October - Dockline Magazine

From the Managing Editor 

WAHOO! It’s my favorite 

time of the year, Fall! And that 

means Halloween is right around 

the corner. I love to see all the 

little kids in costumes and not to 

mention the CANDY!!! When my 

mom’s not looking I try to sneak 

a piece but she must have eyes in 

the back of her head because she 

always catches me in the act. 

Well, thanks to all you readers 

that sent in pictures of your pets. 

I’ve got more friends then I know 

what to do with, but I can always 

use more. 

I think I smell my mom making 

cookies in the kitchen so I need 

to get in there and make sure she 

doesn’t drop anything on the floor. 

If she does I’m more then happy to 

pick it up for her. 

Until next month... Have a safe 

and Happy Halloween. 

Buster 

For advertising 

information call Tom Cook 

at 281-812-4775 and he will 

be glad to assist you. 

5 

12 

20 

The Magazine About Life on the Water’s Edge 

table of CONTENTS 

On the Cover 

Baytown Little Theater 

O c t O b e r 2 0 1 2 

5 San Jacinto River Authority Kids Page 

6 Baytown Little Theater - A hobby that can benefit other people 

10 Baytown Little Theater 

12 Goose Creek Proud 

14 Community Corner 

16 City of Baytown 

19 Focus on Finances 

20 Vegetation Survey Shows Native Vegetation is Returning to Lake 

Conroe 

22 Learn The Law 

25 Go Green Pest Control 

30 Capture The Moment 

31 The Baytown Chamber 

Visit us on the Web! 

www.docklinemagazine.com 

Dock Line Magazine - Baytown & Mont Belvieu Area Edition October 2012 3

4 Dock Line Magazine - Baytown & Mont Belvieu Area Edition October 2012 

The Magazine About Life on the Waters Edge 

Thomas J. Cook 

PUBLISHER 

Buster 

ManagIng EdIToR 

Gordon Gallatin 

advERTISIng dIRECToR 

Robert Kasprzak 

EdIToR 

Lindsey Kasprzak 

aRT dIRECToR 

Janine Williams 

SaLES 

Fabian Sandler 

wRITER 

Kimberli Smith 

CovER PHoTogRaPHER 

ConTRIBUToRS: 

Community Toyota 

Dr. Timothy Planty • Michael Homer Jr. 

Anikke Ayala-Rodgers • Surina Harshaw 

Gary Clemmons • Kimberli Smith 

Weston Cotten • Tracey S. Wheeler 

John Shrader • Kelley Savage • Jace Houston 

DOCK LINE MAGAZINE 

is published by: 

TJ Publications, Inc. 

P.O. Box 2634, Humble, TX 77347-2634 

Telephone: 281-812-4775 

E-mail: tom@docklinemagazine.com 

Subscriptions to DOCK LINE MAGAZINE 

cost $20.00 per year. To subscribe, mail a check 

with your name and address to: 

P.O. Box 2634 

HUMBLE, TX 77347-2634 

Dock Line Magazine welcomes reader correspondence. 

We reserve the right to edit or reject 

any material submitted. The publisher assumes 

no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited 

material. 

DOCK LINE MAGAZINE © 2012, all rights 

reserved. All editorial and advertising copy 

belongs solely to DOCK LINE MAGAZINE 

Reproduction in whole or part without express 

written permission is strictly prohibited. 

Articles are the opinions and experiences of 

other people and we do not necessarily approve, 

agree with, and/or condone those 

opinions. 

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By: Fabian Sandler 

It’s good to have a hobby. Hobbies are important. 

They keep us busy, instead of sitting on 

the couch watching TV. Some people like working 

with wood, making cabinets, furniture and 

other creative objects in their garage. Other people 

may write, read or shoot photos as a sideline 

interest. Still others may sow or knit. 

Some hobbies can benefit other people. A 

hobby can bring joy and enrich the lives of others. 

Learning lines and repeating them back, while 

engaging in movement and facial mannerisms, is 

one hobby that can bring comfort, smiles and entertainment 

to other people. This hobby is called 

acting. 

We’ve all told stories to our families, friends 


and coworkers, in relating something that may 

have happened to us or that we’ve seen. Sometimes, 

we embellish our movements and exaggerate 

our expressions in relating these stories. Perhaps, 

the stories themselves, whether true or made 

up, were embellished and exaggerated. That’s 

called good acting. 

Enter Kim Martin, stage right. Kim is the 

president of Baytown Little Theater, known 

as BLT. He’s been a part of theater since high 

school, a continuous string of about 40 years. Kim 

is a high school theater teacher during the day and 

a superman of theater during nights and weekends. 

This BLT has fed the mind and spirit, if not 

the stomach, since 1961. That year, 60 friends got 

together at Goose Creek Country Club with the 

intent to better their community through theater. 

Forty families joined the just created non-profit 

group they named Baytown Little Theater. The 

first production, called “Biography,” was staged in 

August. By then, the fledgling theater had reached 

100 members. Over 520 audience members delighted 

in this first production, held in a rented 

grocery store on Bayway Drive. 

A theater-in-the-round was planned while the

theater continued to bring plays to Baytown at the 

old market building, purchased in 1962. The theater-in-the-round 

was essentially destroyed when 

an out-of-control car ran through a side wall of the 

building and out the other. There was so much 

damage that the building was deemed economically 

not repairable. It was on a Friday the 13th. 

That performance was ruled a tragedy. 

The current location, at 4328 Hugh Echols 

Boulevard, is just south of West Baker Road. The 

building is about 5,000 square feet. The lobby 

contains many photos of seasons past. One can 

see their Baytown neighbors as they looked many 

years ago. The theater seats 85. BLT has plans for 

a bigger location. 

“Through a lot of meetings and a lot of consultation,” 

Kim says, “a lot of help from the City 

of Baytown – the city has been really good to us 

– and the people of Baytown, we are planning to 

build a new theater in Baytown’s historic downtown 

district. It’s at the corner of Texas Avenue 

and Main Street. Lee College is on one end of 

Texas Avenue, we’re going to be the anchor on 

the other end,” Kim beams. Phase one of the new 

building, the primary set shop and a small performance 

area, is about a year away. “We should be 

moved in there in the early part of 2014,” Kim 

predicts. 

