Deer Park Parks and Recreation's "Fitness in the Park" draws in residents for fitness fun

Despite overcast skys and the looming threat of rain, just over 100 people showed up to Dow Park on Saturday to take part in Deer Park Parks and Recreation's "Fitness day in the Park," according to parks and rec specialist Lacy Stole.

On hand for the event, were fitness instructors ranging from personal workout trainers to Sumba instructors to aerobics instructors. Also on hand were several health-oriented venders and running club booths.

Deer Park Patrolmans' forum nets little turnout

Though there was seating for 48 in the spacious conference room located at the La Quinta Inn on East Boulevard, less than half of that number showed up to hear what the current crop of Deer Park City Council members and those seeking office had to say about some of the most charged issues on the ballot such as the proposed Type B sales tax.

Most in attendance were either candidates, their families or law enforcement, who put the event on. Present was Jerry Mouton and Mitch Contreras (both vying for Position 1) Chris Richey (incumbent Position 3) and Thane Harrison (incumbent Position 2). Mayor Wayne Riddle was also in attendance. Both Mayor Riddle and Councilmember Harrison are unopposed in the currently election cycle. Absent from the forum was Shelley Stokes and Andrea Pressley. Stokes is running for Position 3 and Pressley for Position 1.

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Editor

Deer Park city elections will start next week

According to city handouts, early voting for this year's city council election and proposed Type B sales tax, will be from May 2-3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from May 4-10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Votes will be cast at Deer Park City Hall, located at 610 East San Augustine Street.

Deer Park Chamber of Commerce luncheon with special discussion about Type B sales tax coming later this afternoon. Check back for a link to a video of the event.

Editor

Pasadena Veterinary Hospital Closes After 61 Years

Contributed by Susan Mele


Dr. Edward A. Driscoll, Legend of Texas Veterinary Medicine
Has Died at 93


Dr. Edward A. Driscoll, DVM, passed away on March 20th at the age of 93.

With the passing of Dr. Driscoll, Pasadena’s oldest veterinary practice has

closed, and the city has lost one of its most beloved veterinarians and

citizens.


Edward Driscoll was born in Queens, New York City on October 4, 1917.

Ironically, October 4 is the Saint Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day, the Patron

Saint of All Animals.


He grew up with a love for animals and was inspired as a teenager to go into

veterinary medicine as a career after a veterinarian saved the life of one of

his hunting dogs. After graduation from Brooklyn Preparatory School at the

age of 15, he attended Fordham University and New York University, then

transferred to Texas A & M where he was a member of The Fightin’ Texas

Aggie Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1941 from the School of

Veterinary Medicine.



Dr. Driscoll enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served overseas in the

China Burma India theater during WWII, achieving the rank of Major.

In 1943, he married the love of his life, Atha Lee Green, whom he

met while attending Texas A & M.


Dr. Driscoll moved to Pasadena in 1949 with a recently purchased Dodge,

his wife, 3 children, a golden retriever, a beagle, and $11.00. He worked

briefly with the Federal Meat Inspection system, then, in early 1950 he

opened the Pasadena Veterinary Hospital at the first of three locations the

practice would occupy over the next 61 years.


During his 61 years of practice he had a variety of clients, including Senator

John Glenn, who at the time was an astronaut and whose cat Dr. Driscoll

saved after it was severely lacerated late one night by an automobile fan (the

cat had crawled under the hood for warmth). Another notable client was

Lash LaRue, a film and television cowboy star of the 1950’s who came to

Driscoll’s home seeking emergency care for his German Shepard. Houston

wrestling promoter Paul Boesch and Houston television personality Marvin

Zindler were also clients. Though he rarely spoke about it, he also had a one

time “mystery client” who was in town and had need for emergency services

for his dog. The sharply dressed man, looking like a character from The

Sopranos, was grateful that Dr. Driscoll had saved his dog with emergency

surgery. He gave Dr. Driscoll a note with his private number and

instructions that if he ever needed someone “taken care of” just give him a

call. Dr. Driscoll never saw him again, nor did he ever make use of the

offer. He never named the mysterious client, which was probably the better

part of valor.


Dr. Driscoll treated all manner of animals in his 61 years of practice,

including exotic animals like lions, cougars, coyotes, raccoons, snakes,

turtles, lizards, alligators, eagles, hawks and many others. For many years,

during its operation, he volunteered his services at the Pasadena Zoo. You

could safely say that he treated animals from A to Z.


He moved his animal hospital to his last location in 1982 and continued

practice on a regular basis until January 2010, when he experienced some

health issues that interrupted his ability to be at his office on a regular basis.

Dr. Driscoll was so devoted to his practice and clients, that even from that

time until his death; he would intermittently open his practice if he were

able.


During his practice all four sons assisted at the clinic while growing up and

all of his grandchildren at one time or another worked for their “Grandpa”.

His wife Atha Lee was a constant partner and assistant through many of the

61 years of practice in Pasadena.


