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Manvel Update 2004
Archives
DECEMBER 2004
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Let’s Celebrate a Fabulous Year Howdy Ya’ll! The Stampede is on so roundup that vintage apparel and come out for some old west fun! The Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce 48th Annual Awards Banquet, “Pistols & Petticoats” is quickly approaching. Your Banquet Committee is working diligently to make sure your evening is one to remember. Mark your calendars AND make your reservations NOW! The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 19, 2005 at the Victory Camp Convention Center. Social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include a silent auction, appetizers and a wonderful atmosphere for networking. At 7:00 p.m. dinner will be served and the awards ceremony and live auction will begin shortly thereafter. The cost of the event is $35 per person or $400 for a sponsored table of ten. So, don’t delay. Call (281) 331-3944 and make those reservations today. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Thank you, Judy Anderson Office Manager Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce |
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"Manvel's Country Christmas" Presented by City of Manvel Special Events Committee And Manvel Junior High 8th Grade Parent Committee Saturday, December 18, 2004, 4-7 p.m. In front of the Old Manvel Library Building The Special Events Committee will have the following at 4 p.m.: free refreshments, silent auction, arts/crafts booths, santa photos $2.00 will begin at 6 p.m., live entertainment, winner of the best decorated business will be announced, live nativity scene and the lighting of the trees at 6 p.m. by Manvel Mayor Delores Martin and SNOW. Please bring a canned item to give to the needy in our area. www.manvelspecialevents.org. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us. General information: Debbie Harrison 281-489-4625 Nancy Garcia 281-630-0594 Also, the Manvel Junior High 8th Grade Parent Committee will sell BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs and candy. Any questions please contact Yolanda Saenz 832-279-7727. |
| From the Editor…
The Manvel Update has been an endeavor I have been extremely proud of. In the first couple of years it was easy to put together because individuals and organizations would send me information to make up the Update. Lately that has not happened. It has become very time consuming and although I enjoy most of the work, it is just not what I think it should be. I do not want to produce something that is just thrown together, you deserve better. I dislike having to ask for funding time and time again and the Update does not print itself. We take January off so as of February the Update will be an online newsletter only therefore, I am suspending the paper copies indefinitely. Depending on the news, some months the Update might only be one page. If you wish to receive an online copy or know others that do, please send an email to misslucytoo@sbcglobal.net with Manvel Update in the subject line. Please note the change of address. Thank you for your continued support for the past 3 years and 8 months. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brenda Opliger for all her hard work proofing every copy time and time again. Hopefully, with all the factors working in, the Update printed copies will someday make it to the printer. First Baptist Church Manvel The Adult Choir of First Baptist Manvel will be presenting "A Christmas Celebration" this year. The Living Christmas Tree performances are Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th, at 7 PM on both nights. The Live Nativity Drive-Through will be held on Friday, December 17th and Saturday, December 18th from 7 to 9 PM. Admission is free of charge. On Sunday, December 5th at 6 PM, the Children's Choir of First Baptist Manvel will be presenting ""Fear Not Factor." The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will bring its “blood-mobile” here on Wednesday, December 1st. The blood drive will begin
at 4PM, and the community |
| From The Mayor’s Desk It is plain to see "growth abounds in our City of Manvel.' Calls are coming from as far as California inquiring about developments. The drainage projects that have been completed are working very well. The rain runoffs are draining at a brisk pace. Due to the excessive weight of dump trucks and concrete trucks using Masters Road, the City of Manvel has had to drop the weight limit to 5,000 pounds per axle on the bridge over Chocolate Bayou, re-routing the AISD school buses, MVFD and MEMS equipment for safety reasons. We do apologize for any inconvenience, but the safety of our community is a top priority. Help has been requested from the County to help replace the weakened section. The City is also working with Dizzy Smith in trying to find another manner of living accommodations other than the manufactured home. Several other offers are being investigated. Congratulations to Clint Hawn for his appointment to the Planning, Development and Zoning Commission. Kim LaFlour has been granted a 12-month leave of absence from the P D & Z. The Manvel Public Works Department headed up by Mr. Jay White were all awarded plaques for their outstanding performance during the last fiscal year. The City of Manvel is blessed with an dedicated staff who deeply care about our City and serve with pride and vigor. As the holidays approach, the City of Manvel wishes everyone " A Happy Thanksgiving filled with an abundance of Blessings!" Delores M. Martin, Mayor |
| The new Manvel fire
truck, 1221, was in the Veterans Day Parade in Freeport, Texas. Of all the
trucks there, the Navy chose to ride on Manvel’s new truck. They actually
came up to our firemen and asked for a ride. It was said that Manvel had
the most impressive fire truck in the parade. It just goes to show what
good taste the Navy has. The members riding in the truck were Lt. Tom
Reeder, firefighters Mike Weights, Rick Wahlquist and James Graham. Thanks
guys, you do us proud!
Update on your department; they were
awarded the FEMA grant for $57,000 for air packs and an extradition tool;
received two grants from Texas Forest Service for air packs and training
programs; working to obtain additional grants to purchase rescue
air bags, large diameter hose and grass fire truck replacement; received
$1,000 through a firefighter’s company for needy families during
Christmas. The culverts are set and bids are in for the new station. They
are also proposing the 12 hours coverage from 5 to 7days.
Community College Alvin Community College will begin
the month with a Festival of Lights celebration in the College Courtyard
Dec. 2, at 7:30 pm. The college welcomes community members to come
enjoy Christmas Carols, lights and refreshments. ACC, will host a Christmas Concert at the First
United Methodist Church of Alvin Monday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 pm. Christmas at the Cottage The Marguerite Rogers House Museum will present an exhibit of “Toys of Olde” featuring a doll house with furnishings hand made by Marcella Slover Miles, grand daughter of John G. Slover who built The Cottage in 1901. The exhibit will be on display December 2, 3, & 4, 9 & 10, and 16 & 17 from 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 but children under 12 are free. All proceeds are used for maintenance of The Cottage. For more information you can call 281-585-2803. |
NOVEMBER 2004
| Nov. 5th, 6th & 7th | Greek Festival at Assumption Orthodox Church, Call 489-9995 for information |
| Nov. 12th | Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 5:00 – 7:00, Hwy. 6 |
| Nov. 13th |
Manvel Library Association Craft Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Manvel Jr. High. |
| Nov. 17th | Grand Opening Ceremonies for First State Bank, Register to win a trip to Hawaii |
| Nov. 22nd – 26th | AISD out for Thanksgiving Break |
| Dec. 4th |
Manvel Country Christmas, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., snow, hay
rides, music, silent auction, gift booths, pictures with Santa, also games
and rides for the kids. www.ManvelSpecialEvents.org |
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Mark your calendars! You are cordially invited to attend the Alvin Area YMCA Groundbreaking Ceremony Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Alvin Area Family YMCA (Adjacent to Nolan Ryan Center), 2925 S. Bypass 35 Alvin, Texas 77511. RSVP is respectfully requested by October 27, to Kelli Davison at 281-585-3112 or kellif@ymcahouston.org Community Partners Christmas Project Community Partners of Brazoria County are searching for sponsors to help provide Christmas gifts for the nearly 500 Brazoria County children in foster care. These children are under the care of the Brazoria County Children’s Protective Services. For the third year, Community Partners will be hosting a drive to hopefully provide each child with three gifts. The kids range in age from newborn to 18 years old. Donations can be new toys, gift certificates or money. Community Partners will pick up the gifts and get them wrapped in time for Christmas. If you are interested in sponsoring children, donating gifts, organizing a drive, or volunteering to wrap gifts, please call Sue Allen 979-265-2271, Janet Brown at 281-485-0231, or Deborah Spoor at 979-849-4214. They will also be glad to arrange speakers to come speak to your organization. Northern Brazoria County Saved The TCEQ Commissioners spent over two hours considering the matter of the Juliff Gardens Landfill Permit Application MSW 2282 that Citizens Against the Dump has been opposing since August 1999. The Commissioners unanimously upheld the judges' opinion that the permit be denied. It is possible that the applicant may go to district court in an attempt to overturn this decision. It will be to no avail. The Juliff Gardens Landfill application is now part of our history. The TCEQ Commissioners' decision affects every resident and property owner in southern Fort Bend County and northern Brazoria County. The combined efforts of many made the difference. To those who told us we were wasting our time, to those who assumed we would fail and wouldn’t support us we say this: success is never possible without good citizens contributing to worthy causes. |
| The Manvel Volunteer Fire Department
participated in Fire Safety Week, as they have
done in the past, showing and explaining the trucks to the Kindergarten
and First Grade students at both E.C. Mason and Jeter Elementaries. Jimmie
Joe DelBello is shown explaining some of the equipment to the students
while Ricky Burleson and Jason Teague get the deck gun ready.
It was said that the firemen got a huge reaction from the students when they moved the trucks into position getting ready to use the deck gun. Guess these students got as big a kick out of seeing the truck as the children get when being sprayed at the July 4th celebration. This time either the grass got watered or the cars in the school parking lot got washed. The firemen enjoy showing the students the trucks as much as the kids enjoy them being there. All the boys want to be firemen when the department puts on this demo. From The Mayor’s Desk Last week I was thrilled to be attendance at EC Mason when Commissioner Dr. Shirley Neeley and Dr. Louis Solomon, the Executive Vice President of the Milikin Family Foundation came to award Ms. Lesa Martin, a Kindergarten teacher, a check for $25,000 and an all expense trip in April to attend the National Developmental Conference in Washington D. C. Lesa is one of three teachers in the state of Texas to receive this prestigious award. This is the fifth year Texas has participated in this program. The City of Manvel is so proud of our Lesa Martin, the City Council declared “Lesa Martin Day on October 26th” to show how proud we are of her. The City Council also presented to Drainage District #3 a plaque for the outstanding work they have performed in the City of Manvel during our past fiscal year. They helped our Public Works Department with roads, ditches, fences, bridges and broken water lines. I want to personally thank the Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce and Grace United Methodist Church for hosting the Fourth State of the City Address on October 19th. It is always a pleasure to be able to speak on the accomplishments and dreams of our city. The MVFD will be passing out Halloween treats this weekend at City Hall. We do appreciate their community spirit. First Baptist Church still has their pumpkin patch in business. If you need a pumpkin, please stop by to purchase one. Grace United Methodist Church has their Bar-B-Que dinner on Saturday. If you want a delicious meal, please stop by and show your support. During the past year, MEMS has responded to 602 calls, the MVFD responded to 270 calls and the Manvel Police Department responded to 2, 911 calls. This is up 6% over last year. Electronic ticket writers/laptop computers, funded through the Municipal Court Technology Fund have been added to aid the officers in their report writing, accident reporting and the issue of citations. The goal is to keep the police officer out in the community to better serve the public. The Dispatching Console System, funded through First Response Homeland Security Funds should be arriving in November. This will place us one step closer to 24 hour dispatching which we hope to have up and running by February. The next goal will be our own 911 service. What a tremendous benefit for our community! The County would answer calls much faster due to the fact they would not have to forward to us. Diana Stiles and Keep Manvel Beautiful will be sponsoring Manvel Recycling Day soon. Please watch for their flyers. This will be a golden opportunity to get rid of some unwanted items. The Manvel Community Alliance will be renting a storage facility to get an early start on their annual Garage Sale fundraiser, always held in May. Watch for signs concerning early pickup. Congratulations to First State Bank and Ron Brazil on their arrival in Manvel. Stop by and wish them well. Last, but certainly not least, PLEASE, PLEASE remember to vote if you have not already done so. Remember EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Thank you for your continued support and “Together WE CAN make a difference. “Delores M. Martin, Mayor |
| Know Your Constitution Quiz * Who was the oldest delegate to attend the Constitutional Convention? Ben Franklin was 81; Jonathan Dayton 26 was the youngest. The average age was about 44. * From what classes of society were the members of the Constitutional Convention drawn? In addition to the lawyers, there were soldiers, planters, educators, ministers, physicians, financiers, and merchants. * Were there any members of the Constitutional Convention who never attended any of its meetings? There were nineteen who were never present. Some of these declined, others merely neglected the duty. * Who was called the "Father of the Constitution?" James Madison, of
Virginia. * Article III of the Constitution
guarantees the right to a public education for every citizen. There is no
mention of education in the Constitution. It is a matter reserved for the
States. * What is the only crime defined in the Constitution? Treason against the United States Since this is election month it seemed appropriate to have some information about our constitution. There is an enormous amount of information but space did not allow most of it. The document originally came across in 5 pages. Please log on to this website and reference more in detail what I tried to pass along. The information was not transposed just a straight cut and copy to the Update. http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/constitution_q_and_a.html Please remember to vote. Manvel’s voting location will be at the old Kinder Annex building across from Manvel Jr. High. |
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October 2004 You Read It Here First (Scoop from the
Editor) We all knew it was coming, wasn’t sure if we wanted it, but it’s here now. There is a new and different kind of growth coming to town in the form of a subdivision. These new home sites will reside on 170 acres behind the new high school bordering McCoy Road and the drainage ditch C12, west of the property. The property used to complete the Bragg Estate. Coastal Bend Property Development, LLC has purchased the property, but 15 of the acres were preciously sold to the school district to complete the high school grounds. The developer has a variety of projects including Forrest of Friendswood and Timber Creek Golf Club in Friendswood, Sonoma Ranch in Channelview, just to mention a few. The Manvel property homes will start at $100,000, but that is an entry starting point. Although the ink on the paperwork isn’t dry yet, it was signed September 28, 2004, it will take planning and patience on Manvel City Hall’s part to make this a reality. In a perfect world the developer said the framing would start in the fall of 2005, but he said this isn’t a perfect world. The preparation to construction will consist of drainage, mostly of which will go into C12; the usual clearing and preparation of the property; creation of a Utility District for that area; extending McCoy Road, which is being upgraded to a 3-lane road for the school, will be completed past Charlotte Dr. extending to Tankersly Street. Right now that road between Charlotte and Tankersly is a fair weather road, when it’s fair weather it’s a road. This is the unofficial but proposed entrance to the subdivision. In the end, McCoy Road could turn out to be the best road in Manvel. Please take into consideration that these are early planning stages and almost anything can change. The developer assured me that it will be a subdivision Manvel can be proud of. Guess in time some things do change, hopefully for the better. I’m sure this is the first of many. News From Grace Methodist Grace Methodist Church’s annual BBQ is coming up on Oct. 30th; they will begin serving at 11:00 a.m. for $7.00 a plate of BBQ beef, sausage and/or chicken, potato salad, beans and the trimmings. There will be a live and silent auction; games and activities for the kids, moonwalk, etc. Mother’s Day out started on Sept 7, Tues & Thurs. For additional information contact MDO Director Sandra Eastland 281 489 9083. The Wednesday morning prayer circle resumes Oct. 6 at 10:00am. That same Wednesday they will kick off the new mid-week Bible study, “Something More” at 7:00pm GMC is preparing “Flood Buckets” to send to Florida via UMCOR (United Methodist Commission of Relief). Each 5-gallon bucket is filled with cleaning tools and supplies. United Methodists are already at work in Florida cleaning up after the two (three?) Hurricanes. They plan to send at least 50 buckets from the church. If anyone in the community would like to join the effort they may call the church for the list of supplies included in each bucket. |