By joining Baytown Little Theater, a member 

can then be active in the Theater itself, as well 

as participate on the Board of Directors. Members 

can work in front of the audience or backstage. 

Family memberships are only $20 a year. There’s 

also a youth membership for $10 a year, for those 

younger actors who enjoy being in the theater. 

“When people come and audition, and they 

say they’ve never been in a show before, we tell 

them they’re welcome to audition – we welcome 

everybody from outside – but once you are, we 

expect you to be a dues-paying member. Kim said 

that some people become members because they 

want to support the theater; they’re not interested 

in actively participating in plays. 

When choosing the plays Baytown Little 

Theater wants to perform, the directors 

take a large role in the process. “The 

directing position is obviously a key 

position in theater because we use volunteer 

directors. They’re people that 

have to have a little bit of experience, 

have been in some plays, they’ve done 

some things that have given them the 

insight into what it takes to put on a 

play. We’re dependent on our directors 

suggesting plays to us. We also have a 

play reading committee that we appoint, 

usually sometime during the early part 

of the summer.” This committee gets 

with other knowledgeable people and 

comes up with a list of plays for consideration. 

They normally list about 20 

potential plays to come up with the six 

to eight that are produced each season. 

The potential directors would then look 

at the list to see if they’re interested in 

choosing one to lead. Some of the plays have 

been done in the past. “We’ve been here over 

50 years,” Kim points out, “We’ve done a lot of 

plays. People like to see plays again, they like to 

see repeats. If it hasn’t been too recent, we may 

consider that [play].” 

There are many factors in choosing a play. 

“Do we have the people, the talent to do it? Some 

plays take a lot of young people,” Kim explains. 

“We have to make sure we have kids available to 

do it. Some plays take older people. We have to 

balance a lot of those things.” 

BLT tries to have a varied mix of comedies, 

mysteries and musicals for their selected plays for 

the season, which runs from February into December, 

or sometimes, ending in January. Comedies 

are very popular. “Everybody 

loves a comedy,” Kim says. 

“We have about two musicals 

a season. Usually, one will be 

a big musical with a lot of people 

in it. Musicals are more 

expensive to do than any other 

type of play, but people love 

them and come to see them.” 

This season, BLT is planning 

on a play opening on New 

Year’s, including a big gala 

with party favors and champagne. 

That play will run for a 

couple of weekends after New 

Year’s. 

“Most of our plays are 

nine performances over three 

weekends, Friday and Satur- 

day, and Sunday matinees,” Kim attests. 

“Moon Over Buffalo” will run beginning on 

November 30. “It’s a comedy by Ken Ludwig,” 

Kim explains. “He’s well known in American 

theaters these days. He’s a current contemporary 

writer; funny shows usually set in the Forties and 

Fifties.” 

BLT will be using the 660-seat theater at Lee 

College this coming summer for a major production 

of “Fiddler on the Roof.” “We have this partnership 

going on with Lee College. It takes a lot 

of resources to put on a big show in a place like 

that,” Kim explains. “You have to have a big orchestra 

in the pit; you have to have a lot of people, 

costumes and sets. We’ve been able to do that 

with the support of the city and our neighborhood. 

All the people work hard.” 

The City of Baytown area isn’t the only town 

that benefits from BLT. “We really envision ourselves 

as a regional theater center, not only because 

we think there’s a need there and people 

will come, but people do come from Houston to 

be part of our shows and to see our shows,” Kim 

expounds. “We have a lot of people from Kemah, 

Seabrook, Clear Lake, come over here to do shows 

with us. People come from all over the area - 

from Liberty, Dayton and Mt. Belvieu. We’re not 

just Baytown - we’re Crosby, Highlands, Channelview, 

and East Houston.” 

BLT plans on staging a special on October 

19 and 21. “A special is a play that is not in our 

season and is not included in our season tickets, 

but for one reason or another we find a way 

to stick it in because we have a special interest 

in doing it,” Kim explains. “We’re doing a play 

called Love Letters. That’s being done by a local 

attorney and his wife, Wes and Delene Cotten. 

They’re going to come in and this play is simply 

a couple sitting on stage, reading the love letters 

that they’re written each other over the years, from 

the time they were children until they’re elderly.” 

BLT has always been an all-volunteer organization 

until recently. Kathryn Saenger was hired 

as the theater manager. With her vast experience 

with non-profit organizations, the Board decided 

that Kathryn could take them forward and help 

make happen the vision they have in growing 

BLT. “She’s taken us to a new level for development, 

so we’re excited about that,” Kim attests. 

For more information, particularly the remaining 

schedule of plays and days of performances, 

visit www.baytown.littletheater.org. The 

phone number for box office information is 281- 

424-7617, or go to www.boxoffice@baytown. 

littletheater.org. While on their website, check 

some of the testimonials of some of the people 

who make up BLT. 

There are many hobbies in which one can 

become interested. Only a few can bring a community 

together regularly, bringing to the community 

a wide array of emotions, from merriment 

and laughs to moving someone into tears, all under 

the envelope of entertainment. Baytown Little 

Theater has a wide number of hobbyists, many of 

whom have regular jobs, who are set designers, 

lighting personnel, costumers, directors, and yes, 

actors. They’ve elevated themselves beyond sharing 

a hobby. They’re entertaining the Baytown 

area, providing smiles, memories and the enrichment 

of lives.u 



My Pal 

Eddie! 

Buster


One of the most beloved stories in American 

literature is Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, 

which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1962. Baytown 

Little Theatre presents the theatrical adaptation by 

Christopher Sergel, September 28 through October 

14. The play is directed by Amy Miller-Martin 

and Taylor Dobbs. 

The production opens with Jean Louise 

“Scout” Finch, now an adult, remembering the 

experiences of her childhood—significant experiences 

that shaped her life as well as her brother 

Jem’s and their friend Dill’s. Although a memory 

play, the action often seems to happen in the present. 

