The district states that they need more classroom space and our current buildings are in dire need of maintenance and repair. If this is the case, why didn’t we spend the millions of dollars of recent bond money on classroom space and maintenance that would benefit all students, instead of a new fine arts building, competition gym, state-of-the-art field house, new concession stands and refurbished stadium that only benefit a few?

We aren’t opposed to building schools to house students, but to ask already overburdened taxpayers to provide for extras -- such as hand-held computers for every 7th grader, costly architecture, lighting at junior high fields, a new auditorium -- seems to be reaching too deep into the pockets of parents and citizens.

AISD homeowners have seen their tax burden increase significantly over the last several years due to increasing property values and an increasing tax rate. At the same time, people have seen their cost of living increase dramatically due to the rise in fuel and electricity prices. Before asking homeowners to tighten their budget yet again to provide more money for the school district, shouldn’t the school district look within and see where they could tighten their own budget?

Is this bond election at this time really in the best interests of the citizens of the Alvin/Manvel area?

I know by now you have seen the article in the newspapers regarding the State of the City Address that I gave on October 18 at Grace United Methodist Church. I do want to personally thank Rev. Sue Carter for her graciousness and generosity in hosting this event along with the Connie Ellis and the Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to read the entire presentation.

Just highlighting a few items: The city has a working budget of $2,398,400.00 and $252,872.74 in the reserve account. We are still waiting to finalize the 2005 budget and I will announce the surplus at that time. The employees were given a 3% raise. The city pays 100% of their health insurance including vision and dental. The $300,000 loan the City Council took out in 1999 has finally been paid back to First National Bank.

The City was able to achieve the $2.8 million dollar loan from the Texas Water Development Board WITH NO TAX INCREASE TO OUR CITIZENS. The sales tax for the year of 2004 was $239, 403.68. The sales tax for just the first 7 MONTHS of 2005 was $317, 285. 02. This sales tax increase is largely due to Hope Lumber and their $4 plus million dollar monthly sales. Jobs have increased greatly in Manvel. Hope Lumber brought in 35+ jobs, PS Fabricators brought in 100 jobs and adding, Southern Ford brought in 70 jobs and have added 40 more. The list goes on and on.

We are actively working on our projects under the direction of our project manager, Dale Conger. Five miles of roads to be rebuilt and overlaid are on the Public Works agenda.

The Manvel Police Department will have an Open House and Trick-or-Treats for the children on Friday, October 28 from 6 to 8:30pm. The MVFD will again be handing out candy in front of city hall on Halloween night from 6:00 – 8:30.

The 100-gun raffle put on by the Manvel Lions’ Club was a tremendous success, surpassing last year’s event. The City of Manvel proudly salutes the Lions Club for their hard work and dedication to any project they undertake.

Much is happening in our city right how. Meetings with prospective developers are occurring daily. We pledge to serve the Manvel community to the best of our ability, to direct growth so that it will compliment and not be a distraction to the area, to remain open-minded on any project we are asked to consider, to stay user-friendly whenever and where ever possible and to always work as a team…for TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

“Delores M. Martin, Mayor

Alvin Community College Student Activities will host a blood drive on Nov. 29 and 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the game room of Building E.  ACC is located at 3110 Mustang Drive in Alvin.  For more information, contact Student Activities at (281) 756-3686.

The Alvin Community College Theatre Department will present its holiday performance of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson on Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 8-10 in the main campus theatre, 3110 Mustang Road.  Performances on Dec. 3, 9 and 10 will be at 8 p.m., Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 10 a.m.  For more information or to reserve tickets, call the Box Office at (281) 756-3606.

The Alvin Community College Concert Choir and Singers will host its annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Alvin.   The event will feature Christmas musical favorites by the choir accompanied by harp and a performance by dancer Sandra Organ.  The concert is free to the public.  First United Methodist Church of Alvin is located at 611 W. South.  For more information, contact ACC Chair of the Music Department Kevin Moody at (281) 756-3587.

