January 2013

Almeda Moe


Moe’s grandpa drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he pushed it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. "Amazing," he thought as he flew down Hwy 521, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a police officer from Arcola with blue lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, "What am I doing? I'm too old for this!" and pulled over to await the officer. Pulling in behind him, the officer got out of his vehicle and walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch, then said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a new reason for speeding--a reason I've never before heard -- I'll let you go."

Grandpa paused and then said: "Three years ago, my wife ran off with a police officer. I thought you were bringing her back.”
“Have a good day, Sir,” replied the officer.

Almeda Moe spent the last week of 2012 in the hospital due to a slight miscalculation. For Christmas he gave his son an I-pad, his daughter an I-pod, and his wife an I-ron.

KINFOLKS
Families meet and greet during the Christmas holidays. Uncles, aunts, cousins– cousin? You say you are my third cousin once removed. Could you explain that please. According to the encyclopedia, first cousins are the children of a brothers and sisters. The children of first cousins are second cousins to each other. The children of second cousins are third cousins to each other. But a child of one of the first cousins is a first cousin once removed.. A grandchild of one of the first cousins would be a first cousin twice removed. Got that   HAPPY HOLIDAYS The PC police don’t want us saying Merry Christmas anymore. If they knew the meaning of holiday, they might object to Happy Holidays, too. As listed in the Collegiate Dictionary the meaning of the word holiday is holy day. May each of you have many happy holy days this new year.

ARCOLA NEWS
A proposal was made that the Mayor’s salary would be increased from $400 a month to $500 a month. City council members would receive $200, an increase from $150. According to council member Effie Jones this proposal would go into effect only for those newly elected in 2013, and for those reelected in 2014. If a special meeting is called the mayor will also receive $200 and council members will receive $75.
A vote was taken on the proposal. Council member Jones, Rojas, and Jackson voted for, Hilton voted against and Tuffly was not present.

150th Anniversary of the Battle of Galveston!
Professor, author, and historian William Davis, from Virginia Tech, will be the keynote speaker at the Battle of Galveston 150th Anniversary Celebration to be held January 11th through 13th, 2013.

The event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation. I have been on the planning committee and I can tell you - this is going to be an awesome event!

Through a Humanities Texas grant all lectures will be free and open to the public. And we have some incredible speakers on tap. Only the exhibit at the Texas Seaport Museum, a few tours, and the Southern Banquet will have fees. Most exhibits, the lectures, and the living history events are free. Lectures include: “The Sinking of the USS Hatteras by CSS Alabama”
“The Monstrous Regiment of Women – Women Soldiers in the Civil War” (by Dr. William Davis)
“Warrior Women, Lady Spies in the Civil War”
“The British Opinion of the American Civil War”
Go to http://galvestonhistory.org/Battle_of_Galveston.asp for a schedule of events and to sign up/buy tickets. Also, they are looking for volunteers for ticket-taking and other easy tasks. If you want to get involved, call Jami Durham at 409 765 3409. Helen D. Mooty Director, Galveston County Museum 409 766-2329 office 281 910-3521 cell
helen.mooty@co.galveston.tx.us Sent in by John Walker

WILLIE “Bill” ANDREWS, 87, passed away December 9, 2012 Bill was born in Houston on May 19, 1925 and came to Almeda in 1936. He served his country during World War II with the 320th Squadron, 90th Bomb Group "Jolly Rogers" of the U.S. Army Air Corp. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross "for extraordinary achievement" in the Southwest Pacific. He returned to Almeda after the war where he spent the rest of his life. The foundations of several homes in Almeda attest to the fact that Bill learned from his father how to pour a concrete foundation properly. He worked as an inspector of concrete work for the City of Houston for 22 years after he had spent several years as an electrician. Always busy and desiring to serve others, he became a 50 year member of the Masonic Order.
Preceded in death by his brothers: Jim, Albert, LeRoy, Robert (Cotton), and Johnny; sisters: Vera, Nellie, Linda and Lois, Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dahlia Rae Tyler Andrews; brother, Wesley Andrews; daughters Connie Andrews, Evelyn/Lonnie Sasser, Barbara/David Grosskopf; grandchildren Scott, Kristen, Stephanie, Jason, Theresa, Jennifer, and Allison, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Service were at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 6927 Main, Houston 77030 or charity of your choice.


DOROTHY JEAN Gehring MORTON 87, passed away December 18, 2012. When Dorothy first attended Almeda School she lived on Almeda Genoa Road, a dirt road back then. For entertainment she watched pilots doing stunts at the Minor- Stewart Airport located where 288 crosses Almeda Genoa. She learned to fly but didn’t want to solo. Dorothy worked years for Western Union, Witco Chemical, and as a volunteer for M.D. Anderson Hospital. She was a member of Eastern Star and Almeda United Methodist Church. Dorothy died peacefully at Holly Hall Retirement Community, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Robert I. Morton; parents F. N. and Anne Gehring; brothers Raymond and Johnny Gehring; sisters Mary Lea Langston and Annie Bass. She is survived by daughter Judy (Tighe) Truax and husband Wayne Truax; sister Amelia Murphey; She worked years for Western Union, Witco Chemical, and as a volunteer for M.D. Anderson Hospital. She was a member of the Bellaire Chapter of Eastern Star and Almeda United Methodist Church. Buried at South Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Dorothy to MD Anderson Hospital or the Almeda United Methodist Church.

TWAS THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Twas the day after Christmas when all through the house
all the creatures were stirring even the mouse.
The stockings all tattered lay on the floor
the gifts back in boxes to return to the store
so off they go in their gas-powered sleigh
as they drove out of sight I heard father say
BAH HUMBUG by Billy Keyworth

Most of us have experienced the disappointment of having the “perfect” gift exchanged, or re-gifted or sold in a garage sale for a fraction of its cost. Through out time, the only purely perfect gift came from a perfect person in the form of a perfect baby who lived a perfect life. Many have exchanged this perfect gift for temporary pleasure. Others stuff it away in a closet and forget it or sell the perfect gift for a tiny, tiny fraction of its worth like Judas who accepted 30 pieces of silver for the One who created silver and gold and diamonds and the heavens and earth.

Yet there are others who would gladly lay down their lives before they would deny or reject the perfect gift—the gift that makes us acceptable to God.

When our not so perfect gifts are rejected, we can partly understand, the grief God must feel when those He so dearly loves reject or put small value on the gift of His only begotten Son, the most precious gift a father could give.
As much as you desire to be with the ones you love, God desires to be with us. He proved his love. John 3:16

GRAND PARKWAY TOLL RD. SEGMENT C

The proposed route for the Grand Parkway Toll Road connecting 99 at 59 to 288 will run right through the Rosharon State Prison Farm on 521. It will make a connection with 288 about seven miles south of Hwy 6 and north of FM 1462. The email address for public comment is segmentccomment@grandpky.com The deadline for comments is suppose to be Dec. 20th, but perhaps they may still read them.

James Wark draws a crowd at the Houston Gem and Metal Society. He is demonstrating the lost wax casting procedure to make jewelry. That procedure was used in India about 5,000 years ago and for making jewelry in Egypt 3500 years. It is still used for precision items like dental plates. James has made several rings using the gold he gets from discarded computers. Only takes about 250 computer boards and a ton of patience to get an ounce of gold. He is not worried about somebody else preventing him from getting all the computers he wants since there is a constant supply as schools, businesses, and the government are continually updating. If you want more info on how to mine gold from computers go to Google, type in James Wark and click on Precious Metal Mine by James Wark. While making a living recycling, Wark acts for fun and added adventure. His latest movie is coming out in January at 258 movie theaters where he will play the part of a sheriff in “Search for the American Dream”.


