Immigration debate heats up at town hall meeting

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The debate over illegal immigration is reaching a fever pitch and nowhere was that more evident than at a Nov. 13 town hall meeting at Tomball College.

Hosted by the Texas Conservative Coalition, State Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale and many other governmental representatives, the meeting provided an avenue for Tomball area residents to voice their suggestions, complaints and concerns regarding illegal immigration.

Others on hand included State Sen. Tommy Williams, State Rep. Brandon Creighton, Rep. Wayne Christian, State Rep. Patricia Harless, State Rep. Beverly Woolley, State Rep. Dwayne Bohac, and State Rep. Larry Taylor.

The meeting began innocently enough with comments and a presentation by Texas Conservative Coalition’s John Colyandro with Van Arsdale and others interjecting comments on the efforts they’ve made in combating illegal immigration.

But the atmosphere turned acrimonious when those in attendance got their chance at the microphone.

Many pushed the representatives on hand to do more to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and send back the ones that are here.

“We’re going after the leaves on the tree,” said Michael Kelly of Tomball. “What are we going to do to keep them out?”

Van Arsdale maintained that more physical barriers needed to be built along the border, while increasing surveillance efforts and security agents.

“We’re doing all we can do,” State Sen. Tommy Williams said.

However, his comment was met with disapproving grumbles from those in attendance, many of whom claimed the government, in fact, wasn’t doing enough.

State Rep. Patricia Harless discussed the efforts legislatures are making with law enforcement officials, such as vehicle theft enforcement that hinders the efforts of “coyotes,” smugglers who bring immigrants into the country for a fee, who Harless claims steal SUVs in order to bring illegals across the border.

Area resident Jack Ripley suggested punishing heads of companies who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. He also suggested legislators pass a law that disallows teaching students in their native Spanish language.

Van Arsdale added that a significant step could be taken if the federal and state government “enforce the laws that we already have.”

At times, the meeting bordered on frenzy, with a warning of an impending civil war with illegal immigrants, a suggestion that Texas secede from the United States, as well as a call for President George Bush to be impeached.

Many comments resulted in resounding applauses from the crowd.

Local resident Karen Williamson suggested the government punish non-profit organizations that aide illegals.

“Their status needs to be removed after one warning,” she said.

While Van Arsdale stated that the number of illegals coming across the border has “skyrocketed,” he also pointed to what he believes is progress.

“There are things happening that are good,” he said.

Van Arsdale said the comments made at the meeting will be transcribed and sent to lawmakers in hopes of further legislation that will deter illegal immigrants.

“I’m hoping to get ideas from the people and exchange information,” he said. “We need to get things done and stop waiting for the feds to do something.”

Residents get first look at FM 2920 study during open house

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The Houston-Galveston Area Council, along with a number of other local agencies, is working on a plan to improve mobility and cut down on traffic accidents along a 32-mile stretch of FM 2920.

Tomball area residents view a map of the FM 2920 access management study at an open house meeting at Tomball College Nov. 14.

Part of the initial plans for that study included a pair of open meetings, the first of which was held Nov. 14 at Tomball College where area residents could view maps, charts and graphs that detailed traffic information.

That data included traffic flow information, crash rates, and access plans.

The Access Management Study was initiated to help move people safely, improve mobility, and lower crash rates, according to project manager Christi Willhite.

“We want to make this a safe corridor,” she said.

Among those taking part in the study, along with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), is the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Harris County, the City of Tomball, the City of Waller, the North Houston Association, the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

The project includes a study of FM 2920 from I-45 to US 290.

One of the primary concerns planners are looking to address is the high crash rate in the Tomball area, particularly within the city limits. According to the crash data that was presented at the meeting, automobile accidents occurring within the Tomball city limits in the last year are more than 200 percent of the statewide average.

“We’re seeing a huge volume of traffic crash rates,” Willhite said. “It’s amazing, the crash rate in downtown Tomball. We’ve got to look at what’s causing that.”

Those who attended the meeting were given the opportunity to speak with H-GAC officials and provide written comments and suggestions on the corridor.

Willhite said that while planners may be able to foresee many of the issues facing drivers, they needed their input.

“We see some of the problems, but we don’t see everything,” she said. “The public knows what needs to happen.”

The next step in the study is to gather the information provided at the meeting and make the necessary changes to the study. Those recommended changes will then be sent to TxDOT and the Transportation Policy Council at H-GAC.