The Alvin Community College Foundation will be hosting its annual Christmas Gala on Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., at the Nolan Ryan Center.  There will be a wine reception, dinner, silent and live auction and musical entertainment.  The event is held each year to raise funds for ACC Foundation scholarships and staff development.  For more information, contact Wendy Del Bello, ACC Administrative Coordinator and Foundation Director, at (281) 756-3600 or wdelbello@alvincollege.edu.  The Nolan Ryan Center is located on the ACC main campus, 3110 Mustang Road.

Telephone and WebACCess registration for the Spring 2006 semester at Alvin Community College begins on Nov.14. Registering for classes now benefits students and the college in numerous ways.

For students, it helps ensure that there will space for them in the class, eliminates the last-minute rush and long lines during on-campus registration, allows more time to schedule work, family and extracurricular activities around classes, allows more time to handle unforeseen situations and helps make the registration process much easier.

For ACC, registering for classes before next year helps the staff and faculty prepare for semester needs earlier, reduce the possibility of a class being canceled for not meeting minimum requirements and provide better service to students by reducing long lines during the registration process.

Telephone and WebACCess registration will be held through Jan. 10.  On-campus registration will be held Dec. 12-13 and Jan. 9 and 10. The Spring 2006 schedule will be available online, at www.alvincollege.edu, on Oct. 28. 

For more information, contact the ACC Admissions and Academic Advising Office at (281) 756-3531.

Fun, Food, Games, Prizes, and ‘Free’

September has been a rather busy month. With budget planning, re adjusting speed limits on Masters Road and managing the turbulent weather, there was never any idle time. The 2005-2006 budget passed by City Council on September 26, 2005 is $2,398,400. The tax rate is .648560. The tax rate for last year was .659603. Since 2001 when the tax rate was .734803, we have decreased the tax rate yearly. We have increased the over-65 and handicap exemptions to $65,000. While we have steadily decreased the tax rate, the appraisals have steadily increased which we have no control over.

Congratulations to Officer J. D. Green who apprehended two suspects for stealing building materials at Rodeo Palms. To show their appreciation to Officer Green, Legend Homes gave him gift certificates to a local restaurant.

I cannot say enough regarding the wonderful work the Manvel Police Department did during the evacuation time on SH6. With the help of James Graham, Larry Akery and John Aucoin of the MVFD, the police were able to guide and patrol the traffic for 13 hours straight. The MVFD also had 8 firemen that strayed behind, including these three to help within the town if they were needed.

The police constantly stayed on 24-hour patrol with a curfew in place during the time we were being threatened by “Rita”. They were ably assisted by the Public Works Department who were also on 24-hour duty. The Manvel EMS was in constant demand and was ably assisted by the Fort Bend EMS. The men and women of these 4 organizations put aside the welfare of themselves and their families to serve the City Manvel to the fullest degree. I have heard numerous comments that the only visible police along their evacuation journey were the Manvel Police. God Bless You All for your dedication!!! Let us hope and pray no more storms will come our way.

Mid November seems to be an eternity away. Please keep City Hall informed if you know of anyone who would need help in case of a mandatory evacuation. The telephone number is 281 489 0630.

Dale Conger, our Project Manager, is reviewing the five major projects of the city and will discuss the projects with the City Council at their next workshop. Public Works will submit a list of roads to be considered by City Council for refurbishment. A generator for the water plant will be considered in case of loss of power.

Thank you for your continued support. Delores M. Martin, Mayor

Join numerous radio and television media celebrities to “Rock for the Cure” on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Nolan Ryan Center in Alvin.   The event is being sponsored by the Alvin Community College Foundation to benefit Radio/Television Broadcasting Director Cathy Forsythe who has been battling cancer.  Celebrities scheduled to appear include: Wendy Miller of KIOL ROCK 103.7, sports aficionado Craig Roberts of The Tube, Voice of the Houston Astros and Radio Hall of Fame’s Milo Hamilton, The Minute Maid Park Voice of the Houston Astros Bob Ford, Dayna Steele of the BizRadio Network, Ernie Manouse of KUHT, Kevin Eschenfelder of FOX Sports, Dave Summers of KHMX MIX 96.5, Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 News, Tom Fontaine and Robert B. McEntire of 100.3 KILT, Marc Vandermeer, Voice of the Houston Texans, Capella Tucker of Houston Public Radio, Jay Hagins, president of the Houston Advertising Federation, Mark Landis of K-ROCK102.7 in San Antonio and many more.  The ACC Radio/Television Broadcasting Department and KACC 89.7 FM will also host a reunion of former students in conjunction with the event.   In addition to KACC broadcasting live from “Rock for the Cure,” there will be a silent and live auction.  Tickets are $25 each and include a wine reception, hors d’ oeuvres and admission into the Nolan Ryan Museum.  For more information about “Rock for the Cure” or to purchase tickets, contact Wendy Del Bello, ACC Administrative Coordinator, at (281) 756-3600 or wdelbello@alvincollege.edu.  The Nolan Ryan Center is located on the ACC main campus, 3110 Mustang Road. 