BE GOOD TO POLICE OFFICERS

At a routine traffic stop a Houston police officer was shot and killed. We might forget that news in a few days but officers will remember. They never know who is behind the wheel, an honest citizen who was in a big hurry, a drunk, a drug smuggler, or a nut. If you get pulled over the best thing to do is put both hands on the steering wheel in plain sight or lower your window and have both hands visible on the door. The police officer’s job is stressful enough. They have families, too.

WARNING TO GUN OWNERS

Be careful how you answer questions when you go to the doctor. A former vet went to the VA. He was asked: did he feel stressed, did he feel threaten, did he feel like harming someone? He answered no and then found out if he said yes to one of those questions it would have gone on his medical record, reported to Homeland Security and he would have lost his concealed hand gun permit.

Jackie B. emailed that she had a visit with a doctor who was a member of the Association of Family Physicians and that all their doctors are required to use a standardized form with the following questions. Do you have any guns in your house? Do you own any guns? If so, how many? Are your guns secured in your home? How? Her answer was None of your business!!

According to the National Institute of Justice's report "Guns in America: National Survey on Private Ownership and Use of Firearms", guns are used over 1.5 million times a year in self defense. That means that firearms are used 40 times more often for protection than for murder.

From a Texas Redneck Gun Owner " There are no words to explain evil acts by a nut with guns. Conn, and New Jersey have the strictest gun laws in the USA next to Chicago. The first thing out of the Gun Control crowd is ban all guns. Just delete the 2nd amendment and start picking them up!! They just need something to blame to make them feel better . It's a kneejerk reaction from the same bunch every time a tragedy occurs.
It's a fact, crazy people are gonna kill. Look what a handful of Muslims did to kill 3000 Americans with something as common as a box cutter . Didn't need a gun for that. It's a sick feeling watching those tormented parents. (in Conn.) The nut could have done the same thing with a sword or a homemade bomb or who knows. Just get on the internet and you can find out how to make poison gas. Killers will kill. They have since dawn of Man. Hitler took all the guns from his citizens in the late 30's as did Japan from their people. Disarm and control, You saw how all that worked out! I don't mind a background check on buyers. I went thru that and the FBI got my prints on file, but I can legally protect my home and family in public, if not me, then Who will? Guns don’t make us killers. I firmly believe there is a long range plan to disarm the U.S. citizens. These people are cunning and patient. We already got a President that ignores the Constitution and does as he wishes and nobody challenges him. When they take away our right to defend, we become nothing but sheep to slaughter if we don't do as they wish. I could go on and on but most folks have their minds made up. Maybe if we quit letting our kids play the violent shootem up video games and got Hollywood to quit glamorizing mass body counts in their movies and got God back into the schools things would be different. Something in our society has changed us.
Ed. Note: Written by a man who was the victim of a senseless shooting. My thoughts: address the use of legal drugs.

Vote Passed 398-1 —- 32 Not Voting
The House cleared a Senate bill that would remove the pejorative “lunatic” from the United States Code. The lone House dissenter was Texas Republican Louie Gohmert, who insisted that lunatic should be retained, pointing to his fellow Members of Congress as living, breathing examples of the term. The bill awaits the president’s signature.

TREE STUMP GOOD RIDDANCE
Want to get rid of an old tree stump. I had a stump about ten inches in diameter. I placed three empty plastic milk gallon containers on top of it As you know the plastic is made from oil which when set on fire soaked into the stump. It burned brightly for a few minutes then just smoldered. The next morning there was a hole in the ground where the stump and the roots had burned out.

A SIGN FROM A GOVERNMENT AGENCY The Park and Wildlife Dept. put up a sign: Please Do Not Feed the Animals." Their stated reason for the policy is because the animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves.
Something to think about.

MEDICAL CARE IN ALMEDA
While living in Houston near Brays Bayou, Alice Bockel, who was born in 1872, would go to the drug store and buy vaccine. She and her husband Johnny would vaccinate each other. (Not sure what for.)

Mr. John Barclay twisted his arm on an oil rig. He carried a five pound bucket of cement and gradually increased it to 20 pounds to straighten out his arm.

Audree Harris Monrad said when she got a nail in her foot, her mom wrapped it in wool material and smoked the foot in a bucket to pull out the pain and infection.

Verna Parks Bunjes went to Memorial hospital where every body went in the ‘20’s. She died there having a baby. She is buried in the Almeda Cemetery.

The life and history of the town of Almeda, founded in 1892, is in the book Back Yonder In Almeda. Call 713-433-1098 for more information on where to pick up a copy or have the book mailed to you.

VINSON LIBRARY
3810 West Fuqua 832-393-2120
Open Tue. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 12-8, Fri. 1-5, Sat. 10-5. Closed Sun. and Mon. Web site www.houstonlibrary.org
Multi-center open Mon. thru Fri.

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY
8411 Sienna Springs Blvd 281-238-2952 Tue., Jan.15, at 10:00 am. Learn to create a digital story with photos, special effects, soundtrack music, text, using your own voice narration and how to publish the finished product on the web via YouTube. Free but reservations are required. Call or register online at (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us),
Jan. 8th, at 10:00 am, in Learn how to download e-books to Kindles.
Children’s Book Week, January 20-26, Teddy-Bear Picnic and Story Time on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 10:30 am and at 1:30 pm, The Family Reading Club will begin on Sun. Jan. 20th to March 2. For other events go to their web site or call.

FOR SALE
BBQ & Firewood Pecan & Red Oak
Call 832-621-9579

Large native pecans $3.00 a pound.
Call 713-433-1098.

Gardall Safe $350 or best offer
W. 50.4” H. 60” Inside 50” Deep wide 40.5 dial w/handle
Fish Tank $100 w/fish & accessories 40gal. 12” wide 18” high 29 1/2” across Call 281-745-2079

Solid wood table $75
Dining chairs $10 each
Dresser $50 Piano Bench $50
Butcher block counter top $75
Double Hung Door $50
Old Singer Sewing Machine in cabinet $50 Call 713-437-0731

Pet Nanny 30 years experience
Pearland area 832-621-9579

Ads $1 a line. Call 713-433-1098

DECEMBER 2012

BETRAYED

He loved her. She was so gentle, kind and pure. Hah! She was pure. How could she have betrayed his trust. A million thoughts ran through his mind. He still loved her but what man, what honorable man, in his town would take a woman for his wife who was pregnant by another man. His reputation would be ruined. But what should he do? He hated to think of how she would be treated if he made her a public example. No, he would put her away privately. Why didn’t she just tell him the truth instead of making up that story about an angel. He could have believed her if she said she was raped. But noooo, an angel, not just any old angel, but the angel Gabriel, told her the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you and for that reason that holy offspring which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God. What possessed her to come up with a story like that. Maybe her cousin Elizabeth was talking about the promised Messiah, but didn’t Mary realize that he would know that the prophet Micah said the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, the city of David, in Judea, not from their miserly town of Nazareth in Galilee.

He had to make a decision soon.

That night the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife for that which has been begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall be bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins.”

What she said was true! Joseph took Mary as his wife but did not have a sexual relationship with her until she gave birth to her firstborn Son. Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1

Have a Very

Merry Christmas

The safest place in the US is the church, where only .001% of all deaths occur. Compare that with 20% fatalities in automobiles, 17% deaths in the home, 14% walking, 16% during other forms of travel and the most dangerous place the hospital where 32% deaths occur.

