEDULE AN EXAM TODAY!

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Deborah S. Bernay, O.D. Andreane B. Fagala, O.D. Patricia A. Galos, O.D.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

PAGE 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Mardi Gras Mask Decorating Workshops for Kids and Adults

Mark Your Calendar - Save the Date!

It’s Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam

Saturday, February 12, 2011 At Galveston Arts Center

Escape for a few hours of creativity with the Galveston Arts Center. Classes are held in the basement kitchen at Moody Mansion, 2618 Broadway at 27th Street.

Children’s classes are appropriate for students ages 6 to 14. Dress for mess!

More than 250,000 people attend Mardi Gras! Galveston each year to experience the party of a lifetime as the island comes alive with extravagant parades, lavish galas, and festive events including bead throwing. The annual event is one of the most popular in Texas and is rich in history, celebration, and people watching. This year’s festivities, will mark the 100th celebration of Mardi Gras in Galveston since 1867. Galveston artist Carolyn Vieau will lead participants in decorating their own custom mask to wear during the celebration. This class has been made possible through a generous donation in memory of Becky Zobal.

Children’s class, 9:30 to 11:00 am Adult Class, 12:00 to 3:00 pm FEE: GAC members, $10 plus $10 supply fee ($20 total) Non-members, $12 plus $10 supply fee ($22 total) Call Robin at 409.763.2403 to register or visit www.contemporaryartgalveston. org for more information.

The entire cast of Bay Area Harbour Playhouse’s upcoming production of Woody Allen’s “Play It Again, Sam” includes local talent from Galveston Island, Kemah, League City, Friendswood and throughout the Clear Lake Area. From left to right standing: Alp Top as “Dick Christie”, Linda Kissner as “Nancy”, Mike Fabian as “Bogey” and Stacey Turner as “Linda Christie”. Seated are: Katherine Asuncion playing “Sharon”, Brian Treybig as “Allan Felix” and Louisa Riofrio as “Vanessa”.

Bay Area Harbour Playhouse 3803 Highway 3 Dickinson, TX Weekends from February 11th – March 6th Friday & Saturday @ 8 pm & Sunday matinee @ 2:30 pm Allan Felix has this thing about Humphrey Bogart. If only he had some of Bogart’s technique. Nervous and insecure with women, Allan’s hero, Bogey comes to the rescue, with a fantastic bevy of beauties played out in hilarious fantasy sequences. Fixed up by friends with gorgeous women, he’s so awkward that even Bogey’s patience is tried. Allan resembles a disheveled, friendly dog and this is what ultimately charms his best friend’s wife, Linda into falling in love with him. It’s a tough life, making it in the world of beautiful people but if you can’t be a hero it helps to have one!

Tickets are $17.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors and students.

Special group rates are available. For reservations or more information, please call 281-337-7469 or go to www.harbourplayhouse.com.

Artists To Meet In February National Society of Artists will meet on Monday, February 14th, 2011 at 7pm in the Community Building at Clear Lake Park , 5001 Nasa Road 1 in Seabrook, Texas. The guest artist is Award Winning Artist and Instructor Patti Hewlett who will be demonstrating taking a photo using Photo Shop to make a drawing and the technique of “pouring paint” announced Jenny Smith, NSA Program Chairman. All media artists are welcome to attend. Memberships available.

The NSA meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 5001 Nasa Road 1. The February business meeting will include discussion about the upcoming 2011 National Show, The March 18th Lone Star Art Guild exhibit in Kemah and other artist events in the Bay Area. Refreshments served. For directions or information contact Jim Bragg, President at 281-334-3252, jim.bragg@gmail.com or visit NSA at www.NSArtists.org.

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THE BAY AREA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011

IN THE GARDEN Invasive Spotlight: Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Native to Asia, golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) is a grass growing to 16-40 ft in height, with jointed cane stems and bushy tops of lanceolate leaves in fan clusters, often golden green in color. A bamboo plant consists of two parts: the above groundjointed stem called a culm, and the underground jointed rhizome which bears true roots.

Infestations of bamboo create monocultures displacing native

vegetation, altering habitat, and upsetting food chains. Bamboo leaf litter alters stream food webs starting with litter-feeding stream invertebrates. It is also known to attract roaches in urban areas.

