BAY AREA ENTERTAINER
  • Our Advertisers
  • articles
    • OLD SKOOL D2D
    • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT.
    • CHECK OUT TEXAS ANIMALS
    • community pictures >
      • Community Pictures
    • Clay Burton
    • we buy used cars
  • Dining/Entertainment
  • CHURCH & EVENT LISTINGS
    • The Good News
    • #communityheros
  • Archived Issues
    • HURRICANE GUIDE 2022 >
      • MERRY CHRISTMAS 2022
    • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2022
    • Community Pictures
    • Spotlight on the women of Galveston County
    • FOOD/DRINK&ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
    • Randy's Wrap-Up
    • DISCOVER TEXAS
    • That They May See.. Erin Ahnfeldt
    • Restaurant AF
    • WE LOVE HITCHCOCK
    • 2020 HURRICANE & INFO PAGE
    • HURRICANE 2020
    • VIDEOS
    • live local music
    • THANKSGIVING 2022
    • Holiday Traditions
    • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2021 >
      • Andrew
      • pirates
    • HALLOWEEN 2022
    • 2021 HURRICANE GUIDE
  • Our Advertisers
  • articles
    • OLD SKOOL D2D
    • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT.
    • CHECK OUT TEXAS ANIMALS
    • community pictures >
      • Community Pictures
    • Clay Burton
    • we buy used cars
  • Dining/Entertainment
  • CHURCH & EVENT LISTINGS
    • The Good News
    • #communityheros
  • Archived Issues
    • HURRICANE GUIDE 2022 >
      • MERRY CHRISTMAS 2022
    • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2022
    • Community Pictures
    • Spotlight on the women of Galveston County
    • FOOD/DRINK&ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
    • Randy's Wrap-Up
    • DISCOVER TEXAS
    • That They May See.. Erin Ahnfeldt
    • Restaurant AF
    • WE LOVE HITCHCOCK
    • 2020 HURRICANE & INFO PAGE
    • HURRICANE 2020
    • VIDEOS
    • live local music
    • THANKSGIVING 2022
    • Holiday Traditions
    • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE 2021 >
      • Andrew
      • pirates
    • HALLOWEEN 2022
    • 2021 HURRICANE GUIDE
#communityheros
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Family Bike Festival~~~

3/28/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
City of Texas City

There is still time to register for our Family Bike Festival!
Officers from Texas City Police Department will be giving away bikes and door prizes, plus teaching kids about bicycle safety as they navigate through a bicycle safety course.
There will be a family & friends bike ride down Skyline Drive, and food trucks, ice cream and music for the whole family to enjoy.
This is a free event, but in order to help us make sure we have enough supplies, we are asking everyone to register in advance.
Picture
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU APRIL 1ST  2023!
ALL YOU CAN EAT 1-6  | GATES OPEN AT 11:00 A.M.- 11:00 P.M.       
 $20 PRESALE TICKETS $45 THE DAY OF AT GATE
WRISTBAND REQUIRED FOR ENTRY PERIOD. THIS IS A CHARITY EVENT KIDS 10 AND UNDER ARE FREE!  EAT ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAWFISH
CARNIVAL FOR THE KIDS FOOD VENDORS MERCHANDISE VENDORS BEER, WINE AND ALCOHOL SOLD ON SITE BY PARTICIPATING RESTAURANT TEAMS
 NO COOLERS, NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED IN 
NO PETS, SERVICE DOGS ONLY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY WITH ZYDECO, ROCK AND MUCH MORE. CHECK FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE UPDATES. BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS! 
BYOB……BUTTER THAT IS!!!! 
WAGONS AND STROLLERS PERMITTED, SUBJECT TO SEARCH RAIN OR SHINE NO REFUNDS COME EARLY AND COME HUNGRY!
PREMIUM PARKING WILL BE GONE BY 2:00, IF NOT BEFORE WEAR YOUR DANCING SHOES AND CRAWFISH PANTS
VETERAN VIP TENT WITH PROOF OF SERVICE FOR VETERAN AND FAMILY.
A PHOTO IN UNIFORM WILL DO!!!
TROPHIES GIVEN FOR PLACE 1-9MOST SPIRITED CRAWFISH AWARD FOR BEST TENT
COOK TEAM JUDGING DETAILS: 
1
ST     PLACE           $5,000

2ND   PLACE           $2,500
3RD    PLACE           $1000
4TH– 9TH FREE ADMISSION FOR NEXT YEAR TO COME AND TAKE IT!