Have a safe holiday season and be thankful we live in a country where it is safe to be in church. Pray for those where it is not safe to attend church and celebrate the birth of our Savior.

WINDSOR VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS

Franklin Hall, Roschelle Marshall, Richard Johnson in back

Joe Bibbs, Leon Sessions in back, and Jim Traylor

As soon as I can locate the picture I will post it.

Early every Tuesday morning you will see these men working to improve their neighborhood. They make the entrance into the 900-home community inviting, keep abandoned property from getting trashy, pick up litter, trim, weed-whatever it takes. To them age is no excuse to improve your environment.

In May 2010, five volunteers of the Windsor Village Civic Club were concerned that the neighborhood was going down. Property values had dropped. The work started as a temporary clean up, but the above six men not only found plenty of work to do regularly, they enjoyed it. They look forward to Tuesday mornings as others help out when they can.

According to Yvonne Ray, who is president of the civic club, the attendance at the civic club meetings have increased from five to fifty. Citizens are realizing they can make a difference. Yvonne and Dean Brooks encourage the work crew with a hearty breakfast.

One draw back the volunteers have is that no one speaks Spanish and they have no way to communicate with some of the residents. If you would like to help, you can talk to someone near the entrance on Tues. at 8am.
They hope others will follow their example.

FEEDBACK
Rodrigo Carreon wants to encourage you to contact your state representatives as they are now considering the bills that they will work on next year. Rodney Ellis is our senator in the state. He can be reached at 713-236-0306. Ronald Reynolds Dist 27 call 512-463-0494. He does not have a local # listed. Alma Allen is Dist. 131 call 713-776-0505. Your voter registration tells you what district you are in. Not sure who your representative is call long distance 1 888 836 8368 or go to the web at www.state.tx.us for a local number or email contact.

Almeda Moe

Moe was in his yard when an elderly lady came crashing through his hedge into the yard. He helped her out of the car and commented that she was quite old to be driving. “I’ll have you know young man I am old enough I don’t need a driver license,” she proudly said.

“I didn’t know you could ever drive without a license, Moe replied.

“Oh, yes,” said the lady. “The last time I went to my doctor, he took my driver’s license, cut it up, threw it in trash, and said that I would not be needing it any longer.”

Fresno Joe

Moe was shocked when he went to see his buddy, Joe. “Why in the world are you tearing out the walls in your house?”

Joe replied, “My wife read in Our News that when you walk through a door your mind becomes a blank slate and you forget what you were going for in another room. So she decided if we tear out all the walls then she wouldn’t forget.

GOT OLD BOOKS ?
D. K. Estelle collects books written before 1956. Call 832-876-2358.

GARAGE AND SHEDS HIT

Recent targets of thieves are tools. One deterrent is a keyed dead bolt lock on both sides. If they break through a window they can’t get out through the door. Always report a theft which will help us get more patrolling done in the area. Call the sheriffs department at 713 221 6000 or the Houston police department 713 884 3131.

PECANS

Easy pecan pie recipe: Beat 3 eggs. Stir in 3/4 cup of sugar, add one cup of dark Karo syrup and one cup of pecans. Optional, one teaspoon of vanilla. Pour mixture into 9 inch unbaked pie shell. Bake one hour at 300 degrees.

Another recipe: Mix one stick of margarine with two cups of sugar. Add three eggs and three tablespoons of flour. Mix well then add one cup of buttermilk, one cup of pecans, one teaspoon of vanilla and a dash of nutmeg. Pour in ten inch unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Pie shell: one cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/3 cup of shortening. Cut shortening into flour until it is small pieces about the size of peas. Then add three tablespoons of cold water. Form ball and roll out on floured board to fit the pie pan.

SUGARED PECANS FOR CHRISMAS

Pour two quarts of pecan halves into large bowl. Bring to boil three cups of sugar and one cup of water. Boil on medium heat until mixture reaches the thread stage - dip a spoon into the mixture, lift it up and as it dribbles down, it makes a thread. Not a string. Then pour over the pecans and stir about two minutes until sugar mixture crystallizes.

VINSON LIBRARY

3810 West Fuqua 832-393-2120 Open Tue. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 12-8
Fri.1-5 Sat. 10-5 Closed Sun. and Mon.
Web site www.houstonlibrary.org
Multi– center open Mon. thru Friday.

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY

8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. 281-238-2900 Web site www.fortbend.lib.tx.us

Sienna will be closed Dec. 22-25.

A special puppet show will be held on Dec. 8th at 10:30 and again at 11:30. Special Holiday Story Times will be Dec. 15th Sat. and Dec. 31st Mon.

TIPPING FEE

Recently the BFI landfill tipping fee provided $50,000 to the Fort Bend Corps, $37,000 to Meals on Wheels, $37,000 to the YMCA and $37,000 to the Fresno Fire Dept.

FIVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Starting Dec. 20th, KHCB at 105.7 FM will play Christmas music without any commercials. KHCB is a non-commercial Christian radio network with 26 English stations in TX, LA, OK, and Fl as well as ten Spanish stations and one Vietnamese/Chinese station at 1400AM. For the other station listings call 713-520 5200 or listen on their website at www.KHCB.org

Condolences

ROBERT MOSLEY, 36 passed away November 17, 2012 at his home near the corner of Jupiter and Anderson Road. A graduate of Madison High School, he enjoyed playing football and was an outstanding athlete. Robert was a truck driver who had an outgoing personality and a wonderful spirit. He died of smoke inhalation in a fire in his bedroom where apparently he had been smoking. A neighbor commented she had never seen so many fire trucks and people trying to help save his life. Preceded in death by his mother Gladys Mosley, Robert is survived by his wife, one son and one daughter.

THE VAST MAJORITY ARE INNOCENT?

Visitors to a prison said that they firmly believed every person who claimed not to have done what they were accused of, were innocent. It seems only two people out of more than 600 claimed to have not done the actions for which they were arrested. All the others claimed innocence of a crime not because they didn't do the illegal action but they had an excuse WHY they did it, and they felt people just didn't understand why, in their circumstance, the action was justified. SOMEBODY ELSE WAS TO BLAME.

1, God will still be on His throne
2. Jesus will still be King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
3. The Bible will still have all the answers to every problem.
4. The tomb will still be empty.
5. Jesus will still be the only way to heaven
6. Prayer will still work - it will still make a difference and God will still answer prayer
7. The cross, not the government, will still be our salvation
8. There will still be room at the cross.
9. Jesus will still save anyone who places their faith and trust in Him.
10. God will still be with us always - He will never leave us . forsake us.

PHOTO TAKEN ABOUT 1915  Here again I need to learn how to save scanned photos so I can retrieve them.

Ida Harris, Daisy Parker, and Laura Anderson represent three families who came to Almeda before 1895. When Laura Anderson taught school in 1926, the older brothers of Almeda school students were constantly inquiring about the progress of their younger siblings. Not one of those young men were able to win the fair maiden. Laura dedicated her life to teaching.

Daisy Parker’s father, Anson Parker, built Parker’s Hardware, although from 1900 to 1915 the building served as a grocery store/post office and later a gas station. Daisy worked right across Almeda Road at the railroad depot. When no passengers or freight needed to be dropped off, the train slowed down enough that a conductor could hang a mail bag on a depot hook.

The home of Ida after 1915.

Before 1915, Ida’s home was the Almeda hotel built by developers. People came by train from up north to view the sunny south. The developers usually had some one meet the train and transport the prospective clients in a fancy buggy to the hotel even though the hotel was in easy walking distance along the board walk from the railroad track to Bridgeport.

