January 26, 2016 The Our 22nd Year of Publishing FREE Weekly (979) 849-5407 PLEASE Bulletin mybulletinnewspaper.com © 2016 TAKE ONE LAKE JACKSON • CLUTE • RICHWOOD • FREEPORT • OYSTER CREEK • ANGLETON DANBURY • ALVIN • WEST COLUMBIA • BRAZORIA • SWEENY Don’t touch it! Stepping it up Declining market is How to get rid of this Phone apps that count no time to pull more steps aren’t all that cash from your accurate By John Toth retirement account Editor and Publisher By Janet Kidd Stewart An app on my smartphone can Chicago Tribune (TNS) track my steps and what I do all Financial markets’ rocky start this day – how much I move around, month hasn’t seemed to slow down and, in general, how active I am. some retirees’ spending train, but it I just found it. It’s like that fancy should, experts say. watch that I used to have, except Just when the holiday bills are the watch also tracked the heart looming like a bad hangover, rate. Sort of portfolio values are retreating, which tracked it, should be a wake-up call to trim anyway. I read withdrawals, but that isn’t happening, a report that it said Mari Adam, a financial planner actually gives in Boca Raton, Fla. an inaccurate “Last year, returns were flat, and reading, but I’m starting to see some familiar they’re work- patterns” to how some clients Legally ing on it. RAMBLINGS responded to the 2008 financial The crisis, she said. “That was a horrible problem is that the phone is on year, but the people who went into For the first time in Brazoria County, owners of junker boats like this one can use The Vessel Turn-In my hip only at certain times, and it with good financial habits came Program to legally dispose of them, thanks to a program initiated by Pct. 1 Commissioner Dude Payne. the watch stays on my arm, so it through it and are better than ever. Turn to this month’s county parks news pages inside this issue for details on when and how. can count every step. The phone Others got destroyed and never only counts them when I have it bounced back.” on me. When I leave it in the car, In this year’s first week, she said, SPECIAL PULL-OUT PAGES INSIDE or on the coffee table, the phone she sifted through a mountain of big- counts zero steps, even though I ticket portfolio withdrawal requests, Under the Big Top for 1 Night Only am still moving around. while stocks were posting triple-digit The other Sunday, it counted losses and fixed-income experts only 400 steps, while the goal was were bracing for lower bond yields The 58th Annual Circque D Heritage Gala 10,000. That could be disheart- as interest rates begin rising. ening if it were correct. But the “I have a desk covered (with phone spent most of its time on requests from clients) who need the coffee table. It was Sunday. I extra money for things, and it wor- don’t go everywhere with a phone ries me,” she said. “Some already on my hip. ate into principal last year because it “Are you still alive?” The app was a flat market, and we’re starting asked me. to see some people get into credit I hate a wise app. (Continued on Page 7) (Continued on Page 13)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Page 2: Klassical Kids concert scheduled for Feb. 21 • Page 4: The burning question: Does pot make you stupid? • Page 5: BC nursing program to hold information session • Page 6: Latino vote bigger and more educated than before • Page 7: Most Americans don’t have enough to cover emergencies • Page 8: Economy grows, but so does deficit, due to tax breaks Page 2 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com Klassical Kids concert set for Feb. 21 The Brazosport College Department of Music will present its annual Klas- For those ‘far, far away,’ there are lightsaber classes sical Kids concert at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. By Johnny Diaz friends Alfred Smith and Santiago “I have been following this for The Klassical Kids concert features contestants, chosen by audition, in a Sun Sentinel (TNS) Martinez, who believe South Florida some time, lightsaber combat in showcase of top talent of ages 8 to 18 from the Brazosport area. DORAL, Fla. — They’ve seen needs a place where people can general,” said Smith, 40, a yoga Auditions were held Jan. 24. More information can be found on The all the “Star Wars” movies, studied play-fight with lightsabers to escape instructor and a director of mar- Clarion at Brazosport College Web site at www.brazosport.edu/clarion. the mythology, bought the cool the daily grind. keting and e-commerce for Silver The concert is loosely based on the NPR radio program “From the Top” merchandise. What’s next? “We knew there was going to be Airways in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and hosted by Department of Music faculty member Rodney Mason. Now they want to move like interest because there are ‘Star At the most recent Saturday Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. Jedis. Wars’ fans everywhere,” said Marti- class, 17 barefoot men, women Lightsabers in hand, fans are nez, 38, an information technology and children lined up in rows meeting every other Saturday manager at a Miami bank. “As old before Smith and Martinez. at Magic City Jedi, a new yoga- as the movies are, there are certain “Star Wars”-themed shirts were meets-dance class that incor- ideas and ways of behaving that everywhere. A teen girl had one porates “Star Wars” Jedi moves can translate to real life. that read: “Physically, I’m here, with martial arts. Think lightsaber Smith said he studied the chore- mentally I’m in a galaxy far, far combat 101. ography of lightsaber groups in San away.” The 90-minute classes, at I Am Francisco and New York City, then Before they could learn Yoda’s HEY, SARGE, I THINK I HAVE A CLUE HERE: A couple was arrested Equilibrium yoga studio in Doral, began developing his own curricu- moves, however, the students had for stealing jewelry which an artist had left on a desk in an office at an art Fla., were launched by longtime lum with Santiago. some meditation and yoga to do. gallery in Palm Beach, Fla., while an art exhibit was going on. The woman had left her name and phone number in the guest book. WE’LL BE RIGHT THERE: Police surrounded a mobile home in Jack- sonville, Fla., as they sought to arrest a man inside on several warrants. The guy’s girlfriend told the cops over the phone that they would give up, but that she wanted to have some time alone with him “one last time” before surrendering. They came out afterward. YOU KNOW, THAT’S A PERFECT NAME FOR YOU: A woman who hit six parked cars on two streets in Clarksburg, W. Va., was arrested for drunk driving. When the police officer asked her name, she replied, “Hell on wheels.” WHAT MAKES YOU THINK IT WAS ME? A drunk woman stormed into a home in Alpena, Mich., and knocked over a tray of cupcakes, but fled when the homeowner confronted her. She was arrested a few blocks away. A police report said she was “highly intoxicated and had cupcake frosting and cake all over her torso and legs.” NOW I REMEMBER WHY I DUMPED YOU: A woman allowed her ex-boyfriend to stay at her home in Cleveland after he was released from prison. He showed his gratitude by withdrawing more than $1,200 from her bank account to buy crack cocaine as well as gifts for his crack dealer. I’LL START EXERCISING TOMORROW: A man, who was released from the hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, immediately stole a taxi because he didn’t want to walk to his home, six blocks away. GO AHEAD, SEARCH IT … UH, NO, WAIT! A man was pulled over after weaving and swerving on the highway in El Reno, Okla. He told officers that he was just sleepy, adding, for some reason, that he is not a criminal, and inviting the cops to search his truck. So they did. Using a fiber optic scope, they found a box inside the engine containing 17 pounds of heroin, worth more than $3 million. HEY DUDES, I HEARD THERE WAS A PAR-TAY! A young deer walked onto the campus of Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., and entered a residence hall by smashing through a window. It was put out of the building by janitors. A PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU … A REAL PLEASURE! A junior member of Deutsche Bank, Germany’s biggest lender, acciden- tally sent a client $8.3 billion by entering an incorrect number on a foreign exchange sales document. YOU GOTTA KEEP THE BUZZ GOING, MAN: A man in a motorized wheelchair was arrested for drunk driving in the parking lot of a grocery store in Conyers, Ga. He said he had taken Valium and Trazadone, but then found himself “out of medication, so I had me a drink.” I’LL JUST REACH OVER AND … SPLASH! A man dropped his smartphone while driving in Hangzhou, China, and tried to retrieve it while pulling over, but accidentally drove his BMW into a lake. www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 3 By Bill Sones Strange but True and Rich Sones, Ph.D. Tall order between height and status goes Q. Can anyone name the elec- both ways. People thought to be trical engineer who invented the Q. It’s a tall order for people to powerful are seen as a few inches smartphone? increase their pay at the job, to taller than if they were thought to A. Don’t count on it! And why get a better job, to become the be relatively powerless.” would anyone point to an electri- company CEO, or when all goes On the romantic front, women cal engineer and not a mechani- really right to win a US presiden- tend to be drawn to men who cal engineer, chemical engineer, tial election. So how might these stand at average or above aver- engineering physicist, etc. “The ends be affected? age height, and such men are smartphone is undoubtedly the A. Via the hormone testoster- also more popular on personal ad most complex electronic device one, which among other things, sites. “To be very concrete about commonly found in households, increases physical stature, says sexual selection, when choosing epitomizing the brilliance and Anjan Chatterjee in “The Aesthetic sperm donors in fertility clinics, wonder of current electrical Brain.” Additional height is some- women are more likely to want the engineering technology,” argues thing that most people like. Taller sperm of tall men.” Robert Lucky in “IEEE Spectrum” men, for instance, almost always magazine. “The depth of complex- win U.S. presidential elections, Is zero odd or even? ity in a smartphone’s circuitry, are more likely to be the CEOs of Q. Zeroing in on an old curios- software and algorithms is such successful companies and to draw that any single engineer can higher starting salaries. “The link ity, is zero an odd or an even number? understand only a fraction of its entirety.” Did you know? A. This one’s not so hard to answer or to prove, says Arthur Like many modern devices, it • Twenty-five percent of surveyed is a victory for society as a whole: singles said they find it most roman- Benjamin in “The Magic of Math.” Odd numbers, as you know, are Civilization is many different engi- tic when their date leans in for a first neers putting their “smart” minds kiss on the first date. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.... Even numbers are divisible by 2--2, 4, 6, 8.... together to further technological • A peacock’s tail feathers can progress. reach up to six feet long and make Expressed algebraically, this up around sixty percent of its body means that even numbers can Million-mile club length. be written as n = 2 x k where k • The tobacco industry spends is any integer. Regarding 0, you Q. Are you a lifetime million- $75,000 dollars on advertising every can say 0 = 2 x 0, meaning that 0 miler? five minutes. is an even number. A smart proof A. A million miles is 40 times • In the United States, people indeed! You might EVEN say it’s around the world (25,000 times from Ohio are the most likely to use brilliant. 40) or 300 flights across the US, curse words. Who invented the smartphone? says Bob Berman in “Zoom: How Everything Moves, from Atoms and Galaxies to Blizzards and Bees.” Starting with data galore, plus some savvy guesstimation, researchers arrive at 65,000 miles of walking for the average Ameri- can today -- not so different from people of times past. But today’s estimated million miles for each of us was unheard of until recently. In fact, “the word ‘million’ didn’t exist until the 14th century, before which the largest number was a myriad -- 10,000.” Also travel danger per mile was so great even as recently as the Civil War era that few people would have survived long enough to join the million-mile club. Obviously, we’re a whole lot more mobile today. Driving maybe 100 miles daily to work and back for 250 days a year makes you a million-miler within just a few decades. (Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at [email protected]) Page 4 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com