CLICK TEAM REGISTRATION TO REGISTER BELOW
TEAM REGISTRATION TO BECOME A VENDOR SEND INFORMATION VENDORS@BIGASSCRAWFISHBASH.COM 
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE CLICK BELOW


https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=LxxVc4j2OQpB2-1wmtimc3rjWqjFBaNIlStLwj7G_fvMWirBzhYV8-RGPhiCtzUf3CfYyWLRUiE_grw_
0 Comments

WE LOVE OUR #COMMUNITYHEROS

3/26/2023

0 Comments

 
La Marque Fire Department

La Marque Fire Department had a blast stopping by some great community events over the weekend including Jimmy Hayley Elementary’s Career on Wheels, the Art Walk at Art of Coffee La Marque TX and Painted Meadows Community Easter Celebration! It was great seeing so many smiling faces!
#lamarquetx #WeLoveOurCitizens
Picture
MccormickWerks L&D9563072783
Rory McCormick
956-307-2783 
Ask for Mac!
We support our troops!!!
#galvestoncounty #memes.#socialmedia.#like.#photooftheday.
#facebookmarketing.#trending
#smallbusiness #getoutandvote  
#tacos #shoplocal #veteranowned #community
#friends #mycuprunnethover #blessed  #KindnessInDeed
0 Comments

The New Mr. Cool #communityheros

3/26/2023

0 Comments

 
Such an amazing way to give back to our community!!

Picture
Ronnie Bedard is with Mya Bedard 

So far we almost gave away 300 snow cones and our line isn’t slowing down. Hopefully we don’t run out of ice
Picture
Picture
Picture
On The Way A/C, Plumbing, & Electricalwww.onthewaypros.com/
Ronnie Bedard
We proudly serve our community with top-quality plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services in Santa Fe, TX. 
With the experienced team at On The Way handling your needs, you can sit back and relax knowing that all your repairs will be done quickly and efficiently. 
We pride ourselves on a high standard of excellence, over 20 years of experience, and a long list of happy customers.
 Our repairs and services keep the Santa Fe and Galveston County communities comfortable and safe daily. 
Schedule service with us today!
https://www.onthewaypros.com/
onthewaypros@yahoo.com
(409) 945-7202
#memes.#socialmedia.#like.#photooftheday.
#facebookmarketing.#trending #KindnessInDeed
0 Comments

Congratulations to Texas City Fire Department's Chief David Zacherl~~~

3/25/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
​City of Texas City
Congratulations to Texas City Fire Department's Chief David Zacherl on his recent award for 35 years of service! 
Some of Chief Zacherl’s earliest memories are of firefighting; his interest in being a firefighter began when he was about 4 or 5 years old and was scrubbing firetruck tires that were taller than he was.
​His father had been a fire chief, and his uncles and grandfather were volunteer firefighters. When he was growing up, Chief Zacherl would go to the firehouse on the weekends to help however he could. 
His dedication and love of the job has only grown, and we thank him for his ongoing service and commitment to our community!
Picture
0 Comments

Congratulations to Captain Travis Ladd

3/23/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
League City Police Department
  · 
Congratulations to Captain Travis Ladd who graduated from the 285th session of the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
This National Academy class consisted of men and women from 47 American states, 6 military organizations, 6 federal civilian organizations, and 28 nations around the world.

Experienced FBI instructors, special agents, and professional support teams provide various trainings during each National Academy session.
Many of these same instructors are renowned internationally for their advanced work in various fields.

Recognized worldwide for its academic excellence, the FBI’s National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication courses, leadership classes, and fitness challenges.
Candidates must demonstrate proven records as professionals within their agencies to even be considered for selection into the program.

On average, these officers have more than 20 years of law enforcement experience and typically serve in executive-level positions after returning to their respective agencies.
Since its inception in 1935, more than 54,100 public safety professionals have graduated from the FBI National Academy.
​The National Academy is held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA at the same facility where new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts receive training and instruction. #LeagueCitysFinest
Picture
​KEVIN'S PEAR PLAN
Kevin developed his PEAR Plan to help move Pearland forward in keeping with the city's economic development, crime and safety issues, infrastructure, and managing the city’s budget and resources.