The 1915 hurricane washed the board walk down to the Gulf of Mexico and damaged the hotel. By then most of the land had been sold so the developers sold the property to John Harris. Much later, the home was remodeled and made into four apartments.

Of the three families, the Harris family is the only one that still has members living in Almeda.

For the history of the Almeda area order Back Yonder in Almeda by Rose “Sis” Andrews. Call 713-433-1098 or pick up a copy at Debbie’s Barber Shop or Bob’s Inspection Station for $12.

The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government, least it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry 1736-1799

Dr. Tony Evans gave an excellent series of sermons on KHCB on government based on the principals laid out in the Bible. He put those principles into four groups: self government, family government, church government, and civil government. He explained how if one group doesn’t do their part and another group takes on their responsibility it results in the mess we are in now.

The Bible gives fathers the responsibility of providing and training of the children. He is responsible for choosing a church and school and seeing to it that his child is being taught properly. If the church is not teaching his child according to the Bible, he should choose another church. If the school goes against the word of God, he should provide education somewhere else. It may cost time and money. His wife is to assist him (Genesis 2:18). But it is his responsibility. Ephesians 6:4 Genesis 18:18-19 Deut. 4:9, Deut. 11:19, Ps. 78:3-6.

Well taught children will be more likely to govern themselves as adults. Most of our prisons would be empty as children would have learned how to discipline themselves. The need for welfare by the government would be out of business. “If any would not work neither should he eat,” II Thessalonians 3:10.

The responsibility for those who cannot work falls on the family and then the church. Think about it. A good although imperfect family, with natural love for one another knows far better than the government if a person needs help or needs a lesson in self discipline or a lesson in humility. Not humiliation. A good example is the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 which is also the story of how God feels toward us when we return to Him.

The Bible teaches that church government and civil government should be separate as illustrated when the great King Uzziah tried to take over the job of the priests and immediately became a leper as related in II Chronicles 26:3-23. Through out history and today we can see that when the civil or church government tries to rule over both, it doesn’t work. Communism is a prime example of government overstepping their authority. Our founding fathers saw how the church of England used the government to enforce their beliefs. That is why they demanded Amendment I in the Bill of Rights: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

ONE WAY TO PETITION

1. Go to www.congress.org
2. Select the option to write to your representatives, remembering that they are supposed to represent you whether you voted for them or not.
3. Drop them a quick note to let them know your thoughts and that you are paying attention to how they vote.
More comments by James Andrews at jdat747.blogspot.com

November 2012

HOUSTON IS NUMBER ONE

Usually number one is good but not if you are the number one city in human trafficking. This modern day form of slavery is when a person is a victim through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Many of these victims are only 11 and 12 year old children. 20% are males and 80% are girls. One out of three runaways are caught up into this billion dollar industry.

Is there anything that can be done to lose this shameful title for Houston? You can call Redeemed Ministries at 832-447-4130 if you need help or want to help. It is a strictly all volunteer organization. They seek to rescue girls from this lifestyle and help them learn how to survive and live on their own in a safe house. They also try to get better laws.

In Sweden a law makes it a felony for the buyer. The prostitute is the victim. Police know from eavesdropping on human trafficking rings (who calculate profits, costs, and risk of getting caught) that Sweden is considered bad business.

OBAMA KEEPS CAMPAIGN PROMISE
Many people point out that President Obama has not kept his promises, but the most important one he has made great strides on and yes he does need four more years to get everything in place. He promised to change America and he is. His greatest effort was made to pass the health care bill. The federal government will take on full responsibility for health care, which is socialized medicine.
So many things are involved in our health, if the government is taking on the responsibility we must be willing for the government to make rules on things that involve health such as what you eat and what you drink, what kind of fuel will be permitted, what type of vehicle you drive and how far you drive to work. Public transportation could prevent pollution.

Doctors will be working for the government and under the authority of an unelected board that will dictate what can be done for patients. Certain procedures will be too expensive especially for people who are non productive and not paying taxes: babies, seniors, physical or mental handicapped. Yes, Obama needs four more years to fully accomplish his transformation of America.

The 2,700 pages of ObamaCare gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services 700 instances where they “shall” do something and 200 times where they may at their sole discretion enforce some form of regulatory action. In essence one person, appointed by and reporting to the president, will be in charge of the health care of 310 million Americans once Obama Care is fully operational in 2014. This bill gives a lot more power to a few people bypassing any control from Congress. It will undermine the Constitution by forcing churches to go against their faith and gives the federal government even more of the responsibility that the Constitution delegates to the states.

Something to think about when you vote, but regardless of who wins we must remain a united people and pray for the good of the nation even if we totally disagree on what is good.

WILLIAM J. MAY PUMPING PLANTNAMED IN HONOR OF WILLIAM J. MAY WHOSE CONTINUED DEDICATION TO THE OPERATION OF THIS PLANT SINCE 1945 ENSURED THE RELIABLE SUPPLY OF WATER FOR AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY

 IN BRAZORIA COUNTY TEXAS

DEDICATED BY

GULF COAST WATER AUTHORITY AUGUST 2012 A. D.

For 67 years William May has operated the pumping plant on the Brazos River at the third canal since he started in 1945 on his 25th birthday. His first year on the job he pulled a seven-foot alligator out of the canal by himself while two friends watched. “Sold the hide for $1.25 a foot,” he says.

May has witnessed the river almost dry during the five years of drought in the early 1950’s followed by a flood in June of 1957. For several days, he could travel the 3.7 miles from the pump station to Hwy. 521 in a motorboat.

In the last 67 years, May has missed work a total of 22 days: once when his appendix ruptured, then a prostrate operation, and later a three-way bypass operation after having an heart attack. If you had only one word to describe him it would be hard to choose between tough or dedicated.

Besides keeping the machinery running smoothly, May keeps the surrounding five acres as neat as any yard. That way a snake, alligator, or panther can’t sneak up on him. He leads a quiet life but is still adding to his stockpile of interesting events as he continues to work.

New security guard on duty at Comerica since a robbery occurred last month. No other details available at this time.

Feedback from James Andrews:

We should always rejoice when a person finds success and happiness. We should know that their success does not come at our expense. It is not as though they are eating a piece of pie that we could have had. The pie of life is limitless. We hold ourselves back when we try to hold someone else back. Live free!

Feedback from Helen Horne Scott

Well it's that time again. The time when all American citizens can express themselves as to how he/she wants our government to run county, city, state and nationally. We have watched and read about all the conventions, debates, and the speeches and the spin. Now it's time.

Thankfully, one has the right to vote for any parties platform or any man one chooses. I would like you to remember this; whether your choice wins or loses on November the sixth please go back out there to vote again in the next county, city, and state election. Although, the white house election is so very important, the conditions that may affect us the most do not begin in the White House. The right to vote was not handed to all of us. It was a struggle for us. So, please go out and express YOUR view. VOTE!

Blank Slate I Understand

Ever walk into a room with some purpose in mind, only to completely forget what that purpose was?

 Psychologists at the U. of Notre Dame have discovered that passing through a doorway triggers what's known as an event boundary in the mind, separating one set of thoughts and memories from the next. Your brain files away the thoughts you had in the previous room and prepares a blank slate for the new locale. It's not aging, it's the stupid door! Thank goodness for studies like this.

Almeda Moe

Moe’s grandmother was arrested for shop lifting. When she went before the judge he asked her, "What did you steal?" She replied, "A can of peaches.."
The judge asked her why and she said that she was hungry. The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can. She replied, "six."
The judge said, "Then I will give you six days in jail." Before the judge could conclude the trial, Moe’s grandfather spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something to the judge in private. The judge nodded and Moe’s grandfather whispered, "She also stole a can of peas."