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City of Manvel Annual Budget, Reported by City Hall REVENUE $1,921,500.00 If you have anything to add to the Update please contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email sharon53@peoplepc.comFrom The Mayor’s Desk The City has agreed to fund VFD and MEMS for three months: October, November and December until the ESD #3 fund will be made available to them. It is critical to the City of Manvel to have these services available if they are needed. The ESD Board has set the maximum Tax Rate of $.10/per $100. These monies will be divided between 4 EMS Services and 11 Fire Departments. These five men have quite a challenge in front of them. The Railroad Commission has finished cleaning the contaminated site at Chocolate Bayou and FM 1128. They will continue to monitor and take samples for the next several weeks. The new businesses added are: Fuel Express- remodeling the Old Diamond Shamrock on SH 6, All Wood Cabinets- 20504A SH6, Cambro’s Mexican Resturant-20211 SH 6 and Animal Lovers Resale Shop – 7515 South Masters Road. City hall has issued 16 Commercial Permits and 47 Residential Permits. The County has added striping to South Masters. The recycling of DelBello is in progress and should be accomplished soon. It is a new process and the City of Manvel is serving as a pilot city for Northern Brazoria County. Lewis Lane is the next one on the docket. Calco Const. is busily laying the new 24” sewer line along SH6. They are also doing the new updated lift station. HUD and MEDC are funding this project. Our 24-hour dispatching system is getting much closer. In the second round of the First Response Funding, Manvel received $88,500 toward a console for 24 hour dispatching. We also received a check for $5,000 from Mobil-Exxon towards communication. The $300,000 loan taken out in 1999 has been paid down to $60,000 and this will be paid off during the new fiscal year. Drainage District #3 is actively working with the residents of Manvel Heights and area to improve their drainage. The 2004-05 Budget has been approved. If anyone wishes a copy, please see Debi Bottoms. A Special thanks to Tammy Dalmolin and Phyllis Hebrst for their persistence and dedication for coming up with a workable budget. City Council has given the over-65 and the handicapped a $50,000 exemption on the Manvel tax. The Tax Rate for the 2004-05 Budget is the Notice & Hearing Limit of 0.659603. Last year’s Tax Rate was 0.710247. The City has agreed to fund MEMS for three months: October, November and December until the ESD #3 fund will be made available to them. The ESD Board has set the maximum Tax Rate of $.10/per $100. These monies will be divided between 4 EMS Services and 11 Fire Departments. These five men on the ESD Board have quite a challenge in front of them. Thank you for your continued support and remember, “Together we CAN make a difference.” Delores M. Martin |
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New Ford Dealership CENTRAL FORD is moving south and becoming SOUTHERN FORD. Arlene and Joe Catania, the owners and operators of CENTRAL FORD, are proud to announce that they will be relocating their Ford Dealership to the S.E. corner of SH 288 and CR 59. Opening is planned within the first half of 2005. The Blue Oval Certified SOUTHERN FORD will be a full service dealership, offering, New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales as well as complete Service, Parts, Accessories and Collision Repair departments. The BlueOval certification is Ford Motor Company's highest award for customer satisfaction. The Catania's are truly "Hands On
Owners" who are very active in community affairs. In fact, the new
facility will have community rooms to be offered for use to civic
organizations. The dealership will employ approximately 100 employees.
Many of the staff members at the current location at 4410 Westheimer,
including the Catania's, are planning to move to the Manvel/Pearland area. It’s the Little Things The Manvel Volunteer Fire Department was called out at 7:17 p.m. on September 23rd for a boxcar on fire, while connected to the train. A member of the fire department support team always goes to the extreme fires taking drinking water for the firemen, in this case about 3 cases. Because of the heat of the summer night and the extreme heat of the fire, the water did not last long. Good Samaritans came up with an Igloo of ice, some cups and 2 more cases of water. These special people are Nellie and Harry Mc Laughlin, and their grown sons Doug and Bud. They just happen to live across the street from the fire and saw that the department needed a little extra help. When the firemen found out about the ice, they and the other firemen from Alvin and Santa Fe departments all had ice water. You see Ice Water is very rare at a fire; it’s better than sodas. A special thanks goes out to these four people for their generosity and care of our firemen. At a Glance… New Child Care - Brenda Hall is announcing a new business in town, Kids Caboodle Child Care. Brenda has 15+ years experience in childcare. She will be working out of her home; will be open 7:00 a.m. till 5:30 p.m., accepting age’s infant through school age. You can contact her at 281-489-9792.The Manvel Lion’s Club is holding our Third Annual Hunters Night on the Town-Gun Raffle on October 16, 2004 starting at 6pm @ Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at Hwy 6 & CR 48, Manvel, Texas. This year we will raffle off 100 guns! Ticket includes BBQ dinner. For more information call 281-489-7117 or 281-331-1000. Living Stone Church is hosting Marilyn Hecky, host of “Today with Marilyn” Sunday, at 10:00 a.m. The church is located at 1407 Victory Lane in Alvin. You can call the church at 281-331-9517.Manvel Garden Club is having their semi annual Plant and Bake Sale, Friday October 22nd starting at 8:00 at the Manvel Library Grounds. Friends of the Library’s annual Arts andCraft Show is November 13th at the junior high. Manvel EMS wish to thank everyone that participated in their 1st annual Casino Night. News From ACC - The Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography Lab is looking for volunteers to be scanned. This is a painless process and has actually been credited for saving several lives because of early detection of things like cancer and aneurisms. For more detailed information and lab times, call 281-756-3656.Fall Fitness Fair will be held Wednesday, Oct. 20, 9 am to 1pm in the ACC Student Center Cafeteria. It will feature Holistic, Integrative, and Natural Health information. Flu Shots and Blood Pressure monitoring will also be available. Call 281-756-3634 for more information. The first Theatre Production of the year, “A Piece of My Heart” begins October 9. Call 281-756-3606 for ticket information and additional dates. The 2nd Annual ACC Golf Tournament (benefiting ACC Athletics) will be held Oct. 18 at Beacon Lakes Golf Club. Call 281-756-3691 for more information. 1st Baptist Church of Manvel Anniversary. Schedule October 1st – 2nd, Homecoming – Celebration 45 October 3rd – 6th, Fall Revival – 7PM nightly October 31st, “His Song” in Concert – 6PM More Update...
County Road 143 Volunteer Fire Dept.
is having their semi-annual BBQ dinner fundraiser.
It will be at their station on
CR 99 and CR 143,
October 9, starting at 11:00. This fire dept. is
between Pearland and Alvin, serves the ETJ for both town but is not
funded by them. They have survived solely on donations. Fortunately,
they are included in the ESD funding that was passed by voters. This
will allow them to continue serving the community in their area with a
lot less 'begging'. Please try and get out and support this
organization.
The MEMS wishes to thank the
community for the success of the Casino Night held last weekend,
September 25th.
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September 2004
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Happy Anniversary The First Baptist Church of Manvel is having their 45th anniversary on October 1st and 2nd. It is called "Celebration 45." There will be a fellowship on Friday, October 1st from 7PM until when ever they finish. On Saturday, October 2nd, there will be an old fashioned picnic. Festivities will begin around 10AM. At 1PM the "Homecoming Celebration" will begin with music and remarks from former staff members. Just a Reminder (Repeated by special request) Friday Night Thrive at Church of the Harvest is exploding with good clean fun but continues throughout the year. It’s not just for the summertime. By breaking denominational walls that keep churches separated, Thrive is a place for youth to hang out with friends and learn how to apply God’s Word to their lives. Youth ages 10-18 are invited to Thrive every Friday night from 7-10:30 p.m. to play basketball, pool, air hockey, Playstation and other games. Please note the church will be closed for the Sept. 3rd Friday Night Thrive. They can bring money for candy and cokes. The Church is located in Manvel at 7505 Wilson on Hwy. 6. The Church's phone # is 281-489-9673. Brazoria County Mobility Bond The $50 million road bond election is coming up soon. For more information use the following web site. It should answer most of your questions; www.gobrazco.org Chamber News The Manvel Business Forum, Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce, will meet at Jordan Event Center at 12:00 noon, Thursday, September 23. Cheryl Evans, head appraiser for the Brazoria County Appraisal District will be the speaker. The continuing increase in appraised values makes this a timely topic. Everyone is welcome. If you plan to attend you must call the Chamber of Commerce at 281-331-3394. A catered meal will be served for a nominal fee. Calling All Vendors The Manvel Community Library Association is having their 14th annual arts and crafts sale, but is putting the word out to give the vendors time to plan to attend. The event is scheduled for November 13, 2004 at the Manvel Jr. High from 9:00 – 4:00. This year they are also including a car show in the old Kindergarten horseshoe parking lot. You can contact the Manvel library at 281-489-7596 for more information. |
The Manvel EMS fundraiser. It is September 18th The Casino Night will be at the Iowa Colony Community Center 7:00 till ? with fun, food, auction and more. The tickets are $30. You can call 281-331-8842 or 281-369-3393
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Golf Tournament The Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce, 15th Annual Golf Tournament will be at the Southwyck Golf Club September 27, 2004. Entry deadline is August 31, 2004. Please mail registration with payment to: Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce 105 W. Willis Alvin, TX 77511 Phone: (281) 331-3944, Fax: (281) 585-8662 From The Mayor’s Desk Before we turned around, summer was over and school has begun the fall term. We do wish E.C.Mason Elementary, Don Jeter Elementary, Mary Burks Marek Elementary, Manvel Junior High and Alvin High School the best of years for 2004-2005. We welcome two new members to the Planning, Development and Zoning Commission: Amy Weber and Les Rumberg. TexDot will be installing blue signs along 288 advertising business locations along S.H. 6 in the next several weeks. TexDot has finished FM 1128. The overpasses at CR58 and CR59 will be their next project. Centerpoint Energy is busy mapping out the locations of the new 70 streetlights for our city. This will provide added security. Dollar General opened on August 12th. Please stop by and check it out. Several more businesses are slated to open shortly. The recycling of the asphalt on DelBello Road is slated for about the second week of September. Manvel will serve as a pilot program for this new process. We owe a huge debt of thanks to our public works department and drainage district #3 for their assistance in the repair of the bridge on Masters across Mustang Bayou. It was critical this be done so the buses could use the bridge safely. Mission accomplished! The bridge has been reposted to 17,500 lbs. Around the end of this month McCoy Road will be closed to traffic. Only the residents will be allowed to pass. This will be closed to about February. Uticon is in the process of rebuilding and expanding the road for the opening of the Manvel High School. Cobblestone apartments have finished the developmental process as well as Southern Ford. You should see some activity soon. PS Fabricators plans are being reviewed on their 24,000 square feet expansion. The drainage study on Manvel Heights and the surrounding area has been completed. Jay White and Ray Laney will present the information to the City Council. The Subdivision, Sign, Fill-in ordinances are being reviewed by City Council and should be ready for the public shortly. Staff has finished putting together the budget 2005. It will be studied and reviewed by City Council. The Budget and the Tax-rate must be adopted by the middle of September. The Police Department has started the interviewing process for new officers. Sgt. Rouse returned to the business world and Officer Davila entered the School of Nursing. They will be sorely missed. Thank you for your continued support and remember, “Together, we CAN make a difference.” Delores M. Martin If you have anything to add to the Update please contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email sharon53@peoplepc.com. Your input is valuable and is what keeps the Update going. |
| Alvin ISD
Night 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. (Convenience and handling fees will apply to all on-line orders.) To avoid any service charges and inconvenience, present this flyer as late as game day at the Minute Maid Park Box Office. For group tickets purchases of 20 or more, call J.B. Cheatham at 713-259-8337.Spaghetti Dinner and Concert The Alvin Band Boosters are presenting the 1st Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Concert Thursday, September 30, 2004 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Alvin High School Cafeteria. This a fundraising event featuring performances by; 5:30 p.m. - Alvin Jr. High 6:30 p.m. - Harby Jr. High 7:30 p.m. - Manvel Jr. High 8:30 p.m. - Alvin High School Tickets will be available at the Band Booster meetings, from AHS Band students, Band Directors and all Jr. High Band students. Checks should be made payable to the Band Boosters. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Proceeds from the tickets purchased ahead of time by AHS Band parents, families and friends will benefit the individual Band students. Proceeds from tickets sold at the door will benefit the Band Booster organization. All students are asked to bring a dessert to the dinner. If you want to help out with the dinner please call Wanda Riddle at 281-331-9789. Youth Volleyball Camp Alvin Community College is sponsoring a Youth Volleyball Camp for boys and girls. They will have two sessions; Friday, September 3rd to October 1st or October 15th to November 12, respectively from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Membership fee is $70, which includes a T-Shirt. Enrollment is limited and all 3rd – 6th graders are eligible. To enroll for this camp you can contact the Continuing Education Department at ACC at 281-756-3793. For more information contact Rhonda Myers at 281-756-3729. Students will learn the basic skills of playing volleyball: Pass, Set and Serve. They will learn to perform as team players and acquire sportsmanship. The camp director will be Katy Garza, former varsity coach of AISD. |
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It’s that time again for the Manvel
VFD’s annual fundraiser. The event is scheduled for August 14th
but is a change of location this year. Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parrish Hall
will house the event. The firemen had more volunteers last year than ever before, appreciated seeing all the newcomers and look forward to seeing them again. The Manvel Garden Club manned the bake sale under the direction of Jeanette Applegate and Bonnie Dement. The serving line saw the same group of volunteers; Croix Family, Church of the Harvest, staff of E.C. Mason and Don Jeter Elementariness, Manvel Bible Chapel Youth Group, Mary Jo and Paul Doggett, Manvel Policeman’s Association and the scouts. In case you missed the call, you can still reserve your spot at the bake sale, BBQ ticket table or the BBQ serving line by calling Sharon 281-489-9658. You can bring your auction itmes up to the day of the event. If you are donating to the auction and need the items to be picked up, please call connie at 281-489-3813. No item has ever been turned away. MVFD appreciate everything you donate. The serving time is 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m., the auction starts at 1:00 p.m. and the bake sale will continue as long as the goodies last. The boy scouts will have their usual children’s activities outside under the trees. They also help the fire department with the serving line and clean up. The Department has committed the funds it receives from this fundraiser to the purchase of a thermal imaging camera. This device will allow a fire-fighter to find a victim that is trapped in a house fire. In a normal house fire the fire-fighter cannot see due to the extreme smoke and must depend on feel to find a trapped victim. The thermal imaging camera will allow the fire-fighter to see the outline of a victim’s body in extreme smoke conditions. The thermal camera also gives the fire-fighter the ability to "see" hot spots that are within the walls. The cost of each camera is extremely high at $10,000.00 per camera. Hopefully the turnout for the fundraiser is high and the MVFD is able to purchase one camera this year. They hope to have a demo model of the camera at the fundraiser for the public’s inspection. They thank you for all your support! |
| Naked Rib Rock and
Rolls, The 1st
Saturday of every month the Naked Rib has automobiles rolling in at 6:00
for a car show while a band rocks on till 10:00 p.m. They say business
has picked up lately, could be due to the new screens installed recently. It is
reminiscent of summer days spent out on the porch of our parents and/or
grandparents from years gone by. It is very pleasant with fans everywhere, but
remember folks, this is still the Gulf Coast Area. The food seems to taste
better with this new atmosphere, but it has always been good. For more
information you can call 281-489-1000. On August 13th the Naked Rib will have an entertainer by the name of Joe Valentino. He will present a 1950’s variety show. From The Mayor’s Desk Our lazy July month has turned into a beehive of activity. I am very proud to say our Manvel City Council voted 5 – 0 to grant a $50,000 exemption on the Manvel taxes for people 65 and over and for the disabled. In the past the exemption was only $15,000. We do realize how the evaluations of property have escalated and have placed a burden on people with a fixed income. Hopefully, this will offer some relief. Congratulations to Larry Akery as the returning member of the Planning, Development and Zoning and Karen Kinlaw as the new Director on the MEDC. Two new businesses have been added to our growing list: Pam and John Walston with ReMax Realty and American Title. New Hope Church is ready to begin plans for their 60,000 square foot building seating close to 2000. Southern Ford has submitted their plans for their 57,000 square foot building. Cobblestone Park Apartments have submitted their plans for their first phase of 313 townhouse type apartments. The winner of the Coke contest for a new Royce home was won by a couple living in Katy. They were awarded a 2800 square foot, two-story house in Southfork. They were also awarded many other gifts and gift certificates from Coca-Cola. I was honored to be there to welcome them to our area.
