Fort Bend Harris Retired Educators News and Notes Editor: Eleanor Blain Vol. 6 Issue 2 October 1, 2018 Tom Green and History of the American Flag Guest speaker Tom Green presented a fascinating program for FBHRE on September 13, 2018. With a backdrop of numerous historic flags, he related not only the history of American flags but also some of the history of the American Revolution. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed an act establishing an official flag for the new nation to standardize the placement of the stars and stripes. The resolution stated: “Resolv- ed, that the flag of the Tom Green and Evelyn Smith --photo submitted by Evelyn Smith United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and

Tom Green and Evelyn Smith--photo submitted by Evelyn Smith white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." We know that flag as the Betsy Ross Flag. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 as Flag Day. August 2, 1949, President Harry S. Truman officially declared June 14, Flag Day, as a national holiday. The flag evolved through many designs before 1777. Several flags Mary Ann Dolezal and Tom Green with an waved in the breeze during the American Revo- early flag design.--photo by Evelyn Smith lution. One of them was An Appeal to Heaven flag placed on the bows of a squadron of six Continental Army battleships commissioned by George Washington in October 1775. Massachusetts navy vessels and privateers sailing from Massachusetts also flew this flag. The phrase comes from British Philosopher John Locke and is an expression concerning the right of revolution as published in his Second Treatise on Civil Government in 1690. It refutes the divine right of kings. The navy also used several types of snake flags, one of them being the Culpepper “DON’T TREAD ON ME” flag flown on the Continental flagship Alfred. Also, during this time, stars replaced crosses, and the placement of the stars on a canton with the stripes stretching across the flag was settled. The number of stars continued to change throughout the years until Hawaii was admitted to the Union in 1959. The St. Andrews X-shaped cross and St. George plus-shaped cross on the canton of the 1775 flag Evelyn Smith is holding in the photo, top left corner of this page, was inspiration for state flags. Three states’ flags have the St. An- drews cross; Hawaii’s flag has both crosses. Alabama Florida Hawaii Mississippi --Eleanor Blainmmmmmmmm

Flag colors: Red for hardiness and valor. White for purity. Blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

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Legislative Update October is the time to prepare to vote. The deadline to regis- ter to vote in the November 6 General Election is October 9. Let’s change history this year and have 100 percent of all FBHRE members registered to vote! Check your registration if you have moved. Register in the right precinct. We want our votes to count. Your vote makes a difference in regard to our wellbeing. Call candidates and incumbents who are running for re-election. Ask them to support our health care and pension funds. Also ask them to support public education and speak up against privatization of public schools. Funneling public money to private schools does not help our cause. Fewer students in public schools means fewer teachers contributing to the pension fund. You can make a difference. Consider Oklahoma. --photo by Evelyn Smith Educators in that state not only appealed to their senators and representatives to better fund public Training Available for DVR education and raise educator’s pay, but are also running At the FBHRE September meeting, guest speakers for public office because they did not get a favorable Mabel Austin and Fort Bend County Elections Admin- response. They did get a small increase in pay, but istrator John Oldham stressed the importance of regis- nineteen legislators did not support an increase in taxes tering to vote and encouraging others to vote in No- to a pay the salary increase and to properly fund public vember. Mabel Austin reminded us of training sessions education. Eight incumbents have now been for Deputy Voter Registration (DVR) certification Jan- defeated in the primary. Seven others decided not uary 26 at First Colony Library. Contact Mabel at to run. Only four incumbents have advanced to the [email protected] if you are interested in helping with general election. Educators and retired educators voter registration. are hoping to win legislative seats in the Oklahoma John Oldham said if you do not want to wait until general election. Their theme song is “We’re Not January to get your DVR, Fort Bend County Election Going to Take it Anymore!” During the educators’ Office offers certifi- march on the Oklahoma Capitol last spring, high- cation classes every school bands played that tune. The ousted legis- two weeks. For more lators should have heeded the message and acted information click on on it, but they did not. volunteer-deputy- We can make a difference in ! Vote in the registrar. November election. –Eleanor Blain District 4 has noti- fied us that 76% of members are not regis- Voters’ Guide tered to vote. Be sure Check out the voters’ guide at you are not included in the end of this newsletter. Links the 23% who do not to information on candidates vote. --Eleanor Blain are the words printed in blue in the guide. “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of Simply click on a link to learn how each the right to vote except the American people candidate stands on issues important to themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

you.