THE TRINITY

The pastor at Southway Community Church pointed out Matthew 28:19 where Jesus spoke to his followers and said. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. One name not names.

One of the most difficult things to understand is how Christians can positively say there is only one God and yet worship God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. How can there be three in one and one in three? Yet that is what the Bible teaches.

We can know something to be true but explaining the Trinity so someone can understand is considerable more difficult. You can use examples like water is H2O and steam is H2O, and ice is H2O or hold up one triangle as an illustration of one God with the sides being God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. That might help us understand the Trinity but it is not a totally accurate example. Maybe there are some things we just have to accept without understanding until God chooses to make it clear.

FEAR OF RESULTS OF NOV. 6TH?

Democrats are afraid that Romney will win. Republicans are afraid that Obama will win. Many others are afraid if either one of them win. Fear will disappear when we remember that God is still on His Throne and nobody is going to defeat Him.

DO WE FEAR THE ISLAM RELIGION?

Since 9/11/01 there has been 19,680 deadly attacks, with over 260,000 deaths in the name of Islam according to Gadi Adelman a writer and lecturer on the history of terrorism and counterterrorism. He grew up in Israel, studying terrorism and Islam for 35 years after surviving a terrorist bomb in Jerusalem in which 7 children were killed. He can be reached through his website gadiadelman.com.

We should not ignore the truth but we don’t and shouldn’t live in fear. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 “Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul: but fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Nonie Darwish, raised to hate Jews and now founder of Arabs for Israel said, ‘this fear that I used to live in, in the Muslim world – which was fear of speaking my mind, fear of saying the truth – is now following me to America. … My culture of origin is now infecting America with fear of speaking the truth. Islam lives on propaganda and denies the truth.

Darwish said she wants to see Arabs and Israelis living side by side in peace, but that cannot happen as long as “the number one enemy of Islam is the truth.” She explained that Muslims have failed to deal with reality for the past 1,400 years and have irrationally loathed the Jewish people since they rejected Muhammad in the seventh century.

Muslims, Jews, Christians, Atheist, are all individuals created in the image of God and deserve our respect. Christians are told to love one another even our enemies for “God so loved the world”. HE didn’t say it would be easy.

Jan Moylan, CoriWofford, Wes Wofford

Virginia Whitley Wofford, Valeria Wofford, Cecilia Wofford

Virginia, surrounded by her son, Wes, his wife, Cecilia, and granddaughters, is the center of attention in an event where she was honored for her 30 years with the Klein Oak District.

Virginia spent eight years as a student at Almeda School. She grew up in a small wood frame house just west of 288 on Almeda Genoa Road. Back then she was in the country. Her mom took care of their cattle that roamed along Sims Bayou, her father hunted coyotes and Virginia won a calf at the Houston Rodeo and Fat Stock Show.

Education was important to Virginia. After graduating from Sam Houston. Her first teaching experience was in Germany where her husband was stationed. Then a short time in Fort Worth before she started at Klein. Virginia earned her Masters Degree in Education and worked her way up to become the Associate Principal at Klein High School. We are all proud of this Almeda girl and glad we still have her daughter-in-law, Cecilia, who is the first person you see when you walk in the door at Almeda School.

NEW MOBILE “PAC” AT THE LIBRARY

Public Access Catalog for electronic devices available for use of residents in any county. When you access FBCL’s website www.fortbend.lib.tx.us with your mobile device, the website will switch to the mobile view.

For more information, ask at any of the Fort Bend branch libraries, or call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677. The Culinary Book Club will meet on Monday, November 19, at 1:30 pm, located at 8411 Sienna Springs. The topic of the month is “Soup Recipes.”

ARCOLA MEETING

At the Sept. 24th city council meeting EEOC matters including settlement of a case (involving former chief J. Bartley), release, resignation and related matters.

City Council discussed the settlement of a case involving former Chief J. Bartley. After discussion, Council Member Florence Jackson moved that the mediation settlement with Mr. J. Bartley be approved and accepted, and that the Mayor be authorized, on behalf of the City Council, to accept a letter of resignation from Mr. Bartley effective November 8, 2011.

Council Members Florence Jackson and Effie Jones vote Aye, Tom Hilton and Rosie Rojas vote Nay. Tom Tuffly

was absent. Mayor Evelyn Jones broke the tie and voted Aye.

The above information was sent by City Attorney Jim Dougherty from the not yet official notes of the city secretary. Council member Tom Hilton said the $20,000 settlement would be paid by the Texas Municipal League.

FIVE YEAR OLD COWGIRL

Mia Lachey Moore won a belt buckle for 3rd place for showmanship of her steer at the Fort Bend Co. Fair Oct. 5th. Daughter of Robert & Charissa, Mia must be taking after her grandmother, Bobbie Moore.

ALMS

When God Puts Alms in the palm,
Don’t be greedy, Freely, give to the needy.
Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive.
By Emmaline Wiley
 

Larry V. Green, Esq. Houston City Council Member, District K

To address the issue of Public Safety, the District K Office in collaboration with the Central Southwest and Fondren Garden Super Neighborhood Council will host a community public safety forum on Thursday, November 1st from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Townwood Park Community Center, 3403 Simsbrook Dr. The Forum will allow residents in the Hiram Clarke Community the opportunity to ask questions regarding their safety concerns and hear from senior police officials from the Houston Police Department, METRO, Houston ISD, and Harris County Precinct 7. For more info, call the Dist. K Office at 832.393.3016 or visit districtk@houstontx.gov District K and Hiram Clarke residents have a new Early Voting Location at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, 3810 West Fuqua St. Early Voting ends Nov 2, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. For voting info, call 713.755.6965.

Get your copy of Back Yonder in Almeda to read the history of this area from 1892 to about 1956
Email siskeyworth@att.net for more info

Our News is published by Sis Andrews

2500 copies distributed 1st wk of month
12 issues mailed to your home for $9.50
Our News is online at
http://almedaournews.blogspot.com
Deadline for news/ads is the 25th

October 2012

A FAMILY EVENT OCT. 6th


FREE ADMISSION to a fundraiser for the American Cowboy Museum with everything from pony rides and face painting to BBQ and fresh produce. See ad on page 6 for time, place, and telephone numbers for vendors to call.

THE SACRED COW IS HUNGRY

Sacred cows should never be criticized or denied or questioned. Channel 26 has been showing why HISD needs a $1.9 billion bond proposal passed to rebuild 20 schools. Since the education of children is so important no one ever questions the necessity of borrowing money and raising your taxes. What kind of illiterate person would raise such a question? Maybe somebody like me who questions everything.

The sacred cow wants to give the best education to our children and it would only be $70 more a year on a $100,000 home. $70 is not much to have 20 new schools but that is $70 more every year on top of what your property tax is now.

I question how much interest would be paid on borrowing $1.9 billion. I also question as to whether HISD couldn’t save a million here and there and rebuild one school at a time.

You know pay as you go. What an obsolete idea for today!

Education is important, but not above all other considerations nor is it so sacred to be above examination.

An interesting side note is that HISD doesn’t treat all schools the same. T. H. Rogers Middle receives $18,027 per student whereas New Aspirations Middle in Sharpstown receives $2,706 per student. Dowling with 1,322 students gets $7,729 per student. Madison High with 2,168 students gets $5,599 per student. The elementary schools in this area all get from $4, 812 to $5,212 according to Texas Watchdog.

Freddie Wyche’s


Model T Dream Car Don’t think Freddie is an old-timer puttering about and reminiscing about the good old days. His “T-Bucket” has reached up to 120 mph.

