2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Tuesday               March 29, 2005

La Marque City Council

The La Marque City Council on Monday voted unanimously to establish an ad valorem tax freeze for residential homestead property owners who are disabled or are 65 years of age or older.

“The state passed a law that the cities can freeze taxes (for seniors) and we thought we’d take advantage of that, because there are so many ‘young’ seniors who are on fixed incomes,” said Council Member Bill Charbonneau, who initiated the tax freeze ordinance.

The city council voted unanimously to amend the classifications and salary plan for the La Marque Police Department for the fiscal year 2004 to 2005.  The ordinance will change the number of positions in the salary structure.

All other agenda items were unanimously approved.

City Manager Robert F. Ewert honored Michael Morgan of the utility department as employee of the year. Listen  Download

“Mike constantly goes above and beyond the scope of duty to help not only his own, but in other departments as well,” Ewert said.  “He’s always looking for ways to do the job better and more efficiently.”

The city council honored Susan Welch of the administration department as employee of the month for January.  The city council also honored Lee Lockwood of the finance department as employee of the month for February.

Mayor Larry Crow issued a proclamation declaring the month of April to be “Spring Clean-Up Month.”  Dorothy Jeffcoat, director of the Clean City Commission, accepted the proclamation. Listen  Download

“This commission is our eyes and ears,” Crow said.  “They see the things that need to be done and they bring it to our attention.”

Jeffcoat announced that all La Marque residents may bring their general trash to the BFI landfill at Highway 1764 without charge on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Hazardous waste will not be accepted.

Residents of the Lee Addition may bring their trash to a neighborhood dumpster on April 15 free of charge.

The Clean City Commission on April 29 will plant six crape myrtle trees at Highland Bayou Park for Arbor Day.  The trees were donated by King’s Nursery in Santa Fe.  

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Kemah City Council

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Shoreacres City Council

Shoreacres City Council Monday night voted to accept a bid of $8,785 from Southwest Equipment Rental of Houston for a surplus 1992 Case backhoe.  

Council members named Mike Fisco, of AAA Flexible Pipe, as the Shoreacres Citizen of the Year.  

"Fisco was recognized for his commitment to the community and volunteer work," said David Stall, city administrator.  "He sends company crews over from time to time to help the city out with projects."

The council selected Robin Eldridge, utility clerk, as the Shoreacres Employee of the Year.  Eldridge was recognized for an outstanding job, particularly during the time the city was short-handed, prior to the arrival of a city administrator.

All council members were present and all votes were unanimous.

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League City City Council

A special meeting of the League City City Council was cancelled last night due to lack of a quorum. 

The City of League City has announced a change in date for the opening of its new sports park, Big League Dreams, from April 16 to May 14.

Rain has caused completion of the project to be delayed.  The city and Big League Dreams agreed to postpone the event because the grass ball fields that were necessary for some of the outdoor activities would not have been ready. 

The multi-sport recreational complex, the first Big League Dreams sports park in Texas, features scaled down replicas of six famous major league ball parks, two sports-themed restaurants and an indoor soccer arena.  The facility will host softball, baseball and indoor soccer league play and tournaments, as well as corporate outings.  

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Clear Creek Republican Women

Clear Creek Republican Women will host a candidate's forum at the group's monthly meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 1 at Estebans Restaurant in the Fiesta Shack on Main Street in League City.  

The speakers will be the candidates for League City mayor and city council positions.  Lunch is optional.

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City of Houston

Houston Mayor Bill White today released accident statistics for City of Houston freeways for the first two months of the SafeClear traffic incident management program. Release

White said that compared to the average number of accidents in January and February of 2003 and 2004, the statistics indicate a nearly 12.2 percent reduction in accidents on Houston area freeways covered by the program in which tow operators quickly respond to assist motorists of stalled and wrecked vehicles.

“The early results show that SafeClear is working as intended,” White said.  “By quickly assisting stranded motorists and clearing accident sites from busy Houston freeways, we can make our freeways safer and reduce congestion.”

On Monday White said that he welcomed the release of money from the United States Department of Transportation that will fund a Traffic Incident Management Program on Houston freeways.  White also lauded the work of United States Representative Tom DeLay in helping to secure the $2.9 million earmarked for the project. Release

"The need speaks for itself," White said. "With Congressman DeLay's invaluable help we can turn new technology toward making Houston freeways safer and making the traffic flow more smoothly, two goals I've made a priority for the city.  This is a great addition to our overall strategy to manage our traffic."

The DOT has released $1.9 million to fund the first phase of the project, which targets the I-10 West Katy Freeway from downtown to the Grand Parkway and US 59 from downtown to Texas Highway 6.  The program will also affect major thoroughfares and access points along these corridors. These areas experience approximately 5,500 freeway incidents annually.