The Alvin Community College Theatre Department will present its fall performance of “Wait Until Dark” by Frederick Knott on Oct. 8-9 and Oct. 13-15 in the main campus theatre, 3110 Mustang Road.  Performances on Oct. 8, 14 and 15 will be at 8 p.m., Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and Oct. 13 at 10 a.m.  For more information or to reserve tickets, call the Box Office at (281) 756-3606.

The Alvin Community College Theatre Department will hold auditions for its Christmas production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson on Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., in the main campus theatre, 3110 Mustang Road.  “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” has roles for four men, six women, speaking roles for eight boys ages 7-13, nine girls ages 7-13, plus choir members ages 6-13, baby angels ages 5-7, and shepherds ages 6-13.  The play will be performed Dec. 3-4 and 8-10.  For more information, contact Dr. Jay Burton, chair of the ACC Drama Department, at (281) 756-3607. 

The Alvin Community College Athletic Department will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 17 at Magnolia Creek Golf Links, located at 1501 West Bay Area Boulevard in League City.  The event is held each year to raise funds for athletic equipment and needs of the department.  For more information, contact the ACC Athletic Department at (281) 756-3691.

The Alvin Community College Allied Health Programs will sponsor their annual Fall Fitness Fair on Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the main campus.  The event will focus on health awareness, prevention and treatment awareness and the importance of positive lifestyle habits.  Numerous health screenings, informational booths and healthcare professionals will be available.  There is no charge to attend the event and many of the screenings will be free. Flu shots will be available for $25.  For more information, contact Diane Flatland, chair of the ACC Respiratory Care Department, at (281) 756-3658.  ACC is located at 3110 Mustang Road.

October 22, 2^{nd Annual Mutt Strutt & Costume Contest}

Alvin Community College will host the 2nd Annual Mutt Strutt on Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the main campus, 3110 Mustang Road.  There will be a two-mile fun run, two-mile walk and costume contest.  Registration is $20 prior to Oct. 18 and $30 from Oct. 19 until the day of the event.  All proceeds go to the City of Alvin Animal Shelter Building Fund.  Vendor and rescue organization booths are available.  For more information, contact Deanna Dick, ACC math instructor, at (281) 756-3704 or Lynn Goswick, director of ACC Media Services, at (281) 756-3569.

The Alvin Community College Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography Department will host an open house on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The event, held during Sonography Awareness Month, will provide live scanning demonstrations, information about the program, refreshments and an opportunity to meet the faculty and students.  The open house will be held at the main campus, 3110 Mustang Road, in Room D249.  For more information, call (281) 756-3892.

Alvin Community College will hold its monthly Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., in the Nolan Ryan Center Community Room.  ACC is located at 3110 Mustang Road in Alvin.  For more information, contact Wendy Del Bello, ACC Administrative Coordinator, at (281) 756-3600.

Alvin Community College will host its annual Fall Festival & Carnival on Oct. 29 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the main campus.  There will be numerous games and activities for the kids.  The event is held each year to give area children and their families a fun and safe alternative to Halloween.  For more information, contact Student Activities at (281) 756-3686.  ACC is located at 3110 Mustang Road.

See article

5:00 – 7:00, Hwy. 6

We are in the process of decommissioning the wastewater plant on Lewis Lane. New lines are being added to divert the flow to the wastewater plant on Corporate Drive. Surveys for: Hope Lumber 12” water line, bringing on an emergency water well on School Road, expansion of Corporate Wastewater plant to 500,000 gallon and the new water well, expansion of water lines and the elevated storage tank are being finalized.

