TEXAS CITY, Texas – Inspired by Hawaiian history and culture that D.R. Pollock learned about while living in Hawaii, Pollock’s new historical novel, “Koa Kai: The Story of Zachary Bower and the Conquest of the Hawaiian Islands” (published by Archway Publishing), brings them all together with a mix of adventure, romance, sadness and joy. In the novel, a boy from New England is unwittingly thrust into the army of Kamehameha and the wars to unite the Hawaiian Islands during the 1790s. 

CUSTOMER FIVE STAR REVIEWS:

C.G. “An excellent telling of the Story of Zachary Bower & the Conquest of the Hawaiian Islands.  Besides the actual characters in Hawaii, the author added the fictional characters Zachary Bower and all the Americans.  A very interesting way to tell a real story.”

G.G.W. “A well-written account of Hawaiian history with a believable fictional touch!

Koa Kai is an accurate historical drama of the events which occurred in the Hawaiian Islands, with a fictional twist.  Pollock injects his extensive nautical knowledge and sailing experience into his main character, Zachary. Throughout the book, Zachary listens, learns and grows in knowledge, experience and character.  This book is informative and enjoyable reading! I liked the book!”

SPR FOUR STAR REVIEW: 

“There are several aspects to Koa Kai that make Zachary Bower’s tale immensely interesting. The historical aspect naturally has a huge role in the story.  However, it’s the series of unexpected events that take Pollock’s main protagonist from a young boy on a backwoods farm to becoming Koa Kai or Sea Warrior, who willingly fights in Kamehameha’s army, that really give the story weight.

The story at the core of Koa Kai is captivating, and the factual details are certainly interesting throughout.”

KIRKUS REVIEW:

“In this first novel, Pollock takes his hero from humble beginnings in Colonial America at the end of the 18th century to the Sandwich Islands, where he becomes a warrior in the service of Kamehameha the Great, the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

A zesty…, historical adventure that’s worth a read to witness the love that the author lavishes on his characters and their adventures.”

Immediately available from:
Archway Publishing 
 From Simon & Shuster
Operated by Author Solutions
www.Archwaypublishing.com
888-242-5904

Also, may be ordered from:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram, and other fine booksellers

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As we in Galveston County gear up for what may be the most interesting and combative election cycle in history, I am happy to have the Mid-County Republican Networking Group as an active and positive influence in our County.
We will publish our meeting announcements and other information to a broader email list than in the past.  If a Group member doesn’t received notices, please let us know, so that we may fix the problem. We are also activating our Facebook page to provide a source for additional political information.  As a part of our community information we are adding a section called “FOOD FOR THOUGHT,” to look at and discuss the basis of our form of government. It is hoped that the published statements may evoke some responses and discussion.
As a first thought for our Food for Thought column, I look to and thank, all those in our Group and community who have raised their right hands and pledged, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So, help me God.”
Please I note that there is no period of performance or escape clause in this obligation.  When we committed, we committed for life. Most of us probably took this solemn oath as young lads and lasses joining the military, but I find as I get older, that this oath is becoming more dear to me.  I do not understand how the people of the other party can ignore the document upon which our countries greatness was built, and favor of some nebulous socialist dogma.
Keep Texas Red,
Don Pollock

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​Galveston County – November 2019 – Walmart and The Salvation Army are joining forces to provide toys to 1173 local children in need during the holidays with a toy drive event at four Walmart locations across the county on Saturday, Nov. 9.
 
The locations in Galveston, LaMarque, League City and Kemah are some of many stores nationwide taking place in similar toy drives on November 9. To participate, simply stop by and drop off new toys to The Salvation Army at the front of each Walmart store.
 
Captain Nathanael Doria of The Salvation Army says, “The generosity of the local community allows The Salvation Army provide these children with Christmas toys they would not receive otherwise. This also relieves stress on a family that is struggling to make ends meet at a time of year when giving is so prevalent”
 
Santa will be making visits to every Walmart store on the same day – adding an air of excitement and Christmas cheer to customers’ shopping experience in stores.
 
Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years to meet local community needs. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services, which help families overcome poverty.
 
All toys given to The Salvation Army will remain in the local community and will help The Salvation Army provide Christmas assistance to over 1100 local children and families in need.
 
To learn more and find out how you can get involved with your local Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmyGalvestonCounty.org.
 