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Driver Safety Guest Speaker for October Luncheon Before you leave your driveway: Dr. Mary Widmier, District 4 Presi- dent, will speak at the October 11 • Make sure the area behind your luncheon on “TRTA Priorities for the vehicle is clear before backing. 86th Legislative Session.” Dr. Widmier Remember two important rules also serves on the state TRTA Legisla- of backing: never back when you tive Committee. can front (go forward) and when Many remember Dr. Widmier when you have to back, back only as far she was Assistant Principal at Willow- as necessary. ridge High School, and her husband John • Lock the car doors. This prevents carjacking and was the principal at Barrington Elementary. Dr Widmier served for 19 years in FBISD. She was a provides protection in rollover crashes. science teacher at Dulles and Willowridge High Schools • Leave as much room as you can between you and prior to becoming Assistant Principal. She later served as the steering wheel to avoid injury in the event of an FBISD Staff Development Coordinator and Director of air bag deployment. (A major mistake senior Personnel Records. She left FBISD to serve at Humble ISD citizens make---they tend to “hug” the steering as High School Assistant Principal and retired as Assistant wheel.) Superintendent of Human Resources. –Mary Ann Dolezal • Put on your safety belt and wear it properly, over the shoulder and adjust In Memoriam: Betty Ewell properly. Our precious Betty Ewell, pictured on the left at the • Adjust the seat and Skeeters game this time last mirrors as required. year with Mary Ann Dolezal, • Make sure your windows slipped the bonds of this earth are clear of all obstructions. and moved to her eternal • Turn on your headlamps, day or night. This is home on Monday, August 27. She was welcomed especially important when you are driving, and the home by her parents, her sun will be behind you and low on the horizon. Keep husband Jim, a sister, her your headlamps on day and night granddaughter Jamie Lou, and her daughter Terri. when your car is We have such wonderful memories of this special lady backlighted by the sun. and dear friend! Those of us who worked with her at SLJH • If you have a light blue were so blessed to have had her in our lives. She touched or silver vehicle this is so many, young and old, with all her volunteering after she doubly important. These retired. She loved to help others. Oh, how she loved two colors get lost in the horizon and other drivers baseball!mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm will not see you. Headlamps on alert them to your Services for Betty were held Thursday, September presence. The color of your vehicle may also be a 13 at 4:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, factor in avoiding a crash. 431 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land with a reception • Never drink and drive and be aware of the side afterwards in the Great Hall next door to the effects of medications. --Kathaleen Eppler sanctuary. Cards for Betty’s family can be sent to son, Bobby Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you Ewell at 1715 Plantation Dr., Richmond, TX 77406. want to meet up with Him. –Barbara Kingsolver --Mary Ann Dolezal

Next month is TRTF Foundation month, a time to increase awareness of our charitable partner organization’s programs, good deeds, and plans for the future and a time to consider donating to the Foundation. 3