Congratulations to Officer J.D. Green, MPD, for capturing two suspects caught stealing lumber from Legend Homes in Rodeo Palms. Thank you for a job well done! Congratulations to Officer Robert Finley who retired from the Manvel City Council to join the MPD. Please keep Brenda Rice, our Court Administrator, in your prayers. She has been diagnosed with cancer. Please mark your calendars with September 16th and 17th for the Open House planned for Southern Ford at CR59 and SH288. A new Mustang will be given away on September 17th between 12 and 9. Thank you for your continued support. “Together WE CAN make a difference.”

You are invited to join other students, parents, teachers and staff members at the AISD night at the Astros September 7th at 7:05 p.m. They will be playing the Cincinnati Reds.

A special ½ price ticket for Field Boxes $16.50, Mezzanine $6.50, Bullpen Boxes $10.50 and View Deck $5.00 seats are available. For ticket purchases of 19 or less log on to; ticketmaster.com/promo/7502. Your password is astros1alvin. The Internet order deadline is the day prior to the game. For group tickets purchases of 20 or more, call J.B. Cheatham at 713-259-8337.

www.Anysoldier.com is a web site started from a simple family effort to help a son, Army Sergeant Brian Horn, who was one of the 1,000 soldiers who parachuted into Northern Iraq on March 26th, 2003. They knew his unit, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was living under very rough conditions, and we were sending Brian care packages as often as we could. They wanted to help the soldiers who were with Brian so they started this web site on August 26th, 2003, and asked friends and neighbors to help send their support. The idea caught on, fast. By Christmas Eve 2003 the site was a complete success. On January 1st, 2004 the site was expanded to the armed forces all over the world.

Not only does this site include the option to choose a man or woman, select the branch of the service, find out what they need, but also click onto the USPS to receive a box of mailing boxes, tape, forms, etc. The boxes have a set fee for the specific box. It is not set by weight, but by size. They make it very easy to send something to a needy serviceman or woman.

On the way back to the PMAC in a cart, it looked like the scene in the movie Outbreak. FEMA officials, U.S. Marshals, National Guard, and of course the survivors. Black Hawks were carrying in victims who were stranded on roofs. Buses rolled in from N.O. with other survivors. As Michael and I rode back to the PMAC, a lady fell out of her wheelchair and we scrambled to help her up.

We met Coach Miles and Coach Moffiit in the PMAC to see all the survivors and it was the view of a hospital. Stretchers rolled in constantly and for the first time in my life I saw someone die right in front of me. A man rolled in from New Orleans and was badly injured on his head. 5 minutes later he was dead. And that was the scene all night. What did we do, we started hauling in supplies. And thousands of boxes of supplies. The CDC from Atlanta arrived directing us what to do.

One of the U.S. Marshals was on hand so the supplies could not become loot. I asked him what his primary job was. He serves on the committee of counter terrorism, but once he saw of the disaster, he donated his forces to come help. He said the death toll could be nearing 10,000. It was sickening to hear that.

After unloading supplies, I started putting together baby cribs and then IV poles. Several of our fball players and Big Baby and Tasmin Mitchell helped us. At the same time, families and people strolled in. Mothers were giving birth in the locker rooms. The auxiliary gym "Dungeon" was being used as a morgue. I couldn't take myself down there to see it.

I worked from 8 pm until 2:45 am. Before I left three more buses rolled in and they were almost out of room. People were standing outside, the lowest of the low from NO. The smells, the sights were hard to take.
A man lying down on a cot asked me to come see him. He said,” I just need someone to talk to, to tell my story because I have nobody and nothing left. He turned out to be a retired military veteran. His story was what everybody was saying. He thought he survived the worst, woke up this morning and the levees broke. Within minutes water rushed into his house. He climbed to the attic, smashed his way through the roof and sat there for hours. He was completely sunburned and exhausted. Nearly 12 hours later a chopper rescued him and here he was.