Did you know? • The tobacco industry spends $75,000 dollars on advertising every five minutes. • In the United States, people from Ohio are the most likely to use curse words. • In the Japanese version of Pac-Man, the ghosts’ names were hints as to how they behaved—Chaser, Ambusher, Fickle, and Stupid. • At any given moment, there are an estimated 108 million people on a diet in the U.S. • “Police police police police police police police police” is an actual sentence, since “police” is both a noun and a verb. • Twenty-seven percent of single people find it most romantic when they hold hands on a first date, according to a study. • Sales of rope went up 10% in New York’s Upper East Side after the book “ of Grey” came out. • The more expensive a car is, the more likely a driver is to cut off pedestrians and other vehicles. Questions and Answers about your Social Security What is substantial gainful activity? Tribune News Service Q: What is substantial gainful activity? A: We use the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we generally consider that you are engaging in substantial gain- ful activity. For example, the monthly SGA amount for 2015 is $1,090. For statutorily blind individuals, that amount is $1,820. You would not be eligible for disability benefits. You can read more about substantial gainful activity and if your earnings qualify as substantial gainful activity at www.socialsecurity.gov/oact/cola/sga.html. Q: Will my disability benefits be reduced if I get workers’ compen- sation or other public disability benefits? A: If you get either workers’ compensation or public disability benefit payments, we may reduce Social Security benefits for you and your family. Public disability benefit payments paid under a federal, state, or local government law may affect your Social Security benefit. This includes civil service disability benefits, temporary state disability benefits, and state or local government retirement benefits based on disability. Disability payments from private sources, such as a private pension or insurance benefits, don’t affect your Social Security disability benefits. However, in some cases, private disability insurers may require you to apply for Social Security disability benefits before they pay you. You may want to check to find out about your private insurer’s policy. We reduce the Social Security disability benefits you and your family get if the combined total amount, plus your workers’ compensation pay- ment, plus any public disability payment you get, exceeds 80 percent of your average earnings before you became injured or ill. See the publication What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs for more information. (This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772- 1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.) www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 5