In December of 2009 Driscoll was the subject of a feature story in the Texas

Veterinarian Magazine, and in March of 2010, was honored in College

Station at a ceremony by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association as the

eldest practicing veterinarian in Texas, receiving the Heritage Award. At the

ceremony, Dr. Thomas Murnane, Brigadier General, DVM, spoke about the

then 92 year old Dr. Driscoll, “Veterinarians such as Dr. Driscoll exhibit a

sheer joy, love and passion for the practice of veterinary medicine – a

romance he has enjoyed all of his life.”


Dr. Driscoll was an Honor Role Member of the American Veterinary

Medical Association and a Life Member of the Texas Veterinary Medical

Association. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow as bestowed by the Pasadena

Rotary Club.


Mayor Johnny Isbell officially proclaimed March 30, 2011, “Dr. Edward A.

Driscoll Day” in the city of Pasadena.


Dr. Driscoll, or “Doc”, as he was affectionately known, was loved by his

thousands of clients. Many times, even knowing that the client wouldn’t or

couldn’t pay for his services, he never refused to aid or treat an animal.

In 1980 on the occasion of his 30th year in practice in Pasadena, the local

newspaper featured Dr. and Mrs. Driscoll in a front-page story. The reporter

asked the then 63 year old Driscoll about any future retirement plans. Dr.

Driscoll replied, “I don’t want to retire. I have enjoyed watching my client’s

children grow up and have children and pets of their own. I would miss

them if I retired”.


Dr. Driscoll figuratively got his wish, which was to be able to help animals

until the day he died. He will be missed by his many clients and friends. He

was a very modest man, who was honest, loving, loyal, and one of the

“Greatest” in the “Greatest Generation”.

Upcoming Deer Park Parks and Recreation events

An interview with Brad Harrington from Deer Park Parks and Recreation about upcoming events.
click here for the interview

Deer Park Parks and Recreation events

Deer Park Patrolman's Association to hold candidate forum this Saturday.

The event will feature candidates running for Deer Park City Council in next month's election.

The public is invited to attend the event which runs from 9-11 a.m. at the La Quinta Inn located at 1400 East Boulevard on the city's northeast side.


Editor-

Art Park Players Presents Greater Tuna

Submitted by Susan Mele/Art Park Players.

Greater Tuna showcases a typical day at Tuna, Texas' very own radio station, OKKK. The two radio announcers who rule the roost are Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie. They take on numerous characters from around Tuna-town to give audiences the latest and greatest news from the area, from overheard gossip to hysterical ads to reported U.F.O. sightings! This uproarious comedy takes you on a roller coaster of laughs and proclaims time and time again: if you can find someplace you like better than Tuna, move!



Greater Tuna features veteran Art Park Players Rusty Groos and Fred White and is under the direction of Susan Mele. The Tuna set was designed by Joe Piper whose crew includes Andy Forbes, Beth Dever, Ruth Acres, Rose Nichol, Arlene Preston, Tena Mullins, Bob Nichol and Matt Walker. The production will run at the Art Park Player Dinner Theatre located at 1302 Center Street on April 29, 30, May 1, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 2011 as a dinner show catered by Honey Bee Ham & Deli.

For the evening performances, dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. with an 8:00 p.m. curtain. The two Sunday matinees will have dinner served at 1:00 p.m. with curtain at 2:00 p.m. Dinner tickets are $25 and Show-Only tickets are $15. Reservations can be made by calling Diane Manning at the Art Park Player Box Office at 281-794-2448.

Richey looks to hold on to Position 3 seat

First elected in 2007, Deer Park City Council Member Chris Richey is looking to be re-elected to serve another term at Position 3 in the upcoming city elections to be held in May. Now eyeing his third term as a council member, Richey faces one challenger in this election cycle.

According to his biography posted on the city of Deer Park's website, Council Member Richey is married with four children and is a life-long resident of Deer Park. Richey is the pastor of San Jacinto Baptist Church. He was previously the youth pastor of First Baptist Church of Deer Park (1996-2001). He is also the recipient of the Felton F. Wagoneer Hall of Honor, and the Community Builder Award. He is a member of the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce and is the director of “Field of Dreams,” which is a baseball camp for special needs children.
 
 As for his philosophy as to what a city should provide its residents: “Your basic services are first and foremost, after that, quality of life services,” said Richey. He says that quality of life services are relative to the stage of life each resident might be in. “Quality of life depends on who you are, what stage of life you are in and how it impacts you.”
 
As for “amenities” provided by cities to their residents: “I think an amenity is obviously a luxury,” said Richey. When it comes to amities, I think—once again—it's what can you provide; what means do you have to be able to do that.” He says amenities such as the Battleground Golf Course are enjoyed by many residents from Deer Park as well as neighboring cities. Still others in the community think the golf course could be better managed and promoted through a private entity. Richey says deciding the fate of the course isn't an easy one. Though not a golfer himself, he says, “It's a tough call. The library loses money. I think at some point you have to ask yourself, 'Is this an asset to our residents in general?'” He also notes both the Maxwell Center and the library both run in a deficit like the golf course has but still utilized and enjoyed by many in the community.

