2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Thursday               April 14, 2005

Galveston City Council

An overflow crowd attended today's joint meeting of Galveston City Council and the Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves to discuss the proposed BP LNG Plant on Pelican Island.  Several people listened to the meeting in the adjacent conference room.  Listen   Download  Photos

"Corporations like BP hue to only one standard, the bottom line" said Frank Crews of STOP LNG, who was provided ten minutes for an opening statement.  "They must, that's their nature."

However, Crews challenged the city council to regulate the corporation.

"You, the city council, have the opportunity to open this previously closed process and involve our community in deciding whether an LNG plant is compatible with our city," Crews said. 

BP Bay Crossing Project Director Bob Boyce was also permitted ten minutes for an opening statement.  He noted the recent accident at the BP facility in Texas City, but stressed the importance of the proposed LNG facility on Pelican Island.

"Based on the preliminary results of our Economic Impact Study, the proposed LNG terminal will provide a solid economic base for decades to come,” Boyce said.  “The port will receive between $2 million and $2.75 million in revenue from vessel fees each year.” Statement  

Boyce said BP recognized that the recent accident at Texas City has “heightened community concerns about the safety and security" of the proposed LNG regasification terminal.

"While the investigations at Texas City proceed, I want to point out that refining and LNG regasification are very different processes," Boyce added." 

Several people spoke in opposition to the LNG plant.

"We sell ourselves short by swallowing the lure of this economic package," said Dr. Jack Wallace.

"This is an inherently perilous business," said Tom Curtis.

"Please reverse this path of self-destruction," said Deborah Conrad.

Brent Blackett announced that STOP LNG has established a web site at www.STOPBP.com.  

Several people spoke in support of the proposed LNG plant.

Allen LeCornu, speaking for a new group called GO, Galveston Opportunity, said that he rejects the comparison of the Texas City refinery and the proposed LNG plant as "comparing apples and bananas," and notes that hazardous materials already sail past Galveston with regularity.

"If it goes to Texas City you are going to have the same traffic on the ship channel, if it goes to Houston you are going to have the same traffic on the ship channel," LeCornu said.  "So you haven't avoided anything there."

Tom Farmer, in support of the LNG plant, advised the city council to "not shoot the milk cow," in fear that it is a Trojan Horse.

Sam Munn, president of the Galveston County Central Labor Council, spoke in support of the plant, citing the jobs that it will create.

Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas suggested that the city council and the wharves board co-host a public forum on the proposed LNG plant on May 2, at a location to be announced.

Wharves Board Chair Benny Holland said he would be pleased to attend the meeting, but does not understand its purpose.

"I'm not sure why we are meeting," Holland said.  "The forum is FERC."

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will have the final say on establishment of the LNG facility on Pelican Island.

The joint meeting was interrupted when one of the city's fire alarms sounded.  The building was evacuated briefly, but the meeting resumed after it was determined that there was no fire.

City Manager Steve LeBlanc updated the city council in workshop on plans for this weekend's Beach Party Weekend.

"Staff had their final meeting concerning Beach Party 2005 on Tuesday, April 12," LeBlanc said.  "All departmental operational plans are complete and ready for the event."  

LeBlanc said that the city is working in conjunction with the Historic Downtown Strand Partnership and Strand Galveston to have Galveston Shopping Days for the downtown district on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17.  

"The city is providing free parking downtown for both days and is waiving the fees and permitting process for merchants to have sidewalk sales on these two days," LeBlanc said. 

The city's website at http://www.cityofgalveston.org includes a Fact Sheet that will be updated as events warrant.

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Galveston Independent School District

The Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees of on Wednesday appointed several principals.  The school board named Canzetta Hollis as principal of Austin Middle School, Annette Daily as principal of L.A. Morgan Elementary School, Helena Aucoin as principal of Oppe Elementary School, and Sandra Mater as principal of the Ninth-Grade Center at Ball High School. 

The new principals were recognized in a reception following the meeting.

The school board approved a field trip for 20 students in the Ball High School Choir to Cozumel, Mexico.  The group will participate in a choir competition.

All other items were approved unanimously.

Roland Thomas, a former band director and counselor, asked the school board to consider maintaining the current stadium for junior high and junior varsity games.  He also questioned whether the $18 million estimate for building a new stadium would cover the cost of a quality stadium such as the Galena Park stadium.   He said that he hopes that the district will not "half-step" in their efforts to build the stadium.

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Galveston College 

The Board of Regents of Galveston College on Wednesday unanimously approved a Policy Review Seminar and a Policy Online Service.  These services would include a link to the Texas Association of School Boards online polices to ensure that both the legal and local policies of Galveston College would stay current. 

The board approved the use of Vanguard, Lone Star Investment Pool, LOGIC, and Gilford Securities, Inc. as investment firms for the college. 

The board voted to accept an increase of $6,468 to the Carl D. Perkins Federal Vocational Education Program.  

