August 2010 - Clear Lake Shores Civic Club

The Islander
Clear Lake Shores Civic Club Newsletter
August 2010
Presidents Message
By Dennis Robertson
August is here already, almost time for
school to start back and football season
can’t be that far behind. July was a hectic
month. The 4th of July party, WWIII, and
Jammin’on Jarboe made for a great month, hectic but great.
I want to thank all the volunteers that came out and lent a
hand with the 4th of July party, we can’t do this event without volunteers. Next year I am hoping we can add to our
volunteer list, it takes lots of hands to pull this event off and
the more hands we have the easier and better it is for everybody.
The Civic Club increased their membership and the scholarship group had a great silent auction. Thanks to everyone
The “Suds Tub” Party Cart Revealed
that purchased an item. Speaking of purchasing an item, we
Displayed at 4th of July with Contributors
sold a ton of Civic Club T shirts. There will be a new Clear
Back: Lowell Brown, Dennis Roberson,
Shores Civic Club T-shirt coming this fall, hopefully your
Glen Dowell, David Chambers
design will be the winner.
Front: Allan Batchelor, Eric Klusendorf
The July Jammin’ on Jarboe with Hanna’s Reef was one for
the record books, we had more people there than ever before and the dance floor stayed full the whole night. Hanna’s
Reef is looking forward to coming back next year.
The new Clear Lake Shores Civic Club party trailer was unveiled right before the band began to play and what a
great looking trailer it is. Again, our thanks go to Glen Dowell for his hard work on the trailer and giving it a place
to live and to Allan Batchelor for his vision.
This month’s band for Jammin’ is going to be the Grateful Geezers; they played here last November but due to the
weather we didn’t have a great turnout. Hopefully the weather will be better this time and we will see you at the pavilion. As always Jammin’ on Jarboe is the first Saturday of the month starts at 7:00pm.
Since the City is having to cut back on many things and Jammin’ on Jarboe being one of them, I am looking for
ideas for a fund raiser so we can raise money to keep the
series going next year. If you have a suggestion e-mail me
@ [email protected]
or if you see me out and
about stop me and tell me
your idea.
Remember the Civic Club
meets the first Thursday of
the month, pot luck dinner at
7 and the meeting is at 7:30
and I do my best to keep
them short. Look forward to
seeing you there!
Photo by Neeltje Burns
Water War III see pages 6 & 7
Galveston Mosquito Control:
800.842.5622
Contacts
City Services
Civic Club Officers:
President:
Dennis Roberson
VP:
Jo Lynn Roberson
Secretary:
Jan Finnerty
Treasurer:
Alice Westmoreland
Islander Staff:
Editor:
Assistant Editor:
Ad Manager:
Proof Reader:
Gardening Tips:
Comings
& Goings:
Pam House
Helle Brown
Sue Hill
Arline Laughter
Julie Moncur
Barbara Nichols
979.587.0826
[email protected]
979.777.1189
[email protected]
281.334.7500
[email protected]
713.449.8582
[email protected]
281.334.1174
[email protected]
281.334.5104
[email protected]
281.549.4003
[email protected]
713.828.3318 cell (Sanford)
281.334.7487
281.334.1411
[email protected]
281.508.6149
[email protected]
Yard of the Month:
Judy Young
281.334.2078
[email protected]
The Market Report:
Anita Reed
281.334.2321
[email protected]
Island Cooking:
Susan Perez
Utilities
WCID#12:
Reliant Electric:
Reliant/ Entex:
Centerpoint for gas leak:
Verizon:
AmeriWaste, Inc:
Emergency Services
Emergency only
Poison Control
Fire Department (Kemah)
281.334.3331
713.201.7777
281.534.4569
1.800.752.8036
281.212.5000
281.331.8400
911
1.800.poison1
281.538.5727
Hospitals
Christus St. John
Clear Lake Regional Med. Center
281.333.5503
281.332.2511
Schools
Stewart Elementary
League City Intermediate
Clear Creek High School
281.284.4700
281.284.3400
281.284.2300
Helen Hall Library
Pet Liaison : Lezlie Cates Smith:
Weekdays Nights & weekends
281.554.1111
281.837.4154
281.334.1467
Business Ads: Deadline: 15th of each month. All ads
must be paid in advance. 6 mo. or more to be included in
the ad list. Classified ads $5.00
Ad Rates
SIZE
Business card
1/4 Page
1/2 Page
Full Page
City Web Site: www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov
Civic Club Website: www.clscivicclub.com
Webmaster: Brian Hanby
[email protected]
Civic Club Memberships:
$20.00 per family July 4, 2010 thru July 3, 2011
The Islander
281.334.2799
281.334.1034
281.334.0697
Community Services
281.538.0079
[email protected]
The Islander is a non-profit, non partisan newsletter, written and published by the CLS Civic Club to promote cohesiveness and unity in our community.
The purpose of the newsletter is to inform CLS citizens of
island news and events, to provide a forum for positive dialogue, and to encourage submission of unbiased letters and
articles, under the guidelines of the Civic Club bylaws and
policies. Signed articles, announcements, ideas for publication must be submitted to the editor by the 15th of each
month by e-mail, telephone or in the Islander box at the
City Hall. The Civic Club reserves the right to edit for
style, policy and space.
