SECOND CHANCES AND SWEETHEARTS
The Sweet Spark of Second Chances
A Valentine’s Tale with Sandra and Claude Brabston
Claude’s life began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as the son of an Army Colonel. After his father was deployed overseas, Claude and his mother moved to Mississippi. After finishing college, Claude worked for Mississippi Chemical for about eight years before moving to Texas in 1967 to work in the oil industry. His career spanned decades, and he managed maintenance operations around the world from 1983 to 1987. Once retired in 1995, Claude and his first wife traveled extensively, exploring all 50 states and many countries. After traveling the world, Claude and his wife moved to the Villas at El Dorado, where she passed away in 2021.
After her husband’s passing, Sandra returned to Texas and moved into the Villas at El Dorado, seeking companionship in a vibrant senior community.
“If you’re alone, it’s better to be around more people,” says Sandra.
It was here that Sandra and Claude’s love story began. As time passed, Claude turned his garage into a gathering space for residents, affectionately called the “Garage Squad.” Sandra started to attend these gatherings, and their connection deepened.
TOP PICTURE: Sandra and Claude Brabston pose for a picture outside of the Webster Recreation Center where they attend monthly bingo events and game nights with the City’s Senior Program.
As Sandra and Claude Brabston can attest, love often finds us when we least expect it. Their story reminds us that it’s never too late to find happiness. As active members of Webster’s senior program, Sandra and Claude’s relationship blossomed within the community, culminating in a joyful union in 2024. This Valentine’s, we celebrate their journey together.
Sandra grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas, and spent her early years in Magnolia, where she attended Southern University. It was there she met her first husband, a Korean War veteran. The couple married when Sandra was just 18 and relocated to Houston, where her husband pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Houston. Sandra built a successful career as a nurse, serving at St. Luke’s Hospital for 23 years before moving to Las Vegas, where she continued her work in the cardiac ICU. She lived there with her husband until his passing in 2010.
“Claude always had a sparkle in his eyes when he looked at me,” says Sandra, “When I looked at him, I felt like we already had a bond.”
Claude, who admired Sandra’s sophistication and warmth, eventually worked up the courage to ask her to breakfast. Their first date at the Pelican Grill on NASA Road 1 included mimosas and heartfelt conversation.
“I was surprised she even agreed to go to breakfast with me,” says Claude, “I didn’t think I’d ever go on a date with her. She was so sophisticated and mysterious. She’s still a mystery.”
From that first date, Sandra and Claude’s relationship blossomed. They attended movie nights at the Villas, where Claude first held Sandra’s hand.
“We saw each other a lot after our first date,” says Sandra, “It wasn’t long before we admitted we liked each other.”
After a year of dating, Claude proposed to Sandra. On March 19, 2024, surrounded by family, friends, and their senior community, Sandra and Claude exchanged vows at Baybrook Baptist Church.
What they envisioned as a simple affair became a joyous celebration, complete with gifts, food, and a wedding cake organized by their loved ones.
Sandra and Claude attribute the strength of their relationship to honesty, openness, and shared interests.
“We talk about everything,” says Sandra, “He’s so sweet. Sometimes, I can’t believe how sweet he is.”
Their bond is also reflected in their traditions, including weekly breakfasts with Claude’s children at Denny’s, a ritual they’ve maintained for three years.
A SPRING WEDDING: Newly weds Sandra and Claude pose for a picture following their wedding ceremony.
A PERFECT MATCH:
As a gift to Sandra, Claude had custom matching wedding rings made.
“We have a good time and laugh a lot,” says Claude, “Every day is a great day for us.”
Their creativity and humor shine through in their adventures, such as Claude’s recreation of a first-class Pan Am trip in his apartment, inspired by his years of global travel. He donned a steward’s uniform and presented Sandra with a slideshow of his travels, taking her across the world the only way he could.
“It was like we were first class on the Pan Am,” says Sandra, “Claude was going to take me on a trip around the world.”