BC’s nursing program to hold information sessions Brazosport College’s nursing for 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 28. www.brazosport.edu/healthprofes- program will hold three information The information sessions will by sions. sessions to inform interested can- in room HS-103 in the Byron and A registered nurse is a gradu- didates about the school’s nursing Sandra Sadler Health Professions/ ate from an approved professional program. Science Complex on the Brazosport ADN program and has passed the The sessions will cover a range College campus. National Council Licensure Exam of topics, such as what BC offers, Brazosport College currently for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). admittance procedures and other offers two nursing options, the An RN assesses patient health program information. Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) problems and needs, develops and This will also be a prime opportu- program and the Licensed Voca- implements nursing care plans, and nity to ask questions and have them tional Nursing (LVN) program. documents care. answered by a member of the BC Currently, the College’s Associate And RN provides nursing care to nursing program. Degree of Nursing (ADN) program ill, injured, convalescent or disabled Two sessions are scheduled for is accepting applications for the Fall patients. Jan. 26, the first at 2 p.m., followed 2016 semester. For more information, by a second session at 6 p.m. A Applications will be accepted call (979) 230-3424 or visit third and final session is scheduled through April 15 and can be found at www.brazosport.edu. Page 6 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com Latino vote is bigger and better educated than ever before By Kate Linthicum election battlegrounds. Latino electorate is largely driven Los Angeles Times (TNS) The report analyzing the Latino by young people born in the U.S. The Latino electorate is bigger electorate sheds new light on Between 2012 and November of and better educated than ever an increasingly important voting this year, about 3.2 million U.S.- before, according to a new report bloc that both Republicans and citizen Latinos will have turned by Pew Research Center. Democrats hope to capture as 18 and become eligible to vote, It’s also young. Adults age the overall pool of eligible voters according to the report’s projec- 18-35 make up nearly half of the becomes less white. tions. record 27.3 million Latinos eligible In 1986, 82 percent of Ameri- Millennials — adults born in to vote in this year’s presidential cans eligible to vote were white. 1981 or later — will account for 44 election, the report found. The percentage has declined percent of the Latino electorate My Answer by Billy Graham But although the number of steadily and hit 70 percent by by November, according to the Latinos eligible to vote is surg- 2014. Over the same period, the report. By comparison, millenni- ing — 40 percent higher than it share of eligible voters who are als will make up only 27 percent Help friend replace prejudice with love was just eight years ago — and Latino has risen from 5 percent to of the white electorate, the report Q: I enjoy my friend’s company, but sometimes he gets off on racial education levels are rising, the 11.4 percent, the report noted. found. issues, and his intolerance and bigotry really make me very uncomfort- percentage likely to actually cast The share of blacks among The number of Latino potential able. I tried to say something to him about it once, but it just made him ballots in November continues to eligible voters increased from 11 voters is also being driven by angry. How should I handle this? - W.J. lag behind other major racial and percent to 12.1 percent during that immigrants who are in the U.S. A: Racial or ethnic prejudice is a sin in God’s eyes, and it should be ethnic groups, the report found. time. The Asian share increased legally and decide to become U.S. wrong in our eyes, as well. God created the whole human race, and His That’s partly because young from 1.4 percent in 1990 to 4.2 citizens. Between 2012 and 2016, love embraces the whole human race. people don’t vote as consistently percent in 2014. some 1.2 million will have done How do we know this? We know it for many reasons, but most of all as older people do, but also The explosive growth of the so, according to the report. because Jesus Christ died on the cross to save people from every race because Latino eligible voters and ethnic background. Even some of the earliest Christians had a hard are heavily concentrated in states time understanding this at first, but in time they did, and God confirmed it — including California, Texas and by bringing all kinds of people into His kingdom. Some day in heaven, we’ll New York — that are not prime join all believers in praising God for Christ’s mercy and grace. The Bible says, “With your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Racial intolerance isn’t confined to America; in my travels, I discovered it happens almost everywhere. But this is no excuse for ignoring it or simply wishing it would go away. Ask God to erase any prejudice from your own heart, and then to help you be an example to your friend. In addition, pray for him, and ask God to give you wisdom in knowing how to help him overcome his prejudices. The greatest thing you can do for your friend, however, is to urge him to give his life to Jesus Christ. Once Christ fills our hearts and minds, we begin to see others through His eyes. When we do that, prejudice flees and love takes its place. Tribune Media Services (Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Asso- ciation, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.) ABOUT US Sponsors of this column John and Sharon Toth, Owners and Publishers Since July 4, 1994 THE BULLETIN is distrib- uted each Tuesday by J&S Communications, Inc.. E-mail letters and press releases to [email protected]. Faxed or mailed announce- ments are no longer accepted. For advertising information, call (979) 849- 5407. Advertising and news release deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Our 22st year of publishing! www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 7 Save money or wind up like most Americans, who don’t have enough money to cover a $500 emergency By Gail Marksjarvis beyond their usual bills. show that most Americans are recession was still fresh, the sav- been rebuilding their finances after Chicago Tribune (TNS) That suggests most people financially vulnerable. Although con- ings rate in the U.S. climbed to 11 millions lost homes and jobs and Most Americans don’t have the are living paycheck to paycheck, sumer confidence numbers gath- percent, according to the Bureau of had credit cards and other borrow- money to handle common emergen- with common problems like a car ered each month by the Conference Economic Analysis. But it fell to 4.6 ing shut off by banks. As the pres- cies like a car breakdown or a trip accident or a sick pet upsetting their Board show Americans feeling good percent in August and was at 5.5 sure has eased, they’ve become to the emergency room for a broken ability to pay. The survey found that about jobs after recovering from the percent in November. Prior to the more likely to spend. bone. only 23 percent thought they would Great Recession, most still aren’t 2008 recession and housing crash, The Federal Reserve reported in In a national survey by be able to handle an emergency bill stashing money away regularly. Americans felt secure, and the sav- 2014 that only 47 percent of U.S. Bankrate.com, 63 percent of people by cutting other spending. A Federal Reserve study of the ings rate dropped to just 1.5 percent households surveyed were saving said they don’t have the savings to Another 15 percent said they “well-being of U.S. households” when people were dipping into their for unexpected expenses. cover a $500 car repair or a $1,000 would cope by