H-GAC and others taking part in the study also plan to meet with several other agencies, groups, and committees to adjust the plan. Another public meeting is planned for the spring, Willhite said.

Most of the major projects include a number of road expansions and widenings off of FM 2920. Those include the widening of Mueschke, Telge, Bauer, Becker and Roberts to the south of FM 2920 and Kickapoo, Stokes, Hufsmith Korhville, Gosling and Kuykendahl to the north.

“That plan is to break ground in 2010,” Willhite said, “which in transportation terms is tomorrow.”

For more information on the study, including much of the information that was provided at the meeting, visit www.fm2920mobility.com.

Magnolia Police Chief Ron Cunningham (right) introduced Officer Kyle S. Montgomery (left) as the newest patrol officer in the Magnolia Police Department at the Nov. 13 Magnolia City Council meeting. Montgomery spent three years with the Splendora Police Department, though he and his family have lived in the Magnolia area for many years.
Photo by Cari Herr

‘Tough Books’ for police vehicles not a dead issue for mayor

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The issue of whether or not the Magnolia Police Department patrol vehicles will or will not have Tough Book laptops remains unresolved, but Mayor Jimmy Thornton hasn’t given up yet.

Thornton requested council members to lift the 90-day rule that would prevent discussion of the item at the Nov. 13 meeting, which they did.

During the discussion, Thornton reminded the council that they approved $10,000 for a Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) in the 2007-08 budget.

Since that time, the department has spent only $2,593.50, but has produced $22,400 in potential fines at an average of $100 per ticket.

“I’m just asking you to consider allowing the department to purchase the laptops when they produce the $37,363.20 they need,” said Thornton who, along with council members Patsy Williams and Todd Kana, has been a proponent of laptops in patrol units.

The issue came to light due to two recent instances in which officers during routine traffic stops received a “cleared” status from Montgomery County dispatch on driver background checks, only to learn upon further investigation that the subjects were either a multiple felon or capital murder subject.

“My officer’s safety was jeopardized in both instances,” said Chief Ron Cunningham.

In one instance, Officer Brian Clack made a seemingly routine traffic stop and ran the driver’s information through dispatch who cleared the subject. A citation was issued, but the fine was never paid.

As a result, Municipal Court issued a warrant. In an attempt to execute the warrant City Marshal Jeri Carpenter found the subject in a Harris County jail on a capital murder charge, with an additional prior charge of capital murder.

“If my officers had computers as other agencies do, the issue would not have presented itself,” said Capt. Mike Smith.”

In a second instance, Officer Jorge Anez made a traffic stop and ran the subject’s drivers license through dispatch who said the number was invalid. However, when the name and date of birth were run, dispatch returned the same license number, which they reported as clear or free of prior handling.

Anez detected an odor of marijuana and detained the subject. After searching the vehicle, Anez found a switchblade knife and contacted the district attorney’s office to request an acceptance of charges.

The DA told Anez that pursuant to new legislative updates the charge of possession of a switchblade could not be accepted. However, further investigation by the DA revealed that the subject had seven prior felonies, two of which were against other agency officers. That information was contrary to the “cleared” status provided by dispatch.

“Prior information allows my officers an upper hand in knowing whether or not to prepare for dealing with a potentially violent subject upon initial contact,” said Smith.

An example would be that dispatch does not run certain warrants for surrounding counties. Therefore, the officer does not know that information unless he runs the information himself on his own computer.

Montgomery County Pct. 5 Constable David Hill visited ALPHA Academy recently to speak to students about the consequences of drinking and driving. He related a personal story to illustrate the heartbreak of drinking and driving tragedies and listened to students’ concerns and answered their questions. The students were able to view the car his son-in-law died in during an accident. Pictured above, Hill (left) and Charlote Hamm (right), along with K-9 Zeus. Submitted Photo

WISD Tax Rate
During a Nov. 5 meeting, the Waller Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a combined $1.28 tax rate for 2007, including a $1.04 maintenance and operation (M&O) rate and interest and sinking (I&S) rate of 24 cents. I&S tax is used to pay for bond indebtedness on construction and the M&O tax is used to cover the district’s operating costs. The 2007 tax rate does not reflect the $49.29 million bond approved by voters in May as the bonds have not yet been sold. According to the district, the tax rate will fluctuate over the next two fiscal years when the voter-approved bond is reflected in the district tax rate and will level out in following years.