As for the proposed Type B sales tax, Richey says that because of the minimum impact it will have on his family and the potentially positive impact the generated revenue can have on the community as a whole, he will be voting for it. “Enhanced fire (department) benefits our residents. Enhanced police (department) benefits our residents,” said Richey. “It's not a manipulation strategy, it's something that benefits everybody.” He also said that the economic development aspect of the tax will also benefit area residents and businesses.

Richey said that despite the less than stellar economy, Deer Park has faired well. “A lot of cities are having to lay people off; we have not gotten to that point,” said Richey. He says the city's best years are yet to come.

Richey said he feels all of the candidates in this year's election have the best intentions for the Deer Park community. For more information about voting times and polling places, please visit the city of Deer Park website at www.deerparktx.gov.

Deer take on Mavericks at home in crosstown rivalry

Brief video action and pictures; story to come.

"Field of Dreams" baseball game draws crowd for worthy cause

Marlins team member Jeri Martinez and her team mate Autumn round the bases at Deer Park High School's Kethan Field as part of the "Field of Dreams" baseball game held Sunday afternoon.

Easter goes to the dogs during annual canine Easter Egg hunt

Area residents gathered with their children and canine companions at the Ella Dog Park next to the Jimmy Burke Center in northwest Deer Park Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.  Dogs and their owners tracked down eggs which contained numbers that were later turned in to claim prizes.  The event was put on by the Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department.

Tucker Hardware celebrates 60 years in business

Tucker Hardware, owned by Carolyn Tucker-Meyers, is located at 7006 Spencer Highway has been supplying hardware and parts to generations of area residents.

Local artist commemorates Easter weekend through mural

Deer Park paramedic and artist Joe DeBorde works on a mural of Jesus Christ on his fence facing 13th Street in northeast Deer Park.  Look for the complete story in the 4/21 edition of the Deer Park Broadcaster Newspaper.

Deer Park Patrolmen's candidate meetup breakfast set for April 30

According to Deer Park Patrolman President Scott Anderson, there will be a Deer Park City Council candidate meet up April 30 at the La Quinta located at 1400 East Boulevard from 9-11 a.m.  Anderson said he is in the process of sending information to registered candidates. 

The public is encouraged to attend.  Patrolman's Association members will ask questions of the candidates covering varying subjects. 

I plan on videotaping the entire event and hosting it here after the meeting is over.  There is also the possibility of a live video feed via my Ustream channel, which can be found here.

Strides for Schools video documentary

*Note: I say in the video "Strides for Kids," I should have said "Strides for Schools."*

Totally Texas Parade video documentary

 Stokes enters Position 3 race

Deer Park resident Shelley Stokes is running for Deer Park City Council position 3.

Original story at:

www.deerparkbroadcaster.com

Shelley Stokes has lived in Deer Park for most of her life after her parents relocated to the area in 1972. She graduated from Deer Park High School in 1989, and for the past 12 years, has helped manage Tucker Hardware, which is located just southwest of Deer Park. Stokes is married and has two daughters.

She says she chose to run for Position 3 for several reasons. She has contemplated running before and has picked up a candidate packet, but never turned it in. She said it was only after hearing other residents complimenting her for addressing issues at council meetings that made her think she could do more for for the community by running for elected office. She says didn't want to be the fourth to run for the Position 1 seat and didn't want to run against Councilman Thane Harrison out of respect for his vote regarding hotel rezoning. That left Position 3. Position 3 is currently held by incumbent Chris Richey.

On the subject of city services, Stokes says cities should provide their residents with water, sewer other public works such as sanitation; along with fire and police protection. “I think we have outstanding city services right now,” says Stokes. On the subject of 'amenities,' Stokes said:

“I know that we have amenities such as our parks, our pool, our library; the city should provide those amenities. However, a lot of people consider the golf course an amenity and I consider it in a different class. I don't think that you can compare it to the library or the pool. I don't think the city should be in the business of providing a golf course facility. It is nice to have but I don't think that tax payer dollars should continue to float it.”

Stokes says she likes golf course, “I think the golf course looks nice in the city.” She says she has a different opinion than others who are critical of it. “A lot of people say they want the golf course closed, I wish that it was sold to a private entity; let someone else maintain and operate it, not our tax payer dollars. What we are doing right now is not working.” Stokes said that money spent of the golf course could be spent on things like flooding or funding the police.

On the proposed Type B Sales Tax: “I am against the Type B Sales Tax increase,” said Stokes. She says there are several reasons she is not in favor of it. “Money can be spent on projects outside of Deer Park; and I don't think the residents realize that,” said Stokes. She also said that the current ballot wording is too 'all-inclusive' and that she wants residents to know that if the proposal is passed it cannot be changed later on, even with a ballot initiative. According to the recent State of the City Address, the city's financial outlook looks good; sales taxes are up, and new businesses are being added to the tax base. She also noted that the Providence senior living apartments were mentioned during the address as being able to eventually contribute 11 million dollars to the city's tax roll. “Why would we want to raise our sales tax; that makes no sense to me,” said Stokes. She noted that other cities such as Baytown have similar taxes which are earmarked for certain, specific programs for funding.

For more information on early voting times and places, please visit the city of Deer Park's website at www.deerparktx.gov.