PROTECTION
One of the key responsibilities of local government is to PROVIDE PROTECTION for its citizens. As Mayor, Kevin will take this responsibility seriously.
POLICE PROTECTION is vitally important to Pearland and Kevin will focus on the City’s efforts to keep a low crime rate.
FIRE PROTECTION is key in keeping both property safe and threats to life at a minimum. The City has been upgrading staffing and facilities to make sure the City has proper coverage for both fire and EMS calls.
Maintaining and increasing PROPERTY VALUES is important to both the City and to property owners.

FLOOD/DRAINAGE:
Certain areas of the City continue to suffer from repetitive losses during large flooding events. Kevin understands drainage and the importance it plays. He will dedicate continuing efforts to resolve these long-standing issues.
On the far west end of Pearland, the BLUERIDGE LANDFILL COMPLIANCE ISSUES are also a drag on property values for homeowners. These issues should be important to Pearland as a whole because of the loss of property value in that area. The rest of the City has to make up the difference.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Homeowners pay the bulk of property taxes in Pearland, so it is important that we EXPAND PEARLAND'S TAX BASE by attracting clean industry and high-paying jobs. It is also important for us to DIVERSIFY PEARLAND'S TAX BASE so as not to be too heavily weighted in any particular industry. (Oil and gas is an example).
Pearland has existing businesses that contribute a great amount to the overall community. We need to RETAIN AND EXPAND PEARLAND'S EXISTING BUSINESSES.
One of the biggest keys to attracting or retaining companies is making sure they have an available and skilled workforce. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS CRUCIAL. Kevin has experience through the Northern Brazoria County Education Alliance to help with this effort. Partnering with the ISDs, Community Colleges, and UHCL Pearland Campus will be important in making our workforce the best in the area.
Kevin has always been a believer in a MARKET-BASED APPROACH when it comes to growth and development. There are certain areas of the City that have not experienced economic development and the zoning needs to be looked at through the eyes of the market.
Small business is the backbone of the Pearland economy. Kevin will focus on making sure rules, regulations, and permitting are done in an efficient manner to FOSTER THE GROWTH OF SMALL businesses.

ACCESSIBILITY (MOBILITY AND TRAFFIC)
Kevin will focus on transportation needs in the city. This will include an emphasis on both SAFE AND RELIABLE TRAFFIC FLOW throughout the city which is key to our growth and quality of life.
Kevin will advance innovative ways to improve the traffic signal technology so we can MANAGE TRAFFIC FLOW MORE EFFICIENTLY.
As Mayor, Kevin will work with city staff and elected officials to IMPROVE THE TRAVEL TIME RELIABILITY of our corridors. Our travel in Pearland should not vary from day to day. Under Kevin’s leadership, our transportation system will be dependable.
Kevin will work closely with the Transportation Policy Council to leverage regional dollars to help us with local project funding. He knows H-GAC, and how they operate and will lead the city into the future to ADDRESS OUR NEEDS FOR GROWTH AND MOBILITY.
Kevin will lead Pearland as we update the city's Major Thoroughfare Plan which will be our ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE OF SMART CITY GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Kevin believes both that the City's TAX RATE IS TOO HIGH and that its DEBT BURDEN IS TOO HIGH, and that both are huge concerns for the city.
Kevin will lead Council to direct staff to get SPENDING ACCOUNTABILITY OF EVERY LINE ITEM IN THE BUDGET.
Kevin led a similar effort when serving on Council in 2007/2008. As a result, they REDUCED SPENDING by $600,000 by asking two questions:
Is the line item still meeting its intended purpose?
Is the intended purpose still needed?
Kevin will ensure that the same effort is applied to future budgets.
Kevin will use his City Council and professional experience in challenging staff to KEEP THE 2019 VOTER-APPROVED BOND PROJECT SPENDING TO A MINIMUM.
Paid Political Ad by Kevin Cole Campaign, Melynda Steed, Treasurer
0 Comments

The Pearland Police Department will celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March

3/3/2023

0 Comments

 
Pearland Police Department
  · 
The Pearland Police Department will celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March by featuring a few of our amazing PPD employees and their contributions to our department. The first of this series is Officer Carla Ehlinger.
Officer Ehlinger is a Pearland native and graduated from Pearland High School.
Officer Ehlinger was the first female quarterback for PHS and was also the first female to score a touchdown for the Oilers!
Go Carla!!!

