City of La Marque
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Ms. Sherlyn serves our community as a Customer Service Representative in our Utility Billing Department. She has worked for the City of La Marque for 7 years and many might recognize her smile from our drive-through window. I have learned more about the city's operations from our historic citizens of La Marque than from any other source. They are my confidants and I try to pass along what I have learned to the newer citizens. Educating the public about their rights as well as responsibilities regarding their water bills is a high priority for me. The city is growing and there are new homeowners, renters, etc. that don't know what their rights or responsibilities are (i.e. applying for a once-a-year adjustment after a leak is repaired to making payment arrangements if you are eligible). The more they know about their services the better they feel, and they do pass on what they have learned to their neighbors. It helps the city when the public is educated, and my goal is to be informative not just take payments.
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CASA of Galveston County
ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT: NIRMALA Nirmala Maharaj What drew you to CASA? I love to help children and wanted to do something to give back to my community in a meaningful and positive way. What is your best experience/memory as a CASA? During my first visit with a 3-year-old child, as I was getting ready to leave, she walked me to the front door. When we got there, she told me she loved me and asked for a hug. Her warm, bubbly personality fills me with joy every time we visit. Do you work? I have been with Houston Methodist Hospital for 10 years and currently manage the IT Outpatient team. We provide technology systems and tools for clinical staff to ensure successful patient outcomes. What do you do in your free time/ hobbies? My hobbies include anything on the water, traveling, cooking, and reading. What is your favorite quote? “If you want to change the world, start with yourself” by Mahatma Gandhi What would you tell an incoming advocate about your experience as a CASA? Be patient with yourself. There is a lot of information to learn and each family is unique and special. Take advantage of the available training, and if you have questions, CASA leadership is very helpful. Being a CASA is one of the most rewarding things you will do! La Marque Police Department
· In honor of Women’s History Month, La Marque Police Department would also like to recognize the women that make up our rich history. Many fearless and immaculate women have graced the halls of the La Marque Police Department. The La Marque Police Department would like to honor Delores “Ms. Dee” Dillon. Ms. Dee, as she was affectionately referred, dedicated 34 years as a telecommunicator. For countless officers, Ms. Dee was a calm and steady voice through the years. Ms. Dee always had an infectious joy and unsurpassed dedication. Ms. Dee served the La Marque Police Department from 1976 until 2010 when she retired. Ms. Dee remained close to her La Marque family but passed away in 2017. Delores Dillon will always be an important part of the La Marque Police Department and an essential part of Women’s History. Please continue to honor Delores “Ms. Dee” Dillon & all of the women of the La Marque Police Department. City Of League City Government
· It's yoga time! Meet this week's #LCLocal, Lola Scarborough. Lola is the owner of the Health Hut and co-owner of the Art, Movement, and Life Skills Academy. She's passionate about improving the health of those under her guidance! Learn more about Lola at www.leaguecitytx.gov/4204/Lola-Scarborough Lisa Halili is an entrepreneur with a passion for creativity of the secret of the world of oysters. She has been an hands on deckhand on an oyster /shrimp boat in a business created with her first mate Johnny later in life grew a business, from one boat the devotion to creating the one of the largest fresh Gulf oyster Business.