All other agenda items were unanimously approved.  Roland Bassett was absent. 

Chhaya Gala presented an update of the Information Technology Action Plan.  She stated that overall the plan was successful, although an evaluation of the program in March identified some areas for improvement. Gala assured the board that “the areas of concern could be resolved by adequate training for personnel.”           

Ron Crumedy, Financial Aid Manager presented a report on Dreamkeepers Emergency Assistance Fund.  The program identifies students at risk of dropping out of college due to financial issues.  Students who are assessed by need may be provided with a one-time stipend, which they are encouraged to pay back either directly, or through volunteer services. 

“This was included in the procedures so that students are not misusing the funds by coming back every month with the same issues,” Crumedy said. Listen  Download

Student Representative Melvin Campbell representing the Journalism Club, invited the board to attend the College Carnival on Thursday April 14 from 1 to 6 p.m. 

Galveston College will host nearly 200 Ball High Seniors on April 19, 20 and 21 to familiarize them with financial aid, counseling and a special community- based project known as Universal Access.  

The Universal Access Program, implemented in 2001, allows for local high school graduates, home schooled graduates and GED recipients to attend Galveston College tuition and fees paid by the program.  The Universal Access candidates must first file an application through the FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and then file a Universal Access application.  

Eligible students will either receive PELL Grants, Texas Grants or Universal Access Endowment Fund Grants to become part of the Universal Access Program.  For more information call Joe Huff at (409) 944-1302 or email jhuff@gc.edu.

Galveston College will be promoting its two-year Associate Degree Program in Biotechnology on Thursday, May 5, 2005 as it hosts a seminar at 12 noon in Moody Hall Room 220.  The seminar will feature Dr. Doug Watts, director for the Scientific Administration Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, speaking on the topic of The Role of University of Texas Medical Branch in the Nation’s Biodefense Strategy.  

Pizza and refreshments will be served following the seminar and the general public is invited to attend.  For more information contact James J. Salazar, Ph.D. at (409) 944-1278 or email jsalazar@gc.edu.

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College of the Mainland

College of the Mainland will host a community-wide open house on April 28.  The all day event will feature campus tours, entertainment, and information about financing a college education.

"One of the day's highlights will be the exhibits and demonstrations in more than a dozen different program areas," said a news release.  "Among the program areas participating will be allied health, accounting, business, computer science, computer repair, drafting, child development, cosmetology, EMS, fire technology, graphic arts, law enforcement, nursing, process technology, pharmacy technology, public service careers, real estate, teacher certification, and welding."

For a full schedule of activities at the open house visit www.com.edu.

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Lamar University

Filmmakers, actors, musicians and special effects experts "from Texas and beyond" will meet for the sixth annual Spindletop/Lamar University Film Festival beginning Friday to showcase independent film and music.  The festival continues through Sunday.  Release

“One of the hallmarks of this festival is its accessibility,” said Chris Castillo, a festival founder.  “In this venue you can interact with Hollywood success stories, learn from those who are making waves on the indie scene, and meet people who are just cutting their creative teeth.”  

For more information about the film festival, or to see an updated schedule, visit www.spinfest.org or call (409) 880-8490 or (409) 880-8038.

Eight retirees, "representing more than 250 total years of teaching excellence at Lamar University," received recognition Wednesday at the university’s annual faculty awards ceremony. Release

The retirees are L. Randolph Babin, professor of music and chair of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance; Melvin Brust, professor of finance and a faculty member since 1978; Bruce Drury, professor of political science and a faculty member since 1971; John Harvill, associate professor of mathematics and a faculty member since 1965; Sidney “Sonny” Jolly, professor of health and kinesiology and former head track coach and athletics director; George McLaughlin, professor of educational leadership and former chancellor, a faculty member since 1959; Billy Read, assistant professor of mathematics and a faculty member since 1965; and Carl Westerfield, professor of health and kinesiology and dean of the College of Education and Human Development through August 2004. 

“This ceremony is intended to award academic excellence,” said Stephen Doblin, provost and vice president for academic affairs.  “Our 2004-2005 retirees have dedicated their professional careers to the goal of academic excellence at Lamar University.”                                    

Also at the ceremony, Lamar announced Mary Alice Baker, professor of communication, as the 2005 University Professor and recognized Kendrick “Ken” Aung, Brian Craig, Molly Dahm and Scott Weiss with University Merit Awards. 

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San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College Central’s spring dance show will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 and at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29.

This year’s show, “Just Dance,” is a collection of dances that cover various styles such as ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, Latin and comedy. 

Performances will be in Slocomb Auditorium, 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena. 

The dances are choreographed by Sandi Morgan, Central campus dance professor, and her students.

“Our motto for this year’s dance is ‘If it feels good, dance it,’” Morgan said.  “The show represents a 25-year tradition here at San Jac – offering exquisite dance productions at an affordable price.”

