Story Links:

University of Texas Medical Branch

Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Beaumont City Council

Houston City Hall

Boys and Girls Clubs of Galveston County

Galveston Independent School District

Clear Creek Independent School District

UTMB Salute to Nursing Golf Tournament

The Grand 1894 Opera House

Galveston Island Food & Vine Times

Tuesday              September 30, 2003

University of Texas Medical Branch

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced today that the University of Texas Medical
Branch at Galveston has been selected as the site of a new
large-scale biosafety research facility that will become a key
component of the nation's biodefense effort. News Release

UTMB's approximately $150 million National Biocontainment Laboratory is one of two NBLs and nine Regional Biocontainment Laboratories being funded by NIAID. The facility at UTMB will provide much-needed laboratory space for researchers from around the country.

Work inside it will focus on developing therapies, vaccines and
diagnostic tests for microbes that might be used by bioterrorists, as well as on naturally occurring emerging infections such as SARS and West Nile virus.

"UTMB is honored to be chosen to play this crucial role in the defense of the nation against biological terrorism and emerging infectious diseases," UTMB President John D. Stobo said. "The combination of the NBL with the remarkable expertise of our scientists and the high quality of our existing facilities will create a uniquely valuable resource in this era of new and dangerous infectious threats. This award represents extraordinary teamwork on the part of talented individuals at the university who are dedicated to addressing this important national concern."  Complete Message

Stanley M. Lemon, M.D., dean of medicine at UTMB and principal investigator for the NBL proposal, added: "We deeply appreciate the many hours of hard work by faculty and staff throughout UTMB that culminated in the plans for this extraordinary facility. We are equally grateful for the confidence NIAID has placed in our expertise and in our ability to do this critically important work. We look forward to partnering with NIAID to create a truly national research resource."   

"It's great news for Galveston," said Shrub Kempner, chair of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership. Listen

"It not only puts UTMB on the map nationally and internationally, but it means a very substantial economic benefit to the island coming over a period of the next three to four years in construction, and then the rest of it from the researchers and the people who will be coming down here."

Kempner credits support from the community for the success of UTMB in the competition.  Listen

"If it had not been for the community support, starting from the mayor's office and went all throughout the community, it's very likely we wouldn't have gotten it," Kempner said.  "We were conspicuous in understanding that this was a contained facility and not reacting in fear.  We were very different than some other communities who stopped with what they knew from movies, rather than what the science was." 

United States Senator John Cornyn was pleased with the news.

“UTMB is a leader in this increasingly critical field of research, and is an excellent choice to help lead the effort to protect our nation from an unthinkable catastrophe,” Cornyn said.  “This facility will have enormous benefits, not just for UTMB and the region, but for our national and homeland security.” 

United States Representative Nick Lampson also commented on the news.

"I am proud to represent UTMB, which is truly a center for excellence in so many ways," Lampson said.  "Biodefense research is an important part of homeland security, and I can think of no better facility than UTMB to lead the way in research.  Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, we have learned that we must prepare for a bioterror attack or a public health crisis.  This grant for UTMB will contribute to our nation's effort."

Construction of the new UTMB lab is expected to begin in January 2006, on a site immediately adjacent to UTMB's nearly completed BSL-4 lab. As with that building, safety and security will be paramount in the NBL's design, with multiple redundant containment systems in the labs, and card and keypad checkpoints built in to control access.

Photos and a recording of a 3 p.m. news conference at UTMB will be posted on The Online News Station

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Jefferson County Commissioners Court on Monday voted 4-0-1, with Mark Domingue abstaining, to approve its FY 2004 Budget on Monday.  

The spending package includes a six percent reduction in each county department, decreased health insurance benefits and a reduction in the county's contribution to dependent coverage; which prompted protests from many department heads, including elected officials, at the budget hearing.  

Jefferson County Judge Carl Griffith said it is "a very tight budget".  Listen

Griffith said the budget requires all elected officials in the county to work together.

"Clearly it asks for freezing positions, but under the attorney general's opinion we can't force elected officials to freeze positions once we pass the budget," Griffith said. "Most of them said they will do that.  If they do, things will be fine.  It will still be a difficult year, but it will be fine. If they don't, we will have a much tougher situation next year than we had this year."   

Many of the department heads blamed the Southeast Entertainment Complex for the budget shortfall that required the cuts, and argued for a three percent tax rate increase to offset the difference.

The commissioners court tabled action on approval of the Jefferson County Chambers of Commerce Legislative Response Team position on the county's FY 2004 Budget and financial direction.

The commissioners court approved a $118,648.60 change order to the contract with Daniels Building and Construction for the Multi-Purpose Arena Facility at the entertainment complex.

The commissioners court voted 4-0-1, with Everette "Bo" Alfred abstaining, to appoint Hall Ross as airport manager.

The commissioners court voted unanimously to appoint Debbie Usoff as interim county clerk and Barbara Dorman as interim justice of the peace, Precinct 8.  

All of the appointments are effective October 1.

All other agenda items were approved.