borrowing from in 2014 showed only about half of home equity like a piggy bank — a And if Americans were fortunate medical or dental bill. Only four their family. And 15 percent would people saving regularly in a sepa- practice that got many people into enough to end up with $1,000 in in 10 Americans would be able to depend on a credit card. rate account like a savings account. trouble when home values plunged. extra income, almost half would rely on savings to cover anything The findings mimic others and In December 2012, as the fear of Since the recession, people have spend some of it. Rules to follow so you don’t lose your retirement investments (Continued from Page 1) ending portfolio balance but adjusts your credit card company and any card debt again.” that as needed depending on budgeting software you use and Just what is overspending? There circumstances and investment per- identify the problem areas, Adam are myriad theories about safe formance. For elderly clients in their said. withdrawal rates from retirement 80s, for example, she typically rec- But don’t stop there, or you won’t portfolios. Many start with a percent- ommends simply taking the required set the tone for spending in the age of total assets in the first year of minimum distribution amount (which coming year, said Liz Davidson, retirement, say 4 percent, and then kicks in after age 70 1/2) from retire- founder of Financial Finesse, an adjust that figure for inflation there- ment accounts. online financial guidance service after, regardless of what happens She doesn’t quibble with younger used mostly by employers that links in the market. Others, including retirees who are spending slightly retirement plan participants with financial planner and author Jona- more than 4 percent in any given advisers. Davidson’s book, “What Look for us on than Guyton, take a more dynamic year. It’s the ones spending well Your Financial Advisor Isn’t Telling Facebook approach that allows for slightly above the guidelines that have her You,” was released this month. higher withdrawals early on, but with worried, she says. Pre-retirees can make a huge the caveat that retirees may need to “A lot of people are really ignor- impact on their savings rates by pull back if markets underperform. ing reality and overspending,” she automating retirement plan and tax- Adam generally advises clients said. What to do? Take advantage able savings account contributions, to withdraw 4 percent of last year’s of year-end spending reports from but adopting a mindful approach to spending helps both savers and retirees, Davidson said. People have identities with their food choices that help them set boundaries and ward off temptation, she notes. Vegans, for example, learn to not even be tempted by a restaurant hamburger because they have taken that choice off the table ahead of time, she said. “We tend not to have (compa- rable) financial identities, but if you think about it you might fall naturally into one. You might consider your- self an investment-oriented person so you don’t want to spend much on things that depreciate and you’ll put more into real estate that increases in value. Or you’re a bargain hunter, so you just rarely pay retail. Or a minimalist who wants to keep things simple. Or someone who enjoys particular activities and prioritizes those.” Commit to conscious decisions about spending, she says, and a more appropriate withdrawal rate will follow. Page 8 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com Economy grows, but so does deficit, thanks to tax breaks By Lisa Mascaro (R-Wis.) wants to launch the budget is increasing by 6 percent in 2016, Tribune Washington Bureau (TNS) process early this year. As the leading to the imbalance. WASHINGTON — The U.S. architect of the GOP’s previous The rising deficit, to 2.9 percent economy is on track to expand austerity plans, Ryan says he wants of the nation’s gross domestic prod- “solidly” this year, but the federal to give voters a clear alternative to uct, is the first jump in years and deficit is creeping up again, thanks Democrats heading into the 2016 comes after deficits had been falling in large part to a package of tax election. under President Barack Obama breaks enacted by Congress last While the economic outlook from a peak of 9.8 percent in 2009, year, officials said Tuesday. is gradually improving, deficits the report said. Rising consumer demand is — which had been declining since Increasing deficits will pile on to expected to boost the economy the Great Recession — will rise the nation’s already sizable $18 this year and next, potentially again in 2016 to $544 billion, CBO trillion debt load, leading to higher encouraging growth in both wages said. interest costs in the years to come. and employment, the nonpartisan That’s a $105 billion increase CBO said interest payments will Congressional Budget Office said. over last year, and $130 billion double over the decade. The unemployment rate is expected higher than what had been forecast Congress and the White House to dip to 4.5 percent by year’s end. in August. are about to launch the annual “CBO anticipates that the econ- “Much of that amount stems from budget process, producing blue- omy will expand solidly this year the extension of tax provisions,” the prints that often serve more as and next,” according to the report. report said. inspirational documents outlining “Increases in demand for goods and Overall, revenues are expected party priorities than actual fiscal services are expected to reduce to rise by 4 percent, but spending plans. the quantity of underused labor and capital, or ‘slack,’ in the economy — thereby encouraging greater participation in the labor force by reducing the unemployment rate and pushing up compensation.” The official budget scorekeeper released the annual budget and economic summary one week ahead of schedule to give lawmak- ers a head start in drafting federal budgets. A full report is due next week. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan Angleton Chamber of Commerce Special Section Page 1 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 9 Page 10 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com Angleton Chamber of Commerce Special Section Page 2 The Chamber prepared to pave the way in Angleton to an exciting and prosperous 2016 The Chamber is settling in nicely The Pillars/Goals of The Cham- dedicated and eager to get started exposure for our business inves- Call for tickets today for one in the heart of our downtown. This ber are: in 2016 and have accepted the tors and organizations. of the most exciting events of year brings many exciting oppor- I. Success – Developing busi- challenge of the plan. Leadership Angleton Class of the year. There has never been tunities for business in the Greater ness success by providing services The Chamber will continue 2017 will kick off in 2016 along with a better time to invest in The Angleton Area and The Chamber is and advantages to Chamber providing quality programs and some new programs and commit- Chamber. excited to be a catalyst in strength- investors. presentations for the Monthly tees that will exist with business in If you have not invested, take ening the business climate for our II. Voice – Representing the investor Luncheons as well as the mind. the challenge today to get involved members and the entire commu- interests of business. signature events that provide an The 58th Annual Heritage Gala and be the change you want to nity. III. Leadership – Promoting our arena to build a network and gain is just one way to see the benefits. see. Dr. Ron Slate has taken the community and facilitating oppor- gavel as the Chair of The Chamber tunities. Leadership Angleton Class of 2015 with gusto and is looking forward to IV. Strength – The Chamber of strengthening the chamber through choice supporting a strong busi- reaching the goals set forth in the ness climate. strategic plan. The Board of Directors are

