OFF THE RECORD
The Herbert Gee Gavel Dragons Honor Late Judge By Hon. Josefina Rendón
The Houston Lawyer
I
front drums to the pacers’ counts and the steersperson’s calls (e.g. n 2011, in a public ceremony, Mayor Annise Parker and Prechange of pace, speed, etc.). siding Judge Barbara Hartle renamed the Houston Municipal Eight Houston municipal judges have been Gavel Dragons: Courts Building after Associate Presiding Municipal Judge Judges Barbara Hartle, Berta Mejia, Larry Rousseau, Meg Oswald, Herbert Gee. “Over the years, he mentored many lawyers, Margaret Muñoz-Harkins, Andy Lewis, judges, and court staff, always providMimi Berkowitz and Esmeralda Garcia. ing encouragement, patience and a wealth Assistant City attorney Elizabeth Preciado of legal knowledge. Renaming the building and numerous Municipal Court staff and in his honor is a fitting tribute to this great family have also participated together with public servant, and will serve as a lasting Judge Gee’s wife, Cynthia, and son, Jeff. legacy for all those who enter it,” stated The Texas Dragon Boat Association Judge Hartle. started the sport in the Greater Houston Judge Gee served as Municipal Judge for area in 2000. There are different divisions over two decades and his passing in 2011 of teams: corporate, community, competileft a void at the Municipal Courts DeMuch to their surprise, the Gavel Dragons won tive, etc. In 2007, Jeff Gee was paddling with partment (MCD). Many at the MCD famthe Houston Heat Boat Club team at a race ily wanted to honor him. Accordingly, his their first race. at Allen’s Landing. Judge Gee was working successor in Court 11, Judge Meg Oswald, that Saturday morning but decided to watch kept and displayed his memorabilia in the the races for a while. He enjoyed it so much courtroom. Additionally, she and others dethat he stayed longer than planned. He soon cided to participate in an endeavor that had started participating and constantly talked recently become his passion: Dragon Boat about dragon boating to co-workers who all Racing. soon shared his love for the sport. Dragon Boating is a centuries-old Asian The HG Gavel Dragons were created in sport. Though competitive and athletic, it is 2012 to enter the Dragon Boat May Festinot physical prowess that determines who wins but teamwork and strategy. The boats Over 30 Houston Municipal Court employees par- val. Jeff and Cynthia Gee invited courthouse are decorated with Chinese dragon heads ticipate in the Gavel Dragons team. members to become a team. “The response and tails. They are 40 feet long, 4 feet wide was incredible,” says Cynthia. A longtime and carry a drummer in front, a steerperson friend donated the shirts and a large banner in back and 20 paddlers. Dragon boats are with a logo designed by Cynthia, a paddle evenly balanced by weight and skill to make with a gavel on top. steering safer. The boat is divided into three On event day, 30 municipal court members, sections. In front, “pacers” set the pace of many of whom had skipped practices, apthe boat as they follow a coach’s instrucpeared. Since only 20 paddlers were needed, tions. In the middle is the “engine room” Jeff Gee rotated them. He also gave them a where the team’s “muscle and power” is crash-course in paddling. concentrated. In back, the “rockets” carry Judge Mimi Berkowitz vividly rememThe Gavel Dragons honor the memory of the late the load and keep the boat from “drop- Judge Herbert Gee. His wife, Cynthia, designed the bers that first day when the Gavel Dragons ping” and slowing down. The drummer in team logo that incorporates a gavel and a paddle. Continued on page 45 38
November/December 2013
thehoustonlawyer.com