|
| The new Diamond Shamrock with Taco Bell and
Subway will have their ribbon cutting on Monday, July 26th.
The owners are planning to add a motel to their state-of-the-arts premises. The
New Rodeo Palms have gotten the amendments to their master plan accomplished and
are ready to proceed with their development. The Railroad Commission has awarded
the first phase of their cleanup at CR89 and FM1128 to Phillips and began the
cleanup on July 15th. Tex Dot is busily finishing the shoulder work on FM 1128.
When they are finished, they will resurface the whole area, stripe it and add
turning lanes at intersections.
Congratulations to Larry Akery as the returning member of the Planning, Development and Zoning and Karen Kinlaw as the new Director on the MEDC. Two new businesses have been added to our growing list: Pam and John Walston with ReMax Realty and American Title. New Hope Church is ready to begin plans for their 60,000 square foot building seating close to 2000. Southern Ford has submitted their plans for their 57,000 square foot building. Cobblestone Park Apartments have submitted their plans for their first phase of 313 townhouse type apartments. The winner of the Coke contest for a new Royce home was won by a couple living in Katy. They were awarded a 2800 square foot, two-story house in Southfork. They were also awarded many other gifts and gift certificates from Coca-Cola. I was honored to be there to welcome them to our area. The owners are planning to add a motel to their state-of-the-arts premises. The New Rodeo Palms have gotten the amendments to their master plan accomplished and are ready to proceed with their development. The Railroad Commission has awarded the first phase of their cleanup at CR89 and FM1128 to Phillips and began the cleanup on July 15th. Tex Dot is busily finishing the shoulder work on FM 1128. When they are finished, they will resurface the whole area, stripe it and add turning lanes at intersections. The overpasses at CR58 and CR59 have been approved and are slated to begin around August 1st. A huge thanks to Daryl Estes and his dad of Bayland, have donated travel mugs to the city with our Manvel emblem on them. It really sounds like we need to hold on to our hat, growth has arrived. Please stop by City Hall and see all the new pictures of what is coming to our beloved City of Manvel. Thank you for your support and remember, “Together, we CAN make a difference.” God Bless! Delores M. Martin BACH – Funfest The Brazoria County Association for Citizens with Handicaps is hosting a Funfest is August 1st at the K.C. Hall on Hwy. 6 in Alvin. There will be free fun and games for the kids and door prizes. There is a $10 donation with the proceeds going to help families help their children. Free Children’s Activities from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; BBQ & Entertainment from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; a Silent Auction, 12:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Live Auction, 1:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information call 979-849-2447 or toll free 877-714-1766. |
JULY
Manvel’s
celebration will take place June 26th at the Old School Grounds, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will include a parade, arts and crafts, games, food booths, etc.Alvin’s July 4th celebration will include a concert followed by fireworks, both at the Alvin Community College. The ACC orchestra will supply the music, broadcasted on the KACC radio station. You can park almost anywhere in the area, turn on your radio and hear the music then watch the show.
Pearland’s July 4th celebration is from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Independence Park. The band will be Ezra Charles and the Works. Parking is at Pearland High School with shuttle buses to the park. The city pool at the park will be free and open to the public from 12:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friendswood is having their July 4th celebration at Centennial Park, starting at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:20 p.m. The entertainment will be from local talent followed by a 9-piece band named the Doppelgangers.
We Are Still Going Strong
A big Thank You goes out to several Manvel residents and First State Bank, specifically Ron Brazil, for funding the Update for the next 6 months. First State Bank of Manvel will soon be located on Hwy 6 along with 2 other businesses, Kwik Kar and a Dollar Store. Without these donations this newsletter would be for online readers only.
Thanks again for your support!Phillips Pipes Money
The Manvel Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank Phillips Pipeline for their generous donation to the department. It’s always nice to see companies and individuals helping out the community volunteers and they appreciate it immensely.
************************************
Please remember the Burn Permit sold at Manvel City Hall is not affiliated with the fire department, but required by the city and regulated by the city Fire Marshal. The only time the fire department is called is if the fire is out of control.
From The Mayor’s Desk
June has been a busy month with the planning Budget Workshops and trying to stay dry from all our rainy days. Construction is trying to make the most of our sunny days.
The Diamond Shamrock Station, along with Konoba Seafood & Grill, are slated to open within the next week. Pastor Joseph of Open Door Community Church on Hwy. 6 will be having the dedication service for his church on Sunday, June 27th at 10:45am. Dave Madsen of Armour Homes has purchased the old Pick n’ Pac. He is busily remodeling the building. Randy Porter of Porter Services announced he will be erecting a new 24,000 sq. ft 2-story building. He has landed over $10,000,000 in contracts with British Petroleum and is looking to bring over 60 new jobs to the Manvel Area. Hope Lumber, the old Wicks facility, is finalizing their plans as well. They, too, will bring over 50 jobs to the Manvel area. What an opportunity for people seeking employment!
As you know, for the past two years, the City of Manvel and the Manvel Police Department have worked with the West U Warm Up Bike Run. They have brought several thousand-bike
riders through our city. To show their appreciation for all our cooperation, Team Captain, Marilyn Chovanec, brought me a check of $1,500 to be given to the Manvel Public Library. The check will be presented to our librarian at our City Council Meeting on June 28th. “Our City is indeed on the rise”. Please have a safe 4th of July Weekend and remember…together we can make a difference!Delores M. Martin
☺First Baptist Church of Manvel is offering Low Impact aerobics on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 7 p.m. and a Fit 4 Wellness Program on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.; also, Children Karate on Thursday nights from 7 – 8 p.m. and Adult Karate Thursday nights from 8 – 9 p.m. For more information call 281-489-8514
☺ News from the Manvel Youth Soccer Club is having its annual summer soccer camps for the weeks of July 19 and July 26. If you register your child with Manvel Youth Soccer Club for Fall, 2004, you are eligible for 1 free week of soccer camp. For additional information contact John Bridges at 281-489-7621 or 713-459-3805.
☺ The City of Pearland invites you to a night at the movies at Independence Park; July 9th is Cheaper by the Dozen, rated PG and August 13th is The Haunted Mansion, also PG. They start at 9:00 p.m. You are invited to bring your lawn chairs, relax and enjoy the movie.
☺ Konoba Seafood and Grill, located on Hwy. 6 between the Naked Rib and La Matita, will open June 25th. They will be opened Tuesdays – Sundays, from 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. The name originated from old fishing villages with stone filled wine cellars where fishermen gathered to share their stories, drink and eat. Their food will be fresh, made daily from scratch, with a Mediterranean flair, Texas style. It will include steaks and burgers, fish, shrimp, & seafood platters. Moderately priced, family owned and operated. The phone number is 281-489-2566.
☺ Dave and Glenda Madsen of Armour Homes have bought the old PicNPac building and are planning to move in the end of July. Armour Homes, a custom homebuilder, will be having a grand opening August 1st. The whole building will be remodeled and with revamped parking. They bought the building and the surrounding acreage behind the structure to Large Avenue and have plans for a Mexican restaurant in the near future.
News From Grace UMC
Grace UMC has been busy in June and that will continue into July & August. They began the month with their Annual Conference, the yearly business meeting for the Texas Conference. The pastors and lay delegates attended five days of meetings, worship services and mission exhibits at Houston's First Methodist Church, west Campus.
Then June 6-12 the Youth group went to Kountz for U.M.A.R.M.Y. (United Methodist Action Reach-Out Mission by Youth) They spent the week repairing houses, building wheel-chair ramps and ministering to the needs of the elderly in that city. Each day of hard work was followed by a evening of food, fun and worship. It was the high point of the year for many of the youth. June 20-26 the younger youth will be attending District Camp at the Lakeview Conference Center in near Palestine, Texas.
The adults of Grace UMC are also busy with the purchase of the 5-acre tract next to the church and plans for expansion. They are gathering auction items and making plans for the annual BBQ & auction on October 30th. In July they are planning a Funday Sunday on July 18th to kick off Vacation Bible School. The church, and others who want to come, will hold services at the Almost Heaven Campground on July 18 followed by an old-fashioned church picnic. Churchgoers are reminded to wear comfortable clothes and bring a covered dish.
Vacation Bible school this year is from Monday July 19th to Friday July 23rd. They will have a daytime and evening program. For registration or other information, please call the church office 281 489-9083. There will be something for everyone and everyone is welcome.
On August 2nd, Grace UMC will once again host a Life-Line Screening event. Life-Line offers several non-invasive tests of arterial health at a very reasonable cost. This year they will also evaluate blood sugar. The testing is done by appointment. They were able to accommodate about 40 people last year. Reverend Carter says “We've extended the hours, opening at 8am. We believe this is a
valuable service to the community and I invite your readers to participate. Call the church for more information about scheduling an appointment. “
* The Manvel VFD and Manvel EMS are looking
for another dispatcher. Their
personnel have been doing this for over 25 years and need a break. Although
the City of Manvel recently starting dispatching, the coverave is not 24/7.
For more information call Chief Steve DelBello at 281-489-9127.
* First Baptist Church of Manvel is offering Evening Vacation Bible School
from July 12 - 16, 3 years though 6th grade from 6:30 - 9 p.m. For more
information call 281-489-8514
JUNE 2004
Thanks Again Manvel
The Second Annual Yard Sale, sponsored by the Manvel Community Alliance - New Building Fund, was a huge success. Again it was on the grounds of the Manvel Branch Library, May 7th and 8th. Through your contributions, both in donating items to the sale and purchasing other items, over $900.00 was raised.MCA would like to thank Ruth Gibson, Jeanette Rau and Linda Rumker for their outstanding help with the sale. It was great to see Manvel’s citizens and some people new to the area contributing to such a worthwhile cause.
Look for another Yard Sale next year in May, always in conjunction with E. C. Mason’s Buddy Fun Day. Start collecting now for the next event. Thanks again Manvel for a job well done.