The wife husband team ambitious became the entrepreneur creativity Prestige Oyster the passion of the love saltwater. They had a second mate their youngest son Raz and together this family team has used these abilities in her family’s business, to continue into High Pressure Process of treatment for pathogens to remove from the oyster, and the family acquired a 100-year-old name business Hillman Shrimp and Oyster. Where they now continue the Hillman Brand IQF oysters, being one of the largest in Texas and Louisiana in giving back more than 20K of limestone in oyster reef building, recycling 100 % of all oyster shells. Lisa is a hands-on person loves the creation of the nature, the smell of the trees. earth and amazing sounds of oceans waves is the most peaceful heavenly pass time to enjoy. Lisa is the founder of the San Leon Oyster Fest and her goal is to build a noncommercial oyster reef to help her longtime friend Kevin Black whom she met through Jim Olive; her dream is to create the reef named it Rett Reef to make awareness to Rett syndrome. Lisa lost her older son died of a massive heart attack the loss of a child I’d lifelong pain you keep I’m your heart. Lisa has been fighting breast cancer since 2017 although she was speared at 90% tumor, which was growing into cancer. Lisa with a double mastectomy and 6 corrective surgery she has mastered very strong combat. Only with the love and support of her husband Johnny and son Raz’s daughter heather and huge family friends she’s rolling strong. Lisa as battles the fight over Galveston Bay with a backroom shady illegal lease, that she took on with one man. Tracy Woody, he tried to steal the heart of Galveston Bay unfortunately this battle is still on going and will most likely end back to the Texas Supreme Court. Why because the person she fighting Jeri’s Seafood Tracy Woody has more money than common sense. Lisa also took on the big Chemical Company Clean Harbors she was named the Erin Brockvich of San Leon and even though we got a partial win, but unfortunately with the town small the folks that once took interest to fight are now in their late 80’ and did not have the ability to fight and with Covid-19 and the latest way of seeing the court in ZOOM it was not the best way to have a hearing and unfortunately, Clean Harbors continue killing Dickinson bayou. Lisa and her husband Johnny Raz took on during the pandemic opening a restaurant Pier 6 Seafood with the tide to table fresh Gulf Seafood PIER 6 Seafood has given folks what they long waited for great seafood tropical frozen drinks the view of the bay alongside the Houston Ship Channel. Lisa shares her life with his husband Johnny and 8 grandkids and her baby Mia a short hair British tabby cat that rules the house. Her passion is just to be outside the nicest thing in life is the great outdoors. why because nature doses do not talk back… Gina M. Spagnola
The name Gina Spagnola is synonymous with the phrase, “Unrelenting Champion for Business and Community”. For the past 18 years, working with the oldest chamber in the state of Texas, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), ascending to the position of President and CEO, she has worked tirelessly to promote and support the multi-faceted businesses that make up this vibrant Texas coastal community. It's difficult to pick the crown jewel of her many accomplishments. Through diligent effort she has built excellent relationships with the county, state and national legislators resulting in lower insurance rates, moderate tax increases and a continual quest for affordable housing. She remains steadfast in her mission supporting economic growth through tourism, the maritime industry and a strong Port of Galveston. Gina was commissioned as a member of Governor Abbott’s Texas Division of Emergency Management Business Advisory Council and continues to serve on that important committee. She also serves on the Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce as a member of the National Business Recovery Corps. created after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Her efforts to help the community throughout multiple disasters have won her many accolades. Hurricane Ike’s wrath brought 9’ of water throughout downtown Galveston’s businesses decimating the chamber offices, yet Gina and team worked out of their cars making calls to help bring disaster relief and developed a business recovery plan and expo to help organizations rebuild from the destruction. This scenario has often repeated itself not only with the Galveston area’s multiple natural disasters but branching out to other communities in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, affected by their own storms. She most recently helped organize a food drive and raised funds for the victims of Hurricane Ida. Throughout the unprecedented Corona Virus, while others were quarantining, she was out in the community visiting members, telling their stories on social media and supporting a massive “Shop Local” campaign resulting in an incredible 85% membership retention when many chambers were closing their doors. Her efforts in education are as impressive as she worked with her Education Committee to give youth opportunities to attend Maritime Camps with Texas A&M Galveston and learning to be entrepreneurs through Lemonade Day Galveston County of which she holds the title of Lemonade Day Galveston County Director. She led the effort to restructure “Leadership Galveston”, a program which attracts local business leaders who desire to learn about the community. She is helping to develop a next tier level leadership program which will introduce leaders to the core skillsets necessary to succeed. The GRCC’s program for young professionals, C-Crewe is known for attracting young leaders who learn about the different facets that make up the community. One of the most impressive efforts in education is now in its 15 th year, The Galveston Women’s Conference centered on the theme of “Mind, Body, Spirit”. This conference is unique to the Gulf Coast in that it attracts over 1100 women to come to Galveston to hear nationally known women speakers, learn the latest on health issues from local health experts while recognizing a select number of women in the community. It also supports over 130 local businesses who sell their items in the vendor area to the attendees. Whether serving on multiple boards, receiving awards too numerous to mention, helping advise the community on disaster relief, or simply needing a friend/mentor with a great mind and giving spirit, Gina Spagnola is making a difference. Originally from Northern Idaho, Stephanie moved to Texas City in July of 1994 to finish and graduate from Texas City High School.