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operations around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

Once you’re decided to start a new business, it can be tempting to simply moved forward with various tasks as they come to mind. While this may work for a few entrepreneurs, it’s always best to create an organized plan of action so you won’t waste time and cause problems for yourself that could easily have been avoided.
Fortunately, the SBA (Small Business Administration) provides excellent online materials that can help you plan the most useful way to start a new company – or expand the current reach of an existing one. Here’s a brief review of the ten important tasks that should normally be addressed first as you launch a new business.
The key steps for creating a solid foundation for your new business

1. Decide where to locate your company. Prior to starting any market research, you’ll need to look at several cities to decide upon the best location for your business. This decision must be partly based on if you’ll be selling goods and services to your customers from a brick-and-mortar storefront or office – or if you’ll just be contacting potential customers on the phone or over the Internet. Be sure to select a location where many well-qualified job applicants live – as well as a city and state with reasonable business taxes;

1. Develop a reliable market research plan. Once you’re certain about the goods or services your new business will sell, you must conduct market research to verify that there’s a definite need for what you’ll be selling in a specific location. This activity also involves identifying your potential customers and all known competitors; 
2. Create a viable business plan. Most people starting a new business choose between a traditional business plan or a lean one for a basic start-up company. If you need to borrow money to finance your company, you’ll almost certainly have to provide a lender with a traditional business plan.

The traditional plan is normally very comprehensive – it describes your specific goods and services, provides a mission statement about what you seek to accomplish in the long run and names the initial team of professionals who will be running the company. It also states where the business will be located and how many employees you’ll need to hire. A traditional business plan should also describe the business structure you’ll be using, who will be handling specific tasks – and it should review your market analysis. Initial financial projections or earnings for the company should also be included.
In contrast, a lean start-up business plan may simply describe your goods and services, provide a statement about who will be running the company and state who you believe will be your most likely customers. It should also contain information about how you’ll initially finance the company and where it will be located;

1. Make sure you have enough initial funding for the company. You and your business partners or advisors must determine how much money you’ll need to start your business. If you cannot raise this money among your business partners, then may have to try and obtain funds from venture capitalists or request a small business loan from a bank or through SBA resources. Other options include raising capital through crowdfunding or other online resources;
2. Select the best business structure for your company. While many people run sole proprietorships if they’ll be handling all of the major company tasks themselves, others choose between forming such structures as partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs) — or some type of corporation or cooperative;
3. Decide upon the best name for your company. It’s a good idea to brainstorm with your partners or investors since you want to try and choose a name that clearly reflects the nature or “brand” of your business – as well as its spirit. Be aware that one of your first tasks will be to make sure the name you select is original and that it’s not already being used by anyone else;

1. Be sure to register and protect your business name. After you’ve chosen the best name for your company, you’ll need to take steps to protect that name by properly registering it. Keep in mind that you may also need to register any trademark you’ll be using. Since additional ways of protecting your company name may also be required, you should always discuss this topic with your Houston business law attorney;
2. You must request state and federal tax IDs. You will need to obtain an EIN (employer identification number) for many reasons. For example, you must have an EIN to open a bank account for your company and to pay taxes (among other tasks). Depending on the different states where your company will be operating, you may also need to obtain one or more state tax IDs;
3. Obtain all required licenses and permits. Your specific type of business activity and where you’ll be working will determine the types of permits and licenses you must obtain, if any;
4. Be sure to open one or more business accounts for your company. These most often include checking and savings accounts, credit card accounts and a merchant services account. Depending on the nature of your business and its initial size, you may be able to simply start with a checking account and then open other accounts as the need arises.

Please feel free to contact one of our Murray Lobb attorneys for legal advice as you address any or all of the various steps named above while starting a new business. We’ve had the opportunity to help many clients establish a wide variety of successful businesses in the past and are prepared to provide you will all the guidance you may need.

CATEGORIESBUSINESS, BUSINESS FORMATION, BUSINESS LAW, BUSINESS POLICIES, SBA, SMALL BUSINESS, SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONTAGS#10STEPS, #BUSINESSLAWATTORNEYS, #BUSINESSLAWYERS, #DOITRIGHT, #FINANCES, #GUIDELINES, #HOUSTONATTORNEYS, #HOWTO, #KEYSTEPS, #KNOWLEDGEISPOWER, #LOCATION, #MURRAYLOBBATTORNEYS, #NEWBUSINESS, #SMALLBUSINESS, #STARTINGABUSINESS, #TEXAS, #TEXASLAWYERS, PLAN, SBA

CONTACT US

• Email
  lawyers@murray-lobb.com
• Phone
  281-488-0630
• Address
  Murray Lobb Attorneys
  700 Gemini, Suite 115
  Houston, Texas 77058

If you’re a parent with children who haven’t yet reached the age of majority, you need to create a Will that designates a guardian to step in and look after them if you suddenly pass away. If you fail to provide for your kids in this manner, a court will usually appoint someone to serve in this role – especially if your former spouse is deceased or incapable of handling this responsibility.
A list of traits and abilities a responsible guardian should have are set forth below. If your children have entered their teens at the time when no parent remains alive to care for them, the courts will normally consider their preferences for a guardian at that time.
What are some key considerations when choosing a guardian for your children?

