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La Marque Police Department
In honor of Women’s History Month, La Marque Police Department would like to recognize the women making history every day in the City of La Marque. In a historically male-dominated field, these warrior women have established themselves as forces of nature. Telecommunicators are the life blood of the La Marque Police Department. All operations start and end with our dispatchers. Our citizens, when they are at their worst, reach out to the voice in the dark. Our Telecommunicators must manage bustling phone lines, hectic and traumatic 9-1-1 lines, all while directing fire and police resources. These amazing #WARRIORWOMEN truly run the La Marque Police Department. Meet Lead Telecommunicator Sheila Maya. Maya is the lead telecommunicator, a 3-year veteran, and holds an intermediate license. Maya provides indispensable direction in dispatch, as well as through many facets of the police department. Telecommunicator Angel Fontenot is a senior night shift dispatcher, with 5 years of service. Angel holds an intermediate license. Night shift can be a trying time, with chaos emerging from calm at a moment's notice. Also a night shift Telecommunicator Dahlia Donofrio works to serve the citizens with poise. Dahlia came to La Marque a year ago, already an experienced telecommunicator, holding an intermediate license. La Marque Police Department has the best telecommunicators in the state! Please honor Maya, Angel, Dahlia, and all of the women of the La Marque Police Department!
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 I was given the honor to interview an extremely impressive woman and humbled public servant, Texas City Commissioner, Thelma Bowie. The assignment was entrusted to me by Mr. James Graves, founder of The Bay Area Entertainer, for which I am very grateful to have had this opportunity. However, before the interview, he had sent me, two PDF files that contained what seems to be an endless list of achievements and accomplishments in her lifetime, thus far. Her extensive academic record displays many years of dedicated study and knowledge. Her administrative work skills and ethics had landed her positions in major corporations, which had taken her up the ranks, to higher executive responsibilities. And as a woman of color, I can imagine it took much strength, endurance, patients, and perseverance, to be recognized for her seriousness, as a professional, as well as respect for her businesswise, creative talents. I suppose, that I could go on and on, about her very impressive career. But, I would like to include and concluded with her nature as a spiritual woman, which she is. She is not only a wealth of knowledge, but possesses notable wisdom, compassion, and charity. I asked her if she could offer me some insights about what she would like to see in her community and for the citizens that she represents in Texas City. She replied, "First off, I would like to "not" be known as a politician. Although, I became a politician for the people, my desire is to perform to the best of my abilities, for all citizens, being guided by devotional intervention". Commissioner Bowie went on to state that, she hopes to be in service by interacting with all of Galveston County, and apply whatever means and influence she may acquire, as a municipal, government official, and community advocate for her Texas City home. I asked, commissioner Bowie, how was it that she found her way, to now, a political career? And her response was, "That after I had retired, I had nothing to do!" lol! I get it! She is among, the active leaders, comprehensive visionaries, and community game-changers, that just can't stop doing what she believes is what God has sent her to do. And naturally, when you do what you love to do', you do it very well! I have been around the block in my 59 years, through many trials and tribulations. And today, as a behavioral recovery, life coach, I had no doubts about her sincerity in improving the quality of the lives of her constituents and building a better future for all. Speaking with Commissioner Thelma Bowie, reminded me of a very familiar and renowned quote. "It Takes An Entire Village To Raise A Child". I believe, that she recognizes, that in order to build a better future, we must invest all of our resources into educating our children. And with love, all things are possible!   