……………………………………………………
Members of AISD school board, administrators and students during the ground breaking of Manvel High School, May 14th
Fours Years Strong
The Manvel Update is into its fourth year. Together we have covered a lot of territory learning about new clubs and organizations, meeting new friends and/or making new friends through information provided here.
The newsletter has been accepted well throughout the area and appreciated in other venues. A state representative has even recognized the Update in Austin. There is usually lots of news in our town to keep the update going but digging deeper is sometime a challenge. This ‘challenge’ is inspired almost entirely by you, the readers, and what you contribute.
Our newsletter is emailed to over 90 persons, which in turn email it even further. An additional 300 – 400 copies are printed, depending on the month. It seems that you are as proud as the editor is of our little newspaper. Thanks for all your support, additions and yes, sometimes corrections. At post time the donations have just about been depleted. You, the readers, solely support the Update. Please contact me if you can contribute to our Manvel newsletter at
sharon53@peoplepc.com.Together we have produced a successful newsletter. Let’s keep up the good work!
From The Mayor’s Desk
Thank you to all the citizens who took the time to cast their ballots in the recent elections. As you may know, Robert Finley, Dwight Harrison and Tommy Pollard were all re elected. The Northern ESD District passed with a large majority. I have been in contact with the county for a time line.
I want to express my appreciation to: Larry Akery, Larry Forbrich, Karen Kinlaw, Harry Opliger and Lyle Stone who all donated their time to run for office. There are vacancies on several important committees and boards and I hope these talented people will step up to the challenge.
Our congratulations go out to Officer Chris Enloe honored by the Manvel Lions' Club as Manvel's Officer of the year. We also saluted the Manvel Police Department during National Police Officers Week and the Manvel EMS for the National EMS Week. Both groups of dedicated personnel are appreciated and perform a great service to the Manvel community. The EMS has moved into their new facility by the Manvel Post Office and should have their open house soon. On Friday, May 14th, Manvel High School began their construction with a groundbreaking ceremony. August 2006 opening will be here before we turn around. First State Bank will have their groundbreaking ceremony at 10am on Tuesday, May 25th. Dollar General and Kwik Industries have already begun. It is an exciting time here in Manvel to observe all the activity. Hopefully the rain will hold off for a while so the construction can continue. More development is being planned. Two more developers came in today to share their plans for our area. I will keep you updated as plans become finalized. TexDot is still on track for the overpasses at CR 58 and 59. Storm Season is about to begin.
Please make sure you have emergency supplies in your home in case of necessity. Grace United Methodist Church on Highway 6 is the Red Cross-designated Shelter. Church of the Harvest and First Baptist has also volunteered their facilities if needed. The generosity of the Manvel citizens to volunteer their time and talents is greatly appreciated. Areas are still being reviewed with the drainage districts for possible solutions to help with our drainage problems. Thank you, once again, for all your support and encouragement as your City is beginning to experience new growth.
"Together we can make a difference"
Delores M. Martin
ESD Passes
Voters provided enough ‘Yes’ votes to pass the Emergency Service District during the May 15th election. The district will include Manvel’s VFD and Manvel’s EMS allowing both groups to improve with more training and equipment. Manvel had more votes cast than any other town. Congratulations, that’s a first for our town. ☺ ☺ ☺
Local Church Grows
New Hope Church has closed the deal on their new property. It is 120.869 acres of property on County Road 58. Part of the property fronts to Hwy 288 as well. They are now in the design process
and expect to begin site development in about six months. They are hoping to begin construction in the spring of 2005.In the s
hort term New Hope plans to build a church building that will seat approximately 1,600. Long-term plans are to use a portion of the property to build a youth camp.Summer Reading Program 2004
Manvel Branch Library
The summer reading program starts June 1st and continues through July 10th. All children of Brazoria County are eligible to participate.June Activities;
1st; Registration begins, 1:00pm – 8:00pm
2nd; Brazoria county Historical Museum, 10:30 am
9th; Jungle Jack-Color the World, 10:30am
16th; Suzy Blackwell-miniature horses, 10:30 am
23rd; Magic Street Prod.-magic show, 10:30am
30th; Giant Tortoise, 10:30 am
July Activities;
7th; Story Time
8th; Lisa Jastram, Travel the globe in books, 10:30am
10th; Summer Reading Ends
31st; Last day to turn in book logs
Story Time every Wednesday @ 3:00 pm
Teens have Friday Night Fun
Friday Night Thrive at Church of the Harvest is exploding with good clean fun. By breaking denominational walls that keep churches separated, Thrive is a place for youth to hang out with friends and learn how to apply God’s Word to their lives. Youth ages 10-18 are invited to Thrive every Friday night from 7-10:30 p.m. to play basketball, pool, air hockey, Playstation and other games, and to experience the power of God in the youth service. They can bring money for candy and Cokes The Church is located in Manvel at 7505 Wilson on Hwy. 6. The Church's phone # is 281-489-9673.
Couldn’t Find It
You asked for some information, an attempt was made, but at deadline the Special Events Committee has not sent any information on the Manvel July 4th Celebration. Also, information was requested on the Manvel Soccer Association but nothing at this time. Sorry, maybe next year.
MAY 2004
* Plans for a public meeting for rezoning FM 1128 from residential to commercial.
The following 3 buildings are to be in front of the Brazoria County Prescient 3 road barn on Corporate Drive facing Hwy 6. Plans are being review by Manvel’s PD7Z;
* Kwik Kar Tube and Lub center
* Dollar General
* Frist State Bank of Manvel
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
There has been a flurry of activity at City Hall including our new bookkeeper, Tammy Damolin, building permits, work on the 2005 budget and visiting with various interested individuals about developing within our city. TexDot is finalizing plans for the overpasses at CR 58 and CR59. The Railroad Commission has advertised for bids on the cleanup at the Lost Mule Site on CR89.
We now have a TIRZ Board of Directors for Clinton Wong's TIRZ overlay: Mike Pyburn-Chairman, Dorena Finley-Vice Chairman, Mark Lowe, Steve Cameron and Maureen DelBello. These five people will be responsible for looking after the city's interest regarding the TIRZ. Important dates to mark your calendar:
Lions Club Crayfest on May 8th, Manvel Library Yard Sale May 7 & 8, Mothers Day on May 9th, the groundbreaking for Manvel High School on May 14th and last but not least...Council elections as well as the ESD District, and AISD trustees, vote on May 15th. Please, please do not forget to vote. The City needs your support. The City Council is overseeing the happenings in our community. Exercise your right to vote for your favorite candidate.
With good weather, construction will be flourishing along the highway 6 corridor. The HUD-MEDC infrastructure project has gone out for bids and should be starting soon. "Hold on to your hats. our ride is about to begin." Yes, Together we can make a difference!
Delores M. Martin, Mayor
ACC this Spring/Summer?
* Alvin Community College Kids’ College, June 28 - July 1. Session 2 is July 19 – 22. Registration May 10 -11, 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm, after May 14, Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm at the Nolan Ryan Center
* High school students can get a jump-start on their college core classes by attending ACC courses this summer. Call 281-756-3531 for more information.
* Pilates with instructor Candy Reed. Call Rhonda Myers for more info. 281-756-3729
*ACC’s Department of Continuing Education is introducing the new Kid Chefs class 3rd through 5th grade. Call 281 756-3787. The cost is $35.00.
Alvin Community College is conveniently located at 3110 Mustang Road. The campus can also be accessed from South Highway 35 Bypass, near the Nolan Ryan Center.
Coming Events at Baptist Church
First Baptist Church of Manvel will offer a grief and loss seminar, “Ministering to the Wounded Heart,” beginning Sunday, April 25th. The seminar is designed to help people better understand their own grief and how to minister to others who are grieving. The seminar will cover the grief process, the stages of grief (including, anger, depression and forgiveness), how to deal with grief, and the mystery and purpose of suffering.
Every one of us experiences joy and grief, health and sickness; hope and despair; life and death; success and failure. In our lifetime we will lose people we love and we will be in many situations where we are not happy. Loss is a constant companion of many, and it causes grief and/or depression.
Anyone experiencing a death of a loved one, a job loss, divorce, or other significant loss or crisis is encouraged to attend. The seminar will be held for four Sundays, beginning April 25th, (skipping Mother's Day in May) from 4:15 – 5:45 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Manvel, and conducted by Biblical Therapists, Gayle M. Ramin, PH.D, LBT and Kathy Lunsford, MA, LBT. For additional information regarding the seminar, please call the First Baptist Church at 281-489-8514 or Kathy Lunsford at 713-818-8182.
Local resident Robert Burkhart will be in concert at First Baptist Manvel on Sunday, May 30th. Come join us for the comedy and blessings of his ministry.
Vacation Bible School will be held the week of July 12th - 16th from 6:30PM - 9PM. There is no cost and registration will begin in June. VBS is for 4year olds - 6th grade.
If you have anything to add to the Update please contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email
sharon53@peoplepc.com. Thanks for your continued support.Please, remember to vote for Manvel City Council,
AISD Trustees, and the ESD. Early voting is till May 11th from 8:00 – 5:00. City
council is at city hall, ESD is at Judge Vasut’s office on Hwy 6, and AISD at
administration building. The
May 15thelection day will all be at Mason Elementary from 7:00 – 7:00.
MAY 2004
New Internet Service in Manvel
There is an Internet Service in Manvel that is family owned and operated by Manvel’s own Dave & Kim Rodgers. It’s offers Dial-up Internet Connections, Web Hosting, Web Design, service of personal computers and offers a wide range of Internet Service Providers. You can contact them at http://www.Manvel.net, 26 Oak Crest Ct., Manvel, TX 77578, 281-489-0417.
Manvel Friends Hold Bake Sale
The Manvel Friends of the Library is holding a bake sale fundraiser Election Day, May 1
st on the sidewalk at E.C. Mason Elementary. Come early because they sell out quick. Bring or buy a cake, but support your library and vote for the candidate of your choice. All proceeds benefit the library. The Friends meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month.Easter Services and Presentations Around Town
Grace United Methodist Church will hold an Easter sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. at their church.
First Baptist Church of Manvel will present "Were You There?" on April 2nd, 3rd and 4th at 7PM.
This is an Easter production about Christ. There is no admission charge, and the whole community is invited to come. There are a few changes to this year's production.Sacred Heart of Jesus will have a Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30 p.m. Good Friday will have the Living Stations of the Cross 12:00 noon in English and 3:00 in Spanish. Holy Saturday will be a Vigil Mass at 7:30 p.m. and Easter Sunday masses will be 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., both in English and 12:30, in Spanish.
From the Mayor’s Desk
Where is this year going? Only about 3 weeks to Easter and Elections follow in May. We are blest with 8 candidates running for 3
positions on City Council. Please remember to come out and vote on May 15th and support the candidate of your choice! Good news from Angleton. Commissioners Court has raised the homestead exemption for people over 65 and the disabled from $75,000 to $100,000. This will give members of our retired community a little relief. We have received notice from Charter Communications of an increase in the monthly charge. Please check your statements and if you have any questions, please call Rick Almand, GM at 281 362 6034.The newspapers have been filled with articles about the clean up at FM 1128 and Old Chocolate Bayou, the Lost Mule site (10 acres). This will be the largest cleanup of $2.8 million the Railroad Commission has ever undertaken. It is possible the clean up could begin as early as 30 days. There has also been a $300,000 feasibility study to determine the best approach. Our State Representative, Dennis Bonnen, has been actively involved. Diana Stiles is still seeking assistance with “Keep Manvel Beautiful.” If you would like to volunteer or be a sponsor, please let her hear from you.
If the sun will continue to dry out all our soggy ground, you will begin to see more construction along Highway 6. Several projects are in “GO” position. Your prayers are requested for Brenda Rice, our Court Administrator, whose mother passed away on Thursday, Commissioner Jim Clawsen who suffered another stroke about three weeks ago and anyone else who is in need of prayers.
Jay White and his crew are playing catch-up with our potholes. We are asked daily about available land for sale here in Manvel. If you would like to post any availability at City Hall, please stop by. Thank you again for all your support and remember “Together we CAN make a difference.”
Delores M. Martin, Mayor
Manvel EMS on the Move
After our first Annual Fundraiser, which was attended by many supporters, the Manvel EMS has been able to find new headquarters. It is conveniently located on FM 1128, next to the Post office. We are currently renovating the mobile home and could use craftsmen, material or any other assistance to help expedite our move. For more information, contact Frank Hagdorn 281-489-7117.
Anxious Aunt Says Thanks
Maureen DelBello just wanted to let everyone now that her nephew, Jay Wells
returned from Iraq safe and sound. He was stationed in Kirkuk in northern
Iraq for one year. He was part of the 173rd airborne that parachuted in to
secure the northern front on March 26, 2003.
He returned home to Katy Tuesday and will be staying there until April 10 when
he then leaves for his base in Italy for two years. His family is all
thankful he returned safely and say that considering he is only 24, he has gone
through more in one year then hopefully any of us will ever have to go through
in a lifetime.
His family reports that he is trying to adjust to every day life after being in a war and that is kind of hard for him. Apparently it is very emotional for him to see the recent stories on the news. He reported that life over there is unbelievable compared to our lives.
We should all be very thankful for our freedom in the USA and appreciate it
everyday.
Maureen wants to thank you all for your support and prayers.
If you have anything to add to the Update please contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email sharon53@peoplepc.com. Thanks for your continued support.
Special Edition – Manvel Election
Remember to Vote!
Candidate night will be Tuesday, April 20
th at Grace Methodist Church in Manvel at 7:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. Please plan to attend to find out more about these candidates both for Manvel City Council and AISD school board. It doesn’t matter when, where or for whom you choose, just vote. There are no long lines at either the early voting at Manvel City Hall, April 25th or voting day at E.C. Mason on May 1st.Call your friends and neighbors to remind them to vote. You could even offer to drive someone that can’t get out. Let’s break our past pattern of having the low voter turnout and have a high turnout. Remember, if you don’t vote, don’t complain. If a candidate loses by one vote, it proves your vote counts.