Leadership Angleton is designed to promote and foster the development of community leaders for the Angleton Area by acquainting program participants with the area’s assets, needs, and opportunities. This program provides a forum to discuss community challenges with representatives from the Angleton Area. By providing an awareness of the continuous growth of the Angleton Area, Leadership Angleton strives to stimulate leadership skills and motivate participants to choose an area of interest for active involvement upon graduation from the program. The ultimate goal of this program is to build community leaders for today and tomorrow.

�������������������������� ����������������������������� ���������� Angleton Chamber of Commerce Special Section Page 3 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 11 Gala sponsors Silver Sponsors: • The Dow Chemical Company- TX Operations • MSR Houston Table Sponsors: • BASF Corporation • Brazosport College • Chastang Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram • The First State Bank Angleton Branch • Freeport LNG Development, L.P. • Gulf Coast Auto Park • Moody National Bank • TDECU– Your Credit Union • Texas-New Mexico Power Co. • UTMB Health Angleton Danbury Campus • Phillips 66 • Wells Fargo • James W. Bradford, Jr. Attorney at Law • Brazosport Regional Health System Half Table Sponsors: • Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps • Belle Cheveux Salon & Spa • Kaspar Air & Heat • Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corp. • The Medicine Shoppe • Palms Funeral Home • Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP Quarter Table Sponsors: • CareBuilders at Home • John D. Vasut—Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 PL 1 • Port Freeport Decor Sponsor • HDR Engineering Entertainment Sponsor • Gina Renee’s Catering Pen Sponsor: • Elect James Brawner Pct 4 Con- stable Bidding Sponsor: • Heritage Bank Wine Sponsors • Angleton Police Officers Association • David Thacker for Constable– Pct. 1 Page 12 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com Angleton Chamber of Commerce Special Section Page 4 Memories of 2015 Heritage Gala

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����������������������� www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 13 Stepping it up with a phone app that counts your steps is not all that simple Did you know? (Continued from Page 1) When I run on the treadmill in never done it, so let me know if it read an article while exercising. But • Fifty-four precent of first- I know that I probably took at the gym, it just counts each running works. that way the phone won’t register borns believe they are more least 500 steps. That’s still bad, but step as a step. A lot more effort Heart rate? I don’t need a watch my steps. responsible than their younger the football playoffs were on, so I goes into a running step than a to tell me that it’s time to stop run- So, I’ll have to estimate. Let’s siblings, while 46 percent of had an excuse. walking step, though. When it ning and walk for a while. I can tell. see. The phone says 1,500 steps, younger siblings claim they are Who decided that the average detects running, the phone should I can read my own mind, and it is but I was reading an article, so the funnier. person needs to take 10,000 steps, credit me for about three steps for telling me that if I don’t stop pushing correct number of steps should be • According to a study, kids anyway? That’s a lot of steps. I had each running step. That would be it, there will be some bad things – 10,000. We’re done for the day. whose ears stick out are rated the phone with me on a Tuesday, fair. happening, like I’ll get really tired. There are some advantages to as more likable than those who when I walk around most of the day, If you go running and have a A while back, I saw a woman lot just estimating. don’t have protruding ears. and only got up to half of that. But, dog, enjoy staying healthy together. older than me on the treadmill, who the phone did stay in the car while But put the phone on the dog. That was running non-stop for about an being charged, so it must have way, it will give you double the step hour. missed a bunch of steps. count and make you feel better. I’ve She was there when I arrived, and finally stopped. I managed to look at the treadmill’s readout. She stopped at five miles. That made me think that I should increase my efforts, since this much older person is leaving me in the dust. Then she came, back to the treadmill. She just went to get a drink of water. Nothing like getting schooled at the gym. That woman wasn’t wearing one of those fitness watches. She was old-school, and knew exactly what she was doing and for how long. Come to think of it, she didn’t have a phone app either, but that would have cheated her out of steps. I like to put the phone on the treadmill and watch a show on it or