Jill Reason has been associated with the ballet company for twenty years in a full range of volunteer positions and performances. For eight years she was the Chairman of the Scholarship/Endowment Committee and served as a chaperone in New York City for BAHBT dancers during Summer Intensive Programs. She chaired the magical, yearly event of Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy for four years. In addition, she was the Volunteer Executive Director for BAHBT for five years. She served these positions in close association with Founder Lynette Mason Gregg. In 2012 Jill was the recipient of the Bravo! Award, created in 2003 to recognize the invaluable contributions made by community members to BAHBT. Ms. Reason has currently been serving on the BAHBT Board of Directors for the last several years. Her performances with the ballet company include the Baroness in The Nutcracker for 16 seasons, as well as Giselle, Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Retrospective, Cinderella, Grease, Dracula, and Edward Scissorhands. She is passionate about and active in many organizations that support our wonderful Bay Area community. Her leadership and volunteerism have been invaluable to the Clear Creek Education Foundation, the Lunar Rendezvous Festival, Clear Lake Area Panhellenic, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committee, and many other organizations. Personal Graduate from University of West Georgia- Early Childhood Education Graduated with Master’s from North Georgia College Taught Kindergarten and Pre-First in Georgia- 3 years First Grade at Armand Bayou Elementary – 6 years Supervisor of Student Teachers at University of Houston Clear Lake- 4 years Mentor Teacher for CCISD -9 years Married to Dan Reason Jr. – 34 years 4 children Dalton 28(graduate-Georgia Southern University), Ashton 26(grad University of Alabama), Identical twins Sydney and Savannah 23(University of Alabama) Sorority Affiliation Phi Mu – Gamma Rho Chapter Social Chairman and two terms as President Active Work/Volunteer Areas Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre Presently – Executive Director and Director Emeritus Chairman of Scholarship/Endowment – 13 years Volunteer Executive Director – 7 years Demi-character - has performed in many BAHBT productions- The Nutcracker for 14 seasons (The Baroness and Mother Ginger), as well as Giselle, Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Retrospective, Cinderella, Grease, Dracula. ,and Edward Scissorhands. Awarded Hall of Fame award (Volunteer of the Year) 2001 BRAVO Award - 2011 City Of League City Texas Board member of Make League City Beautiful Committee Commissioning artists to create art around the city League City Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors – 2019- Present Co-Chair of the External Division Task Force Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Member Task Force Arts Connect Monthly Pod Cast Clear Lake Panhellenic Association President- 2016-2017 2 nd Vice President – Scholarship – 2012-2014 Fashion Show Chair – 2011 Corporation Chair – 2011 Chair –Mother/Daughter Tea – 2012 2015 Citation Award Winner Lunar Rendezvous Festival Chairman of the Advisory Board- 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 Advisory Board and Scholarship Chairman – present General Chairman 2012 Fashion Show – 2011 Cultural Arts Night - 2001 Clear Creek Education Foundation Board Member – President 2018 President Elect (fund raising chairman) 2017 Fashion Show Chair – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Gold Badge 2015 to the present Wine Garden Committee Scholarship Committee Communities in School Bay Area Board Member – Present Chair of the Resource Development Committee - Present Special Spaces Houston Works and coordinates rooms for children with life threatening illnesses or trama Board Member – present P.T.A. Ferguson Elementary –All offices/ Carnival 2 terms/ President 2 terms Clear Creek Intermediate – President 2 terms Area Council of PTA’s – 4 years Tennis Houston Ladies Tennis Association (18 years) Board Member – 2 years Captain of Challenger 2 Team Plays on 2 other teams as well Bay Harbour United Methodist Church Sunday School Teacher Sunday School Superintendent – 1997-99 Happy Harbour Preschool – Chairman of the Board – 1999-2001  City of La Marque
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH My name is Rosemary Bell, Court Administrator for the City of La Marque. I have been with the City of La Marque since September 2014. I have worked in the municipal court field for over fifteen years. I began my career at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where I served as a Clerk Offender Records Specialist. Prior to working for La Marque Municipal Court as a Court Administrator, I was employed by Alvin Municipal Court and Pearland Municipal Court. During my tenure at Alvin Municipal Court and Pearland Municipal Court, I held Deputy Court Clerk and the Court Official Record Specialist position. In 2018, I completed the Institute for Court Management program through the National Center for State Courts and Texas Municipal Court Education Center to be designated as a Certified Court Manager (CCM). I participated in the Texas Court Clerks Certification Program in cooperation