Sandra has been part of Webster’s senior program since 2010, regularly attending field trips and bingo events. When Sandra and Claude began dating, she introduced him to the program, and he quickly became an active participant.
“This is a fine group to be associated with,” says Sandra, “We’ve met so many wonderful people with such big hearts.”
As they celebrate their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple, Sandra and Claude reflect on the companionship they’ve found in each other and the beauty of second chances.
“It’s been so safe and happy,” says Sandra, “The goal is to stay alive for one another.”
SURROUNDED BY LOVE: Sandra and Claude celebrated their union on March 19, 2024, alongside friends and family.
MAKING
MEMORIES:
Sandra and Claude pose for a picture at the City’s annual Senior Holiday Luncheon.
MAPPING THE FUTURE: How GIS Shapes the City
What Is GIS?
GIS, or Geographic Information System, is a powerful technology that combines data with location. Think of it as a way to turn raw information into interactive maps. For example, GIS can show a fire hydrant as a point, a waterline as a line, or a property as a shaded area.
When you click on one of these features on a map, you can access detailed information about it, such as a property’s owner, address, or account number. GIS makes it easy to analyze and visualize data that might be stuck in a spreadsheet. Imagine a developer looking for land to build a hotel. Instead of manually searching through records, GIS can highlight vacant parcels of a specific size, near utilities and highways, and outside flood zones. It’s like a digital assistant for decision-making, providing insights at the click of a button.
JANUARY 2024
What Does Webster’s GIS Team Do?
The GIS team at the City of Webster wears many hats, spending most of their time on two main tasks:
1. Creating and maintaining spatial data to keep maps accurate and up-to-date.
The GIS Department uses a drone to capture hundreds of images of an area, which are then stitched together to create a photogrammetry image. This technology enables GIS to measure distances and update the City’s aerial imagery with precision.
DECEMBER
2024
The two maps to the left illustrate an 11-month change in a City area (Flyway) captured using the drone.
2. Making GIS data accessible through user-friendly online maps for City staff, contractors, and residents.
Sharing Data with the Community
Creating data is just the first step. The GIS team ensures it’s accessible to everyone, from City staff to contractors and residents. They maintain:
• Interactive online maps for zoning, utilities, and property details.
• Fast and reliable servers to host these maps.
• Up-to-date data layers that reflect the latest changes in the City.
How GIS Data is Created
Using high-tech GPS tools, like the Arrow 100 GPS, the GIS team collects data about the City’s infrastructure, like fire hydrants, streetlights, and manholes. This ensures that even hard-to-find features are accurately mapped and easy to locate.
Drone Technology
Webster’s GIS team uses drones to capture detailed aerial images of the City. These images help monitor new construction, ensure utilities are placed correctly, and calculate drainage fees. Licensed pilots on staff follow strict safety protocols to ensure every flight is efficient and compliant with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Construction Plans and Surveys
The team digitizes construction plans, turning them into interactive maps. For example, they map out water lines, sewer systems, and building layouts. These maps are invaluable for emergency responders, who can access floor plans instantly during an incident.
County Land Records
Deeds, plats, and surveys are another source of data. By converting these text documents into digital maps, the GIS team can provide easy access to legal land records by clicking on an area of interest on an internet map.
DID YOU KNOW?
Before launching a drone for mapping, the GIS team conducts a comprehensive safety checklist to ensure accurate data collection and safe operations. This includes inspecting equipment, calibrating sensors, checking weather conditions, and confirming airspace clearance. These precautions help the City of Webster maintain precise and up-to-date aerial imagery for planning and development.
GIS touches almost every part of City operations. Whether helping a developer find the perfect property, giving emergency responders quick access to building layouts, or ensuring utilities are mapped accurately, the GIS team plays a vital role in keeping Webster running smoothly.
Future projects include creating a public webpage where users can download GIS data and integrate GIS with Public Works software for improved efficiency.
For more information on GIS, please visit cityofwebster.com/1018/maps or scan the QR Code.