Two plots weave in and out of the play. The 

first involves Arthur “Boo” Radley, who lives in a 

shuttered house down the street from the Finches 

and is rumored to be some kind of monster. Scout, 

Jem and their next-door neighbor Dill engage in 

pranks, trying to make Boo show himself. Unexpectedly, 

Boo reciprocates their interest with a 

series of small gifts, until he ultimately steps off 

his porch and into their lives when they need him 

To Kill a Mockingbird Opens September 28th 


most. 

The second plot concerns Scout and Jem’s father, 

the attorney Atticus Finch. The local judge 

appoints him to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, 

who is falsely accused of raping a white 

woman. Atticus suspects he will lose the case, but 

he faces up to the challenge just the same, at one 

point heroically stepping between his client and a 

lynch mob. 

Along with its twin plot lines, To Kill a 

Mockingbird has two broad themes: tolerance 

and justice. Sergel addresses the theme of tolerance 

through the children’s fear of their mysterious 

neighbor. Justice is addressed when Atticus 

courageously defends Robinson to the best of his 

ability, despite the racial prejudices of their small 

Southern town. 

Tying the plots together is a simple but profound 

piece of advice Atticus gives Scout: “You 

never really understand a person until you consider 

things from his point of view….Until you climb 

inside his skin and walk around in it.” 

The cast includes the following: Carolyn 

Dockery as Jean Louise Finch (adult Scout and 

narrator); Jayce Welch, young Scout; Kellen Solomon 

as her brother, Jem; Ryan Martin as Atticus 

Finch, the children’s father; Tanner Files as Dill, 

the children’s friend; Lashell Hill as Calpurnia, the 

Finch’s housekeeper; Tammy Calaway as Maudie 

Atkinson, Patti Meiners as Stephanie Crawford; 

Missouri Wilkiinson as Mrs. DuBose; Kenny 

Wade as Bob Ewell; Chelsea Denard as Mayella 

Ewell; Michael Davis as Tom Robinson; John Meiners 

as Mr. Gilman, the public prosecutor; Randy 

Robinson as Judge Taylor; Bryant Crawford as Nathan 

(Boo) Radley; David Helms as Heck Tate, the 

sheriff; Robert Sykes as Reverend Sykes; Claude 

Cook as Walter Cunningham, a farmer. 

Baytown Little Theatre’s production opens 

Friday, September 28, with additional performances 

on September 29, 30 and October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 

and 14. Tickets are available and can be purchased 

at www.baytown.littletheater.org. Parties of 8 or 

more should call the box office at 281.424.7617. 

Other information such as directions or curtain 

times can also be found on the BLT website. u 

The Baytown Little Theater Special 

Event: Love Letters 

Love Letters, written by A. R. Gurney, directed 

by Saundra Smith, Featuring Weston and 

Delene Cotton. 

Two Performance only: Friday, October 19 at 

8pm and Saturday, October 21 at 2:30pm. 

Love Letters centers on 2 characters: Melissa 

Gardner and Andrew Makepeace. Using the literary 

form called epistolary often found in novels, 

the performers sit at separate desks and read 

notes, letters, cards, and postcards they have sent 

to each other over the course of about 50 years. 

They discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams 

and disappointments, victories and defeat that 

have occurred to each of them separately, as well 

as together.


Goose Creek CISD held its fifth “Reach Out 

Walk” on Saturday, Sept. 8. 

More than 280 district and community volunteers 

went door to door to find more than 160 

students who have not returned to school, who 

have dropped out, or who may need encouragement 

to be successful graduates. 

Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Salvador 

Cavazos thanked the volunteers for their 

time and told them that the Walk is about letting 

students know “we care about you and want you 

back in school.” 

“These visits change lives for some of our 

kids,” Dr. Cavazos said. “The work today is about 

finding the lost. You’re doing the Lord’s work this 

morning by bringing them back to school.” 

District personnel provide volunteers with 

names and addresses of students. Where students 

or families with school-age students were found, 

volunteers encouraged them to complete their 

high school education and provided resource 

information to assist students with any obstacles 

they may encounter in their return to school. 

Volunteers left flyers and brochures with a school 


Highlights 

For This Month 

Annual Goose Creek CISD Reach Out Walk showing great success 

Goose Creek CISD photo/Myla Holland 

Prodigio Hernandez stands with members of the Robert E. Lee High School Peer Assistance and Leadership Club 

(PALs) during Goose Creek CISD’s annual Reach Out Walk on Sept. 8. Prodigio is one of 57 former dropouts who 

returned to school and earned a high school diploma in the past four years. The Lee PALs Club is a regular participant, 

cheering volunteers and serving refreshments during the day. 

district phone number and information on how 

students can go about re-enrolling on doorknobs 

when no one answered. 

As has been the case every year, several students 

expressed an interest in returning and earning 

high school diplomas. 

Most students targeted in the Walk will require 

tutoring. Some will need flexible schedules 

for work and school. More than a few will need day 

care for their children. And others will require all 

of the above. 

Whatever the need, Goose Creek will provide 

as much help as possible. 

Research about dropouts is sobering: they 

have lower job prospects and income potential 

along with higher incidence of incarceration and 

teen pregnancy than their peers who finish school. 

Nationally, approximately 25 percent of students 

who begin ninth grade do not finish high 

school with their peers. 

Before volunteers headed out to the streets, 

they heard from Robert E. Lee High School graduate 

Prodigio Hernandez. 

His trouble, he said, started in seventh grade 

and got worse, heading down a path of self-de- 

struction. He was behind in credits and thought 

it would be impossible for him to graduate. He 

decided to drop out and later spent some time in 

prison. 

On Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, his life changed. 

That’s when Goose Creek CISD Reach Out volunteers 

visited his home. 

He and his family were contacted during 

the Reach Out Walk by the team of Lee Principal 

Bruce Davis, Board member Agustin Loredo III, 

retired GCCISD principal Judy Duncan, teacher 

and City Councilman Scott Sheley, and Baytown 

Junior teacher Jerry Shafer. 