She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.
While attending A&M, Ehlinger was a flanker on the Rugby Team for 3 years.

She then joined the US Forest Service and served as a Biologist and Back Country Ranger in Washington State.
She was assigned to a beaver project where they relocated problematic beavers to the high country.
She also completed a Wolverine Project were they would set traps for Wolverines, collar them and then were able to monitor the wolverines throughout the winter season.
Officer Ehlinger also completed this same project and process with raptors for monitoring purposes.

Ehlinger then spent time working as a Wrangler for the Rockin’ C Ranch in Tyler, Texas, and also worked for a backpacking expedition company in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ehlinger then worked as Ski Patrol for Ski Santa Fe in New Mexico before becoming a New Mexico Game Warden for 3.5 years.
Officer Ehlinger has been part of our PPD family for four years and is currently assigned to be our newest K9 Officer, working with K9 ATOS, a German Shepard mix trained in bomb detection. Ehlinger is also an ALERRT Instructor (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) for our department.
​She is a member of the Bike Patrol Team and is a Certified Bike Mechanic.

Officer Ehlinger is on the board for the Pearland Police Officer’s Association, on the PPD Awards Committee, the Physical Fitness Committee, the Vehicle Decal Committee, and a Field Training Officer for our new Police Officers.
Officer Ehlinger enjoys running and reading while not at work, and traditionally runs the Houston Chevron Half Marathon with her brother every year. Officer Ehlinger’s wife is pregnant with their first child due in August 2023.
Congratulations Carla! We are extremely proud and thankful having you as part of our PPD family!
Picture
KEVIN'S PEAR PLAN
Kevin developed his PEAR Plan to help move Pearland forward in keeping with the city's economic development, crime and safety issues, infrastructure, and managing the city’s budget and resources.
PROTECTION
One of the key responsibilities of local government is to PROVIDE PROTECTION for its citizens. As Mayor, Kevin will take this responsibility seriously.
POLICE PROTECTION is vitally important to Pearland and Kevin will focus on the City’s efforts to keep a low crime rate.
FIRE PROTECTION is key in keeping both property safe and threats to life at a minimum. The City has been upgrading staffing and facilities to make sure the City has proper coverage for both fire and EMS calls.
Maintaining and increasing PROPERTY VALUES is important to both the City and to property owners.
FLOOD/DRAINAGE: Certain areas of the City continue to suffer from repetitive losses during large flooding events. Kevin understands drainage and the importance it plays. He will dedicate continuing efforts to resolve these long-standing issues.
On the far west end of Pearland, the BLUERIDGE LANDFILL COMPLIANCE ISSUES are also a drag on property values for homeowners. These issues should be important to Pearland as a whole because of the loss of property value in that area. The rest of the City has to make up the difference.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Homeowners pay the bulk of property taxes in Pearland, so it is important that we EXPAND PEARLAND'S TAX BASE by attracting clean industry and high-paying jobs. It is also important for us to DIVERSIFY PEARLAND'S TAX BASE so as not to be too heavily weighted in any particular industry. (Oil and gas is an example).
Pearland has existing businesses that contribute a great amount to the overall community. We need to RETAIN AND EXPAND PEARLAND'S EXISTING BUSINESSES.
One of the biggest keys to attracting or retaining companies is making sure they have an available and skilled workforce. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS CRUCIAL. Kevin has experience through the Northern Brazoria County Education Alliance to help with this effort. Partnering with the ISDs, Community Colleges, and UHCL Pearland Campus will be important in making our workforce the best in the area.
Kevin has always been a believer in a MARKET-BASED APPROACH when it comes to growth and development. There are certain areas of the City that have not experienced economic development and the zoning needs to be looked at through the eyes of the market.
Small business is the backbone of the Pearland economy. Kevin will focus on making sure rules, regulations, and permitting are done in an efficient manner to FOSTER THE GROWTH OF SMALL businesses.
ACCESSIBILITY (MOBILITY AND TRAFFIC)
Kevin will focus on transportation needs in the city. This will include an emphasis on both SAFE AND RELIABLE TRAFFIC FLOW throughout the city which is key to our growth and quality of life.
Kevin will advance innovative ways to improve the traffic signal technology so we can MANAGE TRAFFIC FLOW MORE EFFICIENTLY.
As Mayor, Kevin will work with city staff and elected officials to IMPROVE THE TRAVEL TIME RELIABILITY of our corridors. Our travel in Pearland should not vary from day to day. Under Kevin’s leadership, our transportation system will be dependable.
Kevin will work closely with the Transportation Policy Council to leverage regional dollars to help us with local project funding. He knows H-GAC, and how they operate and will lead the city into the future to ADDRESS OUR NEEDS FOR GROWTH AND MOBILITY.
Kevin will lead Pearland as we update the city's Major Thoroughfare Plan which will be our ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE OF SMART CITY GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Kevin believes both that the City's TAX RATE IS TOO HIGH and that its DEBT BURDEN IS TOO HIGH, and that both are huge concerns for the city.
Kevin will lead Council to direct staff to get SPENDING ACCOUNTABILITY OF EVERY LINE ITEM IN THE BUDGET.
Kevin led a similar effort when serving on Council in 2007/2008. As a result, they REDUCED SPENDING by $600,000 by asking two questions:
Is the line item still meeting its intended purpose?
Is the intended purpose still needed?
Kevin will ensure that the same effort is applied to future budgets.
Kevin will use his City Council and professional experience in challenging staff to KEEP THE 2019 VOTER-APPROVED BOND PROJECT SPENDING TO A MINIMUM.