Once established, bamboo reproduces vegetatively through budding of root rhizomes and runners and is very aggressive in both its rate of growth as well as the sprouting of new stems. It rapidly spreads in all directions from the location of establishment.

Imported from China and Japan, this bamboo was introduced in the southern United States in 1882 as an ornamental. It continues to be introduced as a fence line buffer in residential and urban areas. Bamboo is still widely planted as an ornamental and for fishing poles. It thrives in full or partial sun and in moist, deep loamy soils. It is often found as dense thickets along roadsides and residential right of ways. Golden bamboo also invades secondary forests, clearings, and forest edges.

Golden bamboo grows particularly well in our area because of our moist soils. Its underground rhizomes form an extremely strong root system. A well-established patch of this bamboo is very labor intensive to try to remove. Gardeners need to be aware of the problems associated with this plant before introducing it into their landscapes.

For a database of invasive plants in Texas go to http://texasinvasives.org.

Demystifying The Numbers On The Fertilizer Bag Whenever you see a fertilizer product, it will have three numbers prominently listed on the package, usually on the front. These numbers are very important and tell a great deal about what this fertilizer will do.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P, K) are what the numbers refer to. They are always listed in this order. It is the percentage within that package of each component.

For example, a common type of all-purpose fertilizer is referred to as 10-10-10. This is a balanced blend of equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If you purchased a 50-pound bag, five pounds (or 10 percent) would be nitrogen, five pounds would be phosphorus and five pounds would be potassium. The remaining 70 percent is simply filler, or inert ingredients, which are there mostly to help disperse the chemicals.

A common way of describing the purpose behind each chemical is to think “up, down and all around.”

Applying this simple phrase will help you remember that nitrogen, the first chemical listed, helps with plant growth above ground. Nitrogen promotes the green leafy growth of foliage and provides the necessary ingredients to produce lush green lawns.

Lawn fertilizers frequently have a high first number for this purpose.

Phosphorus, the middle number, is very effective at establishing growth below ground, in the form of healthy root systems.

It is also the component most responsible for flower blooms and fruit production. You’ll notice that fertilizers designed for flower production, or starter-type fertilizers for your lawn, have a high middle number.

Potassium, the last number listed, is considered important for overall plant health. This is primarily due to its ability to help build strong cells within the plant tissue. In turn, the plants withstand various stresses, such as heat, cold, pests and diseases. For example, winterizer fertilizers will have a high component of potassium.

When shopping for fertilizers, be mindful of their intended use.

Fertilizers that have equal numbers can generally be used as an all-purpose fertilizer. If you had only one product to work with, 10-10-10 would be a good recommendation.

CLEAR LAKE TEA PARTY TOWN HALL MEETING

CUISINE Super Bowl Lemon Chicken Wings

Hot wings, buffalo wings, chicken wings or just plain old “wings.” No matter what they are called, the formally least favorite part of the chicken (except for the neck) has become the most popular dish served at most Super Bowl parties. Grilled, fried, sautéed, baked, dry or rolling in hot fiery sauce, wing lovers each have their favorite method of preparation. This recipe makes a drier chicken wing that is perfect for dipping in your favorite hot sauce, barbeque sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing. It is the last in our trio of Super Bowl Snacks for this year.

Ingredients

To promote good fruit or flower production, look for a middle number that is higher than the first. Otherwise, your plants will be stimulated to put out lots of nice green foliage, often at the expense of fruit or flower production. Instead, you want the energy and nutrition of the plant to go towards the desired result _ flowers or fruit _ so a higher middle number is a more appropriate choice.

To toughen up your plants or lawn for environmental stresses, then you’ll want a fertilizer that promotes the last number, possibly as well as a high middle number. A high first number in this case may not be appropriate because you are not likely to be promoting new lush foliage when at the same time putting plants or turf to bed for the winter. Instead, your goal should be to promote cell structure and strong roots which continue to grow through winter.

Finally, whenever you apply fertilizers, don’t assume that more is better. You can burn plants by over fertilizing, and damage the surrounding soil as well. Instead, err on the side of less is better. If your soil is rich in organic matter, it should have all the nutrition plants need.