Freddie graduated from Madison in 1977. When the job market slowed down in 1989, he joined the Navy. He was honorably discharged in 2000. In 2006, he decided to build his dream hot rod, a 1920 Model T Ford. The body is a replica, as original bodies are expensive and very hard to find. It has a 350 small block Chevy engine mated to a TH350 transmission. The rear end is from a 1996 Chevy S-10 pick-up. The frame was purchased from a company in Conn. and the other parts of the chassis were either made by friends and Freddie, purchased off EBay, or found in the salvage yard.

Freddie belongs to a local car club, the "H-Bombs". The club has strong family values as wives and children participate. They meet the first Friday of each month at: The Tree House Ranch 10740 Mykawa Rd. @ 7:00 PM. Visitors and all types of cars are welcome.



Gilbert Anthony Uribe Jr.

Gilbert graduated on June 3, 2012 from Madison High School with honors. He was in the ROTC Navy for three years. He left September 3, 2012 to the U.S. Navy Fire and Rescue. His parents Gilbert Sr. and Sylvia P. Uribe are very proud of their son and wanted the local community to know. Love you sonARCOLA NEWS

It was good to see that city council member Tom Tuffly has recovered enough to be at the meeting Sept. 11th. The project manager, Llarance Turner, for the Kelly Kaluza city engineer firm, was also there to announce that they are ready to accept construction bids for the main water line. Turner estimates the main line will be completed by April. The city hired the Kaluza firm almost three years ago.

The tax rate set at the Sept. 24th meeting is 0.954262, the same as last year and recommended by Phyllis Herbst, the new bookkeeper.

The council is already looking for volunteers for Arcola’s annual Christmas party.

MORE WATER IN FRESNO

By the end of October Maxwell Heights residents and Kansas Street which includes part of Fresno Gardens will be getting water.

USE THIS AS A REMINDER TO PRAY


II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, will heal their land.

Acts 17:30 - Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.

Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.

Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.

Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.

Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.

II Kings 13:16 - Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.

Luke 12:54-57 – Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.

Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.

Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.

John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.

Philippians 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.

Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; would guide him in battle (this election); and would sustain him and give him victory.

Hebrews 11:32-34 – Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – Pray that the Lord would empower and enable his man in any area of weakness.

Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.
Received from Janell Klingenberg


MICHELLE’S WINSOME SPEECH


Michelle Obama gave an interesting, heart warming speech at the Democratic Convention. Nobody went to sleep while she was talking. You might say she had the audience in the palm of her hand. She was able to make everything she said sound so right, like “you should be able to marry who you love”. That sounds right. Who would object?

Probably only the people who believe the Bible gives us guidelines and is the written word of God including Romans 1: 24-28. A paraphrase: God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a mind void of judgment to do those things which are not proper.

God gives each of us the right and the responsibility to pay attention to His words or to choose the words of those who lead us away from God’s way.

The Basics of Male Homosexuality by Tim Gould is a book available on Amazon.com which gives a Christian overview of how homosexuality develops, as well as steps those with same-sex attractions can take to regain control of thoughts and behaviors and deepen their relationship with Jesus and others.

BILL GATES ADVICE TO STUDENTS

Rule 1 Life is not fair - get used to it! Rule 2 The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents called it opportunity.

Rule 6 If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7 Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were so before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8 Your school may have done away with winners and losers,

but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

To the Residents of District K

My staff and I are thrilled to serve the citizens of the newly formed District K. District K stretches from the edge of the Texas Medical Center to the portion of Houston within Fort Bend County. The District also includes the Reliant/Astrodome complex, two management districts, and two school districts—Houston ISD and Fort Bend ISD.

The District K office continues to work diligently to solve many constituent issues in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact the District K office if you have any questions that our office may be able to assist you with.

The Our News staff has graciously agreed to allow us space to keep you informed about what is going on in District K. we enthusiastically welcome your feedback on how to improve the quality of life and broaden economic development in District K. Please forward your ideas /comments by email districtk@houstontx.gov

or by telephone at 832.393.3016.
Thank you for giving me the privilege to serve.

Sincerely,

Larry Houston City Council Member Larry V. Green, Esq.

Mr. and Mrs. James Wark will attend the premiere showing of the movie In Search of the American Dream. James played the part of a sheriff in the movie. The movie will be in theaters in Jan.

Welcome to the Community
Welcome to James Rippard the new principal at Grissom Elementary.

Virginia Hernandez is looking for someone to write a small book on her recollections of the founding of the city of Arcola. Call her at 281-431-2407 if you are interested.

FBC Commissioner Morrison,
Precinct 1, will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting in Arcola on October 11th at the Arcola City Hall located at 13222 Hwy 6 from 6:30 P.M. till 8:00P.M. He will be discussing any concerns that the residents of Precinct 1 may have. Come out to see Your Commissioner!

3rd Annual Trade for A Difference Day
Arcola Feed and Tack is the place Oct. 20th from 9am to 4pm. Trade or buy horses, crafts, plants, poultry, etc. Vendor fees are donated to Breast Cancer Research. See Arcola Feed page 6

Almeda Moe
Moe came home with romance on his mind but his wife was already in bed, sound asleep with her mouth wide open. Moe went into the kitchen and got an aspirin, walked back in the bedroom. He carefully dropped the aspirin in his wife’s mouth. She woke up startled and choking. “What are you doing?” she demanded.“ I thought maybe you had a headache,” said Moe. “Well, I don’t have a headache,” she said. Moe smiled, “That’s all I wanted to know.”

Fall Festival Anderson Road Baptist Church

5114 Anderson Road

October 28, 2012 4 pm to 7pm.

Earn FREE TICKETS for the events by coming to Sunday School

from Sept. 30th to Oct. 28th

otherwise you must purchase tickets for

hayride, horseback riding, cake walks, fishing, Tootsie Pop pull, hot dogs, nachos, Frito pies…. And
much, much more For our community.   FUN, FUN, FUN!!

BIG DAY FOR NOAH’S HOUSE
Sept. 29th the Harvard and Almeda U. Methodist Churches helped the Noah’s House residents dedicate and plant their community garden.

Sienna Branch Library at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., will present “The Cook’s Herb Garden – Grow, Harvest, Store & Cook,” on Tuesday, Oct.16, at 7:00 pm, The program is free to the public. For more info on this and other events at the library, call 281-238-2900. The quarterly used Book Sale is from October 18-20th. Thousands of books for children and adults-most are $.50 to 1.00. Sale starts Thur. Oct. 18th, 6-8 p.m., Fri.19th, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. 20th, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. More info contact friendsofsiennabranchlibrary@yahoo.com.

But for the Grace of God, how ignorant we are but for the Grace of God.
We all fall short of the Glory of God, but for the Grace of God.


We are capable of any sin known and unknown to mankind, but for the Grace of God.

We are all prone to any accident, any illness, any mishap, but for the Grace of God.

How arrogant, how ignorant, for us to think any differently. Lord forgive us of the greatest sin of all, PRIDE.