with Texas State University. I became a Certified Municipal Court Clerk (CMCC) in 2015, the highest accomplishment in the State Of Texas. I'm a member of the Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA), Texas Municipal Court Association (TMCA), National Association for Court Management (NACM), and Texas Marshal Association (TMA). The City of La Marque has been significantly supported by providing employees to further their skills, which I'm very grateful for. I am currently attending the University of Houston, Certified Public Manager training sponsored by the City of La Marque. I share the city's vision of working towards a more just and equitable world by demonstrating integrity, expanding transparency, and building trust. I have demonstrated this commitment by focusing on our citizens' needs and public trust by establishing paperless court operations, online internet payments, upgrading to Incode 10 to ease cash flow and records management, and executing a virtual court system. Therefore, making our court operation more efficiently, expeditiously and administering justice fairly ensures trust and accountability are exemplified to the public we serve. I look forward to pursuing it. With this opportunity, I can advance my leadership skills, gain more insight into how the local government operates, broaden my networking and communication skills, and enhance my development and mentoring skills. The court clerk plays an essential role in assuring the courts' integrity and efficiency and maintaining public confidence in the Texas judicial system's fairness. We not only perform the administrative work of the courts, such as caseflow and records management, filing, collecting court costs and fines, but we also help shape the public's perception of the Texas judicial system by acting as a liaison between the public and judiciary. We must find the proper balance among public servants, court clerks, city employees, and individuals. Public officials and employees view local courts as essential, independent arbiters of justice. Courts are viewed as institutions necessary to the fair enforcement of laws that preserve public safety and promote quality of life in our community. Family is important to me, and I enjoy time spent with my children. I love the outdoors, kayaking, camping, hiking, and fishing. Join us in celebration as we highlight the many #WonderWomen that serve our great city! #WomensHistoryMonth #womeninlaw #communitymatters #movingforward La Marque Police Department In honor of Women’s History Month, La Marque Police Department would like to recognize the women making history every day in the City of La Marque. In a historically male-dominated field, these warrior women have established themselves as forces of nature. Detective Shores is a seven year veteran and assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for the La Marque Police Department. Detective Shores recently transitioned to investigations. Detective Shores loves developing young patrol officers as an Field Training Officer (FTO). The Patrol Division is losing an asset as Detective Shores gravitates back to her true passion, Investigations. Detective Shores is an accomplished officer, having previously served both the Patrol Division and the the Narcotics Division. Detective Shores was previously a member of the Special Response Team (SRT), having completed both Basic and Advanced SWAT training. Detective Shores was the first female member of the team. Detective Shores works tirelessly for victims, with a passion for helping children. With a heart to help, Detective Shores is proficient in sign language, a rare and valuable gift! Please honor Detective Shores & all of the women of the La Marque Police Department! #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenPolice #policeofficer #CommunityPolicing #communitymatters #movingforward #WarriorWomen
 Janet Morris is a native of Texas City, Texas. She has been a business owner since 2003. Janet has owned a successful Hair and Nail Salon and taught Cosmetology on local and Collegiate levels. Janet is very knowledgable in Business and the aesthetics that surround it; although, she holds a degree in Criminal Justice and worked in that field for a short time, she finds time to master each facet of her life. Taking care of family, her constituents and her community are very integral. Janet also owns, Wrice BBQ, a very successful eatery on historic 6th Street in Texas City. "Running a business is hard work, but with perseverance and lots of prayer, nothing is impossible! I have learned to STAY FOCUSED," Janet says. Her newest venture, UPSCALE LOUNGE, will offer a grown-up atmosphere providing mixed drinks, entertainment and a Hookah Night. "I feel if I can offer the public amenities locally, we can keep revenues here in TC rather than our patrons going to another town or County to be entertained," Janet says. Janet Morris is indeed an Entrepreneur Extraodinaire! #blackhistorymonth #blackwomeninbusiness #loveyourself #smart #intelligent #blackgirlboss #smallbusinessowner