We finished the night hauling boxes of body bags and more were on the way. As we left, a man was strolled in on a stretcher and scarily enough he suffered gunshots. The paramedic said he was shot several times because a looter or a convict needed his boat and he wouldn't give it to him. Another man with him said it was "an uncivilized society no better than Iraq down there right now." A few minutes later he was unconscious and later pronounced dead. I then left as they were strolling a 3-year-old kid in on a stretcher. I couldn't take it anymore.

That was the scene at the PMAC and it gives me a new perspective on things. For those of you who I haven't been able to get in touch with because of phone service, I pray you are safe. Send me an email to let me know. God bless.

Dave & Elaine at 281-431-1615

5:00 – 7:00, Hwy. 6

The Manvel, Iowa Colony and Pearland volunteer Fire Departments and the Manvel EMS all had their trucks in the parade. Manvel VFD and Iowa Colony manned their respective food booths. The food, drinks, music and entertainment flourished up and until the fireworks presentation at 9pm. Residents lined up along Lewis Lane to have a birds-eye view and what a view it was. The sky was lit up with a blaze of color.

Yes, the City of Manvel will long remember the “4^th  of July Celebration of 2005, a memorable gift from the Special Events Committee. What else can one say, but “Thank You Special Events Committee, Thank You For Making This Day One We Shall Always Treasure!

Mayor Delores M. Martin

What a wonderful start we had for the month of July! The parade and fireworks display sponsored by the Manvel Special Events Committee was a combination hard work and numerous challenges for this special group, but they accomplished their goals. Everyone was thrilled with his or her efforts from start to finish.

The City of Manvel is looking into the possibility of adding on to our present City Hall, which we are steadily outgrowing. Thanks to the generosity of Randy Brown, the former home of the MPD has been moved and retired. Mrs. Elaine Graham stays busy with permits constantly flying out to different sites. Please remember the posted hours at City Hall: Monday through Thursday, 7:30am to 5:30pm, Friday, 7:30am to 11:30am. Thank you for your continued support. Please remember, ”TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE”! Delores M. Martin, Mayor

The fire department’s annual BBQ dinner and auction fundraiser is being rescheduled for October 15, 2005. It will still be at Sacred Heart Catholic grounds. The proceeds will go towards furnishing the inside of the new fire station. More information will be available as the time approaches.

Just a note…Citizens can come by city hall at any time for a copy of the Alvin Sun-Advertiser and The Post.  They now have a paper machine outside so they can have access 24-7.

Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce

16 Annual Golf Tournament

Monday, September 19, 2005

Southwyck Golf Club

Rain Date: September 26, 2005

For more information call 281 331-3944.

Early campus registration for the Fall 2005 semester at ACC will be held Aug. 1-2.  For more info. visit www.alvincollege.edu or call (281) 756-3524.

The Continuing Education Programs at ACC will host an Open House on Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the Nolan Ryan Center.  Staff and professionals will be available to provide information on fields, including Pharmacy Technology, Phlebotomy, Health and Medical, Real Estate, Loan Officer, Professional Inspector and more.  For more info. (281) 756-3787.

ACC will hold its monthly Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 25, at 7 p.m., in the Nolan Ryan Center Community Room

ACC Student Activities will host a blood drive on Aug. 30 and 31, from 9 - 3.  For info. (281) 756-3686.

ACCESS (Alvin Community College Education and Senior Services) will hold Senior Citizens Day on Sept. 10 from 9 – 1.  For more info. (281) 756-3729.

First Baptist Church in Manvel is willing to be a drop off point this if necessary.

PRESS RELEASE BURN BAN ENACTED FOR BRAZORIA COUNTY –

at Manvel Branch Library

4:30 pm - 8:30 pm. 

5:00 – 7:00, Hwy. 6

5:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Church of the Harvest is still hosting their Friday Night Thrive, 7-10:30 p.m. for youth ages 11-18, music, food, games & youth service

First Baptist Church will have their Vacation Bible School July 11-15. For more information call 281-489-8514

Grace United Methodist Church is have their vacation bible school on July 19 – 23 from 9:00 – noon. For more information call 281-388-2302.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is having

Vacation Bible School, June 20-24, $20 before June 1. For more information call

281-489-8720.