After that contact, he did return to school, 

opting for the flexible schedule at the Peter E. Hyland 

Center. And he did graduate in May, earning 

three scholarships for college along the way. 

After Prodigio’s speech was over, a man went 

over to him and gave him the watch off his wrist. 

He told Prodigio to “use your time wisely.” 

Today, Prodigio works two jobs and is enrolled 

at Lee College with hopes of becoming an 

underwater welder. 

“Helping even one youth return to school is 

worth the effort,” said Mr. Davis. 

This year, Davis’ team for the Reach Out Walk 

included Lee counselor Kim Fox, Lee teacher Ryan 

Lopez and retired teacher Lamar teacher Maria 

Juarez. They were able to make contact with one of 

the students on their list. 

The young lady had completed all her school 

requirements, but still needed to pass one state test 

to earn her diploma. The group encouraged her to 

take a test-prep class and get this behind her. She 

seemed receptive and promised to call on Monday. 

“It’s important that every child in Baytown 

and Highlands succeeds in life, both for them individually 

and for our community as a whole,” said 

Mr. Davis. “Education will give them the tools they 

need to do that.” 

In four years, the Reach Out Walk has been 

responsible for 57 former dropouts returning to 

school and earning high school diplomas. 

Organizers declared the 2012 version of the 

Walk a transformative year because the number of 

students sought is steadily declining. In fact, the 

District’s list of dropouts in 2012 is half the number 

of students on the list in 2008. 

Continue next page [


Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Salvador 

Cavazos, Board President Howard Sampson, and Baytown 

Mayor Stephen DonCarlos walk toward the home 

of a student in a Baytown apartment complex during 

the District’s annual Reach Out Walk on Sept. 8. 

“The number of dropouts keeps going down,” 

said David Yannotta, Director of Assessment and 

Accountability and Walk organizer. 

Furthermore, out of the three high schools, 

only 15 seniors did not graduate last year, he said. 

“We appreciate the many district and community 

volunteers who donate their Saturday 

mornings each year to support this endeavor. 

Their time and commitment is invaluable,” said 

Goose Creek CISD director of guidance and counseling 

Janci Alexander-Alfaro. We believe our efforts 

will be successful and students will return to 

school and be on the road to graduation.” 

See more photos of the annual Reach Out 

Walk on the Goose Creek CISD website at www. 

gccisd.net.u 

Highlands Junior student earns honor in Dow’s 25th annual art contest 

Highlands Junior School student Kalia Joseph and 

art teacher Carla Griffin stand by Kalia’s artwork that 

is included in The Dow Chemical Co.’s 2012-2013 

calendar. Kalia placed third in the calendar art contest’s 

junior division and won $300. 

The Dow Chemical Co.’s 2012-2013 calendar, 

which came out in August, features art by Highlands 

Junior School student Kalia Joseph. 

Goose Creek CISD has had increasing enrollment 

over the past few years, and the 2012- 

2013 school year is no exception. 

Goose Creek CISD has 21,723 students in 

pre-kindergarten through grade 12 enrolled on 

Sept. 13, which represents growth of 246 students 

(1.15 percent) this school year. This is the highest 

number of students ever enrolled in the school 

district. 

While the district-wide enrollment most 

likely won’t stabilize until October as students 

continue to filter in, indications point to enrollment 

going higher. 

Over the past five years, the District has 

gained 1,370 students, or 6.7 percent growth. 

Over the past 10 years, Goose Creek CISD 

grew by 18 percent, from 18,330 in 2001 to 21,675 

students last year. 

“Seven school districts and more than 350 

pieces of artwork compete for the 12 spots in 

the calendar each year — so the competition is 

tough,” said Kalia’s art teacher Carla Griffin. 

“Kalia is a very serious art student,” she 

added. 

The contest is open to students in visual-art 

programs from Clear Creek, Deer Park, Galena 

Park, Goose Creek, La Porte, Texas City, and 

Pasadena school districts. This year’s theme was 

“Chemistry: Our Life, Our Future.” 

Winning students receive between $200- 

$500 depending on place rank. A selection committee 

made up of Dow employees chose the 

winners. 

Kalia, who was a seventh-grader when she 

submitted the artwork, placed third in the calen- 

Goose Creek CISD enrollment still climbing 

And there will be more. Approximately 4,500 

new students are projected to enroll in Goose 

Creek CISD over the next decade, with annual 

gains ranging between 1.5 to 2 percent, according 

to the District’s demographer. 

Total enrollment in the district’s 14 elementary 

and primary schools is 10,836, up 121 students 

from last year. 

Four of the 13 elementary schools and the 

district’s primary school are experiencing increases 

in enrollment: Ashbel Smith (778, up 27 

students); Alamo (585, up 28 students); Crockett 

(680, up 69 students); Highlands (879, up 70 students); 

and Hopper Primary (578, up 69 students). 

Total enrollment in the district’s five junior 

schools is 4,738, down 39 students from last year. 

Horace Mann Junior School is the only junior 

school with more students this year (943, up 40 


Robert E. Lee High School Principal Bruce Davis 

is followed by his team of Lee counselor Kim Fox, 

Lee teacher Ryan Lopez, and retired teacher Lamar 

teacher Maria Juarez as they try to make contact with 

a student during the District’s annual Reach Out Walk 

on Sept. 8. 

dar contest’s junior division and won $300. 

Mrs. Griffin said that Highlands Junior had 

12 calendar winners between 2003-2008 when 

the company was Rohm and Haas. 

Kalia’s work is the first winner for Goose 

Creek since the company changed to Dow. 

Kalia’s art is titled “Sweet Dreams.” It is a 

drawing of two young children sleeping together 

in one bed. 

Mrs. Griffin said the artwork is based on 

a photo of her cousin’s grandchildren. “Kalia 

choose to draw them to show the innovations 

that the chemical industry has made in fabric 

technology — making clothing more durable, 

softer, stain and wrinkle resistant, fire retardant, 

color fast, etc.” Mrs. Griffin explained. 