"It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of traffic congestion is related to non-recurring incidents, such as vehicle collisions, chemical spills, and stalled vehicles," the release said.  "Freeway construction will compound the impact of these types of incidents.  Managing both recurring and non-recurring freeway incidents more effectively will reduce congestion and its impact on air quality."

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San Jacinto College 

The United States Department of Education has officially designated San Jacinto College South as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

The South Campus received notice in February that it is an eligible institution and can apply for grants under the Title III and Title V programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

“The South Campus is already known as a hub for international students, so it is appropriate that we receive this official stamp of approval from the United States Department of Education,” said Dr. Linda Watkins, San Jacinto College South president.  “Our Hispanic population is an important part of our college and we intend to serve them to our fullest ability.”

During the fall 2004 semester, 25.7 percent of the 7,620 students who enrolled at the South Campus were Hispanic.  A college or university must have 25 percent Hispanic enrollment to be named an official Hispanic-Serving Institution.

The designation also entitles the South Campus to apply for a waiver of non-Federal share matching requirements under the Federal Work Study Program, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program and the TRIO Student Support Services Program.

The San Jacinto College North Galeria Del Norte 2005 Student Art Show will begin with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14 in the fine arts center, 5800 Uvalde, Houston.

The exhibition includes works in all media completed during the 2004-2005 school year.  The works will be on display until Thursday, April 28.  Gallery visitors may purchase items at the reception.  Prizes will be awarded in painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed-media.

“This is an opportunity for the community to see the talent our art students have,” said Ken Luce, San Jacinto College North art professor.  “The students have a unique grasp on art and it shows in their works.”     

For more information call Ken Luce or Joe Clark, San Jacinto College North art professors, at (281) 458-4050 ext. 7285 or emailing ken.luce@sjcd.edu. 

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University Of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Division of Cardiology will host "Sex and the Heart," the first national symposium on sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, on Saturday, April 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Galveston Island Convention Center.

The public is welcome.  For registration information call (800) 437-7186 or email mbennett@utmb.edu.

Dr. Ernst Schwarz, medical director for Heart Failure and Transplantation Services at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, said patients with heart disease often experience sexual dysfunction.

“Sexual performance problems are still taboo so few people talk to their physicians about these problems."  Schwarz said, adding many doctors lack adequate education regarding how to address such problems, especially in older patients or patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease.  “It is estimated that sexual dysfunction is caused by vascular reasons in more than 80 percent of all cases because of inadequate blood supply and vascular dysfunction.”

Janet Bezner, a 1981 graduate of the UTMB School of Allied Health Services at, has been named senior vice president of education by the American Physical Therapy Association.

“Bezner’s experience, knowledge of education, and commitment to the profession will greatly enhance the association's ability to achieve its vision and allow APTA members to continue to provide patients with the best possible care,” said Francis J. Mallon, APTA chief executive officer.

Bezner, who will join the APTA staff next month, will be responsible for ensuring quality in physical therapy education and developing and maintaining education research priorities for physical therapy education.  

The UTMB Office of Educational Outreach is accepting applications for Summer Science Camp I for seventh and eighth graders and Summer Science Camp II for ninth and 10th graders. The application deadline is Friday, April 15. 

Summer Science Camps I and II are free to participants and open to students who attend public or private schools, or who are home-schooled in any of the nine Galveston County School Districts.  

Applications are available at http://www.utmb.edu/oeo.  For more information call (409) 772-7970 or (409) 772-7973.  

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Lamar University

Mary Frances Sherlock, president and founder of MagEyes, Inc. will address Lamar University business students on Monday, April 4 at 11:15 a.m. in the Landes Auditorium as part of the ExxonMobil Executive in Residence series.  The event is free and open to the public. 

Sherlock holds several patents for inventions she said that she created out of necessity, such as MagEyes, "a hands-free magnification system," that she developed as a way to continue her close-in quilting work.  When she became confined to a wheelchair, Sherlock developed a hydraulic chair lifting design, the Pop-In Pop-Out Bath Lifting System.  

"The chair allows easy transfer from a wheelchair, scooter, walker or crutches to the seat itself, using a wireless remote control," said a news release.  

For more information on the system visit www.pipobath.com.  For more information on the variety of Sherlock's products visit www.mageyes.com.

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Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority

The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority's Office of Business Development will offer a free Small Business Networking Breakfast Forum from 8 to 10 a.m. on Monday, April 11.  The program focuses on “Bottom Line Business Results.” 

Immediately following the forum, the business development office also will offer a one-hour METRO Opportunities University course entitled, “Certification Orientation,” to small businesses that have become recently certified. 

"The quarterly forum is open to small businesses who wish to learn how to do business with METRO and to develop techniques for bottom-line results," said a news release.  "Also welcome are organizations and associations that want to learn how they can assist small firms desiring to participate in METRO projects and compete for contracting opportunities." 