After having her son and completing college she met her husband Kirk. They married and became a blended family of five in 2005. She and Kirk started a youth group in 2008 through Bridge of Hope Church located in Texas City and loved the youth outreach. This passion for youth led them to their first mission trip to a small town outside of Belize City in 2011. This trip drastically changed their lives and concreted missions in their hearts. After this trip they traveled to Honduras and four more trips to Belize where they lived for 2 months at the end of 2015. In between these trips, Stephanie made solo trips to Tanzania and Niger Africa where she unfortunately was involved in a major car accident in Niger that almost claimed her life, but God willing, she was completely healed and back on the mission field. Stephanie was able to take a solo trip to Chang Rai, Thailand to aid an outreach ministry to women being sexually exploited. At the end of 2015 their family walked through a very difficult challenge that kept them grounded in this area. Instead of sitting still, Stephanie and her husband connected with multiple non-profits in the Greater Houston area and started working in the anti-trafficking movement. Here they found their lane of ministry. Engaged in outreach, intervention, prevention and awareness they produced a short film "Groomed" that outlines the tactics traffickers use to gain access to our youth online and won Best Justice award at the 2020Content Film Festival in Dallas, TX. Determined to help as many women as they could. Stephanie partnered with a national organization in 2020 to help them open an aftercare home for trafficked and exploited women. In just 15 months she raised the funds to hire staff and open its doors in February 2021. Today, Stephanie is working alongside Anchor Point in League City, TX as their Chief Development Officer to help raise awareness and financial partnerships for this amazing organization and bring to light how much they truly impact the community through their varied services. Stephanie is also a seasoned and well-rounded International speaker and captivating Emcee. She has an innate ability to communicate intimately and comically to groups both large and small, and delights in the sharing of knowledge - specializing in encouraging and strengthening others to overcome adversities and spiritual trauma. Her heart is to see others healed and live a healthy and fruitful life. SUSAN HEFNER Susan Hefner is the reigning Elite Mrs. Forever Beautiful USA. She loves to empower and encourage others and loves making a difference in her community. With more than 2700 service hours, she is definitely making a difference. Susan has worked with more than 25 charities and sits on several committees, including Yachty Gras, Keels and Wheels, and Seabrook Association. She has received numerous community service awards including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, twice, and the Yachty Gras Outstanding Service Award and Admiral Award. She has even received the Pageantry Spirit Award for promoting friendship and sportsmanship. Susan’s passion is supporting and helping veterans since her husband is a 24 year Army Veteran. They have worked together to improve the lives of our Veterans and military families through the nonprofit SERVE. Susan is also a Math Interventionist and former Beachbody coach, but her favorite titles are GIgi and Big Mama. She enjoys spending time with her five grand children, modeling in fashion shows, judging pageants, and going to the beach if there is any time left. Susan walked the runway in Hollywood in October for Kelly Dempsey from Project Runway and will be walking in New York Fashion Week in September. Lou Ringer is a force of nature. Anyone who has met her will tell you the same thing. Need it done, call Lou. For as long as I can remember, and I’m 56, my mom has been doing for others.