Kalia is the daughter of James and Angela 

Josephu 

students). 

Total enrollment in the district’s high schools 

is 6,149, up 164 students from last year. 

Lee High School has an enrollment of 1,518, 

down 26; Sterling High School has an enrollment 

of 2,350, up 51; and Goose Creek Memorial High 

School enrollment is 1,810, up 59 from last year. 

Enrollment at IMPACT Early College High 

School, now in its third year, is 293 (IMPACT 

adds approximately 100 students per year) while 

enrollment at the Peter E. Hyland Center is 123, 

down by 31 students. 

Goose Creek CISD, the state’s 58th largest 

school district, is home to 26 schools and multiple 

support facilities. The district serves more than 

21,000 students, and employs nearly 3,000 folks, 

making Goose Creek CISD one of the largest employers 

in the greater Baytown area.u 


Toyota Tundra tows the space shuttle Endeavour 

TORRANCE, Calif. (September 12, 

2012) – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 

(TMS) announced today that the Toyota Tundra 

full-size pickup truck is slated to tow the 

space shuttle Endeavour during its final journey 

to the California Science Center on October 

13, 2012, where it will go on permanent 

display. The Endeavour will travel a total of 12 

miles from Los Angeles International Airport 

(LAX) on city streets to the Science Center, 

with the Tundra towing the last quarter mile. 

Tested extensively prior to the announcement, 

the 2012 Tundra is slated to safely tow 

the 300,000 pound historic artifact down Bill 

Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near 

downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of 

its journey. Endeavour will be towed using a 

stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2–ton pickup, 


identical to models currently found in Toyota 

dealerships, with no additional modifications 

made to increase towing capacity or 

generate more power. The Tundra CrewMax 

is equipped with Toyota’s powerful 5.7L V8 

engine, producing a maximum tow capacity 

of 10,000 pounds. TMS has done extensive 

testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a 

heavy lifting and engineered transport company, 

to develop a dolly specifically for hauling 

the Endeavour. 

“There is no larger or more recognizable 

icon of the U.S. space program’s success than 

the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota 

Tundra is not only an incredible example of 

the capabilities of the truck, but an honor 

to be part of history,” said Ed Laukes, TMS 

vice president of marketing communications. 

“The entire journey is something the world 

will be watching, and gives us a chance to 

prove that the ‘overbuilt’ Tundra is built to 

do any job – even tow the space shuttle.” 

Participation in the transportation of 

the shuttle is part of an ongoing partnership 

between TMS and the Science Center 

in an effort to provide support and awareness 

of the space program and continuing 

education of the public through exhibits 

and programs. Toyota currently has a Tundra 

truck on display in a Science Center 

exhibit demonstrating the physics of leverage. 

The tow Tundra will replace the existing 

Tundra and will be on display after the 

Endeavour exhibit opens on October 30, 

2012. 

At the end of the Endeavour’s 12 mile 

journey from LAX to the Science Center, a 

“finish-line” celebration at Exposition Park 

is planned for the evening of October 13, 

as the shuttle arrives at the Science Center, 

allowing the public to witness the finale of 

this historic voyage. 

The tow program was developed in 

partnership with Saatchi & Saatchi LA 

(SSLA), the agency of record for TMS, and 

the Science Center, and serves as a unique 

way to demonstrate Tundra’s capabilities 

and towing capacity. In collaboration with 

SSLA and Science Center, 

TMS has developed a host 

of online resources and activities 

that provide behindthe-scenes 

videos, photos, 

activities for children and information 

about the Tundra 

Endeavour project and can 

be found at www.toyota.com/ 

TundraEndeavour beginning 

September 17th. Visitors can 

share content, sign up for 

email alerts and participate in 

re-Tweeting information that 

will help contribute money to 

the California Science Center 

for further development of 

exhibits and displays.u


In Texas the weather is very unpredictable and 

the cooler Fall and Winter months will be here before 

you know it. So it is very important that pet owners 

start thinking about safety tips with the upcoming 

season change. 

General basic concerns for pet owners during 

the cool / cold months: 

• Proper outside shelter for your pet is necessary. 

Keeping your pets warm, dry and out of the elements 

of the cold temperature and winds. 

• Different types of ground can become extremely 

cold such as concrete or tiles. Place a blanket 

or bedding for your pet to add a protected layer of 

warmth. 

• Plenty of fresh water needs to be available. 

Routinely check your pet’s water to ensure water has 

not frozen. Pets need more water when it is cold than 

when it is hot. 

• Pets with shorter hair can be susceptible to 

the element of the cold weather. Provide them with 

sweaters or coats for additional protection. 

• Don’t leave your pets outside in the cold elements 

for long periods of time. Wind chill will make 

it colder then the actual temperature reading. 

• Never leave your pet in an automobile while 

the engine is running, Carbon Monoxide will harm 

your pet’s health. 

The City of Baytown 

Winter Tips for Pet Safety 


•Leaving your pet in the car with the engine 

turned off during the winter months is as harmful for 

them as it is in the summer because the car can become 

an ice box very quickly. 

• When walking your dog be careful around 

frozen lakes, ponds and creeks. Dogs can slip and get 

injured quickly. 

• Pets that are mainly indoors need time to adapt 

to cold temperatures. 

Health Tips for your pets: 

• Take your pets for their annual veterinary visit. 

Pets are more susceptible in the winter months to different 

illnesses. 

• Do not use over the counter medications with 

out talking to your veterinarian first. 

• Frost bite is a major concern with pets. Ears, 

tails and feet are the primary areas affected. Prevent 

this by not leaving your pets outside for long period 

of time without any type of protection from the elements. 

• Be very careful when using different types of 

heats sources for your pets. Examples: space heaters, 

fire places, etc. 

• Make sure all chemicals are stored properly 

and out of reach. Antifreeze has a smell and taste that 

pets like but can be lethal. 