The medals were restored posthu- was assassinated by a fellow History of mously nearly 60 years later. Hindu who opposed Gandhi’s Jan. 28: ON THIS DATE in benevolence toward Muslims. the World 1956, Elvis Presley made his first Jan. 31: ON THIS DATE in national television appearance 1876, the federal government By Mark Andrews on The Dorsey Brothers Show. In ordered all Native Americans Tribune Content Agency 1986, space shuttle Challenger to move to reservations or be Jan. 25: ON THIS DATE in blew up 73 seconds after liftoff from declared hostile. In 1958, Explorer 1919, the League of Nations Kennedy Space Center, killing all I was launched from Cape Canav- was founded. In 1971, Charles seven crew members. eral, Fla. The first U.S. satellite in Manson and three female follow- Jan. 29: ON THIS DATE in orbit, it carried instruments that ers were found guilty of murder 1886, the first successful gasoline- discovered the Van Allen radiation and conspiracy in the 1969 slay- powered car was patented by Karl belts around the Earth. ings of seven people. Benz of Germany. In 1936, the Answer to last week’s ques- Jan. 26: ON THIS DATE in Baseball Hall of Fame elected its tion: This week in 1778, the 1951, President Truman ordered first members: Babe Ruth, Honus United States signed a military wages and prices frozen in an Wagner, Walter Johnson, Christy treaty with France to help battle attempt to curb inflation. In 1962, Mathewson and Ty Cobb. the British in the Revolutionary the dance craze known as the Jan. 30: ON THIS DATE in 1933, War. Until NATO was estab- Twist was banned in Catholic Adolf Hitler was appointed chan- lished in 1949, it was America’s schools. cellor of a coalition government only formal military alliance with Jan. 27: ON THIS DATE in after his National Socialist German another nation. 1880, Thomas Edison patented Workers’ Party had won a plural- This week’s question: An the electric incandescent lamp. ity of seats in the Reichstag, the estimated 73.7 million people In 1913, American Jim Thorpe nation’s parliament; he was granted watched the Beatles’ American was stripped of his 1912 Olympic near-dictatorial power through the television premiere on Feb. 9, gold medals because he briefly Enabling Act in March. In 1948, 1964. On what show did they had played professional baseball. Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi appear? Page 14 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com unfolds. Keep fears and doubts bring you an opportunity. However, hidden as others may see these as do not volunteer to take on new Bulletin Horoscope weakness. Make your points clear responsibilities. to avoid misunderstanding. Your ARIES (March 21-April 19): You Don’t take good luck for granted dark about a situation or blind SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. industry and take charge attitude must play by the rules but you as this week begins. Follow up to the facts this week. Patiently 21): Take time for traditions and don’t need to make them. Remain on agreements and send a formal researching the details will allow are assets. curtsey to conventions. You may obedient and deferential to those in thank you if a helpful friend grants you to come to a successful solu- LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Even be temporarily frustrated by what charge. In the week ahead you will a favor. If you must make a crucial tion. A relationship could prove non-turtles know that slow and seems to be a lack of respect or have ample opportunities to flaunt decision, sleep on it first. disappointing. steady wins the race. Stick to your appreciation. This discomfort will routines at work in the week to be washed away in the week to your unique skills and talents. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Turn CANCER (June 21-July 22): TAURUS (April 20-May 20): on the lights. You may be in the Put on a brave front as this week come and eventually you will get to come. the finish line. Do not be stingy if CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. MR. MORRIS By Rick Brooks asked to make a donation. 19): Use your heart rather than VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The your head. Logic may dictate a sky is the limit. Your good judg- course of action but compassion ment shines with the big things and understanding will achieve the this week, but may slip a bit with best result in the week to come. Be the small things. In your rush to sympathetic. make material success,- realities AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): don’t offer casual assurances to An indiscretion or exaggeration bystanders. might place a barrier between you LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stick and a partner. Later this week you around your own home and make may have a chance to repair the repairs, clean up, or get organized. damage. Your plans may include There will be plenty of time in the asking for help with a work related week ahead to enjoy social events, project. entertainment or fun. Start the PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): BROOM HILDA By Russel Myers week off with a clean slate. Make a breakthrough in the week SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): ahead. A fresh discovery or insight Adhere to the usual routines in can alter your motivations or the week ahead. Relationships empower you to do better. You are may thrive due to a willingness to more, but shouldn’t give your heart cooperate and someone may even away too quickly.

ANIMAL CRACKERS By Fred Wagner

THE MIDDLETONS By Ralph Dunagin and Dana Summers

THE LAW HAS TEETH HAS LAW THE -- him caught dog police the when discovered crook the What Answer:

Jumbles: GAWKY ABASH CLOTHE EXCITE CLOTHE ABASH GAWKY Jumbles: Jumble Answers Jumble www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 15 SIDELINE CHATTER ‘Ride Along 2’ knocks down ‘Star Wars’ Opening in theaters on Jan. 29 By Dwight Perry By Tre’vell Anderson Fifty Shades of Black: Marlon : Furry martial The Seattle Times (TNS) Los Angeles Times (TNS) Wayans spoofs a certain insanely artist Po journeys with his long-lost LOS ANGELES — The cops busted the Force. popular erotic romance. With father to a panda paradise where Early to bed, early to rise? The seemingly unstoppable box office power of “Star Wars: The Force Kali Hawk, Mike Epps Written by he must train his klutzy compadres Worked fine for Ben Franklin, not and Rick Alvarez. to fight the evil Kai. Voices of Jack so much the Seahawks. Awakens” finally met a more powerful adversary — and , the stars of ’ “Ride Along 2”, which knocked Directed by . Open Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin The Hawks — in five road Road Films Hoffman, Angelina Jolie. Directed playoff games under Pete Carroll the latest chapter in the space saga from the top spot it’s held for several weeks. The Finest Hours: In 1952, the by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and kicking off at 10 a.m. Seattle time Coast Guard attempts a daring Alessandro Carloni. DreamWorks — have trailed Chicago 28-0 (third “I think it starts with the filmmakers and the cast,” said Nick Carpou, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. “In sequels, audiences rescue of an oil tanker during a Animation/20th Century Fox quarter), Washington 14-0 (first), fierce Nor’easter in the frigid Atlan- Mountain Men: Two estranged Atlanta 20-0 (second), Minnesota always play off of how much people like the characters the first time. As we’re trending to be No. 1 for the four-day holiday, our audience is wide tic waters. brothers clash as they travel to 9-0 (third) and Carolina 31-0 It stars Chris Pine, Casey evict a squatter from their family (second). and diverse.” The first “Ride Along” was a surprise hit over the same holiday week- Affleck, Ben Foster. Written by cabin in the Rocky Mountains. With They did pretty well once the Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy & Eric Chace Crawford, Tyler Labine, snooze alarm went off, though, end two years ago, collecting an impressive $48.6 million domestically, thanks to an especially strong turnout of black moviegoers. The follow-up Johnson. Directed by Craig Gil- Christine Willes. Written and outscoring their opponents 110-17 lespie. Walt Disney Pictures. directed by Cameron Labine. and even winning two of the five. continued to benefit from the box-office draw of Hart and Cube as the duo pulled in a diverse audience playing equally (34 percent each) to blacks Hey, he’s getting closer Stephen A. Smith, the ESPN and Latinos. pundit who once said the Critics, however, didn’t go along for the ride. The film, directed by Tim Seahawks had zero chance Story, however, received only a 14 percent positive rating by critics on to beat the Broncos in Super . Audiences gave it a lukewarm B-plus grade, according Bowl XLVIII — 43-8, anyone? to polling firm CinemaScore. — tweeted “I don’t see the Also topping “Star Wars” is 20th Century Fox’s “The Revenant,” which (at)cavs losing tonight” just before got a boost from multiple wins at the Golden Globe Awards (best motion the Warriors buried Cleveland by picture drama, best director Alejandro G. Inarritu and lead actor Leonardo 34 points. DiCaprio). If he predicts the Dow is headed for 20,000, there goes the stock market. Placard of the Week Sign held up by a fan in a Vikings jersey at the Packers-Car- dinals playoff game in Glendale, Ariz.: “I boug(h)t this ticket B4 the field goal.” Ann Arbor Day Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh climbed a tree for undisclosed reasons when he stopped in Pasadena, Calif., to make a recruiting pitch to four-star QB David Long. Not sure if Harbaugh is out of his tree, but he finally got out of theirs. Time for a newer motto First St. Louis loses the Hawks to Atlanta, the Cardinals to Ari- zona, and now the Rams to Los Angeles. The Show Me The Door State, anyone? Burned again Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s clock-management fortunes apparently didn’t get any better after Saturday’s playoff loss to the Patriots. Rumor has it he got home and immediately burned the Minute Rice. Page 16 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com Bulletin Crossword Puzzle of the Week 40 Sign before Virgo Complete the grid so each row, column 41 Canadian bottle size and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains ACROSS 21 What a flap may cover 42 Computer text code every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to 1 Popular 22 Four-time Emmy winner for solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk. 6 Scale syllables Outstanding Drama Series 43 Sturdy tree 9 Drives away 23 Longtime Lehrer partner 44 Bond’s car starter? 14 Simple-living sect 26 __ spoon 45 Pi-sigma link 15 Guitar attachment? 29 Coniferous secretions 46 “Life Is Good” rapper 16 Pope John Paul II’s given name 33 “The imperious __ breed mon- 48 Pig’s digs 17 Warm-water ray sters”: Shakespeare 50 Lacking a mate 18 Ziegfeld with follies 34 New England food fish 51 Broadway songwriting team __ 19 Donald Jr.’s mom 36 Goes bad and Ebb 20 One of the deadly sins 38 Edible pockets 53 Starts from scratch 55 Urban centers, and what this puzzle’s circles represent 59 Start of a spell 61 Dome openings 62 Melville’s Billy 65 China neighbor 66 Fabric information spot 67 Ruse 68 1953 Caron film 69 Helps with the dishes 70 Michaelmas mo.