Mom started to guide her own destiny at a very young age. She grew up very poor, but she knew she wanted more. One day she went to a neighbor’s church event, and she knew she had to belong to this beautiful church and Catholic school, Ursuline Academy in Galveston, Texas. She had never been in a church. Before she left the neighbor’s event, she had already begun negotiations with the Priest. Luckily, that priest introduce jim and her to Mother Mary McCluskey, an Ursuline nun who saw the longing in my mom for something better. Mother McCluskey told mom she could help her clean and dust the chapel and she would pay her $.50 a week. She told Mother McCluskey she was a hard worker and would clean this beautiful building if they would let her stay. This nun was an outstanding person – you see, at 13 my mom couldn’t really read. She was a product of the depression and a girl, so education just wasn’t that important. She showed up at the school every day, learned to read and her life truly began. This is where her Catholic faith was born. The nuns at Ursuline taught her to reach for a better life. My mother made lifelong friends at this school, Joyce Plummer-Hugman, is still her friend to this day – and they are 911 My Mom paid back Mother McCluskey by visiting her in New Orleans and making a donation for Mother McCluskey’s 103 birthday. The nuns of Ursuline prepped mom for something better. She started working after school at a five and dime, then for the City of Galveston. She made enough money to have nicer things and pull her family out of poverty. One day on the beach with her friend Joyce, she met this buff dude that wouldn’t take no for an answer. They had their first date, and the rest is history. She and my dad have been married for 71 years. We celebrated his 94th birthday yesterday. Just last year they left their beloved Texas City for a residential living apartment in League City. It’s easier to manage, but they really miss their church and their Texas City family. I say Texas City family because they treated everyone they met in Texas City as family. It was their home and their community for 58 years. They would never give up their BOI (born on the island) status, but Texas City was their home. Mom was always a stay-at-home mom for all five of her kids, but she was the hardest worker I know. Catholic education saved her life, so she saw to it that each of her kids received the same. She lived and breathed Our Lady of Fatima and St. Mary’s church. She and dad built the library, and she was the librarian and worked tirelessly as a volunteer. There was rarely a church bazaar she didn’t chair, or a fundraiser she didn’t run. She had a booth to raise money for Fatima until two years ago. That’s a lot of years raising money for her beloved Catholic school and church. When all her kids had flown the coop, mom took on the city. She was a card-carrying member of the Texas City Chamber of Commerce the minute she opened her home-based jewelry business. She took networking to a whole new level. People are still sad that she doesn’t sell jewelry any longer. She and dad ran the Silver Tones group for the Chamber for a long time. They roped all their friends into joining. They were at every new business ribbon cutting the Chamber had for years. The Chamber voted both she and my dad as Woman/Man of the Year. If it was about her beloved Texas City, my mom was there. Shrimp Boils, Mardi Gras Celebrations, St. Mary’s Altar Society, Arts in Texas City (she was also an avid artist for a long period of time). Wherever she goes, she’s in charge. I don’t know if the residents of The Delaney truly know what they are in for. We love you mom. You have always been our inspiration and our light. Doreen Hughes is a woman in motion and action. Since her
arrival to the community in 2008, she has shown that one person can make a difference. After fifteen years with Dell, wearing many corporate hats, including account executive, Doreen became an entrepreneur. She opened Mainland Testing Center, an award-winning occupational wellness clinic that she sold in 2016. She has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Texas City for ten plus years and served the board of directors. Her committee helps raise funds for Texas City ISD scholarships, Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA), and other community projects. Additionally, she served on the College of the Mainland Education Foundation, The Salvation Army of Galveston County, the League City Regional and Texas City/La Marque Chambers of Commerce, and a founding member of the Women in Business (WIB) committee. As a recognized small business entrepreneur and public speaker, Doreen enjoys mentoring, coaching, empowering, and connecting with other businesswomen. She was recently a finalist for the Women In Leadership Award (WILA) and, in January 2022, was named the chamber shining star. Whether leading her team during the annual Galveston County Food Bank Kids Back Pack summer food program or volunteering at Walter Hall Park vaccination hub, she rolls up her sleeves, serving with a servant's heart with a sense of purpose and joy. Doreen wears many hats in the community, realtor, leadership coach, and columnist for the Galveston Daily News. Her weekly column "Out and About" shines a light on ordinary people doing extraordinary work in many non- profit organizations and other community events. She uses her gift of writing to give back to these organizations by creating awareness and visibility. Doreen is a marathon runner; she enjoys the beach, gardening, and reading. A perfect day is enjoying a glass of wine with family and friends |