City Hall:
CLS Police:
Municipal Court:
page 2
Black & White
SINGLE
6 MO
$17.00
$ 90
$27.50
$150
$37.50
$215
$67.50
$385
Yr
$130
$220
$330
$660
Color
SIZE
SINGLE
6 MO
Yr
Business card $20
$105
$165
1/4 Page
$33
$175
$275
1/2 Page
$45
$240
$380
Full Page
$82
$430
$700
Inserts $50 per/issue
Payments may be mailed to:
Clear Lake Shores Civic Club, The Islander
931 Cedar St., Clear Lake Shores, Texas 77565
Or put into the Civic Club mailbox at City Hall
August 2010
August 2010
SUN
MON
1
2
TUE
3
WED
4
City Council
7 pm
8
9
10
16
FRI
5
6
Civic Club
7 pm
11
EDC
7 pm
15
THU
18
12
19
13
23
24
14
Farmers
Market 8-12
20
City Council
7 pm
22
7 Farmers
Market 8-12
Jammin’ on
Jarboe
6-10 pm
Ladies’ Lunch
11:30 am
17
SAT
21
Farmers
Market 8-12
25
26
27
28
Farmers
Market 8-12
29
30
31
Civic Club
Potluck & Meeting
Date:
Time:
Place:
Thursday August 5
Potluck 7pm
Meeting 7:30pm
Clubhouse
A—K
L—R
S—Z
Entrees
Veggies and Salads
Desserts
YOGA
at the Clubhouse
Wed August 11, 18 & 25— 7 pm
Thurs, August 12, 19 & 26—6:30 pm
For questions please contact Beth
713.444.9312
[email protected]
$5 / month donation suggested
Water Aerobics
Ladies’ Luncheon
Thursday
August 12
11:30 am
Outriggers Seafood Grill
101 Bath Ave. (Under the Bridge) Seabrook
(Hoping for less rain this month)
The Islander
page 3
Every Tuesday & Thursday
CLS Pool 8 - 9 pm
Instructor: Christina Beaty
$5 per session or $35 per month
Bring a noodle .
August 2010
VOLUNTEERS
Island Cooking
By Susan Perez
Planning and Zoning, Roads and Drainage Committee, and Plaza Ten 06 Corporation are looking for new members. Contact City Hall with a
letter of interest.
The City of Clear Lake Shores Parks
Committee is seeking qualified and interested new
members to be a part of the Parks Committee. The
Parks Committee is responsible for the oversight and
development of the five parks on the Island. The Parks
Committee has its’ own budget and meets quarterly. The Committee is committed to preserving, protecting, restoring, and beautifying our Island Parks.
If you or someone that you know is interested in being
a part of this important and fun committee, please contact the new Chairman, Bud Solmonsson at his email:
[email protected].
Auction Is Great Success
The Silent Auction held as part of the Independence
Day Festivities as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund
was highly successful. The scholarship committee members (Cindy Walbe, Bettie Jamarik, and Joyce Jarnagin) offer their thanks to everyone who helped and give
special kudos to everyone who donated items, gave their
time in preparation, set up and closed the auction, and to
the bidders and winners of auction items.
They also urge us all to support the local vendors who
donated so generously to the auction: Ergonomic Office
Furniture Solutions, Opus Bistro, Skippers Restaurant,
Bayside Bed & Biscuit, Judy Boh (artist), David Chambers (acupuncture), and the vendors at the Clear Lake
Shores Farmer’s Market.
The auction raised a net of $1852.50. All of the money
raised goes toward scholarships for Clear Lake Shores
high school students who apply and meet the requirements.
The next scholarship fund raiser will be a Spaghetti
Dinner on Sunday, October 3 — so put the date on your
calendar and get ready to twirl some pasta.
Classified Ads
FOR SALE: 12" Craftsman Radial Arm Saw
with stand —$125 — call 281.538.2707
FOR SALE: Light fixtures, fans, neon signs
from the Sandbar. Please contact Roxanne at
281.535.9298 or 281.250.9066
The Islander
page 4
I love blueberries and would like to
take this month to celebrate Texas Blueberry Season!
The prices are not too bad in the store right now but I
am looking for true blueberry value, of course this will be
more labor intense, but I hope worth the trip. I got on the
internet and found a blueberry farm out in the Conroe
area.
Their website: is moorheadsblueberryfarm.com. I recommend you take a look at it. I think is a nice website and
will give all of the info and directions you need. It will
involve a little travel out Conroe way but this is a nice
drive! Pick your own for $1.50 a pound? Love it!
Blueberry Crisp
Ingredients
5 cups Blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup (2 medium) diced peeled apples
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 cup rolled oats
3 tablespoons butter or soft margarine
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 325°F. In a
small bowl, combine the Wild
Blueberries, sugar, lemon
rind, and apples. Mix well and
place in a well-buttered
8x8x2” pan.
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, pecans, oats, salt and rub in the
butter with your fingers until it resembles coarse
crumbs. Spread evenly over the Wild Blueberry filling. Bake 45 minutes or until the crust is brown.
Wild Blueberry Crisp serves 6.
August 2010
Looking Back
CLS History As Recorded in Back Issues of The Islander
May 1990 Article By Mrs. Virginia Bolin
Blue Point Road seems to be the focal point of Clear
Lake Shores history. It was once know as Philbrick Road
because both sides of the road belonged to a Mr. Philbrick. There is a one foot strip of land between what was
his property and Clear Lake Shores. This was supposed to
be for a spite fence. It was owned by a Mr. Smadbeck of
New York. He could have been the original owner of
Clear Lake Shores. I never did find out who was spiting
whom. At one time there was a big red dilapidated house
and many sheds where oysters were processed, Blue Point
Oysters, for which the street was renamed. Mr. Philbrick
was supposed to have become insane and murdered his
wife and daughter. He died in an asylum.
The Karankawa Indians lived along the creek on Blue
Point Road and evidently they lived on oysters as it is an
oyster shell reef from Shell Bottom almost to Deep Hole
Park. These Indians were very filthy and were supposed
to be cannibalistic. Many people used to come and dig for
arrowheads, bones, pottery etc. At one time the petrified
body of an Indian woman, holding a newborn infant in
her arms, was on display near here.
Blue Point residents were not allowed to vote, even
though we paid our poll tax, because we were in sort of a
no man’s land, nor was mail delivered to this street.
All of Blue Point, which was known as the Philbrick
Estate, was annexed when Clear Lake Shores became a
city and received citizen’s privileges and paid taxes. Our
School Tax was $1.95.
Most of this property was like a jungle. Wolves came
up and fought our dogs. We had cows and had to build a
fire at night to keep [the
wolves] from the newborn
calves. Mr. Hansen (on Elks
Club Road) always had two or
three dead wolves hanging on
his fence.
At one time there was to have
been a bridge across the creek
at Shell Bottom. It was washed
away in the 1915 hurricane. A self operated ferry boat
was used to cross the creek from Kemah to Seabrook.
The novel, “Summer on the Water” by David Westheimer, was plotted on Blue Point Road. It was about the
early life in Clear Lake Shores when it was a hey-dey
weekend and summer cottage city.
This is not fiction. Someone started a rumor that all the
folks on Blue Point Road were rich and the Tax Assessor
came out here and revalued property so high that the taxes
are much, much more than any other street in Clear Lake
Shores (unless the rumor spread to other streets).
The Islander
page 5
Form for Teen Classified
Free of Charge
Please circle the appropriate box (es)
BS– Babysitter
PS-Pet Sitter
T-Tutor
LC-Lawn Care
PT-Plant Tending
HS-House Sitting
RCS-*Red Cross Certified
Name_________________________________
Age_________ Birth date m/y____________
Phone_________________________________
Put in Civic Club Post Box at City Hall Annex
by the 16th of each month.
Any changes in teen classified ads such as age or phone
number? Please email to Pam House at
[email protected]
TEEN JOB CLASSIFIED
Colton Hill Age 16 — BS, PS, LC
281.549.4003 (Colton) or 713.828.8878 (Sue)
Arielle Zakarian Age 13 — BS, PS, PT, HS
832.864.3385
Lindsey Hightower Age 19 — BS, PS, T, HS
409.392.4129
Gavin Klusendorf Age 16 — BS, PS, LC, PT
281.334.3239 or cell 281.235.9826
Breezy Knight Age 15 — BS, PS, HS, PT
913.636.6323
Calyn Hoerner - Age 13 - BS, PS,PT
713.410.8749 Mom cell 281.229.3661 my cell
Notice: The Islander is not responsible
for any services or merchandise
August 2010
WWIII — West Side Story
By Allan Batchelor
First, a little history for the newer folks. The Water Wars are the brainchild of Rob and Paula Brown
on East Shore. If you don’t like it see them. Please. Three short years ago they were looking for an interesting way to keep cool as summer got off to a rip roaring start. Thus WWI. It was decided to make Clear
Lake road the dividing line. It was a brutal affair with no rules and no quarter. The Easties, as they came to be known,
showed no mercy on their adversaries the Westies. Led by “Tipton the Merciless” AKA “Bonnie the Barbarian” a thorough thumping was handed out to the ill prepared Westies. How could they have known. Last year, WWII was a tad
more thought out and the heathens were made to follow a few rules. No water balloons and no physical contact being the
two most important. The Westies were not caught with their proverbial pants down that year and a valiant effort resulted
in what can only be described as a draw. Like Korea without the guns. That brings us to the present.
WW III started off slow for most of us. To the innocent parade watcher on East Shore…..not so much. From the rogue
Westie who cooled you off, you have his apologies. For a paltry sum I will provide his name, address and phone number.
For the rest of us it was on after Hot Dogs and cold drinks courtesy of your Civic Club. The Westies established their
HQ at the Fort Dietz and a forward command center at Camp Massey. The two pronged attack against the Easties was a
thing of beauty. We descended on Commander Adams’ forces from the south while the surprise attack came from the
North though the Lootens gauntlet. We kicked bootie. Hands down, knuckle bumpin’, chest thumpin’ bootie kickin’ was
what went down. Who’s yer daddy!
After we set the tone it was more of the same for the rest of the day. From Camp Massey we would reload (pronounced
ice up) and the Massey War Wagon, nine guns strong would waltz through enemy territory like we were at the senior
prom. Several side street forays provided a wakeup call to many Easties. Not that we are above revenge but I think there
may have been a little payback involved in some of the more “wet” works. Sorry Dave. The words of advice to my
younger troops towards any enemy encounter was simply to “treat ‘em like they stole your lunch money.” Who
knew……I'm just thankful that Wessel’s bunch are Westies.
The adults were beginning to wind down and the forays were getting fewer and farther apart. The battles were taking
their toll on all but the youngest. One last outing was arranged and as we prepared we discussed our target. Let’s
see…………who do we really want to find……? They would have to be an Eastie of some note. Seeing as we had most
thoroughly watered every Eastie we found who could possibly be left. We headed east on Forest ever vigilant. As we
turned south on Clear Lake Road he came to us like a vision. The proverbial Head on a platter. “Here comes the Mayor”
was the battle cry. “And the Civic Club President Too”!! It gave me goose bumps. Bacon with a side of sausage. It was
merciless and lightning fast. While I have some reservations about attacking an unarmed man I quickly got over it. Not
as quick as Larry and Rob. They never missed a beat. Like ducks on a Junebug.
A note for all next year, put your cell phones in a plastic baggie Dennis. As Team Pons ran us down they had no sympathy for the ladies on the back seat and their phones and purses. Nor did I. Who in the world takes a cell phone to a
squirt gun fight. Maybe we’ll talk about those next year. Maybe. So, looks like the score is 1-1-1. Next year ought to be a
hoot. One lst thought, what about a new rule, No head shots. That's right no targets above the chin. What's that you say?
I can't hear you, speak into my right ear...Thanks Brad.....See you around the Island!
Clear Lake Shores Civic Club Membership Form
Name(s):________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________
Email:__________________________
Volunteer Interests: __1) Mancake Breakfast
__ 2) Easter Sunrise Service
___3) Children's’ Easter Party ___ 4) 4th of July Picnic
___ 5) Children’s Halloween Party
___6) Thanksgiving Dinner
___ 7) Children’s Christmas Party
Dues: $20.00 per family July 4, 2010 thru July 3, 2011
Pay at the Civic Club Meeting or Put in the CLS Civic Club Box at City Hall Annex Building
The Islander
page 6
August 2010
WWIII — View from the East
By Michael Pons
They Should Have Timeouts in War!
“It is well that war is so terrible or we would grow too fond of it.” 1 So, who won the war? Well, if
we had been NATO troops and observed the Geneva Convention and had time-outs and penalty
points, I would have called it a draw. However, the wild West Side soldiers fight like lawless Somali pirates and pretty
much whooped us Eastern soldiers who believe that “Discretion is the better part of valor.” 2
The day started out great with a beautiful golf cart parade and picnic after which an armada of Easties formed at Fort
Adams and we invaded the West Side. Well things got pretty dicey at Fort Dietz. The day was hot, humid and extremely
wet. Shortly before we were blinded by what seemed like thousands of streams of ice water (thanks a lot Mark) the
Eastern armada rounded a curve on West Shore and there was a virtual sea of kids charging toward us. (What did these
guys do? Rent kids?) I can’t recall too much because I could not see or hear due to the head shots. I do recall someone
yelling “Hey these kids are stealing our guns and dumping our water buckets.” Wanting to live to fight another battle we
retreated east. Fran declared “this is no fun and I’m cold, take me home!” After dropping her off at secluded Camp Pons
on East Shore and picking up some fresh New Orleans Pons’ troops we headed out for another gauntlet.
Fran took a hot shower and was enjoying the cooling east breeze on our porch in dry clothes and unarmed when suddenly she was blasted by a stream of ice water from a lawless Westie! (You need a big time-out La_ry). A little further
south on East Shore a non-participating resident was blindsided by a bucket of ice water in an alleged case of mistaken
identity (Mr. Time Out himself To_d). I think that next year we should consider a way to identify players. We are all
fortunate that these two brave Easties did not complain to authorities or our water wars could have dried up. Another
disturbing incident occurred on Forrest. Two high ranking Eastern dignitaries (Vern & Dennis) were performing Civic
Club duties unarmed when they were assaulted by three rogue Westies. Hey Al, Rob & Larry, don’t forget paybacks are
a bit_h.
I pen these words (yes they still make pens) riding back from the L.A. (lower Alabama) gulf coast Jimmy Buffet Relief
Concert. Going over the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge I gaze out west and wonder if those Westies realize
that their hollow victory is similar to another battle victory in another World War when after Pearl Harbor a victorious
general wrote “I fear that we have awakened a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve.” 3
Finally, to my fellow Eastie soldiers who fought with courage, pride, dignity and respect, I suggest that next year perhaps we adopt the strategy of a very successful Confederate Cavalry general who said to win battles “git thar fustest with
the mostest.” 4
1
Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Statement at the Battle of Fredericksburg, 13th December 1862.
2
Falstaff’s oft quoted phrase eloquently redeems a cowardly act. Henry the Fourth, Part I, Act 5, Scene 4.
1943 letter from Japanese admiral, Isoroku Yamamoto to the admiralty in Tokyo.
4
Confederate Lt. General Nathan Bedford Forrest. American Civil War. 1861-1865. New York Times 1917 article.
3
Island Girls Sailed to Success
The Girl's Optimist Dinghy National Championships were
held in Deltaville, Virginia on July 20th. Two of our young
residents sailed very well.
The very talented girl sailors competed in three races on a
1.5-mile trapezoid course. Jessica Willits placed second and
Julia Sheaffer placed fourth in the White Fleet (under elevens) out of 80 overall competitors.
We have 10 island residents currently participating at various levels of youth sailing. The next local event will be the
Cannonball Run (so named for the numerous cabbage head
jellyfish) in Palacios, August 14 & 15.
The Islander
page 7
August 2010
Yard of the Month
By Judy Young
Our current Yard of the Month selection is the quaint, cozy Birch Street
yard of Mary Chambers/Gentry.
Mary’s house is located just West of Jarboe Park and
across the street. Knowing that, however, will not be of
much help to you because her yard is not a quick drive by,
look and see kind of yard. It’s a stroll through, sit a while,
not want to leave environment.
What you primarily see from the front is profuse yellow
flowering ground cover she uses to outline and soften the
yard edges. Mary says she started this out with five little
pots. Frost withers it whereupon she just mows it down
and it happily returns come Spring. Behind the ground
cover and under her raised house is one of those ‘sit a
while’ areas surrounded by a garden of potted and hanging plants (petunia, geranium, gardenia, asparagus fern)
all bordered by a thick row of hostas. There you can gently swing in her chain hung porch swing as a breeze cools
you under the shade of the house. She has several decorative items integrated with the plants, including a fountain
and St. Francis statute, the most unique being a duck residing inside a chiminea.
Along the right fence line from front to back is a mixed
bed of bougainvillea, petunia, potato vine, begonia, hydrangea, amaryllis, a ‘freeze recovering’ hibiscus and
crepe myrtle. One of Mary’s several decorative bird baths
The Market Report
By Anita Reed
The White Tents Are Waiting for You
Every Saturday Morning at the Farmers Market at Clear Lake Shores, 8am—Noon
It is well known among foodies who love tasty, fresh,
and nutritious local produce that The Farmers Market at
Clear Lake Shores is the best place to shop. Along with
the produce, you’ll find grass-fed beef, goat milk products
and prepared gourmet delights. The produce at Atkinsons
Farm is picked less than 24 hours before market time,
including the corn and tomatoes for the Corn, Avocado &
Tomato Salad recipe, below. Luz has huge, tasty avocados, firm red onions, fragrant cilantro and limes for the
salad, too. You can even pick up Sciabica’s extra virgin
olive oil while you’re there.
The great folks at several booths have amazing offerings throughout the hot summer. Bring your cash and
shopping bags. You might want to eat juicy fruit at your
kitchen sink, it’s so good! Fill up your fridge, put a pot of
purple hull beans or cream peas on the stove and feast on
healthy, local food with family and friends. See you there
on Saturday!
Look for the white tents at 1020 Marina Bay Drive,
The Islander
is backed by a basket of hens and chicks hung on the
fence.
Strolling on to the back, in the middle of the yard is a
large bed which had rose bushes until the storm took
them, sparing only a large Katy Road Pink purchased at
the Antique Rose Emporium. And then there is the fig
tree… A large fig tree originally stood adjacent to that
bed. The storm left it planted into the ground but arched
the trunk over into the bed. Still green and still bearing
figs it makes for a unique sight – a weeping fig tree - fascinating. Mary is debating with herself to remove it or
leave it. Along the back fence where her wisteria is finally coming back Mary is beginning a new bed with
more rose bushes, Laura Bush petunias, butterfly bush
and plans for more bulb plants. A stroll through her yard
reveals mixed amongst the plants what some would call
weeds (although pretty flowering weeds). Mary calls
them “natural” and says there is “a fine line between natural and weed”.
The final stop on Mary’s garden tour was a trip upstairs
to relax in her screened “tree house” porch she has landscaped with potted plants and decorative items. This
ended up being the “don’t want to leave” part. The close
proximity of the large front yard tree gives the porch a
feeling of being part of the tree. That tree plus her porch
landscaping have a feel of just being in a cool and shaded
upper level part of the yard as you sit looking out towards
Jarboe park and the entrance of Clear Lake Shores.
west of the signal at Clear Lake Road. A Texas Certified
Farmers Market, you can reach us at the Web site at
http://sites.google.com/site/farmersmarketatcls/, Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-FarmersMarket-at -Clear- Lake- Shores/132601283422433?
ref=sgm or contact the Farmers Market committee at
[email protected] to be added to the e-mail list.
CORN, AVOCADO & TOMATO SALAD
2 cups cooked fresh corn
1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pint red or orange cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Combine the corn, avocado, tomatoes and onion in a large
glass bowl. Mix together the dressing ingredients in another bowl, pour over the salad, and gently toss to mix.
4 to 6 servings, easy to prepare in 10 minutes.
page 8
August 2010
AUG 2010 WINNER
BIRCH
Our own Ben Reyna playing
during a break.
The Islander
page 9
August 2010
Gardening Tips
By Julie Moncur
The sporadic rain during the month
of July was a nice relief from the
heat and a boost to our island plants.
However, be alert to the fact that often a nice rainy day
followed by 90 degree temps may still stress your plants.
This is especially true of potted plants that you may
treasure.
 If you have geraniums, they do not like the heat and
should be moved to the shade where they may be
saved until cooler weather in the fall.
 Mulch check: if your plants are drying out quick with
all the recent heat, you may not have enough mulch.
This is especially true for plants or annuals planted
this spring or summer. It’s never too late to add more.
 Got a perennial plant that just won’t bloom? Sometimes cutting them back a bit disturbs the plant just
enough to cause it to bloom. Plants often don’t bloom
while they are concentrating on adding leaves. Also
try a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20- or 10-10-10.
 Caladiums require plenty of water at this time of year
if they are to remain lush and attractive until fall. Fertilize with ammonium sulfate at 2 lbs per 100 square
feet of bed area. Continue to water thoroughly.
 Divide and reset spring-blooming perennials, such as
daylilies and irises now through end of the month.
 Try cape honeysuckle, hamelia, firecracker, cypress
vine or pineapple sage to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The hummingbird scouts come through in
August, so put out tempting feeders. Remember to









change the food every 3 days to keep fresh (gets
moldy in the heat). Make up your own food by boiling water and adding sugar(4 parts water to 1 part
sugar).
Do not spray oil-based liquid pesticides when temperatures exceed 90 F
Adding organic matter to beds will improve both
heavy and light soils and get them ready for fall planting. Healthy soil breeds less bad bugs!
Remember to keep deadheading blooms. Cut back
dead blooms all the way to leaf branch and you’ll be
rewarded with a fresh burst of blooms.
Plumerias like a high phosphorus fertilizer; hibiscus
like low phosphorus. Both need heavy feeding to
bloom, but fortunately both like the heat.
Keep azaleas well watered so they will set flowers for
next spring. Same is true for fruit trees.
Keep rose beds clean of fallen leaf and
flower litter to reduce black spot.
Herbicides that are safe to use on St.
Augustine may still damage grass in the heat.
Talk to your gardening expert.
If you have a problem area where the grass doesn’t
grow, think about ground covers-less grass to mow
and there are many neat and colorful varieties. At the
very least it’s a good idea to add fresh compost or
hummus blended in to bare spots to encourage the
grass runners to have something to grab on to.
Don’t forget after we have a good rain it’s time to
fertilize the lawn again as the nutrients get diluted and
the grass is hungry again!
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING July 6, 2010
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:43 p.m. All
council members were present with the exception of Councilman Thomas, who arrived at 6:45 p.m.
BUDGET WORKSHOP: Preliminary Review – City Financial Consultant Jim Bragg reviewed a PowerPoint presentation with Council regarding overview and preliminary review of the budget process.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT & CORRESPONDENCE
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Economic Development Corporation, Waterfront Compliance Committee, Planning/
Zoning Committee, Roads and Drainage Committee, Park Committee, Pool Committee, Council
SCHEDULED & UNSCHEDULED VISITOR
Scott McDonald – improvements on the waterfront Mr. McDonald asked Council to revisit the issue of improvements on waterfront leases. Council requested a meeting of the Waterfront Compliance Committee to discuss the
issue and bring recommendations back to Council.