Holiday Tips for your pets: 

• There are many holiday plants that are poisonous 

to your pets. Make sure if you use them for 

decoration keep them out of reach. Examples: Holly, 

Mistletoe, Poinsettia 

• There are many different type of pet toys and 

treats, make sure they are safe for your pet. 

• Be careful when decorating with holiday lights. 

Make sure they are not to low to the ground to prevent 

your pet from getting burned. 

• To prevent your pet from getting shocked by 

electrical cords keep them out of reach. 

• Be careful if you use edible ornaments on your 

tree, this maybe inviting to your pet. 

• Do Not leave your pets unattended in the 

room with your tree. 

• Holiday beverages and treats can be very 

toxic and harmful to your pets. Avoid giving them to 

your pets. 

The winter months and holiday gatherings can 

be stressful on your pets. Keeping a normal routine 

with your pet will help make them a happy healthy 

pet. Enjoy the up coming season and keep your pets 

safe, healthy and happy. 

Marti Lechner Animal Shelter Coordinator City 

of Baytown Animal Shelteru


18 Dock Line Magazine - Baytown & Mont Belvieu Area Edition October 2012

Should You Prepare for “Fiscal Cliff”? 

As an investor, you can sometimes still 

feel you’re at the mercy of forces beyond your 

control. This may be especially true today, 

when the Federal Reserve has warned of an 

approaching “fiscal cliff.” What can you do in 

the face of such a dire prediction? 

First of all, you need to understand 

what led to the Fed’s remarks. Here’s the 

story: Some $1.2 trillion in spending cuts are 

scheduled to begin in 2013 while, simultaneously, 

the Bush-era tax cuts — including 

the reduction in capital gains and dividend 

taxes — are set to expire. This combination 

of spending cuts and higher taxes could take 

some $600 billion out of the economy, leading 

to a possible recession — and maybe 

something much worse, at least in the eyes 

of the Fed. 

Still, there’s no need for panic. Despite 

its political infighting, Congress is likely to 

reduce the “cliff” to a smaller bump, though 

it probably won’t happen until after the election. 

But as an investor, you may need to be 

prepared for two significant events: market 

volatility, at least in the short term, and higher 

taxes, probably for the foreseeable future. 

To combat market volatility, you need to 

own a broadly diversified portfolio that can 

handle “bumps,” “cliffs” and other rugged 

investment terrain. This means you’ll need 

a mix of stocks, bonds and other securities 

that are suitable for your needs. (Keep in 

mind, though, that while diversification can 

reduce the impact of market volatility, it cannot 

guarantee profits or protect against losses.) 

You may also need to “rebalance” your 

portfolio to ensure that it’s still aligned with 

your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, 

despite the impact of volatility. 

Now, let’s turn to taxes. Even if taxes on 

income, capital gains and dividends do rise, 

they will still, in all likelihood, be much lower 

than they’ve been at various points in the 

past. Nonetheless, you may want to consider 

a variety of steps, including the following: 

Take advantage of tax-deferred vehicles. 

Contribute as much as possible to your traditional 

IRA, your 401(k) or other employersponsored 

retirement plan, and any education 

savings accounts you may have, such as 

a 529 plan. 

Consider converting your traditional 

IRA to a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA provides 

tax-free earnings, provided you don’t start 

taking withdrawals until you’re 59½ and 

you’ve had your account for at least five 

years. (Be aware, though, that this conversion 

is taxable and may not be appropriate 

if you don’t have money readily available to 

pay the taxes.) 

Consider municipal bonds. If you’re 

in one of the upper tax brackets, you may 

benefit from investing in “munis,” which 

pay interest that’s free of federal taxes, and 

possibly state and local taxes as well. 

Not all these choices will be suitable 

for your situation, of course. Before taking 

action on these items, you may want to 

consult with your tax and financial advisors. 

But give these options some thought 

because they may prove helpful in keeping 

your financial goals from going “over a cliff.” 

This article was written by Edward 

Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial 

Advisor. 



The TPWD Inland Fisheries Team has 

completed the annual end of summer vegetation 

survey at Lake Conroe and the results are 

very encouraging. Hydrilla is still completely 

under control with only about 0.1 acre in the 

whole reservoir. The tiny amount of hydrilla 

that was found was either in very shallow water 

or other areas that grass carp can’t reach. 

We found very little giant salvinia and only 34 

acres of water hyacinth. SJRA is doing their 

usual outstanding job of controlling these 

species and has already treated all of the giant 

salvinia and water hyacinth since the survey! 

The great news is 1,835 acres of native 

vegetation were found. Most of these plants 

are woody species growing in shallow water. 

Many are plants that were able to start growing 

in very shallow water during the drought 

and are now tough enough to withstand feeding 

by grass carp. Some of the plants planted 

by Seven Coves Bass Club, SJRA, TPWD, 

and the U.S. Corps of Engineers are also doing 

well, especially the water willow which is 

spreading without protection! Some if not 

all of the native vegetation should persist and 

provide excellent spawning and juvenile fish 

habitat next spring further improving the 

Lake Conroe fisheries! As always if you have 

questions you can contact us at mark.webb@ 

tpwd.state.tx.us or michael.homer@tpwd. 

state.tx.us or by calling (979) 272-1430.u 


By: Weston Cotten 

IT’S A PAIN, but a necessary one. 

The jury summons appears in your mail 

box. You look at it with disdain and try to 

calculate a way to avoid jury duty, or maybe 

to be taken off the jury rolls. 

None of us like to have our lives disturbed 

for someone else’s problems. The call 

to duty is always on the most inconvenient 

day. The parking is terrible. Getting there 

is a pain. Then you wait to be called, or just 

wait to be dismissed after ruining your otherwise 

wonderful day. 

Are we really there for someone else’s 

problems? 

I want to suggest another way to view 

jury service. Just that... “service”. Our country 

was founded by citizens who took the 

time out of their busy lives to attend a Constitutional 

Convention and put their lives on 

the line to defy their rulers because they did 

not have a jury to appeal to when accused of 

a crime. Justice was arbitrary at best and calculated 

against the commoners (people like 

us) at its worst. 