Council, Position 1
Larry Forbrich, Position #1
Dwight Harrison, Position #2
Larry Akery, write-in vote, Position #1
Council, Position 2
Tommy Pollard, Position #1
Harry Opliger, Position #2
Council, Position 4
Karen Kinlaw, Position #1
Robert Finley, Position #2
Lyles Stone, write-in vote, Position #4
Questions To and Answers From Candidates
The following questions were asked of all eight (8) candidates. As of deadline Harry Opliger, Larry Forbrich, Larry Akery, Dwight Harrison and Karen Kinlaw submitted answers. Tommy Pollard replied by phone saying, “I’m for anything that the people of Manvel want as long as it doesn’t cost them tax paying dollars”. Lyles Stone and Robert Finley did not respond by deadline.
1
. What direction do you see the growth in Manvel going?Opliger
- I believe after Manvel High School is built you will see a flurry ofKinlaw - Manvel’s' direction will be determined by creating an environment for potential developers to invest capital. A strong city government is essential in achieving this goal.
Akery – I think Manvel’s geographical position, acting as a hub from highway 6 to 288 with the widening of highway 6 to Missouri City, will in the near future attract potential growth.
Harrison I see the growth in Manvel continuing to increase with new businesses, new housing developments, and new schools.
Forbrich – Slowly forward
2. How do you plan to get this accomplished?
Opliger - The task at hand is to insure the existing policies are adhered to by the developers. I think it is great that our community will see change but I do not agree that it should be a tax burden to get there.
Kinlaw - City officials must be united and able to reach consensus on issues that concern the citizens and the developers. All past conflicts must be resolved and plans need to be formulated for all new investors and developers so they will know the guidelines for doing business in Manvel.
Akery – This is something I see happening over the next three to five years based on the economy.
Harrison - I plan to help facilitate this by making sure that we continue to work on the infrastructure, roads and all emergency services that will be required as our town grows. I will work to get new business's involved by having them pay part of the cost for the infrastructure, also by using low-interest loans and whatever else is in my power to help keep taxes down.
Forbrich – If the various developers were required to hire at least 25% of their workers from Manvel, the payrolls would stimulate the growth.
3. What is the most important issue in our town?
Opliger - I believe we actually have two real important issues facing Manvel, roads and drainage. Our roads and drainage are so bad that I do not even have to discuss.
Kinlaw - I feel roads, flood control and development are equally important.
Akery – An increasing tax rate, the ever-present drainage and roads; my concern is with the rising city taxes, at what point does this begin to deter growth in Manvel?
Harrison - There is just not one issue in this town that you can say is the only or most important one. There is actually a whole "laundry" list of issues that are important to many of us here in Manvel...infrastructure is a must, not only to continue to grow, but for the people/business's that are already here, street repairs and drainage are a couple more.
Forbrich – Do the taxpayers/voters trust current elected officials in city hall?
4. What is Manvel's current public image?
a. If negative, what would you do to improve it?
Opliger – To the residents it is a money machine that takes and does not giveback, to the passer by it is the land that time forgot. We must improve our public works department, bottom line. I would like to see a shift of money from other departments back to the Public Works to incorporate a different strategy for road maintenance.
Kinlaw – By working closely with the Mayor and Council, the citizens of Manvel need to remove personal feelings from the decisions being made on behalf of the citizens.
Akery – The resident’s image of Manvel is negative. The home owner/taxpayer is still asking ”what are we getting for our increase in taxes and have we overdone some of our restrictions”?
Forbrich – Create an event that is significant to Manvel; a fishing contest or a goat barbeque cook-off, something different. Maybe a hand-tied couples pie-eating contest where one eats the pie while the other holds it.
b. If positive, what would you to continue the image?
Harrison - I feel the image of Manvel is a positive one, and I will continue to work to pay off our outstanding debts, and try to look for ways to keep our taxes down by encouraging new business's to come here. I will look for ways to help all departments work together for the betterment of all of us who live here in Manvel.
APRIL 2004
Manvel Fire Dept. Awards
This year’s annual banquet for the Manvel Volunteer Fire Department took on a special meaning. Mike Henderson was awarded Firemen of the Year Award, but a special verbal recognition of Rookie of the Year award was given John Aucoin by Chief DelBello for his outstanding dedication to the MVFD website;www.manvelfd.org and his persistence to get the new radios up to speed.
The firemen took it on themselves to give out some very special awards. Fire Chief Steve DelBello, Asst. Chief Larry Akery and Captain Delbert Burleson were given plaques for their dedication to the department during this most difficult past year. The plaque read “Thank you for your continuous support, leadership, and dedication throughout the Year. We appreciate all the work and time you dedicated to help guide our department through a difficult time.” It is signed by firefighters of the Manvel Volunteer Fire Department.
The last presentation was given by Captain Delbert Burleson to Jimmie DelBello Sr. Captain Burleson stated that because Jimmie had put over 50 years of hard work into the fire department, it gave the rest of the firemen the drive to keep going during this difficult year. Since he had worked so hard in the past, it put all in perspective as to how hard the firemen had to work to get the new fire truck. Because of that the firemen dedicated the new truck to Jimmie for all his hard work. The fire truck was in the parking lot at the banquet to show Jimmie the inscription and a plaque on each side of the truck. Jimmie kept asking why the truck was in the parking lot.
All the wives were given a rose to thank them for the many hours their husbands were away from home; either training for fire and rescue or actually at the many runs they go to.
Chief DelBello congratulating Mike Henderson
Chief DelBello and Captain Burleson, absent was Larry Akery. He was home with the flu.
Beaming Jimmie DelBello Sr.
From The Mayor’s Desk
The month of February is off and running. I had the privilege to be one of the judges for the Fifth Grade Science Fair at E. C. Mason. What a talented group of students we have, my compliments to Mrs. Susan Cornell and her terrific staff of teachers. Congratulations to: Frank Hagdorn chosen as Manvel's Citizen of the Year, Manvel EMS on their successful Valentine dance, Grace United Methodist on their Valentine festivities and Diana Stiles as Chairman of the resurrected Keep Manvel Beautiful Committee. If you would like to be part of this committee please contact Diana Stiles.
There are several businesses along Highway 6 who are waiting for our soggy area to dry out so they can begin construction. Packets are being picked up for the upcoming election. There are three council seats up for consideration. Please keep in your prayers our Court Administrator, Brenda Rice's Mother who is ill.
The stakes you see along FM 1128 are signs Tex-Dot is readying the expansion. First the left side will be widened and then the right. This will add a turning lane in the middle. The plans for the overpasses at CR 58 and 59 are ahead of schedule. Jay White and his road crew are busily patching the added deterioration to our streets from all the rain. Two more grants have been sent out seeking help with future expansion of our infrastructure. The First Response Communication Grant 2004 has also been finished. We were blessed to
receive $42, 100 towards communication for our city in 2003. Please remember to support the businesses in Manvel. They are vital to our community. "Together, we can make a difference." Delores M. Martin, Mayor
Business Expo Deadline
The Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 7th Annual Business Expo 2004, Sunday, March 7, 2004 at Alvin Junior High School from 11 AM
– 3 PM. Fees:Chamber Members, 8x10 booth - $100
8x20 booth - $175
Non-Members, 8x10 booth - $150
8x20 booth - $275
Electric Outlets, $10 per outlet (limited number available, must be reserved in advance)
Deadline for the fees is Friday February 20, 2004
Contact the Chamber at 281-331-3944 for more info.
Brazoria County Library Book Sale
The Brazoria County Library System will be having a used book sale at the Angleton Library, March 4th – 6th. This sale will include books of all kinds and all proceeds will benefit the BCLS to fund other projects as they come along.Garden Tour
The Alvin Museum Society and the Alvin Garden Club will co sponsor a garden tour Saturday, April l7, 2004 (rain or shine) from l0:00 AM-4:00 PM. The admission is $5.00, a tax-deductible, non-refundable donation to the Alvin Museum Society (children under l2, no charge). Featured on the Tour (and included in the ticket price)Marguerite Rogers House Museum, ll3 E. Dumble St.,
Alvin Tour of Museum, Plant Sale, and Venders of garden art, patio furniture, etc.
The homes will include;
Donnis & Judy Tomlin, l2l8 Carmie, Alvin
Nellwyn Barnett, ll0 Ridgemont Dr., Hillcrest Village, Alvin
David & Sandra Gates, 6202 Cindy Dr. (entrance on Charlotte), Manvel.
Proceeds go to the maintenance fund of the House Museum. Anyone wishing to donate plants for the sale may call Pat Klopp, 28l-393-l538 for arranging pickup or delivery.
The Alvin Garden Club will sponsor the annual Flower Show and Plant Sale April 24, 2004 at the Alvin Sr. Center, 309 W. Sealy, Alvin. There is no charge for
admission. The Flower Show is a judged accredited show. There are two divisions, Horticulture and Design. There is competition for ribbons and rosettes. Competition is not limited to members; anyone in the community may enter. Entries must be in place, ready to be judged by 10 a.m. the morning of the show. Judging will be from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. After judging is completed and awards are in place, the
show will be open to the public.
The plant sale, held in conjunction with the flower show, will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Members of the garden club grow all plants offered for sale locally.
2nd Annual Garage Sale for Library
When you start spring-cleaning please remember the Manvel Community Alliance, Building Fund garage sale. Last year’s sale was a complete success raising more than $1200. This sale had everything from baby items, kitchen supplies, toys both small and large, appliances, furniture and lots of cloths. The MCA asked for your help again to make this year bigger and better than ever.
If you have anything to donate to the garage sale, but it’s so large you can’t bring it, please call 281-489-9658 or 281-489-2849 and leave a message.. They will arrange to have it picked up.
The Manvel Garden Club helped last year with the event but without Bonnie Dement, Ruth Gibson and the rest of their club it would have been much more difficult. Thanks Ladies.
FEBRUARY 2004
|
Interesting newpaper
article. Send it to as many people an you can. This |
Boogie Through Life
| Feb. 9th – 13th | E.C. Mason’s Science Fair |
| Feb. 13th |
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry,
5:00 – 7:00, Hwy. 6 Surprise your Valentine and go out to dinner a day early. The price, food, and friendly faces can’t be beat. |
| Feb. 14th | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥Valentines Day ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ |
| Feb. 18th – 19th | E.C. Mason Jump Rope for Heart |
Don’t cry because it’s over smile because it happened.
Pain and suffering is inevitable but Misery is optional.
Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, and Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called The Present.
A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another up.
Life is what you make of it … kind of like Play Doh.
The bubbling brook would lose its song if you removed the rocks.
Happiness comes through doors you didn’t even know you left open.
Everything is always okay in the end, if it’s not, then it’s not the end.
If all my friends jumped off a cliff, I wouldn’t jump with them. I would be at the bottom to catch them.
A girl on the street is pointing up at the sky. ‘Look an Angel!’ she yells. Passerby laugh, ‘You fool, that is only a cloud.’ How wonderful it would be to see Angels where there are only clouds.
How sad it would be to see clouds where there are Angels.
Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is
finished; IF you’re alive, it isn’t.
So be happy! Don’t let anything burst your balloon! Boogie through life!
Manvel Junior High News
Two Manvel Jr. High teams competed in the Future Engineers, Future City Competition January 26, 2004 at San Jacinto Jr. College. Pacificus team members were: Veronnica Rameriz, Ian Hamilton and Christian Ornales. Team Europia's members were: Robert Fortney, Britney Nix and JT Thomson. This team won a trophy and medals for Best Space-Based DesiGN. Emily Oglesby, 8th gr. placed 1st and Dustin Landry, 7th gr. placed 2nd in our District Spelling Bee. This is Emily’s second year to win. Students in the 7th grade PAP Science class are competing in the Toshiba Explora-Vision Awards. It includes an abstract, Essay, and Web page graphics.
Manvel Locals Run in Houston Marathon
On January 18, 2004 over 30 of the 14,103 people running in the HP Houston Marathon were Manvel locals. The marathon, a Running USA founding member, is the nation’s premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 U.S. states and several foreign countries. Whether they ran or walked the 5k (3.1 miles), the half marathon (13.1 miles) or the complete marathon (26.2 miles), it was a great accomplishment. If you see one of these people give them a hand, they deserve it.
The following people were listed as those participating from Manvel; Rick Hamlin, Shawna Morris, Andrew Morris, Harry Opliger, James Smith, Pamela Silberfein, Richard McGough, Tom Wurster, Mike McNeely, Jeremy Smith, Robinson Chauvot, Phillis Pietrucha, Paul Ralph, Debbie Norwood, Brenda Opliger, Devin York, Susan Severance, Willie Rutledge, Lori Cope, Kara Bosworth, Kelly Newcom, Donna Fress, Robert Jacklson, Julie Smith, Shirley Smith, Andrea Milbourne, Richardo Campos, Jason Donica, Dee Callicoatte, Maria Mireles,and Houman Alagha.
Brazoria County Library Book Sale
The Brazoria County Library System will be having a used book sale at the Angleton Library, March 4th – 6th. This sale will include books of all kinds and all proceeds will benefit the BCLS to fund other projects as they come along.
From The Mayor’s Desk
The New Year has brought many new challenges to our wonderful city. Potential growth is at our doorstep. The apartments at CR 59 are to break ground around April 1st. First State Bank of Clute, with cooperative weather, should be up in about 120 days. They will be located in Corporate Park on Highway 6. Dollar General and Kwik Industries are also considering locating in Corporate Park. The Court Annex is also finalizing their plans to begin their facility.
The new Manvel High School should begin their work in the spring. The Benchmark Property has been sold to Hope Lumber Company, a wholesale lumber company. The present building will be removed to make way for the new construction. Milestone Properties are ready to finalize Mud 30 so they can begin the construction of 1300 homes and an 80 to 100 acre commercial development.