• It’s often best to choose someone already known to your kid(s) or who has a definite gift for caregiving. This might be one of your parents, a sibling or a very close and trusted friend. Always be sure to obtain this person’s advance permission to name him (or her) in your Will before doing so. If you prefer, you can also designate a married couple as co-guardians;
• If possible, try to choose a person who already lives in the same city as you — or who is willing to relocate there in the future. It can be very comforting to children if they’re allowed to remain in their same school district. If you can’t find someone who lives nearby, be aware that it may prove a bit expensive for an out-of-state guardian to handle legal matters for the children in a different state. Choosing a local guardian can prevent this type of problem;
• Give serious thought to choosing a guardian who will fully support your faith beliefs and core ethical values. It’s always best to appoint a person who’s eager to help your children grow up in the faith community you prefer – and who will daily enforce the moral teachings you treasure most;
• Think about the financial responsibilities involved. Hopefully, you’ll have provided well for your children’s future with life insurance and other funds prior to your death. However, regardless of how much money you’ve put in an account for your kids, you’ll need a guardian who can responsibly handle money. If you do not know of anyone with strong financial skills, you can still choose a person to serve as the caregiving guardian – and designate a different individual to manage the children’s financial resources;
• What should you do if you do not want your estranged spouse to become the guardian after you pass away? Your Houston estate planning attorney may advise you to write and sign a letter documenting your reasons – and to attach relevant police reports or court documents to the letter. You can then give that letter to your named guardian so that it can be presented to the court after you’ve passed away;
• How should you proceed if you have children living with you from different marriages? It may be necessary to name more than one guardian for the children. Your main goal should be to keep as many of the kids together as possible. However, you must be realistic about how many children your named guardian can handle;
• Give some thought to the age of the person you’d like to name. If your parent or another desired guardian is still in good health, you may decide to go ahead and name that person now and simply revisit your decision within the next five years (or when that guardian’s health suddenly declines.) If you are naming a much older person as guardian, be sure to also name a secondary guardian who is willing to step in if the first one cannot serve in this capacity after you pass away. In fact, it’s always a good idea to have a back-up guardian named in your Will;
• Remember to name every child you want to be cared for by your guardian. It’s never wise to think that a court will assume that all your kids are covered if you only name one or two. Also, extended family members might step in and try to contest your choice if every child isn’t named individually.

Before finalizing any Will that designates one or more guardians, be sure to discuss your choices with your older children. Also, make sure each named guardian is truly interested in helping you by taking on such a demanding assignment.
Please feel free to contact one of our Murray Lobb attorneys so we can prepare a Will that designates a guardian for your children. We’ll be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about this critical task. Most parents gain a greater sense of peace once they’ve legally provided for these important caregiving needs for their children.
CATEGORIESFAMILY, GUARDIAN, WILL AND TESTAMENTTAGS#AFTERDEATH, #APPOINTINGAGUARDIAN, #CAREGIVING, #CHILDREN, #GUARDIAN, #GUARDIANSHIP, #HOUSTONATTORNEYS, #HOWTO, #KNOWLEDGEISPOWER, #LEGALBLOG, #LEGALGUARDIAN, #MINORS, #MURRAYLOBBATTORNEYS, #PLANNING, #TEXAS, #TEXASLAW, #TEXASLAWYERS, #WILLANDTESTAMENT
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CONTACT US

• Email
  lawyers@murray-lobb.com
• Phone
  281-488-0630
• Address
  Murray Lobb Attorneys
  700 Gemini, Suite 115
  Houston, Texas 77058

Veterans Day Salute - Rotary Club of Texas City honored our brave men and women for their sacrifice to our beloved country. We are forever grateful🇱🇷
Service Above Self🇱🇷
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Nov. 11, 2019 (Todd Mission, TX) – Over 41,000 students, chaperones, teachers, administrators and parents descended upon the Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) for the 15th Annual School Days event that took place Nov. 5-6 on the festival grounds. For two special days during the week, the festival opens its gates to welcome educators and students from public, private and home school where they are immersed into the world of the 16th century European village with its characters, performers, artisan demonstrations, games, rides and vendors.