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Beaumont City Council

Beaumont City Council voted to grant a two percent pay raise, amounting to a $2,300 increase, to City Manager Kyle Hayes at today's regular meeting.  The city council conducted the city manager's performance review on July 22, but deferred action on his pay increase until it was determined that other city employees would receive cost-of-living adjustments.

The city council voted to authorize an advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Concord Road Project. 

"Through the efforts of Beaumont's Congressional Delegation, the city will receive federal funding in the amount of 80 percent, up to a maximum of $7,569,600, for the reconstruction of Concord Road from East Lucas to Highway 105," said Hayes.  "The city's 20 percent share will total $1,892,400 for a total project cost of $9,462,000."

The project includes the widening of Concord Road to four lanes with a continuous left turn lane from East Lucas to Highway 105 and the widening of Highway 105 with a continuous left turn from Concord Road to U.S. Highway 69, the Eastex Freeway.

The city council approved one year contracts with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Southeast Texas Arts Council, the Texas Energy Museum, the Beaumont Heritage Society/John Jay French Museum and the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society.

The city council deferred action for one week on two items, replacing existing building and fire codes with the new international code.

The city council approved several appointments.

Felix McFarland and Dale Hallmark were reappointed to the Historical Landmark Commission.

Ryan Smith was reappointed to the Convention and Tourism Advisory Committee.

Beauregard Brown was appointed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission.

Lula Henry was reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

All other agenda items were approved.

The city council met in executive session to evaluate the city attorney.

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City of Houston

Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown has announced that John deLeon will retire from his position as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance effective October 10, 2003.  News Release 

“John deLeon and the City's affirmative action initiatives have successfully provided more opportunities to all Houstonians to prosper,” said Mayor Brown.  “Through his dedication and hard work, we have improved our delivery of City services and programs to all Houstonians.”

Brown also has announced that the City of Houston will receive $4.9 million through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Interoperable Communications Technology Grant Program.  News Release

Houston was one of a limited number of cities eligible to apply for this highly competitive funding opportunity, and is one of only 14 successful applicants nationwide.

In a third announcement, the City of Houston reports that the third annual Urban E-Government study conducted by Brown University has ranked the City of Houston’s eGovernment Center, www.cityofhouston.gov, sixth among the 70 largest metropolitan areas offering a wide range of e-government services.  News Release 

Houston’s ranking jumped three places, from nine to six, making it the top-ranked Texas city in the overall study.  Dallas (8) and Austin (13) are the only other Texas cities placing in the Top 20.  Of the five most populous U.S. cities, Houston ranked far ahead of Los Angeles (36), New York (38), Chicago (45) and Philadelphia (60).  All these cities dropped in ranking from last year. 

Houston ranked 36^th in the 2001 Brown University study.

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Boys and Girls Clubs of Galveston County

Johnny Enriquez, who served for many years as director of the Boys and Girls Club in Galveston, but remained as a member of the board of directors, has submitted his resignation from the board.

"With my present job and my daily commute to Houston, it has become very difficult for me to fulfill my duties as a board member," Enriquez said in a letter to Lyda Ann Thomas, president of the board, offering to continue as a volunteer.  "A statement I feel I need to make to this organization is how it is a shame that after 27 years of dedication to this club that the only year remembered will be the last year that I was here."

Thomas accepted Enriquez's resignation with regret.

"Mr. Enriquez's 27 years of association and unstinted devotion to the club are unmatched and will long be remembered for their productivity and selfless service," Thomas said.  "The name Johnny Enriquez is synonymous with service to the youth of our community.  We are grateful."

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Galveston Independent School District

Ball High School will host its annual Homecoming Parade on
Wednesday at 5 p.m.  The parade will run approximately one hour and will feature the Ball High School Marching Band, Tornettes, ROTC, Tor Watch, football players, cheerleaders, and various other school groups. 

The parade will begin at 43rd Street and Avenue P, east on Avenue P to 39th Street, south to Seawall Boulevard, east on Seawall Boulevard to 35th and Seawall, north on 35th Street
to Avenue O, and back to Ball High School. 

A Powder Puff football game at Kermit Courville Stadium will be held immediately following the parade.  Admission is $2.

Activities will culminate with the announcement of the Ball High
School's Homecoming King and Queen during the football game against Kingwood High School Friday night.  

The game begins at 7 p.m.  The Galveston Independent School District will provide shuttle service to Kermit Courville Stadium, 2710 Avenue N, for the football game from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Pickup locations are at 41st and Avenue O and 43rd and Avenue P.

Shuttle service will resume immediately following the game from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information contact Ball High School at (409) 766-5700.

GISD's new Accelerated Instructional Model, or AIM program, will host an orientation day on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at its campus in the GISD Annex Building, 3906 Avenue T. News Release

The program is designed to provide a flexible, self-paced learning environment for high school students at risk of dropping out of school or those who have already dropped out of school.  AIM enables students to recover credits in core subject areas and accelerate their schedule for graduation.  Students should have approximately 15 credits to participate.

For information, call (409) 766-5167.