Paid Political Ad by Kevin Cole Campaign, Melynda Steed, Treasurer
0 Comments

Sgt. Iris Ortiz, a 16 Year Veteran of the Law Enforcement Profession completes the Prestigious FBI-LEEDA TRILOGY

2/14/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Kemah Police Department
  · 
***Sgt. Iris Ortiz, a 16 Year Veteran of the Law Enforcement Profession completes the Prestigious FBI-LEEDA TRILOGY***.
The Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), Command Leadership Institute (CLI), and the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) hosted by the FBI.
The Kemah Police Department would like to recognize the achievement of one of our officers.
Sgt. Iris Ortiz has successfully completed the FBI Law enforcement executive development series trilogy!
She's our 1st Sergeant and Female Supervisor FBI-LEEDA Law Enforcement Trilogy Graduate, but she will not be KPD’s last.
This is one of the most sought after awards and demonstrates professional development at all levels of law enforcement.
This is a testament to the kind of officers we have here at the Kemah Police Department.
​Each of our talented officers bring their dedication and skills to our ranks. This approach to hiring creates a strong and knowledgeable department.
Please help the Kemah Police Department congratulate Sergeant Iris Ortiz on a job well done.
Congratulations Sergeant Ortiz, on a job well done!
Kemah Peace Officer Association, We Love Kemah, i45NOW, Doug Meisinger, Kemah City Councilman Pos. 3, Darren Broadus-Kemah City Council Position 2, City of Dickinson, Texas - City Government, Teresa Vazquez-Evans, Kemah City Council Position 1, Isaac Saldaña - Kemah City Council Position 5, Kemah Fire Department, Law Enforcement Alliance for Galveston County, Inc., The Hitchcock/Santa Fe Times, Kemah Lions Club, Kemah Texas West Side, Keeping up with Kemah, Kemah City Hall,
Picture
​Cockrell Contracting INC
Josh Cockrell
"We love playing in the dirt"
Land Clearing 
Ponds 
Dirt work 
Driveways 
House pads 
Fences 
Ranch maintenance 
Land development 
Demolition 
Owner Josh Cockrell 713-903-1801  
#KindnessInDeed
0 Comments

#communityheros

10/20/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
City of Texas City
 
Captain Dennis Harris with the Texas City Fire Department was promoted at last night's City Commission meeting. Please congratulate the NEW Assistant Fire Chief Dennis Harris!
Extend the  
congratulations as well to Brent Black who was promoted to Engineer.
Well done gentlemen!
​
Congrats!!
0 Comments

I am a domestic abuse survivor now a breast cancer survivor.