Calendar of Events 2018-2019 Oct. 11, 11 a.m.: “Tailgating with Heart Healthy Foods” Luncheon. American Heart Association, Hands Only CPR. Bring large cans of soup and boxes of crackers for FBISD Shared Dreams Holiday Family Meals. Nov. 8, 1 p.m.: “Texas Retired Teachers Foundation,” Jamie Larson, TRTF President. Bring large cans of soups and boxes of crackers for FBISD Shared Dreams Holiday Family Meals. Dec. 6, 11 a.m.: “Souper Holiday Luncheon.” Bring soups, appetizers, desserts. Entertainment TBA. Decorate Lunches of Love white sacks. Jan. 10, 1 p.m.: “You Can’t Take It with You.” End of life planning, Dignity. Feb. 14, 1 p.m.: “Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Patient and the Caregiver,” Barbara Reynolds, RN October Walking Club Mar. 14, 11 a.m.: “Country Western Luncheon.” Who loves to walk, talk and have a good time? Entertainment TBA. Let’s continue to walk in October at the same time Apr. 1-2, 1 p.m.: TRTA Convention, Austin and place. Apr. 3, 1 p.m.: Lobby Day, Austin Just enter the mall at the Food Court entrance and Apr. 11, 1 p.m.: FBISD Board of Education Candidates meet at the tables in front of the Forever 21 store Forum around 9:20 a.m. May 9, 11 a.m.: Super Summer Send-Off Luncheon We will wait for others and start walking at 9:30. Everyone is invited. Ongoing Projects Food Pantry: Donations of 1- 2 lb. bags of --Debbie Reynolds flour and sugar or monetary donations are accepted on behalf of the Fort Bend Human Mark the Date: Senior Expo October 10 Needs food pantry. Well worth your time to attend is the Senior Book Project: Please donate new or Expo held at the Stafford Center on October 10, 9 gently used books, to the Children’s a.m. to 1 p.m. The Expo features experts who Book Project. offer free advice on legal issues, health care, Monetary finances, home improvement, and more. Mail donations are also the form published in the Star to 3944 accepted. Bluebonnet Dr., Stafford, TX 77477, call Star at 281-690-4200 or click on www.fortbendstar.comp to register. Registration is to get a count for Volunteer Hours meals, but walk-ins are welcome. Free Don’t forget to report your volunteer admission, free breakfast and lunch, and door hours at monthly meetings on the sign- prizes including $100 in gift cards. Fun and in sheet, or email them to Susan Jones, fellowship with friends old and new. Who [email protected], or Peggy knows? You may even sign up for piano lessons! Plouse, [email protected]. --Eleanor Blain

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Field Trip School Supplies for Rookies Our next amazing field trip will be Remember your first a tour of the BAPS Hindu Temple, year teaching? FBHRE 1150 Brand Lane, Stafford, TX, with does! Members collect- a delicious lunch at Brandani’s in ed markers, pencils, Missouri City on Tuesday, Novem- tissue, glue sticks, dry ber 13, 9 a.m. An email with more erase markers, compo- details and sign-up information will sition books, paper, be coming in early October. colored pencils, eras- All faiths are welcomed to this sacred place and are ers and more so that 60 have this unique opportunity to gain a better under- Fort Bend ISD Rookie standing of the Hindu culture and faith. teachers would be off As the first traditional Hindu Mandir in North America, to a good start. this architectural marvel is comprised of 33,000 pieces First year teachers of both Italian marble and Turkish limestone carved by at 20 elementary hand in India and assembled in Stafford like a 3-D schools, 4 middle puzzle. schools and 3 high Among other community service projects, BAPS schools were sur- holds an annual charity walk to benefit the students of prised with big Stafford School District. For beautiful pictures and blue goody bags fascinating details about BAPS, please see the web filled with school site www.BAPS.org and select the site. Then supplies the week come along with us to experience the peace and of September 17. One of the recipients is tranquility our Hindu neighbors seek. Kendrienne Moore at Glover Elementary in the photo - -Tricia Fridye above. Sam Houston Boat Tour Thanks, FBHRE members for showing the love! --Cathy Duvall

Tim Lee’s Schedule Our thanks go out to each of the local units in District 4 who are hosting Tim Lee, TRTA Executive Director, to speak to members and others who may wish to hear him. We know of 4 such opportunities, all free Tim Lee, Carla Meuth, and all at locations in the and Mary Ann Dolezal Houston area. Nineteen fellow retirees embarked on a 90-minute Friday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.: Humble Area RTA, First Baptist informative, relaxing, and entertaining Sam Houston Church, 3500 Woodland Hills Dr., Kingwood, TX Boat Tour of the Houston ship channel on September th 20 . We came away with a better appreciation for Wed., Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m.: Cy-Fair ARE, Berry Center, the industrial side of Houston and the economic 8877 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX benefits of having a world class port even if it is not so “visually or aromatically appealing.” Fri., Oct. 19, 10 a.m.: Houston ART, Bellaire United All had a delicious lunch at Saint Arnold’s restaurant and toured the artful German-style beer Methodist, 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX hall and micro-brewery operations. Door prize winners were Ora S., John B. , Ann T., and Kathryn Tues., Dec. 11, 9:30 a.m.: Clear Creek ART, Bay Area B.! Community Center, 5002 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook, TX. --Tricia Fridye Photo by Carla Meuth --Submitted by Mary Ann Dolezal