We are presently negotiating with a Ford dealership, which will be located at the corner of CR 59 and CR 94. We met with TexDot who informed us construction on the 58 and 59 overpasses would begin on July 1st. The construction phase will last about 20 months. Plans to close the 58 crossover will be announced before construction begins. Gerald Roberts, our County Engineer, is ready to disseminate the County Master Drainage Plan to all the drainage districts. The Dispatch System is growing.
We now have TWO full time dispatchers. We are working toward 24 hour dispatching so we can better meet the needs of our community. We are looking into all avenues as to how we can expand our water facilities by expanding the present line, drill a new water well and install an elevated storage tank to have the needed pressure and quality water for our citizens.
This is long overdue. With the HUD money of $170,000 the crushed sewer line on Highway 6 will be replaced and MEDC will contribute funds up to $173,000 for a new lift station supporting the expansion. Manvel is indeed becoming a “City on the Rise”! Thank you for your continued support and Together WE will make a difference. God Bless,
Delores M. Martin, Mayor
Families Say Goodbye
Alma Easley Sorrells, 85, went to be with her Lord Monday, January 19, 2004. She was a charter member of 1st Baptist Church of Manvel. She is survived by her children, Kenneth Easley and wife Carol, and Carolyn Bowen; stepchildren, Janie Vance and husband Phil, Willa Walker and husband Billy Ray, and Charles Easley and wife Margaret; sister, Hattie George; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Angelina DelBello,
93, left this world on January
4, 2004. She is survived by three sons and a daughter; Eugene DelBello and wife
Helen, Fred DelBello and wife Ruth, Roy DelBello and wife Carolyn, and daughter
Joan Kennedy, and numerous grandchildren.
Alma and Angie were the best of friends, and they went on trips together, makes
you kind of wonder if Angie "called" Alma to join her on another journey.
Angie and Alma went on two tour trips with their church, the Holy Land and Hawaii. Angie was like a seeing-eye dog for Alma, helping her everywhere they went. Angie visited Alma frequently at her home, they were very good friends. Angie really missed Alma in their later years when they could not get around. They were two of God's angels and will surely be missed. Now those angels have returned to their heavenly home.
Manvel Burglaries
Officers of the Manvel Police Department have been investigating numerous car burglaries throughout the City of Manvel that began on Monday 01/05/04 through 01/06/04. The culprits have been typically searching for persons leaving their cars unlocked and then searching for items that seem to interest them such as loose change, cigarettes, clothing etc. However, in many instances, the culprits have left expensive electronics alone.
On Tuesday 01/06/04, an investigation revealed that four juveniles were responsible for most, if not all, car burglaries and at this time have been charged with other unrelated misdemeanor crimes by MPD. Additionally, all four juveniles in this investigation are expected to face burglary of motor vehicle charges and engaging in organized criminal activity as this investigation continues. Ironically, all the car burglaries have ceased.
Manvel Police Department would also like to remind all citizens to help prevent these types of crimes by locking their car doors and their homes. Please report any suspicious activity to them @ 281-489-1212 or in an emergency dial 911.
Ralph L. Garcia, Manvel Chief of Police
Judy Davis, life long resident of Manvel, gave the Manvel Volunteer Fire Department a donation of $1000. She wants the donation to go towards the kitchen in the proposed new fire station and is challenging others to do the same, no matter what they can give. She has started a building fund all by herself. What confidence is that?
"God's Bunch" meets the first Thursday of every month at First Baptist Church of Manvel. This event is for senior citizens of the community. They start gathering around 9 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts and then get down to business with serious games of dominoes, cards, etc. Lunch is between 11:30 and 12 noon. This month God's Bunch will meet on February 5th. Homemade soup is on the menu, so BYOB...Bring Your Own Bowl! Also, please bring a dessert.
John & Nell Taylor of Alvin would like to wish a Happy 1st Birthday to their little grandson, Britt Owens. He and his parents, Britt and Norma Owens live in the OakCrest Subdivision here in Manvel. His birthday was January 19, 2004.
Some of AHS students were performing at the Superbowl. Of the 60 people from AHS, the following are from Manvel; Danica Schlegel, Corey Pauley, Eric Booth, Beau McDougal, Patricia Markham, Kendra Koster, Morgan Booth. They practiced 4 hours the Sunday before the event learning how to run out on the field and also the refrain to Janet Jackson's song that they sang. They also videoed a show called "The Making of the Superbowl Halftime". Sorry, but it aired last week. Good going kids!
Have you tried the Dollar Store and the store next door to it yet? It’s a typical $store with most of the items you travel to Pearland and Alvin for. They are both next to Billy’s donut shop on Hwy 6.
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December 2003
Volume 3, Issue 7 December 2003
Update on Restaurants
Noted in the last Update, the Naked Rib located on Hwy 6 is open for business. Business has been so good the owners have been encouraged to broaden their menu. In the near future they will be introducing a 5-day a week special, chef’s salad and house salad. Their ribs are so good that they ran out of them the first day of business, regrouped so that doesn’t happen again. That’s a good sign. We were at the restaurant so long they asked us if we were going on payroll. ☺ ☺ ☺ The second floor, as well as the whole restaurant, is available for you to reserve for that special occasion, they also offer catering. Starting December 1st they will be closed on Sunday.
Village Seafood and Pizza is a whole lot more than their name implies. It’s hard to decide which poor boy sandwich to order with the variety available. Their seafood platters, fried onion rings, salads… decisions, decisions, decisions…
We also have another restaurant coming to the area, Konoba Seafood and Grill located on Hwy 6 between the Naked Rib and La Matita. There is no other information at this time as to when it will open or what items they will serve. The point of this article is that we now have a variety of places to choose. So far, we have been fortunate that they are good clean establishments, friendly faces and delicious food.
From The Mayor’s Desk
In the name of the Manvel City Council, Staff, Employees and myself, I want to thank the citizens of Manvel for their interest and support during the year of 2003. With you at our side, our community will continue to flourish. "Wishing you all the holiest and happiest Christmas ever and a blessed New Year"!
Delores M. Martin, Mayor
Friends Say Thanks
The Manvel Community Library Association – Friends of the Library, would like
to thank the following donors for our 13th Annual Craft Show held on November
8th at Manvel Jr. High:
Manvel Mattress
Crested Water Company
H. E. B. - Alvin
Dilly Donuts & Dano Donuts
South Shore Harbor
Larry Cornelius
Henry Dekeyzer
Manvel Lions Club
Joe's Bar B. Que
Stanton's
Karen Zahn, president of the organization, would like to thank all of the
patrons that came to support their effort; if you bought items, worked the
various tables or just visited your friends and neighbors. Thanks for coming!
Manvel Citizens Came Through in a Pinch
Most of you read in last month’s Update, the funding for this newsletter was dwindling. Donations came in long enough to keep this going for a while longer. A big thank you to James and Bonnie Dement, Julius and Elnora Cimchanzel and Commissioner Jim Clawson for their support. Their gifts will help and it’s a good start. Contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email
sharon53@peoplepc.com if you care to contribute.Diamond Shamrock Coming to Manvel
The future owners of the prospective Diamond Shamrock went before Manvel’s Planning, Development and Zoning to approve their plans of building a new station. It will be located next to the Shell station on Hwy 6. Apparently the Subway and Taco Bell are being requested to vacate their current location at Shell, so this new station will house them. The new facilities will be accommodations for larger facilities for the two restaurants. Unfortunately there is no date or timeline for this new addition.
Santa’s Helpers
Manvel Police Association is helping with Project Love, also known as Santa Angels sponsoring 14 families, which are about 64 people. The event will be December 6th at Six Flags of Astroworld includes gifts, lunch and the whole park to play in. The park is closed to the public and opens up that day for them alone for the Project Love event.
The police association supports this through some of the money raised at the fundraiser they had earlier in the year at Church of the Harvest.
Chamber’s Birthday Celebration
It’s Time to Celebrate! The Banquet Committee is already working hard to make your 47th Annual Awards Banquet a celebration to remember. This year’s banquet will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at Victory Camp Convention Center. The Banquet Committee is securing fabulous items for a spectacular silent and live auction. Tickets to the banquet are $35 per person or $400 for a reserved table of 10.
The spotlight of the evening will be to recognize the many volunteers who give of their time and expertise to the Chamber and their communities.
We will be presenting awards for:
Citizen of the Year – recognizes two individuals, one from Alvin and one from Manvel, who has demonstrated a commitment to their community over a period of years.
Volunteer of the Year – recognizes a person whose time and expertise has helped ensure the success of the Chamber in 2003.
Chamber’s Leadership Award – recognizes an individual whose enthusiasm and efforts have led the way for the Chamber to reach its goals and objectives.
The forms are also available at the Chamber office. Please send us your nomination for these awards by January 2, 2004. Inserted in the Chamber newsletter you will find nomination forms for these awards, which may be mailed, faxed or dropped off at the Chamber office once completed. These forms must include the candidate’s name, outstanding personal characteristics and Chamber / Community accomplishments and activities, which make him / her a worthy nominee.
Retiring directors, JoAn Anderson, Alvin Community College; Brad Richards, Brad’s Muffler & Truck Accessories; Brett Shine, Attorney; and Paul Patterson, Patco Lumber Company / Ace Hardware will also be honored during the evening. The 2003 Chairman, Brad Yaw, Equistar Chocolate Bayou Chemical Complex, will officially hand over the gavel to the 2004 Chairman, Tommy King, Alvin Independent School District. For Yaw’s dedication to the Chamber as 2003 Chairman, he will be receiving an honorary award.
** Please donate an auction item to our silent or live auction and give your company additional advertisement at the banquet. Please contact the Chamber if you have questions or would like to donate at 281-331-3944. And remember to make your reservations to attend! ** For more information contact the Chamber at 281-331-3944.
Show and Tell for Elementary Students
The MVFD had fire prevention week for both E.C. Mason and Don Jeter elementary schools. The firemen were able to show off the new fire truck and tell the students about fire safety both at school and at their homes. The firemen were especially impressed with kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ochoa. She seemed to be informative about the fire gear and explanation as the firemen did. We truly have gifted teachers and find out more and more about them everyday.
Volume 3, Issue 6 November 2003
As we approved a new high school in Manvel, it is fun to look at the past. Students, teacher and parents stand in front of a group of Manvel dads building a new swing set for a school in 1910. The teacher was Miss Eva Dean.
Croix Park Updates
Diana Stiles has joined the Parks Committee. She has worked diligently on compiling the list of plants, origin, and brief description of each plant. Jay White has designed and installed a beautiful Entrance Gate to Croix Park. The Soccer teams meet each day about 5:00 and practice and play their games on Saturday. The parking lot is overflowing and they have to park on the street.
A fountain has been installed and an old world garden gate will be put at the entrance of the botanical garden, soon to be installed (donated by Manvel Garden Club). Johnnie Lowe has donated 8- 15-gallon trees that have been planted at the Park. Maureen DelBello, City councilwoman, continues to inspire, direct, and encourage positive happenings at the Park.
Funding Deadline Approaching
This newsletter started when Mayor Delores Martin won her first election. She had wanted a way to inform the citizens to what was happening in Manvel and the surrounding areas and I became the fascinator. The Manvel Update was created with the support from a lot of good people. At first Frank Hagdorn was donating the paper while Brenda and Harry Opliger made arrangements for the printing. Eventually we had funding from the original developer of Rodeo Palms, then Commissioner Jim Clawson, and later Johnnie Lowe and Doyle Fenn.I have immensely enjoyed doing this, learned a lot about Manvel and the people that live, work, and like everything our town has to offer. It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you this sad news. Unfortunately the funding has been exhausted and at press time I only have funds for 3 monthly editions. It costs $55 monthly for paper and printing. Hopefully someone will come forward and support this labor of love that has lasted over 3 years.
Contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email sharon53@peoplepc.com
DELTA DELTA TOUR OF HOMES
The Delta Delta Tour of Homes in Alvin, will be
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003 from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. Proceeds will benefit primarily the Women's Center of Brazoria County and Alvin Basic Child Development Center. Proceeds from the Baked Goods/Crafts Sale at one of the homes will benefit Delta Delta Scholarships. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased from any Delta Delta member. Call 28l-393-l538 for more information.
WORD Classes Available
MS Word XP for Businesses is being offered at the Pearland College Center. To reserve a place contact Larry Cole @ 281.756.3935 or lcole@alvincollege.edu for more information on this class.
From The Mayor’s Desk
Days are getting shorter reminding us that fall is upon us bringing us cool North winds. The Benchmark Property has sold on Hwy. 6 to a wholesale lumber company; the Limestone Property for the Cobblestone Apartments at CR 59 and 288 have closed on the property and plan to begin construction after the first of the year; a large Diamond Shamrock with a strip center is being planned on Highway 6. The new high school has been named Manvel High School. The mascot will be Mavericks and the school colors will be red, white, blue and silver. Village Pizza and Seafood and the Naked Rib are almost ready to open.
The $42,100 the City was awarded for a First Response Grant will be applied to dispatching equipment servicing the Fire, EMS, Police, Public Works and Emergency Management. The government is stressing the importance of interaction with the above-mentioned areas. Congratulations to the Manvel Police on their fund raising for bullet proof vests and other police equipment. They grossed $16,000. Congratulations to the MVFD who stepped forward to purchase the new fire truck. The entire community appreciates their efforts. Congratulations to Patrolman Louis Scott Burdick who received “Officer of the Year” at the 100 Club of Brazoria County. Congratulations to the Manvel city employees who successfully completed their certification in CPR and AED. Congratulations to the Railroad, County and Public Works for the improvements on Masters. More are being planned.
The Corporate Park strip center on Highway 6 is almost ready to begin. Johnny Lowe has worked hard with the project. Realtors and developers are coming by daily looking for tracts of land to purchase for development. Call City Hall if you know anyone interested.