DOWN 1 Priest from the East 2 Mogadishu-born model 3 Wenceslaus, e.g. Solutions 4 Acapulco-to-Oaxaca direcci-n 5 Greg’s sitcom wife 6 Series of biological stages 7 C.S. Lewis lion 8 Shelf-restocking sources 9 RŽsumŽ essentials 10 “__ Nagila” 11 Unwritten 12 Chaplin granddaughter 13 Diner side Solutions on the right side of this page 24 Animal in some of Aesop’s fables 25 Mil. roadside hazard 26 Teahouse hostess 27 Certain exterminator’s concern 28 Morales of “La Bamba” 30 Pupil controller 31 Having second thoughts 32 Took steps 33 Bit of inspiration 35 Baha’i, e.g.: Abbr. 37 Ships 39 Strength 41 Cake section 47 Composer Schoenberg 49 Gets behind 52 “__ say!”: parental warning 54 Results of getting behind 56 Dueling memento 57 Android media console brand 58 1997 Fonda role 59 The whole lot

60 Chinese-born actress __ Ling

63 Fist bump TRUMAN REAGAN CARTER ADAMS GRANT NIXON FORD 64 Combo vaccine, for short Answers Boggle In memory of Greg Wilkinson (c)2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC. BRAZORIA COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT MONTHLY SECTION www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 17 Second annual Stephen F. Austin funeral re-enactment draws large crowd Proving that the Father of Texas local heritage groups and by the This year’s program drew more He died Dec. 27, 1836, near may be long gone, but he’s not Brazoria County Parks Department. than 200 people from across Texas West Columbia, and was buried forgotten, local history-minded The Stephen F. Austin Funeral and beyond. at Gulf Prairie Cemetery in what individuals teamed with out-of-area Re-enactment, as did the original, Stephen F. Austin, colonizer of the is now Jones Creek. The State of visitors to recreate the 1837 funeral begins at the replica of the First Brazoria County area and beyond, Texas moved his body to the State of Stephen F. Austin. Capitol Building in West Columbia, was a military and civil leader during Cemetery in Austin in 1910. The event, in its second year, is then moves to Gulf Prairie Cem- the Texas War for Independence This program will repeat on Satur- organized and sponsored by several etery in Jones Creek. and a notable statesman afterwards. day, Jan. 7, 2017.

sNine County Parks. sA group campground with air- conditioned dormitories, cabins, lake & bayou fishing, swimming pool & wooded trails. sTwo full-service RV campgrounds with air-conditioned cabins, lighted fishing areas, covered pavilions, playground on the coast. s23 miles of sandy beaches. s20 public boat ramps. sHistorical homes. sCoastal ecology center. sBird watching. sShelling (peak season Dec.-Feb.) sYear-round Adventure Programs. sYear-round special events. Administrative offices 313 W. Mulberry Angleton, TX. 77515 (979) 864-1541 Brazoria County Parks Director Bryan Frazier Board of Park Commissioners Chairman: Meta Kirby Vice ChairmanL Paul Wofford, Jr. Secretary: Joyce Peltier Commissioners: Dorman David- son, Rex Lloyd, Rebecca Golden, Alvie Merrill SPONSORS The Bulletin Platinum ($2,000) BASF Corporation Dow Chemical Company Freeport LNG Gold ($1,500) Warehouse Associates (Pirates Alley Café, Ocean Village Hotel, Beach House Associates), The Bulletin Silver ($1,000) Meyerland Custom Home Renovation LLC Bronze ($500) Town of Quintana