La Marque Police Department
In honor of Women’s History Month, La Marque Police Department would like to recognize the women making history every day in the City of La Marque. In a historically male-dominated field, these #WARRIORWOMEN have established themselves as forces of nature. Detective Arredondo is a nine-year veteran and served as a Detective in Criminal Investigations (CID) for the past 6 years. Detective Arredondo has made a name for herself standing up for the most venerable of victims. Detective Arredondo specializes in seeking justice for children and victims of sexual assault. Detective Arredondo has been named 50 Club Officer of the Year twice for her accomplishments. Detective Arredondo was honored as a 2021 “40 Under 40,” a distinguished list of outstanding citizens produced by the Galveston County Daily News. Detective Arredondo works closely with the Galveston County Child Advocacy Center and CPS to ensure the children of La Marque are protected. Detective Arredondo, who regularly sends violent offenders to prison, has a passion for her victims and hopes to make the world a safer place for her child. Please honor Detective Arredondo & all of the women of the La Marque Police Department. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenPolice #policeofficer #CommunityPolicing #communitymatters #movingforward #WarriorWomen  Wendy Drapela is proud to be the General Chairman for the 57 th Lunar Rendezvous Festival. She
has called League City her home for the last 29 years. Once she arrived, she jumped right into her “service” career, beginning with teaching CCE & Confirmation at her church. The past several years Wendy has been active in chairing multiple events, including chairing the American Heart Association Go Red for Women. Last year she teamed up with Kathy Rae to chair the fabulous Lunar Rendezvous Fashion Show. Wendy has many names, wife, mom & MawMaw! She is married to Mark Drapela, the mother to Aric and Kasey, and MawMaw to Kayson Carroll and Willow Bird! She would not be able to volunteer for Lunar Rendezvous without the support of Abbey Lee, the owner of Moxie District 31. Wendy works as the Sales Manager at Moxie District 31, where you can catch them laughing, dancing and making women look and feel gorgeous. Wendy surrounds herself with strong women who come together and do great things! She would like to thank Dinah Matthews and Jill Reason for asking her to chair her first event with Lunar Rendezvous in 2015. She is thankful for Mary Williams and Angie Weiman for teaching her the art of fundraising for nonprofits. She is incredibly grateful to call Ann Wismer not only a friend, but also a mentor through her many life aspirations. Michelle Holland and Kim Woods are invaluable leaders for Wendy by offering immeasurable support, guidance and friendship.  La Marque Public Library
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Amy | Library Director Amy Miller has been a public librarian for 24 years and has been La Marque's Library Director since 2015. Prior to moving to Galveston County, she served in libraries in San Antonio and Austin. Her favorite part of being a librarian is connecting people to just the right book or resource they need. She'd like the community to know that the library goes way beyond books. Want to learn a new language? Need homework help? Prefer listening to audiobooks? We can help you do all of those things and more. Amy enjoys playing Jenga, writing bad haiku poetry, and going to Broadway shows. Join us in celebration as we highlight the many #WonderWomen that serve our great city! #WomensHistoryMonth #womeninlaw #communitymatters #movingforward
La Marque Fire Department
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 🧑🏻🦳 Fire Fighter Christina Since I was young I wanted to do emergency medicine. Countless hours spent watching "Rescue 911" and I wanted to be a Paramedic specifically. I joined the US Marines in 1996 but never chased my passion for medicine. Life moved on and I found myself in an hospital office doing a job that made me feel inadequate and like I didn't belong. Well, God gave me a push through an open door to a new career and he knew what was in my heart the day they closed our hospital doors in 2016. I enrolled in classes and fast forward, found myself. At 45 years old, I never thought I would be where I'm at now. I thought it was too late. It's never too late to follow your dreams... Join us in celebration as we highlight the many #WonderWomen that serve our great city! #WomensHistoryMonth #womeninlaw #communitymatters #movingforward |
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