I know you don’t need a history lesson, 

but remember some of your history. A grand 

jury convenes to determine if enough proof 

exists to warrant an indictment. A petit jury 

exists to determine if enough proof exists to 

determine guilt. 

We and each of us break enough laws 

each day that we could be the subject of a 

criminal indictment. Luckily we are not 

caught jaywalking, speeding, running stop 

signs, or creeping through a right turn on 

red. All minor offenses agreed, but if accused 

and we don’t think we are guilty we can DE- 

MAND a jury trial to let a jury of our peers 

determine if we are guilty as charged, no matter 

how slight or enormous the infraction. 

What if the jury does not show up, or 

what if the only people who show up are 

those who have nothing better to do or those 

with an agenda, or those with any of a thousand 

reasons we would not want them to sit 

in judgment of US? 

We all want a jury of our peers, people 

like us, to sit in judgment. Whether criminal 

(breaking the laws of the state of country) 

or civil (an action for damages or injunction 

from person to person) we are entitled to a 

jury to help determine who is in the right. If 

our peers don’t show, do we really get a fair 

trial? The law says yes, you get a jury picked 

from those who appear. 

If I get charged, or if I am suing someone 

for damages, or injury or to want them 

to stop some action, I want people like me 

on the jury. I want people who have life experiences 

and who have enjoyed the fruits of 

their labor. I don’t want anyone not like me 

on the jury and I don’t mean the same color, 

or country of origin. I want people who have 

had a similar life experience, so they know 

how I see things and my motivations. 

If an alleged criminal is charged and the 

jury is composed of people who distrust the 

police, the criminal may go free. If I am being 

sued for damages and the jury is composed 

totally of people who feel entitled, then 

I may not get justice. 

If we do not get a cross-section of the 

population on a jury, we do not get real justice. 

So, next time you get your jury summons, 

go. Realize the fact that it is a responsibility 

of a person in a free society to sit in 

judgment of those who are in our judicial 

system. It is an honor to live in country that 

does not leave the dispensing of justice to appointed 

judges, sheriffs or others in the legal 

system. Go, and hope if you ever are sitting 

in the defendant’s chair that your neighbors 

will show up for jury duty. Go and let your 

children know you respect our system of justice 

and that you can be a part of that system. 

Go and help make our system work. 

Go and declare me INNOCENT, until 

proven guilty beyond “reasonable” doubt. 

Not beyond all doubt, but only reasonable 

doubt. 

Remember that with citizenship comes 

duties and responsibilities to see that our way 

of life is protected. We lose that protection 

when we leave the duties and responsibilities 

to others.u

My Pal 

Mittens! 

Buster 



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American Indian Lore tells a tale of a huge 

mosquito in the beginning of creation that used 

to carry off warriors. The Indians got together to 

battle the mosquito. As legend has it, they killed 

the mosquito and chopped her into millions of 

pieces. These pieces returned to life to plague the 

Indians from that day forward. 

A nine year old niece asked me Labor Day 

weekend, “Uncle John, why do we have mosquitoes?” 

This is indeed, a perplexing question. 

Short answer, mosquitoes have been around since 

before the dinosaur. They, in some small part, 

serve to pollinate plants, they provide a source of 

food to some animals, and it could also be sadly 

stated, to serve as a population control of other 

species. 

As a species of population control, they have 

the capacity to serve as vectors of disease, in fact 

many diseases. Mosquitoes can and do transmit 

Malaria (which has killed more humans than 

all combined wars), Yellow Fever (which almost 

halted the construction of the Panama Canal), 

St. Louis Encephalitis, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, 

Elephantiasis, Dengue (Hemorrhagic Fever 

or Break Bone Fever) Filariasis (Canine Heart 

Worms), and West Nile Virus to name those most 

familiar to us. 

Let’s talk about West Nile Virus (WNV), so 

hot a topic in the news today. While there are 

many species of mosquito, they can be segregated 

into two major groups, flood water mosquitoes 

and permanent water mosquitoes. Mosquitoes 

need standing water to breed. Water that remains 

for at least five days will breed mosquitoes. If it 

dries up faster, is moving, is subjected to wind, 

or has other predatory life forms, it is not very 

conducive to mosquito reproduction. The flood 

water mosquito species typically do not serve as 

the vectors of disease, but can be a significant 

nuisance when they hatch, because they emerge 

in such huge numbers. We experience this after 

heavy rains have stopped leaving large reservoirs 

in our forest, and locally on the dredge spoil islands 

in the ship channel. Females lay their eggs 

on dry ground, inherently knowing that some day 

rains will pool leaving an ideal hatchery. When 

these emerge, they fly into the wind in search of 

By: John Shrader 

Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus 

their blood meal. Baytown is very convenient to 

their mission. 

Permanent water species are the ones we 

must be more attentive to, because they are the 

vectors of disease. Fortunately, these are also the 

ones that we have the best chance to control. By 

eliminating standing water, we eliminate 100% of 

these mosquitoes. So do what you can not to contribute 

to their reproduction. Clean gutters, bird 

baths, pet water bowls, properly dispose of tires, 

and other debris, and rubbish. Avoid sweeping 

cut vegetation into the storm sewer (illegal and an 

ideal breeding site). Repair water and sewer leaks. 

WNV was not present in America before 

1999. It came to America with the Aedes aegypti 

species in tires shipped here from Asia. As of this 

writing, WNV is now endemic. There have been 

52 deaths attributed to WNV in Texas, 1993 cases 

nationwide this year. There is no cure. Once 

infected you either survive a long illness or you 

don’t. 

So do your part to control them. Eliminate 

standing water. Cover yourself with clothing. It 

may be hot, but it is a better alternative. If you 

choose to use repellants, apply them to clothing, 

not skin. Avoid breathing the spray. 

If you would like some help on your property, 

EHS can be of service. Temporary control 

can be conducted for short term events or we can 

install a control system on your property that you 

can turn on when needed to knock down the local 

population with the touch of a button. 