For more information call (281) 476-1501 extension 1425 or email sandi.morgan@sjcd.edu.

The San Jacinto College South music department is presenting its second student spring recital at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26 in the Room 12117 of the Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Center, 13735 Beamer Road.  

For more information call David Sloat, South Campus music professor, at (281) 484-1900 extension 3563 or email david.sloat@sjcd.edu.

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Harris County

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels has announced the grand opening of the Harris County Archives on April 19.  

"The Harris County Archives is the only archives in Texas that is a component of the county records management program," said the announcement.  

"Future generations of Harris County residents can learn how they have developed as a community by knowing the history and the issues that have impacted county government, " Eckels said.  "Our children and grandchildren can judge how effectively we, today, dealt with the issues facing our residents, and the effect our decisions may have on their lives."

"Organizing the archives has been a two year project," said 
Sarah Jackson, Harris County archivist.  "We are now prepared to accept researchers on a regular basis."

Harris County Archives will be housed on the 12th floor of the Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin in downtown Houston.  After the ceremony on April 19, the archives will be open every Tuesday afternoon for research from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.

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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership will honor Gwen Griffin and Pat Rawlings "for their pioneering efforts in launching the Bay Area Houston image and brand campaign" at a luncheon on May 12 at Marker 1 Marina in Seabrook.  Fifteen media and public relations professionals will also be honored at the Bay Area Houston Image Awards. The event marks the two year anniversary of the Bay Area Houston image and brand campaign launch.   

Griffin, president and CEO of Griffin Integrated Marketing, led the effort in 2003 for Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership to create and launch the Bay Area Houston image and brand campaign. The success of the campaign led to the name change of Clear Lake Area Economic Development Foundation to Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.   

The image and brand campaign’s success spurred a flurry of other name changes throughout the community. Within months, the Clear Lake Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau became the Bay Area Houston CVB, the Clear Lake Area Ballet and Theatre became the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre and Baycomber Magazine became Bay Area Houston Magazine.

Space artist Pat Rawlings created Bay Launch, an original work of art that represents Bay Area Houston. The image of a spaceship/sailboat traveling through space over an actual aerial view of Bay Area Houston has appeared in posters, phonebook covers and regional marketing materials.  

The original production of Bay Launch hangs in the lobby of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. Limited edition prints were provided to key business leaders throughout the U.S.  The image has been integrated into most of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s promotional materials since 2003.  

Other honorees include Rick Clapp, Bay Area Houston Magazine; Lynette Mason-Gregg, Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre; Pam Summers, Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau; Cathy Turner, Houston Chronicle; Mary Alys Cherry, The Citizen; Jim and Lynda Guidry, Guidry News Service; Rosann Rogers, KPRC Channel 2; Brent Clanton, Biz Radio 1320; Marcus Havican, Space City Films; Marie Horgan-Garrett, MGA Productions; Pat Patton, Born Wild - Innovative Promotions; Jim Sweeney, Minuteman Press – Bay Area; Bay Area Houston Graphic Artist of the Year Mike Poperszky and Bay Area Houston Photographer of the Year Guy-Christophe Coppel.

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On The Webio

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

Communities in Schools is celebrating its annual fundraiser on April 21, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tremont House, Davidson Ballroom located at 2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row.  Photos and Details

The 13th annual Galveston Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is set for Thursday, May 12, from 11am-7pm in the Exhibit Hall of the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort.
 Photo and Details

“Bayou Boil”, the annual fundraiser for Armand Bayou Nature Center, will be held on May 7.  Photo and Details

The Houston International Ballet's production of Peter and the Wolf will be held at on April 23 at the League City Civic Center.  Photo 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, April 14 
5:30 Galveston City Council
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Morgan's Point City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council Town Meeting 
7:00 La Marque Independent School District Board of Trustees 
7:30 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
8:00 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre

Friday, April 15 
8:00 National Rifle Association Annual Meeting, George R. Brown Convention Center
6:30 Friendswood City Council Candidates Forum, Village on the Park, 400 E. Parkwood (FM 528)
8:00 Morning Star, Main Street Theater in Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard in Houston
8:00 Bus Stop, College of the Mainland Community Theatre

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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 and Dana Patricia Burke are editors of Gulf Coast E-news.

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

We are seeking to hire reporters & marketing agents to expand our coverage in Jefferson & Harris Counties. 

Guidry News Service offices at 1818 Church Street, Suite 4, Galveston, TX. 77550 / P.O. Box 2130, Galveston, TX 77553
(409) 763-NEWS (6397), or email us at News@guidrynews.com

Subscriptions to Gulf Coast E-news are $300 per year, or $75 per quarter, plus sales and use tax. 

This electronic  newsletter replaced, and expanded on, the mission of the Galveston Fax, established by Jim and Lynda Guidry on Galveston Island in  July 1996; and Clear Lake Area E-news, begun on January 2, 2002.