This elevation heat map, created by the City’s GIS drone in March 2023, visually represents the Flyway area’s terrain. Brighter yellow areas show lower elevations, while darker yellow and red areas indicate higher elevations. This data helps the City with planning and development by offering detailed insights into the landscape.
Pictured Right: GIS Manager Richard Parkin prepares the drone for flight while GIS Specialist Jason Fife conducts a pre-flight safety checklist.
Elevation Heat Map for Flyway March 2023
WITH LOVE AND SAFETY
WALLY’S 22 YEARS AT THE CROSSWALK
If you pass by the intersection of Walnut and West NASA Parkway, you might spot Ubaldo “Wally” Rodriguez, a friendly face who has been helping children cross the street for over 22 years. Since 2002, Wally has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of students and families, primarily at McWhirter Elementary School’s busy intersection.
Before stepping into this role, Wally spent over 34 years as an instrument technician at DuPont’s chemical plant. After retiring from the high-stress environment, his daughter, Kelly Whiddon, who worked for the City of Webster as a finance clerk, encouraged him to consider a crossing guard position available for the City.
“At first, I wasn’t interested in working again,” says Wally, “But two weeks after retirement, my daughter mentioned the position, and I decided to check it out. They hired me the same day.”
Although Wally had no prior experience as a crossing guard, he quickly adapted. Initially imagining a quiet job akin to what he’d seen on TV, Wally soon realized the fast-paced
environment required focus and vigilance.
Over the years, Wally has built strong relationships with parents and students, creating a sense of trust and familiarity within the community.
“What I enjoy most about the job is watching the kids grow up,” says Wally, “I know their parents, and I see them every day. I feel like I’m part of their family.”
Wally’s dedication goes beyond friendly interactions. His top priority is managing traffic and ensuring everyone’s safety.
“If you can control the traffic and keep your eyes on the drivers, you can cross the kids safely,” says Wally, “I always stand in front and step in front of a car if needed. They’ve got to get through me first before they reach the kids.”
Reflecting on his time as a crossing guard, Wally notes how his role has evolved. When he first started, he operated a booth at the intersection, manually controlling the traffic lights to ensure children could cross safely.
FROM LEFT: Ubaldo “Wally” Rodriguez poses for a picture next to the McWhirter Elementary sign; Wally stands at the intersection of Walnut and West Nasa Parkway in front of his booth with his stop sign in hand.
Though he no longer controls the traffic lights, Wally’s hands-on approach to safety remains steadfast.
“One time, I was gone for almost two weeks for a personal reason, and when I came back, drivers and parents told me they were glad I was back,” says Wally, “It makes you feel appreciated.”
To the community, Wally emphasizes the importance of listening to crossing guards.
“We’re here to make sure everyone crosses safely and no one gets hurt,” says Wally.
Through his years of service, Wally has become an invaluable part of the Webster community, earning the respect and admiration of parents, students, and drivers alike.
Next time you pass by Walnut and West NASA Parkway, be sure to wave hello and thank Wally for his dedication to keeping our streets safe.
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
• City Council approved a program to charge mitigation fees for Fire Department services in emergency and nonemergency incidents.
• City Council adopted a fee schedule for EMS services during emergency and non-emergency incidents.
• City Council amended the 2024-2025 budget to carry forward prior year appropriations, as required by the City Charter.
• City Council approved a maintenance warranty with Sigma Surveillance for security, fire, and alarm systems.
• City Council signed an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank to safeguard City-purchased securities.
• City Council approved replacing Water Street’s brick pavers with stamped concrete to fix dips and potholes.
• City Council authorized a purchase order to Big Boy Concrete to install additional parking at the Public Works Service Center.
• City Council authorized a purchase order to E. Pena’s Construction, LLC to install concrete driveways to improve accessibility at Lift Stations 2 and 3.
• City Council purchased a Vactor Impact combination truck to replace outdated sewer and hydro excavator equipment.
FEBRUARY MARCH
Check the City website at cityofwebster.com
WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL
