Oak Rd. - Clear Lake Shores Civic Club

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DR
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Narcissus Rd.
Oak Rd.
SED
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Clear Lake Rd.
Dogwood Rd.
FISH: an animal that grows the fastest between the time it’s caught and the
time the fisherman describes it to his friends.
---author unknown
The Islander
page 2
February 2013
The Prez Sez
By Allan Batchelor
Our First meeting of 2013 will be the
7th of February. Come on out and help
us plan all the fun we are going to
have in 2013. And trust me when I say we are going
to squeeze in all the fun we can.
We will start with ManCakes on the 16th. Do you
believe it's been 10 years of ManCake fun? I have a
couple of slots open if you want to join in. Drop me a
line. I promise it will be the most fun you've ever had
in February. Like ever.
A couple of things I want to toss out. First, the
Chairman of our Board of Directors is Wanda
Dowell; she has asked that we solicit one more board
member. If you would like to serve on the Board
please contact one of the officers or Wanda directly.
The term is for two years and they meet once a
quarter. The pay is crap but it's kinda fun.
In that same vein, our longest standing committee
is looking for some relief. Our Scholarship
Committee is ready to pass the torch. And righty so
as Cindy Walbe and Bettie Jamarik have been at
the helm for several years now. Come on people, it's
not hard and planning one party a year can hardly be
considered work. Time to step up. AND I'm working
on the new Chairman burgees! So if/when you chair
a sponsored event you will get a truly one of a kind
thank you award from a grateful Civic Club. Come
on you know you want to.
Then it's on the Mardi Gras! We have a Parade on
February 9th to put on so get your purple, green and
gold on because there will definitely be a prize in
there somewhere. Check elsewhere in this issue for
details.
And that's just the beginning. We have soooo much
stuff on tap for March it ain't funny. See you at the
meeting?
The Islander
page 3
Holiday Lighting
Contest Winners
1st place:
Carey and Lynn DeRousse
205 Clear Lake Road,
2nd place:
Glen and Sharon Glass
611 W. Shore
3rd place:
Jason and Kristie Montegut
307 Maple
Pats and Pans
A place to sing the praises or bemoan
the flaws of your fellow islanders.
Signed non-political submissions are
welcome.

Thanks to our "off Island" judges for the Holiday
Lighting Contest: Evey Leavens and Pauline
Mahoney. You may remember ex-resident Pauline
for her wonderful Island photography and yearly
Island calendars. Jan Finnerty

Pats to Carey and Lynn DeRousse for donating their
$50 Holiday Lighting Prize back to the Civic Club.
Pam House

Pats to Neeltje Burns for the many years that she has
coordinated the Easter Sunrise Service. Pam House

Pats to whoever steps up to coordinate this year‘s
Easter Sunrise Service. Pam House

Pats to the wonderful roofing company who braved
the recent high winds and driving rains to cover and
then fix my sneaky little roof leak. Recommendation
on request! Jan Finnerty

Pats to Jackie Carrasco for finishing the Houston
Marathon and to Pam Helm who trained hard for her
first marathon but was sidelined by an injury just
before the race. Helle Brown
February 2013
Contacts
Civic Club Officers:
President:
Allan Batchelor
VP:
Samantha Fisher
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Jan Finnerty
Kimmy Johnson
City Services
281.787.3751
[email protected]
832.567.1677
[email protected]
[email protected]
281.513.3101
[email protected]
Islander Staff:
Editor:
Pam House
281.334.1174
[email protected]
Assistant Editor:
Helle Brown
281.334.5104
[email protected]
Ad Manager:
Mike Pons
281.538.7413
[email protected]
Billing Manager:
Dolly Groh
[email protected]
Proof Reader:
Arline Laughter
281.334.7487
Gardening Tips:
Julie Moncur
281.334.1411
[email protected]
Yard of the Month:
Judy Young
281.334.2078
[email protected]
Island People & Places Candace Mann
832.628.6266
[email protected]
The Market Report: Jennifer Moon-Ruocco [email protected]
Island Cooking:
Susan Perez
281.508.8592
[email protected]
Wining and Dining
Ronnie Richards
281.797.1970
[email protected]
Playing in the Parks
Pege Wright
[email protected]
Sunfish Sailing
Jimmy Mann
[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 Web Site: www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov
Civic Club Website: www.clscivicclub.com
Webmaster: Brian Hanby
[email protected]
Civic Club Memberships:
$20.00 per family - Renewals due July 4
The Islander
page 4
City Hall:
CLS Police:
CLS Dispatch
Municipal Court:
281.334.2799
281.334.1034
281.538.0659 #2
281.334.0697
Utilities
WCID#12:
Reliant Electric:
CenterPoint for gas leak:
Verizon Telephone
AmeriWaste, Inc:
Comcast—Cable
281.334.3331
713.207.7777
888.876.5786
800.837.4966
281.331.8400
800.266.2278
Emergency Services
Emergency only
Poison Control
Fire Department (Kemah)
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
Bayside Intermediate
Clear Creek High School
Clear Falls High School
281.284.4700
281.284.3000
281.284.2300
218.284.1100
Community Services
Helen Hall Library
Galveston Mosquito Control
281.554.1111
800.842.5622
Business Ads: Deadline: 15th of each month. All ads must
be paid in advance. Dec/Jan is a combined issue.
Classified Ads: $5.00 for 5 lines
Ad Rates
SIZE
Business card
1/4 Page
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Full Page
Black & White
3 ISSUES 6 ISSUES
$50
$ 90
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$385
YR (11 ISSUES)
$130
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Color
3 ISSUES 6 ISSUES YR (11 ISSUES)
$60
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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
SIZE
Business card
1/4 Page
1/2 Page
Full Page
February 2013
February 2013
SUN
3
MON
4
TUE
5
WED
6
7
7pm
City Council
10
11
12
THU
FRI
1
2
8
9
7pm
Civic Club
13
14
SAT
11am
Mardi Gras
Parade
15
16
8:30—11am
ManCake
17
24
18
19
City Offices
Closed
7pm
City Council
25
26
20
21
27
28
22
23
10th Annual Valentine’s
ManCake Breakfast
Civic Club Potluck & Meeting
Date:
Time:
Thursday, February 7
Potluck 7 pm
Meeting 7:30 pm
Place: Club House
Date: Saturday, Feb. 16th
Time: 8:30 - 11 am
Place: Club House
Price: $5
A — K Entrees
L — R Salads or Veggies
S — Z Desserts
Menu
Bacon or Sausage
Pancakes of Many Varieties
Juice Coffee
YOGA at the Club House
Most Wednesdays at 7 pm
Most Thursdays (except Civic Club Night) at 6:30 pm
Latin Dance at the Club House
Most Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Please contact [email protected],
Beth at 713.444.9312, or check CLS Yoga on Facebook
for notice of schedule changes
$5 / month donation suggested
The Islander
page 5
February 2013
Sunfish Sailing
By Jimmy Mann
Well there are several things to be
excited about for this first 2013 column
of Sunfish Sailing. The big one for us is
that Candie and I now have our first grandchild! Now,
not to get too off topic, but I used to think grandparents
were a little goofy when showing pictures and talking
about their grandbabies, however I now realize that you
just can‘t help yourselves. So while it may be a little early
to start thinking about Jr. Lifeguards and youth sailing
programs, I can always start thinking about a proper boat
for the little man right? I wonder if little Jaxon Logan
would like a new WETA?
So to get back on topic, wow what a super cold and wet
couple of months we‘ve had. I haven‘t even thought about
getting out in any water craft that throws spray. There
were a couple of days where I was close, but the furthest
it went was to move the Sunfish out from under the porch
to where it now sits in the driveway collecting bamboo
leaves. Hopefully warm weather isn‘t too far away and
we can all get back on the water.
In the last installment of 2012 we finished up the great
American success story of Alex Bryan and Cortland
Heyniger‘s rise to small boat building success. The fact
that always strikes me about their story is that these two
admittedly unassuming builders found success by just
doing something they enjoyed, which is a lesson we
should all consider. From Alcort‘s inception in 1945 to
their sale of the company in 1969 they invented,
improved, and marketed what has become the most
popular fiberglass sailboat ever designed, with over a
quarter million sold worldwide, so much so that it was
inducted in the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 1995.
In 1969 after 24 years in the boat business Bud and Al
had managed to build a fledgling hobby business into
something worth quite a bit of money. They had admitted
early on that they were not managers, and really had no
interest in the day to day operations, and had many years
before installed Carl Mienelt , (remember he was the guy
who drew the deck cutout in the saw dust) as the business
manager for the operation. Both men had often worried
that their small business could be taken away from them
by bigger companies, as at this point they had all of their
eggs in one basket, and in the current business climate the
company was a target for a hostile takeover. It was right
about that time that the American Machine and Foundry
Company approached the men and made a suitable offer
for the company. AMF had been buying big in the
sporting industry, and they liked the AMF executives and
the way they kept the current management on as
consultants. However after only a few years working with
AMF, Bud and Al decided they had had enough. As they
The Islander
page 6
put it, after working for yourself your whole life it was
hard to work for someone else.
As history proved, AMF did right by the Alcort model
and it continued on to become the world‘s largest
producer of sailboats. Over the years there were many
attempts to take some of the Sunfish market, but when
something is right, and at the right time and price it just
continues to sell. The things that were right about the
Sunfish in the beginning continued to be right to the
present day. The boat literally brought sailing to the
masses, by having a boat that could be easily sailed by
young and old alike, and could also be competitively
raced or lounged upon with equal joy.
The Sunfish design was sold several times in the
following years, when AMF succumbed to a hostile take
over in 1985 the Alcort Sailboat division was sold to the
Loveless & DeGarmo Company who did business as
Alcort Sailboats Inc. for two years until the rights were
bought by Pearson Yachts in 1988. Pearson reorganized
in 1991 and spun off the small boat division and named it
Sunfish /Laser. Six years later in 1997, the Vanguard
Company was acquired by Gavel securities and Vanguard
changed the name to Laser Performance who continues to
produce and market this timeless boat.
Next month we‘ll start looking at pre-season
maintenance and repair, and start thinking of getting those
boats off the rafters, from beside the house, and all those
other areas where we tucked the boats for the winter. As
always if you need help with parts, repair information, or
anything else Sunfish related give me a shout and we‘ll
get it sorted. [email protected]
February 2013
The Islander
page 7
February 2013
“Simple Food,
Big Flavors”
707 Bradford
Kemah, TX 77565
281-334-WINE(9463)
WWW.WINEDOWNKEMAH.COM
Does your dog need more exercise?
I walk dogs, giving them the exercise they
need to be fit, healthy, and happy.
Local, experienced, competitive rates.
Call today.
The Islander
Where is
This
Located?
Megan LaBernz
281-536-3270
[email protected]
See p. 26
page 8
February 2013
The Prez Sez More—Mardi Gras Parade
By Allan Batchelor
The Civic Club Mardi Gras Golf Cart Parade is ON!
Just heard from our Mistress of Ceremonies, Sam
Fischer, and she has declared February 9th, a Saturday,
as Parade day. Lineup will begin at 11 am with roll out at
Noon. We‘ll hammer out the details (perhaps red beans
and rice at the Club House afterwards) and email them as
soon as I get ‗em.
Now is a perfect time to remind everyone of a few
ground rules. First and foremost NO open containers. I
shouldn‘t even have to say that but it‘s a habit. Next, only
licensed drivers can be behind the wheel. Hear me mom
and dad?
It is also the perfect time to renew your membership
dues and yes I will happily accept your dues that morning.
Why did I add this item you ask? This parade is open to
everyone who wants to come out and join in the fun. The
more the merrier. But it is a Club function and all prizes
go to Club members only. We‘ve been a tad lax on this
provision in the past but we need to get back to basics. If
you are in doubt about your status ask me, I‘ll find out for
you. Short version, The Civic Club functions off your
dues. If you‘re having fun please consider pitching in.
Cell: 713-857-2557
Order Form for
Easter Lilies for
Sunrise Service,
Sunday, March 31
$10.00
Name:_________________________
Phone number__________________
In Honor of
Name_________________________
or
In memory of
Name_________________________
Email Club at [email protected]
or
Place in Civic Club mailbox in front of the CLS city
hall. Deadline Monday, March 25.
FEMA Open House
A FEMA ―Open House‖ is to be held in the
Ballroom of the League City Johnny Arolfo Civic
Center on February 20th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00
p.m. This is located at 400 West Walker.
At the open house, FEMA officials will be present
to help area residents with any questions regarding
flood insurance and there should be some
information on probable changes in the flood
insurance rating system.
Also, they will be able to show individual property
owners the elevations of their property and where it
is in relationship to the BFE (base flood elevation).
The Islander
page 9
Easter Sunrise Service
Volunteers Needed
Our annual Sunrise Service is planned for Sunday,
March 31, 6:30 am at Deep Hole Park (weather
permitting). Rain alternative is the Club House.
Those who have participated in years past know that it
is very special. However, we need new volunteers to
coordinate and help in order to continue the tradition.
Please let Allan Batchelor ([email protected])
know ASAP if you can help make this event continue.
February 2013
A Farewell to Paul Shelley
By Suzanne Hubbard
Paul was being considered for the position of the city‘s
first City Administrator. Council came to the conclusion
that Paul could do the job as City Administrator as well as
continue as Chief of Police. Council also rolled the
Director of Public Works into the position and basically
reduced the City headcount and payroll as a result.
It only seems fitting to pay tribute to Paul Shelley,
departing Clear Lake Shores‘ City Administrator, Public
Works Director, Emergency Management Coordinator
and former Chief of Police. He has been a dedicated
employee of the city since joining the
Pete said he was particularly proud of
police force full time in 1991.
the fact that we "promoted from within"
Paul became Chief of the Police
and Paul was a good administrator.
Department four years later in 1995.
Sally Jenkins recounted when she
In 2006 he became the first City
introduced herself to Paul Shelley he
Administrator. Paul was the stable
commented about the home they
force not only for the city offices but
recently bought stating its location. Sally
our city in general.
said she was so impressed how he kept
Paul reflected on his years of
track of the residents. It gave her a sense
service in Clear Lake Shores and said
of security and safety, validating the
he was proud of the growth of the
wonderful things she heard about Paul
police
department
under
his
and the police dept.
leadership. He recalled there were
Another resident told how Paul helped
only three paid officers when he
the night she and her husband got into a
started. Now there are eight plus the
horrible argument. As she walked it off,
chief. Most of the growth was due to
Paul appeared in a cruiser. He offered to
grants Paul was able to secure. There
return to their home to talk to her
was only one secretary and one part
husband but she declined his offer
As Ike approached.
time clerk when he began. Up until
thinking it might make things worse. She
most recently, there have been four
knew he kept an eye on their home
full time employees in the office.
which added great comfort to her.
In 2006 Paul received the Professional Achievement
―Everything I did, I did for the city and the police
Award in Law Enforcement from Gov. Rick Perry. After
department,‖ Paul stated. He will miss the staff and the
Ike, he was presented with the Outstanding Service to the
residents.
Community Award.
The speedy Ike recovery was on his list of proudest
accomplishments. Although it was out of the command
trailer, the city was up and running right after the storm.
Along with Paul, the police department, Mayor Vern
Johnson, maintenance man, Jorge Garduno and
resident, Steven Le stayed during the storm. The first
three days they slept when they could. It was 14 hour
days for three weeks after the storm. Paul recalled the
first days after Ike of driving heavy equipment while
Steve and George rode it manned with chain saws.
Paul‘s contacts were only one aspect that contributed to
him getting things done. He learned so many other ways,
too. One of which was the 1033 military program.
Keep up with the Civic Club
Through this program he was able to secure a Blazer, a
truck, two public works trucks, a Hummer, another truck,
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
a dump truck and a street sweeper for FREE. In time,
ClearLakeShoresCivicClub
some of the vehicles were sold and the city recouped the
Website: http://www.clscivicclub.com
money.
Through grants Paul was able to secure the storm
If you’d like your email added to the CLS Members
shutters for the Club House and the generators at the Club
List to receive Club announcements, please just send
House and the City Office.
your address to [email protected]
Pete Carrothers recalled his time on Council when
The Islander
page 10
February 2013
Health & Wellness
By Rai Hanby
Of course, we know that we should,
but lets face it – not everyone actually
enjoys exercise. But what if improving
your health were as simple as cracking a smile or
taking a stroll?
Research studies have actually shown that walking
on a regular basis offers numerous health benefits:
 Reduces risk of heart disease or stroke
 Lowers risk of heart disease, high blood pressure,
colon cancer, & diabetes
 May help protect against certain types of cancer,
such as breast cancer
 Helps to control joint swelling and pain from
arthritis.
 Helps keep your bones, muscles, and joints
healthy
 Reduces anxiety and depression, boosting your
mood
 Eases stress
 Increases energy
 Helps to provide more restful sleep
 Improves self-esteem
 Provides an opportunity to socialize actively with
friends and family.
Everyone has heard the old saying, ―Laughter is
the best medicine.‖ But did you know that it‘s
actually true? Laughter is a powerful antidote to
stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or
more dependably to bring your mind and body back
into balance than a good laugh.
 Relax the entire body: A good, hearty laugh
relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your
muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
 Boost the immune system: Laughter reduces
stress hormones and increases immune cells,
which can boost the immune system.
 Endorphin Release: Laughter triggers the release
of endorphins, which promote an overall sense of
well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
 Protect the heart: Laughter improves the function
of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which
can help protect you against a heart attack and
other cardiovascular problems.
Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh (or
even a smile) can go a long way toward making you
and those around you feel better. And laughter really
The Islander
is contagious—just hearing laughter primes the brain
and readies you to smile and join in the fun.
For healthy tips, recipes and exercise advice, visit
facebook.com/GetFit4Us
[Rai Hanby is a former CLS resident; her husband,
Brian, still volunteers his services as our webmaster.
Editor]
page 11
February 2013
Dave Compeau –CLS resident
AKA AC Dave
832-274-3551
Home Appliances
Boat Air & Heat
Home Generator Sales & Installation
NEW! Factory incentives
As Low as $10,500
AC COIL CLEANING SPECIAL $75
The Islander
page 12
February 2013
Playing in the Parks: Island Style
By Pege Wright
Wow, January is almost gone, we have
had warm and cold weather…nowhere but
the Gulf Coast and aren‘t we glad we live
here!!!
The long awaited water fountains are here and will be
installed by the time you read this…WOOOHOOO,
another project done…
The Children‘s Park
on Grove is the just
that! There are new
signs that say ―NO
DOGS ALLOWED‖
and that is just what it
means so please don‘t
take your dogs there.
We
are
still
collecting names on
the petition for a DOG
PARK so if you have
not
signed
said
petition
and
feel
strongly about it,
please let a member of
the Parks Committee know and we will get you to the
right person… Many residents are in favor of such a park
and this project really needs your support. If we work
together, we can make it happen!
OK, I know, we have been talking about the first order
of bricks and saying it is about to go in so if you have
been ―meanin‘ to‖ get your order in, don‘t wait; get in
touch with Dolly Groh and order it NOW! We are really
going to finally do this at the end of February so if you
want to surprise someone for Valentine‘s Day, DO IT!
We will be working later this Spring to clean up some
of the areas in the parks and will be asking for volunteers
to help trim bushes, plant flowers and who knows what
else needs doing. If you have any ideas, please don‘t
hesitate to share them with us as we are always looking
for things that need doing.
We would really like to do a Community Garden, we
have the space and the desire, what
we need to complete this project is a
dedicated volunteer to ensure the
project getting completed. So if you
know about gardening and would
like to volunteer your time, please
get
in
touch
with
me…
[email protected]
I said this last month, but it is
worth repeating this month…It has
been an honor and my pleasure to
serve as the Parks Committee Chair
these last six months and I look
forward to another great year on
Clear Lake Shores. The committee is
made up of some really wonderful
people that are dedicated to making
a difference in a good way…when you see them, please
be sure to thank them for all they do… Dolly Groh, Helle
Brown, Marta Rudy, Diana Chronister, Dennis
Roberson, Suzanne Hubbard, Vern Johnson (liaison),
and me!
We have several things planned and are always open for
suggestions…let us hear from you and remember
You help make our island the great place it is…
Clear Lake Shores Engraved Brick Order Form
Purpose: The Engraved Brick Fundraising Program is designed to provide an opportunity for Clear Lake Shore residents to
donate an engraved brick, size (8" by 4" by 2¼") to be placed in one of our parks on the Island and the money generated fro m
the sale of these bricks will be used for the parks on the Island.
Each brick will allow 1 -3 lines of engraving with 18 -20 spaces per line. The message on the brick must be of good taste. Some
examples for brick dedication could be for organizations, clubs, in memory of (Memorials), birthdays, graduation, family names,
friends names, pet names, or special dates to name a few.
Cost: $25.00 per brick. Checks must be made out to the City of Clear Lake Shores and turned in to the City Office for
processing. This is a City of Clear Lake Shores Parks Committee project.
Engraved Message/Wording: (1 – 3 lines with no more than 18 -20 characters per line): Please print clearly – spaces count as
one character. Thank you for your donation!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Islander
page 13
February 2013
NEW AD
NEW AD
NEW AD
Mon-Fri 11am to 7 pm
Sat 10 am to 5 pm
Sun 11 am to 3 pm
Tamales for SAIL
at
ALAMO TAMALES
832-864-2111
620 Marina Bay Dr.
(Next to Scooterville)
Buy a Dozen and get
1/2 Dozen Regular Tamales Free!
Expires 06/30/13
Buy a Med. or Large Tamale Plate and receive
the second one 50% off
Expires 06/30/13
The Islander
page 14
February 2013
Christmas
Party
12
12--6-2012
SNOW
FUN
(special
delivery)
12
12--12
12--12
Snow photos by
Suzanne Hubbard
The Islander
page 15
February 2013
The Islander
page 16
February 2013
Island People and Places
By Candace Mann
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Comings and Goings:
Neighbors, please help me welcome
Austin, Marena and Jaxon Logan to the island!
Marena is our daughter and she brings with her a
wonderful husband and our first grandchild!!! They are
all happy to be here/back in CLS. Actually, she is the
reason the Manns live on the island! When we moved
back from Costa Rica in ‗08, we were looking for a home
so she could live with us and finish high hchool. She and
Jimmy actually picked our awesome home on Narcissus
where we live now even before I got back to the states. Of
course Marena only got to live on the island for four
months and then Ike ruined her portion of the house.
Anyway…we are so happy the family has moved back to
the area and our grandson is close by.!
Austin works in the oil industry and really enjoys his
work. He is happy to finally have a man-cave and have
room to stretch out. Marena is looking for others who
would like to walk with her or do other newborn baby
activities. She is a stay at home mom presently so has
plenty of time to get out and enjoy the area. Jaxon, who
is one month old now, seems to be settling in well to the
island. Along with a new baby, the Logan‘s have a
Chihuahua named Fitch, and two cats, Murphy and Shilo.
The Mann‘s are so happy to have them here!! Welcome!
Please welcome Debbie Darwin who is soooo happy to
be living in Clear Lake Shores! She is originally from the
Gulf Coast area and lived in Seabrook during Hurricane
Ike which damaged her home. Since the hurricane, she‘s
been living like a modern-day gypsy, traveling around the
country, not knowing where she wanted to re-build her
life. She even experienced living in a small travel trailer
that she pulled around the country (completely by herself)
for a year. She loves to travel and has lived overseas in
New Zealand and England for several years. She‘s a
world traveler and loves meeting new people,
experiencing other cultures, sightseeing and enjoying
different foods and wines. This year she‘s heading to
Ireland as she‘s never visited that beautiful country and
has always wanted to see it…another destination off her
bucket list!
During a visit this past October to see her family, she
decided she wanted to move back to this area. Her dream
was to find a little ―Bungalow by the Sea.‖ She was
driving around and looking at different places and
decided to look in Clear Lake Shores. As she drove up
and down the streets, she happened upon the little yellow
bungalow on Narcissus and she instantly knew she had
found her home. Her neighbors have been so warm and
welcoming and she feel s very blessed to have her dream
The Islander
come true and live on our beautiful little island. She also
enjoy sailing and SUPs. She says she can‘t wait to meet
all of the CLS islanders! Welcome home Debbie!
Local Real Estate News:
Sales of homes throughout the greater Houston area
never let up in 2012, driven by a combination of strong
local jobs numbers and historically low interest rates.
December marked the 19th straight month that sales were
in the black, and it was another month in which housing
inventory shrunk and prices rose. In fact, both median and
average home prices achieved historic highs as the year
came to a close.
On our island for the past 3 months we‘ve had:
SOLD:
6 Homes
7 Rentals
2 Lots
PENDING:
2 Homes
1 Rental
ACTIVE:
7 Homes
4 Rentals
15 Lots
Woohoo, January is over! That means only one more
month of winter, right? While it‘s still cold, you might
want to knock out those last bits of interior organization,
get the golf cart all primed up ready to go and have your
heat/ac annual service.
See you out there!
The Official Blame It On Mike
Joke of the Month
Here's a little tip that we thought would be
interesting to share with you all to build up your upper
body strength. It's really easy and takes no time at all
but works great.
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where
you have plenty of room at each side. With a 2kg
potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight
out from your sides and hold them there as long as
you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.
Each day, you'll find that you can hold this position
for just a bit longer.
After a couple of weeks, move up to 5kg potato
bags.
Then try 10kg potato bags and then eventually try
to get to where you can lift a 20kg potato bag in each
hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full
minute. (we are very proud, we are at this level)
After you feel confident at this level, put a potato
in each of the bags.
page 17
February 2013
Island Gardening Tips
By Julie Moncur
Brrrrrrrrr a bit too chilly out in
January to garden for me, besides the
great rain (messy, but we need it).
Now is a good time to do planning for any changes you
want to make to your yard or garden. Lots of plant sales
will be coming up and you can pick up nice perennials
and veggies at our Farmer's Market. In February Tabitha
Holt and Bill Wyatt will be back with planting tips in
person.
 The Fruit tree and veggie sales are coming up.
Announcements of the Galveston and Harris County
sales are in this issue. The best time to get trees and
plant is early spring. This year the Harris County
Precinct 2 Master Gardeners will have a new sale for
tomatoes and peppers in March. See details next
month.
 A thought for St. Valentine's day, think of giving
someone you love (including yourself!) a living
potted plant that will continue to grow and be a
reminder of love all year. Go for easy to care for
plants like begonias in a colorful or nicely wrapped
pot.
 Got roses? Except for climbers (which can be pruned
most any time), think of pruning around the 14th.
Take advantage and shape them like you want them
to grow in their space.
 Start setting out gladiolus bulbs at 2 week intervals up
to May or early June for extended bloom season.
 Time to transplant mature or established trees and
shrubs while they are dormant.
 Plant bare-root roses, fruit and shade trees, pecans
and dormant shrubs. Wait until plants put on new
growth before lightly fertilizing with 15-5-10 or a
water-soluble fertilizer.
 Overwatering kills houseplants. Allow soil surface to
dry between watering. Use liquid Miracle Grow
houseplant food every time you water. Plants need
nutrients just like we do!
 Watch for aphids on new growth of apples pears and
other fruits. Blast ‗em off with a water hose. If you
need chemicals use malathion or Sevin sprays. Better
yet, use Neem Oil mixed with water per bottle
instructions for a more natural bug deterrent.
 Lightly fertilize spring bloomers, including pansies
and snapdragons. Again with bloodmeal or 21-0-0.
 Prune all hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora roses
on the 15th or by end of the month. Do not prune
those climbers until after their bloom cycle is
finished.
 Plant seeds for an old fashion perennial bed:
nasturtium, ageratum, portulaca, sunflower, torenia,
The Islander
and zinnia.
 To attract butterflies, plant ageratum, phlox, buddleia,
salvia, rudbeckia, bee balm and lantana.
 Divide crowded canna tubers for tall vigorous plants
with more blooms.
 Plant late spring and summer blooming annual seed
and perennial plants.
 Look for bagworms on juniper, cypress and other
trees and shrubs. Handpick now to reduce spring
population levels.
 Empty your used tea bags around the base of azaleas
and camellias. They will benefit from the acid in the
tea leaves.
 Pot plumerias near end of the month; move outside on
pretty days. For larger plumerias, sink the pot in the
ground; helps them stay upright.
 Loosen the compacted soils around early spring
annuals to insure aeration.
HAPPY ISLAND GARDENING!
page 18
GALVESTON COUNTY FRUIT & CITRUS
TREES FOR THE GULF COAST PLANT SALE
Saturday, February 2, 2012 9:00 a.m. ‘til 1:00 p.m.
Plant preview 8:00 a.m.
Wayne Johnson Community Center
in Carbide Park, La Marque
HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 2
February 16, 2013- FRUIT TREE SALE,
Citrus, Tropicals, Berries and grapes,
8:00 a.m. Plant Overview,
Sale 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m Campbell Hall Pasadena
Fairgrounds 7600 Red Bluff Rd
February 2013
281-731-7967
Shop online at www. Royal-Indulgence.com
Elegance and the wow factor describe the new
business now open in Clear Lake Shores. Royal
Indulgence Boutique‘s Owner, Myna Mungle and Sales
and Marketing Director, Era Lee Caldwell have created
a showroom filled with a beautiful selection of china,
crystal, stemware, bar accessories, and much more
luxurious décor for your yacht and home.
Open 10 to 6, Tuesday through Saturday.
Moon Caye #113
Includes boat slip
281-731-7967
1993 Christmas Golf Cart Parade
The Islander
page 19
Photos by Britton Laughter
February 2013
Beautiful
Inside
Showroom
Winter
Specials
Now
Available
Free BBQ
Every Saturday
The Islander
www.gulfcoastpalapas.com
832 - 282 - 2740
page 20
3003 HWY 146
Bacliff, TX
February 2013
A Welcome to George Jones
From an interview by Katherine McIntyre
George Jones was hired as the new City Administrator
and started work on January 2nd. He comes with a
wealth of experience — 32 years of municipal
employment in positions from finance director to
manager.
He grew up in East Texas in the small community of
Wells where his father ran a gas and grocery store. He is
the fourth of five children in his family. After graduating
from high school, he went to Texas A&M and graduated
with a degree in business management. Not to date him,
but when he was a student there, a semester at A&M cost
$600.
George‘s first job was working for Montgomery Ward
in Bartlesville, OK. He worked there a couple years and
then decided that there was not much opportunity for
advancement, so he decided to change jobs. His next
location was Lufkin. After a couple years there, he
moved back to Bartlesville and worked for the city as
purchasing agent. He was promoted to finance director
and city clerk. He took early retirement in 2005 after
working for Bartlesville for 25 years.
Finding that he wasn‘t really ready for retirement, he
worked as city administrator in Woodville, TX and then
as city manager in Drumright, Oklahoma. But he felt the
pull of Texas urging him back, so he started researching
openings in Texas city governments. Out of 51
applications received by the City of Clear Lake Shores for
the position of City Administrator, he was the top
candidate.
George said the one thing he would like us to know
about him is that he has a strong work ethic. He has been
working since he was 12 years old. He said he has found
out that Clear Lake Shores is a beautiful place to work
and live.
We‘ve already spotted him, accompanied by his lovely
wife, at community events. We‘re looking forward to
getting to know him better.
Welcome to our little slice of paradise, George.
The Islander
page 21
TEEN JOB CLASSIFIED
Trevor Remak, Age 15, 281.334.2186
PS
LC
HS
Anna Willits, Age 14, 832.425.8420
BS
PS
T
PT
HS
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
by the 16th of each month,
or email [email protected]
February 2013
The Islander
page 22
February 2013
Island Wining & Dining
Yoga
By Ronnie Richards
By Beth Atherton
Most of the time we drive right by this
restaurant without even noticing it, but
lately I find myself pulling in for a great
meal that is really value priced and always fresh. IHOP
formerly known as the International House of Pancakes is
best known for its breakfast and late night or after hours
dining "experience." And I mean experience because
there's no telling who or what you will run into there late
at night.
From crepes to chicken
fried steak there's not
much they don't have on
the menu - and you can
order any menu item any
time of day! My guess is
they have the largest
breakfast menu selection of any restaurant. I mean they
have twelve omelet selections plus "Create Your Own
Omelets" with every ingredient except the kitchen sink
available. Then there's the French toast, waffles,
pancakes, and savory crepes to choose from. Can you
believe they offer New York Cheese Cake pancakes and
red velvet pancakes?