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Photo Ops Photos submitted by Evelyn Smith

Tom Green presents fascinating flag history.

Early versions of the flag.

The colonial flag with crosses is similar to the present-day UK flag. The stars flag had eight points on each star. Too many! Betsy Ross changed the number of points to five on Mary Ann Dolezal displays An Appeal to Heaven the flag she made to make the stars easier and faster to Flag. The pine tree represents the trees desired for applique onto the flag, and George Washington wanted making masts for ships. that flag immediately. Notice the blue stripe on the far right of photo. Flags similar to UK’s flag are in photo on left, 8-point stars are in photo on right.

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Tom Green Tom wears Green, authentic Carla colonial Meuth, uniform. and The back of the hat holds Linda a pipe and money. He Russell says the “necklace” actually stopped bullets.

Peggy Plouse and Linda Russell assist with flags.

John Oldham and Mabel Austin display posters and forms for voter registration.

Cathie Plumb, Linda Russell and Peggy Plouse enjoy the Skeeters baseball game Cathie Plumb sings at Skeeters game

Voters’ Guide is on the following pages. Click on blue links for candidates’ information.

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Voters’ Guide November 6, 2018: Statewide Ballot Early Voting: October 22-November 2 The following state-wide positions are on the ballot for the November 6, 2018, General Election in Texas. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Races that cover the local area are listed on the Local Elections page. To view your specific sample ballot, please visit the Fort Bend County Elections Office website. Legend: (i) denotes incumbent D = Democrat, G = Green, I = Independent, L = Libertarian, R = Republican. Blue = link. Click on it for detailed information about the candidate. US Senator Governor (i) – R sen-cruz-legislative-priorities/ (i) – R gregabbott.com/issues/ Janis Richards – G Candidate-Detail0 Beto O'Rourke – D o’rourke-cruz-texas-senate-race/ Mark Tippetts – L mark4gov.com2 Lupe Valdez – D lupevaldez.coms

Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Mike Collier – D collierfortexas.com/priorities/ Michael Ray Harris – L lp.org/issues/ Kerry McKennon – L mckennon4texas.coml Justin Nelson – D nelsonfortexas.com/issues (i) – R teachers-school-choice-p Jamar Osborne – G greenparty.org/Platformp (i) – R kenpaxton.com/issues/

Comptroller of Public Accounts Commissioner of the General Land Office Joi Chevalier – D joifortexas.com/priorities/ George P Bush (i) – R georgepfortexas.org/ (i) – R glennhegar.com/issues/ Matt Piña – L mattpina.com/ Ben Sanders – L vote4sanders.com/issues Miguel Suazo – D miguelsuazo.org/issues

Commissioner of Agriculture Railroad Commissioner Richard Carpenter – L texas-ag-commissioner-candidatel (i) – R christicraddick.com/issues/ (i) – R millerfortexas.com/ Roman McAllen – D mcallenfortexas.com/about/ Kim Olson – D votekimolson.org/ George Reiter – G txgreens.org/george_reiter Mike Wright – L mikewrightfortrc.com/values/

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2 Justice, Supreme Court, Place 4 Jimmy Blacklock (i) - R John Devine (i) - R Steven Kirkland – D RK Sandill - D

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Jeff Brown (i) - R Maria T "Terri" Jackson - D Kathy Cheng – D (i) - R William Bryan Strange III - L