Stanton’s Wild Game & Chile Cook-Off
Stanton’s is having a cook-off on Saturday November 15th, 2003 and will be featuring; Champion Wild Game Dish, Champion Chili Dish, Champion Bean Dish and much more. Please call Allen Stanton at 281-331-4491 for more information.
New Eateries Open Up
The Naked Rib located on Hwy 6. is open for business and from all reports has really good food. You can call them at 281-489-1000 for information. Village Seafood and Pizza will be opening early November.
OOPS!
About 200 people were not acknowledged in the last newsletter for their donations to the MVFD fundraiser auction. Belated Thanks.
October 2003
Jordan Event Center
If you missed the Open House for the Jordan Event Center, Manvel’s newest addition, then you missed a delightful afternoon. There are many words that can describe the center, but the main one is ‘Class’. Nancy Rumburg, co-owner and director, has put every bit of herself into the center to produce a charming, sophisticated, and appealing look that would product such an alluring place. The center certainly has eye appeal.
Nancy says the center is named after her grandmother, Wilma Jordan Callihan. The idea of the Laurel around the front doors is taken from the headstone of her grandparents. With this theme Nancy says she is truly blessed. Her roots are still alive with her Aunt Ester Jordan. Although Nancy is the director she says her dad Johnnie Lowe, the co-owner, is her strongest support.
The center will hold 200 for a sit down affair, 275 for cocktails, but has already held a small intimate wedding for 35 people. It has a receiving kitchen only, so you are welcome to use your own caterer; there is no cooking on the premise. The new dance floor, complete with spinning mirror ball suspended from the ceiling, suggests dancing with whatever DJ or band you choose. Using your own decorator you can transform the room into whatever you desire. To show the versatility of the center it has already had a funeral, wedding, corporate meeting and baby shower. Nancy is looking forward to what ideas new brides, teen parties, anniversaries, company parties, etc. will bring to the center and looks forward to the new challenges. The Jordan Event Center is located at 20709 Highway 6 (the old Pam’s Restaurant facility). You can reach the center by calling 281-489-2822.
Results of School Bond Election
Proposition 1: For: 2,077 76.61%
Against: 634 23.39%
Proposition 2: For: 2,053 75.64%
Against: 661 24.36%
Proposition 3: For 1,938 70.29%
Against: 819 29.71%
Testing in Manvel
Long Chiropractic Clinic of Manvel is hosting a preventative health screening at 20130 Highway 6, Friday, October 3, from 9:00 to 4:00. Discounts for three or more tests available. For more information call 281-920-2115 or Long Chiropractic at 281-489-6700.
Manvel Council Sets the Budget
| City of Manvel | ||||||||||||
| 2004 Annual Budget | ||||||||||||
| Total Expenditures | ||||||||||||
| Administrative | 369,202 | |||||||||||
| Public Safety | 183,382 | |||||||||||
| Public Works | 473,798 | |||||||||||
| Municipal Court | 109,206 | |||||||||||
| Police | 434,312 | |||||||||||
| Library | 41,800 | |||||||||||
| Parks | 12,100 | |||||||||||
| Total | 1,623,800 | |||||||||||
This copy of the budget was supplied by city hall. The Public Safety budget
is split three ways: Fire Marshall - $5334.00, Fire
Dept. - $56,900.00 and EMS - $121,148.00.
Croix Park Tours and Gardens
Bonnie Dement reports that the Manvel Garden Club is going to contact the school and see if field trips can be set up at the park. The garden club would give a tour of the botanical garden and give a workshop on propagation. Something like propagation of roses that the children could take home what they propagated.
Also they would like to set up a small vegetable garden and the produce would go to the local food banks. They are asking the churches in town to see if the seniors’ will help the garden club with this last project.
From The Mayor’s Desk
The Manvel City Council has reached a balanced budget for the 2004 budget. Every department had to be cut slightly and no raises for the coming year. The income we had hoped for did not materialize, but with Rodeo Palms, Milestone Properties, Limestone Apartments off C.R. 59 and the potential new high school, we are prayerful the rainbow is definitely in our future.
Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce honored our religious leaders at a luncheon at the Jordan Center. They each gave a short presentation as to their roles in our community. Nancy Rumberg served as the perfect hostess. Many of our Manvel schoolchildren are all selling items in order to raise money. If you can help them out, I know it would be appreciated. The Manvel soccer teams are all in full force. They are worth watching.
TexDot has come out once again to fix the corners of C.R. 58 and 288. As fast as the work is completed, the trucks are back to see to see what damage they can do.
“Things accomplish nothing. People accomplish everything”.
Delores M. Martin, Mayor
Notes from Commissioner Clawson
Commissioner Clawson will contribute to the Update next month.
Communications’ in Manvel
George Hosek has brought a website to our area. Welcome to the "NEW" Manvel Web page at www.TexasExplorer.com. He moved to Manvel two years ago, started a vegetable garden for the first time and planted some fruit trees. He now enjoys organically grown, apples, peaches, lemons, grapes, blackberries, watermelons, tomatoes, and much other healthy and tasty homegrown food. What he like most about Manvel is the location. He’s a professional outdoor photographer and can easily visit several of the outstanding wildlife and scenic parks in the area. He and John Williamson of "The Great Frame Up" in Pearland donated a print frame at the MFVD auction, a shot George took here in Manvel during a storm. For more info. 281-782-3270.
Mark Boudoin has lived in Leedy Estates since 1998. He is letting you know about a group in Leedy Estates that have been pushing the local providers SBC and Charter Communications to bring broadband Internet to the Manvel area. You can reach him at 281-585-5579 for more info.
New Fire Truck for Citizens
The MVFD has elected to lease/purchase the new fire truck that was unanimously voted for and ordered by the city council. When the mayor continually refused to sign the contract the firemen took it upon themselves to protect the citizens and made a deal with American LaFrance.
The truck will cost $153,000 while most trucks cost much more than this. The fire department had planned to build a badly needed new fire station, but that will come in time. You can view the truck at www.manvelvfd.org
The new station will eventually be built, but the captain said it best - “Fire trucks save lives, not a new building.”
Fall Festival in Manvel
The Fall Festival at 1st Baptist Church will be 3-5PM, Saturday, Oct. 25th. Games and prizes for the kids and musical entertainment "pickin' and grinnin'" for the adults. It's all FREE and open to the community.
100+ Volunteers Help MVFD
This year was the year of volunteers for the Manvel Volunteer Fire Department. They wish to thank the many people that donated countless hours helping with the successful fundraiser August 9th at Eddie’s. Also, a huge thank you goes out to all the wives of the firefighters that worked so hard. Another special thanks go out to Iowa Colony, Brookside, CR 143, and Pearland Fire Department members that were on hand to show their solidarity and support. A few even served food, made lemonade, and cleaned pots for us.
Pam DelBello wishes to thank Rita and Jimmy DelBello, Elaine Graham, Peggy Marasckin, Juanita Marasckin, Kyle Marasckin, Wendy & Tony DelBello, Debbie Burleson and the firefighters for all the work on the Auction to produce a $12,000 profit.
The firefighting BBQ pit crew could not have dished out the 2900 pounds of brisket, 300 links of sausage, mountains of potato salad, gallons of pinto beans, along with the usual BBQ sauce, pickles, onions and bread without the help of the following groups; Croix family, Church of the Harvest, E.C. Mason Elementary Staff, Don Jeter Elementary Staff, Manvel Police Association and of course the Boy Scouts. Ticket sellers were Linda Rumker, Arlene Wallace, Marge Franks, Niki Rolston and one other woman who has become nameless. Your purchase of a food plate produced a profit of almost $2,000. Please remember that most of the food is purchased by the department and in turn sold to you. The donations to tea and lemonade were $150.
Jeanette Applegate, the friendly face at the Manvel Post Office, along with the Manvel Plant Club; Bonnie Dement, Joyce Phillips and her daughter Tami, Ruth Gibson, Pat Manning and ladies from all over Manvel and beyond raised almost $1000 from the Bake Sale. Apparently Jackie Silva of E.C.Mason and Jeanette had a lot of people bring deserts, thanks ladies.
Without the help of these outstanding volunteers the fundraiser would not have been such a wonderful success.
Volume 3, Issue 4 September 2003
AISD Bond Election
AISD officials are to develop plans for a second high school in the Alvin ISD to be located in Manvel. The second high school will house projected growth and relieve the already overcrowded Alvin High School.
“A second high school is absolutely necessary to alleviate the overcrowded conditions at Alvin High School while providing a neighborhood high school near the 288 corridor,” said Dr. Greg Smith, Alvin ISD Superintendent.
Alvin High School, the only senior high school in a district that spans across the communities of Alvin, Manvel, Iowa Colony, Liverpool, Old Amsterdam and parts of Rosharon and Pearland, is already reaching its maximum capacity of 3,500 students. It currently houses 3,200 students and enrollment is expected to reach over 3,800 by the fall of 2006.
“Alvin ISD’s goal is to limit the size of our senior high schools to 2,500 students because data supports that schools limited to this size provide a higher-level learning environment, create campus sizes that are manageable and allow for a more secure environment,” said Patrick Miller, Building Programs Coordinator for Alvin ISD. “In order to maintain the standard of education that we currently provide and avoid a drop in student performance, we need a second senior high school on line no later than the fall of 2006.”
The Board of Trustees approved and authorized a bond issue, which includes three propositions, for building within the District. The bond election is scheduled for Sept. 20, and if voters approve Proposition 1, construction will begin on Phase I of High School #2.
“Phase I of the second high school is designed to accommodate 1,500 students. Proposition 1 also includes the replacement of some older buildings at the current high school,” said Miller.
Proposition 2 will provide for improvement in the district including a new elementary school, land purchase for a future elementary and a junior high school, upgrades at existing campuses, and technology additions to existing campuses.
Proposition 3 calls for repairs to the high school auditorium, which is used by the entire community; and a ticket booth, restrooms and concession areas at Alvin Memorial Stadium
There will be numerous opportunities for voters to cast their ballot during early voting September 3 - 16.
From The Mayor’s Desk
Congratulations to;
* Judge Michael Culling and his wife Jan, hosting a Neighborhood Night Out for all their surrounding neighbors. The Police Department gave a safety presentation. * Mr. & Mrs. Brooke Honore, birth of their son born 7/10/3 * CenterPoint Energy, presented a plaque, for their contributions toward the communication system for MVFD and EMS * MVFD on their successful Bar-B-Q and Auction fundraiser. * Scot Bryant, our first certified dispatcher, who resigned to take a position of Youth Minister at his church. * The Drainage Team of: Richard Bittick, James Scopel, Tommy Pollard, Buddy Williams and Alton Rogers met with the city engineer, Jay White and Drainage District #3 to discuss some pressing drainage issues. Problems have been accruing over the years and they need to be addressed in a timely manner. * Bonnie Dement and the Manvel Garden Club for their diligent work on the gardens and painting of the bathrooms at Croix Park.
We would like to welcome J. D. Greene, one of our former policemen, who has returned to serve as our dispatcher. We are desperately working with the budget 2004 trying to make it possible to hire another dispatcher. We need 3 to have 24 hour dispatching, which is one of our goals and would be very beneficial for MVFD, EMS, Police Dept. and for our citizens who would be able to reach help much faster.
City Hall is in the process of choosing a Financial Advisor and an auditing firm to do the city’s books. The budget is in a struggling mode with no tax increase included. The County is working with the owners along CR 58 to contribute toward its repair and maintenance. Tex-DOT has been repairing the end of CR 58 at 288. The DPS will be checking the weights of the trucks using this road to make sure they are not being overloaded. The results of two grants for water and sewer will be announced in September. We have our fingers crossed! Delores M. Martin
Notes from Commissioner Clawson
The Court also approved paying the salary of a 4H agent for the county. An increase in fees for Sheriff and Constable papers and an increase of the law library fee were also approved. Contracts were approved with UTMB to provide inmate medical services. The Court voted to prohibit the awarding of contracts or entering into transactions with individuals or entities indebted to the County. The State Legislature provided for this action this year.
It was also announced that the public hearing on the FY 2004 Budget would be held on Monday, September 8 at 9:00 a.m. at the Brazoria County Commissioner’s Courtroom.
If you have anything to add to the Update please contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email sharon53@peoplepc.com. Your input is valuable and is what keeps the Update going.
☺ Village Seafood and Pizza should be opening sometime in November, Hwy 6, in David Salazar’s strip center.
MVFD - Home Evacuation
Next month is fire prevention month. This issue will be a preview into
teaching children fire safety.
Every child needs to know what to do in case of a fire, but before every
child knows what to do every parent must know what to do and expect. Eight out
of ten fire deaths occur in the home were your child feels the safest. Between
1991 and 2000, there were more than 33,000 deaths from residential fires and 24
percent were children 15 years or younger.
National Fire Institute studies have shown 51 percent of fire fatalities occur
in homes without smoke detectors. You may have smoke detectors in your house,
but that may not be enough. Studies have shown that children 17 and younger
probably will not wake up when the smoke alarm sounds. These studies have
surprised everyone. So it is important for adults to know this. If a smoke alarm
sounds while the family is sleeping you need to be able reach your children’s
room and exit the house within two minutes to have the best possible chance at
survival. This is why it is important to have smoke detectors in every room
where someone sleeps.
Teaching your children fire safety is the next step. In 1994, there were 11,100
residential fires associated with children playing with lighters. There was 230
deaths due to children playing with lighters, 170 of those deaths were children
under the age of five. Also remember a lighter in a two year old’s hands is more
dangerous than giving them a loaded .22 pistol. Children try to mimic their
parents also where you put your thumb on top of a lighter looks like a wheel on
car to a child. Therefore they will try to play with it like a car, and this
will cause sparks and possibly cause a fire.