The forum will be held at the Houston Community College Administration Building at 3100 Main at Elgin in the Board Auditorium on the second floor. 

Registration for the program is free, although seating is limited. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 7.  Those interested in attending the program may register online at www.ridemetro.org (click on “METRO and Your Business,” then click on “Business Development”).  

For more information call (713) 739-4845.

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Houston-Galveston Area Council 

The Houston-Galveston Area Council Area Agency on Aging, Elderly and Caregiver Support Services, along with the Council For Health Education and Development, LLC, will host a free course, entitled "The Practical Caregiver"  on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The course will include a 78-minute caregiver training film, hands-on demonstrations, lecture and practice.  The emphasis of the course is safety, independence and quality of life.  Topics such as basic body mechanics, positioning, self-help, feeding and communication will be covered.

For information or to register, call (877) 747-1542.

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Galveston FeatherFest

The Third Annual Galveston FeatherFest will begin on Thursday and will continue through Sunday, April 3.  Several seminars and field trips will be offered.

"The most popular of the field trips, the Attwater Prairie Chicken, which departs at 4:30 a.m., immediately sold out more than six weeks prior to the event," said publicist Mary Jo Naschke.  "However, there are still some very worthy outings with space available."

A field trip to Anahuac, offered on Friday and Saturday, from 6:10 am to 2:30 p.m., will be led by Mike Moore, noted ornithologist and acknowledged expert on Yellow and Black Rails.  The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, located along East Galveston Bay, features more than 25,000 acres of brackish and freshwater marsh.

"Visitors will have the opportunity to view several varieties of herons, egrets, ducks and possibly Anhinga, raptors and alligators," Naschke said.  "In addition, visitors will observe Yellow Rails who are regular residents of the area in winter and spring.  Participants are sure to spot 130 to 150 species and the field trip leader will assist all attendees to insure a gratifying birding experience."

Transportation will be provided by FeatherFest, departing from Old Galveston Square.  Cost for the field trip is $45 plus $25 registration fee.

Participants may register in person for any FeatherFest seminar or field trip beginning on Thursday at FeatherFest Headquarters on the second floor of Old Galveston Square, 23^rd Street and Strand or at www.galvestonfeatherfest.com. 

For additional information call (409) 392-0841. 

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Galveston International Triathlon Festival

The Galveston International Triathlon Festival will be held on Saturday, April 2 at Moody Gardens.  

The event will include My First Triathlon for those who have never participated in the event and My Next Triathlon for those who participated last year.  

"Both are designed to be beginning triathlons for those who want to try the sport but not up to a full triathlon yet," said a news release.  "Also, new this year are the Galveston International and Gulfman Half Iron Triathlons on Sunday, April 3, 2005."

The Galveston International Triathlon will be a full Olympic length triathlon.  

"Each triathlon begins with a swim in the gentle, protected water of Offatt’s Bayou," said the release.  "Next is the bike portion through scenic West Galveston Island, followed by a pancake flat run near Moody Gardens."

For more information or to register visit www.tritexas.com.

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On The Webio

Several items of interest to the Gulf Coast Region are posted on The Online News Station.

Guidry News Service reporter Dana Burke was scheduled to take a day sail aboard the Elissa, but the trip was called off because of dangerously high winds.  Photos and Interviews 

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake is hosting an arts program for children four to sixteen years of age from June 6 through July 1 featuring visual arts, chess, music, dance, musical theater and creative writing for students . Photos and Details

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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.

Today, March 29
5:30 Intermodal Transportation Committee Hike and Bike Subcommittee, City Hall Room 204
6:30 Hitchcock Independent School District Board of Trustees 
6:30 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees Special Meeting
7:30 Pasadena City Council 
8:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston

Wednesday, March 30
9:00 Houston City Council
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Fisherman's Wharf.  The program is Build The Fort Today with Jim Kern
2:00 Texas A&M University at Galveston Engineering Building Dedication
4:00 Galveston West End Land Use Policy Committee, City Hall Room 204
4:00 Galveston Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Council Chambers 
5:00 Galveston Chamber of Commerce After-5 Business Mixer, Hotel Galvez
6:00 Galveston Independent School District Board of Directors 
7:00 La Marque Independent School District Board Workshop 
8:00 Red White and Tuna, The Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston

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Gulf Coast E-news, published by Guidry News Service, provides comprehensive coverage of posted public meetings in Galveston, Harris and Jefferson Counties as well as regional news impacting the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Jim and Lynda Guidry are publishers of Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jim Young is Houston City Correspondent.  Dana Patricia Burke is the Bay Area Houston Correspondent. Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston.  

Patty Mayeux is editor of Gulf Coast E-news.

Robert John Mihovil is a special photographic correspondent for Guidry News Service  

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