TISD Board Changes
The Tomball Independent School District Board of Trustees approved its reorganization at a Nov. 13 meeting. Mark Lewandowski was elected board president, Lisa Nicholas as Vice President, Ken Odom as Secretary and Steven Robinson as Assistant Secretary. All votes were unanimous. The changes went into effect immediately.

Curfew for juveniles
The City of Magnolia approved a continuance of its curfew for juveniles at the Nov. 13 meeting in a unanimous vote.

While the ordinance has been in effect for three years, a public hearing was held as part of the process to renew the ordinance for another three years.

Juveniles under 17 will be in violation of the curfew if they are on the city streets between midnight and 6 a.m., or during school hours.

A violation would be a class C misdemeanor providing for a citation to be issued and establishing a fine of no more than $500 to parents or juveniles who knowingly violate the ordinance.

It also provides for a citation and fine for businesses that knowingly allow juveniles to remain in an establishment during curfew hours.

Celtic Christmas
Festivalgoers can look forward to a Celtic Christmas celebration during the eighth weekend of the Texas Renaissance Festival.

The event coincides with the long Thanksgiving Day weekend and will take place Nov. 23 to 25 including shows, rides, dining and shopping.

A yuletide scavenger hunt is planned, as well as a visit with “Father Christmas.” Join in the caroling and bring a homemade ornament to decorate the New Market Village Christmas Tree. Costumed guests are welcome.

The festival is located at 21778 FM 1774 in Plantersville. For more information, call 800-458-3435.

City Administrator
While a city proposition in Magnolia to return to a city manager form of government failed in the last election, council members voted 4-0 Nov. 13 to create the position of a City Administrator to be appointed, salaried and bonded.

Following the vote, council entered into executive session to conduct an interview with Ryan Kelley. Upon reconvening, council approved the city attorney to draft an agreement letter for employment with Kelley.

Citizen of the Year
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2007 Citizen of the Year Award through Dec. 10. Each year, the chamber recognizes an individual for his or her outstanding service to the community. The recipient of the award is announced at the Annual Chairman’s Ball, which will be held on Feb. 1. Candidates must live or work in the greater Tomball area, and their contribution to the community should be civic, community, professional service, church involvement and/or service to the Chamber or other organizations.

Nomination criteria and forms are available at the chamber office, located14011 Park Drive, Suite 111, or online at www.tomballchamber.org. For more information, call 281-351-7222.

Tomball Cougar softball players Kayla Gutowski (left) and Krista Hallmark (left) sign letters of intent to play softball for Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
Submitted Photo

Magnolia West varsity cross country places fourth at region qualifier

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia West girls varsity cross country team won the 18-4A District title, defeating Brenham, and placed fourth at the region qualifier, competing against 19 other teams in the region.

Magnolia West girls varsity cross country team members, along with MISD Board President Glenn Addison (left to right), Taylor Anderson, Tina Pratt, Katelyn Yoss, Karissa Miller, Brittany Berry, Rachel Melton and coach Jennifer Gegogeine display their awards.

The team consists of two freshmen and four sophomores, but competed on the varsity level against juniors and seniors.

At the Nov. 12 Board of Trustees meeting, the team was recognized by the Magnolia Independent School District for their accomplishments.

“While they fell one place short of a berth to the state meet, the Lady Mustangs should be proud of their fourth place finish,” said Superintendent Michael Holland.

Coach Jennifer Gegogeine was nominated as District 18-4A Coach of the Year, while Rachel Melton placed sixth, Katelyn Yoss placed eighth, Karissa Miller placed 10th, Tina Pratt placed 12th, Brittany Berry placed 14th and Taylor Anderson placed 15th at the district meet.

Several members were named to the District 18-4A All-Academic Team, as well as the All-District Cross Country Team. They include Melton, Miller and Yoss.

Bulldogs end regular season, clinch top 18-4A Division II seed

The Waller Bulldogs finished off a 7-3 season with a 21-10 win over the Livingston Lions on Nov. 9. The win propelled the Bulldogs into the playoffs as the top 18-4A seed in Division II. The Bulldogs played Austin McCallum on Nov. 16 in College Station. Results of that game were unavailable at press time.

Against the Lions, the Bulldogs tempered 491 offensive yards with four turnovers. Coming off the bye week, the Bulldogs offense looked a little out of tune compared to recent weeks. However, this performance helped solidify the Bulldogs’ position as the top offense in 18-4A, averaging 425 yards and more than 35 points per game.