6 pounds fresh chicken wings Juice of 6 lemons 2 sticks butter 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon pepper 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons dry mustard 3 ounces Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons dried or fresh rosemary leaves

Directions Cut the wings into segments at each of the 2 joints. Discard the small bony end, or save for stock.

In a saucepan, heat and stir the lemon juice, butter, salt, pepper, sugar, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and rosemary until the butter is melted.

Arrange the wing segments on a hot outdoor grill.

Turn the grill to medium, and baste the wings with the lemonbutter mixture.

Beware of flare-ups and have a spray bottle of water on hand to put out the flames.

Continue to baste often about 30 minutes until the wings are slightly blackened.

These are great as appetizers. Makes about 20 to 30.

From: flowers-and-garden.blogspot.com

Galveston County Master Gardners Annual Fruit & Citrus Tree Seminar & Sale

Searidge

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 “ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER” GUEST SPEAKERS: CORIE WHELAN - AMERICAN MAJORITY HOW TO REACH THE YOUTH IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA CHERYL JOHNSON - GALVESTON COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR TAX ALTERNATIVES BUD CALDWELL - BOARD MEMBER CLTP “THE GREATEST GENERATION” THEN....AND....NOW GERIE BENTLEY - BOARD MEMBER CLTP OUTLINE “CITIZEN LOBBIST” CLASS (Class will be offered in conjunction with “Watchdog” training at a later date”)

OPEN PANEL QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

Date/Time:

801 Dawn Ridge Way, Seabrook, TX. 77586 READY FOR YOU TO MOVE IN NOW !

This 3202 SF Home has 5 Bedrooms,3.5 Baths Plus Texas Size Gameroom & Dining Room. The Covered Patio, Full Sod and Fenced Backyard Help You Enjoy Seabrook Breezes. The 10 Mile Hike/Bike Trail Runs Thru our Entrance. Come out and See why so Many Families are Calling Searidge Home. Was $237,900 Now $224,900. MLS #14128465 www.har.com

Call Eloise Cavey 281-942-9112 or e-mail ecavey@baywayhomes.com

From 146 go East on E. Meyer. Go left on Todville Rd. Make the 2nd Left into Searidge.

The Annual Fruit Tree Sale will be held on Saturday, February 5 at the Wayne Johnson Community Center at Carbide Park on FM 519 in La Marque.

Heidi Sheesley of TreeSearch Farms will present a seminar on “Fruit & Citrus Trees for the Upper Gulf Coast.”

Master Gardeners will present demonstrations on pruning and grafting of fruit trees and will be available to answer the public’s questions.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 • 6:30 p.m.

(Next To T-Bone Tom’s)

Bring your family, neighbors and friends!

E-Mail: info@clearlaketeaparty.com Web: www.clearlaketeaparty.com

This year’s sale offers numerous varieties of rare tropical fruit trees including avocados, mangos, star fruit, guava, Barbados cherries, pomegranates, and papayas. There will be a large assortment of blueberries, blackberries, and grapes available at the sale too, along with a selection of pears, figs, apples, peaches, plums, pecans, and persimmons as well as a large variety of citrus trees that are best suited for our area.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BAY AREA OBSERVER • 281-907-3140 Find

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Seaside Village

Seminar begins at 8 a.m.

Sale from 9:00 a.m. til 1:00 p.m.

Location:

Kemah Civic Center Hwy 146 At Fm 2094 • Kemah, Texas

www.baywayhomes.com

Advertise Your Business Here!

281-907-3140

2824 Seaside Drive, Seabrook, TX. 77586

Special plan specifically designed for our brand new community in Seaside Texas.Gorgeous.3 bedroom ,2 bath,2 car garage 1 story with one of the largest walk in closets you’ve ever seen. Complimented by a gorgeous master shower and double vanities.Kitchen brags 42 inch cherry cabinets,island and a huge walk in pantry. Treat yourself to a personal tour of this beautiful home and make it yours !!! “Priced to sell at $166,000”

Call Richard for a private showing !!

832-877-6312

Drive on Repsdorph located between 146 and Nasa Rd.1

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