Lord heal us of our SHAME. Make us whole in You, in Your Word, in Your Name I pray Sweet Jesus, and thank You for the Grace of God. Amen
By Ruth Maxwell


BBQ - F B C Fresno

BBQ served Sat. Oct. 27th from 10am to 2pm or until the food runs out. For more info call First Baptist Church Fresno 281-431-4244

Condolences

JOHNNY JOE FAJKUS SR. 74, was born January 16, 1938 and passed away August 18, 2012. He lived most of his life in Fresno, TX moving there in 1974. Before that Johnny and his family lived in Almeda since 1969. He worked for Heatran and Exchanger Repair for years retiring at the age of 69 from Shell N Tube. He was a welder/pipefitter foreman by trade. In the 1980’s, Johnny and Al Koreneck built the largest tree digger in the world. He loved gardening, spending time with his family, and barbequing. Johnny is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Coleman Fajkus; parents, Joe/Agnes Fajkus; two great grandsons, Kolten and Kameron Haven; one brother, Mark Fajkus. He is survived by two sons, Brian and Johnny Fajkus both of Fresno; Daughters: Marcella (Marcy) Deaville of Morse, LA., Cynthia (Cindy) Fajkus of Fresno and Stephanie Marsh of Houston; three brothers Dennis Fajkus of Houston, Bobby Fajkus of Victoria, Kenneth Fajkus of Tomball; sisters Dorothy Jasek of Houston and Earlene Patek of Hallettsville; 13 grandchildren and nine greats. Johnny was a loving husband, caring father and wonderful PawPaw. He will be sadly missed.

GWENDOLYN DAVIS 57 passed away September 17, 2012. She was an employee of HISD since 1975 and worked at Almeda Elementary for the last 20 years as a teachers assistant for the PALS, a program for preschool children with a disability. She had no children of her own, but bestowed an abundance of love on hundreds of children at Almeda. Her class would walk like little soldiers through the hall. Davis could make you laugh when you wanted to cry. She will be sorely missed.


ED. Note: I will try at a later date, when I have more patience, to insert pictures.

Our News September 2012

Register to Vote 30 days Before November 6th


In Texas you must be registered to vote 30 days before the election. If you have moved, you need to be registered in the county you live in. You can pick up a voter registration form at Vinson Library or Sienna Branch or call 281-341-8670 for Fort Bend Co. or 713-755-6965 for Harris Co and they will mail you a form. It is against the law to register if you are not a citizen of the US. It is also against the law to vote if you have been convicted of a felony.

AGENDA 21

Agenda 21 is all about global control of the masses-that’s you and me. Seems a few people who very concerned about the planet also know what is best for us. Their goals are to be accomplished through local officials. A recent example of control is the Houston city ordinance that says the city will decide if you can have a permit to give food to the homeless. 30,000 people have signed a request to allow citizens to vote on this ordinance but the mayor says there isn’t enough time to check the veracity of the signatures. Hey us peons might make an unwise decision.

To control people, they have to be dependent on the government. If you want to give away food you will have to get the government to make it ok.

More people than ever are depending on the government to get food. According to USDA 45.8 million people, or almost 15% of the population, get food stamps. Will that influence who they vote for?

Other people are so durn contrary and independent that they succeed without the government. So tax. Regulate, or jail, them. Like the guy who tried to collect rain water and violated an Oregon law that says all core sources of water belong to the state. He is now due to serve 30 days in jail according to CNS news.

If we vote for candidates who promise to give us stuff our grandchildren will have to pay for, and if Christians ignore what God says but vote according to what the TV says, and if we put our priority on stuff and safety instead of liberty, we will get the leaders we deserve.

Just keep on believing all Democrats or all Republicans are good and we will have leaders who love regulations and will fit right into the plans of Agenda 21

SCHOOL STARTS AUGUST 27th


Billy Reagan Educational Center   at 4842 Anderson Road will be in full swing accepting students K thru 8th grade. One classroom of Kindergarten students will have the opportunity of a two-way dual language program in an effort to develop full bilingualism and bi-literacy for all students.

The center will implement this program in one of the kindergarten classes during the 2012-2013 academic year and add one grade per year until there is a complete two-way dual language program in grades K-8.

The new school, named after Billy Reagan who was an HISD superintendent for 12 years, is located about a mile from the Anderson Road homestead. Gustaf Anderson was a school trustee of the Almeda School District when his children, Lilly, Laura, and Carl attended Almeda’s one room school. Gustaf along with trustees A. L Parker and E. P. Anderson had a two-story cement and brick building built with two outhouses. The complex served approximately 40 students coming from parts of three counties.

In 1921, Laura Anderson started teaching Almeda students in the best school building south of Holcombe Blvd. She seldom had to punish her students since she was acquainted with all their parents. In 1937, Laura started teaching at Lamar until she retired in 1963, lacking a few hours of getting a PhD. Lilly got her PhD and taught in HISD for 44 years.

The Anderson family loved education. It seems fitting that Anderson Road has the latest in the field of education with the Yes Academy and the Billy Reagan Center.

VOTERS WILL DECIDE ON A HISD BOND

An HISD bond proposal for $1.89 billion to construct 20 new high schools and improvements on other schools will be on the ballot in Nov. If the bond passes, Madison HISD Bond cont… will be included in the 20 schools to get a new campus. The tax rate would have to be raised to $1.15 per $100 valuation of your property. Then in two years the rate would be raised to $1.20. This year according to the HISD website, HISD is losing $120 million over the next two years in state funding and $5.7 million in Federal funds.

Carl David Anderson, wants to know if anyone recognizes the house of Erick Lindberg, who was the nephew of his grandfather. It was built in 1895 about 3 miles from the Anderson homestead, near the community cemetery. Call 713-433-1098 and I’ll email Carl David so he can get in touch with you.

              WHAT IS THE POINT OF PRAYER?

Is prayer a cry of desperation for help? Is it a wish list like we gave to Santa Claus when we were kids? Is it an effort to get God to do something for us that we need or want? Or is it a time to confess your sin, a time to thank God for what he has already done, or just praise him for who he is?

Prayer can be any and all of the above but through it all prayer is a way to get to know God. So-called unanswered prayers can reveal God’s character to us. We might feel like He is not listening, but are we listening? He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Isaiah 46:10

He also says Pray without ceasing. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He gave an example in Matthew 6:9-13. And then He said God already knows what we need. So what is the point of asking God for what we need? Sometimes we realize we don’t need what we pray for, but we do need to learn to trust him regardless of how He answers.

Phillip Yancy in the book Prayer, tells about George Chen, who was arrested in China for telling others about Jesus. The guards forced him to work in a cesspool , knee-deep in human waste, turning it with a shovel to make compost. Chen said, “They thought I’d be miserable but actually I was happy. It smelled so bad no one would come near me, so I could pray and sing aloud all day.”

I don’t know what Chen prayed but evidently it made a difference in his life. Each one of us will learn what is the point of praying - by praying.

A REGULATION TO DELIGHT PIMPS

When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act--a.k.a. Obamacare--was enacted in March 2010 it included (in Section 2713) a non-specific requirement that health care plans must provide "additional preventive services" to women. These unspecified "additional preventive services," the law said, were to be "provided for in comprehensive guidelines supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration," a division of the Department of Health and Human Services.

HHS commissioned a federally funded committee at the Institute of Medicine (IOM) which recommended regulations and HHS Secretary Sebelius finalized the regulations which says that all health care plans, except those provided by an actual house of worship, must provide coverage for sterilization to “all women with reproductive capacity.”

That could include a girl as young as 12. It certainly could relieve the stress on a pimp if his girls are sterilized. CNSNews.com

HOG OUT

The 2013 Hog Out County Grant is currently accepting a Notice of Intent to Participate Form from any county that wishes to participate in the Hog Out Challenge (October 1 - December 31, 2012). Forms must be received by September 28, 2012.
Texas is home to nearly 2.6 million feral hogs, the largest feral hog population in the U.S.
Last year Hartaman County was rated first as 2,047 feral hogs were killed. Fort Bend Co. placed 11th with 610 killed .