The kids menu for 12 and under is really great and
everything on there is 600 calories or less. Speaking of
that, they have a number of healthy combinations for
adults they call ―Simple and Fit.‖ I always order the
Simple and Fit grilled balsamic-glazed chicken. It‘s only
$8.99 and consists of a grilled boneless chicken breast
topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, diced tomatoes
and a balsamic glaze. It's served with a side salad (a really
nice sized one) and steamed broccoli. They have French
onion pot roast, steak, fried shrimp and chicken, salads,
soups, burgers and a super sandwich selection.
For us mature diners over 55 there is an incredible
bargain menu with every meal at $5.99 or less. They
always ask me for my photo ID when I order off this
menu because they can't believe I'm a senior. I guess it's
all the fresh air and clean living on the island that keeps
me looking young.
Curious about yoga? Why don‘t you join us at the Club
House. We always have fun and feel great when we leave
and sleep better that night. My yoga style might be
considered a little irreverent. No ohming or chanting, no
mantras or meditation. But you will have fun!
All you need is comfortable clothes that can stretch. It‘s
one of the few exercises you do barefoot. We‘ve even got
a mat you can borrow your first time. We meet most
Wednesdays at 7 and Thursdays at 6:30. You can give me
a call or check our Facebook site – CLS Yoga.
Class size is normally small, 4 to 6. We start the class
with a few poses that warm your body up, add in a few
stretches that feel good. Next we move into some strength
and stretching poses called Warriors. If your knees aren‘t
up for it, you can even do these in a chair. Next we move
on to balancing poses. The classic one is tree pose, but we
do several. Then we move to the floor for some additional
strength and stretching poses. My favorite is pigeon pose
which opens up the hips and often reduces back pain. A
few more stretches and then we finish with shavasana –
final relaxation.
I received most of my yoga training from YogaFit®.
YogaFit is designed to improve the health, performance,
and mental acuity of athletes or individuals interested in
improving their level of fitness. Based on the ancient
fitness science of hatha yoga, it blends balance, strength,
flexibility and power in a fitness format. YogaFit
overcomes the mystery of
yoga by delivering a
practical,
user-friendly
style, which is accessible,
understandable, and doable
by individuals at any level
of fitness. The YogaFit style
reduces the risk of injury
and augments recovery for
ailments including stress,
lower back pain and tension.
I am registered RYT200
with YogaAlliance®.
Classified Ads
NEED COMPUTER HELP? Ask for Sid.
Home or Business WiFi or Wired Networks, Cable
TV or Sat TV Wiring, Camera Wiring, Laptops for
sale. Low rates for Island folks! Contact:
281.813.0941 or [email protected]
The Islander
page 23
February 2013
Answers to puzzle on p
An s
NEW AD
The Islander
page 24
February 2013
Yellow and Black Mud Dauber Maze
By Erik Klusendorf
Finish
Start
Answer to puzzle on p26
Actual size
Placing spider with eggs
and sealing entrance
Pupa
Feeding on Spider
The Islander
page 25
February 2013
Did You Know Where This Was?
Answers to puzzle on p 25
Oak Rd at South Shore Dr.
Looking north
The Islander
page 26
February 2013
Island Cooking
By Susan Perez
I had this dish at Bettie Jamaric’s
house during the holidays and I thought it
was so delicious. I asked her to share the
recipe with me for The Islander. I think you will enjoy
this.
Chicken Cacciatore
3
large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1
12oz. jar artichokes, chopped
1
large onion, chopped
3
garlic cloves, minced
8
oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1
teaspoon oregano
1
teaspoon basil
1
teaspoon salt and pepper
1
teaspoon rosemary
1
14 oz. chopped tomatoes with juice
1
15 oz. can tomato sauce
½
cup sliced black olives
½
cup red wine
8
oz. Mozzerella cheese
1. Cut raw chicken breast into strips.
2. Brown chicken in fry pan. Add onions, garlic,
mushrooms and artichokes. Saute for a few minutes.
3. Add rest of the ingredients and stir.
4. Place in a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 45 minutes
covered.
5. Uncover and add the cheese. Bake for about 5
minutes uncovered in the oven. (until cheese is
melted.
6. Serve with rice.
The howls from the other
pet residents of the island
have been heard and we are
responding.
Next month the feline
contingent will be heard
from — the next issue of
The Islander will
highlight
March Meow Madness
We’re looking for photos and
stories about cats and
kittens (pro or con).
Please submit your stories to
Pam House at
[email protected]
Please submit your photos to
Helle Brown at
[email protected]
Submissions from dogs and
birds are welcome (but we
reserve the right to edit out
foul language).
The Islander
page 27
February 2013
The Islander
page 28
February 2013