10/4/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
(This was the Interview I did with Galveston Daily News. I think it was not published because of the domestic abuse aspect. Written 2019)
I am a domestic abuse survivor now a breast cancer survivor.
Last Summer I had a sunburn on my chest and was touching it.
I found a lump on my breastbone.
I called the doctor and she immediately scheduled me for a mammogram.
That lump did not show on the mammogram so they did an ultrasound.
I had already been reading up on it so when the radiologist kept going over the spot and noted the star pattern, I knew.
They scheduled me for a biopsy and on July 5, 2019, I got the call I had been dreading.
I was stage 1 Grade 3 breast cancer, meaning it had spread.
It was 80% aggressive and they needed to do surgery ASAP.
So 2 weeks later I am undergoing surgery.
In the 2 weeks from biopsy to surgery, one of the tumors had grown from 12 millimeters to 18. everything happened so fast.
I trusted my doctors and did everything they said to do.
They put it in my chemo port, I remember crying because I didn't know it was going directly into my heart.
My poor heart had been broken enough that year.
Dr. Silva is my surgeon and she is amazing.
She said I was the poster child for a perfect surgery.
My friend Ann Lee was on nurse duty for me when I came home from the hospital.
It's a true friend that will take care of you after surgery.
On August 16, 2017, I started chemo. It would have been my 12th wedding anniversary.
So here I am going thru a heart-wrenching divorce, coping with the aftermath of years of domestic abuse and now I would be faced with side effects and losing my hair.
While I was in the chemo chair for my very first chemo, I received a call from the Director of a company I had wanted to work for, for several years.
He asked if I was available and I said yes, when do I start?
He said tomorrow.
I said I will be there.
Not knowing how bad I would feel after chemo ( which was pretty bad), I put on my lipstick and I started my new job.
Within 21 days I began to lose my hair.
Every stroke of the brush was full of my hair, my pillow would have multiple strands on it each morning.
Oddly I never cried.
I noticed that I would hold my breath til I covered my balding head.
I never shaved my head, I left the 20 or so strands that remained.
I wore cute cheap wigs I bought online, and cutsie head covers in many colors.
I went thru 6 months of very strong chemo.
Each time I went to chemo I would wear something cheerful.
In October I wore my wonder woman costume and passed out pink cancer awareness bracelets to the nurses and patients dragging my chemo IV pole down the halls behind me.
In December I wore my Mrs. Santa outfit and passed out candy canes, In February I wore Mardi Gras leggings and passed out Mardi Gras beads.
It made me feel good to cheer up other people.
The Wonder Woman costume kinda became my trademark, I wore it to Walk a mile in her shoes a domestic violence awareness walk.
I was on a walker at that time and my best friend went with me, I was a fall risk at that time.
I wore it for several Charity events.
As sick as I was I always had the need to help others. Dr. Maria Swartz who was in charge of the Pink Warrior program was a God Send to me.
She gave me strength when I wanted to give up.
I owe the confidence I have gained to her and her assistant Heather Herndon
Dr. Venketesan is my young oncologist.
He is this mild-mannered mop top, van shoes-wearing genius.
He is wonderful, he listens and watches over me.
He really is a shining star.
I had a bell ringing when I finished chemo in December, 22 of my friends showed up at the hospital to witness it and be there for me.
They did it again when I rang the bell in February after I finished radiation.
My friends from as far back as high school Ethel York Procell and Lynn Conner Mancuso checked in on me and kept my spirits up.
My co-workers Colleen Miller and Clara Cooley are more like family than co-workers, they have been there to help and support me in every way.
The staff at UTMB and MD Anderson have been so wonderful to me and made things go the best they could possibly go.
- What inspired you to start motivating others?
I know how it feels to be stifled and belittled and made to feel that you are worthless.
I know what the ravages of cancer and the treatment have on a body.
On my journey, I am learning that I have value and that I have a lot to contribute to our community. My favorite quote is " The world is a much brighter place when you live in it" by Joseph Campbell.
I wanted to encourage other domestic abuse and cancer survivors that there is an entire world out there for them.
Together we give each other confidence to try things we may have not had the courage to do before.
I started Galveston Glamper Girls to do that.
I am also Chaplain at Elks Lodge #126 in Galveston, People can call me with problems and know that I understand.
Tell me a little about your Glamping Girls, and the events that you put on.
There are currently 56 members in Galveston Glamping Girls.
I started the group in June 2019 so only a few short months ago.
We have had a CPR class, a class on firestarters and how to start campfires, we have played Bingo together as a group, We have had 2 camping trips, with 2 more scheduled, and learning to fish class coming up.
I love this group because every person in it can teach us something.
We all have worth, We all have value.
Katherine Herrin
Picture

1309 1st St, La Marque, TX 77568
(409) 935-1948 ​

0 Comments

The fourth Officer of the Quarter is Officer Johnny Smith.