Tim Johnson – Aspen Road - absent
CONSENT AGENDA:
Check Register from June 9, 2010 to June 30, 2010
Cash Balance Summary as of June 30, 2010
Councilman Burns moved to approve Items a & b. Councilman Sowery seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Waterfront Transfer, C-066B: Burroughs to Sherman
Waterfront Transfer, C-067: Bradley to Nyguard
Councilman Burns moved to approve Items a & b. Councilwoman Perkins seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
The Islander
page 10
August 2010
OLD BUSINESS - Discussion and possible action may be taken on the following items:
Ordinance 2010-08: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CLEAR
LAKE SHORES, TEXAS BY DELETING THEREFROM ALL OF ARTICLE IV, SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS, OF CHAPTER 14, BUILDINGS, AND ADDING THERETO A NEW ARTICLE IV, SUBSTANDARD
BUILDINGS, SETTING FORTH STANDARDS RELATED TO SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS WITHIN
THE CITY; DECLARING A NUISANCE; STATING HEARING AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS; ALLOWING THE CITY TO REPAIR OR DEMOLISH SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS; ALLOWING FOR A
LIEN TO BE ASSESSED FOR EXPENSES OF REPAIR OR DEMOLITION; PROVIDING A CIVIL PENALTY; PROVIDING A CRIMINAL PENALTY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000.00 FOR ANY
VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE, WITH EACH DAY TO CONSTITUTE A SEPARATE VIOLATION;
REPEALING ALL OTHER ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT OR IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY
Mayor Johnson noted a change under Section 14-138, 4th line, change “inhabitable” to “uninhabitable”.
Councilman Thomas moved to approve Ordinance 2010-08 with the noted changes. Councilman Sowery second
the motion.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
NEW BUSINESS - Discussion and possible action may be taken on the following items:
Employee Health Insurance coverage renewal (City Administrator Shelley)
City Administrator Shelley informed Council that the item was on back on the agenda due to an incorrect quote
on the maximum out of pocket expenses.
Councilwoman Perkins moved to renew the Employee Health Insurance coverage at the current $500 deductible.
FOR: Councilman Thomas, Councilman Burns, Councilwoman Perkins and Councilman Fuller
AGAINST: Councilman Sowery
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 2010-09: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLEAR LAKE SHORES,
TEXAS, ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, DEPOSITS, AND OTHER CHARGES FOR ZONING, PLATTING, BUILDING AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN
CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
Councilman Thomas moved to approve Resolution 2010-09, adopting the fee schedule. Councilwoman Perkins
seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Acceptance of bid for Jarboe Bayou Bridge Project (City Administrator Shelley)
Councilman Thomas moved to approve the recommendation from the City Engineer (Attachment A) and accept
the bid from Millis Equipment, LLC in the amount of $174,844 for the Jarboe Bayou Bride Project.
Councilman Burns seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Council procedures & effective deliberation findings from H-GAC workshop (Councilman Sowrey)
Councilman Sowrey stated that he would like to discuss the idea of having a workshop prior to the Council
meetings to discuss items on the agenda.
NO ACTION TAKEN
EDC approval of an expenditure as part of the Town Center project to improve and beautify the entrance to
Town Center within and along Clear Lake Road from FM 2094 to the south side of the bridge over Jarboe
Bayou in the amount not to exceed $160,000.00 as discussed at the March 9, 2010 EDC Meeting
(Councilman Sowrey)
Councilman Sowrey stated he added the item to the agenda for discussion purposes only. He stated the City Secretary had received multiple requests to add $165,000 to the EDC budget but was hesitant to place it on the
agenda with proper documentation as City policy states. Discussion was held regarding the need to identify the
work and submit a Project Request Form to the City Secretary’s office as part of the approved procedure. The
City Attorney stated that since the voters approved the Town Center Project and since the project was part of the
Town Center Project Request Form, a public hearing would not be necessary.
NO ACTION TAKEN
ADJOURNMENT—Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 9:17 pm.
Date Approved: July 20, 2010
Editor’s Note: We are happy to be able to include the most recently approved City Council Minutes. Whenever current minutes
are available, we will plan to print them (without editing) as a service for residents.
The Islander
page 11
August 2010
The Story of Scooter Pie
By Tami Perkins
Buddy (our black lab) and I were
standing on the front deck when he
started to whine and his hackles went
up. I asked “what’s the matter?” but he just started down
the stairs. Our next door neighbor’s cat had made the terrible mistake of setting foot on our front yard and Buddy
was going to straighten him out. He ran off as soon as
Buddy hit the stairs but as I looked down I saw him looking at something. It seemed to strike at him and so down I
went to find out what was in our yard. I thought it was a
crab but to my surprise it was a hatchling duck. I told
Buddy “no” and picked it up. The neighbor cat would
have surely killed the poor little thing had Buddy not intervened.
We brought it inside and took a look. I googled it and
found out it was most likely about a week old. We tried
unsuccessfully to put him with every mother duck with
chicks that we ran across… after 2 weeks we gave up and
decided to foster it. We named it Scooter Pie since it
could be a boy or a girl.
Here are a few facts I found out that I want to pass
along… any kind of bread is bad for ducks. I was surprised to find that out since I have fed bread to ducks on
the island so many times, not knowing it was bad for
them. Great choices include: Grapes cut in half, Cracked
corn, barley, oats, birdseed or other grains, Frozen peas
that have been defrosted and of course duck feed from
feed stores. They will eat most fruit and veggies and
plants.
Fostering Scooter has endeared me to ducks in general.
Not many creatures move through all three mediums –
land, air and water. Ducks are very peaceful and gentle.
They are much like any other pet – loving and smart in
their own way. Scooter will sit on my lap while I watch a
movie and loves to cuddle. I have seen his feathers up
close and it is quite marvelous how well he takes care of
himself. They grow very fast – our duck appears full
grown but is only 2 months old. They are still ducklings
until they are approx. 1 year old. They don’t begin to
quack until they are 3 to 4 months old. Scooter is a mallard and they generally all look like females until about 1
year old when they begin to look male or female.
We have been working with Scooter to integrate him (or
her) into duck society when she gets a little older and can
fly well enough. She has learned how to fish with me on
our pier and is quite a good swimmer. If it weren’t for the
poop (ducks poop a lot) I would venture to say that every
family would have a pet duck. In fact Wade said we
should have named it Pooter instead of Scooter.