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Clear Creek Independent School District

The National Parent Teacher Association has certified North Pointe Elementary School in the Clear Creek Independent School District as a Parent Involved School of Excellence. News Release 

National PTA's Parent Involved Schools of Excellence certification program recognizes schools that uphold the highest standards in parent involvement and that help meet parent involvement provisions in the 2001 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, known as No Child Left Behind Act.  

Clear Creek ISD is in the process of adopting instructional materials (textbooks/systems) for use beginning in the 2004-2005 school year.  The District is seeking parents to serve on Subject Area Subcommittees (SAS) to help in the adoption process. News Release

At least one parent will serve on each of the subcommittees involved with selection of texts for a particular subject area.  

Deadline for returning completed applications is Friday, October 3.  For more information contact the Office of Public Information at (281) 338-5803.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 49^th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.  Clear Creek Independent School District had 26 seniors qualify as semifinalists.  They are: Sumeet Batra, Kathleen Hanson, Ashish Khatri, and Oguejiofor Ugwu from Clear Brook High School; Lui Qian from Clear Creek High School; Carly Anderson, Anderson Bailor, Dennis Chen, Di Dang, Jeremy Daum, Elizabeth Gawlik, Jason Hizon, Rehan Kapadia, Lauren Koehler, Jessica Koller, William Lee, David Little, Huay-Lin Lo, Steven Ma, Nicholas Maggio, Mary Martin, April Neigut, Halie Shah, Emily Smitherman, Jessica Taylor, Helen Weng, and Brian Wood from Clear Lake High School.

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UTMB Salute To Nursing Golf Tournament

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston School of Nursing is hosting its Salute to Nursing Golf Tournament on Friday, October 10, at the Galveston Country Club at Pirates Beach.  

The tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. with player sign-in, continental breakfast and warm-up. The "Florida Scramble" shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m.

Sponsorship entry fees range from $150 for individual golfers to $5,000 for major underwriters. Sponsorship includes a round of golf, locker room use, individual on-course competitions, gift bags, golf cart rental, range balls and complimentary refreshments. 

A sponsors' party and auction will be held Thursday, October 9 at Waterman Restaurant.

For event and registration information contact Audrey Salinas at (409) 772-8264 or by e-mail at asalinas@utmb.edu. Additional information about the event is available at www.son.utmb.edu/developt/salute03.htm.

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The Grand 1894 Opera House

World-class entertainer Paul Anka  will open the 2003-2004 Performing Arts Season of  “A Celebration…”  at The Grand 1894 Opera House this weekend.  

"Returning by popular demand, Anka has long been recognized as one of the world’s greatest songwriters and performers," said Maureen Patton, director of The Grand.  "He will take center stage to present a treasure trove of his biggest hits on Saturday at 8pm and Sunday for a 3pm matinee."

The program will include “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”, “Puppy Love”, “She’s A Lady”, “Lonely Boy”, “My Way,” and other Paul Anka favorites.

Ticket prices range from $93 to $39, with special discounts for group and senior citizen tickets.  For additional information contact The Grand's box office at (409) 765-1894, (800) 821-1894, or visit www.thegrand.com.  The Grand is located at 2020 Postoffice Street, in historic downtown Galveston.  The theatre is accessible by trolley.  All major credit cards accepted. 

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Galveston Island Food and Vine Times

Galveston Island Food and Vine Times, the new Galveston wine festival, is this weekend.

"For two wonderful days, October 3 and 4 the stars and planets will align themselves with the wineries of the world bringing perfect harmony to a one-of-a-kind event on Galveston Island," said Andi Zarro of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.  "Food and Vine Times will unwind the mind and relax the soul as guests casually stroll through the Historic Downtown Strand District sampling great wines and foods from around the world."

On Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., winemakers will be positioned inside upscale businesses and art galleries in Galveston's downtown district, as visitors stroll through the area. 

On Saturday afternoon “The Grand Tasting” event is scheduled at Trumpets in the Old Galveston Square Building, 2215 Strand. From 2 – 5 pm guests have an opportunity to socialize with local restaurant representatives, guest chefs and winemakers from around the world, while they sample specialty foods prepared by the guest chefs and taste wines.  

Admission is $35 per person for each event.  Patrons must be 21 to purchase tickets.  

For additional information, call Clifton McDerby at (281) 497-6616 or visit www.foodandvinetime.com.  

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Scheduled Meetings
Meetings will be held in the regular meeting place of the city council or other governmental body, unless otherwise specified.

Tuesday, September 30
5:30 Port Arthur City Council

Wednesday, October 1
9:00 Houston City Council 
10:00 Region H Water Planning Group, San Jacinto River Authority offices at Lake Conroe Dam
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Brothers Petronella Top Gallant Room. Janelle Gbur will discuss the Texas Department of Transportation Causeway Project
1:15 Water Control and Improvement District 1, 1911 E. FM 517
5:00 Texas City Commission
5:00 Galveston County Drainage District 1, 3714 Avenue J, Santa Fe
5:00 Ball High School Homecoming Parade
5:30 Galveston Independent School District Board of Education Special Meeting
6:00 Texas General Land Office Public hearing on Coastal Texas 2020, Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 1800 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur
7:00 Taylor Lake Village City Council

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