The next step is teaching your children how to exit a burning building. First
teach your children every time they hear a smoke alarm they are to leave thru
the nearest exit, also teach them not to look for family members, family pets,
or their favorite toys. Remember if the smoke alarm sounds and it is a false
alarm; make sure your children go thru the motions. The worst thing you can do
is stop your child in the middle of the skills you taught them to do.
The second step in evacuation is setting up a meeting point. For younger children it helps to tell them something like when you hear the smoke alarm, you need to go check the mail as fast as you can, and stay there until a adult comes and gets you. This works because young children love to check the mail. Make sure they know not to reenter the house for any reason. Also when setting up a meeting point keep it far enough away from the house to be safe, but also keep little children from crossing the street. Keep in mind, if your house does catch on fire, there will be quite a bit of traffic around your house shortly, between your neighbors seeing what is going on, to fire personal arriving on scene.
Now that you have taught your children to escape a house on fire, it is time to
put them to the test. Wait until your children are playing in their room (even
if friends are over) then sound the smoke alarm. When you do this, try to get
yourself out of site or even hide if necessary. The results might surprise you
the first few times; they did me and others that thought they had trained their
children well. So keep working with your children, and reward them for their
efforts by doing something like taking them to the fire station and letting them
look at fire trucks.
Remember the first words from all victims are “I thought it would never happen
to me.” Written by Ricky Burleson, firefighter for MVFD and Houston Fire Dept.
Volume 3, Issue 3 August 2003
Manvel Volunteer Fire Department
BBQ, Auction, and Bake Sale
August 9th, 2003
It’s that time again for the Manvel VFD’s annual fundraiser. The event is August 9th at Eddie’s Country Ballroom. For the fourth year in a row it will be inside for air-conditioned comfort. The firemen appreciated all the help you gave last year and look forward to seeing you again.
Most of you are ready to volunteer and have contacted the area representatives. In case you missed the call you can still reserve your spot for at the bake sale, BBQ ticket table or the BBQ serving line by calling 281-489-9658. You can bring your auction items up to the day of the event. If you are donating to the auction and need the items to be picked up, please call 281-489-1303. No item has ever been turned away. MVFD appreciate everything you donate. Jeanette Applegate is heading up the bake sale. You can contact her at the Manvel Post Office or call her at 281-331-8040.
The serving line continues to have some of the same servers for over 15 years. The Croix Family has been the longest running group - 15 years. Church of the Harvest has been there a long time also but they have such a good time that if there were a prize for ‘most fun’ they would win. The Manvel Policeman’s Association has been consecutively serving for a long time; they almost always have the Chief Garcia serving the beans. The staff of E.C. Mason has been serving over 7 years; Don Jeter Staff joined us last year. The students get a kick out of seeing them there. Also volunteering have been the Manvel Bible Chapel youth group, Manvel 4H Ranchers and Crafters, Lion’s Club, the Manvel Planning Commission and various groups from subdivisions. It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun.
The serving time is 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., the auction starts at 1:00 p.m. and the bake sale will continue as long as the goodies last. The boy scouts will have their usual children’s activities outside under the trees. They also help the fire department with clean up.As reported in previous Update issues, the fire department has been given some land for a new fire station on FM 1128 and Dogwood. By supporting this fundraiser you will be contributing to the building fund and other areas.
☺ A special “THANK YOU” to Cary Wilson and Mike Hall of Ron Carter Autoland, who came to the rescue of the Police Department by donating a 1996 white Crown Victoria Ltd with only 115,000 miles. With a sluggish city budget and the void of extra funds, they were running short of running patrol cars. They also offered to match up to $5,000 for another good used car if monies could be raised toward another vehicle.
☺ Rod Barry of Milestone Properties is ready to negotiate a mud district for the development of his 400+ acres at 288 Freeway and Highway 6.
☺ Limestone Properties of Dallas is negotiating 272 upscale apartments at the 288 Freeway and CR 59.
☺ Woodlands investors are considering 288 Highway and CR 101 for a hotel site. It will be a 4 story professional building; a strip center and a river walk type café.
☺ Bud Goza of Southfork approached the city council and is contemplating adding more acreage to his expanding subdivision.
Watch Manvel Grow, it is truly the City on the Rise.
From The Mayor’s Desk
Congratulations to the Special Events Committee in making the “4th of July Parade” the success it was. All who came, especially the children, were showered courtesy of the Fire Department and it’s pumper.
Manvel was very lucky Hurricane Claudette chose not to pay
us a visit. We have a long way to go to
November. Numbers are being crunched as we struggle with the 2004 budget. God
Bless! Delores M. Martin
Notes from Commissioner Clawson
Brazoria County Commissioner’s Court met on July 16, 2003. During this session of court, a proclamation was presented to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The annual Light the Night Walk will be October 12, 2003 at Brazosport College. All proceeds from this walk benefit research for Leukemia and Lymphoma. More information can be obtained by logging onto
www.lightthenight.orgIt was agreed to support the application for state grants for Victim’s of Crime to be administered by the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office. Interlocal agreements were approved with the Texas Department of Health for immunization services, the City of Danbury for childcare inspections, DPS to provide supplies for the Sheriff’s Department for DNA database sample collection and Harris County to utilize contracts of the other.
The Court also heard preliminary budget figures. Please watch local newspapers for information regarding the dates for setting the tax rate and approving the budget. Tentative dates are August 11, August 26, and September 8.
Manvel Clergy To
Be Honored by
Manvel Business Forum
September 16, 2003
The Clergy in Manvel will be honored guests of the Manvel Business Forum of the
Alvin-Manvel Chamber of Commerce at their monthly meeting on September 16 at
12:00 noon. The meeting will be a luncheon meeting at the new Jordan Event
Center (formerly Pam's Restaurant).
All citizens are invited to honor our clergy by attending the meeting. If you
can attend, you need to call 281-331-3944 and tell the Chamber of Commerce you
will attend. The meal will be catered by the Jordan Event Center. Attendees,
except for the clergy, will pay for their meal.
The staff of E.C. Mason Elementary would like to thank Trees of Manvel, C & C Landscaping, and Manvel Exxon Pizza Hut for their donations to the students at E.C. Mason.
Trees of Manvel and C & C Landscaping donated trees in celebration of Arbor Day in May 2003. Manvel Exxon Pizza Hut donated pizza and coke for every child that received the Principal award. For this award each teacher picks two students from her class, that’s 52 pizzas & drinks. Wow! Thanks to these businesses.
☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼
Do you have you permit to burn trash on your property? If not, stop by city hall and pick one up - it's only $15.00. If you burn, please be safe and follow the instructions on the permit, as home safety starts with you.
Manvel Business Forum Meeting
The Manvel Business Forum will meet at the Assets Center (the school building behind the old library) at 12:00 noon, August 19. The program will be a presentation of the upcoming school bond issue. Manvel has a lot to gain from the bond issue. Everyone is invited to attend and learn more about the bond issue and where the money will be spent - including a new high school in Manvel. Call 281-331-3944 and let them know if you can attend so food will be prepared for you.
Exemplary Schools for Exemplary Kids
Alvin ISD has nearly 12,000 (and more on the way) reasons for wanting the very best possible educational programs and facilities - our young people. These youngsters are our future and our most important investment. Alvin ISD is an Exemplary school district built upon a tradition of high quality schools and outstanding student achievement. A proud history of commitment to excellence makes the area a wonderful place to live and learn.
Meeting the educational needs of nearly 12,000 students is a continuous challenge with population growth, program changes, and technological advances. Alvin ISD is facing the challenge of continuing student growth and the need for additional and improved facilities. The September 20 bond election package effectively addresses the various needs of increased student enrollment in Alvin ISD and will benefit every student in Alvin ISD.
The social and economic health of our community depends on the strength of our school system. Quality education means well-prepared citizens, a strong job market, and an inviting atmosphere for living and working. Passage of this bond package will enable Alvin ISD to continue the tradition of excellence that has made the area strong. Ultimately, we all benefit through increased property values and a healthy economic climate with a strong infrastructure of school facilities.
Proposition #1 The bond package includes $70,567,256 for phase 1 of High School #2 in Manvel (which includes a swimming pool), and replacing five aged buildings with one two-story academic studies building at Alvin High School.
Proposition #2 includes $24,625,454 for construction of Elementary # 12, land for Elementary #13, land and site evaluation for Junior High #4 and general repair and replacement at other campuses, as well as technology needs.
Proposition #3 includes $2,045,238 for repairs to Marguerite Edwards Auditorium and Alvin Memorial Stadium.
Citizens are needed to help promote the bond election, but more importantly, everyone is encouraged to vote and see that others do as well. If you have a group or organization that would like to hear about the bond package, please call 281-388-1130, ext. 210.
There will be numerous opportunities for voters to cast their ballot during early voting September 3 - 16.
I
f you have anything to add to the Update please contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email sharon53@peoplepc.com. Your input is valuable and is what keeps the Update going.
Volume 3, Issue 2 July 2003
Thanks Sharon Akery for putting together the Manvel Update each month!
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Little Guy and a Big Fish Blaine Burleson, 5-year-old son of Ricky and Jessica Burleson, shows off the 5-pound bass he caught at a local pond in Manvel. His dad, along with Granddad Delbert Burleson, gave him a little help making sure the fish made it on land for this picture. It ended up being the catch of the day. Guess it’s never too young to start fishing. Like father, like son, like grandson. |
1st Baptist Church of Manvel
Vacation Bible School will start
July 7th and extend through the 11th, from 6:30 PM - 9 PM forIn related news, Heritage Christian Academy is using the 1st Baptist Church of Manvel facilities this coming school year for a Christian school that will be located on the west side of Pearland beginning the next school year. The lady starting it is a teacher at Eagle Heights in Pearland (1st Baptist Pearland). She and her husband thought it would be a great idea and things started rolling so fast that they needed a place to start ASAP. Registration packets are available at the church office, and they are taking applications for PreK3 - 4th grade.
Proud Parents Share News
For the past two years Zachary Graham has been nominated for one of the highest honors, the Who's Who Among American High School Students. Only ½ to 1% of American high school students accomplishes this level of recognition. His parents, Elaine and James Graham, are very proud of him and would like to share this news with the City of Manvel. Way to go Zack, good job!
☺ Dollar General has contracted to purchase property on Hwy 6 just west of the proposed High School site and plans to start construction on a 10,000 Sq ft building in the next several months.
☺ An automatic Car Wash is going up on Hwy. 6 next to the Little Rascal Day Care on Hwy. 6. Look for activity in 90 days.
☺ The Jordan Center is a 3000 Sq ft meeting hall for special events like conferences, weddings, showers, seminar, parties etc. Catering and live music are available. You can contact Nancy Rumberg at 281-489-2822 for more information.
☺ The Naked Rib BBQ, the old Daddy’s Money bar, Hwy 6,will be opening up the end of July.
From The Mayor’s Desk
I want to thank Brother Gary Richardson and the First Baptist Church for opening their facilities to AISD for the presentation on High School #2 in Manvel. Our own High School, to open August 2006, what an exciting time! It is critical for all of us to dedicate our total support to the bond election on September 20th. With all the anticipated growth in our area, schools will be in great demand.
If you have not have the opportunity to see what a remarkable job Nancy Romberg has done with the Jordan Center and her creative designing, please take time to drop by for a visit. It’s impressive!
Manvel has a new Drainage Task that will help to identify and evaluate many drainage problems in our city. They will work with our engineer and bring recommendations to City Council. There is much to be done in this area. Mr. Jay White and his crew can use the added help. Manvel Economic Development Committee has three new directors and their dedication to serve our community is greatly appreciated.
At the HGAC Board Meeting, it was announced that Manvel has been awarded $42,106 for First Response Equipment. This is a blessing for our community. Three cheers for Manvel!
Funds are being sought for water, sewer, roads & drainage. Required studies are almost done and the “Have-to” List is growing. Delores M. Martin
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Please remember the Burn Permit sold at Manvel City Hall is not affiliated with the fire department, but required by the city and regulated by the city Fire Marshal. The only time the fire department is called is if the fire is out of control.
Notes from Commissioner Clawson
Brazoria County Commissioners met on June 10th and 24th. Routine reports were approved for Mosquito Control and County Welfare. The Court authorized the advertising of bids for Construction of a Boat Ramp on Buffalo Camp Bayou, new voting equipment, and armored car services.
Election day voting changes were approved for the September 13 Constitutional Amendment Election. In Manvel, this will move the voting site for Precinct 40 from Manvel Jr. High to the Old Kindergarten at 7400 Lewis Lane.
The Court also approved the funding for the new county building in Manvel. Tentative plans are to house Judge John Vasut’s office, Constable Willie Howell, a tax substation, voting location and a commissioner’s satellite office in this building. Other possible offices are offices for Sheriff’s deputies, Juvenile Probation office, and health clinic.
Inter-local agreements for direct assistance to cities and towns were approved. These included the approval for setting culverts on Pollard and Pine Streets in Manvel. The court has also changed the July meeting date to Wednesday, July 16th.
AISD High School Update
Our young people are the reason the September 20th Bond Election needs to
pass. By 2007 Alvin High School is projected to have almost 4100 students. By
the time High School #2 is completed in 2006, it is projected that there will be
3800 students in grades 9-12, which is 300 students over its maximum capacity.
A naming committee will be appointed after the bond election passes on September
20th. The committee will take suggestions for the name for about two weeks and
then will meet to consider the suggestions and determine the name to recommend
to the Board. The Board has the final say in naming a school, but generally take
the recommendation of the committee. The naming committee is made up of
community members, board members, and staff members. Plan to have a
recommendation to the Board at their October 14 meeting so start getting those
ideas ready.
Citizens Against the Dump (CAD)
State Representative Dennis Bonnen
Landfill Bill
If you have anything to add to the Update please contact Sharon Akery at 281-489-9658 or email sharon53@peoplepc.com. Your input is valuable and is what keeps the Update going. Thanks for your continued support.
We are 3 years strong.
08/01/03