Scooter has taken up with Buddy and thinks he is his
mother. At first Buddy wasn’t too keen on this but soon
The Islander
gave in and they are a regular ‘pair’ now. Our cat doesn’t
like Scooter very much, and Scooter nibbles her tail if she
isn’t looking. He isn’t afraid of her and will chase her off
my lap and then gets on my lap and sits down. Of course
Scooter is free and can leave at any time… he lives in our
backyard right now. I am helping him to learn how to fly,
and it’s hard to teach something when you don’t know
how! (HA)
Here is a picture of
Scooter and Buddy together sporting new
bandanas (Scooter follows Buddy everywhere)…
page 12
and Scooter going for a swim on
the waterfront...
What a Lucky Duck!
FARMERS MARKET LOOKING
FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS
TO MANAGE THE MARKET
Due to moving Bonnie and I are looking to
find someone on the Island that would like to
take over complete operation of the Farmers
Market. This will be a paid position.
Since the inception of the Market in April 2009
with an "all-volunteer" operation, it has transitioned to basically Bonnie manages the market
and the income off the tent rentals pays for the
labor to set up the tents, take them down, and
get the market ready every Saturday.
Bonnie and I can train whoever is interested in
running the market and basically depending on
how much work the person wants to put in will
reflect in how much income can be derived.
This person would report to the Farmers Market
Committee for direction setting; but would be
responsible for all aspects of the market. This
would include setting up and taking down, as
well as marketing, accounting, and the internet
web site.
Anyone interested in applying should contact
Pete Carrothers at 281-334-3553 to set up an
interview with the Farmers Market Committee
Submitted by Pete Carrothers
August 2010
3rd place: #11 Becky Sensat
1st place: #33 Mark Massey
GOLF CART PARADE &
PICNIC
July 4, 2010
For pictures of all golf
carts in the parade please
see photo album in
www.clscivicclub.com
2nd place: #13, Curtis Hackett
The Islander
page 13
Thank You Mark McCaslin for
taking photos of each cart as
they rounded the corner of
E.Shore & Birch..
August 2010
It’s a Man’s World
By Allan Batchelor
I had a chance to sit down and talk with Todd Ford
about his recent competition and completion of the 48 th
Texas Water Safari. Yep. The Worlds’ Toughest Canoe
Race. He first got the bug in 2008 and decided he would
give it a whirl when his paddling partner Randy Haynes
was available. They both started prepping for the June
race in ’09 and soon learned why it is billed as the
worlds’ toughest race. Having been pulled from race by
their team captain (yours truly) in Gonzales was not what
Todd had in mind and before the bottom of the boat was
dry he was planning a solo try for 2010.
While the 2009 race was touted as being the hottest ever
and lowest water in 47 years the 2010 race was postponed
due to flooding on the Guadalupe. Not to be deterred our
paddler and his team captain, Randy, kept up the training
regimen until July 10, the new start date.
The first day was fairly standard stuff and with the high
water a lot of obstructions were now eliminated and the
extra river speed didn’t hurt either. One near miss and a
20 minute nap around 1 AM and day one was history.
Day 2 began with day breaking in Gonzales and what
has become known as the Hochheim Death Paddle
(Randy made that up) staring Team 565 in the face. This
section of the river offers no crossings which translates to
no contact with your boat or captain for almost 40 miles.
Did you know that if you’re tired enough you will sleep in
the mud? I did not know that. Several short power naps
along the bank were almost enough to stave off the sleep
deprivation. But not quite. He knew the golf cart that was
following him along the bank was a hallucination but he
looks you right in the eye and tells you the dragon was
real. And scary.
Monday night or was it early morning we caught up
with our paddler in Victoria. He was making very good
time and it turns out the flooding in June cleared a lot of
debris and log jams. Too bad the wind had picked up.
Anyone want to guess which way the wind was blowing?
You sailors probably said on the nose and you would be
correct. Up till now the course, first the San Marcos then
the Guadalupe, is pretty and clean and mostly clear to
turquoise. South of Victoria, not so much.
Going into night 3 in brown, slow moving water, surrounded by swamp was when the lights went out on the
boat. Morale was at an all time low. It’s 1:19 AM and just
when you think you’re spent and don’t have anything left
to give you need a little inspiration. Well very few things
can get the ol’ adrenaline pumping quicker than a few
random gunshots. With new incentive he was off and paddling like on day one. Five log jams and 1 portage later
our adventure seeker finds himself at the Salt Water Barrier, at daybreak, in beautiful Tivoli, Texas. Note, in
The Islander
Texas the first “I” is long. Like Tie vo lee. Go figure.
A 40 minute nap was in order because the Bay crossing
was only 8 miles ahead and the finish line was on the
other side. Remember earlier I mentioned the wind picked
up? It was blowing great on the bay. It was gorgeous, if
you weren’t trying to paddle a wobbly canoe through
whitecaps with less than 5 hours sleep since last Saturday.
Other than that…..San Antonio bay wasn’t cutting anyone
any slack. The two man teams were getting’ spanked. It
was impossible for a solo with a single bladed paddle.
Well how is our hero going to get across 4 plus miles of
open bay you ask? Why walk of course. As much fun as
that sounds like imagine having the added joy of dragging
your 17 ft We-Noh-Na canoe behind you in 20 knots of
wind. We got a couple of pictures of Todd dragging the
boat up the steps at the finish
line.
To finish this race is a feat
unto itself but he finished 4th
in his class and 46th overall.
“Why” is probably the next
question. “Because it’s there”
was the answer. It’s not about
the paddling he’ll tell you, it’s
the camaraderie and the teamwork. He shared his favorite
words of wisdom passed on to
Todd at Finish Line
him by a veteran paddler.
“You’re not gonna win the race today, but you can sure
lose the race today”.