Jermery Luckett led the Bulldogs with 288 yards on 24 carries, an average of more than 12 yards per carry. Jeremy Phillips was 11 for 17 passing for 117 yards. That brings his season total to more than 1,300 yards passing.

Stephen Williams, Mitchell Kapalske, and Joplo Bartu contributed with timely catches. Williams and Bartu finished the season in the top three receivers, statistically, in the district. Up front, the Bulldogs faced a tough Lion’s defensive front and had to battle to control the line of scrimmage. Jacob Dodd, Kennedy Vongphakdy, David Hunter, Carlos Portillo, and Alex McFaddin wore down the Lions’ defense and were instrumental in the Bulldogs never having to punt.

Defensively, the Bulldogs faced a very athletic Lion offense. Livingston took the opening possession and marched down the field to kick an opening field goal. They added a touchdown in the first quarter. However, the Waller defense found their footing and the Lions finished the evening with only 180 total yards of offense, almost 90 of which came on two plays.

The Bulldogs finished the season as District 18-4A’s top rated defense, having surrendered only 64 points in six contests. Robert Loewe picked off his fifth pass of the season and Kenny Wendt made a spectacular play to strip a Lion’s running back of the ball near the goal line with Miller Pierce recovering.

Texas Crossword

Crossword puzzles are in Adobe PDF format. Click on the links to open them in Adobe Acrobat Reader, or right-click and choose "Save File As...":

- This week's crossword

- Solution to last week's crossword

Tomball Wal-Mart hosted a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 12 when several local veterans, city officials and dignitaries were on hand to honor those who served in foreign wars. Members of the Tomball High School band played patriotic songs while essays were read by Wal-Mart employees and Tomball students. Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan, Montgomery County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Matt Masden and store manager Tim Raburn also spoke. Pictured, veterans Charles Parker (left) and Stan James (right) bow their heads during a prayer. Photo by Brian Walzel

Knife allegedly brought to elementary campus ‘not a weapon’

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Joshua Bustoz is a 10-year-old fourth grader and he knows that knives are not allowed at school, according to his father, John Bustoz. Joshua also knows that he should report a knife to the first adult he sees. That adult was his teacher, Mrs. Thrasher.

On Nov. 2 a boy in Joshua’s class at Smith Elementary in the Magnolia Independent School District showed him what looked like a Swiss Army knife. According to Bustoz, the boy told Joshua that if he told anyone about the knife he would stab him.

“My son told the teacher and the teacher took the child to the principal, Joe Thornell, who placed the child in ISS (In School Suspension) for one week,” said Bustoz.

The boy allegedly had been brandishing the knife throughout the day to other students, according to Joshua. However, Bustoz admitted that when Thornell showed him the knife the blade was broken and dangling, but the corkscrew and scissors were operating.

The district could not comment on the specific case, nor confirm the existence of the knife, but Assistant Superintendent Todd Stephens did say that no “weapon” was brought to school.

“When a weapon is brought to school the district is required to notify the police and file certain reports that go to the Texas Education Agency,” said Stephens. “That did not happen in this case. So, in terms of weapons, a weapon was not brought to school.”

While the district maintains that the broken knife was not a weapon, Bustoz, along with several parents are concerned that notification was not given to parents by the school that the knife was recovered or that the boy who allegedly brought it will eventually return to the classroom.

The district does not have a policy that requires notification of a weapon recovery, according to Stephens. However, “if there was anything from a safety standpoint that we felt the parents should know, we would let them know.”

Stephens said the incident was investigated thoroughly at the campus. “The principals were very involved in the whole situation and they acted responsibly and appropriately to the situation,” said Stephens.

During a Nov. 13 meeting with Stephens and Superintendent Michael Holland Bustoz said he was told that if his son felt threatened the school could change his classroom.

“I am being told that if my child feels threatened then (my) child needs to be removed from the classroom (and placed) into another classroom,” said Bustoz who feels that removing his son from the classroom is punishment undeserved.

New upscale, 2,700-acre development planned for Magnolia area

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Soon Woodforest will be known for more than just a first-rate golfing facility.

During a groundbreaking ceremony last week that included many local dignitaries, members of Johnson Development announced plans for a 2,700-acre development that will house more than 6,000 single and multi-family homes, which planners project could translate to a population of 18,000.