Would you like to know more? Contact us, 

we’ll come out to inspect your home and compose 

a plan to help. Everything we do at Environmental 

Health Specialties is directed toward 

prevention of disease and protection of our environment. 

We perform pest management services 

of all natures, teach food safety, inspect day cares 

and foster homes, install storm shelters and perform 

all services related to on site sewage treatment 

(septic systems). Contact us. We want to 

help. 

Please see our ad on page 8. 

To reach Environmental Health Specialties 

please call 281 428 2648.u 



My Pal 

Mickie! 

Buster 



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By: Kimberli Smith 

One of my favorite parts of autumn has 

always been Halloween. As a “creative per- 

son” This was my opportunity to express myself 

without judgment. On Halloween, you 

could always be anything you ever wanted to 

be or had dreamed up. You could imitate your 

favorite Rock Band or transform into a Milk 

Carton! Either way, these memories are not 

one to be overlooked. Some of my favorite 

childhood memories are of Halloween. 

I would like to share a few ideas and tips 

to get the best of this ghostly affair! 

1. Pumpkin patches are great location 

for a themed portrait, but watch out for what 

lies behind your subject in the background. 

Sometimes these locations are overcrowded 

with other families seeking out their perfect 

future jack-o-lantern as well. Sit your kiddos 

in front of a stack of hay to avoid the distraction 

of others hunting for their perfect 

pumpkin. Get down on their level for the best 

pumpkin angle! 

2. You can create your own mini 

pumpkin patch with a few small pumpkins 

and some small bales of hay. You may recreate 

the same look year after year as your children 

grow. 

3. Photograph your children in action 

carving their pumpkins, when they are so 

intricately involved. Then make sure you let 

them show off their masterpiece with a fun 

glow-stick inside! 

4. Throw some spider web over your 

hedges and let your little one act out their 

costume for a fun creative picture that shows 

more than just what you chose to wear for the 

Halloween 


holiday. 

5. If you choose to photograph your 

children outside before they go trick-or-treating, 

do so at dusk, just before the sun goes 

down. This will give you a spookier twilight 

effect, without needing too much flash. 

6. For spooky portraits put a flashlight 

under your chin, just out of the camera’s view, 

shining up at your face. This spooky look is 

called “ghoul lighting”. I wonder why? 

7. Don’t forget to take the mask off! 

However, don’t take it out of the picture completely. 

8. Grab friends and get a group picture, 

or a fun Halloween themed family portrait! 

Remember, don’t break character! 

9. Print an album! Facebook is fun, but 

an album will last longer than anything online! 

10. Make it a piece of jewelry! Charm 

bracelets are a beautiful way to showcase your 

portraits. If you don’t have a portrait charm 

bracelet, now is a great time to start one. 

Another way to document this fun holiday 

is by joining us at our Annual Halloween 

Charity Event. Held at Affinity Photography 

(207 W. DeFee Avenue) on October 27th 

from noon- 6, it is great opportunity to show 

support for our community and come together 

and give back by helping others that 

are hungry. We will be hosting a people and 

pet food drive, along with a pumpkin patch, 

creepy lab, costume contest, and other activities 

for your family to enjoy. With your donation, 

you will receive a portrait of your family 

or just your children all dressed up in their 

Halloween attire.u

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP 

The Baytown Chamber of Commerce is totally member-financed. The 

Chamber is not a part of government at any level nor do we receive any government 

monies. We are not a department of the City, County or State government. We are not a 

political body, a civic club or a professional society. Our total interest is in serving our volunteer 

business and professional membership and the community. The overall objective of the Baytown 

Chamber is to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Baytown area, assure effective government 

at all levels and maintain a high climate for a sound expanding economy. 

The Baytown Chamber is supported entirely by the members of the organization and from dollars raised by the 

organization. Membership Investments range from the “base” membership of $250 to investments of many thousands of 

dollars. Just as the financial investments range from base to thousands of dollars, so do business firms range from the smallest 

neighborhood stores to the largest manufacturing plants and financial institutions. 

The Chamber membership is composed of more than just business men and women. Among our members are professional 

people (physicians, dentists, cpa’s, attorneys, etc), retail, manufacturing, non profit organizations, individuals and more. This 

membership investment is not a contribution to the Chamber but a business investment and is tax deductible as a business investment. 

This investment offers a return which is the continued growth and prosperity of Baytown. 

What are some of the reasons businesses join? Here are just a few - the opportunity to promote the civic and economic wellbeing 

of the community; the opportunity to meet fellow members who can send you valuable business; the opportunity to meet with 

local, state and federal elected officials; the opportunity to market your business to other business representatives in and around 

Baytown; the opportunity to participate in community development projects; and much more. 

The Baytown Chamber develops publications and brochures to include a city profile, demographics on the community, city 

map, relocation information, clubs and organizations, etc. Membership in the chambers offers advertising opportunities, business 

referrals, grand openings and ribbon cuttings and networking opportunities. 

Join us on Facebook and “like” the Baytown Chamber page. We post ribbon cuttings, Surprise Patrol and other events on that 

page. Please make every effort to “Shop Baytown First”. We understand that you can’t always shop in Baytown but it is very 

important for you to shop with local business. I often hear “Why can’t we get a certain business?” My answer is that we must shop 

locally so that when business looks at our community, they see the potential for having a successful business in Baytown. In addition, 

your sales tax dollars stay in Baytown and assist with better streets and roads, more crime prevention, etc. Local businesses are the 

ones that support local non profits with auction items, monetary donations, and often the volunteers 

to keep that charitable event going. So please remember to “BUY BAYTOWN”. 

Our goal when agreeing to do this article was to share with you what the Chamber does and 

is. We hope to continue to bring you that information while at the same time bringing you lots 

of other news. Remember, for more information visit our website www.baytownchamber.com. 

Tracey S. Wheeler, IOM 

President & CEO 

- Keep your Neighbors Working 

- Keep Our Local Economy Strong 

- Keep Our Community Strong 

- Keep Recycling Your Dollar at Home

October - Dockline Magazine

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