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 Ramona Franklin - D Mark Ash - L Barbara Parker Hervey (i) - R - R 8

Fort Bend County General Election: November 6, 2018 Early Voting: October 22-November 2 For local elections on the ballot for the November 6, 2018 Election in Fort Bend County, Texas. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Not all races appear on all ballots. Races that cover all of Texas are listed on the Statewide Elections page. To view your specific sample ballot, please visit the Fort Bend County Elections Office website. The candidate’s name and the link to the right are different links. Try both. (i) denotes incumbent D = Democrat, G = Green, I = Independent, L = Libertarian, R = Republican. Blue=Link US Representative, District 9 US Representative, District 22 Al Green (i) – D us/congress al_green3 Sri Preston Kulkarni – D kulkarni-for-congress-tx-22 Benjamin Hernandez – I benjaminforcongress/ John B McElligott - L Phil Kurtz – L philkurtzforcongress Pete Olson (i) – R wiki/Pete_Olson Kesha Rogers – I wiki/Kesha_Rogers Kellen Sweny – I kellenforcongress.com/issues/

State Senator, District 17 State Representative, District 26 Joan Huffman (i) – R senate.texas.gov7 L Sarah DeMerchant - D Lauren LaCount – L / DF "Rick" Miller (i) – R alec.org/rick-miller/ Rita Lucido - D ritalucido.com/news/

State Representative, District 27 State Representative, District 28 Ron Reynolds (i) – D house.texas.gov7 Meghan Scoggins - D John Zerwas (i) – R house.texas.gov8

State Representative, District 85 State Board of Education, District 4 Jennifer Cantu - D Lawrence Allen Jr (i) – D houstonchroniclep Phil Stephenson (i) - R

State Board of Education, District 7 Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 2 Elizabeth "Eliz" Markowitz - D (i) - R Matt Robinson – R Gordon Goodman - D

Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 6 Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 7 Harvey Brown (i) - R Julie Countiss - D Sarah Beth Landau - D Terry Yates - R

Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 8 Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 9 Richard Hightower - D Jennifer Caughey (i) – R Michael Massengale (i) - R Peter Kelly - D

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 3 Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 4 Brett Busby (i) - R Marc Brown (i) - R Jerry Zimmerer - D Charles Spain - D

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Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 5 Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 6 Frances Bourliot - D Bill Boyce (i) - R Martha Hill Jamison (i) - R Meagan Hassan - D

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 8 District Judge, 240th Judicial District John Donovan (i) - R Chad Bridges (i) - R Margaret "Meg" Poissant - D Frank J Fraley - D

District Judge, 268th Judicial District District Judge, 328th Judicial District John "Hawk" Hawkins - R Walter Armatys - R R O'Neil Williams - D

District Judge, 458th Judicial District District Attorney Ken Cannata (i) - R Brian M Middleton - D Robert L Rolnick - D Cliff Vacek - R

County Judge Judge, County Court-at-Law No 1 KP George - D Chris Morales (i) - R Robert E "Bob" Hebert (i) - R

Judge, County Court-at-Law No 2 Judge, County Court-at-Law No 3 Jeffrey A McMeans (i) - R Tricia Krenek - R Juli Mathew - D

Judge, County Court-at-Law No 4 Judge, County Court-at-Law No 5 (Unexpired Amy Mitchell - R Term) Toni Wallace - D Harold Kennedy - R Teana Watson - D

Judge, County Court-at-Law No 6 District Clerk Sherman Hatton Jr - D Annie Rebecca Elliott (i) - R Dean Hrbacek - R Beverley McGrew Walker - D

County Clerk County Treasurer Laura Richard (i) - R Bill Rickert - R

County Commissioner, Precinct 2 County Commissioner, Precinct 4 Grady Prestage (i) - D Ken R DeMerchant - D James Patterson (i) - R

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2 Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 Mary S Ward (i) - R Joel C Clouser Sr (i) - D

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 Michael Antalan - D Justin M Joyce (i) - R Kelly Nicole Crow - R

Constable, Precinct 2 (Unexpired Term) Daryl L Smith - D

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