From left to right, Chad Johnson, Montgomery County Commissioner Craig Doyal, Larry Johnson, Doug Golf, and Virgil Yoakum.

Home prices are projected to range from the $120,000s to the millions.

The development will be built around the current 27-hole golf course, with home sites adjacent to lakes, streams, greenbelts, and nature preserves. Plans also call for schools, churches, parks, a fire station and commercial tracts.

The Woodforest development will be located north of The Woodlands and west of Conroe, between FM 2854 and FM 1488.

The primary attraction for this particular area was, according to Johnson Development Director of Marketing Kristi Steward, its proximity to the amenities provided in both The Woodlands and Conroe, such as shopping, dining and entertainment.

“The location is one of the major factors,” she said. “We’re right in the middle of many amenities, but we’re also a little bit farther removed.”

Phase 1 of the project, Steward said, will include 369 homes, both production and custom built, which she says will be open by spring 2009.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of a planned welcome lodge for the development, set to open in September 2008.

Larry Johnson, President of Johnson Development, said there will be a community grand opening for Phase 1 in spring 2009.

“We have a lot of work to do over the next year,” he said.

Johnson Development has been building large scale residential developments over the past several decades. They are credited with building Riverstone, Fall Creek, Sienna Plantation, Tuscan Lakes and Edgewater. The Woodforest development has been in the works for more than a year, Johnson added.

Another jewel planned for the development is a 19-acre tennis and aquatic center, scheduled to open for the 2010 swimming season.

Children will attend either Montgomery ISD or Conroe ISD schools. For more information about the development, visit www.woodforestdev.com.

TISD approves plans for Staff Development, Technology building

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The Tomball Independent School District approved the plans and schematics for a new Staff Development and Technology Center at its Nov. 13 meeting. The building will be constructed at the site of the old Tomball Elementary, located on Keefer St. That building, a 30,000 square-foot facility, currently houses the district’s technology center.

An artist’s rendering of Tomball ISD’s new Staff Development and Technology building.

The district has earmarked $4.4 million for the project as part of the $198 million bond referendum voters approved in May. Bay Architects, who is heading up the project, estimates the building will cost between $4 million and $4.6 million, depending on an estimated per-square-foot cost of between $145 and $165.

The project could be ready to be put out for bid in January or February of next year, with Phase 1, demolition of the current building, beginning in April and lasting approximately two months. Phase 2, projected to begin in June of next year, will include construction of the new facility and could take up to 12 months to complete, according to Bay’s Daniel Brewster.

The existing technology building will be torn down as part of Phase 3 following the completion of construction on the main facility and will be followed by the final phase, the expansion of the parking lot on the east side of the complex. The entire project is targeted for completion by August 2008. Brewster said the main idea for the floor plan was to have “shared space” between the two programs, Staff Development and Technology.

The Staff Development portion of the facility will be housed on the west side, with Technology on the east. Plans call for secured key card access to the Technology Department.

The main portion of the Staff Development segment will include a large meeting room that can be divided into two or four smaller rooms by partitions. Smaller meeting rooms, offices and workspaces surround the larger room. The Technology segment includes offices for administrators, a server room, storage, training labs, a warehouse, and more.

Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan hosted her second “Mayor’s Coffee” Nov. 15 at Main Street Crossing where she and City Manager Jan Belcher answered questions from those in attendance and discussed city issues. Fagan said much of the discussion focused on the zoning issue, which the city is currently considering. Pictured, Fagan (center) talks with Lori Wallace (left) and Sharla Gist (right).
Photo by Brian Walzel

Bear Branch sixth graders help feed the hungry for SOS

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Students at Bear Branch Junior High Sixth Grade campus collected more than 4,810 items for the Society of Samaritans during their annual food drive this year.

Bear Branch Junior High Sixth Grade students along with adult sponsors (left to right) Rev. Angel Padilla of the Primera Iglesia Bautista and Lance Morgan and Charles Caruthers of Magnolia Baptist Church, SOS Director Judy Everett and BBJH6G Principal Tommy Burns help the students pack and deliver food items to the Society Of Samaritans’ food pantry.

“Its enough food to feed 50 families for a week,” said SOS Director Judy Everett.

This is the fourth year the Student Council has sponsored the campus-wide food drive, which encourages classes to compete for the highest number of items donated.

Rebecca Osborn’s science class won the competition.