We also thank the many volunteers who help clean the beaches, stake out trees and sand fencing, lend a hand with programs, and add so much to the county’s parks and to our communities. To become a sponsor, or to volunteer in our programs, call (979) 864-1541, or email jamesg @brazoria-county.com. Page 18 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com BRAZORIA COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT MONTHLY SECTION Vessel Turn-In Program will take your clunker boat Jan. 26-30 That old boat has been a faithful Recognizing the problem of ership of the vessel to ensure it’s Schedule of events friend and workhorse. But after disposing of old boats, Commis- qualified for disposal – can’t have Wednesday, March 2 - Texas Independence Day Celebration. Join years of service transporting hunt- sioners Dude Payne, Pct. 1, David someone turning in a boat that volunteers and students at the Austin Statue at Hwy 288 and Hwy 35 for ers to duck blinds, racing down local Linder, Pct. 4, the Texas General doesn’t belong to them. a celebration with a guest speaker, historical characters, musket volleys, waterways at full-tilt with a skier in Land Office and TPWD teamed Then the Brazoria County Fire music, and refreshments. Free event sponsored by local groups. For tow, and countless trips to a secret up to initiate a the Vessel Turn-In Fighters Association (BCFFA) will information, call the Department Office at (979) 864-1541. fishing hole, it now sits idle and rot- Program in Brazoria County. remove any fuel, oil, and batteries. Saturday, March 26, 2-4 p.m. - Easter Egg Hunt at San Luis Pass ting out behind the barn. Over four and one-half days this Finally, Brazoria County will bear County Park. Candy and prizes provided. Registered campers only; for It’s become an eyesore, a month, vessels up to 26 feet in the cost of hauling the vessel to a information or reservations, call (979) 233-6026. breeding ground for mosquitoes, length can be legally disposed of landfill for final disposal. Saturday, April 23 - Texas Adopt-A-Beach Spring Clean-Up. Vol- and just something else to mow with no expense to the owners. “I saw where a neighboring unteers gather at 9 a.m. in Surfside and Quintana for a general beach around. Just dig out the trash and leaves county had this program last year, clean-up. Dress for the weather and bring along some water. Supplies What is to become of the old that have built up over the years and thought it might be something provided; lunch afterward. For more information, contact James at (979) boat? No one wants it, and getting and transport the old boat to one of good for us,” said Pct. 1 Commis- 864-1541 (Surfside) or Patty at (979) 233-1461 (Quintana). rid of it is expensive. Dumping the two drop-off locations. They’ll sioner Dude Payne. “If it works Thursday, May19-22 - Sixth Annual Fishing Tournament at San Luis it in the river just transfers the take it from there. out well, maybe we’ll be able to Pass County Park. Starts at noon on Thursday and runs through 9 a.m. problem to someone else and may First off, representatives of the expand it next year.” on Sunday. Registered campers only; for information or reservations, call get someone hurt. And if you’re Texas General Land Office and If residents outside of precincts (979) 233-6026. caught, the fines are terrible. Parks and Wildlife will verify own- 1 and 4 have boats in need of Sunday, June 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Basic Field Archery at Camp disposal, they’re not necessarily Mohawk County Park. Learn the basics of field archery with instructor left out this time around. Marvin Hall. All equipment provided. Space is limited. To pre-register, They should contact Commis- contact Camp Mohawk County Park at (281) 581-2319. sioner Payne or Commissioner Saturday, September 17 - Texas Navy Day Celebration. Celebrate the Linder’s office for details on how to Republic of Texas Navy at Surfside. Interact with costumed interpreters at proceed, Payne said. Jetty Park and peruse vendor booths at Town Hall. For information, call The Vessel Turn-In Program (979) 864-1541. is for the voluntary removal of Saturday, September 24 - Texas Adopt-A-Beach Fall Clean-Up. inoperable or derelict vessels, and Volunteers gather at 9 a.m. in Surfside and Quintana for a general beach is available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. clean-up. Dress for the weather and bring along some water. Supplies Jan. 26-29, and from 8 a.m. until provided; lunch afterward. For more information, contact James at (979) noon on Jan. 30. 864-1541 (Surfside) or Patty at (979) 233-1461 (Quintana). Drop-off locations are at Brazo- ria County Pct. 1, 1432 Highland Thursday, November 3 - Stephen F. Austin Birthday Celebration. Join Park in Clute, (979) 265-3953, and volunteers and students at the Austin Statue at Hwy 288 and Hwy 35 for Brazoria County Pct. 4, 121 North a celebration with a guest speaker, historical characters, musket volleys, 10th Street in West Columbia, music, and refreshments. Free event sponsored by local groups. For (979) 345-1130. information, call the Department Office at (979) 864-1541. BRAZORIA COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT MONTHLY SECTION www.mybulletinnewspaper.com (979) 849-5407 January 26, 2016 THE BULLETIN Page 19 Quintana Beach County Park Education Center taking shape

The Education Center at Quintana Beach County Park is showing visible progress. Exterior walls and roof rafters are in place, and the installation of windstorm bracing is under way. The elevated boardwalk is completed from near the parking area to the dune line. The boardwalk (below) will be extended to the beach once the main structure is closer to opening. County increases overnight camping fees at San Luis Pass Overnight fees at San $210 weekly; and $630 monthly. - $215; Luis Pass County Park have March-September - $37 daily; Cabin 2 (4-5 occupancy) increased. Commissioners and $222 weekly. - $170; Court adopted across-the-board New campsite fees for non-Bra- Cabins 3 and 4 (3-4 occupancy) increases of $5 for Campsites zoria County residents are: - $190. and $40 for cabins. The new fees October-February - $37 daily; For non-Brazoria County took effect on January 1, 2016. $222 weekly; and $665 monthly. residents: The last fee adjustment at the March-September - $40 daily; Cabin 1 (10-12 occupancy) popular overnight park took place and $240 weekly. - $225; in 2010. Daily cabin fees remain the Cabin 2 (4-5 occupancy) New campsite fees for Brazoria same throughout the year. - $180; County residents are: For Brazoria County residents: Cabins 3 and 4 (3-4 occupancy) October-February - $35 daily; Cabin 1 (10-12 occupancy) - $200. County replacing worn out fire rings, barbecue grills

Resoft County Park is the first in the county system to sport new barbecue grills. Of all the county’s day-use parks, Resoft, in Alvin, sees the heaviest use. Part of routine park maintenance is replacing worn equipment. A large pile of barbecue grills and fire rings are in readiness at the department headquarters, waiting their turn for installation at the parks where they are needed. Fire rings are a popular item with campers at the beach parks and at Camp Mohawk, where they see heavy use. Page 20 THE BULLETIN January 26, 2016 (979) 849-5407 www.mybulletinnewspaper.com