Congratulations to Todd Ford and his Team Captain
Randy Haynes. To learn more about the Texas Water Safari go to http://www.texaswatersafari.org/
So what’s next? He mentioned he always wanted to
visit Pamplona ………………….
page 14
How Well
Do You
Know Your
Island?
Guess where this is located! Come to
the Civic Club Meeting on August 5 and
find out if you are right!
August 2010
ADVERTISERS List
Accounting, CPA
ACCOUNTING, TAX & CONSULTING
LANCE BEAUCHAMP, CPA CLS Resident
713-294-9559; Fax 281-957-5502
Air Conditioning & Heating
AIR AFFAIR
RANDY CHRONISTER CLS Resident
281-831-9008
TEMPERATURE SOLUTIONS
TODD LOUVAR
281-535-3889 office, 281-745-8264 cell
Animal Hospital
BAYSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
TRENT MURPHY, DVM CLS Resident
DALE SHEPHERD, DVM
281-334-CARE 281-334-2280-FAX
Bayside-ah.com
Art Gallary
MARY'S FRAME SHOP
MARY REILLY CHRISTIAN CLS Resident
281-535-0269
Automobile Paint & Body
FRANKS CUSTOM PAINT AND BODY
281-334-4414
FRANK TAMBORELLA, Owner Manager
PRO PAINT & BODY
DERRICK MCVANEY
281-538-1268
281-538-5506 Fax
Automobile Repair & Service
KIRK DAHL'S AUTOMOTIVE
ASE CERT. MASTER TECH
281-731-9084
PROTECH AUTOMOTIVE
ASE CERT. MASTER TECH
281-535-9331
Bank
WELLS FARGO BANK
KARA SHEA CLS Resident
281-334-5157
Beauty Salons
HAIRCRAFTERS OF KEMAH
281-538-4222
Boat Canvas
KEMAH CANVAS
CHUCK RUHL CLS Resident
281-538-4717
Child Care
MS JANET’S CHILDREN OF THE
FUTURE, INC. III
281-538-5310
Chiropractors
RUPPERT CHIROPRACTIC
Nicholas Ruppert, D.C.
832-864-2714; Fax: 832-864-2715
Frames
MARY'S FRAME SHOP
MARY REILLY CHRISTIAN CLS Resident
281-535-0269
www.kemah.net/marys
Golf Carts
GOLF CARTS OF TEXAS
DAVE BEACHER
281-538-3171; 832-814-0452
www.golfcartsoftexas.com
GULF COAST GOLF CARTS
JED H. ALLEN
281-534-9998
www.gulfcoastgolfcarts.com
Lawncare
R & C LAWNCARE
RYAN WARD CLS Resident
281-804-4962 or 281-300-3541
Mattress & Furniture
MATTRESS PRO DISCOUNTERS
281-334-7900
Medical
HARBOUR PLASTIC SURGERY
ELENA GEPPERT, M.D., P.A. CLS Resident
www.harbourplasticsurgery.com
281.334.FACE (3223)
..
Office Furniture
ERGONOMIC OFFICE FURNITURE SOLUTIONS
JOHN JAMARIK CLS Resident
281-316-2288 Fax 281-316-2295
www.eofsinc.com
Pet Boarding
BAYSIDE BED AND BISCUIT
TRISH MURPHY CLS Resident
281-334-WOOF; 281-334-9669-FAX
Bayside-bb.com
Pet Grooming
BAYSIDE BED AND BISCUIT
TRISH MURPHY CLS Resident
281-334-WOOF; 281-334-9669-FAX
Bayside-bb.com
Pet Sitting
AFFORDABLE PET SITTER
APRIL SOMMER
281-538-3614
Real Estate
ALLIANCE COMMERCIAL
ALLEN CRUTHIRDS CLS Resident
281-480-9600; 281-755-1342 Cell
281-480-9939 FAX
BRIDGECREST PROPERTIES
ROSELYN PIERCE, Broker CLS Resident
281-334-2973 Office; 281-455-0407 Cell
281-334-2973 FAX
BUYER’S RESOURCE STAR REALTY
SHANNA McGINTY CLS Resident
281-772-7716
BY THE BAY
KAY SEVERSON CLS Resident
281-334-3232; 832-526-7475 Cell
281-334-3266 FAX
RE/MAX SPACE CENTER
CAROLYN EINKAUF CLS Resident
281-823-5724 (direct); 281-334-1215 (house)
[email protected]
www.har.com/carolyn
SHORELINE PROPERTIES
LISA BOREY CLS Resident
281-450-2806-cell
281-971-1109-fax
[email protected]
www.shoreline-properties.com
Restaurants
BURGER HOUSE
600 6th St. Kemah
281-334-1600
JOE LEE'S
SUZANNE LEE CLS Resident
281-334-3711
SKIPPERS
JOHN AND TERRY
281-334-4787
SOUTH SHORE GRILLE
281-334-7700
soshoregrille.com
Scooters
SCOOTERVILLE
GARY GAMBLE, Owner
281-538-0983; 281-538-0984 FAX
Skin Care
MARY KAY
CAROLYN EINKAUF CLS Resident
281-334-1214
www.marykay.com
Tree Service
BAY AREA TREE EXPERTS
281-474-3722; 281-474-5405 FAX
Weddings & Receptions
BUTLER’S COURTYARD
RONNIE & NANCY RICHARDS CLS Residents
281-557-5551
Butlerscourtyard.com
Resident of Clear Lake Shores
Over 15 years of tax & accounting experience
(713) 294-9559
SPECIAL POOL TANK TOPS
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622 FM 2094
scootervilleinclearlake.com
Profits to benefit our lifeguards at
the end of the season
See Mike Pons for more info
“License plate” on new Suds Tub trailer painted by Eric Klusendorf
Photo by Neeltje Burns
281-557-5551
butlerscourtyard.com
122 Michigan Ave
League City, TX 77573
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Photo by Neeltje Burns
Photo by Neeltje Burns
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