The Naked Rib Smokehouse hosts a Sunday Devotion and Motorcycle Ride the 2^{nd Sunday of every month at 9 a.m. Coffee, donuts or rolls provided. Call Harry and Mary at 281-331-1051 or Dave and Elaine at 281-431-1615 for details.}

Mayor, Delores M. Martin
Council Position #3, Gary Garnett
Council Position #5, J.T. (Buddy) Williams

May is always a busy month: elections, end of school, graduation, awards, parties, etc. There were more votes cast in the city election this year than in past years. “A heartfelt thanks” to all the citizens who took time out of their busy schedules to VOTE; we are so blessed to be granted this privilege and this privilege needs to be used. Congratulations to the winners: Mayor Delores M. Martin, new Councilmen Gary Garnett and Buddy Williams.

County Judge John Willey swears us all in on Tuesday, May 17th. A huge debt of gratitude to the citizens who gave of themselves to be considered for a position: Paul Doggett, Maureen DelBello, Cherry McDonald and Harry Opliger. I especially wish to commend Maureen DelBello for her 6 years of dedication on the City Council and Cary Stiles for his 2 years. Both these people will be honored for their service with a plaque at the next council meeting.

At the Royce Homes Quarterly Meeting on May 10^{th I was given a $5,000 check by Royce Homes to be applied to the refurbishing of the Manvel Dental Center on Highway 6, the new home of the Manvel Police Department. We hope to have an open house for the community in the next several weeks. We are most appreciative to Dave Madsen for his workmanship and the donation of materials by Hope Lumber. What a generous gift to the MPD!}

The Manvel Lions’ Club had another successful event on May 14th at Sacred Heart Church. They raised $15,000 for the literacy program at E. C. Mason. Another $1,000 was given to the young men who will be journeying to Colorado for world competition for Odyssey of the Mind. Life Memberships to the Texas Lions’ Camp were awarded to:

Mike Robinson, Bob Owen of the Mustang Hunters Club, Lesa Martin, Marvin Booth, Tom Michael, Barbara Michael, Margaret Michael, Thelma Lemley, Jackie Silva and Gary Lopez. Memorial Plaques were given to: Rita DelBello and her family in memory of Jimmy DelBello, Sr. and to Mr. and Mrs. James Bolding in memory of their son, Cpl. Todd Bolding, who was killed in the line of duty. This was a very moving ceremony with tears flowing freely.

I attended the AISD Police Memorial Service the next day at Hope Tabernacle. This service included all law enforcement services in Brazoria County. On May 18th I was honored to be a judge for the 4th grade Science Fair at Passmore Elementary in Alvin. Children of today have a definite love for Science.

On May 20th along with Judge John Vasuit and Dr. Gregg Smith, we served as judges for the Look-Alike Contest at the Sock-Hop Dance held in Alvin. Seeing the Poodle skirts and bobby socks brought back many memories of the past. The rootbeer floats were especially enticing.

City Hall’s activity has not slowed down. Permits are flying out. Legend Homes are sprouting and more permits are being pulled daily for Rodeo Palms. Developer Agreements are being finalized for New Hope Church and First National Bank. The monies from the Texas Water Development Board were deposited in our accounts and our water and sewer projects are ready to begin. MEDC has joined in with the Hope Lumber water line project. The surveyors are already at work for the Row’s.

Please take a look at the progress our high school is making. This will certainly be a structure all of Manvel can be proud of. As you have noticed the Masters Project is in full swing. With good weather this should be finished in the next two weeks. Iowa Lane will be the next street to be resurfaced. We are waiting for all the oilfield equipment to be moved.

Please remember to check the city’s website: www.CityOfManvel.com for any other information regarding the city and the various organizations. “Thank you for giving the opportunity to accompany you on your journey for the next two years…TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”

Mayor Delores M. Martin

Easier Times

Those of you that have been around at least 30 years or more will remember a Manvel of easier times. With all the growth here, and that which is coming, it’s time to walk down Memory Lane and recall a few of them.