Additionally, students elementary through high school are invited to engage with other students in a variety of arts and music competitions. These include: Journalism, Essay, Trebuchet, Costume, Poetry, Art, Theatre and Music. Contest results from the 2019 School Days have been posted on the TRF website under School Days.

“TRF’s School Days program provides a unique, immersive educational experience in which students can see, hear, touch, and participate in history, arts, and sciences in ways that are completely unlike anything in a traditional classroom. As a career educator, I am proud of what TRF offers for students in the Houston and surrounding areas.”

If you would like more information about the 2020 School Days program, please visit the website at www.texrenfest.com/school-days, or email Bryant at schooldays@texrenfest.com. Dates for the 2020 School Days event will be Nov. 10 – 11, 2020.

About the Texas Renaissance Festival – The Texas Renaissance Festival is an immersive experience located in Todd Mission, TX, where visitors enter a 16th Century European Village filled with performers, stage and music acts, artisans, and vendors. 2019 Festival dates are Oct. 5 – Dec. 1, open Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday. Tickets are available at texrenfest.com. Children 12 and under are admitted for free on Sundays.

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I want to thank everyone that shared there pictures from Veterans Day event that where held all over Galveston County.  Hope you enjoy them.


History of Veterans Day
​History of Veterans Day Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 as an adaptation of Armistice Day, the day WWI ended. In fact, Veterans Day 2018 marks 100 years since the end of the Great War. The holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans, not just those who served in WWI. Veterans Day is marked by events across the country, including by your local VA, VFW, the American Legion, or other veterans group for information about events in your area.

The Oath they All Took

I, ------------------- , do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, So Help Me God." 🇺🇸

The Galveston Art League will host three workshops that can help you sail happily through the holidays – or just pick up a creative, handy skill or two or three.
    All of the following workshops will be taught at the Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. in downtown Galveston. For details or questions about any of these workshops, please email gallery2117@gmail.com or call 281-451-5814.
Beaded Jewelry: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23  
     Anita Laffey, who has taught advanced fashion beaded jewelry, will help participants craft a bracelet in Christmas red and green (or other colors, if preferred) that they can keep for themselves or give as holiday presents. She will teach a technique using memory wire and crystals.  
     Laffey, a retired social worker, currently assists the Red Cross with mental health services where disasters occur. “Creating something beautiful is important to our mental health and will keep us stable during good times and bad times,” she says. 
     All supplies will be provided, but Laffey recommends that participants bring magnifying or reading glasses and a headlamp or other form of lighting. The class is beginner level, with no experience required. 
     The workshop costs $35, and attendees will complete their bracelets during the four-hour class. Register and pay at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Workshops”). 

Zentangle Christmas Ornaments: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
     Victoria McMillen, a certified Zentangle (drawing method) teacher, will help students create one-of-a-kind Christmas ball ornaments. During this three-hour workshop, participants will finish one or two hand-drawn ornaments and take home materials to create more.
     “Zentangle is a great way to spend a cold evening at home or to spend an afternoon with children or grandchildren,” McMillen says. “You’ll go home with the knowledge and supplies to do this.”
     The $25 workshop fee provides attendees with a kit and supplies, including three pens (black, gold gel, white gel), plus materials to make three ball ornaments. No experience is necessary. 
     Register and pay for this Zentangle workshop at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Workshops”).

Creating Origami Boxes: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
     Whether you’re all thumbs or not, you can learn to construct elegant origami gift boxes at this workshop. Instructor Debra Davis has been doing and teaching origami for more than 20 years and is a master in this ancient Asian art form. 
     This Dec. 1 (Sunday afternoon) workshop costs $45, and the special papers used in making the boxes will be provided. You just need to arrive ready to listen, watch and fold. 
     Register and pay for the origami gift-box workshop at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Workshops”).

About the Galveston Art League
    The Galveston Art League is a 105-year-old nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of visual arts, art education, and art appreciation through various activities, including adult and children’s workshops, juried competitions (three per year), and gallery exhibits that change monthly. 
     The nonprofit Art League, which has never had a salaried employee, is primarily funded by tax-deductible contributions and memberships as well as its annual gala. You need not be an artist to join, and members enjoy special perks; you can learn more about memberships at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com and click on “Join.” Supporting the Galveston Art League is a way for anyone and everyone to contribute to the local arts scene, which in turn promotes tourism and educational enhancement in Galveston County and beyond.

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