SOS traditionally feeds more than 250 families at Thanksgiving and provides food and toys for more than 350 families at Christmas. Everett encouraged the community to support the efforts of its food pantry throughout the holiday season.

What the community does not donate, SOS purchases with Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant funds from the Montgomery County Food Bank, she said, dollars that otherwise could be used for supplemental services such as utilities, gasoline, prescriptions, clothing, and auto and home repair.

SOS is accepting tax-deductible donations of food items and toys though Dec. 18.

Drop spots for food and toy donations are located at Magnolia area schools and businesses, or can be dropped off at SOS, located at 31355 Friendship Dr. For more information, call 281-259-8452.

Tomball STAGE to present Les Misérables, plans reunion

The Tomball STAGE, Tomball High School Theatre Arts Department, and the Tomball High School Choir Department is presenting the world’s most popular musical Les Misérables (The School Edition) during the Tomball Centennial celebration weekend. Performances will be Nov. 30, Dec. 1, and Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. in the Tomball High School Auditorium.

Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, is set in France in the 1800s. It chronicles the life Jean Valjean who is shown an act of mercy after serving 19 years in prison and spends the rest of his days paying it forward to many others in their time of need, despite the fact that he has broken his parole. The School Edition has been slightly edited from the original script for high schools.

More than 80 Tomball ISD students from the third up to 12th grade perform in the production. More than 50 students maintain technical responsibilities. Ryan Anderson, THS senior and choir president, will play the role of Valjean. Senior Tim Perez is performing the role of Javert, the Constable in search of the fugitive. Clint Cottom, who has been the high school theatre director since 1994, directs the show.

All former members of The Tomball STAGE who were inducted to The International Thespian Society Troupe No. 899 are invited to a special performance on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. This performance will not only celebrate Tomball’s Centennial Birthday, but it will also recognize the 2007-08 Tomball STAGE motto, “Living the Legacy, Creating the Legend.”

STAGE alumni can call the reservation line and identify themselves as a “Reunion Guest” to receive their complimentary ticket to the Dec. 1 performance. Additional tickets can also be reserved at that time at the advanced price.

Donations will be collected at all performances of this production for Tomball STAGE’s annual Adopt-a-Family drive for the holiday season. All contributions can be made at the black ticket box in the lobby as the audience enters or exits the theatre. All donations will be used to help local families or charities in need.

Tickets for the production of Les Misérables are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. All seats are reserved. Reservations can be placed beginning Nov. 26 by calling 281-357-3220, ext. 500.

WCFA to host ‘Winter Wonderland’ Christmas Ball 2007

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Waller County Fair Association is accepting reservations for the second annual Christmas Ball. The event will be held on Dec. 1 within the transformed Winter Wonderland of the Waller County Fairgrounds, located on FM 359 in Hempstead.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with valet service following a drive up a sparkling holiday lane. Appetizers and cocktails will be offered in the grand ballroom until dinner is served at 7 p.m.

A silent auction will be available during the entire event for viewing and bidding. The “Jody Blankenbaker & 90 Proof” band will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight with Christmas Ball portraits available throughout the evening as a memento.

At the end of the evening, more than 25 decorated Christmas trees and poinsettias placed around the ballroom will be sold. All proceeds will benefit the maintenance and upkeep of the fairgrounds.

The Waller County Fair Association is solely owned by stockholders and receives limited funds from the county. The majority of financial support comes from local and area businesses through sponsorships, without which the WCFA would not exist.

“The WCFA maintains the fairground facilities to allow the youth of Waller County to show their projects and provide educational scholarships to area youth, our future leaders,” said Buckey Wimberly, Christmas Ball committee member and WCFA director. Last year all Christmas Ball proceeds were used to renovate the main building. The funds from the 2007 Christmas Ball will be used to put a new roof on the building with plans to lower the ceilings.

“The success of this event depends upon the support of those who invest in the continued growth, expansion and improvement of the fair grounds,” Wimberly said.

Make plans early to attend this festive event to kickoff the Yule season by reserving a place at one of 25 tables available at $50 per person. There are 20 tables of 10 available at $500 each and fives tables of eight at $400 each. Seating is limited to 240.

For more information, contact Christmas Ball Chairperson Margie Hamner or a committee member, which includes Buckie Wimberly, Dee Abrams, Sue Knight, Ronney and Tracy Nichols, Rick and Debbie Toman, Betty Schroeder, Shirley Schneider, and Richard and Jena Robertson.