Do you remember when the Manvel Civic Club brought the circus to town – twice? It was the Carson and Barnes Circus that had a circuit of 9 months long. The company would get into town and set up at the field next to the old school building around 7:00 in the morning and by 7:00 the next morning they would be gone. Between these 24 hours they setup the big tent, some amusements and their camp. For the most part they left the field clean, except for the elephant manure some gardeners would hurry to shovel up for their gardens. It was a treat to watch the elephants work with their trainers to put the tent up.

It was also considered a treat to be chosen to ride the elephants in the grand march inside the tent around the 3 rings. Some of the riders were Mayor Ron Kitchens, City Administrator Frank LeVoy, Manvel Civic Club members Sharon Akery and Pat McFarland, just to name a few. It didn’t take these local civic leading jockeys long to realize the elephants took some sharp turns almost running their riders into the poles supporting the tent. Each circus raised about $3,000 and the proceeds went to revamping the old school auditorium.

Do you remember when the Tropical Storm Claudette put Manvel in the Guinness Book of Records by raining over 40 inches in a short period of time? Mayor Frank Levoy and Fire Chief Bobby Wisnoski had problems, but nothing they didn’t deal with head on.

The fire department renamed the grass fire truck PT109 because of all the high water they were going through rescuing stranded people out of their flooded homes. Seeing how the water was covering the road, a fireman would walk on each side of the truck to make sure it did not go into a ditch. The junior high was set up as a shelter for those whose homes were flooded.

Margaret Croix was licensed to give shots and set up at city hall giving Tetnas shots. It seems like she gave shots for weeks. People pitched in helping their friends, neighbors or perfect strangers

How many of you remember the fire department’s annual BBQ at the old Texaco Park? In the beginning, the beef was donated by a local man, delivered to the park to be cooked. The firemen and their friends would cook the meat overnight in the pit at the park; they took turns with local guys helping out, under the direction of Bob Bahler. He always had a pipe in his mouth.

The Woman’s Auxiliary would be in charge of the rest of the food. Their husbands would bring home some of the 500 pounds of potatoes and the 3 cases of eggs to cook; the wives would meet at the fire station on the Friday night before the event to mix the potato salad together in huge crocks. The men would then take the large containers to John’s Countryette because he had the largest cooler in town. Janice DelBello would cook the BBQ sauce in her garage. Helen Schlitzkus came up with the plan to raise money by having Manvel’s first live auction.

One specific year some special sausage was donated to the auction, but the firemen didn’t know it was an auction item and ate it. They later said it was the best sausage they’d ever had. The scouts directed the parking in the fields as they do today, but in parking lots.

Do you remember the Manvel History Book that Margaret Croix, Carolyn DelBello and Margaret Kemp put together? It is at the Manvel Library and is full of wonderful memories. What about the Bi-Centennial celebration and parade that Janice DelBello and Becky Meyers coordinated? How about when the Olympic Torch was carried through Manvel by those who wished to participate took turns every one fourth a mile carrying the torch? Mike Culling dressed up as Uncle Sam and Mayor Ron Kitchens was master of ceremonies for the gathering at the old school auditorium porch. How many remember the street dances, when the entire street was shut down or the rodeos that the Manvel Horse Club hosted?

Can you name the two movies made here? The movie “Powder” was partly filmed at the old school building and then the movie "Hope", which was Goldie Hawn’s directorial debut, at the old Manvel Bible Chapel location on King Street.

Remember when the civic club hosted the July 4^{th celebrations over 15 years ago? We had the first fun run in Manvel with our own Dr. Roland Lenarduzzi participating. Paul Doggett cooked and sold the sausages on a stick. Butch Rumker and Larry Akery sold sodas out of a Coke booth. There was a watermelon-eating contest and seed spitting later. George and Martha Otto took care of board games in the old community room. Everyone came back in the evening for a 30-minute fire works show.}

at E.C. Mason, morning of elections

5:00 – 7:00, Hwy. 6

Festival, see article

Early dismissal

May 21-24, the E. C. Mason Elementary School team from Manvel will travel to the University of Colorado in Boulder, for the Odyssey of the Mind 2005 World Finals, an international problem-solving competition for students of all ages. The team earned a place at World Finals by coming in First at the Texas Odyssey of the Mind Association Finals on April 9, 2005 in Hou