SCAM ARTIST

Like any other art, these people practice until they know how to dupe some of the smartest people around. Recently Daniel, who has been involved with computers since the beginning for almost 40 years, and is a retired Adjunct Professor of Economics, got scammed. An email from a stranded niece needed him to wire money to Spain. A favorite spot for a lot of scammers because the destination is hard to track in Spain. Daniel wasn’t about to ignore a cry for help from his family. How did the thieves get the info to trick him? I guess that is why they are called scam artist. They also thrive on good hearted, trusting people or on those who are hoping to take advantage of a good deal. Don’t let anyone rush you to make a decision without asking family or friend for advice, and never give out any info on the phone or the Internet.

Keeping Him Close By

www.KHCB.org - is a commercial free radio station that provides Christian music and programs at 105.7 FM in English, in Spanish at 1400 AM., or in Vietnamese at www.mytnpa.org. Call 713-520-5200 for more info.

The Government Sues the Government

August 23rd a group of 10 federal immigration-enforcement agents -- including the president of the agents' union -- filed suit against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and ICE Director John Morton.

This lawsuit seeks to prevent law enforcement officer Plaintiffs from being forced to either violate federal law if they comply with the unlawful Directive or risk adverse employment action if they disobey the unlawful orders of the DHS Secretary. This lawsuit also seeks to preserve the balance of legislative and executive powers established by the United States Constitution.

INCOME TAX PROBLEM

I finally received my tax return for 2011 back from the IRS. It puzzles me!!! They are questioning how many dependents I claimed. I guess it was because of my response to the question: "List all dependents."
I replied: 12 million illegal immigrants; 3 million crack heads; 42 million people on food stamps, 2 million people in over 243 prisons; and 535 persons in the U.S. House and Senate, plus 1 President."Evidently, this was NOT an acceptable answer.
I KEEP ASKING MYSELF, WHO DID I MISS?

WHO ARE THE SIKHS?

If the guy who killed people at a Sikhs service thought he was attacking Muslims, he was wrong. The Sikh religion was founded by Nanah, who was born in 1469 in the northern part of India. Early on they underwent persecution because they disagreed with both the Hindus and the Muslims. Nanah was their first Guru, who they believed had a divine spirit which he passed on to the succeeding nine gurus. The last guru died in 1708. Over 20 million Sikhs believe in one God and equality of all people regardless of sex or anything else.

Correction: the deleted last line in Digging up History was “Crane Co. along with other companies removed the swastika mark from their products.”

A LATE HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

Darrell Mayfield who turned 92 July 27th. Darrell has lived his entire life in Pierce Junction or Almeda except for the years he spent on a ship during WWII.

Garnett Lewis celebrated his 79th birthday on August 12th. How does he celebrate? He gives another pint of blood. He gives three times at Southview Baptist Church and another three times a year at the Blood Center behind the Astro Dome. So far he has given 16 gallons, more or less. There is a demand for his O positive blood. Garnett says, “The Lord has really blessed me.”

Happy Birthday also to John Breckenridge, John, 84 on Sept. 12th, is also a transplant from Pierce Junction.

Almeda Moe

Moe won a BMW and a trip to London. He drove his new car to New York City, went to a bank, and borrowed $3,000. The loan officer wanted to know what Moe had for collateral. Moe handed over his BMW keys. After the bank checked to see if he had a clear title they loaned him the money and put the car in their parking facility. Moe left for London and the city bankers started laughing at the country hick who put up his expensive car for collateral for just $3,000. Two weeks later Moe gives the bank a check for $3,000 plus interest of $12.08. The bank clerks try not to laugh at the dumb Texas boy. The loan officer said to Moe, “Sir we found out that you have a sizable amount of money in a bank in Texas. Why did you borrow money from us? " Moe replied, Where else in New York could I safely park my car for two weeks for $12.08?

Vinson Library

3810 West Fuqua Call 832 393 2120 for info on other programs. Open Tue. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thurs.12-8, Fri. 1-5, Sat. 10-5. Closed Sunday and Monday. web site www. houstonlibrary.org
Multi-center open Mon.—Friday.

Sienna Branch Library 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd Closed Sept.3rd for Labor Day and Sept. 28th for fair day. Call 281-238-2900 for times and dates for following: *Book Club Meeting/Selection
*Back-to-School Resources Children’s Programs Computer Classes *Culinary Book Club Meeting *The Art & Sport of Dragon-Boat Racing *Mental Success in School *Intro to MS Excel in Spanish *Free SAT Practice Test

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, A library card provides free access to videos, DVDs, CDs, software, and books. See the library’s website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us a

WATER METER APPROVED

The FWSD #1 water meter is ready to service to people of Arcola. According to Rodrigo Carreon, the Fresno Water Board engineer told him that the meter located at the corner of Post Road and 521 has been approved for service.

KNOW YOUR BEEF

Grain –finished cattle spend most their lives grazing in a pasture then the last 4 to 6 months in a feedyard. They be given FDA-approved antibiotics or growth promoting hormones. Grass-finished cattle spend their entire lives grazing and also may be given FDA-approved antibiotics or hormones. Naturally raised cattle can be grain or grass finished but have never received antibiotics or growth promoting hormones and must be certified by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Certified organic cattle can be grain or grass finished as long as the feed is 100% organic. They never receive antibiotics or hormones and also certified by USDA. All cattle may be given vitamins and minerals.

A 3-oz serving of lean beef supplies 150 calories and on a 2000 calorie diet, 48% protein, 37% Vitamin B12, 33% Niacin, 20% Vitamin B6, 12% Iron of the daily requirements.

OPPORTUNITY


If you are interested in teaching children the Christian faith but aren’t sure how, then you can attend a six hour seminar, free of charge which will present the basics and great ideas on how to get started. This training would be helpful to Sunday School teachers, parents, or those who would like to start a Bible club.

The seminar will be held in Almeda. The date has not been set so call Our News at 713-433-1098 and leave your number and I’ll return your call as soon as I know.

RELIEF FOR MY GRIEF
Dear God for many years I lived in fear, and shed a lot to tears. I thank you for giving me relief from my grief.
God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. II Timothy 3:7
© Copyright By Emmaline Wiley, who is celebrating her 50th birthday on Sept. 9th.

Condolences

James Ray Thompson passed away on Saturday August 04, 2012 in Houston, Texas. He was born on October 4, 1932 in Duckhill, Mississippi to Wade and Mary Thompson. He is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn. He is survived by his Daughter Sheila Landreneau and her husband Jerry of Magnolia, Texas, Daughter Lisa Hoffman and her husband John of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Son Ray Thompson and his wife Donna of Aurora Colorado, Son Rick Thompson and his wife Rhonda of Channelview, Texas, five grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, one brother, and six sisters.

James was a member of the masons and a weekly attendee of his church. In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Yvonne McGarr Thompsom says, “I hope before I die there will be a park for the kids in Arcola and a museum with a wash tub, clothes line, and a hand water pump. Yvonne is at the Sugar Land Health Care Center. She sent a letter saying, “This facility is just too good to be true. I have not seen people look so good, work so hard and in prompt time since I worked for Hugh Hefner, Play Boy Mag on East Walten at 919 Michigan in Chicago and the Veteran Hospital in Houston—after I passed a Civil Service test. We looked good, worked hard, and were so proud of being employed. These people here at the center are also well kept from head to toe, anticipating your needs. The food is just too good.”

Yvonne praises the center and all the people that work there, although she says the therapy sessions are about to kill her. She also wants to thank Mrs. Helen Duncan and M/M Leon Washington who were instrumental in getting her help at the Center even though she left home kicking and screaming not realizing how good a care she would receive.