Sponsorships for the Waller County Fair Association 2007 Christmas Ball may be mailed to Dee Abrams at 846 6th St., Hempstead, Texas 77445 or by e- mail at dabrams@ag.tamu.edu. For more WCFA information, call 979-826-2825 or e-mail ballprkmom@sbcglobal.net.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

I have been a little reluctant to talk about this issue in my articles, but there’s a big “to- do” going on around these parts during the first part of December. It’s an all-class high school reunion being held here in Tomball.

It’s for all Tomball High School alumni. Pay attention to the local papers or call a friend for details. It will be held Dec. 1 in Downtown Tomball from 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. It’s $10 to enter the reunion tent.

Ok, ok, now some of you are wondering why I would be reluctant to make this announcement.

You’re asking, “What’s the problem?”

Well, you see, there are sooo many events and issues going on all the time that if I start talking about all of them I would never be able to get down to the real basics of my stories. I would be announcing everything from reunions, to weddings, to business meetings or city business and all the other stuff that goes on, so I made a personal decision to simply avoid all possible announcements so I can be fair to everyone. I’ve even had people contact me about political issues. They want me to write about zoning or taxes or immigration or all kinds of stuff. I simply want to talk about my life in general…until today.

Because Tomball High is near and dear to my heart, I decided to once again reminisce about my past memories of the way the town used to be back in 50s, 60s and 70s. Part of that reminiscing will be seeing friends at the reunion, so do your part and spread the word.

My high school days started in 1966. The death of President Kennedy was my first recollection with the early 60s, as I’m sure it is with a lot of people. I was sitting in my Tomball Lutheran School classroom and Mrs. Schroeder brought the class the news. My memory as a freshman is foggy, but I’m sure something will come along to remind me of special memories. My sophomore years have faded for a while, but my junior and senior years are still fresh in my mind.

I’ve got lots of stories to tell and the older I get the more stories are brought to me by my longtime friends.

Nam was a place somewhere a long way away from Tomball, but yet it was close enough for me to begin thinking about the draft. By the time Uncle Sam sent me his formal notice of draft, the lottery system was in place. For those of you who don’t remember, the lottery was designed to rank each able-bodied male by their birth date.

The names were drawn and ranked from 1 to 365. If your birthday was drawn first, you were number one on the lottery and all guys with the same birth-date were the first drafted.

MY number was number five and by the time I was a senior, I felt sure I was a goner. I failed the physical, however, because they said I couldn’t hear. I should have reminded my dad he should have been thankful I played my Fender Jaguar too loud. Poor hearing and a crooked spine kept me out of the service.

Looking back, however, a part of me wishes I could have served my country in some way. I have a strong respect for all that have served and I honor and respect them very much.

Main Street of Tomball was a two-lane street. The Goal Post, Mr. Bill’s Drive-In and Isabell’s were the central location for all of us to hang out. The high school was on Main Street where the Intermediate School is now located. Four Corners on the west side was way out of town in our minds and we seldom drove to the east side of town because there wasn’t much out there.

Dragging Main was our past time. The rodeo, Opening Day of deer season, the Harris County Fair and weekends were the things I lived for. I was a very confused young man. I liked heavy metal music, I enjoyed surfing, I wanted long hair, but I also enjoyed raising and showing my calf I had won during the calf scramble of 1967. Hippies and Goat-Ropers ruled, but there were a few slide rule guys around too. My friends named Jones, Lange, Foley and Owens made up the Slide Rule Gang.

Magnolia and Tomball were always at war over football and bonfires. They would try to light our bonfire and we would try to burn a T in their football field. Waller was too far to drive to, and Klein and Spring were way out of the way. Decker Prairie, Rose Hill and Pinehurst all had local watering holes and Cypress was a place I only visited occasionally to see family.

FM 2920 wasn’t around, and FM 2978 was only someone’s dream. SH 249 was still a farm-to-market and had never heard of Compaq, and Hufsmith still had a post office. (In case I haven’t reminded you lately Hufsmith is spelled with only one F and not two. I can always spot the newcomers when they spell it with two.)

Life has changed in Tomball, some for the good and some for the bad, but one thing is certain. Life will go on and my memories of this area have a lot more stories to be told. I hope you can reminisce with me as I walk you to a time past here in our community.

-- Clifford