10/4/2022

0 Comments

 
       #communityheros


Dickinson Police Department - Texas

  
The fourth Officer of the Quarter is Officer Johnny Smith.
Officer J. Smith has been with the Dickinson Police Department since 2006.
Officer J. Smith attended Police Academy at Galveston Community College.
He started working for Tiki Island and Galveston County Pct 7 Constables Office but decided after a few years that he wanted to work in Dickinson because of its popularity for having a great team, including the Chief and Officers, training, and more call volume.

After several years of service with the good times and bad, Officer J. Smith still loves serving this great community.
When he is not serving the City of Dickinson, he also loves spending time with his grandchildren and family.
He and his wife love spoiling their grandchildren every chance they get. Officer J. Smith also likes hunting, fishing, woodworking, and traveling with his wife.

Q & A with Officer Johnny Smith
Can you tell us what made you choose Law Enforcement as a career?
What roles/positions have you served in law enforcement?
Why did you want to be a Warrant Officer?

I’ve wanted to be a Police Officer long before becoming an Officer because my father was an Officer.
I tried my hand, with success at other trades like plumbing, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, and Oil Field Well Head Supervisor.
I began my carrier at the age of 29 and found out quickly that the job requires heavy responsibility dealing with people’s lives.
I have always stood by this statement, “Treat other’s as if they were your family”, and “Everyone puts their pants on, one leg at a time, the same as you do”.
Since working here in Dickinson, I became an Officer-in-Charge, a Field Training Officer, a Taser Instructor, a member of the Honor Guard, Marine Division, and now I work as the Warrant Officer. After several years working in the Patrol Division, I took advantage of the opportunity when the position became available to try something different.
Since working as the Warrant Officer, anyone that has had warrants and the opportunity to speak with me will tell you that I will do everything in my power to help someone get a payment plan (preferred) verses being arrested.
Also, while being the Warrant Officer, I also serve the court and City Hall as its first line of security.

Your co-workers would consider you a “Country boy” who is not afraid of animals.
In fact, urban legend has it that you have wrangled snakes and alligators here in Dickinson. Care to share one of those stories?

Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday!
I received a call for service to a residence where the caller stated they had caught an alligator. What happened was, due to heavy rain and flooding, the gator traveled out of the bayou and into a ditch, or it could have merely been a pet too big to care for (speculation unknown).
When I arrived, I went to the callers back yard and observed that they had plywood around to prevent it from escaping. As I looked down at it, it looked up at me with it's beady eyes and I thought for a moment, “How am I going to wrangle this beast without getting bit?”.
I tried to catch it with a rope but no luck, I then decided to just go hands on.
With one hand getting the gators attention, I snatched the gator by its neck with my other hand. After releasing the gator, I thanked the good Lord that I still had all my fingers.

You were working here in Dickinson during Hurricane Harvey, what was that like?
What improvements have you seen made in the city and at the Police Department since Harvey?

I remember trying to drive myself and my son into work with my wife’s H2 Hummer.
As we were south bound on IH-45 feeder road, we were knocked off the road by a water current in front of McRee Ford into the ditch.
For three days we worked on getting people out of the water and searching houses.
I stayed wet the whole time and worked on little to no sleep, but having a warrior mindset, I put my big boy pants on and did what I do for this great community.
​This was a nightmare that no one was prepared for, and I hope we never experience that again, but if we do, I think we “The Citizens and Police” are more prepared now. Since Harvey the Fire Department has purchased high water rescue vehicles and the Police Department has purchased a boat for the Marine Division, which I’m proud to serve as a member of.

“I thank God, Family and Dickinson for the opportunity and support of being a Police Officer”.
Officer J. Smith, thank you for all you do, you are definitely an asset to the community, the courts and the city.
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed


Hours

ALWAYS OPEN

Telephone

409-916-2970
welovethebayarea@gmail.com